As part of your sponsored research project, you may acquire or develop equipment which becomes Princeton University property.
Depending on the nature of your project, you may also need to employ items owned by the federal government. This equipment is governed by University policies, as outlined below.
Equipment Definitions
Per University policy, there are equipment-related definitions to be aware of, as follows:
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Capital Equipment
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This is an off the shelf article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. Please review the Capital Equipment Policy for complete details.
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Fabricated Equipment
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This is a unique, identifiable, and discrete item that has a useful life of more than one year, and is built using material and components which cumulatively cost $5,000 or more. This type of equipment may need prior approval and requires detailed accounting in PS Financials. Please review the Fabricated Equipment Policy for complete details.
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Privately-Owned or Government-Owned Property
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If you are working on a federally sponsored project, you may be utilizing equipment owned by the government. In such cases, prior approvals may be needed prior to bringing this equipment to campus. It is your responsibility to understand all requirements related to the maintenance, use, and return of federal property. The same principles may apply if you are bringing private equipment (corporate- or foundation-owned) to campus.
Please see the Property Control and Accounting Procedures for complete details.
Guidance
Forms
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