Post-Award Management

The process of managing sponsored projects is a shared responsibility between the PI, the department/administrative staff, the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and the Office of Grants Management (OGM). Each has unique areas of primary responsibility.

The PI has primary responsibility for accomplishing the technical goals of the project, while also complying with the financial and administrative policies and regulations associated with the award. Although PIs may have administrative staff to assist them with the management of project funds, the ultimate responsibility for the management of the sponsored project work and funds rests with the PI.

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) will advise and assist PIs in complying with the requirements of their project sponsor. See Post Award Administrative OSP webpages for more information.

The Office of Grants Management (OGM) has primary responsibility for the financial reporting, invoicing, effort reporting, cash management requirements, and audit coordination of sponsored projects. See Post Award Financial OGM webpages for more information.

Post award responsibilities of the PI include:

1. Executing the technical aspects of the program, including the reporting of project progress to the sponsor as outlined in the terms of the award
2. Staffing the project, initiating employment and payroll actions, and supervising project personnel
3. Maintaining fiscal stewardship over the sponsored project, ensuring the reasonable and prudent use of the sponsor's funds
4. Spending no more than the amount authorized by the sponsor for the budget period
5. Carrying out the project’s financial plan as presented in the funded proposal, or make changes to the plan following a prescribed set of policies and procedures
6. Meeting periodically with OGM to review expenditures and to assure their appropriateness and correctness.  
7. If administrative revisions are necessary, the PI will provide OSP a rationale and information to support the request (e.g. budget revisions, no cost extensions, changes in objectives/scope, absence or changes in key personnel).  OSP will determine if sponsor approvals and/or notifications are necessary.  If sponsor approval is required, OSP will submit the required request and documention to the sponsor.
8. Complying with all University policies and procedures related to project management and personnel practices
9. Complying with all applicable sponsor rules, regulations and/or terms and conditions of the award