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<p class=MsoNormal>An OMB-lead “A-21 Task Force” was established
several months ago and COGR has been in regular contact with the Task Force.
The A-21 Task Force is co-chaired by three representatives – one each from
OMB, NIH, and DOD. In total, the Task Force has over ten members and represents
all the major research funding agencies. Our agenda is their agenda – in
other words, many of the recommendations COGR has made over the past six months
are items that the Task Force will address. The only item that has been
specified as not open for discussion is the 26-percent administrative cap. Some
of the issues that the Task Force plans to address include: <o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type=disc>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Reduce the Burden of Effort Reporting <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Allow Direct Charging of Research Administrative
and Compliance Support (i.e., F6b) <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Consistent Application of the 1.3% Utility Cost
Adjustment <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Improve the F&A Rate-Setting Process <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Consistent Implementation of Circular A-21 Across
Agencies (e.g., Reimbursement of the negotiated F&A rate) <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Reduce the Burden of Subrecipient Monitoring <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<p class=MsoNormal>A “Request for Information” (RFI) has been
issued by the Task Force (under the auspices of an NIH RFI). Responses to the
RFI are due on Thursday, July 28, 2011. We understand that the Task Force plans
to sponsor a “Town Hall” meeting prior to the RFI due date. This
will provide the broad community with an opportunity to engage the Task Force
in an open forum. The RFI can be accessed at:<br>
<br>
<a href="http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-11-091.html">http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-11-091.html</a><br>
<br>
A COGR workgroup including members from Costing Polices and RCA are preparing
responses. Our plan is to share a final draft with the membership several days
before the RFI due date. While our responses will emphasize issues related to
Circular A-21, we will call attention to those topics that cross-cut with OMB
Circular A-122 for Non-profit Organizations and the Hospital Cost Principles.
COGR members are encouraged to provide institution-specific responses, and of
course, your institution is always welcome to endorse the COGR response. Also,
we will be strategizing with our association partners from the Association of
American Universities (AAU) and the Association of Public and Land-grant
Universities (APLU) to ensure we provide the most comprehensive and robust
response possible.<br>
<br>
COGR is viewing this process as a realistic opportunity to develop new solutions
and models applicable to a wide-range of vexing research financial and costing
issues. We will provide regular updates to the membership as this process
unfolds. If you have comments or input or an issue that you feel should be
raised to the A-21 Task Force, please contact David Kennedy at <a
href="mailto:dkennedy@cogr.edu">dkennedy@cogr.edu</a>. <br>
<br>
David Kennedy<br>
Director, Cost Policy<br>
1200 New York Ave. NW, #750<br>
Washington, DC 20005<br>
(202) 289-6655, ext. 112<br>
<a href="mailto:dkennedy@cogr.edu">dkennedy@cogr.edu</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
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