The document is a comprehensive survey instrument designed to collect detailed data on Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rate calculations from educational institutions, specifically spanning the years 2006 through 2011 and comparing these to rates calculated approximately a decade earlier (FY1997-FY2001). It organizes the data collection around several key areas: historical F&A rates by function (such as on-campus and off-campus research, Department of Defense contracts, instruction, and other sponsored activities); the breakdown of most recent proposed and negotiated rate components—including both administrative and facilities costs; and differences in base amounts and square footage used in F&A calculations over time.
Institutions are instructed to provide both recent and historical calculations using Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC), and to analyze changes in their administrative components, such as general and departmental administration, sponsored project administration, and other relevant areas. The survey requests identification of key drivers for increases or decreases in these rates, including compliance with regulatory requirements, staffing changes, investment in IT infrastructure, effective administrative practices, cost savings, and economies of scale. Additionally, respondents are asked to provide specific examples of administrative practices that have resulted in enhanced efficiency. The intent is to create a longitudinal comparison, supporting both transparency and informed discussion regarding administrative cost structures and the factors influencing their evolution within research institutions.
