Most sponsors expect that the work performed on a sponsored project will follow the scientific plan as set forth in the application or agreement, but ordinarily permit some latitude in the methodology, approach or other aspects of the project. However, significant charges typically require prior sponsor approval.

The following circumstances are examples of when prior approval is typically required from the sponsor:

• Substantive Changes to Proposed Research
• Change of PI
• Absence of PI
• Transfer of Grant To or From Columbia
• Equipment Not in the Original Budget
• Subawards Not in the Original Budget
• Related” Grants
• Other

The Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP) has assembled an FDP Prior Approval and Other Requirements Matrix that summarizes the charges requiring federal agency approval and those that can be approved and/or tracked internally.

For more information on prior approval, you can refer to the NSF Award and Administration Guide or the NIH Grants Policy Statement.