Stimulus - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We’re taking a proactive approach to anticipating and answering questions related to the Economic Stimulus Package by offering the following questions and responses. New questions will be added throughout the process.

FAQs

 

 

I understand that Governor Brewer must request the funds in order for Arizona to receive them. Has she decided whether she will do this?

  • Yes, she is requesting the funds. We do not currently know how much will be go to K-12 and higher education, but will update this information as it becomes available.

I am applying for a “Bucket 1” grant. Are 1-pagers required for bucket 1 grants?

  • No. The 1-pager summaries are only needed for buckets 2,3a, & 3b.

I understand there are 3 different ways to get funds for refurbishing facilities. What are they?

  • The first sources are the research programs, so proposals need to capture funds for this purpose. The next is that renovations that are becoming available under the Federal agencies. Finally, there are new grants specifically for these purposes. They are fewer and not as available, but tend to be larger.

On the application, is “agency” requesting the name of the Federal agency?

  • Yes.

The Challenge Grants with the NIH look like bucket 1, but bucket 2 says “challenge grants” on your illustration. Which is correct?

  • The NIH Challenge Grants fall into bucket 1. There are "special challenges" that other agencies are likely to announce that may not fit regular funding mechanisms. Those will likely be bucket 2.

Do we have a general strategy for what approach will yield the greatest success for UA applicants?

  • Yes. We advise you to apply quickly and apply often. We don’t yet know what other monies may be added later, so you’ll want to have as much as you can in the pipeline.

Regarding supplemental grants – Is there information on the purposes for these funds?

 

  • Supplemental and other grants under the stimulus funding are all about jobs – creating new jobs and hiring new people - and about infrastructure that will multiply into more jobs.

I’m used to including names for new hires, but can’t do so with the proposals I’m submitting. Should I just include “TBA” in the designated space?

  • Yes.

I understand the reporting requirements are going to be rigorous – especially for Sponsored Projects and for each unit’s Business Manager. Do we have the infrastructure to do this?

  • Quarterly reporting will be required for all stimulus funds. The Provost and the VPR are looking at this to see if there is a way to add capacity. We know we can’t afford bottlenecks.

Should I submit a one-pager now with general plans, or should I wait for a specific funding call and deadline date?

  • Our overarching goal is coordination, so please submit one-pagers as soon as possible to get your ideas in circulation. List possible sources being considered. We want to maximize the opportunity to align your project with others on campus and to let you know of potential funding sources. Once you select a specific funding opportunity you should send an updated one-pager with the latest details.

What should be in my "one-pager"?

  • Agency Name (include web site)
  • Code/reference number of the request for proposals
  • Working Title of Proposal
  • Brief Project Description
  • Description of how project leverages with initiatives already in place at the UA
  • Description of how project will/can be coordinated with research/other groups on campus
  • Explicit reference to any space or facilities needs, and/or any IT infrastructure needed
  • Amount of funding requested, plus any UA commitments needed

Is my proposal a "Bucket #1" project?

  • Most conventional research proposals that PIs are used to submitting are "bucket 1" projects that can go ahead via standard processes (e.g., Sponsored Projects routing) for regular research funding. Generally, if the proposal is drawing on resources within the PI's control (a lab or dept perhaps), then it is in "bucket 1." Conversely, if the project might draw on other UA resources, then it is likely in bucket 2 or 3. As a guide, if any of the following apply, then your project is likely NOT a "bucket 1" project and it will need coordination (send a one-pager):

    - Matching funds or central admin (e.g. VPR, Provost, Facilities) funds are required
    - You are responding to a "limited solicitation" (e.g., only X proposals per institution)
    - There are IT needs in the project beyond current infrastructure (ie. UITS for computing or network issues, facilities/heating/cooling, etc.)
    - The proposal includes space / renovation / new construction (or related) activity.

What is the Federal Economic Stimulus Package?

  • The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was established to create jobs, restore economic growth, and strengthen America's middle class through measures that modernize the nation's infrastructure, enhance America's energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need, and for other purposes.  Included are operating funds from the Fiscal Stabilization Fund (Arizona’s share is $800 million to be distributed at the discretion of the State of Arizona) and approximately $21.5 billion in federal funds for science and research. For more information about the NIDCD and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, visit the following link: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/recovery.htm

How will UA research priorities be determined?

  • In many cases, research priorities will follow closely to current practice of supporting research and other initiatives already prioritized by colleges and centers. In those cases specifying limited solicitations (e.g., only three proposals per institution) or requiring institutional commitments of funds, infrastructure or other resources, proposals will be evaluated on how they contribute to the strategic goals of the UA. Evaluation will be via the stimulus working group, in consultation with the advisory council and/or other relevant groups as well as senior administration, depending on timing and the nature of the proposal. Note: this is not a uniform process with an orderly set of deadlines – there are tens, if not hundreds, of opportunities with varying requirements and deadlines; therefore, our coordination efforts have to be adaptable and work “on the fly” to optimize our prospects.

What is the best way to stay up-to-date on current developments?

  • You should continue to monitor emails from the agencies and from professional groups highlighting opportunities in your areas. In addition, the Stimulus Working Group will meet weekly to collect new information and intelligence which we will be distributed as applicable. Additionally, we will be monitoring web sites and list serves for updates. Shay Stautz (Federal Relations) and Greg Fahey (State Relations) will be regularly forwarding updates throughout the process.

What is meant by “shovel ready”?

  • There are a lot of different meanings, but we will be utilizing the following until we receive a definition from the Federal Government:
    • We are anticipating that “shovel ready” will likely be defined as meaning 2-3 months from the time of funding approval. Practically speaking, this means that for a major capital project, the design/construction team should already be in place and working on the project. For small renovation projects, design and construction teams could potentially be assembled in time for this requirement to be met.