What can I do to start spending on a sponsored project which has been proposed to a sponsor before the award reaches the University?

• The department should complete the "Pending Award Request Form" and forward it to the appropriate Sponsored Programs office. This form serves as a letter of guarantee from the department head requesting an account be established in advance of the award with the understanding that, should the award not be received, the department will cover all unreimbursed expenditures. Pending awards should be used as the last resort since the process significantly increases the associated administrative effort (the award has to be handled twice - once to create the pending account and again when the final award is processed). Additionally, it is important that costs incurred during the "Pending Award" status fall within the final approved award project period, including any applicable preaward (90 day) period.