AD-416, Research Resume. . .15
AD-417, Project Classification. . .17
AD-421, Progress/Termination Report. . .18
CSREES-662, Assurance Statement(s). . .20

TIMETABLE FOR RESEARCH PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

I. College Research Project (Hatch, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health, and State)

Planning and research project development should begin six months prior to the desired starting date. The following is the recommended schedule for the steps in the process.

Activity Time Prior to Project Starting Date

CRIS Report (CRISTEL database review) 6 months

Prospectus 5 months
Prospectus Review

Project Development Meeting 4 months

Project Outline 3 months
Project Outline Review
Institutional Review Committees

Submission to Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station 3 months

II. Regional Research Project

Planning and research project development should begin 12 months prior to the desired starting date. The following is the recommended timetable for the steps in the process.

Activity Time Prior to Project Starting Date

Project Participation Meeting 12 months

(To discuss the merits of participation,
to determine the availability of funds,
and to identify the scientist(s) who will
be involved.)

Personnel Resource Commitments 12 months
(To decide the estimated scientist years,
professional years, and technical years
after the draft project is completed and
ready for external peer review.)

PROCEDURES FOR PREPARING IAES RESEARCH PROJECTS

These procedures are provided as a guide for developing a research project in the
Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station.

Background

All faculty members holding research appointments in the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station (IAES) are required to have an active, approved research project that reflects their major research emphasis. The official, approved research project is the vehicle through which state funds (Idaho's Ag Research appropriation) and federal funds [the Hatch Act appropriation administered by the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES), USDA] can be allocated to support a research activity (faculty and support personnel salaries, travel, operational, and equipment funds).

All projects in the IAES regardless of whether they are categorized as "State" projects, "Hatch" projects, or "Regional" projects must be prepared and submitted as complete, in depth research proposals according to the guidelines given below which detail the required format for the project, the internal and external peer review procedure, and the required forms that must accompany the project proposal. IAES projects should be prepared with the level of professionalism and detail appropriate for a competitive grant proposal to be submitted to a major federal agency (e.g., USDA, NSF, NIH, etc.) and, accordingly, should include the precise research plan and timetable to be followed for the proposed research activity. Generally, IAES projects detail a 3 to 5 year research plan.

Faculty members holding appointments in the IAES are responsible for knowing when their IAES projects are scheduled to terminate and should initiate the preparation of their new IAES project well in advance of the date that their existing project is scheduled to terminate (see Timetable for Research Project Development). Ideally, a "new" IAES project should have received the necessary approvals prior to the termination date of the "old"/previous project. In general, new faculty members in the college who have research appointments should prepare and submit an IAES project not later than 6 months after joining the University of Idaho.

For information, brief descriptions of the three categories of IAES research projects are:

State Research Projects: State research projects have a relatively narrow focus and by definition are limited to research activities that address problems essentially unique to Idaho (and only Idaho). Statute dictates that the IAES director may only allocate state appropriations to support these projects.

Hatch Research Projects: Hatch research projects typically address problems that are relevant to Idaho's agriculture and, in addition, have a regional or national scope/impact. Hatch projects may represent a research activity that is fairly unique to the IAES or a research activity that has not been formally organized at the regional level (see following section). The IAES Director may allocate both state and federal Hatch funds to support Hatch research projects.

Regional Research Projects: IAES research activities that contribute to formally organized and CSREES approved, multi-state, Regional Research Projects (RRPs) are designated as regional projects. Regional projects typically address problems that, in addition to being relevant to the individual cooperating states, are of regional or national significance and are of such breadth and complexity that an organized, coordinated effort between state experiment stations is required to adequately address the problem in question. IAES scientists may choose to develop a research project that directly contributes to the stated objective(s) of an existing RRP or one that is being developed. In order to qualify, the project must clearly reflect collaboration with one or more scientists from other state agricultural experiment stations. A listing of all active, approved RRPs in the Western Region and the other 3 regions of the U.S. is available in the IAES office and annually is distributed to all departments in the college. CSREES policy requires that state experiment station directors dedicate 25% of their state's federal Hatch Act appropriation to support regional research activities. The IAES director can also allocate other Hatch funds and Idaho-appropriated agricultural research funds to support regional projects.

Sequence for Project Preparation, Review and Approval

Planning for a project should begin six to twelve months prior to the desired starting date. The starting date for Hatch projects is July 1 and October 1 for Regional Hatch projects. The procedure for develop a research project involves the following important sequential steps.

1. Review of past and current research to include a Current Research Information System search. All projects should begin with a review of USDA’s Current Research Information System (CRIS) database CRISTEL <http://cristel.nal.usda.gov:8080>. This will help to identify ongoing projects in the area of the proposed research an avoid unnecessary duplication. Information on searching the CRIS database is included in Appendix E.

2. Prospectus. The prospectus should include the title, personnel, objectives, approach, duration, and advisory committee members. An advisory committee is optional. A prospectus is prepared when a new project and/or new direction of research is initiated.

3. Project development meeting. After having conceptually developed the research problem area for their Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station research project, the faculty member meets with his/her department head to discuss the proposed research. The purpose of this meeting is to inform the department head of the potential research activity and to provide the faculty member with advice/guidance that may be appropriate for developing the project proposal.

4. Prospectus review. The prospectus should be submitted to the department head who will help in identifying three people to review the proposed research. The project review team should consist of at least two colleagues, the department head, and at least one professional having expertise in the project area who is not affiliated with the University of Idaho [the external reviewer(s) is often a faculty member at another land-grant institution and is selected/identified with approval of the department head.

5. Project outline. The project leader(s) prepares the project outline according to the format and instructions presented in Appendix A. After completion of the outline, the project leader(s) seeks review of the research project by the three reviewers. The reviews of the project should be conducted in accordance with the guidelines presented in Appendix B as well as completion of the review form that outlines project criterion. The review form must be completed by each of the reviewers and signed by the department head.

6. Revision. If appropriate, the project is revised based on the inputs of the reviewers.

7. Completion of forms and project outline. Preparation of the required forms and supporting materials for the IAES research project:

(a) CRIS Web Forms program generates the appropriate CRIS forms (AD-416, AD-417, and CSRS-662) and project outline. Please keep in mind that CRIS Web Forms generates text files and is not intended for generating complicated tables or graphs. CRIS Web Forms is available for preparing the AD-416, AD-417, and CSRS-662 at <http://ctr.uvm.edu/cris/>. The project leader or departmental representative completes forms AD-416, AD-417, and CSRS-662 [assurance statement(s) for recombinant DNA/RNA research, animal care, protection of human subjects]. Instructions for completing AD-416, AD-417, and CSRS-662 forms are attached.

(b) If the project involves recombinant DNA or RNA research/genetic engineering research activity, the project leader must also submit a copy of his/her "Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement to Perform Recombinant DNA Research" (MUA) showing that the proposed recombinant DNA research activity has been approved by the University of Idaho Biohazard Committee (as specified by the U of I Faculty Staff Handbook) and is in compliance with the Guidelines of the National Institute of Health. Instructions for preparing the MUA can be obtained from the Biohazard Committee Chairperson.

(c) If the research project involves use of experimental animals, the proposed research must be approved by the University's Animal Care and Use Committee. Accordingly, the project leader must submit a completed the Animal Care and Use Form and other appropriate information to the committee for consideration. Animal Care and Use Forms are available from the University Research Office or the committee chairperson.

(d) If the research involves use of human subjects, the proposed research must be approved by the University Assurance Committee (UAC). Project Leaders must secure UAC approval prior to initiating any research activity involving human subjects. Project leaders seeking approval for research involving human subjects should contact the UAC via the University Research Office.

(e) If the research project being developed is to be submitted as a contribution to a Regional Research Project (RRP) and the specific IAES research activity proposed is not detailed in the text of the approved Regional Research Project Outline, the project leader must also prepare an addendum to the Regional Research Project Outline for approval by the IAES director, the project's Administrative Advisor, and the CSREES Regional Research Office. The format for preparation of the addendum is given in Appendix B. The addendum is a concise summary of the proposed IAES contribution to the research project and generally is 2-3 pages in length. More detailed information about RRPs is presented in the "CSREES Manual for Cooperative Regional Research" (March 2, 1995 version) and the "Supplementary Manual of Procedures for Western Regional Research". These documents are available through each department/unit office in the college and "loaner" copies are available from the IAES Office.

8. Transmit project. The project leader transmits the final project outline along with the appropriate forms and the reviews of the project to the department head/unit administrator. The unit administrator reviews the project content and the accompanying forms to assure that they have been properly prepared. The unit administrator signs form AD-416 and transmits the project outline, the signature AD-416, AD-417, CSREES-662 and other relevant attachments (documentation of external peer review, MUA for recombinant DNA research, etc.) to the IAES director.

9. Approval. Upon approval by the IAES director, a work unit/project number is assigned and the project and accompanying materials are submitted to USDA/Current Research Information System (CRIS) for approval by USDA/CSREES, Washington D.C. When the IAES director receives official notice that the project has been approved, the IAES office notifies the appropriate department(s)/administrative unit(s), Ag Administrative Services, University Budget Office, and project leader. The director, in consultation with the department head/unit administrator, can allocate/redirect existing USDA/CSREES Hatch and regional research formula funds and/or state funds appropriated for agricultural research to help support the research activity. [All should be aware that when a new project is approved, no new resources flow into the IAES, i.e., no new USDA/CSREES formula funds or State funds are realized. Accordingly, the availability of funds to support both new and existing research projects is restricted both at the IAES and departmental levels. Faculty and unit administrators should understand these funding limitations.]

10. Reporting. The AD-421 Progress Report is used for reporting annual progress on active research projects and summary reports for terminated (completed) projects. On a calendar year basis these reports are requested via the departmental offices. Final summary reports for terminated grants are due within 90 days following the termination date. Attached are instructions for the completion and an example of an AD-421.

APPENDIX A
ESSENTIALS OF A PROJECT OUTLINE

IAES project outlines should contain the sections given below:

TITLE: A brief, clear, specific designation of the subject of the research. The title used by itself, should reflect the objective(s) and scope of the project. The title must be limited to 100 spaces. {If the IAES project is to contribute to an approved Regional Research Project (RRP), the project title must be identical to that of the regional project. In this case, a specific subtitle may be appropriate to accurately reflect the IAES research that will contribute to the regional research.}

JUSTIFICATION: Present (1) the importance of the problem to agriculture, rural life, and general public of Idaho, the region or the country; (2) reasons for doing the work [such as the needs the project will fill] and doing it at this time; and (3) ways in which public welfare and/or scientific knowledge will be advanced. An estimate of the monetary value of the crop or industry and the possible returns upon successful accomplishment of the objectives may be included. One or two references may be used to document statements, but the review of literature belongs in the next section.

PREVIOUS WORK AND PRESENT OUTLOOK: A brief summary covering pertinent research on the problem (citing only the more important of the recent publications), the status of current research, and the additional information needed and how this project is expected to contribute to this need. The nature of the project and its objectives will obviously determine the ease of predicting success, but where feasible it will be appropriate to indicate the likelihood of achieving the objectives in a specified length of time. This section should indicate (1) questions that have not been answered by research and (2) how the proposed research will fill the gaps.

OBJECTIVES: A concise, clear, complete, and logically arranged and numbered series of statements defining the specific objectives of the project. {If the IAES project is to contribute to an approved RRP, the objectives of the project must be the identical to those of the regional project (a contributing IAES research project will usually address several, but not all, of the objectives of a regional project). For regional IAES projects, it is usually appropriate to include sub-objectives under the regional project objectives that reflect the specific focus of the IAES contribution to the regional research effort.}

PROCEDURE: There should be a numbered procedure statement to correspond with each numbered objective. These statements should outline the essential working plans and methods that will be employed in attaining each objective. Phases of the work to be undertaken currently should be designated. Location of the work and the facilities and equipment needed and available should be indicated. The location of the work, equipment available, and additional equipment needed should be indicated. The procedure statement should show that the research needs and plans have been considered carefully and the proposed work has the potential of providing data and information that which will permit accomplishing the objectives. Cooperation with other departments and other colleges is encouraged. Division of effort and coordination should be clearly stated.

Experimental designs should be such as to maximize efficiency of the research effort and to provide data suitable for statistical analysis. While the details of the kind of experimental design to be used and the number of replications will generally not be specified, it should be understood that due consideration has been given to the levels of experiment error to be anticipated and the levels of precision required for the results to be useful.

Consideration should be given to the eventual method of "publication". Plans should be made for proper collection and recording of data, including photographs or video pictures, if appropriate.

PROBABLE DURATION: Estimate the maximum time (not to exceed 5 years) likely to be required to complete the project and publish the results. Generally, IAES projects outline a 3 to 5 year research plan. When an IAES project contributes to a Regional Research Project, it must terminate the same date that the regional project terminates. Whenever a significant change in the objectives of a project is warranted/advisable, a new or revised project outline should be prepared and submitted for approval. A major change in procedure might also necessitate revision of the project outline.

SUPPORT: List the total scientist-years (SY), professional-years (PY), and technical-years (TY) committed to or proposed for the project. Definitions of these personnel resource categories are given below:

Scientists-Year (SY): A "scientist" (rank of Assistant Professor and above) is a research worker responsible for independent scientific study, thought originality, judgments, and accomplishments directly assignable to the project. This category should include efforts of leaders of investigation, project leaders, and (if appropriate) portions of time of supervisory scientists for the project or staff assistants whose work meets the preceding definition. Administrative staff are excluded unless they are active participants in the research actions of the project and meet the above requirements. Centralized statistical or other analytical staff should not be included.

Professional Year (PY): These are persons who hold positions in professional categories and who are assigned to research activities of the project, but who are not held responsible for scientific originality and independence in planning and conducting the more difficult aspects of the work. Professional or research service staff should be included. A few may hold the Ph.D., or equivalent degree, and may be in a higher academic position because of special abilities, but still may be categorized as research support personnel rather that research scientists. Such professionals usually hold one or more college degrees and have otherwise qualified for employment in a professional category.

Graduate students, by virtue of their degree and acceptance in graduate school may be categorized as "professionals". To be so categorized, they must be discharging intellectual responsibilities at a professional level. Do not underrate the competence and value of such a worker because of a temporary status as a graduate student. Most graduate students will be rated as "professional support".

Technical Year (TY): These personnel are research technicians, scientific aides, and laboratory assistants assigned to the research project.

Example: A faculty member /project leader (SY) has a 50% research appointment in the IAES and intends to commit 40% of his/her research time to the project, has a graduate student (PY) whose thesis research contributes to the project, and a full-time scientific aide (TY) dedicated to the project. In this example one would report 0.2 SY, 0.5 PY, and 1.0 TY as support for the project.

PERSONNEL: List the leader or leaders and other technical workers assigned to the project.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE: An advisory committee is optional. It may be used if desired by the department or project leaders.

INSTITUTIONAL UNITS INVOLVED: Display each subject-matter unit in the IAES and any other units of the university contributing essential services or facilities to the research project. The responsibilities of each should be indicated. If there is an advisory, coordinating, or directing committee for the project, the official title of the committee should be listed.

COOPERATION: If appropriate include a statement listing the USDA or other experiment stations, institutions, or agencies expected to cooperate formally or informally on the project. If the project is part of a regional project, list the Regional Research Project Number.

APPENDIX B
FORMAT FOR ADDENDUM TO REGIONAL RESEARCH PROJECT OUTLINE

Addendum to (Regional Project Number) regional project covering research at (Institution).

TITLE: Identical to regional project.

OBJECTIVES: Identical to regional project. Include only those objectives to be
undertaken by the participating State, agency, or institution.

PROCEDURES:   The working plans and methods to be used by the participant in
                            attaining each of the stated objectives. A procedure statement
                            should be included for each objective and should relate to the
                            procedures described in the regional project outline.

PROJECT LEADERS: List all principal investigators showing the area of specialization.

RESOURCES: State the annual, SY, PY, TY commitment for each contribution.

SIGNATURES:

_____________________________________________________________________________
(Name of Director, Petitioning Station, Agency, or Institution) Date

_____________________________________________________________________________
(Name of Administrative Advisor for Regional Project) Date

_____________________________________________________________________________
Administrator, CSREES Date

APPENDIX C
GUIDELINES FOR REVIEWING IAES RESEARCH PROJECTS/PROPOSALS

The following questions are used as guidelines for peer reviewers of IAES research projects:

Does the proposal clearly define the problem to be addressed or nature of the information
to be generated?
Does the proposal clearly state the benefits which will be generated from the research and, if so, can the proposed benefits be attained from successful completion of this proposal?
Do the objectives relate to the defined problem and are they clearly stated, specific, and obtainable within the duration of the proposed research?
Do the procedures correlate with objectives and do they reflect sound and reasonable scientific approaches?
Do the stated experimental methods provide a reasonable approach (materials, sampling methods, measurements, instrumentation, etc.) to obtain meaningful data and interpretable results?
Does the literature review provide evidence of the scientist's familiarity with current relevant work, concepts, and methods in the field in which the research is to be performed?
Does the researcher have the necessary background and competency to conduct and interpret the results of the proposed research?
Does the research, if successfully completed, have potential to contribute to the discipline's knowledge base?
Are there interdisciplinary research programs presently underway to which this proposal may contribute?
Is the proposed research relevant to Idaho’s agriculture, natural resource base, and/or its citizens?
Is there evidence of consideration of how results will be delivered to those who need them?

IDAHO AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
Project Proposal Review

Title:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

	A Prospectus Rating (1-5)*	B Project Outline Rating (1-5)*
1. Relevance to research priorities and mission of the department(s)	__________	__________
2. Probability of practical benefits	__________	__________
3. Probability of contribution to basic knowledge	__________	__________
4. Personnel available and qualified to do proposed work	__________	__________
5. Provisions for cooperative effort	__________	__________
6. Probability that objectives will be reached in proposed duration	__________	__________
7. Overall scientific and technological quality	__________ _________	__________

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Rating Scale: 1. Unsatisfactory, 2. Marginal, 3. Good, 4. Very Good, 5. Outstanding

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. I have reviewed the Prospectus and rated ______________________________
it in Column A. Reviewer Date

Prospectus Approved _______________________________
Department Head Date

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. I have reviewed the Project Outline and _______________________________
rated it in Column B. Reviewer Date

Project Outline and
Supporting Documents
Approved ___________________________ ________________________
Department Head Date IAES Director Date

APPENDIX D
CHECKLIST FOR SUBMISSION OF A RESEARCH PROJECT

Title:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

New Replacement for # __________

YES NO

1. Information has been obtained through the Current [ ] [ ]
Research Information System (CRIS).

2. Project prospectus has been reviewed by 2 or 3 peer                           [    ]                  [    ]
    reviewers, unit leader(s), and IAES director if a new
    project and/or new direction of research.

3. Project development meeting was held with appropriate [ ] [ ]
scientist(s), unit leader(s), and, if necessary, IAES director.

4. Financial support section has been completed and                              [    ]                  [    ]
    funds are available or arrangements have been made
    with the appropriate unit leader(s) and/or IAES director.

5. Facilities for the proposed research are available or                             [    ]                  [    ]
    arrangements have been made with the appropriate
    unit leader(s) and/or IAES director.

6. USDA/CSREES forms (AD-416, AD-417, CSREES-662)                      [    ]                  [    ]
    are completed and documentation of appropriate
    clearances are enclosed if hazardous materials, animals,
    or human subjects are involved.

7. Project proposal conforms to the format outlined in [ ] [ ]
"Essentials of a IAES Project."

8. Project proposal has been reviewed by 2 or 3 peer [ ] [ ]
reviewers and their reports are enclosed.

9. Project worksheet has been completed and is enclosed. [ ] [ ]

10. Signature sheet has been completed and is enclosed. [ ] [ ]

NOTE: Submit project to the IAES office when all the appropriate items are completed.

APPENDIX E
INFORMATION RETRIEVAL FROM USDA’s
CURRENT RESEARCH INFORMATION SYSTEM

Introduction to CRIS Systems

All research sponsored or conducted by the USDA is required to be documented in CRIS. Cooperating non-Federal institutions voluntarily report all non-Federal research projects as well. CRIS is the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service automated computer-based documentation and reporting system to ongoing agricultural, food and nutrition, and forestry research. CRIS is designed to provide ready access to information about research conducted primarily within the USDA/state agricultural research system.

CRIS contains over 30,000 descriptions of current, publicly supported agricultural and forestry research projects of the USDA agencies, the State Agricultural Experiment Stations, the state university land-grant system, and other cooperating state institutions. Approximately 4,000 new project descriptions and about 20,000 progress and publication reports updating existing projects are entered in CRIS annually. The database is updated weekly.

USDA research agencies, state research institutions, and scientists use CRIS technical data to help prevent duplication, access to up-to-date information in their areas of expertise, make contacts with other scientists doing similar research, and answer Congressional and other legislative requests. The technical database is available for on-line access via the Internet and through Dialog Information Services.

Access to CRIS via INTERNET

INTERNET Access

CRIS database CRISTEL can be accessed by using a WWW browser (e.g., Mosaic or Netscape).

URL addresses for WWW access include:

http://cristel.nal.usda.gov.8080

Another useful WWW site is at http://cos.gdb.org (The Community of Science). This site provides access to the CRIS file as well as several other science- related databases. (Access to some databases requires a subscription.)

CRIS In-house Services

In-house searches of the CRIS database, prepared by CRIS staff, are provided at no charge to research scientists and managers at CRIS participating institutions. Requests from counterparts in other federal and state agencies, local governments, and educational institutions are honored as time and resources permit. Requests from private organizations and the public are referred to commercial search services.

Requesting Service

USDA and state users who want to request a CRIS search should complete Form AD- 427. Others may submit requests, preferably by letter, specifying:

	User name, mailing address, and telephone number.
	Date information is needed.
	Topic or subject area to be searched (within 100 words).
	Purpose of the request.
	USDA and state users may submit requests on Form AD-427 via e-mail on FTS2000MAIL or on the Internet.

Requesting CRIS Searches

Send your request to:

Current Research Information System
Science and Education Resources Development
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
USDA, National Agricultural Library Bldg, 5th Floor
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
(301) 504-6272

INTERNET:cris@cris.nal.usda.gov

APPENDIX F

I. CRIS Web Forms - AD-416 Instructions

IDA - Agricultural Experiment Station, Univ of Idaho CRIS AD-416
RESEARCH RESUME

Use the World Wide Web to do this report!
For assistance, please contact Holly L. Waters
hwaters@uidaho.edu

Open the CRIS Forms Assistance homepage located at http://ctr.uvm.edu/cris/. You can bookmark this homepage, but no subsequent pages can be bookmarked.

Select Using CRIS Web Forms from the homepage.
Select AD-416 Research Resume from the "Enter CRIS Web Forms...." section.

**Note the version of your browser. Obtain a newer browser if needed before proceeding.

Select: IDA - Agricultural Experiment Station, Univ of Idaho
Enter " bear " as the password and then click the [Proceed] button.

Enter your last name and [Display] the work list of projects for you as the principal investigator. Select one project on the worklist and select "AD-416 Research Resume" and [Proceed]
-- OR -- If you are initiating a new AD-416, select one of the following:

	"New Formula Funded or State Project"
	"New Grant/Coop Agreement" ****NOTE: the funding source determines which type of AD-416 you initiate
	"Revised AD-416 for an existing project not currently in the work list"

[Proceed] and enter the following information:
Project Number
When entering a new AD-416, if you are not normally the one to assign this number,
leave it blank.
Status
A = NEW Projects submitted for approval.
C = REVISED Projects already documented in CRIS that are being revised.
Regional Project Number
The regional project number identifies projects supported by Regional Research funds, or those formally on record as contributing to a Regional Research project. This number combines the region (NE, NC, S, IR, or W) and the project number in the format region-### (for example, NE-999).
Funding Type
Select only one CSREES funding program, or "S = State" which can be used for any other funding sources.
Title
Enter the title for this project. Titles are limited to 100 characters, including spaces. Do not use phrases such as "research on " "investigation of," etc. Quotation marks, question mark, and underscoring are not acceptable. NOTE: Regional Research title must be entered exactly as approved by the Committee of Nine.
Performing/Cooperating Departments
Select the home department of the Principal Investigator for the Performing Department, and select up to 2 departments participating significantly in the project.
Investigator Names
A total of six can be listed. List the Principal Investigator on Line 1. Lines 2 through six are used for co-investigators.
Objectives
Enter a clear, concise statement of the objectives of the research, which should be specific and attainable within the duration of the project using the resources available. Not to exceed 1440 characters. **
Approach
Describe the ways in which the research is to be conducted, with emphasis on the scientific methods and any unique aspects or significant departures from usual approaches. Not to exceed 1440 characters. **
** We recommend that you paste in the text from your wordprocessor (spell-check here), but do not include formatting such as tab, indent, bold, underline, super/subscript, nor any graphic symbols.
Keywords
Enter one per line in the entry field. Not to exceed 29 characters per keyword and 345 characters total. It is important to assign appropriate keywords for automated information retrieval of project information. Generally, keywords should be limited to one- or two-word terms. Collectively, the keywords for a project should resemble an abbreviated abstract of the project. Ideally, choose at least 12 keywords that describe the nature of the study at 3 levels: (1) general entry, overall objectives in the major fields of interest (select at least 2), (2) class entry, classes or categories of subjects or items, and moderately broad concepts or areas of interest which conceptually group the specific entry keyword into like classes (select at least 4), (3) specific entry, the most specific concepts, subjects or items under study, including the specific plant, animal, or microorganism; the specific equipment, processes, approach, technique or system; and specific properties, reaction, or function (select at least 6).
Start Date
Enter date research will begin as Month, Day, Year in numeric format, (e.g. 07/01/1998).
Termination Date
Enter the estimated termination date for the project as Month, Day, Year in numeric format, (e.g. 06/30/2003).

If you are entering a NEW GRANT/COOP AGREEMENT, this additional information is needed:

Contract Number
A contract number is assigned by the granting agency. Enter the assigned contract number. If no contract number has been assigned, the project is "NOT YET AWARDED" and you should enter those words in the contract number field instead. The contract number can be found on the Agreement Face Sheet if one is available.
Amount
The amount is determined by the granting agency. Enter the amount designated by the granting agency, as shown on the Agreement Face Sheet. If the grant has not yet been awarded, the amount has not been determined either. Enter a "1" if this is undetermined.
Fiscal Year
Enter the Fiscal Year for this grant information as the last 2 digits of the Federal fiscal year (October 1 - September 30).
Award date
The award date is determined by the granting agency. Enter the award date as shown on the Agreement Face Sheet, in the form month/day/year as e.g. 10/01/1997. If the grant has not yet been awarded, the award date has not been determined either. Enter the date you entered for the project start date if this is undetermined.

When all information is entered, [Check Data] and note any errors. View the displayed information carefully. Corrections or additional edits can be made by using the [BACK] button on your browser toolbar. After each edit, [Check Data] again.

When the information is correct and complete, [Save Information]. You should see a Confirmation Screen if your information was successfully saved in the work file. You may want to print a copy of this page to keep for your records.

II. CRIS Web Forms - AD-417 Instructions

Entering AD-417 Classifications on the CRIS Web Forms

The AD-417 Classification process on the web forms is confusing to some users. The AD-417 form simply is NOT intuitive. Below are some suggestions that might be helpful. AD-417 instructions have not been developed and posted on the web because the classification system is currently being reviewed and will be changing dramatically, possibly as soon as December, 1998. The new classification system will be simplified and all possible combinations will be allowed. Projects submitted now still need to be classified using the guidelines as listed in the CRIS Manual <http://ctr.uvm.edu/cris/crisman/m_417.htm> that is available on the web.

Some suggestions for completing the AD-417 web forms:

Using an AD-417 worksheet:
Print an AD-417 blank worksheet. <http://ctr.uvm.edu/cris/blanks/blank417.htm> Note the font options <http://ctr.uvm.edu/cris/htmforms.htm> to set in your browser to print forms on one page.

Enter the CRIS Web Forms "AD-417 Classification," selecting a project and the "AD-417 Classification" form to work on. Enter the percentages for "Research Effort Category" (effort must total 100%). Help links define the categories and links are available to the online CRIS Manuals.

Enter the Primary Classification.

The Research Program Area (RPA) link displays the 9 agricultural goals and the RPAs that are available per goal. Select a goal(s) and find a RPA or several that best defines the research project. Write these RPA codes on your worksheet.

Select one of the RPAs from your worksheet and a link for the activities and commodities allowable for that RPA will be listed from each in the web forms.

Open the "activities for this RPA" and "commodities for this RPA" links, writing down the code number for each respectively on your worksheet that best describes the focus of the project.

Use your browser BACK button to the Primary classification WebPage. Follow the "Science" link, again selecting the field of science that best describes the project and write this code on your worksheet.

Again, use your BACK button to the Primary classification WebPage. Enter the full line of classification codes from your worksheet into the web forms for each corresponding field and assign the % of effort per line of classification.

Do not assign less than 10% per line and the total must equal 100. When the primary line(s) of classification is complete, proceed with the "data checking." The data checking process will alert you if any "Subcommodities" or "Special classification" codes are needed or if you have entered a combination that is not allowed.

To display the subcommodities or special classification choices, select the links, again noting the codes on your worksheet if needed. Use your BACK button to the primary classification page, enter the codes into the web forms and proceed with the "data checking" again to check for any errors.

When you have completed the classification and the data checking process, be sure to "save" your work.

You can edit any of the forms from your AD-416/417/662 admin function "display/edit/delete forms." When all forms are completed you need to select the "mark ready" button before you can submit to CRIS.

III. CRIS Web Forms - AD-421 Instructions

IDA - Agricultural Experiment Station, Univ of Idaho

CRIS AD-421
PROGRESS/TERMINATION REPORT
and
PUBLICATIONS

Use the World Wide Web to do this report!

For assistance, please contact Holly L. Waters
hwaters@uidaho.edu

Your research report is entered into the CRIS (Current Research Information System) database where it is available to fellow research scientists and administrators on a nationwide basis, and to the public worldwide in the CRISTEL online file http://cristel.nal.usda.gov:8080.

You will be entering these data from the CRIS Forms Assistance WebPages. To access these pages, use your Web browser. Netscape 2.02 or higher and MS Internet Explorer 3.0 and higher have been tested successfully.

Open the CRIS Forms Assistance homepage located at http://ctr.uvm.edu/cris.

Select Using CRIS Web Forms from the homepage.

You can bookmark this page or the homepage if you wish, but no subsequent pages can be bookmarked.

Select the AD-421 Progress/Termination Report from the "Enter CRIS Web Forms...." section.

**Note the version of your browser. Obtain a newer browser if needed before proceeding.

Select: IDA - Agricultural Experiment Station, Univ of Idaho
Enter " bear " as the password and then Proceed.

Enter your name to display the list of projects that require reports from you as the principal investigator.

Select one project from the list and Proceed.

Enter the following information:

1) Choose the appropriate report, either:

Progress: If the termination date has not passed and the project was active during the current reporting year
Termination: Only if the termination date has passed and the project will not be extended beyond this listed date

2) Progress/Termination narrative:

The progress report narrative should list findings and accomplishments with brief comments as to why the results are significant scientifically or practically. If it is too soon to report accomplishments, characterize the status or stage of the work.

The termination report narrative is a brief summary of accomplishments for the entire life of the project.

CRIS strictly limits the narrative to 3200 characters, and cannot accept any characters not found on your keyboard. Do not use degree symbols, math symbols, Greek letters, italics, boldface, super- or sub-scripts, or underlines. Consider entering and spell-checking the text in your favorite wordprocessor (then paste it into the Web form), but do NOT include tabs or indents nor any other text formatting. Also, the question mark (?) should not be used because it means something else to the CRIS computer. Please substitute suitable words and alternate characters.

3) Publications:

Publications that relate to your CRIS projects should be included. List significant publications issued during the reporting period. On a termination report, only include publications not previously submitted on a progress report.

Example:

Wu, J., Ullrich, R.C. and Novotny, C.P. 1996. Regions in the Z5 mating gene of Schizophyllum commune involved in Y-Z binding and recognition. Mol. Gen. Genet. 252:739-745.

Include only publications for the current reporting period, and only published works (journal articles, published abstracts, books, book chapters, and theses -- NO talks, NO presentations, NO newsletter or magazine articles). Do NOT enter authors in all capital letters and do NOT number the citations.

When all information is entered, select Check Data and note any errors. View the displayed information carefully. Corrections or additional edits can be made by using the BACK button on your browser toolbar. After each edit, Check Data again.

When the information is correct and complete, select Save Report. You should see a Confirmation Screen if your report was successfully saved in the site's collection file. You may also want to print a copy of this page to keep for your records and or submit for review.

When you are completely finished with the report and do not need to edit it further, select the Report Complete button. Once you select this button, you will not be able to edit the report again, and it will then be submitted to CRIS for you. You MUST "press" this button to indicate when the report is complete. Your report cannot be submitted to CRIS until you mark it complete. and it can then be submitted to CRIS.

If you have more than 1 project, use the BACK button of your browser until reaching the Project Selection page. Use your browser's Reload button to see checkmarks by completed reports. Select another project and follow the same steps as outlined previously. Submit a report for ALL projects that are listed for you.

IV. CRIS Web Forms – CSREES-662 Assurance Statement Instructions

This form is submitted at a project's inception or revision along with the AD-416/417. The assurance statement is required as policy for safeguarding the rights and welfare of human and animal subjects used in investigations.

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DRAFT

Procedures for Developing Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station

Research Projects

Table of Contents

IDA - Agricultural Experiment Station, Univ of Idaho CRIS AD-416 RESEARCH RESUME

Use the World Wide Web to do this report! For assistance, please contact Holly L. Waters hwaters@uidaho.edu