Hi Ruth,

USDE has an unwritten policy that you should know about.  If you propose
actual dollars (or the dollar value of faculty time or graduate student
tuition support), then you will be held to that amount.  You will need
to track it and report it.  Even if your award document refers to a cost
share level that is a percentage of the total project cost, USDE will be
looking more closely at the dollar amount in your proposal.... EVEN IF
IT'S MORE THAN THE AWARD DOCUMENT % FIGURE.

I've had several conversations with USDE program managers and grants
officials about this over the years.  Here's how to avoid the trap....

Use language that has a cushion built in when drafting your proposal
budget and narrative.  Don't use the words, "cost share."  For example,
say, "the university will CONTRIBUTE UP TO $XX."   Limit your exposure
when committing tuition dollars too, since a student might take fewer
credits than anticipated.

Good Luck!
Matt

Ruth Tallman wrote:
>
> Good Morning,
>
> I have very little experience with the Dept. of Education.  We have
> support from the program titled "Personnel preparation to improve services
> and results for children with disabilities" from the Office of Special Educ.
> and Rehabilitative Services.  In the past and in a new proposal, our PI's
> are cost-sharing AY time.  I don't see anything in the guidelines regarding
> required cost-sharing.
>
> I need feedback from those with experience with the Dept. of Ed.  Any unwritten
> rules regarding cost-sharing that I wouldn't know about?
>
> Happy Columbus Day!
>
> Ruth
>
> Ruth Tallman
> Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
> Lehigh University
> e-mail: xxxxxx@lehigh.edu
> phone: (610) 758-3024
>
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