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Introduction: This section outlines the alternative
possible for handling unexpended balances that cannot be carried forward into
future project years. That is, the award is not to be continued, but is truly
completed, and the Principal Investigator cannot justify extending the
research. The disposition of any balances remaining in a sponsored research
PTAEO account is determined by the sponsor and is reflected in the nature of
the original award. While it is true that most unexpended balances must be
returned to the sponsor, there are cases where Dartmouth College may keep the
funds. Three situations exist regarding how unexpended balances are handled.
They include returning the funds to the sponsor, transferring the funds to a
non-sponsored research PTAEO account, or 'rolling over' the unexpended
funds into another related sponsored research PTAEO account.
Request a No-Cost Extension: Principal Investigator's, if
they anticipate unexpended funds, may request a no-cost extension. That is, the
award will continue past the initially proposed ending date. This could allow
the Principal Investigator additional time to extend the research, or complete
specific tasks.
Returning the Funds to the Sponsor: Staff in the OSP are
responsible for completing paperwork associated with returning unexpended
funds. Procedures for this process differ based on Dartmouth College's
agreement with the sponsor and the sponsors guidelines.
Funds Transferred to a Non-Sponsored Research Account: Some
examples of this situation include foundations that convert unexpended funds
into gifts to the College. Another situation involves awards made for a
specific set of tasks for a fixed price. Once those tasks are completed the
sponsor and Principal Investigator have no other contractual obligation to each
other. Remaining unexpended funds may be used by the Principal Investigator for
further additional research. Unexpended funds that the sponsor allows Dartmouth
College to keep should be transferred to non-sponsored research accounts.
Usually, these accounts are the Principal Investigator's department or
administrative area accounts.
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