All, an incredibly fast opportunity for COVID-19 related funding.

Dr. Art Pyster

Associate Dean for Research and Professor

Volgenau School of Engineering

George Mason University

Fellow and Founders Award Recipient

International Council on Systems Engineering

Founders Award Recipient

Systems Engineering Research Center

703-717-8110

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From: Rebekah K Hersch <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 9:07 AM
To: Pat Gillevet <[log in to unmask]>, Arthur B Pyster <[log in to unmask]>, Rosemary D Higgins <[log in to unmask]>, Tonya T Neaves <[log in to unmask]>, Juliette R Shedd <[log in to unmask]>, Anthony E Kelly <[log in to unmask]>, Lisa C Kahn <[log in to unmask]>, Richard Klimoski <[log in to unmask]>, Michele Schwietz <[log in to unmask]>
Cc: Michael Laskofski <[log in to unmask]>, Aurali Dade <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Fast Grants - New Funding Opportunity Application Process

Dear Colleagues,

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University (through Emergent Ventures) recently announced the launch of Fast Grants to provide funding for scientific research on COVID-19. According to the funding announcement, “Science funding mechanisms are too slow in normal times and may be much too slow during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fast Grants are an effort to correct this.”

To be eligible for a Fast Grant, researchers MUST be:

• A PI at an academic institution;
• Already working on a project that could help with the COVID-19 pandemic within the next six months; and
• In need of additional funding to complete the project.

Fast Grants MUST be used solely to expedite COVID-19-related science.

Funding Amounts and Period of Performance:

• Fast Grants are $10k to $500k and up to six (6) months duration.
• Indirect rate of 10%
• Award decision will be made within 48 hours. If a grant is approved, the PI will receive the funds as quickly the university can receive it.

Deadlines:

• Fast Grants opened on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 and the first decisions will be made April 12, 2020.
• This is a rolling submission opportunity with decisions being made within 48 hours after submission.

Application Process

• The application is a relatively easy Google Doc form which can be completed in 30 minutes.
• PIs do not need to request OSP Assistance prior to submitting the applications
• HOWEVER, PIs are asked to contact their Associate Dean or Director for Research prior to submission to ensure that the research proposed can be conducted within the current campus and lab restrictions.
• In addition, at the bottom of the application form there is button labeled “Send me a copy of my responses.” You need to select that option and send a copy of your responses to your Associate Dean for Research and Rebekah Hersch, Assistance Vice President, Research Development ([log in to unmask])
• If funded, the Office of Sponsored Programs will work with you and Emergent Ventures to accept the award and set up the project funding.
• If you have additional questions, please contact Rebekah Hersch 

Best regards,

Rebekah

Rebekah K. Hersch, Ph.D.

Assistant Vice President, Research Development

Research and Innovation Initiatives

George Mason University

703-993-5940

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