Grant and Research Development

OGRD Items Discussed:

1.   Purchasing Items

Patty Gropp and Vicky Arrasmith discussed the normal accounting procedures and requirements for Large Confirming Payments and Purchase Orders at WSU. Due to the risk to WSU and Purchasing outlined in the Policy and Procedures Section 70.10, Purchasing is asking that the “responsible person” for the Confirming Payment or Purchase Order give a reason and sign that statement as to their inability to sign or number the PO or payment. This will be kept with the associated documents for all departments involved and also for Auditors when the records are reviewed. It also reaffirms the knowledge of rules and regulations on the “responsible persons” behalf and hopefully will eliminate repeated problems.

2.   Certified Research Administrator

Dan Nordquist pointed out that Andrea Comley is now a Certified Research Administrator. Andrea talked briefly about her certification and encouraged everyone to take the test which is administered by the CRA council and certified by SRA.

3.   Half –Time OGRD Person

Andrea Comley mentioned that OGRD has hired a half-time person to help in Sheilagh’s absence with coordinator items.

4.   Property Loan Agreements

Jennifer Jansen discussed receiving more Property Loan Agreements than in the past and the necessity of making sure there is language in the agreement to cover broken property in regards to who is the responsible party for covering the break and repair. She reiterated the need for a Property Loan Agreement if there is not one in place.

5.   OGRD Database

Dan Nordquist gave a brief lesson on the overheads regarding new abilities with the OGRD Database in that Research administrators and Deans can now do searches within the Database under Award Reports for New Awards, top awarded PI’s for WSU, etc.

6.   NIH Commons  

Jennifer Jansen spoke about the recent problems occurring on the NIH commons website. She will update the system so that the Departments can view any materials for the specific PI’s that they might work with. Faculty that get no information on a specific is due to that PI doing several proposals under different profiles. NIH has to combine those and during that process it will not allow access to that PI information. That process does take quite some time. The problem with PI’s with similar names coming up under each others information is being taken care of by NIH. Non competitive grants still can not be submitted yet.

7.   GRANTS.GOV

Jennifer Jansen updated everyone on the progress of this submission site. Tuesday, April 13 th will be the first submission date. However, OGRD will need proposals 24 hours prior to their deadline to afford enough time to deal with any problems that will mostly likely arise from a new submission site. OGRD will also walk PI’s or department individuals through the submission process. To do so individuals submitting must have a PC not a MAC.

8.   Contracting Officer Job Description

Andrea talked about her specific duties to make all aware with what specific items they might get help from her. She deals will all contracts over $500,000 or contracts that deal with private industry, indemnification, or non-disclosure, especially, those contracts that may compromise the Universities policies and requirements as a Land Grant Institution. She is there to ensure that the researchers are able to continue their work with the understanding that the research and results of their research will be available to the public. She also deals with Breech of Contract issues usually resulting in Non-payment.

DATE & TIME FOR NEXT MEETING TBA VIA RAC LISTSERV

Brenda Griffin

Grant & Contract Specialist

OGRD