1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Federal Grant Accountability Act . 2. Limitations on indirect costs allowable under Federal research awards (a) Limit on indirect costs The total amount of indirect costs allowable under a Federal research award to an institution of higher education may not exceed the total amount of indirect costs allowable under private research awards, as calculated using the average indirect cost rate applicable to such awards. (b) Private research award rate The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall determine, not less frequently than annually, the average indirect cost rate applicable to private research awards for purposes of subsection (a). (c) Determination of indirect costs In determining indirect costs for purposes of this subsection, the guidelines under subpart E of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations) for determining indirect costs charged to Federal awards shall be used. 3. Comptroller General study on indirect costs under Federal and private research awards (a) Study The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on— (1) the indirect cost rates allowable under Federal research awards to institutions of higher education, including awards made by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and other such organizations; and (2) the indirect cost rates allowable under private research awards to institutions of higher education. (b) Elements The study under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of— (1) the average indirect cost rates allowable under Federal and private research awards, respectively; (2) the research fields that receive the highest levels of funding from Federal and private research awards, respectively; (3) the average amount indirect costs allowable under Federal and private research awards that are used to fund administrative staff, including administrative staff with responsibilities relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion