Waiver Requests

It is the policy that the budget in each proposal for sponsored research or educational service include all costs, direct and F&A. When a faculty or staff member feels there is an extraordinary justification to budget an indirect cost rate at less than the University rate in effect at the time, a waiver may be requested.

Facilities & Administrative Rates FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t see your question? Ask your Contract Administrator. Questions for future FAQ’s can be submitted to: oraweb@umd.edu

Equipment Fabrication

Original memo regarding F&A application to E.F. dated March 7, 2001  effective to 06/30/18

Fabricated Equipment Procedure in place 7/1/18 to 11/4/21

Computer Equipment

An internal waiver of F&A on computer equipment costing between $500 and $4,999 was in place during the period of February 19, 1999 to December 31, 2014.  As of 1/1/2015, the waiver is no longer in effect on all new proposals.

Notice to rescind the Computer Equipment waiver

Original memo regarding F&A application to Computer Equipment dated February 18, 1999

F & A Information Archive Memos

F&A Information Archive Memos

• F&A Rate Agreement dated 06/28/2023
• Application of F&A Rates to Sponsored Projects (10/08/2019)
• Memo of New F&A Rates and Implementation(04/25/2018)
• F&A Rate Agreement dated 05/25/2021

Award Transfer

Since awards are granted to the Institution and not in an individual capacity to the PI, you will need the support of the institution to effect the transfer. Note for newly arriving UMD faculty from other institutions who are transferring awards: Steps should be initiated at your originating institution and your originating Sponsored Research Office should contact ORA well in advance of your arrival. In general, award transfers take on average up to 6 months to complete.

F & A Information

FAQ’s on F&A

For frequently asked questions on F&A, click here.

Cost Share

For those awards subject to OMB A-21 guidance can be found within the Circular on the Office of Management and Budget A21 page. 

Download sample cost sharing worksheet.

UM Cost-Sharing Policy [Replaces VIII-10.40(A)]

Employee Benefits Prior to 7/1/2019

Prior to 7/1/2019 UMD employee benefits were based on the actual costs for each employee and best estimates for budgeting purposes were based on the information below:

Employee Benefits - as of 7/1/2019

When preparing a sponsored project proposal budget, calculations for the sponsor's contribution to employee fringe benefits should be computed using UMD’s approved Fringe Benefit Rates, found on page 3 of the current F&A agreement. Any deficit occurring as a result of underestimating these benefit rates must be covered by transfers from other budget categories in the Grant/Contract or from the departmental/College unrestricted funds.