www.research.ucla.edu/ora/training/certification.htm  

Note: Details and registration for the classroom instruction components of the Certificate courses are available through Campus Human Resources. Links to the web-based instruction components are available on the ORA Training web page at: http://www.research.ucla.edu/ora/training/

The Certificate Program in Contract and Grant Administration is intended for employees who currently perform or anticipate assuming duties and responsibilities related to the administration of contracts and grants.

The Certificate Program includes the core courses and electives, described below. Two certificates are available through the program(*):

NOTE: The Contract and Grant Administration Certificate program is under review for needed updates and changes in content and approach. Announcements of scheduled courses and changes will be made via the ORA Listserv. To subscribe to the Listserv, send an email to ora-news-subscribe@lists.ucla.edu. The subject line and body of the e-mail can be blank.

 
General Certificate in Contract and Grant Administration
 
Five core courses
Two electives

Advanced Certificate in Contract and Grant Administration

General certificate
Four additional electives


  • Course 1 - Introduction to Contract and Grant Administration (Web-based Instruction)
  • Course 2 - Proposal Preparation and Submission - Part I web-based instruction; Part II classroom instruction
  • Course 3 - Award Set-Up and Incurring Expenses - Part I web-based instruction; Part II classroom instruction
  • Course 4 - Post-Award Administration - Part I - web-based Instruction; Part II classroom instruction
  • Course 5 - Accountability in the Management of Extramural Funds
 

The Electives Are
  • Elective A: Clinical Trial Budget Preparation
  • Elective B: Industry Contracting
  • Elective C: Applying to Use Animal Subjects in Research
  • Elective D: Applying for Human Subject Participation in Research
  • Elective E: Conflict of Interest
  • Elective G: Initiation and Management of Subawards Issued by UCLA under Extramurally Funded Projects. This course will be converted into web-based training that will be available soon. No longer offered in classroom setting.
  • Elective H: UCLA Accounting
  • Elective I: Equipment Management Course
Course Descriptions:

Course 1 - Introduction to Contract and Grant Administration - Web-based Instruction

Course 1 is available on-line to complete at the student's convenience. The five modules in the course provide an overview of the contract and grant administration process at UCLA:

  • Sources of Research Support, Proposal types and Funding Mechanisms
  • Proposal Preparation
  • The Goldenrod and Proposal Submission Process
  • The Lifecycle of an Award, and Roles & Responsibilities
  • Important Policies and Regulations

Each module will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete, followed by a multiple choice quiz.

The cost of the course is $25.00. You begin by registering at: http://www.training.ucla.edu/ora. Once your registration has been submitted, you will be granted access to Module 1 while the remainder of the approval process takes place.  Once the recharge has been processed, you will have access to the remainder of the course. Note: You may also sign up to take Course 3 web-based instruction by selecting the appropriate box when registering for Course 1. The course 3 web-based instruction is free.

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Course 2 - Proposal Preparation and Submission - Part 1 web-based instruction, available 24/7; Part II classroom instruction.
Courses 2A and 2B have been consolidated into a single course covering all aspects of proposal preparation and submission. Students will receive two class credits toward the Certificate in Contract and Grant Administration for completion of all four half-days.

Topics to be discussed include:

  • Overview of the various proposal types: Federal, private foundations, and contract proposals; how to locate funding opportunities, and how to prepare and submit proposals.
  • The contents of a typical proposal
  • Preparing proposal budgets including guidance on the more complicated aspects of budgets such as: subcontracts, F & A costs and budget justifications
  • How to complete the “Goldenrod” form, obtain necessary reviews and approvals, and submit the proposal packet to the Office of Contract and Grant Administration
  • Electronic proposal submission, highlighting Grants.gov (for Grants.gov eligible Federal proposals,), and ProposalCentral (for many private, non-profit foundation proposals)
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    Course 3 – Setting Up the Award and Incurring Expenses - CHR Course #203 – Part I web-based instruction available 24/7; Part II classroom instruction. You can register for the web-based component at: http://www.training.ucla.edu/ora. The web-based component of Course 3 course is free

    Topics to be discussed include:

    • Functions OCGA and EFM perform to assist the PI/Department
    • Adhering to Federal and University policies and procedures
    • Negotiation issues
    • Award review and set-up
    • The budget as a fiscal management tool
    • The Query Data Base (QDB) system ledgers and reports helpful in monitoring funds and conducting risks assessments
    • Items requiring special monitoring (effort reporting, salary caps, cost sharing, etc.)

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    Course 4 - Post Award Administration - CHR Course #269 – Part I – web-based (Post Award Administration Handbook); Part II, classroom instruction. You can access the Handbook at:

    http://www.research.ucla.edu/ora/training/documents/Course_4_workbook.pdf

    This course focuses on common post-award activities. Course topics include:

    • Post-Award actions requiring sponsor approval
    • Subaward monitoring and reporting
    • Closing out funds
    • Overdrafts and transfers
    • Record retention
    • Case Studies

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    Course 5 - Accountability in the Management of Extramural Funds - CHR Course #238

    This course is designed as a workshop that focuses of the issues and risks particular to the administration of extramural funds. The objectives are to develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of all affected parties and to develop critical thinking skills.

    Participants are expected to interact in the analysis of case studies that are used to illustrate and emphasize:

    • Who is accountable?
    • What particular policies and regulations pertain to these fund types?
    • What questions should I be asking?

    Topics include critical considerations in the handling of:

    • Budget Reductions
    • Cost Transfers
    • Stipend vs. Salary issues for Graduate Student Researchers
    • Subcontracts

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    Elective Descriptions

    Elective A: Clinical Trials Budget Workshop - CHR Course #031

    This workshop will help participants learn how to develop an accurate budget 'up-front" and avoid cost overruns at the end. Course topics include:

    • Analyzing the protocol to accurately project study costs
    • "Hidden" costs that are often overlooked in the budget development process
    • Identifying and troubleshooting potential and real budget problems.

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    Elective B: Industry Contracting - CHR Course #246

    This course provides an overview on contracting with private industry through the Office of Intellectual Property and Industry Sponsored Research. Students will gain an understanding of the complexity of contracts and subcontracts from industry and receive tips on managing them from the pre-proposal to post-award stages. The course also provides an overview on using Material Transfer Agreements for the transfer of research materials between UCLA and industry or other academic researchers. Topics to be covered include:

    • NEW procedures for submitting proposals, including new required intake forms for Material Transfer and Industry proposals
    • How to process industry sponsored awards
    • How to process material transfer agreements
    • Components of contractual agreements, with emphasis on the toughest negotiation issues

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    Elective C: Applying to Use Animal Subjects in Research - CHR Course #270

    This course is designed for the research administrator involved in the preparation and submission of applications to use animals in research testing or teaching. Course topics include:

    • Regulations and policies governing the use of animals in research testing or teaching
    • Animal use certification program
    • ARC review requirements
    • The ARC review process and RATS database
    • Common errors associated with completion and submission of ARC applications and how to avoid them
    • Review of supplemental forms
    • The VSA/UCLA Memoranda of Understanding

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    Elective D: Applying for Human Subject Participation in Research - CHR Course #268

    This course is designed for the research administrator involved in the preparation and submission of applications for the participation of humans in research. Course topics include:

    • Overview of laws and policy governing the participation of humans in research
    • The IRB committees and review process
    • Review categories (exempt, expedited, full committee)
    • Common errors associated with completion and submission of IRB applications and how to avoid them
    • Common errors/misunderstandings associated with consent forms and how to avoid them
    • Disclosure of financial interests
    • NIH and UCLA requirements for training and certification of key personnel in human research

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    Elective E: Conflict of Interest - CHR Course #267

    This course provides a brief overview of University policies related to conflict of interest with special emphasis on State of California and Federal regulations specifically related to sponsored projects. Course topics include:

    • Terminology, concepts and procedures for disclosing and reviewing a financial interest
    • Conflict of Interest Review Committee procedures
    • Key resources for questions from researchers
    • Identifying and assessing factors that increase concerns related to a personal financial interest

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    Elective G: Initiation and Management of Subawards Issued by UCLA under Extramurally Funded Projects - CHR Course #294 - This course will be converted into web-based training that will be available soon. No longer offered in classroom setting.

    This course is designed for the research administrator involved with proposals and/or awards where part of the research is being performed by an outside organization or another UC Campus.

    Topics include:

    • Planning for a subaward vs. a consultant vs. a vendor

    • Subawards in proposals: documentation needed from subrecipients; how to list the subaward in UCLA's budget; how to represent F&A costs

    • Issuing and monitoring subawards-the role of OCGA, EFM, the Department/PI, Purchasing and Accounts Payable

    • How to process a Bruin-Buy requisition to request issuance of a PO and subaward, including utilization of the correct object codes for appropriation of F&A costs

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    Elective H: UCLA Accounting (Offered by Corporate Accounting) – CHR Course # 001

    This course is designed for new and existing employees who have responsibility for initiating various accounting transactions and for reviewing and reconciling financial system ledgers. Supervisors who have recently assumed responsibilities requiring knowledge about the University's accounting system are encouraged to attend.

    The class introduces the procedures for performing various accounting and bookkeeping functions, such as transferring funds, ordering and paying for goods and services, and reviewing and reconciling ledgers. Where possible, existing automated systems which can assist the department will be discussed and demonstrated. In addition, staff who wish to have a better understanding of the Full Accounting Unit will benefit from an in-depth discussion of this topic. The course will cover:

    • Purpose and uses of the UCLA Full Accounting Unit
    • Basic structure of the Financial System and related systems
    • Overview of on-line (mainframe computer) systems which can be used to initiate transactions and inquire on the Financial System
    • Understanding and reconciling the general ledger 
    • Fiscal closing responsibilities 
    • Discussion of policies

    This course counts as an elective towards the certificate if taken after January 1, 2005.

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    Elective I:  Equipment Management (Offered by Equipment Management) CHR Course # 008

    This workshop is designed for new and existing employees who are involved in the acquisition, utilization, maintenance or disposal of University equipment. Supervisors or support staff with property management responsibilities are encouraged to attend.

    Congressional concern has resulted in increased Federal scrutiny related to equipment control at UCLA. The ability to successfully implement appropriate departmental controls reduces the risk of noncompliance with Federal guidelines that may jeopardize UCLA's funding sources. This workshop presents a policies and procedures overview pertaining to meeting UCLA and Federal regulatory and audit requirements. Topics to be discussed include:

    • What is inventorial equipment?
    • Use of sub and object codes - sub 04 and sub 03
    • Requirements for the annual physical inventory
    • Policies relating to the disposition of University and government-owned property
    • Advertising and selling surplus property
    • Overview of UCLA Equipment Management Online 

      This course counts as an elective towards the certificate if taken after January 1, 2005.

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    * When the courses required to earn a certificate have been completed, you should send or fax to ORA the Campus Human Resources list of the classes taken. This list is very easy to obtain. Follow the steps below:
    • 1) Go to the Internet and enter this address: http://chrsuns01.chr.ucla.edu:8881/m1/plsql/cat.page1
    • 2) Select the first tab titled "Your Courses"
    • 3) Enter your Employee ID number
    • 4) Print the list
    • 5) White out or cross off your Employee ID number (to protect your privacy)
    • 6) Mail, fax , or print as a PDF and send as an email attachment to:

    Linnaea Mallette, Training Coordinator
    Office of Research Administration
    11000 Kinross Avenue, Suite 102
    Box 951406
    Los Angeles, CA 90095-1406
    Mail code: 140607
    Phone: x42944
    Fax: x40631
    E-mail: lmallette@research.ucla.edu

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    Last page update on 11/04/2009