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Tax ID	396006492
SAM UEI	LCLSJAGTNZQ7
DUNS	161202122
Cage/NCAGE Code	09FZ2
Cong. District	WI-002
Cognizant Fed. Agency	Dept. of Health and Human Services
F&A Rate	53%

Mailing Address:
University of Wisconsin Madison
Research and Sponsored Programs
21 N. Park St., Suite 6301
Madison, WI 53715-1218

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Phone: 608-262-3822
Fax: 608-262-5111

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PI Financials Tool

UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN-MADISON

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RAMP - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Used Data

Gifts

No-Cost Extension Request Procedures

Outgoing Subawards

Extramural Support Policies and Procedures

F&A and Fringe Benefit Rates

DHHS Salary Cap Guidance

Research Education Development (RED)

Uniform Guidance

RSP Use Only

Award Statistics FY23

Total Awards
$1928M

Federal Awards
$1125M

Non-Federal Awards
$803M

Research Expenditures
8th (FY22)

Data Digest

Research & Sponsored Programs Glossary

Page Updated: April 25, 2024

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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Show all RAMP-related terms

RSP Acronym Reference

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133

The UW-Madison fund identifier that indicates a Non-Federal Sponsored Project. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) establishes these numbers at the time of award. Examples: Gates Foundation, American Heart Association, and Ford Motor Company.

142

The UW-Madison fund identifier that indicates Hatch Funds, a specific kind of Federal Sponsored Project that is managed entirely by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

144

The UW-Madison fund identifier that indicates a Federal Sponsored Project. Pass-through awards where the Prime Sponsor is a federal entity also use this fund. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) establishes these numbers at the time of award. Examples: National Institutes of Health and Department of Energy

233

The internal UW-Madison fund identifier that indicates a Gift Account. These projects are established by Business Services and often involve a relationship with the UW Foundation.

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Academic Support Services Agreement (ASSA)

A service agreement of a unique or sole source nature that supports the research or educational mission of the University. Academic Support Services Agreements are typically ‘work for hire’ contracts, not collaborations, where the University will own the intellectual property created by the engagement.

Accounts Receivable

An open receivable is created after an invoice is generated. Accounts receivable occur when there is an amount due from a sponsor. RSP Revenue Management

Accrual Accounting

A basis of accounting that recognizes revenue when earned, and expenses when incurred, regardless of when cash changes hands.

Activate (RAMP)

Activation is done by RSP. This changes the budget to authorized and creates the Project ID so spending may occur. Activating an award in RAMP initiates the automatic process of creating the project ID in SFS. Activating” an award in RAMP is the same as ”generating” an award in WISPER.

Activities (RAMP)

Actions that can be executed by a user to update a record.

Administrative Contact or Primary Contact (RAMP)

The administrative contact, or primary contact, is responsible for a Grants or Agreements record, including submitting a record and responding to requests for clarification as the record moves through workflow. Certain agreements will be initiated by RSP, and the Agreement Primary Contact will not be responsible for submitting the Agreement. This is similar to the Campus Contact.

Agreement ID (RAMP)

Agreements have unique ID starting with the letters “AGR” and following with a sequence of numbers (AGR00000001). This is similar to the WISPER Record ID.

Agreement Reviewer (RAMP)

Agreements Module user role allowing RSP staff to review, negotiate, and finalize agreements.

Agreements Module (RAMP)

RAMP module used to create, negotiate, and execute funded and non-funded agreements. Agreement Module and Grant Module records may be linked via the Manage Relationships Activity.

Allocable

A cost can be allocated or assigned to a sponsored project if the goods or services received in exchange advance the project objectives in reasonable proportion to the cost incurred. If you cannot explain how the project benefited from the expense, it should not be allocated to the award. Explanation of Costs

Allowable

A cost is allowable to a project if the costs are reasonable, the costs are allocable to the specific project, the costs are treated consistently in like circumstances, and the costs conform to cost principles and/or the sponsored agreement. Explanation of Costs

Ancillary Review (RAMP)

Ancillary review provides a process for internal review and approval activities outside of the standard RAMP workflow. Division/department and RSP staff will request ancillary reviews in RAMP. The assigned Ancillary Reviewer will have view only access to the record and permission to submit their ancillary review. A record may have more than one Ancillary Review and reviews may be completed concurrently. RAMP Ancillary Review is the equivalent of the Approvals tab in WISPER. Examples of ancillary review types include indirect cost waivers, additional department review, and chair approval. This is similar to the Approval.

Authorized (RAMP)

Authorized by the sponsor. This indicates that UW can spend on the award. Authorized by Sponsor vs. Not Authorized by Sponsor at Award Setup. If budget allocation is not authorized then spending cannot occur.

Automated Clearing House (ACH)

An electronic clearing and settlement network for processing large volumes of financial transactions in batches between participating depository institutions.

Award

A funding mechanism whereby a sponsor commits funding to the University for a specific scope of work over a specific time. At UW-Madison, awards are made to the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.

Award (RAMP)

A record created in RAMP after a sponsor has indicated they will fund the research submitted in the Funding Proposal. Awards are created from Funding Proposal records.

Award ID (RAMP)

Awards have unique ID starting with the letters “AWD” and following with a sequence of numbers (AWD00000001). Awards have separate IDs from the associated Funding Proposal. This is similar to the WISPER Record ID.

Award Modification (RAMP)

Award Modifications are used to change an Award record in some way. An Award Modification may be preceded by an Award Modification Request. For example, an update to the Award period of performance would be accomplished using an Award Modification.

Award Modification ID (RAMP)

Award Modifications have unique IDs starting with the Award ID and amended with a “MOD” suffix (AWD00000050-MOD001). An Award can have more than one Award Modification and the “MOD” suffix is increased sequentially for each modification record. This is similar to the WISPER Record ID.

Award Modification Request (RAMP)

A request initiated by the Award Administrative Contact(s) or Principal Investigator notifying RSP that a modification, or change, is needed to an Award record. RSP will be able take immediate action on certain Award Modification Requests while other requests may first require RSP to contact a sponsor for prior approval. An Award Modification Request does not open an Award for editing; RSP must initiate and process an Award Modification after approving an Award Modification Request. RSP may also use/initiate Award Modification Requests to track certain sponsor requests that were not already initiated by the campus community.

Award Modification Request ID (RAMP)

Award Modification Requests have unique ID starting with the letters “AMR” and following with a sequence of numbers (AMR00000001). Award Modification Requests have separate IDs from the associated Awards and Award Modifications. This is similar to the WISPER Record ID.

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Biosketch (Bio, Biographical Sketch)

Like a CV or resume, the biosketch in a grant proposal gives the investigators the opportunity to highlight their expertise and experience related to the proposal work. The format and length may be specified in the sponsor’s guidelines.

Budget (RAMP Funding Proposal Component)

RAMP record to represent a Funding Proposal Budget. RAMP automatically creates one budget for every Funding Proposal, but additional budgets may be created as needed (i.e., multiple PD/PI proposals, subawards). Budgets have a SmartForm and Workspace and are imbedded within the related Funding Proposal.

Budget Justification

A categorical description of proposed costs. The budget justification provides detailed information about how the funding will be used. It should address each major cost category as well as additional categories required by the sponsor.

Budget Period

The time interval from the start date of a funded portion of an award to the end date of that funded portion during which recipients are authorized to expend the funds awarded.

Budget Tolerance

The range within a budget category, which the university can spend without having to request prior approval from the sponsor. For example, you have $500 in your travel category and a 10% budget tolerance. That means you could spend up to $550 on travel without asking for prior approval from the sponsor. If you had to spend $600 on travel, the university would have to contact the sponsor to ask permission to rebudget.

Business Associate Agreement (BAA)

An agreement entered into by the University and a Business Associate. The agreement is intended to govern the manner in which the Business Associate uses and discloses protected health information obtained from or on behalf of the UW-Madison under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

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Cash Basis Accounting

A form of accounting where revenue and expenses are recognized when cash is received or paid.

Cayuse

A web-based system for submitting applications via Grants.gov. Also known as a “system-to-system” solution for preparing and submitting applications. Cayuse provides significant auto-filling of forms, extensive error checking and the ability to see the entire proposal before submission. Learn more at https://www.rsp.wisc.edu/cayuse/index.html.

Certify (RAMP Activity)

The Certify Activity allows the PI to provide their certification/attestation to approve a Funding Proposal or non-funded Agreement record during the internal review process. This is similar to the PI Signature.

Clinical Trial Agreement (CTA)

An agreement that manages the conduct of a clinical trial, which is a research study that explores whether a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective for humans, or shows which medical approaches work best for certain illnesses or groups of people.

Closeout

The award closeout process is the act of completing all institutional procedures and sponsor requirements to terminate or complete a sponsored project. Additional closeout activities take place at RSP to move the Award into WISER statuses 3-Closed-Adjustments Only, 5-Closed, and 6-Closed-Archived.

Co-Investigator

An individual who works closely with the Principal Investigator in the scientific development or execution of a project. The Co-Investigator may be employed by, or be affiliated with, the UW or another organization participating in the project under a subaward agreement. A Co-Investigator typically devotes a specified percentage of time to the project and is considered senior/key personnel. The designation of a Co-Investigator does not imply a multi PI project and a Co-Investigator is not the same as a Co-Principal Investigator. * Note: The terms Co-I and Co-PI are used interchangeably in the UW WISPER and WISER systems.

Co-Principal Investigator or Co-PI

This terms is used to identify more than one Principal Investigator on a single award. The designation of Co-PI implies a multi-PI project where each PI holds equal responsibility for the scientific and technical aspects and day to day financial and administrative management of the award. The Co-PI may be employed by, or be affiliated with, the UW or another organization participating in the proejct under a subaward agreement. The desigantion of a Co-PI implies equal responsibilities and differs from that of a Co-Investigator or Co-I. *Note: The terms Co-PI and Co-I are used interchangably in the UW WISPER and WISER systems.

College/Division/School

UW-Madison has 16 different colleges and schools. It is common for a college or school to be referred to interchangeably as either "college", "division", or "school." Examples: School of Business, College of Letters and Sciences, School of Pharmacy, etc.

Commitment

At the proposal stage - it's the amount of effort you propose in a grant proposal budget or other project application budget, regardless if salary support is requested. At the award stage - it's the amount of effort proposed that the sponsor accepts & awards, regardless of salary support that they provide. (The proposal or commitments listing may be included in the notice of grant award, but not always. It varies by agency. If it's not there - you'll have to refer to the proposal as your commitment guide).

Compare (RAMP SmartForm Function)

Pressing the Compare section of the SmartForm left navigator provides an indicator of the sections of the SmartForm that have been changed between specific versions. Changed sections are notated with a pencil icon.

Compensation Compliance Coordinator (CCC)

Individuals chosen by UW-Madison’s colleges and schools to help support the payroll certification process. They pre-review project payroll statements housed in their assigned department(s) and assist Principal Investigators with the process of certifying project payroll.

Computation E-mail

A Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) term used to describe an e-mail sent from the RSP Accountant to campus representatives near the end of an award period. This e-mail should include a final computation and review of expenditures along with instructions indicating next steps for closeout. Award Closeout-Computation Email

Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement (CDA)

A legal contract executed between entities permitting the exchange of information that is confidential to one or both parties.

Conflict of Interest (COI)

A Conflict of Interest exists when an investigator has a significant financial interest (SFI) that could lead an independent observer to reasonably question whether the design, conduct or reporting of research might be influenced by the possibility of personal gain. “Personal gain” encompasses direct, personal benefits AND benefits to an individual’s immediate family. COIs simply represent a state of affairs, not behavior. If the COI Committee determines an investigator has a COI, it does not imply wrongdoing on anybody’s part. FCOI

Consultant

An individual or group who gives expert or professional advice to a University department or principal investigator that relates to the University’s mission or a specific project.

Continuation Funding Proposal (RAMP)

Grants Module record that will be used to record continuation proposals (or progress reports) that require authorized official or RSP involvement/signatures. Continuation Funding Proposals are created from the active Award record. For example, used for NIH RPPRs and other federal or non-federal sponsor progress reports that require authorized official signatures.

Continuation Funding Proposal ID (RAMP)

Continuation Funding Proposals have unique IDs starting with the Funding Proposal ID and amended with a “Con” suffix (FP00000099-Con1). This is similar to the WISPER Record ID.

Contract

An agreement that creates obligations enforceable by law. Contract terms vary greatly and often require negotiations. Sponsored project contracts are often more heavily regulated than standard grant agreements and carry higher legal and financial risk. Federal Contracts are governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

Contract Specialist Role (RAMP)

Role involved in the document review workflow

Converted (RAMP)

Converted means a record that is converted from WISPER into RAMP. We will be converting a certain population of WISPER and SFS records into Funding Proposals, Awards, and Agreements in the new RAMP system so work can continue for those records post RAMP golive.

Cooperative Agreement

An instrument to transfer financial assistance to a recipient for a public purpose that anticipates substantial involvement between the sponsor and recipient in carrying out the activity.

Cost Reimbursable

A payment mechanism under which the awarding agency provides payment based on actual, allowable expenditures. The UW is reimbursed for actual costs incurred up to the amount of the award. The frequency of invoices sent by UW to the sponsor is set by the award terms and conditions. Common invoice schedules are monthly or quarterly.

Cost Transfer (CT)

A cost transfer is an after-the-fact reallocation of costs, either salary or non-salary costs, to or from a sponsored project within a 90-day period from month end of the accounting date. Funding agency requirements concerning the management of awards made to institutions such as the University of Wisconsin – Madison limit the circumstances under which cost transfers are allowed. Cost Transfer

Cost Transfer Tool

UW's web-based form and routing system that is available to process both non-salary and salary cost-transfers. Tool available here Cost Transfer Tool

Cost-Share

The portion of costs on a sponsored project that is not provided by the sponsor. Also referred to as “match,” “matching,” or the “non-federal” portion of a budget. Cost-Share

Current and Pending Support (CPS)

A list of an investigator's current and pending sponsored support. CPS documents report an individual's commitments to current and pending sponsored projects. The CPS ensures that an individual is not overcommitted and that a proposed scope of work does not overlap with other projects in the individual’s portfolio. Consult sponsor requirements for details. RSP has a tool to assist in creating CPS documents for proposal submission https://www.rsp.wisc.edu/currentPending/

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Dashboard (RAMP)

Central location in RAMP that allows users to find relevant information in a quick, easy, and organized fashion. My Inbox, Recently Viewed, and quick “creators” are components of the overall Dashboard. This is similar to the Search WISPER page.

Data Transfer and Use Agreement (DTUA)

An agreement entered into for sharing access to data sets that are not protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number

The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses. It is used to establish a business credit file, which is often referenced by lenders and potential business partners to help predict the reliability and/or financial stability of the company in question. Often, Sponsors request UW-Madison's DUNS Number as part of the proposal and award process for extramural grants and contracts. UW-Madison has a unique DUNS Number for sponsored programs: 161202122. This number is to be used only with extramural support grants and contracts.

Data Use Agreement (DUA)

An agreement governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) entered into for the sharing of a Protected Health Information (PHI) that has had specific identifiers stripped out to make a limited data set.

Deliverables (RAMP Award Component)

Award records contain an optional page that allows campus users to enter and track their non-financial deliverables in RAMP. Deliverables are entered during Award setup and can be updated/managed as needed during the Award period. This is similar to Award Milestones.

Department Reviewer (RAMP User Role)

User role that reviews, requests changes to (if necessary), and approves a Funding Proposal before it is forwarded to RSP or submitting office for final review and approval. RAMP uses the general term “Department Review” to refer to a unit-level review that occurs before the Funding Proposal moves to a central office (RSP). At UW-Madison, “Department Review” corresponds to the review performed by a Division. Department Review is similar to Routing to the division/dean’s office.

Direct Cost

A cost that can be specifically assigned to a sponsored project relatively easily with a high degree of accuracy. Direct Costs are charged directly to sponsored projects and are clearly identified within that project's activity and objectives.Direct Costs

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Edit Rights (RAMP)

The PI and Administrative Contact can automatically edit the RAMP record. Giving another staff member edit rights allows them to edit the record, budget, SF424.

Effort Commitment

The amount of effort (time) that is proposed in a proposal and accepted by the sponsor, regardless of salary support requested. The University of Wisconsin-Madison tracks effort commitments for individuals identified as Key Personnel in the notice of award. Effort Commitments

Employee Compensation Compliance (ECC)

The electronic tool that facilitates project-based payroll certification at UW-Madison. Statements in this tool contain salary information for all individuals paid (via direct salary or cost shared salary) on the project during a specified period or performance. Statements for federal, and federal flow-through, sources must be formally certified biannually by the project’s Principal Investigator. Statements for non-federal sources are available for review, but do not require formal certification. ECC

Employee-Employee Relationship

An employer-employee relationship exists when an employer has the right to direct and control the work of an individual who performs the services, including not only the results to be accomplished but also the methods and means by which the results are accomplished. Even if the employer does not exercise the right to direct or control the manner in which the worker performs the services, the fact that the employer retains the right to do so is sufficient to create an employer-employee relationship.

Employer-Employee Relationship

Encumbrance

A commitment to make a future expenditure of funds. Encumbrances are not expenses.

Equipment

Tangible property (including information technology systems) with a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost of $5,000 or more.

Errors (RAMP SF424 Function)

SF424 validates against the Grants.gov validation rules. Errors that prevent submission are indicated by a red disk. Similar to Cayuse validation errors.

Expenditure

An expense or portion of an expense allocated to a specific project.

Export Control

For purposes of export control laws, “export” means not only the physical shipment of items from the United States to a foreign country, but also the release of controlled technology to foreign persons within the United States by way of visual inspection, oral transmission, or training (“deemed export”). In other words, a prohibited export can occur by the mere presence of a foreign researcher or student in a University laboratory, if the laboratory contains equipment or technology that is export controlled, and the foreign individual can learn information about the controlled technology or information that is not in the public domain. Export Control Webpage

Extramural Support

Support provided by an entity located outside the boundaries of the University.

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Facilities and Administration (F&A) or Indirect Costs

Actual costs that the institution incurs in support of extramural activities but that cannot be directly charged to a specific grant or contract. The costs result from shared services such as libraries; physical plant operation and maintenance; utility costs; general; departmental and sponsored projects' administrative expenses; and depreciation or use allowance for buildings and equipment. F&A costs are sometimes called indirect costs or institutional overhead. Rates

Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)

The FAR is the principal set of rules in the Federal Acquisition Regulations System. The FAR was established for the codification and publication of uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by all federal executive agencies. The Federal Acquisition Regulations System consists of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which is the primary document, and agency acquisition regulations that implement or supplement the FAR. The FAR System is codified at Title 48, Chapter 1 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These requirements can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 48 C.F.R. 31. FAR

Federal Award

Federal financial assistance (e.g., grant, cooperative agreement, or cost-reimbursement contract under the Federal Acquisition Regulations) that the University receives directly from a Federal awarding agency or a pass-through entity. Also used to refer to the instrument setting forth the terms and conditions. Does not include contracts used to buy goods or services.

Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP)

A cooperative initiative among 10 federal agencies and 155 institutional recipients of federal funds whose purpose is to reduce the administrative burdens associated with research grants and contracts. UW-Madison is a part of the FDP. FDP.org

Fee for Service Agreement (FFS)

Fee for Service (FFS) Agreements govern vendor relationships where the University serves as the vendor and provides a routine service, which meets predefined specifications with no novel or creative input. The activity does not add to the body of fundamental knowledge in a given field.

Financial Account (RAMP)

The specific account that is created for spending to occur. The Financial account in RAMP is like the “projects tab” in WISPER. Its where specific information is captured and pushed over to SFS to create the project ID. This is similar to the Project Number.

Fixed Priced

A payment mechanism under which the awarding agency or pass-through entity provides a specific level of funding without regard to actual expenditures. Terms of Agreement will specify payment terms.

Fringe Benefits

Benefits provided by an employer to an employee such as health and life insurance. Fringe benefits are included in sponsored project budgets using a fringe benefit rate calculated annually. Rates

Funding Proposal (RAMP FP)

A record created in RAMP that contains submission information for a research project that will be submitted to a sponsor for funding. Also known as a proposal. Funding Proposal records are separate and distinct from Award records or Agreement records.

Funding Proposal ID (RAMP)

Funding Proposals have unique ID starting with the letters “FP” and following with a sequence of numbers (FP00000001). Funding Proposals have separate IDs from their associated Awards. This is similar to the WISPER Record ID.

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General Ledger (GL)

The UW-Madison system of record for transactions for the university and that is used to generate the official financial reports of the university.

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) refer to a common set of accepted accounting principles, standards, and procedures that companies and their accountants must follow when they compile their financial statements.

Gift

Funds received from a donor to support University activities. These funds provide unrestricted support for broadly defined activities that do not require detailed fiscal or technical reports; do not impose provisions regarding publication or data or information derived from the activity; do not have a specific time limit on the expenditure of funds; and do not enable the donor to retain rights to any patent/copyright.

Gift-in-Kind

A contribution of personal or real property, other than cash, which requires annual reporting by the institution.

Global Grants Viewer Role (RAMP)

RAMP role for Grants users that need to view all projects in the Grants system. May be assigned to members of UW leadership teams, compliance officers.

Grant

An agreement representing a mutual joining of interests on the part of the sponsor and recipient in the pursuit of common objectives. In this relationship, the recipient assumes with the sponsor the obligation to act in the public interest in achieving a common purpose. This is a relationship of trust, which imposes upon the recipient the responsibility to assure that the grant funds are utilized for the purpose for which they were awarded, and to exercise the same prudence in their expenditure that is extended to the use of the recipient’s own funds. Note: Often the term “grant” is used generically to refer to any type of sponsored project.

Grant Administrative Editor (RAMP)

Grant Administrative Editors automatically get view and edit access to all proposals and awards that are associated with their responsible department. They are also the individuals who are notified and have access to edit the Award and Award Modification when it transitions to Unit Review and Setup status.

Grants Module (RAMP)

RAMP module used to develop, route, and submit proposals, as well as manage Award and Award modifications. Consists of Funding Proposal and Award records. Agreement Module and Grant Module records may be linked via the Manage Relationships Activity. Replaces WISPER and additional SFS functionality.

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Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. HIPAA was designed to provide privacy standards to protect patients' medical records and other health information provided to health plans, doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. HIPAA

Help Center (RAMP)

Section of the Agreements and Grants modules containing reference guides and videos which provide step-by-step instructions on how to use RAMP.

History (RAMP Workspace Tab)

Displays every Activity executed including who performed the activity and when. Comments added when executing an Activity display in the History Tab. This is similar to the History tab.

Human Resources System (HRS)

The payroll, benefits, and HR system for UW-system. HRS is composed of PeopleSoft modules and includes human resources, benefits, payroll, and funding processes for all UW System faculty and staff employees.

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ID (RAMP)

Auto-generated identification number created by RAMP for each record created (e.g., FP00000001, AWD00000001). IDs are unique and distinct. Funding Proposal IDs and Award IDs replace the ID from WISPER. This is similar to the WISPER Record ID.

In-Kind Contributions

See Third Party In-Kind Contributions

Independent Contractor

An independent contractor or an individual (who is not a University employee) is a business firm or an individual that contracts with the University to provide services for which the University controls or directs at most the result of the service, not the means and methods of accomplishing the result.

Indirect Cost Base

The base to which Indirect Costs (F&A) are applied. The MTDC base means Modified Total Direct Costs, that includes all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward. The TDC base means Total Direct Costs without exclusions.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

An administrative body established by the university to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects recruited to participate in research activities conducted under the auspices of the institution with which it is affiliated.

Instrument Type (RAMP)

The type of mechanism we expect the sponsor to use if/when they decide to fund the proposal. This is similar to the Document Type.

Intellectual Property (IP)

In general terms, intellectual property is any product of the human intellect that the law protects from unauthorized use by others. During contract negotiation, UW-Madison looks at protectable types -- patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.

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Journal Entry

Financial transactions posted to the general ledger at the UW-Madison ( see General Ledger )

Just-In-Time (JIT)

Specifically refers to NIH's request for additional grant application information after the completion of the peer review, and prior to funding. However, we tend to use the term JIT to indicate all post-application requests. If your sponsored project proposal is funded you will likely get a JIT type request.

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Key Personnel

A person who contributes to the scientific or scholarly development or execution of a project in a substantive, measurable way.

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Left Navigator (RAMP SmartForm Function)

A collapsible/expandable list of all available pages in a SmartForm.

Letter of Intent (LOI)

A letter sent to an agency to notify them of one’s intent to submit a proposal. Some requests for proposals require an LOI prior to proposal submission. In some cases, an LOI determines whether a sponsor will allow a full proposal to be submitted. In other cases, it is for informational purposes only

Limited Submission (RAMP)

When a sponsor limits the number of proposals that the UW can submit. These are the specific internal competitions run by the OVCRGE. These are not currently in WISPER, but will be facilitated in RAMP.

Long Title of Proposal (RAMP)

The full-length official title of the proposal. This is similar to the Official Proposal Title.

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Manage Relationships Activity (RAMP)

Activity in the Grants and Agreements modules that allows related records to be linked in RAMP. This is similar to the Related Award Record field.

Mandatory Cost Sharing

Mandatory cost sharing is required by the sponsor as a condition for proposal submission and award acceptance. A mandatory cost-sharing requirement will be specified in the sponsor's published request for proposals. If the indicated level of required cost-sharing is not included in a proposal, the proposal will not receive consideration by the sponsor.

Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)

A contract that governs the transfer of tangible research materials between two entities, when the recipient intends to use it for his or her own research or evaluation purposes. The MTA defines the rights of the provider and the recipient with respect to the materials and any derivatives. MTAs protect both the investigator and the industrial partner from liability and loss of intellectual property.

Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC)

MTDC is a base amount in a proposed budget to which F&A (indirect costs) may be applied. MTDC consists of all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and subawards and subcontracts up to the first $25,000 of each subaward. MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, tuition remission, rental costs, scholarships, and fellowships, participant support costs, and the portion of each subaward and subcontract in excess of $25,000.

My Inbox (RAMP)

Dashboard tab for users that contains a user’s to-do list. This is similar to MY WISPER page.

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National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA)

An organization of individuals involved in the administration of sponsored programs at colleges, universities, and teaching hospitals. NCURA serves its members and advances the field of research administration through education and professional development programs, the sharing of knowledge and experience, and by fostering a professional, collegial, and respected community.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

A significant Federal sponsor of University research and the nation’s medical research agency. NIH.Gov

National Science Foundation (NSF)

A significant Federal sponsor of University research. An independent federal agency whose mission includes support for all fields of fundamental science and engineering, except for medical sciences. NSF.Gov

No Cost Extension (NCE)

The extension of a project period without additional funding from the sponsor. If a project's end date is approaching but the principal investigator (PI) identifies that the research needs to continue, a no-cost extension allows the end date to be extended. Depending on the award type and sponsor, a formal request may or may not be required to obtain the NCE.

No-fund Agreement (NFA)

A generic term used for any agreement where no money is exchanged. Examples: CDA, MTA, Teaming Agreement, etc.

Notification (RAMP)

Email sent by RAMP, typically triggered by a change in a record’s State or the execution of an Activity. This is similar to notification emails.

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Office of Business Engagement

The Office of Business Engagement connects business and industry with the resources they need to advance their businesses. We help businesses of all sizes facilitate seamless access across the university community, including in the areas of sponsored research. Our team will work closely with you to understand relevant interests and needs, to bring together contacts and experts from across campus and to develop strategies for a successful business relationship.

Other Support (OS)

Information requested by the sponsor, including all financial resources, whether Federal, non-Federal, commercial or institutional, available in direct support of an individual’s research endeavors, including but not limited to research grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and/or institutional awards. Other Support documentation may be required at time of proposal or requested at the Just In Time (JIT) stage. Typically training awards, prizes, or gifts do NOT need to be included.

Outside Activities Report (OAR)

A researcher's outside activities may generate conflicts between the needs of the institution and the outside entity, so policies of UW System, federal government, and the UW require all faculty, academic staff and individuals listed as participants on human subject protocols or on federal grants to disclose all of their outside activities related to institutional responsibilities annually using the Outside Activities Report. OAR

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Participant Support Costs

Direct costs for items such as stipends or subsistence allowances, travel allowances, and registration fees paid to or on behalf of project participants or trainees (but not employees) in connection with conferences or training projects. Participant Support

Pass-Through Entity/Prime Recipient

The lead institution of a grant proposal. For example, if UW-Madison submits a proposal to NIH in which the University of Michigan is a subrecipient, UW-Madison is the pass-through entity and prime recipient because NIH has given the funding to UW-Madison with the intention of “passing through” the funding to the University of Michigan.

Payment to Individual Report (PIR)

Payments to individual who are not employed by the university. An individual in this context is defined as a person who is not a company, partnership, corporation, association, organization, trust or estate, and for whom an employer-employee relationship does not exist. PIR

Payroll Certification

Payroll certification is the process of attesting that payroll charges to federal sponsors are reasonable in relation to the work performed. All salary on federal and federal flow-through projects must be certified biannually by the Principal Investigator of the project. For more information see Payroll Certification

Pencil Icon (RAMP SmartForm Function)

Indicates when a change has been made to a section of a SmartForm to flag differences between draft versions.

PeopleSoft

The UW System’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The PeopleSoft product most often used by research administrators is Shared Financial System (SFS), which includes the following modules: WISPER, GL, Grants, Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and other financial components. HRS and the Student Information System (SIS) are also PeopleSoft systems.

Period of Performance

The period of time during which a grantee is expected to complete the sponsored activities and incur/expend approved funds authorized under a sponsored award. The awarding agency must include start and end dates of the period of performance in the notice of award.

Primary Purpose of The Project (RAMP)

What is the primary purpose of the project. The list is populated with the categories required by the UW Board of Regents. Not currently tracked in WISPER, but it is recorded in SFS. This is similar to the UW Project Type and/or Award Purpose.

Principal Investigator (PI)

The individual, designated by the university who is responsible for scientific or technical aspects of the grant/contract and the day-to-day financial and administrative management of the grant or contract. PIs must have an appropriate UW-Madison appointment.Individuals classified as having University PI Status include: Tenured or Tenure Track Faculty appointments, Clinical/Health Sciences (CHS) Track appointments, Research Professor Track appointments, and UW-Madison Staff with Permanent PI status. Individuals with other appointments may be able to serve as PI under certain circumstances. PI

Printer Version (RAMP SmartForm Function)

Displays a SmartForm in a single, printable page.

Program Director / Principal Investigator (RAMP)

The individual responsible for the preparation, conduct, and administration of the sponsored project. RAMP will allow more than one PD/PI to account for true multi PI situations. This is similar to the Contact PI.

Program Income

Program income is gross income—earned by a recipient, subrecipient, or a contractor under a grant—directly generated by the grant-supported activity or earned as a result of the award. Program income includes, but is not limited to, income from fees for services performed; charges for the use or rental of real property, equipment, or supplies acquired under the grant; the sale of commodities or items fabricated under an award; registration or conference fees for workshops, courses, or hosted events; charges for research resources; and license fees and royalties on patents and copyrights.

Project Assistant

These titles designate graduate students enrolled in a UW System institution who are employed to assist with research, training, or other academic programs or projects at UW-Madison.

Project Number

An internal project number is a seven digit code that includes three letters followed by four numbers (ex: AAA1234) and is assigned to part or all of a sponsored project, under an award number. An award can have one or multiple project numbers. Extramural support (133 and 144) project numbers are created by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Office at the time of award setup.

Proposal

A request for external funding prepared in accordance with the sponsor’s instructions. The proposal is an official record of what is promised to a sponsor by the University in return for the funding requested in the proposal budget. Proposal Prep

Proposal & Award Policies and Procedures (PAPPG)

The document that relates to the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) proposal and award process for NSF’s assistance programs. Part I sets forth NSF’s proposal preparation and submission guidelines. Part II sets forth NSF policies and procedures regarding the award, administration, and monitoring of grants and cooperative agreements. The PAPPG does not apply to NSF contracts. NSF PAPPG

Purchasing Card (P-Card)

University issued credit card intended for low-dollar, best-judgment purchases to be paid directly by the University. The Purchasing Card is intended for best judgment purchases under $5,000. All purchases must comply with the University of Wisconsin-Madison's purchasing and accounting policies and procedures, and with extramural funding agency restrictions. The purchasing card is assigned to a specific UW-Madison employee and may only be used by that individual.

Purchasing Services Office

Located within UW-Madison’s Division of Business Services, Purchasing is the office that provides professional procurement services. Purchasing Services

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RAMP

RAMP is the UW-Madison’s Research Administration Management Portal (RAMP). RAMP is an electronic research administration (eRA) system used for research administration at UW-Madison. RAMP includes two modules: Grants and Agreements. RAMP replaced WISPER on June 26th, 2023.

Reasonable

Costs must be reasonable to be allowable on a project. A cost is reasonable if a prudent person would pay the same amount for the item or service or would be okay if the cost were published on the front page of the Wisconsin State Journal. Explanation of Costs

Record (RAMP)

A submission created within RAMP. Examples include Funding Proposals, Awards, Award Modification Requests, Award Modifications, and Agreements.

Regent Category

The UW System Regent Category defines the purpose of extramurally supported awards received. At the time of award acceptance, the appropriate regent category is identified for reporting purposes. The UW System Regent Categories are: Institutional Support, Instruction, Hospitals, Libraries, Physical Plant, Public Service, Research, Student Aid, Academic Support, Auxiliary and Miscellaneous.

Regrant

A unique pass-through funding mechanism (similar to a subaward or shared grant) in which the UW receives funding from a sponsor and then passes it through to a potential 'grantee' who has been selected from a panel to perform a project of their own design and direction. The UW department/unit will issue a Request for Proposals in which potential grantees will submit proposals. The regrantee is typically adding intellectual content to their individual project, which may build on the larger aims of our (UW) prime award. Regrants can be funded by various sources, such as state awards, federal grant funds and private grant funds.

Related Projects (RAMP)

Displays all related records that have been linked using the Manage Relationships Activity. This is similar to the Related Award Record.

Renewal Award

An award made subsequent to an expiring award for which the start date is contiguous with, or closely follows, the end of the expiring award. A renewal award's start date will begin a distinct period of performance.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Announcements from an external organization (sponsor) that solicit proposals. RFPs specify a research topic, methods to be used, product (such as information, data, service, goods, etc.) to be delivered, and appropriate applicants sought.

Research Administrator

Research administrators provide expertise and assistance to investigators to advance research in a university setting. Anybody who assists in facilitating research at a university is considered a research administrator.

Research Assistant (RA)

A research assistant is a UW-Madison graduate student working towards a Master's or doctoral degree. An appointment as an RA is appropriate if their duties primarily benefit the individual's course of study and research and are directly applicable to the individual's thesis or dissertation. Tasks, which are irrelevant or unnecessary to the appointee's academic program, or repetitive beyond that which is necessary to achieve excellence in the activity, are not appropriate for an individual appointed as a research assistant. The appointee is required to register for a full load of graduate courses and research. A research assistant stipend is established annually on an institution-wide basis, although the amount of each stipend may vary among departments. Research Assistants

Research Terms and Conditions

In order to create greater consistency in the administration of Federal research awards, Federal research agencies may choose to use the Research Terms and Conditions, a core set of administrative terms and conditions on research and research-related awards that are subject to 2 CFR Part 200, to the extent practicable. The core set of administrative requirements for participating Federal research agencies and other pertinent documents are posted at: http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsp Companion documents include the Prior Approval Matrix, National Policy Requirement Matrix, Subaward Requirement Matrix, and Agency-Specific Requirements.

Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP)

The office that promotes and facilitates the research, education, and outreach missions of the University of Wisconsin-Madison by supporting and administering extramurally sponsored programs. RSP provides guidance and services related to proposal submission, award negotiations, award set-up, and award management through closeout. All research proposals, contracts, grants and cooperative agreements with extramural sponsors must be routed to UW-Madison Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) through the Dean's office of the UW-Madison college or school you are affiliated with. This includes: Clinical Trials Agreements, Confidential/Non-Disclosure Agreements, Research Agreements, Incoming and Outgoing Material Transfer Agreements, Licensing/Software/Equipment Agreements, Data Sharing/Use Agreements, Interagency Personnel Assignment Agreements, Memoranda of understanding, and all amendments, modifications and extensions to the above. RSP.Wisc.edu

Residual Balance

Funds which remain upon the successful completion of a sponsored project (i.e., all terms and conditions met, all work has been completed, and a final project report has been submitted) that the contract allows to be retained by the institution and transferred to an unrestricted project. Residual Balance

Responsible department / division / institute (RAMP)

The department/division/institute that is ultimately responsible for a record and approving/managing the record according to UW-Madison policies. Responsible organizations will map in RAMP based on the Principal Investigator selected but can be changed manually if required. On Funding Proposals, the organization listed as the responsible organization maps to the SF424 record (if applicable). This is similar to the Administering Dept field.

Revenue

Revenue is a calculation of gross income earned by an entity or activity. In sponsored programs at UW-Madison, the accrual accounting method of revenue recognition is used for all awards except Clinical Trails which are on the cash basis method. Under the accrual basis accounting method, revenue is recognized as expenditures are incurred. Revenue is NOT an indication that a cash payment has been received. Budgets are based on a contractual amount. Accounts Receivable balances are created to track amounts that have been invoiced and payments received are applied to Accounts Receivable balances. Under the cash basis accounting method, revenue is recognized when payments are received and recorded. Budgets are based on payments received.

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SF424 (RAMP)

The Grants.gov application for federal assistance. When submitting for a federal opportunity using system-to-system capabilities (S2S) within RAMP, an electronic SF424 is created and populated using information entered on the Funding Proposal and Budget records. The SF424 will replace Cayuse at UW-Madison. Principal Investigators will be able to submit certain proposals directly in sponsor systems as they do today (i.e., Research.gov, NSPIRES). This is similar to Cayuse.

SFS Document Type

An internal code identifying the type of agreement used to transmit extramural support to the University. Examples include, Cooperative Agreement, Cost Reimbursable Contract, Fixed Price Contract, and Grant. The Document Type is typically entered into the UW-Madison SFS system at the time of proposal submission.

Scope of Work (SOW)

The statement of proposed work to be performed. The SOW should match the budget and period of performance.

Service Agreement

A written contract prepared by Purchasing Services, signed by the service provider, and signed and executed by an authorized signatory in Business Services. The agreement lays out a payment schedule and describes the deliverables the service provider is expected to complete within the defined time period.

Shared Financial System (SFS)

The official financial system for the University of Wisconsin. SFS is the suite of applications for UW-System and UW institutions using PeopleSoft. SFS includes programs that comprise the general ledger, purchasing, asset management, and Grants Management systems including WISPER.

Shared Grant

A subaward provided by one UW System school to another UW System school. (Example: UW-Madison to UW-Green Bay).

SmartForm (RAMP)

A series of pages completed with information about the record (e.g., Funding Proposal, Award).

Sole Source

An assertion that the individual or business firm is the only provider capable of performing the service in question. A sole source justification is required to waive bidding requirements on contracts over $5,000.

Specialist (RAMP)

Grants Module user role allowing RSP staff to manage Funding Proposals, Awards, and Award modification. This is similar to SPO Mgt./Admins (RSP staff).

Sponsor

An external entity committing a specific level of funding to the University for a specific Scope of Work for a specific time-period.

Sponsor Award Number or Reference Number

A unique identifier given to each award by the sponsor. The sponsor award number will be located on the award document and should be used when communicating with the sponsor.

Research and Sponsored Programs

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research

Frequently Accessed Pages

Award Statistics FY23

Research & Sponsored Programs Glossary