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Implementation of the Research Terms and Conditions

March 22, 2017
Dear Colleagues:
 
As you are likely aware, issuance of the revised Research Terms and Conditions (RTC) was announced in the March 14, 2017 Federal Register.  The RTCs address and implement theUniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200) issued by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB).  Revision of the RTCs and accompanying documents is an initiative of the Research Business Models (RBM) Interagency Working Group. 
 
On behalf of the RBM, NSF has agreed to continue to serve as the sponsor of the updated version of these RTCs, which are accessible on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/ awards/ managing/ rtc.jsp.  In addition to the Federal Register notice, the following documents are now posted on the NSF website, and are dated March 14, 2017, for consistency with the date specified in the Federal Register notice:
 
·         Research Terms and Conditions;
·         Appendix A Prior Approval Matrix;
·         Appendix B Subaward Matrix; and
·         Appendix C National Policy Requirements.
 
A list of agencies that participated in the RBM Working Group can be found in the Federal Register notice and dates of when the participating agencies will be implementing the RTCs is contained in the Agency Implementation Statements document, also posted on the NSF website.  The RTCs will apply to an award when they are included as part of that award, or when incorporated into that award by reference.  Agencies may also supplement the RTCs with Agency Specific Requirements (ASRs). 
 
NSF, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will implement the RTCs beginning April 3, 2017, and their ASR documents are available on the NSF website. Since there will be multiple agency implementation dates, the NSF RTC website should be consulted frequently as the ASR listing and Appendices A-C will be updated when other agencies implement the RTCs.  For further information on the RTCs, please contact the DIAS Policy Office on (703) 292-8243 or by email to policy@nsf.gov.
 
Regards,
 
Jean
 
Jean Feldman
Head, Policy Office
Division of Institution & Award Support (DIAS)
Office of Budget, Finance and Award Management
National Science Foundation
Voice:  (703)292-8243