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Proposal Guide: Sponsor Endorsement Requirements

Cover Sheet

Many agencies have a specified format for proposal cover/signature sheets, which generally include the title of the proposal, name of the Principal Investigator(s), estimated start and completion dates, and funds requested. Most proposals require the electronic signatures of the Director of the Office of Contracts and Grants, who is the official authorized to sign for the University.

Certification Statements

The Director of the Office of Contracts and Grants is the authorized signatory for the University of Houston. FACULTY MEMBERS, CHAIRPERSONS, AND DEANS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO OBLIGATE THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON.

NASA Certifications

In compliance with federal regulations, NASA proposals require certain institutional certifications that illustrate UH’s compliance with federal regulations. The University automatically certifies to these regulations when we send a proposal using NSPIRES or Grants.gov. If, however, a NASA proposal is sent either by email or postal mail, the following certifications must be made:

  • Debarment, Suspension, and other Responsibility Matters
  • Assurance for Nondiscrimination Compliance
  • Certification Regarding Lobbying
  • Assurance of Compliance – China funding restriction
  • Representation by prospective recipient that they are not the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or a subsidiary of ACORN.

When an award is received from NASA, the University of Houston will require that the Principal Investigator complete a questionnaire and sign a certification regarding the China Funding Restriction before funds can be expended. The Director of the Office of Contracts and Grants is the authorized signatory for the University of Houston. FACULTY MEMBERS, CHAIRPERSONS, AND DEANS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO OBLIGATE THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON.

The OCG Director’s signature certifies that the proposal has been properly reviewed, is complete and accurate, has the appropriate prior approvals, and meets the requirements of the sponsoring agency as well as the University. This endorsement also certifies that the University of Houston is recovering the maximum allowable F&A costs except in those cases where the sponsor has limited the University's F&A cost recovery, or acceptance of a lower indirect cost rate has been justified in writing by the Principal Investigator as being in the best interest of the University and approved by the DOR VP/VC. In addition, the endorsement of the Director of the Office of Contracts and Grants certifies, on behalf of the University, that the certifications required from the Principal Investigator have been obtained.