I've seen this TRIO scam run several times, had an audit and that auditor said NO and we fired the director (who had been doing other interesting things.  Even if it's OK, what' the educational benefit?  How does it help a first generation SES person succeed in college?  They aren't at summer camp.

It's a stupid idea.

Spanky

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org] On Behalf Of Christine Hempowicz
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 11:57 AM
To: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org
Subject: [RESADM-L] Question about allowable cost

I have been asked to poll my colleagues regarding allowability of a cost, as per OMB Circular A-21. (I'm sure the costs are not allowable, but your input is valuable.)

"J.17. Entertainment costs. Cost of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any costs directly associated with such costs (such as tickets to shows or sports events, meals, lodging, rentals, transportation, and gratuities) are unallowable."

Please let me know if you think that (1) tickets and (2) transportation to an amusement park, for a TRIO program that serves middle and high-school students, are allowable costs for use of federal funds under OMB Circular A-21.

Thank you very much.

Christine Hempowicz, Ed.D.
Director, Office of Sponsored Research
University of Bridgeport
Wahlstrom Library, Room 716
xxxxxx@bridgeport.edu
(203) 576-4973

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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.healthresearch.org (click on the
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