Recharge centers and specialized service facilities are university operating units that provide products and/or services for a fee, primarily to other university departments and sponsored projects. These units recover their costs through charges to benefiting users. In some cases, these services/products may also be offered to external customers.
Examples of services/products offered include, but are not limited to: novel technologies, equipment, sample and data collections, informatics, analysis tools, consultation, evaluation, specialized technical training, and expertise. Access to the services/products may be restricted or prioritized for targeted user groups or open to all investigators. When a fee will be charged for a service/product, it is necessary to apply university, school, department, and funding agency policies and procedures.
Recharge Center
Recharge Centers are operating units that provide goods and services and have total annual revenue (internal and external) of less than $2 million. The establishment of a recharge center should be coordinated with the Cost Analysis Office. For the full recharge center policy click here. For recharge center worksheets, click here.
Specialized Service Facility (SSF)
SSF’s are operating units that provide highly complex services primarily to other university departments and have total annual revenue (internal and external) of more than $2 million. The establishment of such a facility requires coordination with school, institutional administrative offices, and the Cost Analysis Office. For the full SSF policy click here. For specialized service facility worksheets, click here.
Additional information has been developed to assist in understanding, establishing, and managing the recharge process. To learn more click here.