Subcontracts and subawards are contracts issued to a company outside UCSD to:

• Provide goods for a sponsored project
• Perform a portion of the work for a sponsored project

A subcontract is funded by a federal or private contract; a subaward is funded by a federal or private grant. The company that receives the contract to perform the work is called the subrecipient.

Use a subcontract or subaward for:

• Development or manufacture of instrumentation
• Scholarly or professional instruction or research
• Management of a public service program related to the project

To arrange a subcontract or subaward for a project in your department, see How to Complete a Requisition for a Subcontract or Subaward.

Do not use subcontracts and subawards for:

• Third party ancillary or support services to performance of the research or sponsored project (e.g., printing of reports, couriers, or purchased laboratory analyses)
• Goods and services provided within normal business operations

Instead, use a Department Order or High Value Purchase Requisition for these types of purchases.

The university charges indirect costs (IDC) on subcontracts and subawards for use of facilities and administration of funds. Learn how IDC applies to federal subcontracts.

Questions? Contact Michael Spencer, (858) 822-4392.