Tim:

I would send an inquiry to your general counsel seeking clarification of
how the funds received through the Expert Center are treated tax-wise.

If the monies incoming through the Expert Center are subject to UBIT,
then the business activity is not central to the non-profit enterprise
of your institution - which clearly excludes it from being under the
conceptual umbrella of sponsored research and subject to T&E reporting,
etc.

Good luck! Madison

Madison Gray, J.D., C.R.A.
Assistant Director, Contract Management
Division of Sponsored Research
Vanderbilt University

email: xxxxxx@vanderbilt.edu
phone: 615-343-1374

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@hrinet.org] On
Behalf Of Tim Atkinson
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 12:56 PM
To: xxxxxx@hrinet.org
Subject: [RESADM-L] "Service Centers"

Dear Fellow Res Admins,

Bear with me as I ask questions that may seem a bit naive for such an
experienced group. But let's give it a go shall we?

Let's say (hypothetically, of course) an outside company is interested
in your university's "Center for Expert Area", because you can provide
Expert Area services to the company based on faculty expertise (some
faculty are Ph.D.s in expert area).

Allow me to add more details and context: The nature of the service is
to analyze, evaluate and/or report. The head of Center didn't write a
proposal, research design is not required, no programmatic
deliverables etc are due other than data or answers to the question.

Finally, let's say the activity equates to and is perceived as hanging
a shingle outside the building that says "Expert Area Services For
Sale", and the customers and clients show up. Basically, I have a
calculator; you ask me what is 2+2; I send you the "4"; You pay me.
Transaction ends.

First question: Is this a Sponsored Program? Second, how does this
affect time and effort?

Given the current climate of compliance, I am inclined to be
conservative and make this hit time and effort reporting and add all
the other bells and whistles.

However, is that taking it too far? Is this "outside activity" that
skips the typical practice of sponsored programs?

I expect I know the answers, but I am not always right. At the same
time,  I am always encouraged by your collective input. Attachments
welcome!

I would appreciate some insight into this.

Thanks
Tim

---
Tim Atkinson Ed.D.
Assistant Provost and Director
Sponsored Programs
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035
501-450-3451

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 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including
 subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
 via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists")
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