Federal awarding agencies are authorized, at their option, to waive prior written approvals required by 2 CFR 200.308 Revision of budget and program plans except for changes in scope or objectives. Additionally, we recommend seeking prior written approval whenever there is a question on the allowability of a cost.
For Federal awards that support research, the following actions may be taken without prior approval UNLESS the Federal awarding agency provides otherwise in the award or in their regulations:
- Incur project costs up to 90 calendar days before the Federal awarding agency makes the Federal award (effective date of the award).
- Initiate a one-time extension of the period of performance by up to 12 months provided:
- The terms and conditions of the Federal award do not prohibit the extension.
- The extension does not require additional Federal funds.
- The extension does not involve a change in the approved objectives or scope of the project.
- The recipient notifies the Federal awarding agency in writing with the supporting reasons and revised period of performance at least 10 calendar days before the end of the period of performance specified in the award.
- The extension is not being exercised merely for the purpose of using unobligated balances.
- Carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent periods of performance.