Federal policies may not allow the IDEA programs to fund research at a federal agency. Researchers from federal agencies or national laboratories that are managed by non-federal organizations should check with their contracting and legal authorities on whether they may receive funding from IDEA programs.

The duration of an IDEA project is generally one to two years. This may be adjusted if specific circumstances warrant.

The innovation. Effective proposals clearly identify what is being done differently.

Research. A proposal that shows an awareness of what has been done in the past makes a positive impression on reviewers. Similarity to existing or past work is one of the reasons proposals are not selected.

Talk to potential users of your concept. Ask them if they might be able to help you develop or test the concept as part of the work plan. Sometimes a letter of commitment from a potential user to participate in your project can add strength to your proposal. Also, follow the guidelines for preparing a proposal. Reviewers do not want to miss a good idea because they couldn’t understand it in a poorly prepared proposal.

Yes, you can.

No. It will not be fair to other proposers. The IDEA staff can tell you if your proposal is suitable for the IDEA program but should not advise you on what areas or sections of your proposals need to be strengthened or what questions your proposal has not answered or not answered adequately.

Yes, you can resubmit a revised proposal. Review comments on declined proposals are provided if requested. The revised proposal must contain your responses to the review comments on your previous proposal.

Proposers are informed after the IDEA committee meeting whether or not their proposals were selected for funding. Those whose proposals were not selected can request review comments on their proposals. The comments can be provided verbally or in writing.