When Harvard is the Subrecipient

Overview

A subaward is an agreement with a third-party organization performing a portion of a research project or program. The terms of the relationship (sub-grant/subcontract) are influenced by the prime agreement, and all subawards must be monitored to ensure that the subrecipient complies with these terms.

As Defined by Uniform Guidance

"Subaward means an award provided by a pass-through entity to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out part of a federal award received by the pass-through entity.  It does not include payments to a contractor or payments to an individual that is a beneficiary of a federal program.  A subaward may be provided through any form of legal agreement, including an agreement that the pass-through entity considers a contract” (Uniform Guidance §200.92)

 Read more: OMG Uniform Guidance

When Harvard is a subrecipient, there are certain elements required by Harvard and the sponsor organization.

Required elements of a proposal when Harvard is a subrecipient  

Harvard Requirements

  • Detailed budget [budget]
  • Detailed budget justification [budget]
  • Current and pending support [current and pending]

Sponsor Requirements  

  • Statement of Intent (SOI)
    • The SOI is a document created by the central office to submit with a proposal.  It provides a summary of the proposal details and contains a signature from an authorized signatory.  The SOI confirms Harvard approves the submission of a proposal.
  • Scope of work [Scope of work/Research Plan]
  • Detailed Budget [budget]
  • Detailed budget justification [Budget]
  • Other elements that may be required based on the Sponsor
    • [Biosketch] for key personnel  
    • Current and pending for key personnel [C&P/Other Support
    • Facilities
      • The facilities document outlines the Harvard infrastructure available to support the success of the project. Each sponsor has their own set of instructions.
    • Equipment
      • The equipment document outlines the Harvard equipment available to support the success of the project.  Each sponsor has their own set of instructions.
    • Letters of support
      • A letter of support is an outside testimonial that backs up PI’s claims of success and confirms the individual’s and/or institutional commitment to the project.  The letters of support are included in a proposal if the guidelines or program announcement call for them.  The format and content of these letters are directed by the sponsor guidelines.