I am wondering if anyone has interpreted this NIH FAQ (see below) as allowing cores to assess an extra expedited fee for services that are provided on a higher-priority basis. If yes, I would appreciate a chance to discuss that interpretation with you. If folks feel strongly that expedited fees are prohibited, I am interested in that interpretation as well. Regards, Amy d. Are there any circumstances when one federally-supported project may be charged a reduced or discounted rate compared to another? Except for the example provided above (FAQ 4.c.), rates used to charge the cost of the service must be charged to internal institutional users, on a consistent basis, regardless of funding source(s). Billing rates should not discriminate between federal and non-federal users, including internal institutional activities. The schedule of rates will apply to all users of the core facility on the basis of actual utilization and cannot discriminate against any one segment of the population. However, institutions may consider differential pricing for large quantity purchases, high-volume usage, off-peak usage or other factors. A core may have multiple rates for the same service when those rates are properly established, consistent with applicable Federal cost principles, and the favorable rates are available to all users that meet established criteria. Amy Wilkerson Associate Vice President, Research Support The Rockefeller University 1230 York Avenue, Box 217 New York, NY 10065-6399 (212)327-7110 fax (212)327-7688 <email obscured>