Research at IU | Submitting a Proposal through IU

PI Registration in FastLane

You must be registered in one of two different databases to begin preparing a FastLane proposal:

The Principal Investigator (PI) database maintained by NSF
The FastLane user database entered by Sponsored Research Services (SRS).

If you are a first time user or have questions about logging into FastLane contact Sponsored Research Services for assistance. Be prepared to provide the following information in to SRS staff in order to have your account established in the NSF FastLane system: Name (first, middle initial, last), Email address, phone, fax, degree, year degree obtained.

Proposal Preparation and Submission with FastLane

Go to www.fastlane.nsf.gov, select Proposals, Awards and Status, and review the information provided in the Quick links section of the page.

To begin, the PI must enter his/her last name, Social Security number (or Pseudo-SSN), and NSF FastLane password in the PI/co-PI Log In area. Select Proposal Functions to access Proposal Preparation to begin a new proposal or to edit a proposal in progress.
Once the project director begins a proposal in FastLane, a password can be assigned so authorized staff may work on it. A temporary proposal number is automatically assigned to each proposal. Staff with the temporary proposal number, proposal PIN, and who have a FastLane password can access the proposal.
SRS must review the budget at least five business days in advance of the submission deadline. Select the Allow SRO Access (view, edit, or submit) function in FastLane to allow Sponsored Research Services access to your budget via FastLane. After selecting the Allow SRO Access send an email to resdev@indiana.edu with a brief note stating that your budget is ready for review and access has been granted in FastLane.
Allow additional time for projects with subcontracts. The subcontractor must have time to prepare and obtain proper institutional approvals for their portion of the project. Each proposed subcontractor requires a signed letter of support, budget, budget justifcation, work statement and copy of the subcontractors negotiated F&A agreement.
When you are ready to submit, first run Check in the FastLane system. You will be advised of any outstanding forms requiring data and of other administrative issues.
After running Check, click Allow SRO Access (view/edit/submit). The Submit function must be selected for the proposal to be submitted to NSF.
The proposal must be ready for submission no later than noon the day it is due. When ready for submission, Submit the electronic Routing Form - ERA to SRS. Contact the Grants Specialist assisting you and advise that the final proposal is ready for sumbission. SRO no longer requires hard copies.
SRS submits the complete proposal electronically after reviewing it in FastLane. Please remain available until submission is successfully completed. Only you or someone to whom you have given authority can access your proposal to make any needed corrections.

After successful transmission, The Principal Investigator will receive an Email notification from NSF with the NSF assigned proposal number.

On this page:

PI Registration in FastLane

Proposal Preparation and Submission with FastLane

Sponsored Research Services (SRS) Contact Information