The revised Research Terms and Conditions (RTCs) have been made available. The RTCs address and implement the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200). The RTCs incorporate the entire Uniform Guidance by reference and clarify or supplement existing provisions where appropriate. They further incorporate by reference the most recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) FAQs in the Uniform Guidance. Pertinent sections of the Uniform Guidance are presented on the left side, and clarifications for research and research-related awards on the right. This clarification and supplementary guidance incorporates the following appendices:
Appendix A – Prior Approval Matrix;
Appendix B – Subaward Matrix;
Appendix C – National Policy Requirements
Note: Agencies also supplement these documents with Agency Specific Requirements which also must be referred to when making decisions.
NSF will continue to serve as the sponsor of the updated version of the RTCs and all associated documents, all of which are accessible on the NSF website. They can be accessed here.
The RTCs are being implemented by agency per the following timeline:
April 2017
National Science Foundation (NSF)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/ National Institutes of Health (NIH)
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
June 2017
U.S. Department of Agriculture/ National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
October 2017
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
U.S. Department of Transportation/ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
U.S. Department of Commerce/ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NOAA)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
December 2017
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The Prior Approval Matrix is a tool that you may find particularly useful as a reference. It can be accessed here. Because agency implementation dates are staggered, Agency Specific Requirements and updated appendices will be posted on the NSF website as they become available.
Any questions regarding the Research Terms and Conditions should be directed to your assigned RAS Representative.