DESCRIPTION

This 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.

pushpin Before you begin, ensure all required project information is complete, and its status is either Planning at HQ or Planning at Lab. This preparation is crucial for a smooth approval process.

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.

pushpinSubmitting your project officially changes its status to Pending Approval, signaling to all stakeholders that it's ready for review.

 

STEP 2: Monitor Your Project's Approval Journey

  • After submission, your project follows a predefined approval path:

    • The CMEI Project Lead

    • The Office Administrator

    • Office Director 

pushpin This routing path ensures all necessary individuals review and contribute to the decision-making process. While this is the default, specific additional reviewers might be assigned if your project requires specialized input. (For details on modifying this path, refer to "How to Modify my Approval Workflow: Add Project Approver")

 

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."

pushpinThis action ensures the next approver receives a notification, preventing delays and keeping everyone informed. You will see the person's name appear next to their role, confirming the assignment.

   

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.

pushpinKnowing these actions helps you anticipate potential delays and understand what to do if your project is returned. It also highlights the importance of thorough initial preparation.

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. 

pushpinThis final status change signifies that your project has officially met all internal requirements and is ready to proceed, allowing you to move forward with its implementation.

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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