Revision Date: August 1, 2021
Responsible Office: URA
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This document provides responses to frequently asked questions on the charging of recharge goods and services to sponsored award accounts. This document is not meant to replace or supersede the University of Chicago’s Recharge Operations policy or guidance already provided by Financial Services. The intent is to provide clarity and supplement current guidance as it relates to sponsored awards. Additional questions on recharge operations should be directed to recharges@uchicago.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Recharge goods and/or services allowable on sponsored award accounts?
If the recharge operation follows the policy and guidance established by the University, then generally charges to sponsored award accounts would be allowable. Grant administrators should always take care and consider individual departmental policies or sponsor terms and conditions prior to charging an account.
Are there University services that would not be allowed on sponsored award accounts?
Currently, there are no recharge operations that are unallowable on grant accounts. However, not all service providers on campus fall within the recharge framework. For a current list of recharge centers, please contact recharges@uchicago.edu.
Are there restrictions surrounding expenditure sub-accounts when charging recharge goods and services to a sponsored award?
A helpful guide has been created to determine whether or not the sub-account can be used for recharges.
Are there recharge goods or services that would be restricted from indirect costs?
This will vary depending on the IDC base for the sponsored award account. If an MTDC base and during times when it is deemed appropriate to charge the equipment subaccounts or the RCC (subaccount 2495), IDC’s would be excluded.
Could there be exceptions to this guidance?
Service centers not currently on the recharge listing may require additional consultation and review with your URA Post Award Administrator, the service center, and/or funder prior to charging a sponsored award account. Exceptions to the subaccount guide may also exist given certain circumstances. As an example, there may be instances in which equipment would be appropriate. If you are unsure, please contact your URA Post Award Administrator