UW Research
Frequently-Asked Questions

How do I know what project type to select on an eGC1 and why is it important?

Sponsors use a variety of funding mechanisms for awarding funds to the UW. Sometimes they use terms interchangeably. The funding mechanism of an award drives a number of things and it’s important to understand how these relate.

The funding mechanism determines extent of sponsor involvement in project decision-making as well as:

  • Programmatic flexibility
  • Which regulations apply

The eGC1 in SAGE requires the eGC1 preparer to select the appropriate funding mechanism in the Project Type field of the Project Details page.

Additionally, the project type helps reviewers understand at-a-glance what level of review may be required. Selecting this correctly from the start can help speed up the review process.

This is especially true when the UW has to either negotiate or accept award terms and conditions at time of proposal submission. In these instances, it is critical to route these draft proposals to OSP sooner than the standard 7-business days per GIM 19.

Review Why should I route an eGC1 for a Contract or an Other Transaction to OSP ASAP? 

Let’s take a closer look at how these are defined for both Federal Sponsors and Non-Federal Sponsors.

Federal Sponsors

  • Some funding opportunities allow multiple project type options and may let the applicant indicate a preference in their proposal
  • The funding opportunity should specify which mechanism is anticipated, often in the “Award Information” section
  • If listed on Grants.gov, the synopsis of the opportunity will also include this information

Federal Assistance – Grant or Cooperative Agreement

Both Grants & Cooperative Agreements share the following elements:

  • Should be identified on both the Funding Opportunity and the Notice of Award.
    • Note, that federal flow-through proposals and awards will often have parent documentation accompanying them. (If they don’t OSP will request them)
  • Award carries an Assistance Listing Number (formerly CFDA number)
  • Federal agency authority is from Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act
  • Regulatory framework is Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)

Grant

  • Award of financial assistance only
  • PI has flexibility to adapt project within proposed scope and there is no substantial sponsor involvement implementing the award

Review research glossary: Grant

Cooperative Agreement

  • Substantial federal involvement in project as determined by agency program staff
  • May include additional terms and conditions consistent with agency involvement

Review research glossary: Cooperative Agreement 

Federal Acquisition – Contract

A contract issued by a federal agency to purchase or acquire supplies, materials, and services for federal government use. In sponsored programs, these contracts are most often for research and development as defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 35.

  • Proposals often structured in two parts or volumes
    • Technical proposal
    • Business or cost proposal
  • Performance period may have an initial base period and one or more options
  • Regulatory framework is 48 CFR, Chapter 1 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and related agency-specific regulations
  • Applicant referred to as “Offeror”

Review glossary entries for Contract and Federal Contract

Other Transaction Authority (OTA) & Other Transaction Agreement

Some federal funding is neither federal assistance (grant or cooperative agreement) nor federal acquisition (contract). To issue this other type of funding, the federal agency must either:

  • Have explicit statutory authority to enter into an “other transaction” that is not a grant or contract, OR
  • Issue the award based on statutory provisions that make the funding exempt from the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act

This is called Other Transaction Authority. If the agency is utilizing Other Transaction Authority (OTA), it has the flexibility to develop award terms and conditions based on its objectives for the project. Some agencies will issue an Other Transaction Agreement that borrows terms and regulations from federal assistance, federal acquisition, or both, but other transactions are not automatically subject to either Uniform Guidance or the FAR.

OTA is not a catch-all category for things that don’t fit elsewhere.

Review research glossary: OTA

Review Implications for Federal Contracts and Other Transaction Agreements

Federal contracts and OTAs have specialized and sometimes, unique, requirements which involve a different approach to review and, therefore, take longer. This is also true in instances where the UW will be receiving federal contract or OTA flow-through funding.

Review Why should I route an eGC1 for a Contract or an Other Transaction to OSP ASAP? 

Non-Federal Sponsors

Flow-Through Funding

When the sponsor to the UW is a pass-through entity (PTE), the mechanism that the prime sponsor is using will drive what OSP considers the “Project Type”.

For example, when a Department of Defense grant flows-through a PTE to the UW, you would select the Project Type “Grant”. It makes no difference what the PTE calls the agreement issued to UW.

Do not use OTA if you simply are having difficulty identifying whether the project is a grant or contract. Only the federal government issues OTAs.

So, with a non-federal sponsor, the Project Type would only be an OTA if the sponsor is a PTE and the prime federal sponsor issued them an OTA.

Non-Profit Sponsors

Foundations or non-profit sponsors usually issue sponsored program funding as a grant. A contract from a non-profit is often an indication that the work is services, not a sponsored program.

What’s the difference between a sponsored program and a service?

Industry Sponsors

Industry sponsors mostly fund research via contracts. Sometimes, they may issue grants for educational programs or fellowships.

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