We want to enhance research impact by catalyzing large-scale interdisciplinary research, building strategic partnerships, and leading strategic growth initiatives.
Find out how we are working with researchers and innovators to make this happen.
SPARC Services
SPARC services build capacity to develop, fund, and conduct innovative and impactful research. The services listed are not exhaustive. SPARC is committed to customizing our services to meet individual proposal and project needs.
We are happy to answer any questions you have about our services and provide a brief consultation. Please reach out to us using our contact form.
Large-Scale Proposals
SPARC provides assistance developing complex, large-scale proposals. Our team works with the PI(s) to determine how we can best meet the needs of the proposal team. Due to the high demand for our services, we strongly recommend PIs contact us as early as possible if they are considering pursuing an award.
Examples of our proposal services include:
Opportunity identification and analysis
Proposal strategy development
Budget development and sub-award package management
Identifying, recruiting, and managing internal and external partners
Proposal writing and editing
Proposal development project management
Project governance and organizational design and consulting
Graphic design and illustration
Proposal communication, branding, and graphics assistance
Internal and external partner identification, recruitment, and management
Cost share strategy development and recruitment
Proposal review and editing
Site visit strategy and implementation
Strategy
SPARC can help you develop effective, evidence-based strategies for growing or evolving your research program, center, or team.
Examples of our strategy services include:
Opportunity identification
Peer benchmarking
Landscape scanning and discovery
Team formation and wrap-around support
Strategic growth assessment and planning
Visioning and brainstorming facilitation
External and internal partner identification and recruitment
Connect to state, national, and global resource partners
Communications strategy and planning
Website audit, strategy, and content development
Project management strategy and planning
Impact
SPARC is available to help teams amplify, determine, and measure the impacts of their research and/or programs.
Examples of our impact services include:
Development and implementation of Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) plans and frameworks
Consulting on the development of project theories of change (ToC) and logic models
Impact measurement and reporting
Communication strategy development and implementation
Broader impacts development and evaluation
Incorporating existing measurement tools into reporting (experts.umn.edu, etc)
Evaluation training and capacity building
Design and development of online and/or print reports and white papers
Infographics and data communication visuals
Case study development and strategy
Implementation
SPARC can provide expert guidance and short- or long-term implementation support to ensure smooth and successful start-up and implementation of new projects, programs, and initiatives.
Examples of our implementation services include:
Partnership agreements
Subcontract negotiation and oversight
Communication and marketing
New website strategy and setup
Program start-up and scale-up services
Project management system development and implementation
Monitoring, evaluation and reporting system development and implementation
International logistics and safety
Cost share management
Operational consulting and support