A rate is calculated for each of the cost components. Each rate is expressed as a percentage of Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) which includes all direct costs except equipment, capital expenditures, patient care, tuition and fees, facilities rental and the portion of subcontracts in excess of $25,000.
The University of Iowa, like most other universities, calculates an F&A cost rate greater than the negotiated F&A cost rate. The Ul has historically accepted some reduction of its calculated rate in the interest of reaching an agreement with federal negotiators.
| UI 2021 Proposal | UI 2021 with Adm. Cap | Negotiated: Years '23-'26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facilities: | |||
| Building Depreciation | 5.8 | 5.8 | 4.9 |
| Equipment Depreciation | 2.2 | 2.2 | 1.8 |
| Interest | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
| Operation & Maintenance | 23.1 | 23.1 | 19.3 |
| Library | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.1 |
| Utility Cost Adjustment | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Subtotal Facilities | 35.2 | 35.2 | 29.5 |
| Administrative: | |||
| General Administration | 6.7 | 6.1 | 6.1 |
| Departmental Administration |
17.4 | 15.9 | 15.9 |
| Sponsored Programs Administration |
4.4 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Subtotal Administrative |
28.5 | 26.0 | 26.0 |
| Total Rate | 63.7% | 61.2% | 55.5% |
The recent increase in the University's F&A rate is solely attributable to the facility component of the rate since the University's and all universities reimbursement for administrative costs are capped by the federal government at 26%. The primary reason the facility component increased is the University has invested significantly in new research facilities or modernized existing research space since the last rate negotiation. Research space costs are recovered through the F&A rate and not as a direct charge to grants and contracts.