CRDF’s GAP provides consulting, financial and administrative services to transfer and monitor project resources on behalf of sponsors for a variety of projects. Additionally, the organization provides GAP services to facilitate efforts by public and private sector organizations to support research, educational and charitable projects and activities.
CRDF delivers project funds from sponsor organizations directly to project participants who are designated to carry out work and to receive financial support. Sponsors provide cash and/or material resources through GAP in support of project activities. Since 1998, CRDF has successfully delivered tens of millions dollars in funds and equipment to recipients throughout parts of Europe and Asia .
Organizations wishing to apply for GAP services in the past, however, only had access to a “one dimensional” online application system. As a result, GAP applicants were frustrated with not being able to perform simple tasks such as creating user profiles or the ability to save and retrieve applications.
To resolve the challenge of creating a “more relevant” online application system for CRDF GAP online applicants, Filnet created the new electronic proposal submission (EPS) application for CRDF using C# programming language. Filnet successfully built the EPS system that allows users to create profiles and connects them to a full suite of new functionality. For instance, the easy to use online tool would have to populate application forms automatically so that returning users may not have to re-enter basic information every time they access applications.
With the new system, GAP applicants may save their work, return and edit their applications before submitting to CRDF. Another feature allows applicants to access previous submissions. Users may even apply for expanded GAP services such as logistical support, shipping and customs assistance, contract and Intellectual Property guidance, and other assistance if desired. For users who are applying for assistance on numerous projects, the new EPS also lets users manage multiple applicants.
On the back end, Filnet integrated content management system (CMS) functions to allow CRDF staff to easily manage the site and database. Management screens for the new EPS are designed for non-technical users and require only brief training and orientation for use. Even more, CRDF staff can easily update content and add template pages to the site.
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Filnet’s EPS solution has ensured that CRDF can continue to meet its mission to provide a secure and accountable distribution of project funds, equipment procurement, travel arrangements, detailed accounting and oversight. The online application system has improved this unique public-private partnership’s ability to administer successfully millions of dollars in funds (over $300 million to date) and equipment to international recipients for CRDF programs and third-party projects.
Program applicants will find that this new online system is more relevant to their needs. It is our hope that this new EPS will accelerate the submission, evaluation and acceptance process.
– Shawn T. Wheeler, Vice President, Global Operations & Program Support Services for CRDF.
Over 190 government agencies, non-profit organizations, universities and for-profit companies that take advantage of CRDF's GAP services have found the new system a welcome improvement over the previous option. The new EPS also has streamlined the application process, which has led to significant cost savings for CRDF.
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