At the University of Southern California, subcontract
expenditures are approved by the Department of Contracts and
Grants (our pre-award office).  Equipment is either approved
contractually or requires Administrative Contracting Officer
approval.  Other expenses are approved per the Dean of the
School's discretion; several schools permit P.I.'s to approve
expenses, others approve centrally (in a business office).

Elaine Steward
USC/Information Sciences Institute