If we apply for Funding area 1, but need a new server for increased computational capacity - is it eligible for funding?
Expensive equipment such as a server may be funded under the Exchange Network Grant Program, with a couple of caveats:
- It must be clear that the server is necessary to carry out the overall accomplishments of project goals/outputs and/or meet organizational business and administrative needs. When EPA reads your application, it should be clear to us how that equipment truly supports the work of the project;
- Equipment & supply costs must be a reasonable percentage of overall project. EPA usually flags items exceeding 15 to 20% of the overall project budget; however, we likely will have a conversation for any high-priced single items, to really understand the purpose of that being added into the budget. There is always a chance EPA may not approve it, in which case that line item would be removed from the project budget before award processing.
- Please note that this would not cost you the entire award. For example, an applicant has an application for a $400,000 project with a combined equipment and supply cost of $80,000. If these costs aren’t adequately justified, EPA would have a conversation with the applicant and, if not satisfied that this is a reasonable cost, remove the $80,000 portion and award the applicant a balance of $320,000.
