Joint Associations Group (JAG) Release of Recommendations of the JAG Subject Matter Experts Group Informational Webinar

The Joint Associations Group (JAG) convened an informational webinar to present and discuss two provisional models (the Fiscal Accountability in Research—FAIR—Models) for funding indirect research costs in U.S. research institutions, developed by a team of subject matter experts in response to persistent criticisms of the current federal Facilities & Administration (F&A) reimbursement system. These proposed models—one focusing on fixed, project-modified percentage reimbursements (Model #1), and the other on project-specific, resource-based cost allocations with a simplified option for smaller institutions (Model #2)—aim to increase transparency, accountability, and administrative efficiency for both federal agencies and research organizations. The document outlines the rationale, detailed features, perceived benefits, and limitations of each model, and seeks broad community engagement and institutional feedback to inform final recommendations and a harmonized approach to federal indirect cost funding.