Spark Award Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Spark Award is a CTSI-sponsored funding opportunity that supports investigators by helping to cover the cost of selected research services. The goal is to facilitate preliminary data generation, strengthen research projects, and support the development of extramural grant applications.

The Spark Award is primarily intended for early- to mid-career investigators at OSU and NCH.

Professors may be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly if they are transitioning to a new research focus or developing independent research programs.

All applicants must meet eligibility criteria outlined in the RFA.

Yes. All applicants must be CTSI members to be eligible for funding. Membership must be completed prior to award activation. Membership is free of charge and includes creating a membership profile.  Here

• The Spark Award supports CTSI-approved research services at OSU and NCH, including: 
  • Data access and data coordination
    • Biostatistics support
    • Electronic Data Capture (EDC) services
  • Only services provided by approved core facilities are eligible.

• Yes. You must coordinate with the core service provider before applying to: 
  • Define the scope of work
    • Develop a cost estimate
  • A completed cost calculation must be included with your application.

• Applicants should have the following completed or near completion at the time of application: 
  • IRB approval or Non-Human Subjects Determination
    • Inclusion as PI or key personnel [CL1] on the study protocol (if applicable)
    • Current CITI GCP training
    • CTSI membership
  • Missing requirements may delay review or award activation.

• Identify your specific research need and select a core that provides the appropriate service from the approved list.
  • If you are unsure, contact ctsi-spark@osumc.edu for guidance.

• Review the full RFA, submit your application through the REDCap intake form, and include a completed cost calculation from your selected core.

• The Spark Administrator reviews your application for completeness and eligibility.
• The application is shared with the review team for evaluation.
• You may be contacted for additional information if needed.
   
• If approved, the following must occur before work begins: 
  1. Core service approval
  2. Purchase order (PO) creation in Workday
  3. Award letter signature

• For complete applications, decisions are typically made within 2–4 weeks. Applications requiring additional information may take longer.

• No. Applications must be submitted by the published deadline. Extensions are not permitted.

• Applications are evaluated based on: 
  • Completeness and eligibility
    • Alignment with RFA requirements
    • Feasibility of the proposed work
    • Scientific merit

• $3,000 for single-college investigators
• $5,000 for collaborative projects involving two or more OSU colleges or approved institutions[CL1] - Nationwide Children’s Hospital and OPCIN
• This is the total award amount per project.

• Funding decisions are based on review team evaluation, availability of funds, and confirmation of an approved purchase order.

• Yes. You may request services from more than one core, but: 

-  The total award cannot exceed the maximum amount

-  Any additional costs must be covered by other funding sources

No, funds are paid directly to the core providing the service, and only core services can be funded using Spark Award funds.

• Your award is active once the award letter is fully signed and a purchase order (PO) has been issued.

• A PO is a unique number assigned to your award, used by the core service provider to submit invoices.

• A signed copy will be shared with the study team and the core service provider.

• Before award approval: You may work with the core to define the scope and obtain a quote.
• After award activation: Work may begin once the award letter is signed and the PO is issued.

• Yes, but changes must be reviewed and approved by the Spark Award team before implementation.

• Yes. Multiple services are allowed as long as they are approved and within the award limit.

• You may request to switch to another approved core (with approval) or withdraw the award if the work cannot be completed within the timeline.

• All services must be completed by July 31, 2027.

• No. Extensions are not permitted.

• Any incomplete work will not be funded, and remaining funds will expire.

• Any incomplete work will not be funded, and remaining funds will expire.

• Apply when you are ready to initiate services and have regulatory approvals in place or near completion to avoid delays.

• The core service provider submits invoices using the assigned PO number.
• All invoices must be submitted and processed by the program deadline.

• Work with your core service provider to monitor spending. You may also contact the Spark Administrator for updates.

• Yes. The Spark Award team sends periodic reminders via email and REDCap.

• Unused funds will expire. No carryover is permitted.

• No. Investigators are limited to one CTSI-sponsored award per cycle.

• Yes. Previous awardees may apply again if they meet eligibility criteria.

• Once a final decision is made, it is final, but you may apply again in a future cycle with a new or revised project.