Exceptions to RIT's Federally Approved F&A Rate

Due to ongoing legal challenges and uncertainty surrounding federal indirect cost (IDC) recovery, the Vice President for Research (VPR) has directed that all proposals strictly comply with the Administrative Policies and Procedures for Externally Sponsored Projects, effective immediately.

Under Section 3.4.3.2 – Reduction of RIT’s Approved F&A Rate:

No reduction in RIT's approved F&A rate should be included in a proposal unless it is required by the sponsor.  If there is such a requirement by the sponsor then the appropriate party (PI and/or Department Head, and Dean) should provide a written justification and seek prior approval in writing from the VPR.  The VPR may consult SPA and approval shall be consistent with Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR 200, Appendix III.

Faculty intending to submit proposals to sponsors with a publicly documented reduced F&A policy must seek preapproval before submission. This preapproval must also include approvals from the PI’s department chair and dean. Requests for preapproval should include documentation of the sponsor’s policy and a brief justification that explains the intellectual merit of the project and its benefit to RIT.

For assistance with the preapproval process or to submit your documentation, please contact:

Maria Cortes, Director of Proposal Development: mccsrs@rit.edu