RAMSeS Memo

Date: April 24, 2006

To: Deans, Directors, and Department Heads

From: James E. Peterson, Ph.D., Assoc. Vice Chancellor/Research; Andrew S. Johns, Director, Info Systems & Management

Re: Update on Mandatory Grant Submissions through Grants.gov and replacement of Coeus Information System

As outlined in previous DDD memos, UNC-Chapel Hill is in the process of transitioning to mandatory electronic filing of grant applications via Grants.gov, as required by the Federal government. Research and Economic Development and Information Technology Services have been working together over the past several months to analyze processes currently in place, and to determine how best to proceed to minimize the impact the change to mandator electronic filing will have on Carolina’s research community. At the same time, we are working to streamline processes and maximize resources and efficiency.

After much consideration, the decision has been made to phase out the use of the Coeus information system and replace it with a newly developed information system, tailored specifically to accommodate Carolina’s needs. This replacement system, currently in development, will incorporate aspects of Coeus and existing systems, e.g., the IPF, but will offer greater, more streamlined functionalities, including electronic routing of the IPF, and a new web-based portal allowing campus users access to research data, and the ability to generate reports. With input from involved parties, a name has been selected for this new system: RAMSeS, or Research Administration Management System and Electronic Submission. The planned rollout date for the initial phases of RAMSeS is July 1, 2006.

In anticipation of this agressive July 1st date, we are committed to soliciting input from campus, providing frequent detailed progress reports and to begin training on systems and procedures as they become finalized. As always, we encourage you and members of your organization to stay current by visiting the Grants.gov link on the OSR website. And, if you have questions or other items you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact Jim Peterson at 966-2542 or Andy Johns at 962-8253.