Thank you for responding to the survey that NAVREF conducted from November 2008 through January 2009 on NPC overhead rates, administration of federal awards and NPC support for facility research programs.  We are very pleased that 100% of the active NPCs responded to the survey and appreciate that many included thoughtful comments.

Overall, more NPCs are charging significantly higher administrative overhead rates than they reported in the last NAVREF survey conducted in 2003.  Rates applied to industry sponsored studies reflect a more realistic approach to covering the increasing costs of NPC operations and generating board discretionary funds that may be used for the general support of facility research programs.  Additionally, there was a significant increase in the number of NPCs that are the direct grantees for federal awards.

The most striking conclusion to be drawn from the survey is that many NPCs provide an impressive amount and variety of support to their affiliated VA research programs over and above project related services.  Although NAVREF did not ask NPCs to assign dollar amounts, it is clear this adds up to millions of dollars in cash and in-kind contributions to VA. 

Beneficiaries include Research Offices, IRBs, facility human protection programs, animal laboratories and VA’s rapidly growing research compliance infrastructure.  NPCs also aid facility recruitment efforts, pay for facility improvements, and donate office and research equipment to VA.  Additionally, they provide seed and bridge funding for investigators as well as substantial assistance preparing their research proposals for submission to funders and oversight committees.

NAVREF commends NPC staff members and boards for their commitment to VA research and for exceeding expectations for NPC support for facility research programs for the benefit of VA investigators and ultimately, veterans.

Please click here for the survey results.