Overview of Sponsored Projects Administration

3.2 What is a Sponsored Project?

A sponsored project is a funded research, instruction, training, testing, service, or scholarly activity supported by an external entity through a formal written agreement - such as a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract - between the sponsor and the University of Utah.  

In general, sponsored projects are characterized by an arrangement in which:

• The University is expected to carry out a defined scope of work or set of deliverables; and
• The sponsor provides support in return for tangible or intangible value, such as research outcomes, reports, data, analyses, training, or other agreed-upon activities; and/or
• The activity serves a public purpose or fulfills specific objectives outlined by the sponsor.

The characteristics described in the Determine Gift or Sponsored Project Procedure serve as key criteria for distinguishing sponsored projects from gifts.

Sponsored projects are typically subject to facilities and administration (F&A) costs, whether those costs are explicitly identified in the award or must be applied according to University policy. For additional guidance, refer to the section on F&A rates.

Go to Section 3.3 >>

1. The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP)
2. What is a Sponsored Project?
3. Types of Sponsored Projects
   1. Grant
   2. Cooperative Agreement
   3. Contracts
      1. Research Agreement
      2. Service Agreement
      3. Clinical Services (Investigations) Agreement
      4. Master Agreement
      5. International Agreement
      6. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
      7. Material Transfer Agreements (MTA)
      8. Affiliates (or Consortium) Programs
      9. Other Agreements, Other Transaction Agreements(OTA’s), Technology Investment Agreements (TIA’s)