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FAQ’S

How do I start a proposal?
How do I get help with technical editing of my proposal?
What are F&A costs?
What is the audited F&A rate for Research? Other Sponsored Activity?
What does MTDC mean?
Does the original F&A rate ever change during the life of a project?
What does cost sharing mean?
I’ve received a contract. What do I do now?
How do I start a subcontract?
I’ve received notice that my proposal has been awarded. What do I do now?
Under what circumstances should an advanced account be requested?
How do I request a budget revision?

How do I start a proposal?
Please complete and submit the Submitting A Proposal form and attach any documentation or info that is helpful.

How do I get help with technical editing of my proposal?
This service is unavailable at this time.  Please check with the Office of External Funding if this is something you would like to discuss.

What are F&A costs?
“Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs are those that are incurred for common or joint objectives and therefore cannot be identified readily and specifically with a particular sponsored project, an instructional activity, or any other institutional activity.”*

F&A costs are real costs that are incurred in the conduct of research or service activity but which cannot be specifically identified with the project. Thus, F&A costs cannot be waived, but in fact, must be cost shared.
*OMB Circular A-21 Cost Principles for Educational Institutions. Revised August 8, 2000

What is the audited F&A rate for Research? Public Service? Instruction?
Research on campus rate is 51%; off campus rate is 26%.
Public Service on campus rate is 38%; off campus rate is 26%.
Instruction on campus rates are 53% for research; off campus is 26%.

What does MTDC mean?
Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) is a figure used in calculating facilities and administrative costs (F&A). It equals the direct costs of a project less equipment costs over $5,000, tuition, real estate rental, patient care costs, and subcontracts over $25,000.

Does the original F&A rate ever change during the life of a project?
The rate used is the audited rate in effect at the beginning of the project. It does not change throughout the life of the project even if the audited rate does change.

What does cost sharing mean?
Investment in the project by the applicant. There can be both direct cost/cost sharing and indirect cost/cost sharing. Both types can be mandatory, required, or voluntary.
–‘Mandatory’ means that the agency specifies the amount to be shared by the applicant.
–‘Required’ means that the agency requires sharing by the applicant, but does not set the amount.
–‘Voluntary’ means the agency does not require or specify any amount to be shared by the applicant.

The type of cost sharing used for a proposal must be indicated in the budget and in Cayuse SP proposal for correct accounting throughout the life of the project.

I’ve received a contract. What do I do now?
Do not sign the contract. Please forward to Division of Research Administration for review and processing.

How do I start a subcontract?
Please notify Subawards in the Division of Research Administration with as much information as you have. A Coordinator will work with the proposed subcontractor to prepare the subcontract. For additional information on sub-award, please click here.

I’ve received notice that my proposal has been awarded. What do I do now?
Please forward the notice to Division of Research Administration for processing and account set up.

Under what circumstances should an advanced account be requested?
If you are reasonably certain that your proposal will be funded and you intend to begin work on the project, you should request an advanced account. You should not work on the project until an advanced account is set up. Email the Office of External Funding with the WBS Element request form, GL budget and Research and Compliance form completed.

How do I request a budget revision?
Please email all requests for budget revisions to your department accounting person and CEHHS External Funding office. The Award Action Form will need to be completed along with the Budget Change Form.