Restrictions on Allowable Costs Terms by Sponsor

This terms page is currently under construction.

Additional information is available at Cost Principles and Allowable Expenses

MIT Standard Terms (apply unless Sponsor specifies otherwise)

  • All costs charged to sponsored projects must be allowable, allocable, reasonable, and consistent.
  • The business purpose of meeting expenditures must be substantiated by providing the following:
    • The purpose of the meeting or topic of discussion
    • A list of attendees (names and group association) present at the meeting
    • Itemized receipts
    • The date and location of the meeting, if it is not self-evident
  • Alcoholic beverages are not allowable costs unless the sponsor explicitly approves such expenses

Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)

Army Research Office (ARO) and Army Research Laboratory (ARL)

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

  • Under Construction

Department of Energy (DOE) – Office of Science

  • Awards for conferences and meetings may not include indirect costs.

National Aeronautics and  Space Administration (NASA)

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

  • Under Construction

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

  • Business meals and conference refreshments are allowable if in proposal budget and approved.
  • Conference travel is only allowable if necessary to achieve project objectives or disseminate research results.
  • Costs allowable only with prior approval:
    • Rearrangement/Reconversion costs over $25,000
    • Salaries of Administrative or Clerical Staff
    • Travel Costs for Dependents
    • Participant Support Costs other than stipend, travel allowance, or registration fees

National Science Foundation (NSF)

  • Conference travel is only allowable if required to achieve project objectives or disseminate research results.
  • Costs allowable only with prior NSF approval:
    • Rearrangement/Reconversion costs over $25,000
    • Salaries of Administrative or Clerical Staff
    • Travel Costs for Dependents
    • Participant Support Costs other than stipend, travel allowance, or registration fees

Office of Naval Research (ONR)

  • ONR Funds shall not be used to pay for food and beverages.