Award Definition Types
Grant
A grant is the appropriate agreement to be used in a relationship between the federal government and a recipient whenever (1) the principle purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the state or local government or other recipient in order to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a federal statute, rather than acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, or property or services for the direct benefit or use of the federal government; and (2) no substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the federal government, and the state or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity.
Contract
A contract is the appropriate agreement to be used in a relationship between the federal government and a recipient whenever (1) the principle purpose of the instrument is the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the federal government; or (2) an executive agency determines in a specific instance that the use of a type of procurement contract is appropriate.
Cooperative Agreement
A cooperative agreement is the appropriate agreement to be used in a relationship between the federal government and a recipient whenever (1) the principle purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the state or local government or other recipient in order to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a federal statute, rather than acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the federal government; and (2) substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the federal government, and the state or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity.
Definitions of Grant, Contract, and Cooperative Agreement from O.L. 95-224 (1978)
Grant | Cooperative Agreement | Contract | |
---|---|---|---|
Basic Purpose | Provide assistance with few restrictions | Provide assistance with substantial involvement between parties | Procure tangible goods and services |
Solicitation Method | Application kit or guidelines | Request for Application | Request for proposal or Request for quote |
Award Instrument | Short, may refer to general conditions | Describes involvement, party relationships | Detailed specs, clauses, regulations, and expected results and deliverables |
Involvement by sponsor | Generally none | Substantial involvement | May be extensive |
Rebudgeting | Flexible | Usually flexible | More restrictive |
Equipment | Grantee | Varies | Varies |
Title | |||
Performance Period | Specified in Grant | Specified in Cooperative Agreement | Specified in Contract |
Patent Rights | Usually favor recipient | May be involved | Provision in contract |
Publications | May ask to be informed | May ask to be informed | May require prior review/approval |
Technical Reports | Annual summary report | Frequent reports | Detailed, may be monthly |
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