Indirect Rate Reset 2026: Projecting Indirect Cost Rates & Compliance

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations clarified agency expectations by rescinding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) indirect cost caps and reaffirming the National Institute of Health and Human Services’ (NIH) existing practices. With restrictions removed, recipients must now model FY 2026 – 2027 indirect rates, align with 2 CFR 200.414, and ensure systems are audit-ready. This session offers practical guidance on rate projections, compliance risks, cost allocation improvements and positioning for future funding opportunities.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how indirect cost rates are formed, applied and constrained
• Identify key accounting system requirements
• Strengthen audit readiness
• Apply compliant cost allocation and documentation practices

Who Should Attend:

This session is designed for:

• Founders/CEOs receiving SBIR/STTR or other federal grant R&D funding
• CFOs, Controllers, and Accounting Managers involved in indirect rate development, proposal budgeting and cost reporting
• Grant and project managers responsible for timekeeping, cost allocation, billing and compliance documentation
• Research administrators who need a foundational understanding of Uniform Guidance, allowable costs and accounting system requirements
• Organizations preparing for a Uniform Guidance audit