b201a113_lowability_of_Costs_Activities__Explanation_of_Allowable_Costs
[Items] Fringe Benefits / Pension Plan Costs
Pension plan costs which are incurred in accordance with the established policies of the non- Federal entity are allowable, provided that: (1) Such policies meet the test of reasonableness. (2) The methods of cost allocation are not discriminatory. (3) For entities using accrual based accounting, the cost assigned to each fiscal year is determined in accordance with GAAP. (4) The costs assigned to a given fiscal year are funded for all plan participants within six months after the end of that year. However, increases to normal and past service pension costs caused by a delay in funding the actuarial liability beyond 30 calendar days after each quarter of the year to which such costs are assignable are unallowable. Non- Federal entity may elect to follow the "Cost Accounting Standard for Composition and Measurement of Pension Costs'' (48 CFR 9904.412). (5) Pension plan termination insurance premiums paid pursuant to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1301-1461) are allowable. Late payment charges on such premiums are unallowable. Excise taxes on accumulated funding deficiencies and other penalties imposed under ERISA are unallowable. (6) Pension plan costs may be computed using a pay-as-you-go method or an acceptable actuarial cost method in accordance with established written policies of the non-Federal entity. (i) For pension plans financed on a pay-as-you-go method, allowable costs will be limited to those representing actual payments to retirees or their beneficiaries. (ii) Pension costs calculated using an actuarial cost-based method recognized by GAAP are allowable for a given fiscal year if they are funded for that year within six months after the end of that year. Costs funded after the six month period (or a later period agreed to by the cognizant agency for indirect costs) are allowable in the year funded. The cognizant agency for indirect costs may agree to an extension of the six month period if an appropriate adjustment is made to compensate for the timing of the charges to the Federal government and related Federal reimbursement and the non-Federal entity's contribution to the pension fund. Adjustments may be made by cash refund or other equitable procedures to compensate the Federal government for the time value of Federal reimbursements in excess of contributions to the pension fund. (iii) Amounts funded by the non- Federal entity in excess of the actuarially determined amount for a fiscal year may be used as the non- Federal entity's contribution in future periods. (iv) When a non-Federal entity converts to an acceptable actuarial cost method, as defined by GAAP, and funds pension costs in accordance with this method, the unfunded liability at the time of conversion is allowable if amortized over a period of years in accordance with GAAP. (v) The Federal government must receive an equitable share of any previously allowed pension costs (including earnings thereon) which revert or inure to the non-Federal entity in the form of a refund, withdrawal, or other credit.
7.9 Allowability of Costs/Activities
Explanation of Allowable Costs