Comparative Biology Resources Center
Services and Fees
The CBRC provides the following services:
| Husbandry for laboratory animal species | Facility maintenance and repairs |
| Routine and emergency veterinary care | Animal procurement |
| Carcass and tissue disposal | Animal transportation |
| Environmental enrichment | Standard and specialty PPE |
| Colony health management | Research support services |
| Training and orientation |
Some standard services are included in per diem rates and other specialty services are charged directly to researchers. See the CBRC Per Diem and Additional Services Rates document for details.
Per Diem and Additional Services Rates
Per diem rates are based on the cost analysis and recovery procedures delineated in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Cost Analysis and Rate Setting Manual for Animal Research Facilities. A portion of animal care costs are subsidized by the Division of Research and Economic Development. Per diem rates are reviewed and adjusted annually, and investigators are notified in advance of changes. For grant budgetary projections, an 8 – 10% annual increase in per diem rates is customary.
Per Diem Rates
The CBRC charges per diem based on the species, the number of animals housed, and the type of care the animals receive. Per diem rates are based on the cost analysis and recovery procedures delineated in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Cost Analysis and Rate Setting Manual for Animal Research Facilities. Approximately 70% of animal care costs are subsidized by the Division of Research and Economic Development. Per diem rates are reviewed and adjusted annually, and investigators are notified in advance of changes. For grant budgetary projections, an increase in per diem of 3-5% annually is recommended.
Fee Payment
Investigators receive monthly CBRC invoices, which include charges for daily care of animals (i.e., per diem) and other animal related charges. Examples of other charges are special veterinary technical services, surgical services, and the purchase of medication and/or supplies.
Upon invoice receipt, promptly review the charges, provide the Chartfield String (CFS) to be charged, and sign. An Internal Value Purchase Order (IVPO) must be issued to vendor ID URI_CBRC and the receiving report must be signed. Return the signed invoice and signed receiving report to Ellen McVey for processing.
The CBRC strives to work closely with investigators regarding issues of timely release of grant monies targeted for animal costs from sponsored programs. However, investigators should be aware that continued or repeated non-payment of animal related bills will result in a loss of their ability to house animals at URI.
Publication Acknowledgement
If you would like to acknowledge the CBRC’s contribution to your research, we propose the following language: “We gratefully acknowledge the staff and resources of the University of Rhode Island Comparative Biology Resources Center for their expert animal care, technical assistance, and research environment that made this work possible.”