Before a grant account can be set up in PeopleSoft, NIU’s financial management system, SPA Award Coordinators review the award to confirm that the terms and conditions align with the proposal and are acceptable to the university.
SPA’s review includes comparing the agency notice of award with the original proposal and contacting the PI to discuss any discrepancies between the proposal and award prior to accepting the award. If there are any unusual or problematic terms and conditions, we will also discuss these with the PI and other parties, including the department chair or unit head, college or division, or other university offices, as necessary.
Standard award information that SPA reviews includes:
It is SPA’s goal to provide grant account numbers to PIs as quickly as possible so that project work can begin on time.
You should generally expect to receive your NIU Notice of Award within 10 business days of SPA’s receipt of the final notice of award or fully signed contract from the sponsor.
Awards involving significant negotiation or requiring compliance approvals and reviews may take longer to set up. SPA will communicate any potential delays to the PI and will discuss any actions the PI needs to take for SPA to set up the grant account and release the NIU Notice of Award.
Urgent award notices may take priority based on project start date or other compelling factors. For example, an award for a project that is slated to start in two days may take priority over one that is not slated to start for two months.
Awards received in response to proposals that did not route through SPA or were submitted as At Risk Proposals will receive a lower priority review.
Keep in mind that only SPA has the authority as the Authorized Organizational Representative to accept and sign grant and contract awards.
Pre-award and Proposals
asosp@niu.edu
Post-award and Award Management
GrantsFiscal@niu.edu
InfoEd Questions
erahelp@niu.edu