2026 RFP

CPS 2026 Request for Proposals

2026 RFP Preliminary Proposal Guidance
2026 RFP Full Proposal Guidance
2026 RFP Research Priorities
2026 Guidance Receipt Acknowledgement form

Required Documents for Preliminary Proposal Submission:

Proposal document: All required elements must be contained within a maximum of three single-spaced pages. Use a sans-serif font (minimum 11-point size). Do not use narrow fonts. Submit as a Microsoft Word file.
2026 Guidance Receipt Acknowledgement form: complete all items, PDF file

Please ensure that the Pre-proposal and the signed Guidance Receipt Acknowledgement are emailed to Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli at [email protected] by 12:00 noon (Pacific Standard Time) on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. This deadline is firm; no exceptions will be made, and paper copies will not be accepted. Both documents must be attached to a single email as separate files: the Pre-proposal should be submitted as a Microsoft Word document, and the signed Guidance Receipt Acknowledgement should be provided as a separate PDF file.

Available Resources:

OFFICE HOURS PROGRAM -highly encouraged, September 22-26, 29, October 1-3 virtual meetings, usually 30 minutes
- Step 1 – Email [email protected] to request a meeting with Technical Committee members (or other experts), including your research priority, specific questions, and three preferred dates with time of day and time zone.
- Step 2 – Abbi Saxton, project coordinator, will coordinate a Zoom call.
INDUSTRY FACILITY TOURS- Research scientists preparing a proposal have an opportunity to tour an industry facility before they submit a proposal.
- Step 1 - Industry facilities available throughout the United States. If you do not see a facility that covers your interest, please let us know.
- Step 2 - Send CPS a written request to [email protected], for the company name, contact information as well as state the purpose of the visit. Scientist will make arrangements directly with the industry contacts.
- Note: Research scientist covers their own travel expenses.
Email all questions and requests to [email protected]

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

GUIDANCE on the pre-proposal document:

Pre-proposals longer than 3 pages will not be accepted. Pre-proposals should be submitted as a Microsoft Word document and must fit on 3 pages. Use a sans serif font (minimum 11-point size). Do not use narrow fonts.

Is written consent required?

Yes, before including any industry personnel or company in a proposal you must obtain written consent (email consent acceptable).

Upon written consent from an individual, use the following language in the proposal: “<insert company name> will provide the following services: [list services here].”

Attn: Principal Investigators

Principal Investigator degree requirement – A person listed as the Principal Investigator on a pre-proposal must have a doctorate degree (Ph.D., D.Sc., or equivalent) and recognized institutional or organizational status as a PI and responsible for technical, operational, and budget management.

What are the pre-proposal document formatting requirements?

All required elements of the pre-proposal must fit on three pages, single-spaced, in a sans serif font, no smaller than 11 pt. Do not use narrow fonts.

Who are collaborators?

Collaborators are those qualified technical, agency, or industry professionals who actively participate in the execution of the research project and/or its data synthesis but are not included in the award budget.

What documents need to be included?

The Pre-proposal and signed Guidance Receipt Acknowledgement must be included in one email, as two separate documents. The Pre-proposal must be submitted by email as a Microsoft Word file. A signed copy of the Guidance Receipt Acknowledgment must accompany the Pre-proposal as a separate PDF file.