At the end of a sponsored project, a series of final reports must be submitted to the sponsor. These reports are critical and must be completed and submitted on time. The specific requirements—including what must be submitted, to whom, and by when—are outlined in the award’s terms and conditions.
Closeout Requirements
Most sponsors require a standard set of final reports for award closeout. These typically include:
- A final technical or programmatic report
- A final financial report
- A final invention statement or patent report (if applicable)
- A property report (if applicable)
These documents are generally due within 90 days of the project end date, though the exact timeline and requirements are specified in the award documentation.
Failure to comply with closeout requirements can have serious consequences. A Principal Investigator may be barred from receiving future funding from the sponsor. In severe cases, the University itself may be deemed ineligible for future awards, as it is ultimately accountable for the submission of all required closeout documentation.
