Types of award
How a project is categorized has ramification for administration, including application of F&A rates, WBS numbering in SAP, and institutional reporting. Awards at UNMC are generally categorized as follows:
RESEARCH (per Uniform Guidance)
Research and Development means all research activities, both basic and applied, and all development activities that are performed by non-Federal entities. The term research also includes activities involving the training of individuals in research techniques where such activities utilize the same facilities as other research and development activities and where such activities are not included in the instruction function. "Research" is defined as a systematic study directed toward fuller scientific knowledge or understanding of the subject studied. "Development" is the systematic use of knowledge and understanding gained from research directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods, including design and development of prototypes and processes.
INSTRUCTION (per Uniform Guidance)
Instruction means the teaching and training activities of an institution. Except for research training as provided in subsection b, this term includes all teaching and training activities, whether they are offered for credits toward a degree or certificate or on a non-credit basis, and whether they are offered through regular academic departments or separate divisions, such as a summer school division or an extension division. Also considered part of this major function are departmental research, and, where agreed to, university research.
PUBLIC SERVICE (otherwise fits UNMC's mission)
To lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.
Award Document Types
Award documents are generally categorized as follows:
- Grant: Financial assistance for the conduct of a program in which the sponsor anticipates no substantial programmatic involvement
- Cooperative agreement: Financial assistance for the conduct of a program in which the sponsor will have substantial programmatic involvement
- Contract: Mechanism for procurement of a product or service with specific obligations
How a project is categorized has ramification for administration and negotiation of terms and conditions.
Award Review
To accept external funding, UNMC must agree to the sponsor’s terms and conditions for spending funds, conducting the project, and reporting on outcomes. Careful review of the sponsor’s requirements is needed to ensure UNMC can meet them.
Note: Some sponsors require an applicant at the time of application to agree to accept their terms and conditions, should an award be made.
Award Acceptance
Once SPAdmin has determined that the award terms and conditions are acceptable, UNMC accepts the award, by signing an agreement and accessing funds (e.g., cashing a check).
Authorized Official
The Director of SPAdmin is the official signature authority for sponsored project agreements. If the Director is unavailable, other UNMC personnel are authorized to sign on the Director’s behalf.
Documentation and notification of project requirements
UNMC uses “checklists” and “halfsheets” to communicate between offices about new projects and changes to existing projects.
Checklists are used when the award amount is being changed:
- New project set-up
- Non-competing continuations
- Supplements
- Renewals
- Closeouts with adjustments
Halfsheets are used if the award amount is not being changed:
- No-cost extension
- Rebudgeting
- Approval to charge administrative costs directly to a project
- Subcontract-out being executed
- Subcontract-out being modified
- Closeouts with no adjustments
Once SPAdmin and SPAcctng have completed award set-up or modification, departments can access the checklist and halfsheets in ADIS.