CRA (Other exams) flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

WBS

Work Breakdown Structure: a hierarchical decomposition of project deliverables into smaller, manageable work packages, each assignable to an owner and estimable in cost and duration.

Critical Path

The longest sequence of dependent tasks in a project network; determines the shortest possible project duration, and any delay on this path delays the entire project.

Earned Value Management

A project performance method integrating scope, schedule, and cost; uses planned value, earned value, and actual cost to compute variances and performance indices.

Risk Register

A document listing identified risks with their probability, impact, risk score (probability times impact), mitigation strategy, owner, and early warning indicators.

Stakeholder Power/Interest Grid

A matrix classifying stakeholders by power and interest: manage closely (high/high), keep satisfied (high power/low interest), keep informed (low power/high interest), monitor (low/low).

PERT Expected Time

A weighted average duration estimate calculated as (optimistic + 4 times most likely + pessimistic) divided by 6, used in project network scheduling.

SMART Objectives

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives; each should map to at least one deliverable and one performance indicator.

Change Control Process

A formal process for requesting, analyzing impact on scope/schedule/budget, approving by authorized official, implementing, and documenting changes in a change log.

F&A Rate

Facilities and Administrative cost rate negotiated with a federal cognizant agency; applied to a modified total direct cost base to recover indirect costs.

MTDC Base

Modified Total Direct Cost base: total direct costs minus equipment, capital expenditures, patient care, rental costs, tuition, scholarships, and subaward amounts over $25,000.

Cost Sharing

The portion of project costs not borne by the sponsor; must be verifiable from records, not paid by another federal award (unless authorized), and documented in the proposal and award budget.

Subrecipient vs. Contractor

Subrecipient carries out a portion of the program with programmatic decision-making; contractor provides goods/services within normal business operations without programmatic involvement.

Just-in-Time Information

Additional documentation (e.g., other support, IRB approval) requested by a sponsor after peer review but before award; failure to submit can delay or preclude the award.

AOR

Authorized Organizational Representative: the institutional official authorized to sign and submit proposals and accept awards on behalf of the organization.

Budget Justification

A narrative explaining and justifying each proposed cost line, including basis of estimate (e.g., percent effort, hourly rates, quotes), aligned with the proposal narrative and sponsor guidelines.

Prior Approval Requirements

Sponsor approvals needed before certain changes, such as change in PI, scope of work, significant rebudgeting (often over 10%), carryover, or no-cost extension.

Effort Reporting

Certification of actual effort expended on sponsored projects; committed effort cannot be reduced without prior approval, and effort must be documented and reconciled with payroll.

Cost Transfer

Moving a cost from one project to another; must be timely (often within 90 days), fully documented, and justified; late transfers are scrutinized and may be disallowed.

No-Cost Extension

An extension of the period of performance without additional funds; may be approved by the institution or require sponsor approval depending on terms, and must be requested before the award expires.

RPPR

Research Performance Progress Report: a progress report format used by some federal sponsors to report on award activities and accomplishments.

Federal Financial Report

A financial report (SF-425) reporting cumulative cash receipts and expenditures on a federal award; typically due 90 days after the end of the reporting period.

Property Management

Tracking, maintaining, and disposing of equipment acquired under an award per sponsor and institutional rules; title may vest with the recipient subject to conditions.

Allowable Cost

A cost that is reasonable, allocable, consistently treated, and compliant with sponsor terms, institutional policy, and applicable regulations such as 2 CFR 200.

Direct vs. Indirect Costs

Direct costs can be specifically identified with a project (e.g., project personnel, supplies); indirect costs are incurred for common objectives and cannot be easily assigned to a single project.

Cost Allocation

Assigning shared costs among multiple projects using a documented, consistent, and reasonable method, such as proportional benefit or effort percentages.

Unallowable Costs

Costs that cannot be charged to federal awards, including alcohol, entertainment, fines and penalties, lobbying, bad debts, contributions, and certain advertising.

Cash Management

Recipients should minimize the time between drawdown of federal funds and disbursement (generally within 30 days); interest earned on advanced federal funds may be subject to remittance.

Closeout

Final reconciliation of accounts, submission of final financial and technical reports, resolution of outstanding obligations, and return of any unexpended balance if required.

IRB Approval

Institutional Review Board approval required before initiating human subjects research; includes informed consent, continuing review, and adverse event reporting per IRB policy.

IACUC Approval

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval required before animal research; adherence to the Animal Welfare Act and PHS Policy; protocol modifications need prior approval.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Investigators must disclose significant financial interests (e.g., over $5,000 or equity interest) that could affect research; institutions must manage, reduce, or eliminate conflicts.

Research Misconduct

Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism (FFP) in proposing, performing, or reviewing research; institutions must have policies for reporting, investigating, and adjudicating allegations.

Authorship Criteria

Based on substantial contributions to conception, design, acquisition, analysis, or interpretation; drafting or revising; final approval; and accountability; ghost and gift authorship are unethical.