# Presentation: 722397

## New Scientists and Project Plans

- Building a Plan for Success

**OSQR**

## What is the “Big Deal” about Project Plans?

- Foundation of research within ARS
- Contract between Program Development (NPS), Management (Area), and the Science Team
- Part of the ARS culture

**OSQR**

## Why Should I Care?

- There are two critical documents you write in ARS
- Project plans
- RPES case materials
- Both of these documents represent _your_ capabilities and accomplishments as a scientist

**OSQR**

## Foundations of Excellence

**OSQR**

## Project Plans 

- Impact of science
- (RPES)

**OSQR**

## ARS Research Program Cycle

**OSQR**

## Role of Project Plans

- Define and outline what you are going to address during a five year period
- Define your interactions with other project team members
- Enhance your productivity and impact
- Build collaboration with other scientists

**OSQR**

## ARS Program Structure

- Each person
- supports the
- research
- program of the
- scientist

- National Program Leaders

- Area Directors

- Scientist

- Lead Scientist

- Research Leader

- Center, Institute, Laboratory Director

**OSQR**

## Your Role in Project Plans

- Contribute your expertise to one or more objectives within a project or to one or more projects
- Member of a research team responsible for the successful conduct of a research project
- Responsible for development of products (papers, technology transfer, CRADA’s) from the research project

**OSQR**

## What is in a Project Plan?

- Background of the problem
- Gaps in our knowledge
- Objectives that address the gaps
- Approach and procedures to meet the objectives
- Processes to ensure the success of the project
- Critical milestones to document progress toward the goal

**OSQR**

## Project Plan Template

- Title and Investigator(s).......1
- Signature Page..................2
- Table of Contents.............. 3
- Project summary (250 words).... 4
- Objectives (< 1 p)...............5
- Need for research  (1-2 p)
- Scientific Background  (5-7 p)
- Prior Accomplishments (2 p)
- Approach & Procedures (6-15 p)
- Milestones & Outcomes ( 1 p)
- Literature Cited
- Past Accomplishments of Project Team Members
- Issues of Concern statements
- Appendices (letters plus other material)

***15 - 30 pages***

**OSQR**

## Lead Scientist

- Responsible for project plan development and implementation
- Evaluates and documents the progress of the project plan through the five year cycle
- Interfaces with stakeholders in providing information on project and program impacts on customer needs
- Prepares research papers and summaries of the research findings from the project

**OSQR**

## Scientists

- Develops and implements project plans according to guidelines and documents progress and changes for incorporation into annual reports
- Interfaces with stakeholders in providing information on project and program impacts on customer needs
- Prepares research papers and summaries of the research findings from the project

**OSQR**

## Peer Review Reference Sources

- OSQR Web Site
-    http://www.ars.usda.gov/osqr)
-    *Program Overview*
*   **OSQR Project Plan Writing Video*
*   **Project Plan Information, Format*
*   **Peer Review Manual*
- OSQR Staff
- National Program Staff

**OSQR**