New AI Tool Improves OSPA’s Account Setup Timeline

January, 28, 2026: OSPA, in partnership with Research Information Services (RIS), has launched an AI-enabled tool to streamline award receipt and account setup for select sponsors, including Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), NSF and USDA. The tool automatically identifies eligible award notices from a shared mailbox, captures key award information, initiates the account setup process within OSPA’s database, and uploads standard pieces of data from the award notice into the database.

By reducing manual processing and data entry, this approach allows Research Administrators to begin account creation more quickly and efficiently. For faculty, this means faster access to project accounts, earlier availability of funds and the ability to start research activities sooner. OSPA and RIS will continue to enhance this tool and expand it to additional sponsors over time to improve service and support for the research community.