California Model Agreement Resources

The California State University (CSU), University of California (UC) and the California Department of General Services (DGS), on behalf of the state agencies, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a standard model agreement format, including standardized proposal requirements for contracts and grants, as part of State Assembly Bill 20 (AB20). The California Model Agreement (CMA) provides model contract terms for use by State of California agencies that fund research, training or service activities performed by campuses of the UC and CSU systems.

The CMA is codified in California Education Code Section 67325 et seq.

CMA Documents

Model Agreement MOU (Updated 2/19/20)
CMA Agreement Template (DOC) (Updated 2/14/20)
University Terms & Conditions (UTC-220), (Exhibit C) (Updated 2/14/20)
Attachment 1 - CSU Campus Auxiliary Organizations (Updated 3/15/2019)
Attachment 4 - Patent Rights (Updated 10/27/15)
Proposal Cover sheet (optional)

Archive

2016 (UTC-116)
2017 (UTC-817)
2018 (UTC-518)
2019 (UTC-319)

Resources

CMA Guide - Provides guidance on CMA components and exhibits.
CMA Quick guide - Information and FAQs on the California Model Agreement.
Key Personnel Quick guide - Guides users in identifying Key Personnel under the CMA.

Indirect Costs

The California State University, in collaboration with the University of California, will jointly increase indirect cost recovery for on-campus projects funded by State of California agencies up to 40% Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). However, if a campus is a subrecipient of federal funds and the State agency is a pass-through entity, as defined in 2 CFR 200.93 and 2 CFR 200.74, respectively, then the campus should budget and receive their federally negotiated rate for the project as specified by 2 CFR 200.331(a)(4).

Rate Schedule

Period	On-Campus	Off-Campus
January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019	25%	25%
July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2023	30%	25%
July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026	35%	25%
Starting July 1, 2026	40%	25%

25% of the indirect cost (IDC) rate for state agencies comprises the core administrative component. This component does not recover facility costs necessary to sustain activities on campus.

Indirect cost rate agreements are negotiated independently between each campus and the federal government.

The definition of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) is established by each campus's negotiated rate agreement and is governed by the terms of that agreement.

For projects performed off-campus (as defined by campus policy and/or guidance), only the 25% administrative component will be applied. The off-campus rate will not escalate as the administrative component is capped at 25% MTDC.

The campus’s Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), may limit the full application of the UC/CSU compact rate when applicable.

As of October 1, 2024, campuses with renegotiated indirect cost rate agreements that increase the subaward and/or equipment threshold will apply those thresholds to state-funded agreements, in accordance with the principles of consistent cost treatment and applicable CSU and campus policies and procedures.
The rate in effect for first year of a multi-year project will be the rate used for the entire project unless additional funds (not previously appropriated or budgeted) are awarded. When new funds are added the new budget should include the IDC rate in effect at the time the budget is constructed.

Contact Information

Ana Aguirre

Assistant Director