Institutions need a comprehensive program to manage their research grants and contracts. Pre- and post-award offices are responsible for activities such as proposal development, review, submission, award receipt, negotiations and fiscal compliance. This requires: 1) a comprehensive strategy for managing research, 2) appropriate policies and procedures, 3) an effective research office infrastructure, 4) integration throughout the organization, 5) and an effective evaluation of the research and operations. The RAM Strategy Group can provide the external expertise needed to evaluate current operations and to make recommendations to improve operations.