What are limited submission opportunities (LSOs)?

Limited submission opportunities (LSOs) are funding opportunities where the sponsor has placed a restriction on the number of proposals, applications, or nominations that may be submitted from an institution. If an institution submits more than the permitted number of proposals for an LSO, all of the institution's submissions may be rejected. The Research Development team coordinates the university’s selection process for LSOs. 

How do I know if a funding opportunity is limited?

• This information can usually be found in the "Eligibility" section of a funding opportunity announcement. Wording can vary by announcement and sponsor. For example, NSF often uses this wording: "Limit on Number of Proposals per Organization: 1. Only one preliminary proposal may be submitted per eligible institution and due date." NIH often uses this wording: "Number of Applications: Only one application per institution (normally identified by having a unique DUNS or NIH IPF number) is allowed." 
• If you find a funding opportunity of interest and believe it is limited, you must contact the LSO team immediately. They will inform you of the appropriate next steps.

How do I find out about open LSOs?

• Sign up for the LSO listerv managed by Research Development by emailing lso_announce-request@virginia.edu with the word subscribe as the only word in the subject.
• Open LSOs are listed on the InfoReady platform, which is reviewed daily.
• The LSO team may also email Associate Deans of Research and research development staff across Grounds to announce LSOs of special interest, high priority or high prestige.

What is the LSO process at UVA?

The LSO team runs a two-step internal evaluation process to ensure that the sponsor’s limits are not exceeded. The internal selection process typically begins several weeks or months before the sponsor’s deadline to allow thorough evaluation of the potential proposals.

Step 1: Required Letters of Intent (LOIs)

A faculty member must first submit an LOI by the internal deadline. If the number of LOIs is less than the sponsor’s limit, no internal selection is needed and all applicants are given the “greenlight” to move forward with their proposals. LOIs are typically due 7-10 days after the LSO has been launched in InfoReady and announced through the listserv. Applicants will be notified by email of the results. 

To submit an LOI:

1. Locate the opportunity on the Limited Submission Competition Page in InfoReady.

2. Click on the “Apply” button at the top right-hand side of the page. You will be prompted to login using NetBadge.

3. If you are submitting an LOI on behalf of a faculty member, you must use the PI’s name and email address (not an alias). An individual may only submit one Letter of Intent. To submit proposals on behalf of multiple applicants, please email limited-submission-vpr@virginia.edu for assistance.

Step 2: Pre-Proposal Selection Process

If the number of LOIs received exceeds the sponsor’s limit, the LSO team will conduct an internal selection process. Faculty will be required to submit a pre-proposal, which is then evaluated by qualified faculty reviewers. The Associate VP for Research Development uses these reviews, along with other information as necessary (from the sponsor, other internal or external reviews, etc.) to determine which pre-proposals will be given the “greenlight” to move forward. Decisions at this stage are final. Pre-proposals are usually due 10-14 days after the LOI deadline. Applicants will be notified by email of the results.

All applicants are given identical instructions to prepare their narrative in alignment with the sponsor’s guidelines. The interpretation of the sponsor’s guidelines by the applicant is one of the ways reviewers evaluate pre-proposals, as well as many other factors. Each limited submission competition is a unique opportunity, so we cannot offer any generic advice on how to approach the pre-proposal content. The best advice is to carefully consider the sponsor’s guidelines as you craft your pre-proposal narrative. We also encourage you to consider noting in your pre-proposal any planning grant awards you've received in the program or any encouragement you've received from program officers at the sponsor. This will allow the internal reviewers to take this info into consideration.

Abbreviated Timeline

If there is insufficient time to conduct the standard internal process, the LSO team will utilize an “abbreviated timeline.” This is always indicated in the LSO announcement in InfoReady.

• If there is sufficient time to use LOIs, these will be due within 1-3 days.
• If there are more LOIs than the sponsor’s limit, the LSO team will require pre-proposals to be submitted within 1-7 days and use an accelerated decision-making process. This may include reviews by domain experts, the VPR and Research Development staff, and/or Associate Deans for Research.
• In extremely rare cases where the sponsor’s deadline does not allow sufficient time to conduct an “abbreviated” selection process, the VPR’s office will allow the first submitted LOI to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the LSO selection process competitive?

Yes, it is a competitive process. You should not assume that your proposal will be allowed to proceed.

Does Research Development handle all LSOs at UVA?

The LSO team monitors over 100 recurring limited submission opportunities annually.  Some LSOs are targeted to very specific fields or have eligibility requirements that limit who may apply. In those cases, the LSO team may defer coordination to other units. For example, cancer-related LSOs are coordinated by the Cancer Center (contact Jill Slack-Davis) and SOM-specific LSOs are coordinated by the SOM Dean's Office.

Does any special information need to be included in LSO pre-proposals requiring a cost match?

If an LSO requires cost share or cost match, the pre-proposal must include a statement that “the department and Dean’s office have been consulted and have developed a plan to address cost share or cost match, per the sponsor’s guidelines.”

What should I do if I receive a greenlight and then decide not to move forward with my proposal?

If a faculty member receives the “greenlight” then decides not to move forward with a proposal, they must contact the LSO team as soon as possible. Early notification may allow another faculty member to submit their proposal to the sponsor.

If I am the nominee for an LSO, who will handle the proposal submission process?

If you are selected as a UVA nominee for an LSO, the process for acquiring appropriate approvals and submitting proposals to sponsors is generally handled through research administrators within your department or in your school; please make sure to touch base with your research administrator to confirm details.

Can I get assistance with my proposal?

Proposal development assistance may be available from the Research Development team, Corporate and Foundation Relations, or other units, as appropriate.

How can I become a reviewer?

We are always looking for qualified reviewers. Most LSOs are highly prestigious and performing peer review for these is an important service to the university. Reviewers receive annual letters of recognition of their service that can be included in promotion and tenure packages. If you’d like to serve as a reviewer for a future competition, please contact the LSO team.