Certified Research Administrator Practice Exam

The direct salary that an individual can receive on NIH grant or cooperative agreement awards is restricted to what level of the Federal Executive pay scale?

1. Executive Level I

2. Executive Level II

3. Federal Level I

4. Federal Level II

The correct answer is: Executive Level I

The correct response is based on the guidelines set forth for direct salary limitations on NIH grant or cooperative agreement awards. Specifically, the salary that individuals can receive is capped at the Executive Level I of the Federal Executive pay scale. This is because the NIH aligns its funding policies with the federal pay structure to ensure consistency and fairness across federally funded positions. This limitation is important for budgeting purposes, as it helps to standardize how salaries are allocated in research proposals. Knowing this cap is essential for researchers when preparing grant applications, as they must ensure that requested salaries align with federal guidelines. Additionally, it's crucial to keep in mind that these salary restrictions serve to manage federal spending and prioritize funding for research projects over individual compensation. Understanding this framework allows researchers and administrators to navigate funding opportunities more effectively while adhering to federal regulations.