Before any proposal submission, SPA must first review and approve it. Proposal staff review proposals for budget accuracy and adherence to sponsor and University regulations and guidelines, also serving as a liaison to sponsor officials.

SPA's Negotiation team is responsible for negotiations of various types of agreements for sponsored projects to ensure reasonable terms and conditions that comply with University policies, federal and state regulations and Sponsor requirements.

Over the life of a project, it is vital that investigators, unit research administrators, and SPA Post-Award staff collaborate to maintain compliance with all sponsor and University regulations, and adherence to the terms and conditions of the award. Prudent management of fiscal and regulatory responsibilities safeguards the reputation of the Illinois research enterprise and ensures that investigators across campus have the best opportunity to obtain research funding.

Closeout requires balancing the budget, expenditures, billings, and payments. It may also include removing an overdraft or refunding unspent amounts to the sponsor. The award documents will indicate if a sponsor requires a final invoice or a final technical or financial report.