Office of

Grant and Research Development

February-2004 meeting - items discussed:

OGRD ITEMS DISCUSSED:

1.   OGRD Updates

  • Shelagh had her baby early. Jennifer Jansen and Andrea Comley are the only coordinators. The work load will be managed between the two until Jen Raupp returns (anticipated date 2/16/04)

2.   Estimated Fringe Benefit Rate

  • Jennifer Jansen provided the new Estimated Fringe Benefit Rate sheet. The new Estimated rate is 34%. This is based upon substantial changes in the medical premiums as well as other smaller changes. This rate should be used effective immediately for all proposals. Departments do have the option of using actual Fringe Benefit rates. OGRD has posted the information out on the web and updated the documents to reflect this new rate. Information will be sent through WSU announcements and sent to the Research Deans.

3.   Society of Research Administrators, PNW Chapter Meeting

  • Andrea provided information on the SRA PNW Chapter Meeting which will be hosted by WSU and held in Spokane , WA March 7-9 th . Andrea discussed topics to be presented as well as outlined the DA 201 certification courses to be offered. This is an excellent opportunity for research administrators from the PNW.

SPS ITEMS DISCUSSED:

OTHER ITEMS DISCUSSED:

1.   Timing

  • Tom Martin addressed that the OGRD timing report was indicating processing of federal grants was beginning to take longer periods of time and that it seemed that things were returning to how they used to be. Andrea Comley from OGRD indicated that much of the timing issue is related to the staffing issues that OGRD is again facing and that OGRD continually reviews the data to determine what other efficiencies can be incorporated within the process to ensure that the times continue to improve.
  • Upon review of the data, OGRD determined that in December, two awards were erroneously mis-filed by the prior Specialist. One sat for 70 days and the other for 38. It is easy to see that the delay in processing of one or two awards changes the timing report significantly. OGRD is in the processes of developing an internal report for its staff to identity potential delays, such as this, which can be avoided.

DATE & TIME FOR NEXT MEETING TBA VIA RAC LISTSERV

Brenda Griffin

Grant & Contract Specialist

OGRD

Office of Grant and Research Development, 423 Neill Hall, PO Box 643140, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-3140, 509-335-9661, Contact Us