12.4 Allowable Costs

Support may be requested for the acquisition, calibration, analysis, and publication of HST data, and related costs. Budget proposals are reviewed based on what is reasonable and allowable to complete the scientific goals of the program. Costs of the following types may be acceptable, if they conform to the GGP (see Section 12.1):

•	Salaries and wages

•	Costs for individuals providing research assistance, such as graduate students, post-doctoral research associates or science data aides

•	Fringe benefits

•	Publication costs

•	Travel (if directly related to the specific project for which it is budgeted)

•	Computer services

•

Equipment

•	Materials and supplies

•	Overhead costs

•	Indirect costs

•	Funds to support ground-based observations

For-profit organizations should note that profit and cost of money are not allowable costs.

Preparatory funding may be requested if necessary to prepare for the receipt of HST data. Proposers may request that up to 25% of the total approved amount for their programs be awarded prior to the start of the Cycle 21 observing schedule. However, such funding is not available prior to the Directorate approval of funding for Cycle 21 programs. Preparatory funds are part of the overall funding allocated for the program, and are not additional funds. Pre-award expenditures may be incurred, but at the risk of the investigator. All funding (including preparatory funds) is subject to the availability of funds from NASA.