The National Standards for offices of sponsored programs were developed over a two year period by an NCURA-appointed task force. Many resources were used to develop the Standards, including the COGR Managing Externally Funded Research Programs: A Guide to Effective Management Practices (with permission by COGR). The task force members represented the breadth of expertise for: sponsored program offices, peer review of sponsored programs, research administration at all levels, and the type and size of institutions that support research and scholarship.
The Standards represent indicators of effective operations in the areas of:
- Core Services
- Proposal Services
- Award Acceptance and Initiation
- Award Management
- Research Ethics
- Institutional Infrastructure
- Organizational Structure
- Communications, Outreach, and Education
- Compliance and Risk Assessment
- Electronic Research Administration
Not every Standard applies to every institution. Each institution has its own culture, environment, and priorities that will focus a sponsored programs operation. The Standards represent a guide, and within this guide some or all of the indicators reflect a particular operation. However, every office of sponsored programs can benefit from an objective assessment that highlights existing strengths as well as areas for improvement.
For questions or further information on the NCURA Peer Review Program, contact Peggy Lowry at (503) 364-1847 or peerreview@ncura.edu
