How do I determine if my project should be classified as either “research”, subject to the Organized Research rate, or “testing”, subject to the Other Sponsored Activities rate?

Question

How do I determine if my project should be classified as either “research”, subject to the Organized Research rate, or “testing”, subject to the Other Sponsored Activities rate?

Answer

A research project typically has the following attributes:

  • The work involves original, creative research and is expected to produce new science or technology.
  • There is substantial involvement of the principal investigator in defining the statement of work.
  • University owns the results of the work.

A testing project typically has the following attributes:

  • Research methods are pre-existing and of a primarily technical nature with no new science or technology being generated.
  • Sponsor designed protocol with no significant input from the principal investigator.
  • No analysis of project results.
  • Sponsor maintains ownership of observational data and results of the testing.

Related Terms

Facilities and Administrative Costs (F&A Costs)