Grand Forum Q&A Section

Best source of information for international projects is the Additional Information and Tools for International Projects page on the CGA‐OSP website.

Based on the website, “Budget Preparation” link which includes an explanation of terms and concepts and can be used for different international cost considerations.

When it is allocable and allowable, the PI should consider budgeting for costs associated with an in‐country office ‐‐ including payments to local personnel; this can be done by setting up an imprest account to be handled by an MSU representative. If appointing an MSU representative to handle an imprest account is not viable, the alternative to pay for in‐country individuals contracted outside of subawards can be done by establishing a “Non‐Resident Alien Professional Services Contract” – more information on this can be found in the “Manual of Business Procedures” – Section 77. In order to make sure that all host country requirements are met, the suggestion is for the department to work with a PI who is familiar with the local language and laws. In addition, the project PI should work closely with the agency’s mission in‐country, as well as arrange to have an “opening meeting” with their project’s “Agreement Officer Representative” or any other legal representative for the award (as soon as the grant, contract or cooperative agreement is awarded). During this meeting, in addition to other possible issues, it is important to discuss local labor laws and standards. Within MSU, the accounting office is responsible for approval of the NRAPSC, so any questions about MSU’s requirements can be discussed with them in addition to consulting the Manual of Business Procedures.

The MSU Office of International Research Collaboration is available as a resource for any international proposal‐related questions or issues. Among many services that OIRC provides, it also:

• gathers external funding opportunities for international research and sends weekly updates--see their Finding Funding page
• hosts regular faculty networking and team building events around thematic research areas and geographical areas
• can help with building a team or find collaborators for international projects.

Apart from networking with the agencies that provide opportunities in the faculty's area of interest, some agencies publish their opportunities at Grants.gov and FedBizOpps.gov; USAID's opportunities can also be found in their "Business Forecast." For new administrators wanting to get involved in global research, it is advisable to set up a meeting with someone who is already involved in the area to find ways to participate in such activities. The International Sponsored Awards Workgroup has created a Subject Matter Expert list for International Sponsored Awards. The Subject Matter Expert List provides contact information for MSU staff who can answer specific questions about international work. When a name is not identified, please call or email the number or email address listed on the Subject Matter Experts for International Sponsored Awards page.

VAT or “Value Added Taxes” is a type of consumption tax that is placed on a product whenever value is added at a stage of production and at the point of retail sale. According to the “Tax Policy Center” more than 160 countries use value‐added taxation. It is important to find out in the beginning stages of proposals whether the project’s country has this taxation as part of their policy. If so, make sure to find out with the sponsor if these taxes are allowable costs in the award. If they are, then the PI and administrators should compute the value‐added tax amount in the budget and report them to the agency periodically. If these costs are not allowed, then the agency, mission, and/or institution that granted the funds needs to provide the project with a mechanism for VAT exemption. It is important to ask those questions as well as have this information in writing prior to developing the proposal as VAT percentages vary from country to country ( going anywhere from 5% to 27%). If VAT is not allowed in the award, usually the agency establishes a threshold amount, above which exemption forms need to be filled.

To be published at a later date.

To be published at a later date.