In one sentence, describe what the following article is about:

A good research proposal can take up to six months to complete. Do not wait until several days before the due date to begin. This stage should be performed with 14 to 26 weeks remaining until the deadline.  At 26 weeks, review administrative requirements for the foundations and organizations you plan to submit your proposal to. Double-check due dates and submission requirements. At 23 to 25 weeks, create a one to two page preliminary statement defining your proposed research. If working with an adviser or colleagues, present this short version of your proposal at 23 weeks. Use any feedback you receive to further focus your research in week 22. Research the context, history, and background of your research problem at 21 weeks. At 19 weeks, write a two to three page document exploring questions and possible methodological approaches. Contact experts in the field at 17 weeks to learn about the feasibility and relevance of each potential methodological approach. Continue your research during week 16 and refine your research question by week 14. This portion of your preparation should be completed 13 to 20 weeks before the deadline.  At 20 weeks, identify and contact any relevant sources of information, including experts, archives, and organizations. Begin researching your budget needs by 18 weeks and your protocol process by 14 weeks. Request any necessary transcripts by 13 weeks. This portion should be completed between the 8 and 13 week marks prior to your deadline.  Create a single 5-page document containing your research question, framework, and proposed research design by week 13. Gather any additional data needed to complete a draft during week 12. Reconnect with collaborators and organizations. Determine which will be most helpful. Add the remaining details needed to complete your draft. Use the above guidelines or guidelines provided by the provider of the grant provider. Complete this between weeks 10 and 12. Ask your colleagues or adviser for more feedback by the 9 week mark. Revise your draft at 8 weeks. Create a tentative budget and ask advisers for letters of recommendation. Begin this phase 5 weeks before the deadline and finish several days in advance.  At 5 weeks, review specific requirements addressed by the application and revise your proposal to meet this requirements and incorporate adviser suggestions. Give yourself a break during week 4 to let things settle. Remind your adviser and other faculty about your letters of recommendation during week 3. At 2 weeks, assemble your materials, review your proposal, and finalize your proposal. Ask colleagues to help you copy-edit 10 days in advance. Print your final copy and collect your materials 3 to 4 days in advance. Submit your research proposal 2 to 3 days before the due date.

Summary:
Take several months to prepare your research proposal. Prewrite during Phase Ia. Perform early administrative tasks in Phase Ib. Focus your writing and administration in Phase II. Edit and submit your proposal during Phase II.