Advanced Accounts

In order to better support our faculty in the ability to spend sponsored project funding, we encourage the use of advanced accounts in certain instances.

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There are three types of instances where advanced accounts would be appropriate:

1. Preliminary Account Activation

This account permits the charging of allowable expenses on federal and non-federal sponsored projects prior to the start date of the award if the sponsor allows pre-spending before the contract start date. The PI should have received a notification from the sponsor of their intent to fund a proposal. This type of advanced account also allows the charging of expenditures to the sponsored project prior to the receipt of the award or the execution of the award document, but not before the award start date of the sponsored project.

2. Bridge Funding

Advanced accounts are typically not necessary for non-competing continuations that are under multi-year awards; however, there are instances where these may be necessary if additional risk or contract limitations are involved. An instance of this may be an incoming subaward amendment, where they are often received after the award anniversary date and outside of the original contract period. In these instances, a PI may request an advanced account to continue working on an established project if the continuation of funding is delayed.

3. Regulatory Compliance Needs

These have two types of regulatory compliance reviews.

1. Awaiting Approval:  This is when compliance documentation has been submitted to the responsible approval body and is awaiting approval. This requires an attestation letter signed by the PI (links provided below) that indicates that compliance is pending and that no spending that occurs in the 90-day at-risk account will be related to the pending compliance area.
2. Delayed Onset:  This type of account occurs when compliance cannot be submitted because certain aspects of the award must occur prior to being able to submit the needed compliance approval documents. In this case, it is not a true advanced account as the award would be funded, but GCA will still require an attestation letter signed by the PI (links provided below) that indicates that no spending done on the award will be related to the needed compliance until completed. The approval of the sponsor is needed for the funding to proceed with a delayed onset and a date by which the compliance should be submitted and completed.

Generally, all advanced accounts will be set up for a period not to exceed 90 days (except with Delayed Onset). This should provide sufficient time for the award or compliance to be received. If the delay exceeds 90 days, a request to extend the account is required and should be submitted in GRAMS via a request modification.

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If you need additional assistance, please email GCAPostaward@unt.edu.