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
Joint Association Request to OMB on the Research Policy Board
The letter, jointly submitted by the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), and the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), urges the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to expeditiously implement the Research Policy Board as mandated by Section 2034 of the 21st Century Cures Act. The correspondents, representing over 200 resea
Current Developments - April 2017
The April 2017 Current Developments report from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) provides an extensive overview of key policy, regulatory, and administrative issues affecting research institutions in the United States. Central to this edition is the ongoing challenge to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Facilities and Administrative (F&A) cost reimbursement, in light of both legi
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
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
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
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 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.
