Fastlane Instructions



(Note: Before starting an NSF proposal, faculty should become familiar with NSF's Grant Proposal Guidelines (GPG). Unless otherwise stated for a particular program, these guidelines prevail when working on a NSF proposal.)
Contact Sharon (ext. 3411) or Karen (ext. 3910) in ORA in order to be entered into the Fastlane database and give the following pertinent information:
  • Full name with middle initial
  • Social Security Number
  • Highest degree and year received
  • Campus phone number
  • Campus fax number
  • E-mail address
    • Departmental affiliation
ORA will assign the PI a temporary password, which will allow initial log-in to the Fastlane system. The first time the PI logs in, Fastlane will prompt the PI to choose a new password, known only to the PI. If the PI forgets his or her password, ORA will have to assign another temporary password.
Log into Fastlane and start a new proposal. Push the "Allow SRO Access" button as soon as possible and give permission to "edit" the proposal. The Fastlane homepage as well as instructions for Fastlane proposal preparation will assist in the preparation. Click on "How to Use Fastlane" for help.

After indirect cost issues are approved by Dr. John Poate, proceed as follows:
  • Inform ORA of any special program guidelines one week prior to deadline.


  • Submit a budget to ORA one week prior to submission deadline, using the Excel spreadsheet provided on the ORA web site. Again, ORS will review and change, if necessary, the budget and e-mail it back to the PI. ORA will only make three changes to the budget, but the PI is free to make numerous changes. Final budget must be given to ORA two days prior to deadline date.


  • Once final, ORA will put the budget into Fastlane.


  • ORA will check the cover page to make sure it is completely filled out and check to see that all the appropriate sections of the proposal have been completed by the PI.


  • Once the proposal is ready for submission, the PI must pick up the check-off sheet and a copy of the proposal from ORA and start the signature process. As with other proposals, the PI is responsible for obtaining signatures from any Co-PI's, his/her Department Head and the Co-PIs' Department Heads, if applicable, and any Center Director involved. The proposal should then be returned to ORA. ORA will sign the check-off sheet and obtain John Poate's signature.


  • ORA will check one last time with the PI to make sure everything is ready and then submit the proposal electronically.


  • The PI and Co-PI's should print their own copies of the proposal. ORA will make and distribute copies to Department Heads and Center Directors. ORA retains a copy of the proposal in their files.
Send comments & questions to Sharon Dehmlow
Return to Proposals or Research Proposal Preparation Process
Last Modified: October 02, 2007