I recently received a good question from a PI who was working against a tight deadline, which I will summarize as follows:

A sponsor announces a new opportunity with a proposal due date that’s approaching in weeks, not months. You feel your research could be a fit and are considering submitting. You inquire about the suitability of your research idea but don’t hear back from the program officer right away. With the clock ticking, should you start writing anyway?

This is a special case of the broader issues we examined two weeks ago in When not to apply and last month in Navigating short-turnaround funding opportunities. It’s an especially relevant question in the current political climate. Due to the stops and starts of government funding lately, we can expect more situations in which an opportunity announcement will be delayed -- but without a corresponding proposal deadline extension. As a PI, you may be required to make a decision about whether to start writing your proposal before you have all the information you need.

You don't want to waste time, but you also don't want to miss an opportunity. So, in the scenario above, should the PI start writing? The honest answer is that it depends. But this doesn't mean you can't make an informed decision. It just means that you need to diligently assess the situation before deciding.

If you have bandwidth and/or are confident that you will be able to repurpose what you'll be writing, then go ahead and write. If you have mental space to spare, some ideas or even a framework worked out then, again, yes. Think of your draft as an asset you may be able to use again in the future -- near or far, depending on the outcome of the current situation.

However, if you lack bandwidth, feel drained or there’s too much uncertainty, it's reasonable to hold back. You may be stretched thin and emotionally spent from work on other obligations. If so, don’t write. And don’t consider yourself failing or slacking off for doing so. What you're actually doing is being strategic about your use of time.

In no particular order, questions that might help with your assessment are:

• How confident am I in the alignment between my idea and what the funder is looking for?

• Am I motivated by excitement about the research or by a feeling of obligation or external pressure?

• Would a short writing sprint (e.g., 1–2 hours) help me make a more informed decision?

• If I don’t submit, will I regret it or will I feel proud of myself for protecting my time and energy?

• Can I make meaningful progress on the proposal without impacting other commitments or priorities?

Either decision can be correct. Momentum often comes in waves. Sometimes it’s wise to write; other times it’s wiser to rest. However, decide as early as possible. You don’t want the added stress of producing something when you know it may not be realistic. Be honest with yourself about what you can accomplish, and fully assess the situation before committing. If you don’t you could end up with both the weight of a looming deadline along with the frustration that comes from not being confident in what you are able to produce. If so, it’s fine to say no -- that often may be the more strategic and healthier choice.

Are you on track to get your research funded?

It can take a long time to learn the results of your efforts in the funding process. So how do you know you’re on track? Check out this video to learn what we’ve found to be the best indicator from our experience working with clients.

When you are ready, here’s how we can help

Need to get your research funded, this year? Check out our 12-week program to get you there.

Check out our storefront where you can access our free Unlocking DOD Funding for University Researchers course and other resources, including for faculty applicants.

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