All faculty, staff and students who charge their research usage to a Research Foundation (RF), Binghamton University Foundation (BUF), and/or state account are considered “Internal Users” and are charged internal rates for equipment usage. Internal Users (with appropriate training) are entitled to ADL-managed facility card access and all other user privileges.
Exceptions:
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- When a consulting relationship exists between a faculty or staff member and an outside commercial organization, and the work to be performed in the facility is connected to the substance of a consulting agreement or the interests of an outside organization, then the work will be considered commercial work and assessed at external rates, unless the PI can justify otherwise.
- If, during the course of a sponsored research program, a company asks the PI to conduct measurements on samples related to its own in-house research, this work (even if billed to a RF account) would be considered commercial work and assessed at external rates.
Accessing Our Facilities
The ADL is typically open on weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. There may be exceptions to this schedule, which will be posted on the ADL website as far in advance as possible. Night/weekend use privileges may be granted by the Laboratory Manager to experienced BU Users at the graduate level or higher with a significant “track record” of productive and competent use on the equipment.
Access to instrumentation in the S3IP facilities is provided through our Facility Online Manager (FOM) system. FOM controls instrumentation access in multiple Binghamton University facilities; including the ADL, HSCF, NLAB, and CAMM.
Becoming an ADL User
Follow these steps to become an "internal user" of ADL-managed facilities:
- All new users must first complete the “Analytical & Diagnostics Laboratory Orientation.” Contact ADL staff in person or via email (ADL@binghamton.edu) to request information on the next orientation session.
- Complete prerequisite safety training modules on BComply.binghamton.edu.
- Complete and return the "Facility Access Request" User Form.
- Create an "Internal User" account on FOM — adding a valid financial account number to pay for instrumentation usage, consumables,
and staff support.
- Assuming you have completed all necessary safety training and submitted the proper paperwork, ADL staff should approve your requested facility access at this time.
- Submit a training request for the instrumentation you would like to access via FOM. ADL staff should get back to you in a timely manner to schedule an in-person training session on the safe use of said instrumentation.
- Complete instrument training to the satisfaction of the instrument manager in order to be granted FOM access to reserve and use said instrumentation.
User Policies
Before beginning this process, be sure to have the required accounting information. Each user must supply at least one valid 7 digit RF project number against which instrument charges can be applied. If you are a graduate student, you will need to get the project number from your supervisor. If your advisor is using Startup funds, then use his/her user ID as the project number. If you are doing work on more than one project, you can supply additional project names and project numbers if you wish. (When you conduct your work, FOM will allow you to select which project name to use). When a Project Number has termed or is replaced, you can deactivate the existing number and add another.
The Center's Administrative Office invoices bi-weekly for use of facilities based on the approved rate schedule. The rate schedule is subject to change. Invoiced fees will be charged to the supplied project numbers on a bi-weekly basis. Billing is based on the actual logged usage of the facilities. Most fees for instrument use are billed for the full reserved time or the actual time, which ever is greater. Most reservations are on an hourly basis, but allow a flexible start times within 30 minute intervals. In addition, fees for supplies and materials for certain instruments may be applied. All Supervisors will receive an itemized invoice for their review. Charges are due when billed. Failure to pay in a timely way is grounds for the termination of this agreement.