If the F&A rate changes between the time of proposal and award or during the course of a project, which F&A rate should be used?

Answer

The F&A rate used in the proposal budget will be honored upon award if the F&A rate increases prior to award. In instances when the rate has decreased by time of award, the university will use the rate in effect at award issuance. Once awarded, the F&A rate remains fixed for the life (competitive segment) of the award including the subsequent supplemental increments of funding (Supplement) on the same award. Continuations are requests to increase funding on the current scope of work but extend the period of performance. Renewals are a request to initiate a new sponsored project that is related to the existing award. If the renewal is funded, it will result in a new award number and a new period of performance. Continuations and renewal proposals should use the rate in effect at the time of submission.