Army Research Office (ARO) and Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Terms and Conditions Summary

As Issued by ARO and ARL

Updated March 11, 2024

Per the DOD’s Interim Implementation (2 CFR Part 1103), awards made to MIT after December 26, 2014 are “subject to the administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements” of 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance or “UG”). Special exceptions may be made for new awards under $150,000.

If the ARO incorporates the old Research Terms and Conditions and ARO Agency Specific requirements by reference, please note that the Uniform Guidance takes precedence over award-specific conditions. Any requests for prior approval should be submitted in writing to RAS for review; RAS will then submit to the grants officer by RAS.

  • Period of Performance Extensions
    • May incur pre-award costs 90 days prior to the award date without prior approval.
    • Research awards may initiate a one-time no- cost extension of up to 12 months by notifying agency in writing at least 10 days prior to award expiration.
  • Personnel Changes
    • Change of any key person named in proposal or award requires prior approval.
    • Disengagement of the PI for 3 months requires prior approval.
    • 25% reduction in effort PI requires prior approval.
  • Restrictions on Allowable Costs  
  • Rebudgeting Authority
    • All deviations from the approved budget are required to be reported to the Agency.
    • Funds for participant support may not be rebudgeted without prior approval.
    • Changes in Cost sharing require prior approval.
  • Carry Forward
    • Carryforward does not require prior approval.
  • Equipment/Property
    • Unbudgeted Special purpose equipment over $5,000 may not be purchased without prior approval.
    • Unbudgeted General purpose equipment of any value may not be purchased without prior approval.
    • Title to property vests in MIT.
    • Property management and reporting requirements are applicable to all property for which MIT is accountable under an award.
  • Travel
    • Use of U.S. Carriers for flights is required per the Fly America Act (49 USC 40118)
    • The Department of Defense does not allow exceptions under the Open Skies Agreements.
  • Publications
    • Acknowledgment required: in any publication “This material is based upon work supported by, or in part by, the U. S. Army Research Laboratory and the U. S. Army Research Office under contract/grant number”
    • Disclaimer required: Not specified in the regulations, but typically expected in all releases of information except scientific articles.
    • Copies to Sponsor:  expected to Technical Representative at the time of submission for publication..
  • Subcontracting
    • Prior Approval required for all unbudgeted subcontracting.
  • Reporting
    • Requirements specified on ARO Form 18 –
    • Technical reporting must be completed by the PI, and should be submitted online at https://extranet.aro.army.mil
    • If submitted by email, all reports must include Standard Form (SF) 298
    • Final technical report must be submitted to rasaward@mit.edu in addition to any recipients specified in award document.
    • Requirements may vary, but typically include
      • Annual reports due 30 days after July 31
      • Final report, due 90 days after closeout. 
    • Financial Reporting required, completed by Sponsored Accounting.
    • Intellectual Property Reporting required, completed by RAS.
    • Property/Equipment Reporting may be required, completed by Property Office.