LBNL Shared Cost for Research Projects
Some funding opportunities require research teams to find additional funding sources to share in the cost of supporting the research. For example, cost sharing is essential for many DOE opportunities sponsored by ARPA-E or EERE. Research Divisions and many Principal Investigators at LBNL know about the Lab’s cost-share request process. But what proposed projects are eligible for cost-share from the Lab? And how do PIs go about seeking support through this program?
The first thing to know is that the Lab’s cost-sharing capability is limited and is reserved for projects that have demonstrable strategic impact on LBNL mission, capacity, and capabilities. For example, consider whether your project is likely to bring in significant funding ($1 million or more) to the Lab, or if it aligns with one of the Lab’s competitive advantages. Perhaps your project will help create a sustainable program that will develop the Lab’s core capabilities and expertise, or build its research infrastructure.
Because the projects that will be considered for funding are those that are strategically important to the Lab, Areas and Divisions are expected to contribute royalty or gift funds to offset the total request, that is, your Area or Division should have some “skin in the game”. You should also know that the Lab’s cost-share contribution is capped at five percent of the annual LBNL budget for your project (not 5% of the total project budget, but of the portion for LBNL).
There are also other eligibility criteria for this program, namely, that:
- The work is performed by full-time LBNL staff
- The work is performed at LBNL (e.g., Hill site, JBEI)
- The work is performed with LBNL equipment used at an LBNL site.
Process
Here’s how to go about submitting a request for funding through the Lab’s cost-sharing program:
- Fill out the form called “Request for Shared Cost Support” which can be found on the OCFO eSRA website and include any necessary attachments (including a project description, budget, and the Strategic Impact Statement).
- Make sure your Associate Lab Director, Division Director, and Business/Financial Manager approve the request and sign the form.
- To obtain the final required approval from the Deputy Laboratory Director for Research, submit the request form with all these signatures and relevant attachments five days before you need a response, to Darren Ho, (dho@lbl.gov). You may be asked further questions before receiving this final approval, so it’s important to submit your form early.
- To ensure your proposal will be considered for cost share, the completed request form with all approvals must be obtained BEFORE submitting your proposal to the Reimbursement Group (RG), Strategic Partnerships Office (SPO) and/or the DOE Direct Budget Office.
If you have any questions about the Lab’s cost-share program, contact Darren Ho, dho@lbl.gov.