RSP 503–03: Consultants, Lecturers, and Other Professional Services for Sponsored Projects

To define consultants, lecturers, and other professionals on sponsored projects

48 Code of Federal Regulations §§ 1.000 to end (1986)

United States. Office of Management and Budget. OMB circular A-21, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions

Office for Research and Sponsored Projects Administration

Financial Services

Human Resources

Purchasing and Business Services

Consultants are independent contractors that provide professional services to the university. University employees are ineligible to be consultants on sponsored projects.

Some federal sponsors require specific prior approval for each consultant. Others place limitations on the use of consultants. The allowable charge for consultants on grants or contracts is limited by the federal maximum daily rate. Under some conditions, a bidding process may be required before a consultant may be authorized to begin work.

The principal investigator (PI) must provide documentation of consultant costs and compliance with federal, sponsor, and university regulations.

Formal written consultant contracts must be signed by an Arizona Board of Regents authorized official. The director of Purchasing and Business Services is one of a limited number of officials at the university authorized by the board to enter into contracts and is the recommended signatory on all professional services contracts (see the Purchasing and Business Services Policies and Procedures Manual–PUR 202, “Contract Signature Authority”).

Payment of consultants on sponsored projects must be in compliance with university policy and procedures as outlined in the Financial Services Policies and Procedures Manual (FIN)–FIN 421-01, “Guest Lecturers, Consultants, and Other Independent Contractors“).

For other university policies that govern the use of consultants, see:

1. the Financial Services Policies and Procedures Manual—FIN 421–01, “Guest Lecturers, Consultants, and Other Independent Contractors”

   and

2. the Staff Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual—SPP 210, “Consultants/Independent Contractors.”

1. PUR 202, “Contract Signature Authority”
2. PUR 306–01, “Bidding Requirements for Procurements Costing $50,000 or More”

   and

3. PUR 306–02, “Waiver of Bidding Requirements for Procurements Costing $50,000 or More.”

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