Grants.gov: Common Errors that Cause Proposal Rejection
File Attachment Types
| Description |
Each sponsor requires that attached files are saved as specific file types. If the file attachments do not comply with sponsor requirements the proposal will likely be rejected. The most common required file type is .pdf however .doc, .xls and others may also be required. |
| Solution |
Sponsor guidelines will specify the file type required for all attachments. |
File Attachment Formatting Requirements
| Description |
Some sponsors require specific formatting for the text of file attachments such as the narrative and budget justification. These requirements may include margins, font size, page limits, etc. A proposal may be rejected if the specific sponsor requirements are not followed. |
| Solution |
Sponsor guidelines will specify the required formatting for all file attachments. |
Institutional Information
| Description |
Institutional information specific to Purdue University is commonly required. If specific identifiers such as the University's DUNS # is incorrectly entered or omitted the proposal will be rejected. |
| Solution |
See SPS instructions that provide correct institutional information HERE. |
e-Subsystem Information
| Description |
Some sponsors have their own electronic subsystem that requires an individual PI to provide a username and password. If this information is required and omitted it will cause a proposal to be rejected. |
| Solution |
Sponsor guidelines will specify if e-subsystem information is required and the fields that it must be entered. |
SF424 Data
| Description |
Incorrect data entry in the SF424 may cause a rejection by sponsor. Many of the fields on this form may cause a rejection if data is mis-keyed. Example: Additional hyphen between 5 and 4 digit segments of zip code (47907--2108) |
| Solution |
Ensure that data entry in all of the SF424 fields is accurate and error free. |
Optional Documents
| Description |
Optional documents may be required depending on the specifics of the proposal and sponsor guidelines. Optional documents also contain required fields that must be completed. If an optional document that is not required has been moved to the "Completed" box the electronic validation checks will identify the incomplete fields and cause the proposal to be rejected. |
| Solution |
Sponsor guidelines will specify which forms are required. Ensure prior to submission that only required forms are placed in "Completed" box. |
Extra Budget Periods
| Description |
Grants.gov provided budget forms require the generation of additional periods for all that are applicable. If a budget period is generated that is not needed validation checks will identify the required fields within the additional period as being incomplete and will result in a proposal rejection. |
| Solution |
Ensure only applicable number of budget periods are generated. |
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