Sponsored Research News | September 2019
Federal Regulatory Updates
Foreign Interests & Other Support
Congress and US federal agencies have been increasingly concerned about foreign influence on US research. Their primary concerns include diversion of intellectual property and undue influence by other entities through undisclosed resources. Multiple agencies have issued notices about which foreign support and collaborations should be disclosed and how to do this. Find comprehensive guidance on UT's Office of Research Support and Compliance website.

Furthermore, each agency has specifically addressed involvement with foreign talent programs; disclosure of involvement with such programs is necessary and may be prohibited.

University Updates
NCURA Webinar
OSP is pleased to offer campus an NCURA webinar: Financial Compliance: Cost Transfers: Minimizing the Need, Monitoring the Process and Managing the Risk. Cost transfers have come under high scrutiny in recent audits. This webinar will explore the federal requirements surrounding cost transfers and examine how two different institutions have implemented policies to monitor compliance and mitigate the risk associated with these types of transactions. We will discuss ways to ensure all cost transfers are appropriate, timely, and most importantly, sufficiently documented.

Pickle campus
(Wed 9/25, 1PM, WPR Auditorium)

Main campus
(Fri 10/4, 10AM, POB 2.402)

NSF Audit Response Training
OSP will be presenting a workshop in response to the NSF OIG Audit: ( SP2252) Applying Cost Principles and Cost Allocation Methodologies

Understand the source and significance of the Federal Cost Principles. Learn to apply a two-pronged test for allowability. Learn three cost allocation methodologies. Review documentation requirements and retention periods. Review specific items of direct cost.
 
Main Campus
          Fri. 9/6 (10-12) (POB 2.402)
           Mon. 9/9 (10-12) (POB 2.402)
          Thur. 9/19 (9-11) (POB 2.402)

Pickle Campus
            Wed. 9/11 (10-12) (ROC 1.603)

New Cost Allocation Webpage
OSP has published a new Cost Allocation webpage that provides examples of several appropriate methodologies for allocating costs to a sponsored project. The page emphasizes the need to document cost allocations, retain those records for at least seven (7) years following award completion, and also provides best practices for all of us as we implement better cost allocation practices. 

Continuing Education
The Office of Sponsored Projects and other research support units offer educational opportunities on campus each month. Check the OSP Calendar for free on-campus training that is applicable to CRA re-certification. Below are training opportunities that were available last month as well as those coming up in the month ahead.
Learn More
Find the latest Federal regulation and UT Austin policy and procedures related to sponsored research on the OSP News & Alerts page.

Reserve your seat for live-cast webinars and workshops on Research TRACKS (where your research-related continuing education credits are recorded).
Did you miss the last newsletter? View past newsletters on the OSP Website.
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