At the University of New Hampshire, we had a fringe benefits rate increase
that went into effect on 7/1/95, negotiated just before the start of the
new fiscal year. We applied this rate to all grants and contracts as of
7/1. Most awards have fringe and/or salary increases planned for in out
years. As a result, we believe we had the flexibility to incur the new
rate as a matter of course. Grants also change between status employees,
temps, grads, and student labor, so fringe benefits are not constant. I don't
believe we would ever retroactively increase the charges for prior periods,
even if the rate were applicable so far in the past. The burden of reopening
closed awards would be too great (How would you justify charging one open
grant for a prior period and not another closed one?).
Hope this helps.

Raymond A. Foss
Manager of Asset Management and Cost Analysis
Controller's Office