In effort to better serve its university stakeholders, the Office of Sponsored Programs has launched an electronic, web-based award management system that improves internal processes and overall quality control.

With continued growth of the research enterprise, the system was developed to create a more consistent and efficient post-award function so that the office can more efficiently meet the growing demands of research administration and increasing regulatory requirements.

The award system management system is now live.

The newly launched tool will assist department managers in managing sponsored research portfolios across their organization and provides different views based on designation. The faculty view will provide principal investigators a portfolio summary, a detailed view of individual awards with expenses for all grant funds, awards, and proposal documents; reporting and compliance functions; and final invoice deadlines.

Additionally, the new paperless system allows post-award associates to have better quality control coverage over many aspects of the sponsored project process, including budget overages, collections, reporting, proper indirect postings, and closeouts. Alerts are embedded in the system for when indirect adjustments need to be prepared, unpaid invoices need further review, financial report due dates, final invoice due dates, unmet cost share, or grants have expired. Also, the system provides a grant level budget view for all grant funds and allows associates to be more knowledgeable and efficient when serving as a backup for a fellow associate.

For more information, questions, or feedback regarding the post-award system, contact the Office of Sponsored Programs at osp@vt.edu.

Submitted by Tom Ewing, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies