Amy,

Here are some resources that may be of assistance with your Facilities &
Administrative Cost (formerly known as IDC) rate development and negotiation.

1) Besides the DHHS Guide that you mention below, obviously the most
authoritative information source is OMB Circular A-21

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a021/a021.html#exc

2) Also, NACUBO has a fine primer "F&A Rates" course, which includes an
informative workbook

http://www.nacubo.org/professional_development/

3) In addition, the National Assoc. of Coll. Cost Accountants (NACCA) has its
own List-serve which serves as the national communication mechanism on F&A
issues.

http://www.costaccounting.org/

4) Finally, there are consultants who may serve to lead universities during
negotiations.  Many are former federal negotiators.  Although not inexpensive,
such may warrant consideration (i.e., your institutional F&A Proposal includes
a much increased rate).  Please call if you need suggestions.

Regards,
Steve

===========================================

Amy Hibbard wrote:

> Hello all-
> My institution is starting to go through the negotiation process for our
> final rate.  I'm not in charge of the committee (thank goodness!), but I
> would like to offer what help I can.  The hardest part about being
> unfamiliar with this process is that if you don't know what questions to
> ask, you miss out on some very important answers.  Does anyone have any
> suggestions as to what I can read to help me navigate through this process?
> I have the Guide for Colleges and Universities from DHHS, but it reads like
> stereo instructions written in doublespeak.  Help!
> -Amy Hibbard
>
> "All power corrupts, but we need the electricity."
>
> Amy Hibbard
> Grants Administrator
> Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences
> 535 Watson Drive, Claremont, CA 91711
> T: (909) 607-9313 / 607-7855
> F: (909) 607-8086
> xxxxxx@kgi.edu
> www.kgi.edu
>
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