Managing Start-Up Funds

Purpose

Start-up funds are to be used to support the development of scholarly and creative work. Start-up funds
are provided to support your research initiatives during your first three years at Texas Tech University.

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Allowed purchases

Start-up funds may be used to purchase goods and services that will aid in acquiring external funding and
furthering research initiatives. Some of these expenditures include salary support, equipment, travel,
software, lab supplies, etc. All purchases must comply with state, federal, and Texas Tech guidelines and be
permitted on the appropriate fund type. Any expense that exceeds $50,000 may require a competitive
process through the Procurement Services Office unless the goods or services are available on a State of Texas contract, federal contract, a purchasing cooperative, or Texas Tech contract. Contract Resources |
Procurement Services The vendor must also be in good standing with state and federal governments. See OP
72.09.

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Higher Education Funds HEF- 13A048 Funds

These funds support equipment purchases only. Funds are provided by OR&I and the Provost Offices (50/50 split). Funds are available for three fiscal years from the start date (ex: Award month, September 2025, the deadline to use August 31, 2028). Per State of Texas regulations, HEF funds cannot be used for travel, services, or consumables. The Texas Comptroller does not allow pre-payments or advance payments on HEF funds.
Deadline: multi-year support must be completed within three years or as listed in the approved application.

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Texas University Funds TUF- 14C004 Funds

TUF funds support research expenses such as equipment, non-capital facility modifications to support
research, supplies, salaries, etc. Funds will be allocated for the budgeted amount. Facility modification funding will be established in a project fund under the supervision of the Operations Division. The funds must be used as detailed in the approved application, including any matching funds. Prepayments support the public purpose and are only permitted for cost savings or, if required, for specialized goods or services.
Deadline: multi-year support must be completed within three years or as listed in the approved application.

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Commonly Asked Questions

What happens to your funds if you don’t use them?

HEF (13A048) and TUF (14C004) funds will be carried forward for three years from your start date. If, in year
four, there is a remaining balance in these fund categories, then a carry-forward request form can be
submitted to the Office of Research & Innovation at startup.vpr@ttu.edu for approval.

Can start-up funds be used for travel expenses?

International and/or student travel expenses are not allowed on 14C004 funds. If funds for international or
student travel are needed, a trade within your college/department can be made with OR&I approval. If your
college/department does not have an appropriate source for international or student travel, a possible trade
with OR&I can be made.

A State of Texas travel credit card for all domestic travel expenses applied against 14C004 is required. You
can work with your departmental business manager to get this application submitted/processed through
Travel Services or email travel.services@ttu.edu.

Can I use start-up funds for graduate tuition and fee waivers?

Graduate tuition and fee waivers are part of graduate student compensation and need to be budgeted for 14 funds in 7P2. Appointments must be made before the 12th class day for fall/spring and the 4th class day of the 2nd summer term, and the ePAF must be completed on or before the 20th class day for fall/spring and the 15th class day of the 2nd summer term for the student to be eligible for benefits. Graduate tuition and fee waivers cannot be moved to 14 funds on a cost transfer. See OP 62.40 for details on qualifying requirements and other graduate tuition and fee benefits.

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Summary of Use

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Contact Info:

Josie Solis
Assistant Vice President
Finance & Administration
(806) 742-3905
Josie.solis@ttu.edu
Startup.vpr@ttu.edu

For purchasing questions, email strategic.acquisitions@ttu.edu
For travel questions, email travel.services@ttu.edu
For non-capital building modification questions, email property.management@ttu.edu
For accounting and allowability questions visit the Expenditure Allowability Matrix or email accounting.services@ttu.edu 

Additional Resources:

• Operating Policy 72.09 Procurement of Goods and Services
• Expenditure Allowability Matrix
• HEF (13 Fund) Guidelines
• TUF (14 Fund) Guidelines