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This guide article outlines the critical steps to successfully submit your project for approval, ensuring it progresses efficiently through the necessary reviews. Understanding this process is key to getting your project off the ground. |
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STEP 1: Initiate the Approval Process
To start the approval journey for your project:
Find the "Manage Project" dropdown menu.
Select "Submit for Approval" from the options.
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STEP 2: Monitor Your Project's Approval Journey
After submission, your project follows a predefined approval path:
The EERE CMEI Project Lead
The Office Administrator
Office Director
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STEP 3: Ensure Notifications Reach the Next Reviewer
To keep the approval process moving, it's essential to assign the project to the next reviewer in the sequence:
Locate the dropdown menu and select "Edit."
Click the magnifying glass icon next to "Assigned."
Check the box to select the correct person for the next step.
Click "Submit."
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STEP 4: Understand Reviewer Actions and Their Impact
Each reviewer assigned to your project has specific actions they can take, which directly affect your project's progress:
Approve: When a reviewer approves, your project moves to the next reviewer in the sequence. If they are the final reviewer, this action completes the entire approval process.
Return: If a reviewer chooses to return your project, it means they require revisions. Your project will be sent back to you, and you will need to make the requested changes and then resubmit it for approval.
Cancel: A reviewer can decide to cancel the entire approval workflow. This action stops the process completely.
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What Happens After All Approvals?
Once all required approvals are successfully completed:
Your project's Project Status will automatically update to Approved.
The Award Status will change to Active.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if my project is returned for revisions? If your project is returned, it means a reviewer has identified areas that need adjustment. You will need to make the requested changes to the project information and then resubmit it for approval through the same process outlined in Step 1.
2. How will I know who the next approver is? In Step 3, when you assign the approval, the system will display the assigned person's name next to their role, confirming who is responsible for the next step in the review process.
3. Can the approval workflow be changed? Yes, the approval workflow can be modified. While there's a default path, additional reviewers can be added if needed. For detailed instructions on how to do this, refer to the article: "How to Modify my Approval Workflow: Add Project Approver."
4. What's the difference between "Planning at HQ" and "Planning at Lab" status?
Both statuses indicate that the project is in a preliminary phase and ready for submission. The distinction between "Planning at HQ" and "Planning at Lab" refers to the organizational level where the project is currently being managed or developed — either at the Headquarters (HQ) level or at a specific Lab location.
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