Late Submission of Proposals (Waiver Requests) from VPR Units

This process applies to units reporting to the Office of the Vice President for Research. DLCIs reporting to other Dean's Offices should follow their local processes to request waivers to the RAS due date.

For PIs in VPR units to obtain a waiver of the RAS due date:

1. The PI must email a request to the appropriate Department/Lab Head and Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) explaining why the proposal could not or cannot be submitted on time and the date and time when the proposal can be submitted.
2. If the Department/Lab Head approves, the Head, DAF or other designee should email vprrequests@mit.edu (which goes to VPR and key staff members) requesting a waiver of the RAS due date. The justification will need to be reasonable, appropriate and compelling for it to be considered by the VPR.
3. The VPR or a designee will consider the request and if approved, confirm the new submission date for the proposal and inform the DLCI, the PI, and RAS. Usually, the VPR will respond within one working day. 
4. The PI submits the proposal by the new submission date. If the PI does not meet the revised deadline, the PI will need to submit a new waiver request.
5. If the request is approved, the proposal will be processed by RAS using best efforts. 

^{Updated October 31, 2025}