Award Management

Office of Research Services Responsibilities:

• Reviewing, negotiating, and approving terms and conditions for incoming grants and cooperative agreements
• Accepting awards as authorized official (AOR) on behalf of Georgetown University
• Providing assistance with the interpretation of sponsor requirements and federal regulations
• Reviewing and submitting progress reports that require AOR signature

Grant Manager Responsibilities:

• Working with ORS or SPFO serving as a contact for sponsors in consultation with the PI and department business office staff as appropriate
• Approving and managing non-financial post-award activities (i.e., NCE’s, award transfers)
• Ensuring University and sponsor policies, procedures, and processes are followed
• Working with ORS, requesting award/budget amendments and no-cost extensions.
• Working with SPFO to submit invoices, award close-out certifications and to develop standard financial reports.
• Maintaining fiscal oversight and administration including monthly reviews, reconciliations, and standardized reporting and projections for PIs.
• Working with PIs on effort certification, journaling incorrect expenses and meeting with PIs at least quarterly in-person to review projections.
• Reviewing and approving all grant related financial transactions in GMS with the exception of ProCard expenses and payroll expenses. Grant related ProCard and payroll expenses will be reviewed after the transaction is posted.

Principal Investigator Responsibilities:

• Conducting the project in accordance with the proposal and the terms of the award. If it becomes necessary to significantly change the scope of work of the project, the sponsor’s written approval must be obtained.
• Approving the expenses charged to the project cost center. Always use the correct cost center number and account code number when charging an expense to the externally funded project.
• Managing the resources of the project so as to ensure timely and successful completion of the project.
• Filing all appropriate technical reports as required by the award document. One copy of the letter transmitting the technical report should be provided to the ORS for inclusion in the University file for audit compliance.
• Reporting any inventions and or scientific discoveries made during the course of the project to the Office of Technology Commercialization

Many sponsors will not allow you to purchase general-purpose equipment (such as computers, printers, and fax machines) unless it will be used solely for the project. Scientific equipment is generally permitted. If the equipment was not in the original proposal budget, then the PI should check with ORS to make sure it is allowable. Equipment purchases are prohibited in the last few months of an award.

All grant expenses for travel are subject to the University’s travel policy. All travel expenses must be documented as per University’s guidance. Travel is classified as domestic or foreign. Domestic travel includes trips within the U.S., its possessions and territories, and Canada only. However, certain agencies like NSF and NIH now consider travel to Canada as foreign. Domestic and foreign travel should be shown separately. Include transportation costs (coach airfare, Fly America Act compliant), registration fees, accommodation fees, and other related expenses. GSA domestic and U.S. Department of State foreign per diem rates should be consulted and used as a reference for hotel and meals/incidentals. Justifications and identification of the travelers are required for each trip.

Important note: Air travel on federal grants and contracts must be done on U.S. flag carriers.

Many sponsors permit a one year no-cost (without additional funds) extension at the end of the final grant year. If you require an extension, please request one in an email to ORS at researchadmin@georgetown.edu. ORS is responsible for obtaining prior approval when necessary and for reviewing these requests for allowability and supporting documentation.

Extensions can be made for three reasons: 1) to permit an orderly phase-out of a project that will not receive continued support, 2) to maintain continuity of support while a renewal application is under review, and 3) to ensure that the originally approved project is adequately completed. No-cost extensions are not permitted simply to use unexpended funds. After receiving your request, ORS will either complete the request via portal or send a formal extension request to the sponsor depending on the terms and conditions of the award.

• For Sponsored Accounting Policies please visit here
• Georgetown University  Policy 132 provides guidance regarding Cost Sharing for Sponsored Projects
• Human subject incentive fees require the approval of the Georgetown University Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Please work with your department administrator and the Contracts Department to establish an Independent Contract Agreement (ICA) or a purchased services agreement.