Getting Started with UNC Research Administration Systems

Photo montage of researchers at UNC

Getting Started with UNC Research Administration Systems

UNC Research Administration Systems

At the University of North Carolina, multiple systems work together to help you manage your research portfolio.

Open the accordions below to learn how to use each system.

Note: You must be on the University Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access Research systems off-campus.

RAM Tracker Transparency

RAM Tracker is used by the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) to manage the tasks needed to review, set up, and manage proposals and awards. The RAM Tracker Transparency Search feature allows researchers and research administrators to view the status of award actions in real time.

Accessing RAM Tracker

  • To view the dashboard, you either must be named as personnel on a project or assigned a specific role in Backbone (Role Manager, Award Data Access, IPF Approver, Proposal Data Access, or PS Project ID Manager).
  • The dashboard shows all transactions for the projects / departments for which you have access.
  • Refine your search with various filters. Click on a RAM Tracker ID (RT ID) to view details about that award action.
The landing page of RAM Tracker.
A view of a RAM Tracker Details panel.

Review RAM Tracker Details

  • Displays status overview, notes from the OSP representative working on the action, and any applicable attachments.
  • Review the RAM Tracker Notes to see specific details and status of actions. These notes can provide details or reasons an action is still pending.

Backbone

RAM Reports is a tool to manage sponsored project financials. Campus users with a valid Onyen can log in and view all project/award data for your department.

RAM Reports provides both campus and central offices with the same view of financial data to improve transparency and streamline processes with sponsored projects’ financial monitoring and reporting.

  • intuitive navigation and ease of searching,
  • easy to view and read report formats,
  • access to both project and award financials,
  • ability to drill into detailed expense transactions, and
  • reports that are downloadable to Excel
The project search panel of TarHeelReports

Search for your Award / Project

  • The Initial page allows you to search by award, project, department, PI, etc.
  • Click on the hyperlinks to see additional details about the award or project.

Award Summary

  • Each tab shows additional award details, and each view is downloadable.
  • Note for the Project IDs listed, the bolded ID is the prime award.
  • The Award Summary view shows Accounts Receivable (AR) data that is not available on the Project Summary view.

Project Summary

  • Each tab shows additional award details, and each view is downloadable.
  • In addition to the information on the Award Summary, the Project Summary shows project-specific details such as project and budget dates, F&A rate, and F&A base type.

ALICE

ALICE is system used to manage industry funded clinical contracts and unfunded contracts.
The landing page of ALICE.