Overview of ORA Research—the creation of new knowledge—is key to Stanford’s educational mission. Much of Stanford’s research is sponsored by others. Sources of research funding include the federal government, state and local agencies, hospitals, foundations, corporations and foreign entities. Stanford research has led to breakthrough remedies, devices, tools, and concepts, as well as 25 Nobel prizes for Stanford faculty. Among the inventions and discoveries that have resulted from Stanford research are MRI technology, DNA cloning, the Pill, heart transplantation, and digital music. Stanford’s research income in fiscal year 2005 reached approximately $1 billion dollars, and represents the largest single source of University funds. The Office of Research Administration (ORA) manages the entire lifecycle of sponsored research from proposal submission through award closeout. ORA submits nearly 3,000 new proposals annually and manages more than 4,500 active sponsored projects. In addition, the Office of Research Administration develops and negotiates both fringe and indirect cost rates with the government, monitors compliance related to service centers and sponsored research, and is responsible for the management of more that 100,000 pieces of University-owned capital equipment. Maintaining the Public Trust When external sponsors support our research, they expect that Stanford will take great care to ensure the integrity of research results and outcomes, protect human (and animal) subjects, and manage funds wisely and within the bounds of all pertinent research regulations. Stewardship and Compliance Proper stewardship of these funds is a responsibility that must be shared among many individuals within the University. Providing grants managers, Principal Investigators and central and lab administration officials with the tools and the data to encourage and facilitate the management of sponsored funds is a central purpose of the Office for Research Administration (ORA). Specifically, ORA: Provides tools to assist faculty members and students in their search for funding opportunities, reviewing proposals, negotiating awards, maintaining PTA’s and records, seeking reimbursement for expenses from sponsors, and fulfilling sponsor reporting requirements. Monitors sponsored projects for compliance with sponsor terms and conditions, University policies, and federal regulations. Works closely with department financial officers to prepare and implement financial and administrative policies, procedures, and sponsor and regulatory compliance issues of interest to the research community. Manages capital equipment, identifies the availability of equipment for research use; facilitates recording and tracking of asset records; calculates depreciation; and issues reports to management and sponsors. Manages the physical inventory of capital and sponsor-owned assets. Develops, proposes, and negotiates the Facilities and Administrative (Indirect) Cost Rates and Fringe Benefits Rates with the Office of Naval Research (ONR). Provides oversight for the University's service centers, including the Medical school's Veterinary Service Center, a specialized service facility. In addition, Supports cost analysis studies for the University. Ensures a culture of compliance through effective systems, and community outreach. Provides oversight for the University’s Space Inventory process Assesses, develops and delivers information and training regarding research administration to the Stanford Community.