This guide answers frequently asked questions and shares best practices on managing extramural awards with multiple investigators that span across different departments and/or vice chancellor areas.
Q: What happens if the award only has salary and no other budget (e.g. technical staff, equipment, consumables, travel, etc.) for an investigator or senior key personnel from another unit?
A: In these circumstances, we do not recommend setting up a separate project in the other financial unit.
Q: What if the other unit does not perform any of the fund management or research administration duties for their investigator?
A: Generally, the project creation should follow the award management. If the lead department is performing all of the research administration for the investigators then a separate project under the other investigator’s unit should not be created.
Q: When is this effective? Is it for new awards only?
A: When possible, new project(s) should be created for existing awards and new awards.
Q: Who will be responsible for setting up or requesting the chartstring(s) in the other department(s)?
A: The lead unit or awarding award unit will need to coordinate with Sponsored Projects Finance (SPF) to request the additional project(s) via PADUA be set up in the other financial unit with the appropriate budget information.
Q: Is there sample language of what to include in the Project or Multi-PI Leadership Plans?
A: Example language of what to be included will be posted on Blink.
Q: What is the reason for this best practice?
A: This will ensure the flow of the indirect cost recovery dollars will be distributed to the respective vice chancellor and departments to help cover the administrative expenses related to fund management, human resources, academic personnel, information technology, etc.
NOTE: Questions regarding this best practice can be sent to rafs@ucsd.edu.