Stanford policy and federal regulations such as the Uniform Guidance state fundamental principles of research administration.
An expense qualifies as a direct cost to a sponsored project only when it meets the following four principles.
Allowable: Allowable and unallowable costs are defined by federal regulations and in the terms of specific awards
Allocable: Only those costs that BENEFIT a project may be charged to that project
Reasonable: Costs must reflect what a prudent person would pay
- Consistent: Costs must be handled consistently across the university by following Stanford policy
Everyone that authorizes expenses at Stanford for any purpose must confirm prior to approving a transaction that the expenditures are:
reasonable and necessary
consistent with established Stanford policy and practices, as well as a sponsor's terms & conditions
applicable to the work of Stanford, which includes instruction, research, and public service