Pre-award spending can be in association with an Advanced Award, prior to the official award notification. However, there are times when the fully executed award is issued with an effective date in the future. The awarding agency determines the allowability of pre-award spending. Pre-award spending allows the Principal Investigator the availability of funds prior to the effective date of the award. Always remember to check the Terms and Conditions of your award for allowability.

Unless you are certain that pre-award costs will be reimbursed in your specific case, it would be better not to incur any at this time.

UG (Uniform Guidance) 200.458 Pre-Award Costs