Rate-Based Service Activities (RBSA)

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Purpose

This section explains what constitutes a Rate-Based Service Activity (RBSA), outlines the formal determination process, and describes the required annual rate-setting and recertification expectations.

What Is an RBSA?

A Rate-Based Service Activity (RBSA) is a research-adjacent auxiliary activity (typically Funds 28/29) that sells goods or services on a standardized, per-unit basis to internal and/or external customers.

RBSAs support the research mission by:

  • Sustaining researcher funding levels
  • Contributing salary support for retention of highly skilled personnel
  • Supporting research activities across Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder and the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØsystem

Common Examples of RBSAs include:

  • A core facility providing specialized techniques or equipment access for Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØresearchers
  • Faculty or research groups offering proprietary software, methodologies, or technical services to internal and external customers

Profit Use

Profit from external customers may be used for other university-approved expenses outside of the RBSA, subject to applicable policies and approvals.

Determination and Annual Requirements

RBSAs are subject to formal review and oversight:

  • Activities must be officially determined as an RBSA by the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) Service Contracts team
  • All RBSAs must engage with Budget & Fiscal Planning (BFP) in an annual rate-setting and recertification process
  • Rates must be reviewed to ensure consistency, compliance, and alignment with cost-recovery principles

These steps ensure transparency, equity across users, and compliance with institutional and external requirements.

Unit Responsibilities

Units operating or proposing an RBSA are expected to:

  • Engage early with OCG to determine whether an activity qualifies as an RBSA
  • Participate in the annual rate-setting and recertification process coordinated by BFP
  • Maintain documentation supporting rate calculations and activity purpose
  • Ensure RBSA operations align with university policies and research compliance requirements

Resources

ÌýÌýWhy this matters: Clear RBSA determination and rate-setting:

  • Supports equitable and defensible pricing
  • Ensures compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements
  • Reduces risk associated with under- or over-recovery of costs
  • Strengthens transparency across campus research operations