A) Standard PPE. [New, 6/1/20]
If PPE was required to be purchased for a sponsored project as a part of standard best lab practice prior to COVID-19, it can continue to be direct charged to a grant during or after COVID-19 as well.
B) Additional PPE
PPE can be charged to sponsored awards if needed to conform with research reopening requirements and such costs are being allocated to all awards benefiting from the activity (e.g., all sponsored projects and all non-sponsored activities with similar needs are required to cover the cost of such items.) For example, if an experiment requires two individuals to stand within 6 feet of each other, any PPE needed to conduct that experiment would be an appropriate charge to the sponsored project during the re-opening phase even if no PPE for that experiment was considered necessary prior to COVID-19. Considerations for allocating these costs should include, the projects the salary/effort of the individuals is being charged to, or an allocation methodology.
C) Additional PPE – Beyond standard equipment but not required to re-open lab
Items not required for re-opening, (e.g. PPE acquired for the personal preference of the individuals involved) cannot be purchased on sponsored funds.