I am seeking assistance to learn how other institutions handle the situation
where a sponsor wants to limit F&A costs, but will not set a definite limit.
I will use a specific example, but I am interested in the general situation
as well.  I would appreciate any public or private responses, and if there
seems to be sufficient interest, I will summarize responses for the list.

FIPSE is currently soliciting pre-proposals and proposals for a number of
programs.  The published guidelines for those programs indicate that FIPSE
would like to see as low an F&A rate as possible, and they suggest 8% as a
target.  Calls to several people at FIPSE have confirmed their position that
they use 8% as a target, but the FIPSE people are careful not to say that
the 8% is a hard and fast rule for awards.  Further, they have also said
that the rate used for a pre-proposal will not adversely affect the
probability of being invited to submit a full proposal.  The further comment
being that if the reviewers think the amount is out of line, they will say
so in their reviews.

How would you advise your PI's with regard to the F&A rate they should use
in their proposals?  In their pre-proposals?  Do you have an institutional
policy for such situations?

Thank you in advance for any feedback.

Mike

Michael J. Warnock, Director
Sponsored Program Administration
University of Missouri - Columbia
310 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO  65211
ph. 573-882-4329       fax 573-884-4078

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