Charlie,

I'll jump in in the middle:  I ask the investigator to provide a two-part justification.  Part One, why they did the new thing and, Part Two, how they could afford it (what part of the budget was not used and why so that they could spend the money on the new thing).  Nine times out of ten, it makes sense when I receive it.  I also remind them to make sure they cover the change in the reports.

Ruth Tallman
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Lehigh University
xxxxxx@lehigh.edu

Charlie Hathaway wrote:

> The grant probably shouldn't be used for Knicks tickets (unless they are studying dysfunctional families).  But the grant instrument, at least as it is interpreted by most federal agencies, generally provides investigators the freedom to explore new angles that were not included in the proposal's specific aims.  For example, the goal is to learn how a part of the brain works, you initially propose to use electrophysiology, but then decide that immunocytochemistry is a better tool.  Go for it.  If it is too crazy a departure, there will be a response to the yearly project report.  Of course, discussing new idea with program officer before hand is probably advisable.
>
> A grant is something bestowed.  Part of the honor is having someone trust that you are capable, dedicated, and worthy of investment.
>
> Charlie Hathaway
>
> At 03:23 PM 5/20/03 -0400, you wrote:
> >I would appreciate receiving input on how other institutions would handle
> >our situation:
> >
> >      How would you handle a request for reimbursement for an activity that
> >appears to fall outside the scope of work outlined in the grant proposal
> >when the PI says it is related to the research?
> >
> >
> >
> >Lola Saya
> >Post Award Grant Administrator
> >Marist College
> >3399 North Road
> >Poughkeepsie, NY  12601-1387
> >Tel:  845-575-3000 x.2313
> >xxxxxx@marist.edu
> >
> >
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