Fiscal Management
The principal investigator is authorized to expend project funds provided that the expenditures meet the terms of the sponsored agreement and comply with university and Research Foundation requirements. The principal investigator can delegate spending authority to others by completing and submitting the Research Foundation "Project Signature Authorization and Information Request" form (PR-028). Actual disbursement of project funds is made only by the Research Foundation.
Sponsors vary in the degree to which they allow funds to be moved between budget categories. Projects awarded under federal "expanded authorities" generally allow wide latitude in how funds are spent so long as the expenditures are reasonable, allocable to the project, and allowable. However, other sponsors are much more stringent, requiring their permission to move funds from one budget category to another (for example, from personnel to materials and supplies). Spending restrictions are noted in the "Special Budget Comments" section of the Project Digest. If there is a need to move significant funds among categories, the principal investigator should contact his or her sponsored program officer to determine whether or not re-budgeting requires sponsor approval. Unauthorized transfer of funds between budget categories may result in costs being disallowed.