Optimizing the Use of the NIH Focused Budget Template
The NIH Focused Budget Template, provided by the Sponsored Programs Office (SPO), is a dynamic and adaptable tool crafted and designed to accommodate a wide range of budgeting needs.
During the ‘Data Entry’ phase of the budgeting process, the design allows for effortless integration of information into the file and selection of the appropriate cost codes. The advanced filtering options in Cell A1 provide easy access to additional rows, tailoring the template to your unique budgeting requirements.
Transitioning to the ‘Review and Utilization’ phase, the budget file becomes an invaluable tool for cross-verification. The advanced filtering options in Cell A1 allow you to hide unused rows quickly and efficiently, resulting in a clean and uncluttered budget that accurately translates your internal budget information into the RR Budget or Modular Budget format that aligns with the budget forms in Cayuse or ASSIST.
This efficient process not only saves time but also significantly reduces the risk of manual entry errors. In essence, the SPO budget file is more than just a data entry tool. It’s a robust instrument for quality control and assurance throughout your NIH application process.
Here’s how to adapt the file to meet your specific needs during the “Data Entry” or “Review and Utilization” phase of your budget:
Data Entry Phase:
Personnel: By default, only 10 personnel rows are displayed. If your budget includes more than 10 personnel, navigate to cell A1, activate the filter, select the option labeled “a More Personnel”, and click OK. This will display up to 45 personnel rows.
Non-personnel: By default, only 13 non-personnel rows are displayed. If your budget includes more than 13 non-personnel, navigate to cell A1, activate the filter, select the option labeled “b More Non-Personnel”, and click OK. This will display up to 48 non-personnel rows.
Subcontracts: By default, only 4 subcontract rows are displayed. If your budget includes more than 4 subcontracts, navigate to cell A1, activate the filter, select the option labeled “c More Subs”, and click OK. This will display up to 20 subcontract rows.
Review and Utilization Phase:
Graduate Student Tuition: By default, rows 101 and 102 for Graduate Student Tuition are displayed. If your budget does not include any Graduate Student Tuition, you can choose to hide these rows. Navigate to cell A1, activate the filter, deselect the option labeled “d Show Tuition”, and click OK.
Unused Rows: Once all the data has been entered into the budget, you can choose to hide the unused rows. Navigate to cell A1, activate the filter, deselect the option labeled “Unused Rows”, and click OK.
SF 424 RR Budget: The SF 424 RR Budget is displayed by default in rows 158 – 210. To hide this section, navigate to cell A1, activate the filter, and deselect the option labeled “SF 424 RR Budget”.
Modular Budget: The Modular Budget is not displayed by default. It occupies rows 213 – 235 when enabled. To display this section, navigate to cell A1, activate the filter, and select the option labeled “Modular Budget”. As a best practice, remove the check from the SF 424 RR Budget when using a Modular Budget.
The Dropdown Arrow Filter in Cell A1 has been expanded to give you enhanced control over your budget. Here’s the complete list outlining each filter item along with its corresponding rows:
- SF 424 RR Budget: Rows 158 – 210.
- Modular Budget: Rows 213 – 235.
- More Personnel: Rows 14 – 48.
- More Non-Personnel: Rows 66 – 100.
- More Subs: Rows 115 – 144.
- Show Tuition: Rows 101 – 102.
- RAMSeS: Rows 147 – 156.
- RDM Core: Rows 427 – 453.
- Sub Data: Rows 320 – 426.
- Tuition: Rows 454 – 466.
- 398 Detailed Budget: Rows 236 – 257.
- Fellowship Budget: Rows 258 – 269.
- K Award Budget: Rows 270 – 314.
By checking or unchecking these items in the filter in cell A1, you can customize the visibility of different sections in your budget, ensuring a tailored and efficient budgeting experience.