Contracts & Grants

Apr 21, 2026

Updates to the Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP) Format

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced an important update to its proposal submission process that may affect researchers preparing proposals. Effective April 27, 2026, the Data Management and Sharing… 

Apr 15, 2026

RED Implementation for CALS Set To Begin May 4

CALS will begin using the RED Proposal Development (PD) module for all new proposals starting May 4. Existing and in-process PINS records will be finished within the PINS system. Additionally,… 

Apr 14, 2026

New NC DHHS Master Agreement Complete

The UNC System Office has finalized the updated Master Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). A key, immediately actionable change for colleges and… 

Mar 17, 2026

RED Proposal Development (PD) Implementation

Please see last month’s post related to updating profile information in MyPack Portal and the full RED Proposal Development (PD) roll-out schedule.  CALS is currently in the RED Champion Training… 

Mar 17, 2026

Industry Agreement – Realistic Start Date Guidance

When working with an industry sponsor, it can be difficult to select an appropriate start date. Therefore, SPARCS has offered the following guidance on appropriate timing and items to keep… 

Mar 17, 2026

USDA-funded Senior Personnel Requirement – MFTRP 10 Year Certification

USDA-funded Senior Personnel must complete the Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP) Certification in order to be eligible to receive USDA funding. See the USDA Section below for additional details.… 

Feb 17, 2026

Reminder: SPARCS RUSH Agreement Processing Policy Now in Effect

Please note the new policy went into effect in March 2025 for all agreements and involves the following points: Non-Industry Industry Amendments/Mods All Agreements: <15 business days until deadline Standard… 

Feb 17, 2026

RED Proposal Development (PD) Implementation

CALS will begin its Proposal Development (PD) implementation in early March, with a larger roll-out at the beginning of April. We are part of the last group of colleges (Cycle… 

Feb 13, 2026

How are Post Award Consultants Communicating with PIs?

In an effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of communications, Post Award and Senior Post Award Consultants (PACs) will offer the following two options for portfolio meetings and communications… 

Feb 12, 2026

Reminder: Unallowability of Student Fees on Grants

When the federal Uniform Guidance regulations were introduced, student fees were allowable ONLY if they were paid for consistently from all funding sources. This means that even if certain federal…