VIII-99.06

UMB Authority to Certify and Sign Sponsored Project Financial Reports and Vouchers

Financial Affairs   |   Approved July 1, 2015

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Responsible VP/AVP

Dawn M. Rhodes, DBA, MBA

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Applies to Staff, Faculty

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Revision History

Effective Date: July 1, 2015

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Policy Statement

Required By:

Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards from the Office of Management and Budget, Section 200.415 - Required Certifications.

Purpose:

To delegate authority to appropriate personnel engaged in financial activities for sponsored projects as required by Section 200.415 of the OMB Uniform Guidance.  

Policy Statement:      

Section 200.415 of the OMB Uniform Guidance requires that UMB financial reports and vouchers related to sponsored agreements be certified and signed by an employee with authority to legally bind UMB.  The certification statement required by the Uniform Guidance is available through the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Section 200.415 - Required certifications. 

The President delegates to management staff in SPAC authority to certify and sign UMB’s sponsored project financial reports and vouchers.   The SPAC Manager level is the minimum personnel level authorized to certify reports and vouchers.

The authority granted by this policy is limited to certifying reports and vouchers under the employee’s fiscal responsibility as required by Uniform Guidance §200.415.

The SPAC AVP or Director may revoke a SPAC Manager’s certification privileges at any time.  Revocations must be documented.

Applies To:

All UMB personnel and any UMB Affiliate with responsibilities for Sponsored Project administration.

Definition:

Sponsored Project – An externally funded activity that is separately budgeted and accounted for according to the terms of the Sponsor.  Sponsored projects include but are not limited to grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for research, training, and other public service activities.

UMB Affiliate - Person employed by an entity that has a relationship with UMB authorized by the Board of Regents or by law, e.g., faculty practice plan organizations, University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation, Inc. and other affiliated foundations, the University of Maryland School of Medicine Alumni Association, Inc. and other recognized incorporated alumni associations, UMB’s recognized affiliated business entities, the University of Maryland Medical System/University of Maryland Medical Center, and other University System of Maryland institutions.  A UMB Affiliate approved to have UMB fiscal authority is responsible for the administration and reporting of UMB resources. 

Scope:

This policy applies to all Sponsored Projects. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

SPAC, under the direction of the Chief Administrative and Finance Officer, is responsible for promoting compliance with this policy.

Employees found to violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, and revocation of UMB administrative responsibilities and appointments.  Referrals for criminal investigations and possible prosecution may result from violation of this policy.