The original proposal, award notice, financial documents, and all related materials are tracked in the repository and available to authorized personnel. The PI, chair, dean or administrator can check the status of proposals, grants and budgets at any time. This will require the integration of multiple systems to meet the varied needs of the users. The project will be divided into three phases. The project will build on the previous efforts and experience of the offices involved.
Most PIs have ready access to tools such as email and web browsers from their existing computers.
GCS and GCA are already working with federal agencies to learn about exchanging documents electronically. Although incremental improvements have yielded significant benefits, this project has the potential to deliver far more substantial gains by involving all affected groups in a complete redesign of the entire process. In addition, the UW must move toward ERA to stay current with funding agencies and peer institutions. MIT, UCLA, and others have already committed substantial resources to replace their grant and contract process in response to announcements by NIH and NSF that they plan to require submission of proposals and other grant and contract transactions to be processed electronically by 1999. The new process will save time for the PIs and make the administration of grants and contracts more efficient.