Research universities tend to have higher indirect costs rates than teaching universities because a more sophisticated physical plant is required. Group policy is generally not to charge fees for using equipment the Group has, none of which is rented. There are no capital funds for equipment and equipment is not amortized. In exchange, if a project needs new equipment, the sponsor pays the full cost, though cost sharing is encouraged with other sponsored projects. Equipment purchased using the University's tax-exempt status or educational discounts should remain University property.
Proposals describe in detail equipment needs and costs.
Most scientists and people on their research teams attend 2 to 3 nonlocal technical conferences per year to present and acquire information related to their research interests, and as part of their professional capacity maintenance and development. Support for this travel by research projects is an expected condition of employment and travel expenditures are described in research proposals and budgets. Such projects typically involve visiting a sponsor's local site several times to provide input on the design of a product. The purchase order should include one or two sentences on the work requested along with the period over which it is to be effective, the amount, and materials to be provided by the sponsor. The sponsor is billed for work as costs are incurred.