If this is at the proposal stage, I don't see any harm with preparing the proposal budget using the federal per diem rate if your institutional rate is lower.   At least you've provided a little cushion if your institutional rates do increase later on.  However, in post award,  you would have to charge the rate based on your institution's policy even though you might have budgeted and been awarded the federal rate.

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org] On Behalf Of Johnny Pham
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 11:08 AM
To: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org
Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] Use of federal per diems for travel reimbursement

Agreed. Also, auditors will audit against your institution's policies before federal policies.

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org] On Behalf Of Spires, Michael
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 11:06 AM
To: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org
Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] Use of federal per diems for travel reimbursement

I wouldn't recommend it. Using the federal per diem rates would pass the reasonability test, but if your institution (as my former employer did) has different rates from the federal ones, to be consistent with other work done there, you should use  your institutional rates.

Michael Spires
Proposal Development Specialist
Office of Sponsored Projects
Smithsonian Institution
Mail: MRC 1205, P. O. Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
Voice: (202) 633-7436
Mobile: (202) 251-4317
Main office: (202) 633-7110
Fax: (202) 633-7119
http://prism.si.edu/osp/FundingSources/ProposalDevelopment/PropDev.html

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org] On Behalf Of Arlene Heredia
Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 16:53
To: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org
Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] Use of federal per diems for travel reimbursement

How about an institution with policies establishing LOWER per diem rates than federal?  Would it be ok to write it up in a proposal as "federally approved per diem rates will be used" (or something to that effect)?

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