Greg Schmidt

GKS Consulting, LLC

703-346-5696

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Good afternoon,

Our institution is developing some training and guidance materials related to the allowability of computer expenses on grant funds. While it is widely understood that computers are considered a general-purpose item and normally not allowed as a direct cost to grants, there may be instances for which a computer can be justified as a direct cost. (for example, a computer purchased for the sole activity of running sophisticated analytical software, with no other purpose or internet connection....or perhaps a laptop for use in the field or remote locations)

How do your institutions manage computer purchases with grant funds? Does your institutional policy dictate that computers are never allowed as a direct cost purchase, even when there might be a technical justification in compliance with A-21 and for which the sponsor would likely allow the purchase?

If not, do you allow the PIs to justify computer purchases on a case-by-case basis? What about computers for Post Docs and Research Assistants?

Any response is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Aedra

Aedra Reynolds
Sr. Manager, Post Award Administration
Office of Research Services & Administration
5219 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-5219
Phone: 541-346-0716
Fax: 541-346-5138
web: http://orsa.uoregon.edu