Board of Regents Policies 3.4

Subject: GRANTS AND CONTRACTS

Date Adopted: June 22, 1987

Reference: Minute Book: 38 Page 16-18

GENERAL

Murray State University has three primary missions: teaching, research, and service. Externally funded projects (Grants and Contracts) contribute significantly to these missions, especially to research and service. Efforts on the part of faculty and staff for obtaining external funding are encouraged and supported by the University.

It should be noted that grants and contracts which use Murray State University personnel, equipment, or facilities are accepted in the name of the University. Individual faculty or staff members may not apply for or accept grants or contracts in the name of the University. The President is the only University official authorized to approve proposals for submission to potential sponsors, accept grants, or sign contracts on behalf of the University.

The most common source of funds for these research projects is the federal government. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars A-21 ("Cost Principles for College and Universities") and A-110 ("Financial Management System Requirements for Recipients of Federal Funds") require that recipients of federally funded projects establish certain policies and procedures to be applied consistently to all funds (federal, state, local, and private) for the University. These policies and procedures relate to personnel costs, procurement of goods and services, accounting policies and practices, travel, and other matters.

Upon accepting federal grant or contact dollars the recipient institution must establish a Financial Management system that controls the receipt of expenditure of all funds similarly. Accepting this condition means that the institution will be unable to establish separate accounting procedures or practices for funds derived from different sources.

Although the following policies and procedures are designed for the specific purpose of complying with OMB A-21 and OMB A-110 and they must be adhered to consistently, they also represent sound personnel and administrative procedures. THese procedures have been a part of higher education administration at most colleges since the inception of OMB A-110 and A-21 almost a decade ago. Therefore, the policies and procedures will receive University-wide application.

Any questions or requests for necessary forms should be directed to the Office of Grants Development or to the Grants and Contracts Accountant (Office of Accounting and Financial Services).