Commonly Used Acronyms in Research Administration

AcronymDefinition
AORAuthorized Organizational Representative
ARCSIMAdvanced Research Computing, Security, and Information Management
AYAcademic Year
BAABroad Agency Announcement
CESUCooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
CFDACatalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
CFRCode of Federal Regulations
Co-ICo-Investigator
COIConflict of Interest
Co-PICo-Principal Investigator
DFARDefense Federal Acquisition Regulation
DUNSData Universal Numbering System
EEOCEqual Employment Opportunity Commission
EOExecutive Order
F&AFacilities and Administrative (rate or cost)
FAINFederal Award Identification Number
FARFederal Acquisition Regulation
FCOIFinancial Conflict of Interest
FDAFood and Drug Administration
FOAFunding Opportunity Announcement
IDCIndirect Cost
IRBInstitutional Review Board
LOILetter of Intent
MTDCModified Total Direct Cost
NICRANegotiation Indirect Cost Rate Agreement
NOINotice of Intent
OPASOrganizational Prior Approval System
ORAOffice of Research Administration
ORCOffice of Research Compliance
ORDOffice of Research Development
OVPRDGSOffice of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School
PARSProposal Approval Routing System
PIPrincipal Investigator
RFARequest for Applications
RFPRequest for Proposal
TDCTotal Direct Costs
TFFATotal Federal Funds Awarded
UGUniform Guidance
SynonymDefinition
F&A = IDCOverhead
BAA = FOA = RFA = RFPSolicitation
AcronymDefinition
ARSAgricultural Research Service
DODDepartment of Defense
DOEDepartment of Energy
EPAEnvironmental Protection Agency
eRAElectronic Research Administration
NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
NIFANational Institute of Food and Agriculture
NIHNational Institute of Health (has 27 Institutes & Centers)
NOAANational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NSFNational Science Foundation
USDAUnited States Department of Agriculture
APHISAnimal & Plant Health Inspection Service
CINARCooperative Institute for North Atlantic Region
DMRDepartment of Marine Resources
DOEdDepartment of Education
DOTDepartment of Transportation
HRSAHealth Resources & Services Administration
MOHFMaine Outdoor Heritage Fund
MSGCMaine Space Grant Consortium
USGSUnited States DOI Geological Survey