Facilities & Administrative Costs

Because the University of Mary Washington does not currently have a federally-negotiated rate for Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs, including these costs in some grant proposals (sometimes referred to as "indirect costs") is sometimes problematic. Some grants will no allow for indirect costs unless the applicant's institution has a federally negotiated rate.

Facilities and Administrative costs are those costs of an institution that are not readily identifiable with a particular project or activity but nevertheless are necessary to the general operation of the institution and the conduct of its activities, such as costs for operating and maintaining buildings and grounds; space and equipment usage; general and departmental administrative expenses; expecses associated with communications infrastructure (network csts); and library expenses.

If it is possible to claim an amount for indirect costs without relying on the federally-negotiated rate, the following guidelines apply:

1. use whatever percentage the sponsoring agency will allow, although in some cases (given the overall budget) you may decide to claim a lower indirect cost rate in the interest of making the project proposal as attractive as possible;

2. if the sponsoring entity has no established policy on indirect costs, use these figures: 30% of all salaries, fringe benefits, and other direct costs on government sponsored grants and contracts, and a rate of 10% of all expenses non-government grant applications where permissible.

As a part of the internal reviewing process, UMW officials will approve the indirect costs proposed as a part of the budget.