Policy Perspective
COGR One Pager on F&A
The document discusses the structure and significance of costs associated with federally funded academic research, distinguishing between direct costs—such as personnel, supplies, equipment, and travel—and facilities and administrative (F&A) costs, which encompass the operational expenses necessary to maintain research infrastructure and comply with regulatory requirements. F&A, also known
F&A Talking Points
The document addresses concerns raised by federal officials and the media regarding the proportion of National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant funding allocated to indirect, or facilities and administrative (F&A), costs—often referred to as overhead. It clarifies that both direct and indirect costs together represent the full expenses of conducting federally sponsored research. F&A costs
F&A Primer
The document provides a thorough overview of Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs, also known as research operating or indirect costs, within the context of sponsored research at universities. It outlines the distinction between direct costs—such as salaries, lab supplies, and equipment, which are the primary focus of research funding—and F&A costs, which are essential infrastructural
COGR Submits Letter to OMB to Address 2017 Compliance Supplement and Securing Student Information
The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), EDUCAUSE, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), and COGR write to OMB to address a proposed new section to the 2017 Compliance Supplement: Securing Student Information, Student Financial Aid (SFA) Cluster.
COGR Finances White Paper
The June 2014 report “Finances of Research Universities,” prepared by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), analyzes the evolving financial environment of research-intensive universities in the United States. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the key revenue sources and expenditures of these institutions, emphasizing the increasing pressure on non-state funding streams such a
COGR Submits Comments/Questions to NIH on "Single IRB Policy FAQs for Extramural Community"
COGR submits comments and questions to NIH on the document 'NIH Single IRB Policy FAQs for Extramural Community." Comments are indicated in red italic text.
COGR February 2017 Meeting Report Now Available
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) February 2017 meeting report provides an extensive overview of ongoing and emerging issues in the research administration community, focusing on regulatory reform, costing policies, contracts and intellectual property, and research compliance. The report addresses the implications of recently issued executive orders by the Trump Administration, particul
Appendix B Data: 2017 F&A Survey
The Appendix B – Survey Data Sheet details the results of a 2017 survey administered by the Council on Governmental Relations, focusing on institutional practices related to federal rate agreements, clinical trials, and negotiation experiences. Of the 145 institutions responding, 70% were public and 30% private, with a significant majority (89%) designating the Department of Health and Human Servi
2017 Survey of Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Rates Executive Summary
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing 190 leading research universities and institutions conducting over $60 billion in annual research, conducted its 2017 Survey of Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Rates to analyze trends and understandings in the reimbursement of indirect research costs. F&A costs, also referred to as indirect or research operating costs, are es
