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Federal Grant Accountability Act

2/13/2025, 3:08 AM

Summary of Bill HR 420

Bill 119 HR 420, also known as the "Indirect Cost Limitation Act," aims to place restrictions on the amount of indirect costs that can be charged to Federal research awards by institutions of higher education. Indirect costs refer to expenses that are not directly attributable to a specific project or program, such as administrative overhead and facilities maintenance.

The bill seeks to address concerns about the rising costs of research funding and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively. By limiting the amount of indirect costs that can be charged, the bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in the use of Federal research funds.

If passed, the bill would require institutions of higher education to adhere to specific guidelines when calculating and charging indirect costs on Federal research awards. This would help to prevent excessive or unnecessary charges and ensure that research funds are being used for their intended purposes. Overall, Bill 119 HR 420 is designed to promote responsible stewardship of Federal research funds and ensure that institutions of higher education are using taxpayer dollars in a responsible and accountable manner.

Congressional Summary of HR 420

Federal Grant Accountability Act

This bill limits the indirect costs that are allowable under federal research awards to institutions of higher education (IHEs). (Generally, indirect costs represent expenses that are not specific to a research project but are needed to maintain the infrastructure and administrative support for federally funded research.)

Specifically, the total amount of indirect costs allowable under a federal research award may not exceed the total amount of indirect costs allowable under private research awards. The Office of Management and Budget must determine the average indirect cost rate applicable to private research awards.

Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on (1) the indirect cost rates allowable under federal research awards to IHEs, including awards made by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and other such organizations; and (2) the indirect cost rates allowable under private research awards to IHEs.

Current Status of Bill HR 420

Bill HR 420 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 15, 2025. Bill HR 420 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 15, 2025.  Bill HR 420's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. as of January 15, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 420

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
2
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 420

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 420

To impose limitations on the amount of indirect costs allowable under Federal research awards to institutions of higher education, and for other purposes.
To impose limitations on the amount of indirect costs allowable under Federal research awards to institutions of higher education, and for other purposes.

Comments

Prince Watkins profile image

Prince Watkins

451

9 months ago

I think this new bill is good for making sure our tax money is being used right. But why does it only apply to federal grants and not all government spending?