Non-recurring lump sum from Sponsored funds made available by program income

[kert...@umn.edu]

Hello Everyone,

I have a project the involves having experts do site visits to healthcare groups around the country.  We pay non-university experts $500 a day to do these visits and bill the sites.  Employees with effort on the grant also go on these visits, but do not received a stipend we just bill the client for their time.  

I received a request from the department to have two university faculty who are not on the grant to do these visits and asked about payment to them.  Would a non-recurring lump sum payment from the project be appropriate for faculty without effort on the grant?  We are billing for these site visits so it would be a pass thru on the project.  I don't think this would be an issue, but it is the first time we will be doing it so wanted some feedback.

Thank you!

Matt

[caac Certified Approver Program]

Hello Matt,

Are the services provided by the consulting faculty members clearly outlined as being separate from their regular duties as University employees? The line between consulting on the grant and operating in their normal role as a University employee should be very clear.

SPA does provide some guidance related to intra-university consulting.
Follow the provided link: https://research.umn.edu/units/spa/proposals/proposal-development/intra-university-consulting-fees

A non-recurring lump sum payment doesn't seem to be an applicable option for the consulting activity. I would follow the suggestion from the SPA page and check how this activity should be handled with Payroll Services.

We also suggest checking in with the relevant Grant Administrator about the acceptability of the intra-university consulting activity on a sponsored project and the proper preparation of the contract for professional services.

Best,

CoP Committee