Basing rate charges upon the going rate of other commercial or private enterprises is not an acceptable method of establishing verifiable rates. The rates charged must correspond to the costs of operating the facility. Rates charged for specialized service facilities which are not based upon a costing method as described above, will be unallowable against federally sponsored agreements. Costs of lobbying activities to influence legislative activity are unallowable. This includes travel costs involved in visiting legislators when the primary purpose of the visit is to seek assistance in securing federal funds.
Costs involved in hosting receptions for legislators are also unallowable.
Honoraria are unallowable if the primary intent of the cost is to confer distinction on, or to symbolized respect, esteem, or admiration for, the recipient. Honoraria that constitute a payment for services rendered, such as a speaker's fee are allowable. Moving costs incurred by new or relocating employees may not be charged to federal funds without specific approval from the awarding agency.