Please Note A-21 was replaced with Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles,and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly called "Uniform Guidance") as of December 2014.

Cost Principles for Educational Institutions," a circular published by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that establishes the principles for determining the costs applicable to grants, contracts, and other government agreements with educational institutions (also known as sponsored projects).

Please Note A-110 was replaced with Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles,and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly called "Uniform Guidance") as of December 2014.

Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations" a circular published by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Please Note A-133 was replaced with Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles,and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly called "Uniform Guidance") as of December 2014.

Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations" a circular published by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The mission of the College of Arts and Sciences is to share, transmit and expand knowledge in those areas represented by the Humanities and Natural Sciences, in an intellectually broadening program of study in the liberal arts.

At the undergraduate level, the College offers a wide range of educational opportunities to develop a rich appreciation of the Humanities and the Sciences that enhances the quality of students' lives morally, intellectually and professionally as students prepare to pursue careers and become leaders in society. At the graduate level, students pursue original research or creative activity under faculty guidance. The resulting contributions, together with faculty research, teaching and service, benefit society and expand its knowledge base.

The largest college on campus, Arts and Sciences includes 18 departments; 11 programs and institutes; and about 11,000 students. It awards approximately 2,000 degrees per year.

American Association for the Accreditation of Lab Animal Care - AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs.

A faculty committee charged with reviewing and approving the use of animal subjects in all research projects. The ACUC serves as an institutional compliance committee and is responsible for reviewing reported instances of regulatory noncompliance related to the use of animal subjects in research. See also the IACUC (The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee).

 Authorization to expend funds on a project to a specified limit before the award document has been received from the sponsor.

Air Force Office of Scientific Research - AFOSR continues to expand the horizon of scientific knowledge through its leadership and management of the Air Force's basic research program. As a vital component of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), AFOSR's mission is to support Air Force goals of control and maximum utilization of air, space, and cyberspace.

American Heart Association - AHA has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A shared focus on cardiovascular health unites our more than 33 million volunteers and supporters as well as our more than 3,400 employees.

Arts & Humanities Program Enhancement Grants -  This is a Council on Research and Creativity (CRC) grant designed to facilitate and enhance the productivity of FSU researchers and artists by supporting the creation, production, and dissemination of arts and humanities research and creative activity at any stage of development, including initial or mid-stage project development, presentation or performance, and final publication.

Agency for International Development - Is now known as USAID. The USAID's work advances US national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience.

Costs are considered allocable when they are assignable to the project relative to the benefit received.

Those categories of costs that are allowable as a charge on a grant or contract as determined by the terms and conditions of the award and/or appropriate cost principles. Certain types of costs, such as the cost of alcoholic beverages are not allowable and may not be charged to a contract or grant.

The AMA promotes the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.

The systemic, intensive study directed toward the practical application of knowledge.

Armed Services Procurement Regulations

Issued under the Armed Services Procurement Act, the ASPR established defense procurement regulations and was in effect from 1948 to 1978. 

To find ASPR provisions, search either the CFR or the Federal Register.  The language found in the CFR or the Federal Register will be the same as the ASPR revisions released in print, but will not contain the "Notes Regarding Substantive Changes."  For that information, consult the proper print ASPR edition's revision.

A formal examination of an organization's or individual's accounts or financial situation. An audit may also include examination of compliance with applicable award terms, laws, regulations and policies.

 (1) Signature of the person authorized to commit funds and facilities on grants and contracts. The President and his authorized representative are the only authorized signatures in executing a tendered contract or accepting a grant. The President and Vice President for Research are the authorized institutional officials to sign a proposal on behalf of the University. (2) Signature of those persons authorized to commit project funds. The project director/principal investigator is the authorized signer for his/her own project, and may authorize other persons to commit project funds. All authorized signatures must be specified on a Chart of Accounts/Authorized Signature Action Request form.

AUTM is the non-profit leader in efforts to educate, promote and inspire professionals to support the development of academic research that changes the world and drives innovation forward. Our community is comprised of more than 3,000 members who work in more than 800 universities, research centers, hospitals, businesses and government organizations around the globe.

Funds that have been obligated by a sponsor to FSU for a particular purpose. (I think having project is confusing as we sometimes have multiple projects on one award)

The act of amending the budget by moving funds from one category or line item to another. (See also rebudget).

An announcement of a federal agency's general research interests that invites proposals and specifies the general terms and conditions under which an award may be made.

A systemic, intensive study, the primary aim of which is a fuller knowledge or understanding of the subject under study rather than a practical application thereof.

A type of charitable gift from an individual, received by the nonprofit only upon the death of the donor as documented in the donor’s will or living trust.

The Board oversees the operation and management of the State University System's (SUS) twelve institutions in Florida.

A list of anticipated project costs that represent the Principal Investigator's best estimate of the funds needed to support the work described in a grant or contract proposal.

A written description of the cost estimation methods used in preparing a budget that also explains or describes the types of individual costs that make up a larger budget category.

The interval of time--usually twelve months--into which the project period is divided for budgetary and funding purposes.

Used to describe the group currently referred to as Sponsored Research Administration.

 Center for Advanced Power Systems - is a multidisciplinary research center organized to perform basic and applied research to advance the field of power systems technology. CAPS emphasis is on application to electric utility, defense, and transportation, as well as developing an education program to train the next generation of power systems engineers. The research focuses on electric power systems modeling and simulation, power electronics and machines, control systems, thermal management, cyber-security for power systems, high temperature superconductor characterization and electrical insulation research.

With support from the U.S. Navy, Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the U.S. Department of Energy, CAPS has established a unique test and demonstration facility with one of the largest real-time digital power systems simulators along with 5 MW AC and DC test beds for hardware in the loop simulation. The center is supported by a research team comprised of dedicated and highly skilled researchers, scientists, faculty, engineers, and students, recruited from across the globe, with strong representation from both the academic/research community and industry.

Federally mandated accounting standards intended to ensure uniformity in budgeting, accounting and reporting project costs. See also Cost Accounting Standards Board for more information.

Housed on the Institution Prior Approval Form, an approved CAS Exemption allows for costs normally treated as indirect costs to be charged as direct costs if they are allocable, allowable, and reasonable.

 Effective January 1, 2002, the FedBizOpps (FBO) database has replaced the Commerce Business Daily (CBD). This new FBO/CBD database is identical to the old CBD format. NEPAC has successfully completed this transition and will continue to service our clients with the most up-to-date and comprehensive federal procurement information available. For more information call: 800-932-7761 or 516-629-3262, or email us at: online@cbdweb.com

CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.

CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish our mission, CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.

Unspent costs from a particular budget year that can be spent within another budget year. Carryforward may or may not require agency approval.

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) annual edition is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government. It is divided into 50 titles that represent broad areas subject to Federal regulation. The 50 subject matter titles contain one or more individual volumes, which are updated once each calendar year, on a staggered basis. The annual update cycle is as follows: titles 1-16 are revised as of January 1; titles 17-27 are revised as of April 1; titles 28-41 are revised as of July 1; and titles 42-50 are revised as of October 1. Each title is divided into chapters, which usually bear the name of the issuing agency. Each chapter is further subdivided into parts that cover specific regulatory areas. Large parts may be subdivided into subparts. All parts are organized in sections, and most citations to the CFR refer to material at the section level.

A grant that provides moneys in response to moneys from other sources, usually according to a formula. A challenge grant may, for example, offer two dollars for every one that is obtained from a fund drive. The grant usually has a fixed upper limit, and may have a challenge minimum below which no grant will be made. This form of grant is fairly common in the arts, humanities, and some other fields, but is less common in the sciences. A challenge grant differs from a matching grant in at least one important respect: The amount of money that the recipient organization realizes from a challenge grant may vary widely, depending upon how successful that organization is in meeting the challenge. Matching grants usually award a clearly defined amount and require that a specified sum be obtained before any award is made.

A written order signed by the contracting officer, outlining specific changes to a contract. The change order directs the contractor to make changes as ordered. The changes clause of the contract authorizes the contracting officer to issue change orders without the consent of the contractor.

The act of completing all internal procedures (financial and programmatic) and sponsor requirements to terminate or complete a research project.

The Committee on Faculty Research Support (COFRS) program provides faculty with summer salary (or allowable research related expenses - see budget section below) to assist with research and creative endeavors that encourage external funding.  The COFRS program is different than the special program for First Year Assistant Professors (FYAPs), though they have many similarities. 

The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) is an association of research universities, affiliated medical centers, and independent research institutes.

COGR was founded in 1948, with the  primary function of advocating for policies and practices that fairly reflect the mutual interests and separate obligations of federal agencies and research institutions as it relates to research and graduate education.  They do this by providing information, analyses, advice, policy perspective, and historical context to members and by making certain that federal agencies understand academic operations and the impact of proposed regulations on research institutions.   

COGR holds three meetings each year to keep its membership informed of any and all issues facing research institutions today.

A web server containing information about scientific expertise, funded scientific research, and funding opportunities for research.

Proposals (for ongoing projects) that must compete again if the term of the original award has expired.

Situations in which employees use their positions for purposes that are, or give the appearance of being, motivated by a desire for private gain for themselves or others, such as those with whom they have family, business or other ties.

Group of collaborative investigators/institutions; arrangement can be formalized with specified terms and conditions.

A mechanism for procurement of a product or service with specific obligations for both sponsor and recipient. Typically, a research topic and the methods for conducting the research are specified in detail by the sponsor, although some sponsors award contracts in response to unsolicited proposals.

A sponsor's designated individual who is officially responsible for the business management aspects of a particular contract. The contracting officer is responsible for all business management matters associated with the review, negotiation, award, and administration of a contract and interprets the associated administration policies, regulations, and provisions. (For definition of scientific officer, see Program/Project Officer.)

An intangible, incorporeal right granted by statute to an author or originator of certain literary or artistic productions, where he/she is invested, for a limited period, with the sole and exclusive privilege of multiplying copies of the same and publishing and selling them. Works of authorship include literary, musical or dramatic works, works of art, motion pictures or video tapes, audio recordings or computer programs.

An award similar to a grant, but in which the sponsor's staff may be actively involved in proposal preparation, and anticipates having substantial involvement in research activities once the award has been made.

A general term used as a noun or adjective that can describe virtually any type of arrangement in which more than one party supports research, equipment acquisition, demonstration projects, programs, or institutions. Example: A university receives a grant for a project estimated to have a total cost of $100,000. The sponsor agrees to pay 75% ($75,000) and the university agrees to pay 25% ($25,000). The $25,000 is the cost-sharing component.

University and nonfederal sponsor resources provided in support of sponsored programs; includes contributed effort and matching funds.  Cost-sharing contributions must meet the following criteria:  verifiability in University records; contributions are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and necessary to accomplish the scope of work; shared costs are not also used for other projects; and shared costs are identifiable in the proposal budget or justification.

A contract/grant for which the sponsor pays for the full costs incurred in the conduct of the work up to an agreed-upon amount. These projects are billed based on expenditures on a monthly or quarterly basis.

A contract/grant for which the sponsor pays for the full cost incurred up to an agreed-upon amount based on a fixed billing schedule.  These projects are billed based on the fixed billing schedule, but at the end of the award any unspent funds, based on expenditures, will be returned to the sponsor.

The Council on Research & Creativity (CRC) is a major faculty committee appointed by the Vice President for Research.  In addition to coordinating and administering various funding programs outlined on their website, the CRC also advises the VP Research on matters of research policy and overhead income distribution. The Council on Research & Creativity (CRC) is a major faculty committee appointed by the Vice President for Research.  In addition to coordinating and administering the programs outlined on this website, the CRC also advises the VP Research on matters of research policy and overhead income distribution.  The membership list, meeting dates, and detailed program information are posted in the side navigation links. 

A statewide compendium of state projects that provide financial assistance to nonstate entities. The primary purpose of the catalog is to assist users obtaining general information on state projects and identifying state projects that meet specific objectives

Information to which access or distribution controls have been applied to protect confidential and sensitive information that is maintained in the various spheres of University activities.

The source regulations for research projects sponsored by the Department of Defense.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has held to a singular and enduring mission to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security.

he Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) provides audit and financial advisory services to Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal entities responsible for acquisition and contract administration. DCAA operates under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer.

The result of expenditures exceeding the project funds available.

The systemic use of scientific knowledge directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems or methods, including design and development of prototypes and processes.

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is administered by the Department of Defense (DoD). The DFARS implements and supplements the FAR. The DFARS contains requirements of law, DoD-wide policies, delegations of FAR authorities, deviations from FAR requirements, and policies/procedures that have a significant effect on the public. The DFARS should be read in conjunction with the primary set of rules in the FAR. See also the suggested search for "Government Contracts."

It is the mission of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans. They fulfill that mission by providing for effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social services.

Clearly identifiable costs related to a specific project. General categories of direct costs include but are not limited to salaries and wages, fringe benefits, tuition, supplies, contractual services, travel and communication, equipment, and computer use.

Also known as a Component Unit, these non-profit organizations operate exclusively to provide the University with additional resources from other sources. Ex: FSURF, FSUF, FSU Boosters, Ringling Museum, COB Investment Fund, etc.

 Department of Defense (includes Air Force, Army, ARPA, and Navy)

The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.

Departmental Online Journal Entries (DOLs) are used primarily to adjust the ledger for already recorded transactions. This provides flexibility for University departments to authorize various interdepartmental transactions unique to the University and make corrections to the General Ledger as necessary. It is preferred that these forms be routed and ultimately submitted to General Accounting electronically.

The form can be found at the link below in Accounting and Reporting Forms section of the Controller's website.

Departmental Online Ledger /Journal Entry Form

Transfer of equipment, money, goods, services, or property with or without specifications as to its use. Sometimes donation is used to designate contributions that are made with more specific intent than is usually the case with a gift, but the two terms are often used interchangeably. 

The mission of the Department is to ensure our nation has the safest, most efficient and modern transportation system in the world; that improves the quality of life for all American people and communities, from rural to urban, and increases the productivity and competitiveness of American workers and businesses.

The Division of Research Grants (DRG) has been renamed the Center for Scientific Review. The name change highlights the fact that the Center is the focal point at NIH for the conduct of peer review, and thus, more accurately reflects the mission of the organization. Establishment of the Center is designed to signal a broadening of the mission to include new emphasis on the development and implementation of innovative and flexible ways to conduct referral and review for all aspects of science.

A unique nine digit identification number for each physical location of a business. The federal government uses the DUNS number to track how federal money is allocated. 

Used to submit and review Federal Financial Conflict of Interest Disclosure/Certification Form

The amount of time, generally expressed as a percentage of the time that a faculty or staff member spends on a sponsored project. No employee is allowed to spend more than 100% total time on all academic activities, including grant-funded projects, teaching, administration, advising and other duties

A purchase order, payroll commitment, or other contingent liability that is chargeable to an account but has not yet been paid out. Once the charge is paid out, the encumbrance gets released and an expense is created.

An endowment is a fund, often established by a charitable gift from a donor (individual, corporation or foundation), in which the revenue is invested by the nonprofit into an income-generating account. With some exceptions allowed by FUPMIFA, only the interest generated is spent, preserving the original amount of the gift (the “principal” or “corpus”). Boards/nonprofit leadership such as Presidents/Deans may also invest funds into an income-generating account and refer to it as an endowment; in that instance, the corpus may be spent as governed by FUPMIFA and the nonprofit’s governing bylaws.

Born in the wake of elevated concern about environmental pollution, EPA was established on December 2, 1970 to consolidate in one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection. Since its inception, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.

Process used for the payment of all travel expenses, including card purchases, and reimbursement to the traveler for out of pocket expenses.

Providing information and resources to help applicants and grantees navigate eRA systems during the grants lifecycle, as well as help reviewers during the application review process.

An electronic form in OMNI HR used to change the funding source of an individual employee’s payroll charges for a prior pay period that has already posted to the General Ledger.

Expenditure Transfer Journal

The date signifying the end of the performance period, as indicated on the Notice of Grant Award.

An additional period of time authorized by the sponsor (or awardee institution, as appropriate) to an organization for the completion of work on an approved grant or contract. An extension allows previously allocated funds to be spent after the original expiration date.

Also know as indirect costs, costs that are incurred for common or joint objectives and, therefore, cannot be identified readily and specifically with a particular sponsored project, an instructional activity, or any other institutional activity. General categories of F&A include general administration (accounting, payroll, purchasing, etc.), sponsored research administration, plant operation and maintenance, library expenses, departmental administration expenses, depreciation or use allowance for buildings and equipment, and student administration and services. There are 4 "bases" on which to calculate F&A: MTDC, TDC, SLFR and N/A.

The Federal Aviation Administration is a governmental body of the United States with powers to regulate all aspects of civil aviation in that nation as well as over its surrounding international waters.

The official compilation of administrative rules for the state of Florida legally promulgated by the Florida Department of State.

FACET is Florida State University's official employee activity reporting system. It tracks employee "effort" in order to document how various types of funds are used to support university personnel activities. Effort reporting is required for compliance with federal and state regulations governing sponsored research and other activities at the University.

The Facts Sheet contains all pertinent institutional related data and information for proposal preparation and budgeting.

FAIN (Federal Award Identification Number) is the unique identifying number assigned to all federal finance awards. Since October of 2013, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has required all Federal Agencies to issue a FAIN to all financial assistance awards or grants.

The Funding Agency Travel (FAT) program supports faculty traveling to meet one-on-one with program managers or representatives of funding agencies.  These meetings must be directly related to a faculty member’s program of research or creative activity for which they have yet to receive external funding. 

The FAR is the primary regulation for use by all Federal Executive agencies in their acquisition of supplies and services with appropriated funds.

Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) means a Significant Financial Interest (or, where the Institutional Official requires disclosure of other Financial Interests, a Financial Interest) that the Institution reasonably determines could directly and significantly affect the design, conduct or reporting of PHS-funded research.

The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

FDA also has responsibility for regulating the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products to protect the public health and to reduce tobacco use by minors.

FDA is responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medical products more effective, safer, and more affordable and by helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medical products and foods to maintain and improve their health.

FDA also plays a significant role in the Nation's counterterrorism capability. FDA fulfills this responsibility by ensuring the security of the food supply and by fostering development of medical products to respond to deliberate and naturally emerging public health threats.

A cooperative effort between a number of universities and federal agencies to increase research productivity by eliminating unnecessary administrative procedures and by streamlining and standardizing needed controls.

On-line federal database serving most federal agencies for on-line searches.

The Internal Revenue Service assigns this nine-digit figure (format: XX-XXXXXXX) to track a business's tax-related activities. Also known as Employer Identification Numbers, tax ID numbers and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

Requires information about Federal awards to be posted on a single, searchable website (USAspending.gov) that is open for public access.

The Fogarty International Center is dedicated to advancing the mission of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by supporting and facilitating global health research conducted by U.S. and international investigators, building partnerships between health research institutions in the U.S. and abroad, and training the next generation of scientists to address global health needs.

The final technical or financial report required by the sponsor to complete a research project.

Any twelve-month period for which annual accounts are kept. The federal government's fiscal year is October 1 through September 30. FSU and the State of Florida’s fiscal year is July 1 through June 30.

A contract/grant for which the sponsor has set 2 different billing mechanisms within the same contract.  Due to the difference in billing mechanisms two projects will be set up: one project will be set up as a Fixed-Price (FP), the other a Cost-Reimbursement (CRB).

 A contract/grant for which one party pays the other party a predetermined price, regardless of actual costs, for services rendered or the delivery of a final product/report. Quite often this is a fee-for-service agreement.  These projects are billed based on completion of deliverables.

A Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is the publicly available document that contains all the official information (e.g., goals, deadline, eligibility, reporting) about a federal grant.

Since 1967, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions which protect interests such as personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement.

The FOIA also requires agencies to proactively post online certain categories of information, including frequently requested records. As Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court have all recognized, the FOIA is a vital part of our democracy.

The Office of Federal Relations works with Members of Congress, committee staff, and executive branch agencies to increase knowledge of and generate support for FSU priorities. We also coordinate with the higher education community to advocate for issues of shared interest, such as increased research and student aid funding.

The Office of Federal Relations is located in Washington, D.C. However, the Director of Federal Relations visits campus monthly to meet with faculty, staff, students and Tallahassee-based congressional staff.

Employee benefits paid by the employer. (e.g., FICA, Worker's Compensation, Withholding Tax, Insurance, etc.)

 The University’s fundraising and private support programs accounted for and reported separately by the Foundation. The Foundation revenues include unrestricted and restricted gifts and grants, rental income, and investment income. The Foundation expenses include scholarship distributions to students and departmental faculty, staff development support, various memorials and class projects, departmental research, and administrative costs of the Foundation’s development program.

Established to promote and assist the research and training activities of the University through income from private sources using private funds (contracts, grants, and other sources) including income derived from the development and commercialization of the University’s work products. FSURF is a not-for-profit corporation and direct-support organization of Florida State University. 

Identifies the source of monies that are used in a transaction. They are a three digit numerical code, and often have different restrictions and reporting requirements.

 Range of time during which proposals are accepted, reviewed, and funds are awarded. If a sponsor has standing proposal review committees (or boards) that meet at specified times during the year, application deadlines are set to correspond with those meetings. For some sponsors, if proposals are received too late to be considered in the current funding cycle, they may be held over for the next review meeting (i.e., National Science Foundation's Target Dates).

The Florida Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (FUPMIFA) is the regulation covering investment securities held by a Florida 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. FUPMIFA also provides guidelines to govern the use of donor-established endowment funds.

The First Year Assistant Professor (FYAP) award program provides assistant professors in their first year at FSU the opportunity to submit a funding proposal, simulating the external funding process.  Applicants are to submit well-written, competitive proposals that clearly indicate a planned effort to establish or continue an ongoing program of research or creative activity at FSU.  The CRC members will review the proposals and provide feedback.  Proposals will either (a) be approved for funding, (b) returned for rewriting followed by a second review, or (c) denied for funding.  The funding is intended to provide summer salary and/or support for project-related expenses incurred during the summer.  The FYAP program does not permit Co-PIs.

A legal document given to the intended organization that indicates an award has been made and that funds may be requested from the designated HHS payment system or office.

GAP was established in 2006 by the FSU Research Foundation as a funding mechanism to help FSU researchers transfer their work from the laboratory into the commercial market. GAP is a competitive process that asks FSU researchers to document the current status of one of their projects and assess what further efforts and results it would take to make that project a possible commercial success. The winners of the GAP grant will be those researchers who can most clearly identify the commercial viability of a product, process or license that they believe will come from their efforts.Grant Assistance Program

Equipment that can be utilized for activities other than the specific, technical, specialized activities supported by a grant or contract. Examples include office equipment and furniture, reproduction equipment, motor vehicles and data processing equipment.

A searchable expertise profile system that contains profiles and/or curriculum vitae of investigators who choose to make their profiles public (the default is private). These profiles can be used by SMARTS and also will be used during later phases of PennERA (Protocol and Proposal Development).

Gifts provide funding with few or no conditions specified. Gifts may be provided to establish an endowment or to provide current support for new or existing programs. Frequently, gifts are used to support developing programs for which other funding is not available. Gifts are defined by FSU Policy 7A-32 and are handled by the Florida State University Foundation. Funds received (directly or pass through) from any governmental source (federal, state, local or otherwise) are administered by Sponsored Research Administration and are not considered gifts. All foreign or private funding (corporate or nonprofit) that does not meet the definition of a gift are administered by the Florida State University Research Foundation.

A sponsor's designated individual who is officially responsible for the business management aspects of a particular grant or cooperative agreement. The grants officer is responsible for all business management matters associated with the review, negotiation, award, and administration of a grant or contract and interprets the associated administration policies regulations, and provisions (For definition of scientific officer, see Program/Project Officer.).

A type of financial assistance awarded to an organization for the conduct of research or other program as specified in an approved proposal. A grant, as opposed to a cooperative agreement, is used whenever the awarding office anticipates no substantial programmatic involvement with the recipient during the performance of the activities.

GSA provides centralized procurement for the federal government, offering billions of dollars worth of products, services, and facilities that federal agencies need to serve the public.

GSA’s acquisition solutions supply federal purchasers with cost-effective high-quality products and services from commercial vendors. GSA helps federal agencies build and acquire office space, products and other workspace services, and oversees the preservation of historic federal properties. Its policies covering travel, property and management practices promote efficient government operations.

Human Subjects Committee is know as the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

The Mission of the FSU Human Subjects Office (HSO) & Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to protect the welfare of human subjects participants by complying with the federal regulations governing the protection of human subjects, and facilitating the research efforts of FSU faculty, students and staff.

A faculty committee charged with reviewing and approving the use of biologically hazardous substances in all research projects. The IBC serves as an institutional compliance committee and is responsible for reviewing reported instances of regulatory noncompliance related to biosafety issues in research.

Indirect costs, also known as F&A or overhead, are those costs that have been incurred for common or joint objectives and cannot be readily identified with a particular final cost objective. Therefore an indirect cost rate is established and applied as a percentage to appropriate expense account codes.

Journal entries used to record the sale of goods and/or services between two FSU departments.

iEdison (which stands for Interagency Edison) helps government grantees and contractors comply with a federal law, the Bayh-Dole Act. Bayh-Dole regulations require that government funded inventions be reported to the federal agency who made the award.

iEdison is interagency because it provides a single interface for grantees and contractors to interact with any participating agency.

iEdison makes it easy to learn about the law and its regulations and report an invention or patent funded by any of the agencies listed on the right.

A solicitation issued to prospective bidders. An IFB describes what is required and how the bidders will be evaluated. Award is based on the lowest bid. Negotiations are not conducted.

Types of institutions that offer post-high school level of education, such as college-level courses, which include career and technical colleges, vocational schools, trade schools, and other career colleges that award academic degrees or professional certifications.

The Model Inter-Institutional Agreement (Model IIA) was developed by a broad group of research institutions to create a template as a common starting point for IIA negotiations in circumstances where two or more patent co-owners do not otherwise have a history of jointly managing patents together or an agreed starting point.

A method of funding grants and contracts that provides specific spending limits below the total estimated costs. Each increment is, in essence, a funding action.

The rate, expressed as a percentage of a base amount (MTDC or TDC), established by negotiation with the cognizant federal agency on the basis of the institution's projected costs for the year and distributed as prescribed in 2 CFR 200. The indirect cost rate is charged on a set of direct costs known as an indirect cost base.

Contributions or assistance in a form other than money. Equipment, materials, or services of recognized value that are offered in lieu of cash.

Any process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, or design, or any new or useful improvement thereof, and any variety of plant which is or may be patentable under the patent laws of the United States.

A proposal submitted to a sponsor that is not in response to an RFP, RFA, or a specific program announcement.

Is a faculty committee charged with reviewing and approving the use of human subjects in all research projects. The IRB serves as an institutional compliance committee and is responsible for reviewing reported instances of regulatory noncompliance related to the use of human subjects in research.

Also know as HSC (Human Subjects Committee).

With more than 50,000 students, faculty and staff, Florida State University (FSU) houses an abundance of critical and sensitive information. The safeguarding of this data and the technical infrastructure behind it is vital to the continued viability and success of the university.

The Information Security and Privacy Office (ISPO), which operates as a division of Information Technology Services and reports to the Chief Information Officer and Provost, is dedicated to its mission to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of FSU data and to protect the privacy of the information entrusted to our university. Our team does this by focusing on the following key areas:

• Policy
• Training and Outreach
• Risk Management
• Operations and Incident Management
• Survivability

Personnel considered to be of primary importance to the successful conduct of a research project. The term usually applies to the senior members of the project staff; however, sponsors may have differing definitions of Key Personnel.

Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR), a service entity of the Florida State University Office of Research, is responsible for care of all vertebrate animals used in teaching and research across the University. Laboratory Animal Resources is dedicated to advancing the teaching and research missions of the University by maintaining exemplary standards of animal care and providing exceptional support in the use of laboratory animals.

FSU adheres to the highest standards of animal care and maintains an Assurance with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare and is a United States Department of Agriculture registered research facility. The FSU Animal Care and Use Program has been continuously accredited by AAALAC International since 2002.

In Limited Submission Programs, the sponsor restricts the number of applications or proposals a campus can submit. The guidelines for these programs require institutions to screen pre-proposals or nominations to determine which applications will be submitted for competition.

A budget that lists the cost of personnel participating in a project as well as itemizes the costs for all other budgeted categories such as travel, supplies, equipment, etc. Itemization may be required in varying degrees of detail.

This type of contract documents a legal agreement between two parties. It puts the terms of the agreement in writing as a means of resolving later disputes that may arise. Oral contracts are sometimes enforceable, but creating a letter of agreement strengthens the legality of the contract in question. A valid letter of agreement is the same as a valid contract.

A payment mechanism that allows the institution to request a wire transfer of cash from the federal sponsor’s treasury account in order to recoup the costs of the research projects supported by that sponsor. These projects are billed based on expenditures on a weekly basis.

A grant that requires a specified portion of the cost of a supported item of equipment or project be obtained from other sources. The required match may be more or less than the amount of the grant. Some matching grants require that the additional funds be obtained from sources outside the recipient organization. Many matching grants are paid in installments, the payments coinciding with the attainment of pre-specified levels of additional funding. (Also see Challenge Grant.) Matching grants are very common in the sciences, especially for equipment. They are standard practice in some government agencies.

The Multidisciplinary Support (MDS) program supports the initial formation of multidisciplinary FSU alliances planning research and creative activity.  The proposal must describe how the initial joint efforts will result in new programs of research or creative activity that will lead to external funding, and how FSU will benefit from the establishment of new multidisciplinary research and creative projects.

Fabrication, plagiarism, falsification or destruction of data, or other practices that seriously deviate from those that are commonly accepted within the scientific community for proposing, conducting, or reporting research. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data.

 A sponsor's stated purpose, which is designed to address a specified set of problems. Almost all federal research agencies are designated as mission agencies.

Is a formal agreement between two or more parties. Companies and organizations can use MOUs to establish official partnerships. MOUs are not legally binding but they carry a degree of seriousness and mutual respect, stronger than a gentlemen's agreement.

An award document that modifies any aspect of an existing award other than those named above. Example: Carryover approvals, adding or deleting special terms and conditions, changes in funding levels (including NSF's Research Experience for Undergraduates, NIH's Minority Supplement, DOD's ASSERT Programs), administrative changes initiated by the agency, extensions that include changes in terms, change of principal investigator, etc.

FSU’s negotiated indirect cost rate is calculated on a MTDC base. Modified total direct costs, consisting of all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). Modified total direct costs shall exclude equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) is a membership organization representing more than 1,900 colleges and universities across the country.

NACUBO specifically represents chief business and financial officers through advocacy efforts, community service, and professional development activities. The association's mission is to advance the economic viability, business practices and support for higher education institutions in fulfillment of their missions.

A private, non-profit society of distinguished scholars. Established by an Act of Congress, signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the NAS is charged with providing independent, objective advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology. Scientists are elected by their peers to membership in the NAS for outstanding contributions to research. The NAS is committed to furthering science in America, and its members are active contributors to the international scientific community.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the United States Federal Government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA was established in 1958, succeeding the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) was established originally as the National Center for Human Genome Research in 1989 to lead the International Human Genome Project. NHGRI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the nation’s medical research agency. The Human Genome Project, which had as its primary goal the sequencing of the 3 billion DNA letters that make up the human genetic instruction book, was successfully completed in April 2003. Since completion of the Human Genome Project, NHGRI has funded and conducted research to uncover the role that the genome plays in human health and disease.

Although cancer has plagued the world for centuries, it was not until the early 1900s that people came together to create prominent cancer advocacy associations worldwide and to develop national cancer legislation in the United States.  In March of 1930, the Senate Commerce Committee heard the testimony of leading cancer researchers, advocates, and other cancer specialists. They told stories of cancer incidence in the United States, explained possible cures, and expressed the need for a national clinic. Since then, multiple legislative acts and amendments have broadened the role of NCI in supporting and improving cancer research.

The National Center for Research Resources was a center within the National Institutes of Health a United States government agency. NCRR provided funding to laboratory scientists and researchers for facilities and tools in the goal of curing and treating diseases.

A No-Cost Extension (NCTE) provides an extension beyond the expiration end date of the award. Sometimes these are needed to allow the principal investigator (PI) to finalize a project. As the phrase suggests, the sponsor grants additional time to meet the milestones, but provides no additional funding.

NCURA advances the profession of research administration through education and professional development programs, the sharing of knowledge and experiences, and the fostering a diverse, collegial, and respected global community.

Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the NEA supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more about NEA.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent federal agency created in 1965. It is one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States.

Because democracy demands wisdom, NEH serves and strengthens our republic by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans. The Endowment accomplishes this mission by awarding grants for top-rated proposals examined by panels of independent, external reviewers.

NEH grants typically go to cultural institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges, universities, public television, and radio stations, and to individual scholars. The grants:

• strengthen teaching and learning in schools and colleges
• facilitate research and original scholarship
• provide opportunities for lifelong learning
• preserve and provide access to cultural and educational resources
• strengthen the institutional base of the humanities

NEI was established on August 16, 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Public Law 90-489. The new NIH institute was the first government organization solely dedicated to research on human visual diseases and disorders. NEI officially began operations on December 26, 1968, and the National Advisory Eye Council met for the first time on April 3, 1969.

An award not previously awarded or a renewal or continuation award treated as a new award by the sponsor and given a new agency number.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides global leadership for a research, training, and education program to promote the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood disorders and enhance the health of all individuals so that they can live longer and more fulfilling lives.

NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. NIA is the primary Federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer's disease research.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is one of the 27 institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIAAA supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being. It is the largest funder of alcohol research in the world.

The  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases traces its origins to a small laboratory established in 1887 at the Marine Hospital on Staten Island, New York.

In mid-1948, the National Institute of Health became the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the creation of several individual institutes. Later that year, the Rocky Mountain Laboratory and the Biologics Control Laboratory joined the NIH Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Tropical Diseases to form the National Microbiological Institute. Dr.Victor Haas was the Institute's first director. In 1955, Congress changed the name of the National Microbiological Institute to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to reflect the inclusion of allergy and immunologic research.

The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.

NICHD was founded in 1962 to investigate human development throughout the entire life process, with a focus on understanding disabilities and important events that occur during pregnancy.

Since then, research conducted and funded by NICHD has helped save lives, improve wellbeing, and reduce societal costs associated with illness and disability.

NICHD’s mission is to lead research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents, and optimize abilities for all.

NIDA's mission is to advance science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health.
 
This involves:

• Strategically supporting and conducting basic and clinical research on drug use (including nicotine), its consequences, and the underlying neurobiological, behavioral, and social mechanisms involved.
• Ensuring the effective translation, implementation, and dissemination of scientific research findings to improve the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders and enhance public awareness of addiction as a brain disorder.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conducts and supports research in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language.

NIDDK research creates knowledge about and treatments for diseases that are among the most chronic, costly, and consequential for patients, their families, and the Nation.

The mission of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is to discover how the environment affects people in order to promote healthier lives.

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) supports basic research that increases our understanding of biological processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. NIGMS-funded scientists investigate how living systems work at a range of levels from molecules and cells to tissues and organs, in research organisms, humans, and populations. Additionally, to ensure the vitality and continued productivity of the research enterprise, NIGMS provides leadership in training the next generation of scientists, in enhancing the diversity of the scientific workforce, and in developing research capacity throughout the country.

NIH’s mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is an Institute within the National Institutes of Health that aims to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.

The mission of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) is to promote and improve the health of individuals, families, and communities. To achieve this mission, NINR supports and conducts clinical and basic research and research training on health and illness, research that spans and integrates the behavioral and biological sciences, and that develops the scientific basis for clinical practice. From premature infants in neonatal intensive care units, to adolescents living with diabetes, to elderly cancer survivors coping with pain, nursing research develops the science to help people strengthen the quality of their lives. Nursing science transcends the boundaries of disease and research disciplines to better understand the experiences of individuals and families living with illness and to develop personalized approaches that maximize health and well-being for individuals at all stages of life, across diverse populations and settings. NINR’s scientific programs encompass the following topics: symptom science, wellness, self-management of chronic conditions, end-of-life and palliative care, innovative technologies, and training nurse scientists.

The Library started as a shelf of books in the Surgeon General’s office in 1836 but has grown to a collection of millions of print and electronic resources.

The National Library of Medicine took its place on the NIH campus in 1962, on the wooded site of a former golf course. Designed to protect the collection from possible Cold War threats, the building features foot-thick limestone walls, over 50 miles of subterranean bookshelves and a collapsible roof. The computer era has blossomed here, with the establishment of the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications in 1968, the creation of MEDLINE in the 1970s, the establishment of the National Center for Biotechnology Information in 1988, the introduction of free MEDLINE in 1997, the creation of consumer-friendly MedlinePlus in 1998, and the introduction of ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed Central in 2000, among other developments. Meanwhile, the collection has grown dramatically and with it the number of interlibrary loan requests filled. NLM now partners with over 20 nations and has expanded its outreach efforts to consumers and health professionals around the globe.

Notice of Action

A continuation proposal reports on progress made during a portion of the project period and requests continuation funding for the next portion of the project period. Continuation proposals do not compete with new project proposals and are not subjected to peer review beyond the initial project approval.

The legally binding document that serves as a notification to the recipient that a grant or cooperative agreement has been made and includes the terms of the award and obligates sponsor funds.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..." NSF is vital because they support basic research and people to create knowledge that transforms the future. This type of support:

• Is a primary driver of the U.S. economy.
• Enhances the nation's security.
• Advances knowledge to sustain global leadership.

With an annual budget of $8.1 billion (FY 2019), they are the funding source for approximately 24 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by America's colleges and universities. In many fields such as mathematics, computer science and the social sciences, NSF is the major source of federal backing

Oracle Business Intelligence Suite Enterprise Edition Plus

Money spent to either purchase a capital asset or to extend the useful life of a capital asset costing $5000 or more with a life expectancy of one year or more. FSU depreciates these capital assets using the straight-line basis over the appropriate useful life. Also referred to as Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE), Fixed Assets (FA) or Capital Expenditures (CAPEX).

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) in the Office of Management and Budget plays a central role in shaping the policies and practices federal agencies use to acquire the goods and services they need to carry out their responsibilities. OFPP was established by Congress in 1974 to provide overall direction for government-wide procurement policies, regulations and procedures and to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in acquisition processes. OFPP is headed by an Administrator who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

A means by which the University recoups a portion of the expenses borne by central offices (e.g., the Controller’s Office, Human Resources, Inspector General Services) in support of other activities.

The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) was created in June 2000 to lead the Department of Health and Human Services’ efforts to protect human subjects in biomedical and behavioral research and to provide leadership for all federal agencies that conduct or support human subjects research under the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, also known as the Common Rule.  OHRP replaced the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR), which was created in 1972 and was part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  In June 2000, HHS established the National Human Research Protections Advisory Committee (NHRPAC) to provide HHS with expert advice and recommendations on human subject protections matters.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) serves the President of the United States in overseeing the implementation of his vision across the Executive Branch. Specifically, OMB’s mission is to assist the President in meeting his policy, budget, management and regulatory objectives and to fulfill the agency’s statutory responsibilities.

Please Note OMB regulatory circulars were replaced with Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles,and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly called "Uniform Guidance") as of December 2014.

Regulatory circulars issued by the Office of Management & Budget (OMB). Definitions included in OMB Circulars A-21, 110, 122, 128 and 133.

OMNI is the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implemented to best meet Florida State University’s financial and human resource administration needs.

Established on August 1, 1946 and authorized under Public Law 588, the Office of Naval Research has been a pioneer in the public support of science and technology research that benefits both the naval services and the nation. From investments in the earliest computers to spearheading seminal research in deep sea exploration to cultivating groundbreaking efforts in solid-state electronics and countless other innovations, ONR has been shaping the Navy and Marine Corps — and the world around us — for seven decades and counting.

Organizational Prior Approval System

Office for Protection from Research Risks was replaced with the Office for Human Research Protections (OhRP) in June 2000.

Is a resource for Florida State University faculty seeking grant support for research and creative activity. ORD offers a wide range of services and resources, as well as workshop and training opportunities for faculty who are new to grant seeking and grant writing. ORD also assists faculty with funding searches via the Pivot funding opportunity database, and provides special assistance for large and multi-disciplinary proposals. 

Research activities that the University budgets and accounts for separately. This includes all extramurally funded programs in the Sponsored Research and Development Trust Fund.

The mission of the Office of Research Compliance Programs (ORCP)is to ensure University compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding research. The ORCP is responsible for the development, oversight and monitoring of the research compliance program for Florida State University.

The Florida State University Office of Research is the administrative arm that supports these researchers in their scientific and creative endeavors. Managing on average more than $200 million in research awards from state, federal and private sources, the Office of Research staff focuses its efforts on helping faculty move their work forward at every stage of the research process from identifying potential funding opportunities to protecting intellectual property to identifying potential industry partners. 

The Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) is comprised of documents relating to the Foundation's proposal and award process for the assistance programs of NSF. The PAPPG, in conjunction with the applicable standard award conditions incorporated by reference in the award², serves as the Foundation’s implementation of 2 CFR § 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. If the PAPPG and NSF Grant Conditions are silent on a specific area covered by 2 CFR § 200, the requirements specified in 2 CFR § 200 must be followed.

Florida Statutes require the development of a 3 year plan and a 5 year plan for fixed capital outlay expenditures. The 5 year plan is an expenditure plan which includes all university needs for the next five years, and does not take funding limitations into consideration. The 3 year plan does take funding into consideration, so the two plans can be quite different. The Board of Regents (BOR) calls for the annual submission of the university's budget request (usually in May). The Campus Development and Space Committee (CDSC) develops a recommended 5 year plan and submits its recommendation to the President. Once approved by the President, the request is submitted to the BOR staff. The BOR staff combines the requests from the ten State University System (SUS) institutions and prepares a systemwide 3 year plan and a 5 year plan for the review of the Council of Presidents. The presidents meet and make their recommendations to the Regents. The 3 year plan approved by the Regents becomes the State University System legislative budget request.

A system using reviewers who are the professional equals of the principal investigator or a program director who is to be responsible for directing or conducting the proposed project. It is a form of objective review. Peer review is legislatively mandated in some programs and in other programs is administratively required.

The Planning Grant (PG) program provides seed funding for a new direction or continuing early support of existing research or creative activity.  It is expected that the Principal Investigator will use the materials/data developed with the PG to eventually obtain external support for the continuation of his or her efforts.

Public Health Service A division of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and contains eight out of the department's eleven operating divisions such as NIH, CDC, FDA, etc.

Non-Competing Continuation Progress Report

Grant Application

The individual responsible for the conduct of research or other activity, described in a proposal for an award. The Principal Investigator is responsible for all programmatic and administrative aspects of a project or program.

Personally identifiable information (PII) is any data that could potentially identify a specific individual. Any information that can be used to distinguish one person from another and can be used for deanonymizing anonymous data can be considered PII.

In the event a PI leaves FSU and would like to take an award to her or his new institution, the PI’s chair and dean must approve of the award leaving with the PI. Remember, awards are made to FSU, not the individual PI. Each sponsor has different requirements. Check with your Grants Officer to determine what your sponsor requires.

When new faculty members are hired to work at FSU and have research funding they want to bring with them, there a few items that will need to be addressed.  The faculty member will need to have a letter from the University releasing the funds to FSU as well as permission from the agency that awarded the project. Each agency will have different requirements, the faculty will need start the transfer process with universities as soon as possible.

Expenses authorized for employees based abroad to provide additional compensation for services as a recruitment and retention tool. When the allowance is authorized, the employee's base salary is increased accordingly.

The total time for which support of a project has been programmatically approved. A project period may consist of one or more budget periods.

A competitive solicitation for research, development and related projects in a specified area of interest.

A brief description, usually 2-10 pages, of research plans and estimated budget that is sometimes submitted to determine the interest of a particular sponsor prior to submission of a formal proposal. Also termed Preliminary Proposal.

The requirement for written documentation of permission to use project funds for purposes not in the approved budget, or to change aspects of the program from those originally planned and approved. Prior approval must be obtained before the performance of the act that requires such approval under the terms of the agreement.

A score derived from the rating given a research proposal by each member on a review committee. It is used to help determine which approved proposals will be granted awards, based on funds available.

 Describes existence of a research opportunity. It may describe new or expanded interest in a particular extramural program or be a reminder of a continuing interest in an extramural program.

Sponsor's designated official responsible for the technical, scientific, or programmatic aspects of a particular grant, cooperative agreement, or contract. Serving as the counterpart to the PI/project director of the grantee/contractor organization, the program/project officer works with the grantee/contractor organization staff to assure programmatic progress.

Periodic, scheduled reports required by the sponsor summarizing research progress to date. Technical, fiscal, and invention reports may be required.

An application for funding that contains all information necessary to describe project plans, staff capabilities, and funds requested. Formal proposals are officially approved and submitted by an organization in the name of a PI.

Also know as a "Transmittal", an internal routing form used at FSU for securing institutional approvals prior to submitting a proposal to a sponsor for funding consideration.

Florida State University’s Office of Research is implementing a new system called Research Administration Management Portal (RAMP). This is an exciting change for the university that will create one comprehensive system for the management of grant proposals, ACUC and IRB protocols, contract negotiations, subcontracts, and export control information.  It will allow FSU researchers and administrators the ability to obtain grant-related information they need in one system.  It will also provide the ability to seamlessly route proposals internally to Sponsored Research Administration as well as electronic proposal submission to sponsors (where available). In addition, the system provides the functionality to submit ACUC and IRB protocols electronically. 

Certain Federal funding agencies have adopted requirements for training on the responsible conduct of research for certain individuals supported by or participating in projects funded by those agencies. 

he correction or change to the funding source of an individual employee’s payroll charges for a prior pay period. See the 4-OP-D-2-E Payroll policy and the RDF Form.

The act of amending the budget by moving funds from one category or line item to another.

Short for "regulations."

The contractual rules and procedures governing sponsored research projects.​

Failure to adhere to regulations, policies, procedures or special conditions related to the conduct of research. Examples of such noncompliance include, but are not limited to, failure to obtain/maintain approval for research; coercion of human subjects; performing unapproved procedures; and conducting research at unapproved sites.

Applicable to grants and cooperative agreements only. A competitively reviewed proposal requesting additional funds extending the scope of work beyond the current project period.

Investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories in the light of new facts, or the application of such new or revise.

 A modified and resubmitted request for funding for a project that was previously not funded either because it was denied by the sponsor or withdrawn by the principal investigator.

 Announcements that indicate the availability of funds for a topic of specific interest to a sponsor. Proposals submitted in response to RFAs generally result in the award of a grant. Specific grant announcements may be published in the Federal Register and/or specific sponsor publications.

Announcements that specify a topic of research, methods to be used, product to be delivered, and appropriate applicants sought. Proposals submitted in response to RFPs generally result in the award of a contract. Notices of federal RFPs are published in the Commerce Business Daily.

A formal request to vendors for a price quotation on equipment or supplies to be purchased.

Payments made to employees of the institution for work performed.

Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

Agency administered programs supported by ear-marked federal funds, making grants to small business entities.

The description of the work to be performed and completed on a research project.

Professional personnel who are responsible for the scientific or technical direction of project.

The Small Grants Program (SGP) program provides funding to assist faculty with the completion of a project for which other funding sources are not available.

A special type of award, often limited to a beginning researcher. Typically, such an award may be obtained for one year only.

SPIN Matching And Researcher Transmittal System

Equipment that is generally usable only for research, medical, scientific, or technical activities.

An on-line search system available by subscription for research opportunities developed by the InfoEd.

The organization or entity that funds a research project.

Research conducted by University employees using any University space, facilities, materials, equipment, or property, and which is financed by contract payments, grants, or gifts from any source other than the University's funds.

Sponsored Research Administration (SRA), a unit under the purview of the Vice President for Research, is responsible for pre- and post-award functions of the university for awards with U.S. public funding (federal, state, and local governments) and U.S. public funding that is flowed through private organizations.

Those funds received for earned overhead (indirect costs) and distributed to University schools/colleges, departments or institutes to support the research activity of the University. 

SRAS was merged with SRS to form one unit, Sponsored Research Administration.

SRAS was a unit of the Division of Sponsored Research reporting to the Vice President for Administrative and Business Services. SRAS was the campus office responsible for financial oversight of extramural funds, for receiving actual contract and grant moneys, preparing monthly ledgers, submitting invoices, and for submitting official financial reports related to extramural awards.

SRS was merged with SRAS to form one unit, Sponsored Research Administration.

SRS is a unit of the Division of Sponsored Research reporting to the Vice President for Research. SRS staff are responsible for reviewing and submitting contract and grant proposals, accepting grants, and negotiating contracts for extramurally-funded research, training, and public service projects. SRS staff act as FSU's institutional official in matters involving the sponsor's awarding office. SRS is also responsible for post-award activities, such as approving certain actions delegated to the campus by sponsors, obtaining sponsor approvals as required, resolving problems that arise during the project period, reviewing consultant agreements, and assuring compliance with University and sponsor policies and regulations. SRS staff write and execute subcontracts with other institutions for performance of a portion of the scope of work under contracts and grants awarded to the University. Working with the FSU Research Foundation, SRS coordinates proposal and award activity involving non-public funding.

The United States Social Security Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits.

A payment made to an individual under a fellowship or training grant in accordance with pre-established levels to provide for the individual's living expenses during the period of training.

Grant applications and/or programs to fund small business "teamed" with research institutions.

Also known as a subagreement or subcontract is an agreement issued by a pass-through entity (PTE) under its Prime Award to another organization(Subrecipient), setting forth the terms and conditions to carry out part of the award received by the pass-through entity. 

A non-Federal entity that receives a subaward from a pass-through entity to carry out part of a Federal program, but does not include an individual that is a beneficiary of such program. (§ 200.93)

A request to the sponsor for additional funds for an ongoing project during the previously approved performance period. A supplemental proposal may result from increased costs, modifications in design, or a desire to add a closely related component to the ongoing project.

The Board of Governors for the State University System of Florida has placed strong emphasis on the role of research among its 12 institutions. Florida's place as the third largest state in the U.S., its unique environment, and its diverse and growing population demand solutions to the state's future challenges. SUS research has been stepping in to better position itself to respond to those challenges and to leverage the weight of the System to provide Floridians with the research solutions it needs. In addition, state universities partner across the state and with business and industry to conduct research that addresses Florida's needs. The system is a leader in the state and nation in innovation, turning research into technology and products.

Rules by which one must agree to abide in order to use a service.

Unique tracking numbers assigned to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or Requests for Applications (RFAs) to correspond with applications submitted to the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). Tracking Applications

An agreement between two or more parties to participate in a research project or teaching activity.

Recorded information, regardless of form or characteristic, of a scientific or technical nature. Often referred to as the "science" of a proposal.

All legal requirements imposed on an agreement by the sponsor, whether by statute, regulation(s), or terms in the award document. The terms of an agreement may include both standard and special provisions that are considered necessary to protect the sponsor's interests.

A legally binding document authorizing work and appropriating funds as a supplement to a basic contract or master agreement.

An alternate indirect cost base which burdens most expenses with F&A with the exception of tuition depending on the sponsor.

The total allowable direct and indirect costs incurred by the institution to carry out an approved project or activity.

A WWW service initially developed by the Texas Research Administrators Group providing funding opportunity searches, agency form templates, links to research administration home pages, etc.

Task Work Order

Committee appointed by the President of the University to advise and consult on budgetary matters pertaining to the implementation of FSU's mission and priorities.

Unallowable costs are specific categories of costs that cannot be charged, directly or indirectly, to federally sponsored agreements in accordance with Federal regulations.

Researchers often collaborate on research or share research tools with other scientists or institutions without receiving funding. For many unfunded collaborations, a formal agreement is beneficial or necessary. Non-financial agreements set out expectations, terms, and requirements that protect the interests of the investigators and the participating organizations. 

An award made by a sponsor to an organization without considering competitive proposals. Unilateral awards are most often made when unsolicited proposals receive favorable treatment.

Moneys with no requirements or restrictions as to use or disposition. Grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements are considered to be restricted funds, while gifts are usually considered unrestricted funds.

Proposals submitted to a sponsor that are not in response to an RFP, RFA, or program announcement. 

USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.

USDA has a vision to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve our Nation's natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.

The United States Information Agency (USIA) is a foreign affairs agency in the executive branch of the U.S. government. The agency is responsible for explaining and supporting U.S. foreign policy, interests, and values abroad through diplomatic posts known as the U.S. Information Service (USIS), exchange activities such as the Fulbright and International Visitor programs, information programs, and international broadcasting. In April 1997 the Clinton administration announced a plan to integrate the USIA into the State Department in response to congressional Republican pressure to streamline U.S. foreign policy bureaucracy. Under this plan the USIA is scheduled to be officially embodied with the State Department by October 1, 1999.

The VA's mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans.

The VA's vision is to provide veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned - and to do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and stewardship.

Veterans Administration Hospital