The terms and conditions of sponsored awards may have specific requirements for the acquisition of equipment, such as the National Science Foundation, which requires that before equipment is purchased the grantee assures the same or similar equipment is not otherwise reasonably available and accessible. Further, 2 CFR OMB part 200 Uniform Guidance 200.318 lays out the requirements for equipment purchases with federal funds. The rationale for these regulations is that shared use of existing equipment promotes availability of equipment on university campuses, reduces unnecessary duplication of equipment, and frees up federal funds to further the aims and objectives of the award.

For more information download Guidelines for Surplus & Equipment Share Opportunities.