This volume, the first of three on sponsored research administration, focuses on pre-award activities such as research development, proposal development, budget development, review and submission of proposals, negotiation and award, and compliance issues. Research administration, or sponsored project administration, is work that supports the research activities of faculty at institutions of higher education. An introduction reviews the role of the research administrator, organization and reporting levels of research offices, types of sponsors, and types of support. The bulk of the volume explores in detail nine key pre-award activities: (1) creation of a sponsored project administration library; (2) faculty interest profiles; (3) assistance with identification and conceptualization of projects and identification of potential sources of support; (4) help with preparation of the proposal or pre-proposal; (5) help with preparation of the budget; (6) review and submission of proposals; (7) completion of representations and certifications; (8) compliance issues; and (9) negotiation and award. Several sections contain sample forms, checklists, and worksheets. Includes an index. (JB)