In regards to the 3 questions concerning fringe benefits pools:

1. The Smithsonian has used a pooled rate for many years.

2. We have two categories of employees: full-time and part-time/intermittent.

3. The rate has been flat until recently.  Retired medical benefits have driven
 up the costs.

I hope this helps.

Nakesha Evale Kemp, Grant/Contract Specialist
Office of Sponsored Projects
Smithsonian Institution
(202) 287-3796  E-mail xxxxxx@SIVM.SI.EDU