AAES > Research Links > Multistate FAQs

A General Guide for Hatch Proposal Development

  1. Auburn University—Who should have a Hatch project?
    • Faculty members with AAES appointments in the College of Agriculture, College of Sciences and Mathematics, College of Human Sciences, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, and College of Veterinary Medicine.
  2. Why do we have these projects?
    • To provide support for your program with federal Hatch and/or Multistate funds.
    • To meet requirements related to the receipt and use of AAES federal appropriations.
  3. Project Selection—when defining your Hatch/Multistate project, please consider the following:
    • Is the project aligned with agricultural issues important to Alabama producers and consumers?
    • Is the research potentially fundable with extramural sources?
    • Is the project timely in addressing problems that are most critical, yet general enough for long-term implementation?
    • Is the project aligned with the research interests of P.I.s and departmental field of specialization?
    • Is the project unique in AAES and other projects nationwide?
  4. Proposal development
    • Cover Pages:
      • Project Submission Form (includes suggested reviewers and intradepartmental signatory approvals)
      • Project Form 1
    • Search the CRIS database and provide a summary to demonstrate that your proposed research is unique and differs from other active projects in CRIS.
    • Provide a justification that states how the research addresses Alabama state needs and meets the mission of AAES; how the project may attract funding from national, regional, state, commodity, industry, or private sources; and how knowledge will be advanced with completion of work.
    • Review of literature that briefly summarizes previous related work and present outlook.
    • Research Procedures. You do not need to be too specific, but please provide a general summary of your research procedures including any potential collaborative efforts.
    • Duration. Typically, projects are based on a five-year schedule.
    • Estimated Costs, for each year of project:
      • A. Salaries and Wages. Include estimated salaries from Div. 3 (i.e, “hard” money research support) for all P.I.s, staff, and wages of students. Include possible grant-supported personnel.
      • B. Fringe Benefits. For FY 2008, this is 26% on estimated salaries. The rate for FY 2009 will be 26.5%.
      • C. Equipment. Include maintenance contracts, etc. New purchases of needed major equipment will likely be through grants, yet should be included here.
      • D. Materials and Supplies. Estimated costs associated with anticipated efforts.
      • E. Travel. Include estimates of travel to research sites and to professional meetings.
      • F. Publication Costs
      • G. Departmental Charges. Include phone, copies, etc. and other similar indirect costs that are incurred by your department.
      • H. Total Costs
    • Support and Collaborations. State sources and estimated amounts of extramural monies that could provide additional support of proposed work. Provide list of collaborators at AAES and other institutions.
  5. Project Review
    • Departmental—Each department will review faculty projects from within the department through its Hatch Project Committee.
      • Check for format and scientific merit.
      • After departmental approval, project should be submitted to AAES, 107 Comer Hall, by June 30, 2008.
      AAES Director's Office
      • One hard copy and one electronic file copy of the project proposal are required for by an ad hoc committee. The AAES Project Review Team compiles comments and makes a recommendation to the Director.
      • If a project is found to be unsatisfactory, the faculty member will have an opportunity to correct weaknesses in order to produce a satisfactory proposal.
  6. Project Submission
    • Final copy of proposal to 107 Comer Hall
  7. Approved Projects
    • When approved by AAES, AD-416, -417, and CSREES-2008 forms need to be completed. For instructions, click here.
    • Electronic file will be required.
    • Project number will be assigned.

Notice should later be received of federal acceptance. Annual progress reports (Form AD-421) will need to be submitted in the early months of each year of a project. The due date for CRIS reports may vary depending on USDA requirements, but usually no later than April 1.