PPE Donations
The NIH, NSF and USDA-NIFA have confirmed the allowability of donating PPE to support the response to COVID-19.
For the NIH and USDA-NIFA, projects/departments should maintain documentation of donations. The attached spreadsheet may be used for this purpose: <link to tracking spreadsheet>
For PPE contributions that were originally purchased with NSF funds, projects must submit a request to contribute the items or resources via the “Other Request” in the Notifications and Requests module in Research.gov. The requests should specify the items or resources donated and any anticipated impacts of the donation on the scope of the project. If the donation will result in a change in objectives or scope, projects should note this by using the “Change in Objectives or Scope” in the Notifications and Requests module. To submit the notification, contact your sponsored programs officer.
For other federal agencies, maintain documentation and consult your sponsored program officer
NIH guidance: YES -- PPE donations are permitted
Recipients may donate PPE and other lab supplies in support of efforts related to COVID. In order to proceed with these donations, recipients must maintain documentation that supports the following:
- the donated equipment or supplies are not currently needed due to temporary suspension of project activities or no longer necessary to meet the objectives of the grant;
- if the equipment remains in usable condition, it should be returned to its original purpose upon completion of the public health emergency;
- the donation(s) will be documented for single audits and will be provided to NIH funding ICs upon request.
- As outlined in the NIH GPS (Section 8.3.3.2.1) the title for equipment and supplies acquired under NIH grants vests with the recipient institution.
- Recipients should not assume that NIH funding ICs will provide additional funds to replace the donated PPE and supplies. NIH funding ICs will consider administrative supplements to support existing resources that were diverted due to COVID-19, where the faculty member may have donated personal protective equipment, lab equipment, lab supplies, or travel costs to support COVID-patient care, etc. Please contact the funding IC for specific details regarding supplemental support. See NIH FAQ COVID-19 Flexibilities for Applicants and Recipients Section VI.D.6.
NSF guidance: YES -- PPE donations are permitted.
- The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must submit their request/notification to donate items or resources via use of “Other Request” in the Notifications and Requests module in Research.gov. Each request should specify the items or resources to be donated and any anticipated impacts of the donation on the scope of the project.
- If the anticipated impact of the donation will result in a change in objectives or scope, the “Change in Objectives or Scope” in the Notifications and Requests module must be used to reflect that change.
- By submitting a request, the AOR is certifying that the equipment, supplies, etc., is being donated to a hospital, medical center or other local entity serving the public for the COVID-19 response.
- Recipients must not assume that supplemental funding will be available should the donation result in a shortage of funds to eventually carry out the project. Recipients are required to maintain appropriate records to substantiate the donation in support of COVID-19 emergency response activities.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA): YES- Donations of PPE are permitted.
Recipients may donate PPE and other lab supplies in support of efforts related to COVID-19, or use staff or equipment funded through NIFA grants to produce PPE.
- Recipients may re-budget grant funds to repurchase supplies at a later date, or use unobligated balances. Recipients must not assume that supplemental funding will be available should the charging of such costs or other fees result in a shortage of funds to eventually carry out the project.
- Recipients are required to maintain appropriate records and cost documentation for any donated supplies, as required by 2 CFR § 200.302 –