The laboratory funding model relies on both internal and external funding sources, on a user-based system. External services are offered on a fixed-cost contract basis, whereas internal services are offered on an hourly rate.
External Services
NSEL offers different external service contracts tailored to the testing needs:
- Technical Testing Agreements (TTA)
- Used when requiring only specimen testing, observational data, measurements, and results. This agreement does not include data analysis or engineering recommendations. Deliverables typically include a basic report containing equipment calibration, specimen description, methodology, testing results, and a summary. Agreement processing and approval is usually quick.
- Sponsored Research Agreements (SRA)
- Used when requiring long-term research or testing to develop or improve technology. A member of our faculty is selected as a principal investigator (PI) and graduate students are selected to perform the research needs. Deliverables are tailored to the needs. Agreement processing and approval can take some time.
- Revenue Generating Agreements (RGA)
- Used when the University has determined that performing the services will promote one or more of the University’s missions of public service, research, teaching, and economic development. This agreement is not as common as the others but may be used when students and publications are involved in the services.
- Facility Use Agreement (FUA)
- Used when offering facility access to clients, students and researchers for conducting testing that follows standardized and repetitive methodology. Agreement processing and approval is usually quick.
Internal Services
Internal services are offered to the CEE department at a reduced rate, with the intent to only cover costs related to the equipment, staff, and resources needed to maintain the laboratory.
Internal rates are established each fiscal year (FY) by Government costing at the University of Illinois, an office under the Office of the Controller and Deputy Comptroller. The department supports all three universities in the calculation, review, audit, and negotiation of rates applicable to sponsored projects and non-sponsored funds.
The rates for FY2026 are currently being computed for the following categories:
- Research Engineer
- Floor Space Usage
- Hydraulic Systems
- Small Capacity Load Frames and Actuators (< 110 kips)
- Large Capacity Load Frames and Actuators (≥ 110 kips)
- DAQ and Instrumentation
- Photography and Imaging
- 3D Printing