The submission of a proposal is the usual manner of approaching potential sponsors for support of research and other projects.  The faculty member who will be designated as the PI will be primarily responsible for developing the proposal and preparing the necessary documentation.  The PI is often assisted in this process by his/her DA.

As a preliminary matter, the scope, methods and objectives of the proposed project must be evaluated by the PI before a decision is made to respond to a RFP or submit a grant application.  Personnel, equipment, facility and other support requirements must be estimated and discussed with the department chair to assure consistency with  departmental objectives and availability of resources.  If the project is interdisciplinary, discussions must also take into account faculty and chairs of other departments.  Please note that the University administers all sponsored project proposals and awards for which Faculty serve as PI. 

Therefore, faculty may not submit proposals for outside funding through an institution other than Columbia without first obtaining permission from the Provost.  Exceptions are normally granted only in the case of collaborative projects where, by prior agreement among the institutions involved, it is determined that Columbia should not administer the award.