You will need the latest version of the PIPT to prepare and submit your phase I proposal. The PIPT is deployed in various file formats, and the start page of the Web Manager contains a brief description of how to install and launch it. Additionally, you must use the latest versions of the RSS and SALTICAM simulator tools which have been considerably updated.

Your Phase I proposal must be submitted by 24 February 2012 at 18:00 SAST (corresponding to 16:00 UT).

The main items that need to be entered in the PIPT are:

• investigator details
• required observation conditions
• target details (if known)
• instrument(s) and mode(s) required (if known)
• basic description of program and technical justification
• scientific justification & description (optional for some partners, but at least some description will be helpful for Ast Ops when it comes to understanding the program's aims.)
• progress report on previous proposals
• role of PI on the current proposal (SAASTAC only)

All but the last two bulletted points are entered in the respective boxes in the PIPT form, while the last two items must be included in the form as a PDF. This PDF must have at most three pages. We have generated a template in MS-Word and Open Office:

• Word template
• Open Office template

You may also use LaTeX, in which case you need the following document class and template:

• LaTeX document class
• LaTeX template

The document class file must be called saltproposal.cls and must be in a location where it can be found by LaTeX. One option is to put it in the same directory as the LaTeX file you are compiling. Please see your LaTeX documentation for other options.

Please make sure to replace any existing templates and document class files, as there have been changes since the last call for proposals.

A PIPT quickstart guide may be found here.

The PIPT then generates a Phase I proposal document in pdf format, which is what is sent to the respective TACs for assessment, together with summary statistical information (e.g. target coordinate distribution, range of required conditions, etc.). 

Please don't hesitate to contact salthelp(at)salt.ac.za if you need further information.