6.20 Office of Research and Sponsored Projects

The Middle Georgia State University (“MGA”) Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (“ORSP”) provides oversight for all sponsored projects at the institution.

Sponsored projects are externally-funded research, instruction, training, testing, service, or other scholarly activities in which a formal written agreement, i.e., a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract is entered into between MGA and the sponsor with the intent to either carry out a public purpose or provide a direct benefit to the sponsor. 

Sponsored projects are available from hundreds of private foundations and public agencies. Most have particular areas of interest and limitations on the size of possible awards. Almost all foundations and agencies have deadlines for receiving proposals. ORSP is the centralized department to ensure proper administration of all sponsored project proposals for the institution.

All external proposals must be reviewed and, if necessary, approved by the Director of the ORSP prior to submission to an external entity.  After approval of the proposal, the ORSP is authorized to negotiate contractual agreements for compliance with agency, University System of Georgia, and Middle Georgia State University policies. All such agreements are also subject to review by Legal Affairs. All agreements processed through the ORSP must be signed by the University’s authorized official, specifically the President and/or designee. Sponsored projects will comply with all applicable federal, state and/or sponsor-specific costing policies, as well as institutional policies and procedures. 

Faculty are not authorized to sign grants, contracts, or other agreements on behalf of Middle Georgia State University in accordance with and subject to MGA Policy 1.1.3 Institutional Signature Authority for Agreements.

The MGA Institutional Review Board (MGA IRB) also provides oversight for all research projects conducted by MGA students, faculty, and staff that involve humans as participants.  All research and sponsored projects must adhere to all MGA Policies including MGA Policy 12.1 Research and Compliance.

MGA ORSP procedures set out specific requirements for the following:

  • Pre-Award Procedure and Management
  • Post-Award Procedure and Management
  • Cost Principles and Procedures
  • Conflicts of Interest
  • Record Retention
  • Signature Authority
  • Terms and Conditions of the Award
  • Transfer of a Contract or Grant

For more information please see: Office of Research and Sponsored Projects Website.