Sponsored Programs Administration & Research Compliance
The Office of Sponsored Programs Administration & Research Compliance (SPARC) provides Drake University's faculty, staff and students with comprehensive guidance and support in their pursuit and conduct of research and scholarly activities.
SPARC works collaboratively with the research community to assist them in advancing Drake's mission of teaching, research and scholarship and provides them with the highest quality customer service and technical expertise.
Please note: All grant related final documents need to be submitted to the SPARC office five work days prior to the submission deadline.
SPARC provides assistance in five primary areas: Pre-Award, Post-Award, Research Compliance, Technology Transfer, and Training.
- Developing a Grant
- When You Receive An Award
- Research Compliance
- Technology Transfer
- Education, Training, and Outreach
- Policies and Forms
News & Updates
Date: 1/08/2026
SPARC Newsletter
SPARC is happy to introduce our new departmental newsletter, created to keep our community informed, connected, and engaged. Each issue will highlight timely updates, opportunities, resources, and important information pertaining to the world of sponsored programs. We hope this newsletter becomes useful and an enjoyable way to stay connected to what’s happening in SPARC.
Date: 9/30/2025
NIH Policy Update: Other Support Training Required
NIH has issued NOT-OD-25-133, requiring training for faculty and Senior/Key Personnel on Other Support disclosures, effective October 1, 2025. This training is designed to help ensure compliance in reporting all active and pending research activities and affiliations.
Please use the following training PowerPoint to understand NIH's Other Support disclosure: NIH Other Support Disclosure Training
If you have any questions, please reach out to: preston.miller@drake.edu
University Facts
All correspondence regarding contractual matters:
Lori Byrd, MS
Director, Sponsored Programs Administration & Research Compliance (SPARC)
Drake University
228 Howard Hall
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311-4505
Phone: 515-271-3717
Fax: 515-271-4067
Mail grant payments to:
Suzanne Stewart, Senior Grants Accountant
Sponsored Programs Administration & Research Compliance (SPARC)
Drake University
230 Howard Hall
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311-4505
Phone: 515-271-3907
Fax: 515-271-4067
Authorized Signatory:
Lori Byrd, MS
Director, Sponsored Programs Administration & Research Compliance (SPARC)
lori.byrd@drake.edu
Drake University
228 Howard Hall
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311-4505
Phone: 515-271-3717
Fax: 515-271-4067
Type: Private Institution of Higher Education
Cognizant Federal Agency:
Division of Cost Allocation
Dept. of Health and Human Services
Arif Karim, Director
1301 Young Street, Room 732
Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: 214-767-3261
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement Date: 8/3/2022
2024-25 Operational Budget: $132,553,416
Board of Trustees: Board of Trustees
W-9 Form: (To be signed by Accounting)
DUNS#: 041103730
SAMS Unique Entity Identifier: CMXGBGR1SAK1
FEIN (Federal Tax ID): 42-0680460
Cage Code: 1P6H0
County: Polk
Congressional District: IA-003
Year of Incorporation: 1881
Animal Welfare Assurance#: A3577-01
Animal Welfare Act#: 42-R-005
Human Subjects Assurance#: IRB00005929
IORG#: 0004963
FWA#: 00011321
Tax Exemption Letter: Drake Tax Exempt Status
Copy of Most Recent Audit: Audit Report FY24
Copy of 990: Form 990
Federal Mileage Reimbursement Rate for 2025: $0.70*
*Mileage reimbursement rates may vary based on the award. Please check the award documentation.
Indirect Cost Rates
Predetermined On-campus: 36.7% MTDC
Predetermined Off-campus: 14.9% MTDC
MTDC Base excludes equipment, capital expenditures, patient care, tuition remission, rent, scholarships, and fellowships, as well as the portion of each subgrant and subcontract in excess of $25,000
Fringe Benefit Rates FY25:
Full-time Rate: 23.3%
Faculty Summer Stipends & Part-time Rate: 7.9%
Students Not Enrolled in Classes Rate: 7.65%
Below is a link to the Student Employment Toolkit. You will find information on the hiring process, guidelines on student worker classification and compensation, and the approval process of online timesheets.