Facilities & Administrative Costs of Research: One Pager

The document emphasizes the essential role of Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs—also known as indirect costs—in supporting federally funded research in the United States. It outlines how F&A reimbursements enable research institutions to maintain necessary infrastructure, comply with regulations, and ensure the safe and effective conduct of innovative research, ultimately benefiting public health, economic growth, and national security. The text warns that reductions in F&A reimbursements would undermine scientific progress and U.S. competitiveness, as federal support has declined over time while research institutions increasingly shoulder a larger share of the financial burden, making continued and adequate reimbursement critical for sustaining American innovation.