CAS EXCEPTION JUSTIFICATION TO BE PROVIDED BY THE PI

How does the unique nature of the grant validate the cost being direct charged (rather than to indirect costs; not enough indirect monies available is not a justification)? For example, does the grant require a large mailing, dedicated computers (or software) for scientific processing, books of scientific information

or other items normally considered general in purpose but not in the particular project.

1. What exactly is the item (not just software but what software)? How is the usage of the item tied to the objectives of the science of the project?
2. How can the item provide direct benefit to this project during the life of the award?

Descriptions which say for example “software for simulation” are not sufficient. The description must supply the answers to questions indicated above or an award will not be set up until you do. OPRA is attempting to get these justifications at the proposal stage. If you do not provide enough information and your project is funded it may be held in OSP until they are satisfied with the response. Given the delay time already in getting an account established this would be serious (especially if we don’t know it is being held).

Some OSP negotiators will allow the proposal to go without an acceptable justification but send a request for additional information. This means OPRA and OSP have to hold these proposals out and continually ask for the information until you supply it making for a real possibility of your proposal getting lost in the system.

Please assist the OPRA team by providing the required CAS information along with the budget information.

Note: most sponsors now require a specific description of supply items and travel. Again general answers are not enough. Supplies should detail exactly what you expect to purchase. Travel should describe who is going, why, where, how long and a good guess of the airfare/mileage, lodging and subsistence costs. Equipment items still require a precise description and statement of why it is needed in the project.

If you have questions call someone in the OPRA office, 4-6272.

You can also visit the Office of Sponsored Programs CAS Information Site.

June 30, 2005