Welcome to the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration at Iowa State University

Our Mission

The Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (OSPA) promotes and facilitates the research, education, and outreach missions of Iowa State University by supporting and administering research and sponsored programs.

OSPA is the central point of coordination for research and sponsored programs and the University’s authorized representative for grants, contracts and other agreements from external sponsors. Signature authority has been delegated by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, to the director of OSPA for negotiating and executing sponsored awards in support of research and other sponsored activities at ISU. ISU faculty and staff should submit all proposals to OSPA prior to submittal to an external agency or sponsor for review and authorization.

OSPA facilitates research and other sponsored programs by assisting in proposal development, reviewing and endorsing proposals, negotiating agreements, accepting and authorizing awards, interpreting sponsor rules and guidelines, and providing post-award research administration services.

The goal of OSPA is to deliver high quality services in an efficient and professional manner in compliance with sponsor rules and regulations.