Updates on FY26 Indirect Costs, Tuition Remission, Equipment & Subaward Thresholds

Effective 7/1/25:

  • Indirect Cost Rate
    • Our federally negotiated F&A rate is currently under renegotiation and expected to take effect July 1, 2025. If a provisional rate is issued before then, we will apply the lesser of the current or provisional rate until the final rate is confirmed.

  • Tuition Remission rate for Other Sponsored Activity (OSA) will be 62%
    • For projects classified as Other Sponsored Activity (OSA) that include tuition remission:
      • a 62% tuition remission rate will be applied in accordance with new institutional policy
      • Implementation: new OSA awards will assess a 62% tuition remission rate
        • Existing awards with a 64% tuition remission rate will stay at 64% for the life of the project
  • The threshold for Subaward indirect cost exclusion increases to $50,000
    • Applies only to new subawards on or after 7/1/25
  • Institutional Equipment Threshold Remains at $5,000
    • Despite the federal revision, our institution will continue to apply a $5,000 equipment threshold for all proposals—federal, state, or otherwise. This aligns with the State of Illinois definition of equipment and ensures consistency particularly when funding sources are blended.

*These updates affect how the Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) base is calculated for indirect costs.

What You Should Do

  • If your proposal has a budget start date on or after July 1, 2025:
  • For supplements, the rates and thresholds will remain the same for the entire period of performance
  • For continuations, use the current F&A rate and if extending the period of performance for OSA awards, update the tuition remission rate to 62%
    • SPA will setup a separate CFOP under the existing grant code to track continuation funding subject to the new 62% tuition remission rate
  • For existing awards, the thresholds and tuition remission rate remain the same for the life of the project.

     

Recently Updated FAQ’s 

F&A rates were updated in the following FAQ’s associated with the CAM RP-03 Charging of Facilities and Administrative Costs to Sponsored Projects: