Agency Limits on F&A Recovery

The document summarizes recommendations by COGR regarding federal agency limitations on Facilities and Administrative (F&A) cost recovery, emphasizing the need for consistent, fair, and simple enforcement of existing rules. COGR advocates for full reimbursement of negotiated F&A rates on all federally sponsored research, service, and education programs unless explicitly prohibited by statute and opposes arbitrary agency-imposed restrictions, particularly on bulk purchases or high-dollar transactions, urging potential updates to Circular A-21 if problems persist. Through examples, the document highlights the financial impacts of restricted F&A recovery and argues that such limitations lead to inequities, reduced institutional investment, and undermine research productivity.