Modifications to Sponsored Agreements
Sometimes it is necessary for a sponsored project agreement to be modified. For instance, the principal investigator may need to rebudget funds from one category to another, require additional time to complete the project or change the scope of work. For federally funded projects, only grant or contracting officers can modify agreements. The sponsor's program officials (i.e., technical contacts) are not authorized to approve any changes to agreements.
For most agreements, principal investigators should prepare a letter to the sponsor requesting the desired change and explaining why it is necessary. The letter is countersigned by the Research Foundation sponsored program officer and submitted by the Research Foundation to the appropriate sponsor representative. To ensure enough time for a response, requests should be made at least 30 days in advance of the desired effective date. In certain circumstances, the Research Foundation is authorized to initiate changes without sponsor approval. The sponsor must still be informed, however, of the changes that have been made.