My understanding of the NSF regulations are that equipment is titled to the
university at the time of purchase. Therefore, you have great flexibility in
disposing of the equipment through normal university practice. In your case,
where the grant has long since ended, there is no reporting requirement. You
may transfer ownership to other faculty for departed faculty or allow the
equipment to move with the faculty, whichever is university policy. We have
done both at different times. If the equipment were bought on an active
grant and the faculty member PI was leaving the institution, it is likely that
equipment would move with them, following the research. Hope this helps.
Raymond A. Foss
Manager of Asset Management and Cost Analysis
Office of Sponsored Research
University of New Hampshire
(603) 862-3466
(603) 862-3564 FAX