Establishing a Recharge Operation Before a recharge operation is established, there must be a determination made that a valid need exists for such a unit by reviewing the following criteria: The activity can comply with the definition of a recharge operation. A demand exists for the products and/or services to be provided by the recharge operation. This demand should be by more than one other department/unit/activity. A significant volume of recharging, both in dollar amount and number of transactions, will occur. The product or service is provided on a regular and continuing basis. The Application Process Once the RU had determined that a valid need exists in accordance with the four criteria above, the application process can begin. Complete a Request for Recharge Operation Addition/Change Form found on the web at: Include with the request form the following: A guarantee fund (RU FOPAL) for cash or working capital deficits. Working Capital is defined later in this document. A Business Plan which includes detailed information to satisfy the criteria used to determine a valid need (see a-d in the section “Establishing a Recharge Operation”). Although not required, it is highly recommended that a BRP analyst be involved from the beginning of this process to avoid wasted efforts in developing the business plan. Explain the activity and management of the operation in such a way as to identify compliance with the policies and procedures related to recharge operations as identified in this handbook. List known and expected customers and the source of funding including both start-up funding as well as on-going operation funding. Are the customers mainly funded through sponsored activity? Explain the nature of the activity, how often it will take place, approximate revenues and expenses annualized. Estimate the length of time that the proposed recharge operation will need to be in service. Consider what factors or events could obviate the need or viability. (The planned business life of all recharge operations must exceed a contiguous 12 months) The following items should also be addressed within the Business Plan: Unfair Competition: Describe the benefits to the university of establishing the proposed operation rather than acquiring the services directly from commercial sources. Explain the business practices that will be employed to avoid unfair competition with commercial enterprises which offer the same services. Identify the availability of similar services at the university.
Chart of Account codes used within the Recharge Centers Operating FOPAL 56 – Sales and Services Revenue – External Customers 59 – Internal Sales – Internal Customers 60 – Labor – Salaries, Payroll and OPE 70 – Service and Supplies (excluding unallowable costs) 75 – Merchandise for Resale 78 – Depreciation Expense General Ledger 11 Cash 20 Liabilities 40 Fund Balance Capital Equipment Replacement Reserves are established in a new fund. Contact BAO Accounting 6-3524 for assistant with establishing and contributing to the reserve fund. Examples of UO Service Centers Telephone Services Computer Center Printing and Mailing Services Central Power Station Institute of Molecular Biology CAMCOR Transgenic Mouse Facility Oregon Wide Area Network