Pre-award spending is not allowed unless specifically approved by your award agreement. Check the agreement or contact your agency before you incur any expenses prior to the official award period.

Under normal circumstances, you can start spending when the Office of Post Award Financial Services (OPAFS) notifies you that your index and fund have been set up in IFIS (Integrated Financial Information System).

• Note: If your award does not qualify for pre-award spending but you need to incur costs in advance, find out how to request advance spending approval.

If your award agreement allows pre-award spending, you can start spending on the date specified. You can also transfer to the fund expenses that were incurred during the approved period. Pre-award costs must be allowable under the terms of the anticipated award.

• Note: Awards issued under Expanded Authorities or Federal Demonstration Partnership have a 90-day pre-award spending provision.

Questions? Please see OPAFS Contacts.