RAPID Closeout Tool Release Version Dated 7/31/2025

Dear Colleagues,  ORA is pleased to announce the release of a new version of the RAPID Closeout Tool (version dated 7/31/2025). Please download the latest version of the tool, available in the ORA Online Resource Center. This latest version includes the following updates: Before the RAPID Closeout Tool can be used with Excel, the .xla add-in file must be unblocked by … Read More

Important Reminder: ERS Certification Deadline for Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 is 2 Weeks Away

Dear Colleagues, We are two weeks away from the August 8, 2025, effort report certification deadline for Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 reporting periods. Please address all outstanding effort reports now.  Reporting Period Non-Academics & 11/12 Academics 9/12 Academics Certification Rate Fall 2024 October – December 2024 July – October 2024 27% Winter 2025 January – March 2025 November 2024 … Read More

Updated GAEL Fee Structure: General Ledger Impact to C&G Funds

Dear Colleagues, As communicated during the July 10, 2025 Research Administration Forum (RAF), changes to the GAEL configuration, assessment, and fee structure were implemented on July 1, 2025. On June 11, 2025, UCLA’s Central Resource Unit (CRU) issued the announcement below detailing the General Ledger (GL) impacts associated with these changes. Please be aware of the following key impacts for … Read More

PAMS Updates and New Features: Release Date 7/2/25

Dear PAMS Users, We’re excited to announce that the latest updates to PAMS are now live as of today, 7/2/2025! These enhancements are designed to improve usability and provide greater flexibility for Department Administrators and Fund Managers. Training materials for these new features are available on the EFM website. Additional details will also be shared during the upcoming Research Administration … Read More

NIH NRSA Grants: Unallowable Benefits for FY25-26

Dear Colleagues, The Composite Benefits Rates (CBR) for various Employee Groups for FY25-26 are available on the Business & Finance Solutions website. Per the NIH Grant Policy Statement Section 11 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards, costs normally associated with employee benefits (such as FICA, workman’s compensation, life insurance, union dues, and unemployment insurance) are unallowable. The unallowable benefit percentage included in the … Read More

ERS Release Announcement for Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 Effort Reports

Dear Colleagues, Effort reports for the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 reporting periods are now available in the Effort Reporting System. The certification due date is Friday, August 8, 2025. This deadline has been adjusted to accommodate for the delayed availability of the reports. Reporting Period Non-Academics and 11/12 Academics 9/12 Academics Certification Due Date Fall 2024 October 2024 – December 2024 … Read More

Update on ERS Fall 2024 & Winter 2025 Effort Report Release

Dear Colleagues, We want to inform you that the release of the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 Effort Reports in the Effort Reporting System (ERS) has been rescheduled from the timeline previously communicated at the May 2025 RAF meeting. The ERS system will be taken offline on the morning of Friday, June 6th, and reports will be released on Wednesday, June … Read More