Follow-up to Customer Service Survey

[gra...@nsf.gov]

May 22, 1996

To: SPONRES

From: Rolf Piekarz

Subject: NSF Customer Service Survey for Sponsored Research Offices

On May 8, we forwarded to you via the NSF Electronic Grants Bulletin
Board a survey questionnaire requesting sponsored research offices for
their views on some key aspects of NSF practices in processing
proposals and awards. While some have responded, others have not.

Only your inputs can inform us of what we are doing properly, and
where and how you believe we need to improve. Your response to our
survey is an important element in our effort to improve our practices
in servicing proposals and awards from your institution.

If you have not responded as yet, we would appreciate if you would
please take a few minutes to answer the few questions we have in our
questionnaire. For your convenience, we have appended below a copy of
the questionnaire.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail on
rpie...@nsf.gov. We look forward to receiving your response.

Rolf Piekarz
Office of Policy Support


Questions on Customer Service Satisfaction


A. Does the Sponsored Research Office get all the information they
need in a convenient form from NSF to process proposals and awards to
satisfy the requirements of NSF and the needs of the university
applicants?




1. In what respects is the provision of information by NSF
especially good?




2. Can NSF improve? How?




3. Do you find more effective omnibus, inclusive announcements or
stand-alone flyers and solicitatations?




B. How far in advance of the proposal submission deadlines should NSF
disseminate program announcements and solicitations to allow adequate
time for the preparation of proposals?




What is your experience with the current lead-times?




C. What would you consider a reasonably timely decision on funding in
response to a proposal, given the need for a fair and reasonable
review of the merits of the proposal?




What is your experience with the current process?




D. Does the Sponsored Research Office get timely, clear, and
appropriate responses to their requests to NSF for clarification of
award terms and conditions and for administrative advice related to
the award activity?




1. In what respects is assistance from NSF especially good?




2. Can NSF improve? How?




E. Enter any additional comments on these general areas.






F. What type of organization do you represent?

Research University I or II (as classified by the Carnegie Foundation)
Other University or College
Small Business
Non-profit
Consortium
Federally Funded Research and Development Center State or Local
Government Agency
Other