Setting Up a New Recharge Center Step-by-Step

Transcript:Setting Up a New Recharge Center Step-by-Step:
Setting Up a New Recharge Center Step-by-Step Guidance What is a Recharge Center? A recharge service facility is a self-supporting operating unit within the University that: exists principally to provide research related goods or services to University faculty, staff, or students at no more than the cost of providing the goods or services (break-even); bills sponsored programs for such goods or services; has operating costs that are funded by charges to the customers receiving the goods or services; and has revenues between $10,000 and $1 million annually Qualification to be treated as a Recharge Center Facility The activity provides goods or services to a sponsored project. In addition, goods and services may be provided to University departments, students, and/or external customers. The facility operates as a separate, stand-alone entity, and the revenue and expenses are recorded in a separate activity number. The facility charges all internal customers equally for goods or services at a rate that is calculated to recover costs over a fixed period of time. Qualification to be treated as a Recharge Center Facility(Cont’) All Recharge Service Facilities, Specialized Recharge Service Facilities, Core Recharge Service Facilities fall within the purview of the Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED) and are covered the ORED Recharge Center facilities Operating Procedures. What compliance regulations govern Recharge/Service Centers? Recharge Center facilities should not over‐charge the Federal sponsored projects. OMB Circular A-21 rules apply. The recharge center must be one a per unit basis, which must be at cost with no markup. Federal guidance requires that facilities break even over a reasonable period of time. Recharge center rates should be approved by the Office of Research and Economic Development on an annual basis to ensure compliance with OMB Circular A-21. Steps to Request to Establish a Recharge Service Facility A Step-by-Step Guide Step 1: Recharge facility Eligibility Form Complete the preliminary recharge facility eligibility form which includes the questions below. ORED will review the eligibility form and make an initial determination as to the feasibility of the proposed facility. Will equipment costing more than $5,000 be used in the center? Was any of the equipment over $5,000 purchased using federal funds? Are there similar services/products available in the area that will meet the needs? Why the services can best be provided by an internal service center rather than by an external service provider? When will the facility begin charging for providing products