Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates for Cores at Vanderbilt University
Charges on Core facilities should follow the same regulations as sponsored awards. Even if a core facility is temporarily shut down due to COVID-19, work related to Core activity is still being performed and expenses should continue to be charged to the Core project as appropriate. If there is an instance where someone is not working but being paid, the salary should continue to be charged to the Core based on Vanderbilt’s institutional direction of consistent charging and direction provided in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum M-20-17, “Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to Loss of Operations”. Salary charged for individuals not working should be tracked in the event additional guidance is provided at a future date.
Once a formerly closed core facility reopens, the core manager should discuss possible solutions with their dean’s office and/or business officer. If it is determined that a deficit should be recovered through the core rates, a new rate workbook can be submitted to OCGA at any point to begin that recovery process. If there is a need to recover deficits over time to avoid spikes in the rates for one year, contact OCGA for further discussion. Contact information can be found at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cores/contactus.php.
About Research Cores and other Shared Resources
Research at Vanderbilt University is supported by designated institutional cores and shared resources. These facilities offer cutting edge scientific services, enabling access to high-end equipment, advanced techniques and specialized expertise for all Vanderbilt investigators.
Vanderbilt University Structure:
- Vice-Provost for Research will ensure coordinated support of VU Core Facilities
- Financial oversight of VU Core Facilities will reside within the Office of Contract and Grant Accounting
