During the course of a program, a PI/PD may find it necessary to deviate from the award budget or statement of work. Some deviations from award conditions can be approved by SPA. This is called “expanded authorities.” Other deviations require prior approval in writing by the agency.

SPA processes all requests that are allowed by expanded authorities granted to the university or that require prior approval by the sponsor. In either case, when requesting prior approval of modifications to federal grants and agreements, the PI/PD should complete a UM Prior Approval System for Federal Grants and Agreements Form (Exhibit J) and forward it to SPA. The form is posted on the ORSP Award Management - Forms page.