Full details on individual items of cost and allowability on federally-funded sponsored projects can be found on the University of Pittsburgh Sponsored Projects Accounting website, and in the Uniform Guidance.
The list below represents a high-level overview of select cost items that are specifically prohibited, generally unallowable, or which require review and approval of the post-award administrator in the Dietrich School Sponsored Projects Administration office.
Costs that are specifically prohibited on Sponsored Projects accounts:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Individual membership fees and/or dues
- Gift Cards
Costs that are typically not allowable on Sponsored Projects accounts, but which may be allowable with an appropriate justification:
- Office supplies and furniture
- General lab safety supplies (e.g. goggles, lab coats)
- General purpose equipment and software
- Food with no associated travel
Costs that require the review and approval of the Dietrich School Sponsored Projects Administration office:
- Capital equipment (including equipment fabrications)
- Equipment repair and maintenance costs
- Computing devices
- Computer software
- Purchases from foreign vendors
- Purchases within 30 days of the award end date