Policy Perspective
F&A Frequently Asked Questions
The document provides an in-depth explanation of Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs—also known as indirect costs—associated with federally sponsored research at U.S. universities. F&A costs are essential for maintaining the infrastructure and administrative support required to conduct high-quality research, including laboratory facilities, data management, compliance with health and
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
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
Research Regulatory Reform: Recent Legislation and the New Administration
The document provides a detailed overview of recent legislative and executive actions impacting federal research regulation as of early 2017, focusing on their implications for regulatory reform in the research sector. It highlights key legislation, notably the 21st Century Cures Act, the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (AICA), and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), each pr
Finances of Research Universities - June 2014
“Finances of Research Universities” describes the financial landscape of research universities and calls for active collaboration among all stakeholders to address financial risks to the research enterprise in a productive manner.
Summary of Changes to the Common Rule
The Council on Governmental Relations provided a detailed overview of the final revisions to the federal Common Rule, which governs the protection of human research subjects, as published in early 2017. The majority of the new regulations take effect on January 19, 2018, with the requirement for single IRB review of multisite cooperative research deferred to January 20, 2020. Significant updates i
Finances of Research Universities Executive Summary June 2014
The executive summary from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) provides an analysis of the financial landscape confronting research universities in the United States, highlighting both challenges and the need for collaborative solutions. The document underscores that research universities, despite conducting over $60 billion in annual research and development activities, are grappling wit
