Since UWF is a state institution, reimbursement for its operational expenses should logically go back to the state, which initially advanced the costs incurred for federally funded projects. However, the Florida Legislature has implemented a far-sighted policy which allows each state university to retain 100% of the recovered F&A cost funds (FS 1004.22). In addition to funding RSP’s operating costs, these overhead funds are used for a variety of internal support programs and scholarly awards.

F&A Cost Distributions

Each year RSP returns a portion of F&A cost earnings directly to Principal Investigators (PIs) (10%), the department (10%), and the colleges associated with the grant(s) (10%). Funds must be used for the support of research and research-related activities. This return generally occurs in September of each year and is based upon the F&A costs recovered from sponsors in the preceding fiscal year (July 1-June 30).

1. When a grant or project has more than one PI, the distribution is made only to the lead PI. It is then at the discretion of the PI who is primarily responsible for the project management to determine if any portion of this share should be made available to other contributors.
2. If a unit (or individual) has changed reporting authority by being assigned to a different department or college, the funds are distributed to the units under which the funds were earned. Future distributions will be modified to show the change in oversight and administration. Please notify us if such change has occurred.
3. When a PI has left the university for any reason, the PI's portion of the distribution is made to the appropriate administrative officer (dean or vice-president) responsible for oversight of the unit. It is expected that the Dean/VP is best able to determine the appropriate use of the funds by the department/college. Please notify us if such change has occurred.

Internal Support Programs

RSP supports and provides incentives for research activity at UWF by investing a portion of the university's F&A costs recovered from sponsors in the internal support programs (Scholarly and Creative Activities Committee [SCAC] Summer Research, Small Grants programs).