1. OVPR Services and Responsibilities
  2. Research Development
  3. Limited Submissions – Frequently Asked Questions
  • Research Development
  • uconn
  • uconn health
Page content relevant to:

Limited Submissions – Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Limited Submission FAQ page. This resource is designed to help faculty and staff navigate the limited submission process, including eligibility, timelines, internal review procedures, and proposal development support.

At UConn, the OVPR coordinates internal competitions to ensure compliance with sponsor-imposed submission limits and to support the strongest possible submissions.

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 are opportunities announced?

  • When the OVPR becomes aware of an upcoming limited submission, a message announcing a competition will be distributed to notify the university community.
  • New limited submission competitions are generally posted and announced once per week through the OVPR website, Daily Digest, UConn Health Lifeline, key grant administrator listservs, and the Research Development Services listserv. Exceptions may be made for high-priority opportunities or opportunities with very short sponsor deadlines that require announcement outside the regular weekly schedule.
  • If you become aware of a limited submission opportunity, please check the OVPR website for program specific details and internal deadline dates. If the opportunity is not listed, email research@uconn.edu with the program announcement link so we can assess how to proceed.
  • Additionally, we recommend staying connected with relevant departments and faculty members, as they may have insights into upcoming opportunities.

When does OVPR typically announce/post opportunities?

  • New limited submission competitions are generally posted and announced once per week through the OVPR website, Daily Digest, UConn Health Lifeline, key grant administrator listservs, and the Research Development Services listserv. Exceptions may be made for high-priority opportunities or opportunities with very short sponsor deadlines that require announcement outside the regular weekly schedule.
  • The table below outlines how OVPR generally determines competition timelines. These guidelines apply to most opportunities, but OVPR may adjust a timeline when needed to best meet the University’s needs.
If OVPR identifies or is notified of the opportunity... ...Then
As part of a recurring or anticipated cycle The OVPR will typically post the opportunity around three to four months in advance of the submission deadline.
At least one month before the sponsor deadline The OVPR will generally have sufficient time to conduct an NOI period and internal competition, if needed.
Between two and four weeks before the sponsor deadline The OVPR may conduct an expedited internal competition or handle the opportunity on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on timing, interest, sponsor requirements, and resources.
Two weeks or less before the sponsor deadline The opportunity will generally be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

How much time will applicants have once a competition is announced?

  • The OVPR aims to provide enough time for interested applicants to prepare relevant internal materials, for reviewers to complete a fair review if needed, and for the selected applicant(s) to develop a strong proposal. However, competition timelines depend on when the OVPR identifies or is notified of an opportunity and how much time remains before the sponsor’s submission deadline.
  • When time permits, the OVPR generally allows approximately two weeks for Notification of Intent to Submit (NOI) submissions and an additional two weeks for invited applicants to prepare and submit pre-proposal materials. However, timelines may be adjusted based on the sponsor deadline, opportunity requirements, available resources, and the amount of advance notice available to OVPR.

What is the overall process?

  • The limited submission process usually starts with a brief Notification of Intent to Submit (NOI), where investigators let the OVPR know they are interested in applying.
  • Once the NOI deadline passes, the OVPR determines whether the number of interested applicants exceeds the sponsor’s institutional limit.
    • If there are enough available slots, eligible applicants are generally approved to move forward.
    • If there are more interested applicants than available slots, OVPR will hold an internal competition and invite applicants to submit pre-proposal materials for review. After the review is complete, applicants are notified of the outcome, and selected applicants may proceed with a submission to the sponsor.
  • The questions below walk through each stage of the process in more detail.

How do I get started?

  • Most limited submission opportunities begin with a Notification of Intent to Submit (NOI). The NOI is brief and allows faculty to indicate interest in applying while helping OVPR determine whether interest exceeds the sponsor’s institutional limit. Information from the NOI may also be used to identify appropriate internal reviewers if a competition is needed.
  •  An NOI is required for all limited submission programs unless otherwise specified by the OVPR.
  •  Interested applicants should submit an NOI through the Quest Portal by the internal deadline listed in the announcement(s) and/or limited submission opportunities table, or contact research@uconn.edu if the opportunity is not listed.
  • After the NOI deadline, one of the following outcomes typically occurs:

If…

 …Then
The number of NOIs received exceeds the sponsor’s institutional limit. The OVPR will proceed to Stage 2 and conduct an internal competition.
The number of NOIs received does not exceed the sponsor’s institutional limit. Eligible principal investigators (PIs) who submitted an NOI by the deadline are typically approved to move forward without internal competition.

 

If any slots remain available, the opportunity will remain open on a first-come, first-served basis until the remaining slots are filled or the sponsor deadline passes, whichever comes first.
No NOIs are received by the deadline. The opportunity will remain open on a first-come, first-served basis until all available slots are filled or the sponsor deadline passes, whichever comes first.

What happens if an internal competition is required?

  • If an internal competition is needed after the first step, all NOI applicants will be invited to submit a pre-proposal through the Quest Portal.
  • Submission deadlines are provided in the limited submission opportunity announcement and on the limited submission opportunities table.
  • Pre-proposals are evaluated by an ad hoc review committee organized by the OVPR and composed primarily of faculty members, with staff reviewers included when appropriate. Reviewers are selected based on their grant experience and expertise relevant to the proposal topic.
  • Pre-proposals will be reviewed according to program eligibility and sponsor criteria.

What documents are needed for the pre-proposal?

  • Unless the limited submission announcement provides different instructions, pre-proposals should include the following materials:
    • Project Summary (maximum 2 pages) – Describe the proposed project, its objectives, significance, and anticipated outcomes. Explain how the project aligns with the sponsor's program goals and review criteria, why the proposed team is well positioned to carry out the work, and how the project contributes to the research, educational, or strategic priorities of the sponsor, if applicable.
    • Budget & Justification (maximum 2 pages) – Provide a preliminary budget and budget justification, or a summary of anticipated project costs. The budget is intended to help reviewers understand the project's scope and resource needs and does not need to represent a final proposal budget. Include any cost-sharing commitment required by the solicitation. If sponsor-required cost sharing is proposed, a letter of support from the dean or department head is required describing how the commitment may be met.
    • Investigator List – Summarize the qualifications, relevant expertise, and proposed role of each key investigator. Brief CVs or biosketches are also acceptable.
    • Supplemental Information (Optional) – Any additional information relevant to the proposal, such as sponsor comments or reviews from a prior submission. 
  • The pre-proposal materials, deadline, and any program-specific requirements will be provided to applicants after the NOI deadline, typically via email.

What happens after the internal competition is complete?

  • Final selections are made by the OVPR based on the results of the review committee's evaluation.
  • All applicants will be notified of the outcome at the conclusion of the review and will receive reviewer feedback when available.
  • Selected investigators may then proceed with the development and submission of a proposal in accordance with sponsor guidelines.
  • Final proposals must be submitted to Sponsored Program Services at Storrs or UConn Health at least five business days before the sponsor deadline to allow time for institutional review and submission guidance.

What proposal development support is available?

  • 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.

What if a limited submission opportunity is not listed?

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

  • The OVPR recognizes that many funding mechanisms require more than one submission attempt for a proposal to be successful. Principal Investigators often need the opportunity to respond to sponsor feedback and strengthen a resubmission. At the same time, the limited submission process must also provide fair access for investigators with new projects.
  • The table below is intended to help explain how resubmissions are handled. While most competitions are expected to follow these guidelines, the OVPR reserves the right to select the applicants that best meet the needs of the University.
If the opportunity... ...Then
Allows more than one UConn/UConn Health applicant. Each PI who submits a proposal may resubmit the same project at least one additional time within two years of the original submission without being required to re-compete for a submission slot, provided that:

  • The sponsor allows resubmissions.
  • If reviews are provided by the sponsor, the PI receives promising feedback.
  • The application was not rejected because of missing elements or eligibility questions.
  • The PI communicates their desire to resubmit to OVPR in a timely manner.
Allows only one UConn/UConn Health applicant. Resubmitting applicants must re-compete for a submission slot.

An exception may be considered if:

  • A previously submitted proposal received very strong sponsor feedback.
  • The PI contacts OVPR about resubmission before a new internal competition is opened.
Is evaluated primarily on the PI's record of accomplishment. Resubmitting applicants must re-compete for a submission slot.
Includes applicants selected outside an open competition. Applicants nominated by deans, department heads, or other senior administrators are not guaranteed resubmission.
  • Additional Consideration: In limited circumstances, the OVPR may allow strong applicants who were not selected because an institutional slot was used for an approved resubmission to submit in a future competition cycle without participating in another internal competition.
  • Resubmission intent should be communicated promptly to the Limited Submission Coordinator (research@uconn.edu)

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?