I saw a presentation by Prof. Sheldon Jacobson yesterday, and he mentioned following Heilmeier’s Catechism as a criteria for successful NSF proposals. I had not heard of this, so looked it up, and it is worth repeating:
Heilmeier’s Catechism:

A set of questions credited to Heilmeier that anyone proposing a research project or product development effort should be able to answer.

• What are you trying to do? Articulate your objectives using absolutely no jargon.
• How is it done today, and what are the limits of current practice?
• What’s new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful?
• Who cares?
• If you’re successful, what difference will it make?
• What are the risks and the payoffs?
• How much will it cost?
• How long will it take?
• What are the midterm and final “exams” to check for success?

We have an insufficient number of Catechisms dictating the practicalities of academic research.