EQUIPMENT TITLE
Equipment is defined as tangible nonexpendable personal property charged directly to the award having a useful life of more than two years and an acquisition cost of $5000 or more per unit. Title to property purchased with funds available for research and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more shall vest as set forth in the contract.
PURCHASING EQUIPMENT FOR SPONSORED PROJECTS
Research often requires the use of major equipment. The terms of the solicitation and the sponsor’s regulations should be reviewed to determine if equipment is allowed prior to submitting the proposal. Furthermore, the need for equipment should be adequately justified. Equipment that is duplicative or easily available within the department shouldn’t be included in the proposal budget. Capital Equipment is not included in the Modified total Direct Cost Base. Therefore, F&A is not recovered on capital equipment charged to sponsored research contracts.
Any equipment acquired for the project must be purchased in accordance with the terms of the contract. GA Tech may acquire equipment as a direct charge to the project only when authorized in the contract or by the Contracting Officer. Capital expenditures for General Purpose Equipment (e.g. office equipment, IT equipment, reproduction and printing equipment), are not allowable unless primarily or exclusively used in the actual conduct of the scientific research and approved in advance by the awarding agency. The sponsor’s regulations and the contract terms will provide information regarding the acquisition, title, use, maintenance and disposition of the equipment.
GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT/ PROPERTY
Government Furnished Property (GFP) consists of Government owned equipment/property furnished to GA Tech for performance of the contract. GFP must be managed IAW FAR Part 45 and 52, and OMB Circulars A-21 and A-110. GA Tech is responsible for the control of GFE/GFP provided under the terms of sponsored project contracts/grants. GTRI’s Research Property Department (RPD) has established policies and procedures governing the life cycle of GFE/GFP. These policies and procedures are set
forth in the Property Procedural Manual which contains information on acquiring, receiving, utilizing, reporting, moving, storing and disposing of GFE/GFP.
The terms and conditions of the contract agreement will delineate the sponsor’s requirements regarding use, maintenance and disposition. The PD/PIs and the Schools/Labs/Departments should ensure equipment is used properly and approved property procedures are followed.
EQUIPMENT LOAN
Equipment may be acquired through a Loan Agreement. Loan Agreements must be coordinated through the Office of Sponsored Programs. The Agreement should include a description of the equipment/property, the purpose of the bailment, use, authorization for any modification to be made to the property, date of bailment, the destination to which the property is to be delivered or returned, maintenance requirements and any other necessary provisions.