Funding Transition Updates: Please see Federal Transition Updates 2025 for the latest federal executive orders and research activities.
Award Management
Award Management refers to the administration of sponsored projects and begins after an award is fully executed. Effective management depends on both Principal Investigators (PIs) and the university ensuring compliance through careful stewardship and robust internal controls. It involves several steps with key deadlines and support from internal stakeholders. Please use this page as a guide through the process.
If a funding proposal is not yet awarded or if the agreement is being negotiated:
If the funding proposal is awarded and the agreement is fully executed:
Process
- Award Budgeting: Award budgets reflect the sponsor-approved financial plan for an approved research project and are uploaded in myResearch and EAS. They comprise planned direct and indirect budget lines. Changes to the approved budget plans may require OSP or sponsor approval.
- Award Expenditures: Sponsored projects involve expenditures necessary to carry out the approved research. Responsibility for assisting PIs with the financial management of awards rests with the RSTs. Concerns regarding compliance and award terms are escalated to the OSP award contact for clarification and guidance.
- OSP Prior Approval: The university follows a decentralized approach to provide support to PIs. While RSTs serve as the point of contact for PIs and assist with ongoing award management, certain changes during the award lifecycle require approval from OSP. Those requests are submitted and managed through myResearch.
- Sponsor Prior Approval: Sponsored projects are governed by the terms and conditions of the agreement, which must be carefully reviewed to understand sponsor expectations and identify research modifications requiring prior sponsor approval. These requests are reviewed and submitted by OSP and must receive sponsor approval before taking effect.
- Award Reporting: Timely, accurate, and complete reporting of research is a critical requirement for sponsored projects. The George Washington University (GW) assists PIs and ensures compliance with sponsor requirements through research administration systems and support teams.
- Award Closeout: The acceptance of sponsored projects requires a commitment to adhere to award terms throughout its period of performance and during closeout. The successful completion of research culminates with reporting of actions taken and achievements accomplished.
Resources
- OSP Award Management SharePoint Site (GW Login Required)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the next steps after an agreement is fully executed?
The Office of Sponsored Projects is responsible for setting up the award in myResearch and the Enterprise Accounting System (EAS). Key information, including a copy of the agreement, special terms and conditions, and reporting deadlines are recorded in myResearch. Additionally, agreement highlights and setup information are shared with PIs and Research Support Teams (RSTs) through award initiation notifications.
- How can GW personnel access myResearch and the PI Dashboard?
Detailed information, including instructions for requesting access to myResearch and the PI Dashboard, can be found by selecting the provided links and following the outlined guidelines.
- What are some best practices for PIs preparing to begin an awarded research project?
PIs are expected to review the sponsor agreement and GW resources to ensure efficient award management. They should review the award initiation notifications from OSP and, if needed, request a follow up meeting to address any questions or concerns. While the RST award administrative contact serves as the primary liaison for PIs, they are also encouraged to reference the listing of GW systems, contacts and activities for additional support.