Sponsored Programs Administration

Are principal investigators and those responsible for sponsored programs administration familiar with Federal OMB Circulars A-21 and A-110?

Ideal Answer: Yes. It is very important that those responsible for sponsored programs administration are familiar with these regulations. OMB Circulars A-21 and A-110 are the federal regulations that govern sponsored programs for higher education. They detail requirements for allowable costs, effort reporting, and other requirements. These Circulars can be located at the Federal Office of Management and Budget website. Please see the Sponsored Programs Administration and Sponsored Programs Accounting websites for other sponsored program information.

Is written approval obtained from federal sponsors prior to reducing effort by more than 25% of what was committed, or when the principal investigator is going to be absent from the project for more than 3 months?

Ideal Answer: Yes. The federal government requires that written approval is requested and granted prior to either of these situations.

Is effort certification based on total university funded effort?

Ideal Answer: Yes. The definition of 100% effort is total university funded effort. This includes all effort required to complete the tasks of one's position, regardless of hours worked per week.