The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) Sponsored Research Services (SRS)—formally opened for business in September 2011—provides contract and grant research administration services by managing and assisting in the development and processing of sponsored research proposals, to include administrative support throughout the duration of the project. Visit SRS on the Web: http://srs.tamus.edu.
quick resources:
Proposal Budgets | Regulations | Types of Awards | Links
Proposal Budgets
Regulations
Types of Awards
Award: The term award is a generalized term used for all sponsored program funds. An award may be further classified as being a contract, cooperative agreement, fixed price contract, grant, grant-in-aid, or a various fund. The award will generally indicate the type of award received.
Contract: A contract is a mechanism for procurement of a product or service with specific obligation for both the sponsor and recipient. Each contract document contains a statement of the work or services to be performed and represents a legal obligation by the University. Since a contract is a purchase, there will always be a deliverable. Contracts are more detailed than grants and cooperative agreements in both the technical requirements and accountability for the use of funds. A purchase order is treated as a contract.
Cooperative Agreement: A cooperative agreement is entered into when a government or industrial sponsor provides partial support for an existing or anticipated University program of mutual interest to the sponsor and the University. While not as exacting as a contract, the provisions of a cooperative agreement should, nevertheless, be treated with the same respect.
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA): A vehicle to transfer technology between the government and the University. CRADAs can also be used to transfer equipment or supplies. CRADAs do not transfer fund/money.
Cost Reimbursement Contract: A cost reimbursement contract permits reimbursement for actual costs incurred in the accomplishment of the required research.
Fixed Price Contract: A fixed price contract indicates that specific objectives and outputs are to be delivered within a specific time frame for a fixed price, regardless of expenditures. All fixed price contracts require a letter from the PI’s Department Head stating that they understand that this project is a firm fixed price contract and that in the even there are any cost overruns the department will cover the overage. Whenever possible, a fund number as to where the overrun will be charged should be included in the letter.
Grant: A grant is defined as financial assistance, and depending upon the provision of the award, a grant may be classified either as a gift or as sponsored funds.
Grant-in-Aid: A grant-in-aid is an award made to an individual or to an institution on behalf of that individual to support his or her educational pursuits.
Various Fund: To more efficiently manage program funds from several different sponsors who are supporting a common program area, a single various fund may be established. Funds assigned to a various fund should be related with respect to program area, but most otherwise be restricted. Sponsor should not expect to receive a specific product, other than a progress report or similar information regarding program results.