Element Check Symbols: Take them seriously.

When preparing a proposal for NSPIRES submission there is an 'element check' that can be performed that gives either a green check, a yellow warning ! sign or a red X ( or , respectively, see below). There have been big changes to the warnings and what they mean in the Feb 2^nd 5.0 release to NSPIRES. In the past the often appeared in your element check despite the fact that you had followed the instructions. You could still release it to org and your AOR could submit the proposal despite the .

Starting on Feb 2nd with the release of NSPIRES 5.0 there are now only be two things that will cause a to appear: Either your proposal summary is blank, or you did not answer the business data questions (see image below). Other elements, such as Proposal Team, that appear to be missing something will simply alert you with the (see below).

It will not be possible for the AOR to submit a proposal if a appears in the status field. You (the PI) may be able to release it to org, but your AOR will not be able to submit it. If you see it and don't know why then contact NSPIRES help at (202) 479-9376, or by email at nspires-help@nasaprs.com.

For more information see http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/faq.do#prop11