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Limited Submissions – Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Limited Submissions FAQ page. This resource is designed to help faculty and staff navigate the limited submission process.

At UConn, the OVPR coordinates internal competitions to ensure compliance with sponsor limits and to support the strongest possible submissions. Below you'll find answers to common questions about eligibility, timelines, internal review procedures, and more.

What is a limited submission?

  • A limited submission is a funding opportunity offered by federal agencies or private foundations that restricts the number of applications an organization is allowed to submit. Limited submissions require an organization to select or nominate candidates before any proposals or applications can be submitted. At UConn and UConn Health, the selection process for limited submission awards is facilitated by the OVPR.

How does the process work?

  • Program Advertisement
    • When the OVPR identifies a limited submission funding opportunity, a notice is issued to inform the University community. This notice will be:
      • Posted on the OVPR website
      • Shared via the Storrs Daily Digest and UConn Health Lifeline email digest
      • Distributed to key administrators and faculty who have opted in via listservs
  • Stage 1: Notification of Intent to Submit (NOI)
    • Once the opportunity is disseminated, faculty can submit their NOIs.
    • NOIs are required for all limited submissions unless otherwise specified.
    • They help gauge interest and identify potential reviewers.
    • It involves completing two brief forms, and information is not used in the selection process.
    • It will be submitted through the Quest Portal
  • Stage 2: Internal Review of Pre-Proposals
    • If there are more NOIs than spots allowed for a particular mechanism, all interested NOI participants must submit a pre-proposal (via the Quest Portal)
    • Pre-proposals are reviewed by an ad-hoc faculty committee with expertise in grant submission and relevant research areas. External reviewers may be involved when necessary.
    • Pre-proposal due dates are listed in the Quest Portal link and on the limited submission opportunity page.
  • Final Steps
    • All participants will receive notification of the results (and reviewer feedback, when available) at the conclusion of the review.
    • Selected investigators will be given the go-ahead to complete proposals according to sponsor guidelines.
    • Final proposals must be submitted to Sponsored Program Services (SPS) at Storrs or UConn Health for final internal review at least 5 business days before the sponsor’s deadline. SPS will conduct a final review and provide instructions for submitting the proposal to the sponsor.

What documents are needed for the pre-proposal?

  • For limited submission opportunities requiring an internal competition, pre-proposals must be submitted via the Quest Portal. Unless otherwise stated in the limited submission announcement, pre-proposals should include:
    • Project Summary (max 2 pages) – Overview of the project, demonstrating alignment with program criteria and institutional research or educational goals.
    • Budget & Justification (max 2 pages, if applicable) – Summary of costs, including any required cost-sharing commitment. If cost-sharing is needed, a support letter from the Dean/Department Head is required.
    • Investigator List (max 2 pages) – Summary of credentials and roles in the project (brief CVs or biosketches are acceptable).
    • Optional Attachment (max 2 pages) – Any additional relevant information, such as comments/reviews from a resubmission.
  • If a sponsor requires specific guidelines beyond the typical requirements, they will be provided via email.

Who are the reviewers?

  • Pre-proposals are evaluated by an ad-hoc faculty committee organized by the OVPR.  This committee consists of faculty members with grant submission experience and expertise in the relevant research area.
    • When necessary, external reviewers may also be involved.
    • Final selections are made by the OVPR, based on faculty review results.
    • Interested in being a reviewer? Contact research@uconn.edu

What if I come across a limited submission opportunity but it’s not listed on our page?

  • If you come across a limited submission opportunity that is not listed on the website, email research@uconn.edu with the program details and a link to the announcement. The OVPR will review and determine the next steps.

    What if I want to resubmit for a limited submission opportunity?

    • The OVPR recognizes that securing funding often requires multiple attempts. To support this, a balance is maintained between allowing resubmissions and providing opportunities for new applicants. These are the guidelines:
      • Mechanisms that allow multiple UConn applicants: PIs may resubmit the same project once within two years without re-competing, provided promising feedback is received from the sponsor. Projects with missing elements or eligibility concerns cannot be automatically resubmitted.
      • Mechanisms that allow a single UConn applicant: PIs must re-compete unless strong feedback is received and communicated to OVPR before a new internal competition opens.
      • Mechanisms that are judged on PIs record of accomplishment: Applicants must re-compete.
      • Nominated Applicants: Those selected by deans or senior administrators are not guaranteed resubmission.
      • Future Opportunities: If a mechanism’s cycle includes resubmitting applicants, other strong candidates that were not selected from that cycle may be allowed to submit in the next cycle without competing again.
    • Resubmission intent should be communicated promptly to the Limited Submission Coordinator (research@uconn.edu)

      How do I find out about limited submission opportunities?

      • To stay informed about limited submission opportunities, we encourage you to sign up for our listserv and regularly check our limited submissions opportunities page. Additionally, we recommend staying connected with relevant departments and faculty members, as they may have insights into upcoming opportunities.

      What happens if I miss an internal deadline?

      • Limited submission opportunities often have tight turnaround times due to sponsor constraints. If you miss an internal deadline, please reach out to research@uconn.edu as soon as possible. While we will do our best to accommodate late submissions, we cannot guarantee that it will always be possible.

      How do I know if a funding opportunity is limited?

      • A funding opportunity is limited if the sponsor restricts the number of applications that can be submitted by an institution. These opportunities require an internal selection process before submission to the sponsor.
      • To check if an opportunity is limited:
      • If you’re unsure, contact research@uconn.edu for clarification.

      Who should I contact if I have questions about limited submissions?

      I was selected, but I need help with my proposal. What services does UConn offer?

      • UConn offers free proposal development services to support faculty in crafting competitive funding proposals. Provided by OVPR, these services include:
        • Consultation & strategy – Guidance on proposal planning
        • Proposal review & editing – Enhancing clarity and impact
        • Grantsmanship support – Strengthening funding applications
        • Project management – Assistance for large and complex proposals
      • These services are designed to help UConn/UConn Health investigators maximize their success in securing funding.