Good discussion….

If he/she was required to be on a plane for 3 months to conduct research, I would say yes.  He is going out to sea for 3 months where these things may not be available and his work is requires him to be at sea. 

His sea sickness is a personal condition.  I don’t see how it could be considered grant-related.  If he needed it to fly on a plane for travel to a grant-related conference, would you consider it an allowable cost under the grant then?

I would think that’s its grant related because he’s not going out to see for any other purpose (I hope) than the grant.  If the medication benefits his field work, for the period of his field work and would otherwise not be required than I would say it’s allowable.  His “precondition” of seasickness, if you will, is not relevant in my opinion.  

My thoughts:  The PI knew that he had motion sickness before going out to sea.. He would probably have purchased this medication if he went out to see for other reasons other than the grant. So, this doesn’t appear to be a grant related costs or a problem brought on during the course of the grant or caused  by the grant..  This appears more of a personal costs which would be deemed unallowable.

Good afternoon,

In my opinion, I would think that it would be reasonable to charge to the project given that he will be at sea for 3 months and not likely to have access to such drugs due to remoteness.  It is allocable since it is for the PI and for specifically this project.  This is definitely an unusual circumstance and not the norm which I think could be a valid justification for charging to the project.   Normally, you may not allow it.  If anyone has a good justification it is this PI.

A-21 J16.  Employee morale, health, and welfare costs and costs.

1. The costs of employee information publications, health or first-aid clinics and/or infirmaries, recreational activities, employee counseling services, and any other expenses incurred in accordance with the institution's established practice or custom for the improvement of working conditions, employer-employee relations, employee morale, and employee performance are allowable.
    

In our VT DS-2 statement, it says that “the principal types of materials and supplies charged directly to sponsored agreements and other direct costs include lab supplies (e.g., chemicals, glassware, drugs, etc.), books and periodicals (when explicitly required by the project), minor equipment items, uniforms, software and supplies, photographic supplies, and tools. 

In my opinion, because of the nature and remoteness of his work it is reasonable to allow this. 

We recently had a PI request reimbursement on a grant for $200 of medication to prevent sea  sickness since he would have been on a boat for three months.  I was wondering if you consider this an allowable expense.  Thanks in advance for your responses.

Franca Cirelli

Assistant Director,

Sponsored Projects

70 Lower College Road

Kingston, RI 02881

Phone: 401-874-5891

Fax: 401-874-4272

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