Facilities and Administrative (F&A) or Indirect Costs
New F&A Rate - Effective July 1, 2021
Effective July 1, 2021, UNI's federally negotiated facilities and administrative (indirect) cost rate is 35.40% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) for on-campus sponsored projects and 13.40% of MTDC for off-campus projects.
University policy is that facilities and administrative costs are to be included in sponsored program budgets and maximized at the full applicable and allowable rates.
The new rate does not apply to awards received or proposals submitted prior to July 1, 2021.
What are Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs?
Facilities and administrative (F&A) costs are those incurred for common or joint objectives and cannot be identified readily and specifically with a particular sponsored project. F&A costs are also referred to as indirect costs. Generally, examples of F&A costs include:
- Operation and Maintenance of Facilities
- Security and Safety
- Financial and Accounting Services
- Procurement Services
- General Maintenance of University Equipment
- General University and Departmental Administrative Expenses
- Use of Computing Resources
- Library
- Equipment and facilities use allowance (depreciation)
The F&A cost rate (expressed as a percentage) is charged on each sponsored project to reimburse the University. Depending on the particular type of program proposed, the appropriate indirect cost rate is typically applied to Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). Modified Total Direct Costs are calculated as Direct Costs less equipment and capital expenditures, scholarships and fellowships, remitted tuition, rental costs, and the portion of subcontracts in excess of $25,000 (as per the federal code 2 CFR 200.56).
The most important thing to note about facilities and administrative costs is that they are provided to the University as a reimbursement for real historical costs incurred in maintaining the infrastructure for research and sponsored projects.
Therefore, University policy is that F&A costs, along with direct costs, are to be included in sponsored program budgets and maximized at the full applicable and allowable rates.
UNI's Rates
UNI has standard F&A cost rates for on- and off-campus. The standard rates are negotiated and approved by Department of Health and Human Services.
- On-Campus Projects: 35.40% of MTDC
- Off-Campus Projects*: 13.4% of MTDC
* See UNI's Facilities and Administrative Cost Rate Agreement below for definition of "off-campus".
Guidance on Application of Facilities and Administrative Costs (PDF)
F&A Reduction Request Form (PDF - Fillable)
Awards received or proposals submitted prior to July 1, 2021 will apply the rates from the time of submission and approved by sponsoring agencies.