Glossary

This page contains definitions for commonly used grant terms and acronyms.

Approved Budget

The financial expenditure plan for the grant-supported project or activity, including revisions approved by the sponsor as well as permissible revisions made by grantee.

Direct Costs

Costs that can be specifically identified with a particular project(s) or activity with a high degree of accuracy.

Facilities and Administrative Costs (F&A, aka Indirect Costs)

Costs that are incurred by a grantee for common or joint objectives and that, therefore, cannot be identified specifically with a particular project or program. Examples include costs such as lab space, utilities, libraries, and general administration.

Key Personnel

Individuals who contribute in a substantive way to the scientific development or execution of a project, whether or not they receive compensation from the grant supporting that project. The key personnel must devote measurable effort (expressed as a percentage of time or in "person months") to the project.

Principal Investigator (PI)/Program Director/Project Director

The individual designated by HMS to direct the project or activity being supported by the grant. He/She is responsible and accountable to HMS and to the sponsor for the proper conduct of the project or activity.

Program Official

The sponsor official responsible for the programmatic, scientific, and/or technical aspects of a grant. Get to know this person; he/she is your advocate within the sponsor organization.

Research Misconduct

Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or in reporting research results.

Terms and Conditions of Award

All legal requirements imposed on a grant by the sponsor, whether based on statute, regulation, policy, or other documentation referenced in the grant award, or specified by the grant award document itself.