Limited Competition Instructions

A limited competition is a grant program in which the sponsor restricts the number of applications that can come from a single institution. It is the institution’s responsibility to ensure that it does not exceed the permitted number of applications.

To that end, the Office of Research Development watches Grants.gov and other sources for announcements of limited competitions. When we identify one, we post a notice to RESRCH-L, the listserv maintained by the Office of Research Development. Investigators who want to apply can submit a letter of intent through our InfoReady Competition Space. Investigators usually have a week to decide whether they want to pursue an opportunity.

If the number of investigators wishing to apply to a program does not exceed the number of applications the university is permitted to submit, all can go forward with their proposals. The Office of Research Development will notify those who expressed interest that they can begin to prepare full proposals.

If the number of investigators wishing to apply to a program exceeds the number of applications the university is permitted to submit, the office conducts an internal selection process. Investigators who want to apply are asked to prepare a brief preproposal. The Vice President for Research reviews the preproposals and makes the selection.

The Office of Research Development then informs investigators of the Vice President’s decision. Those selected can begin preparing a full proposal at that time. Names of those selected to apply are posted to the portion of our website at Current Limited Competitions. 

Please note that the list of limited competitions compiled by the Office of Research Development is not exhaustive. Anyone who wants to apply to a limited competition not posted on the list should contact the Office of Research Development so it can post the opportunity and conduct this process.