Financial Performance
To ensure responsible stewardship of resources and long-term sustainability, the NCTR will use a couple types of evidence to evaluate financial performance.
Financial Performance Trackers
This financial evidence will be regularly reviewed by NCTR leadership, university financial officers, and advisory committees to inform strategic planning, ensure fiscal accountability, and support the center’s continued success and impact.
- Annual budget variance reports comparing projected vs. actual expenditures.
- Quarterly financial statements reviewed for adherence to approved spending plans.
- Compliance audits with university, state, and federal financial regulations.
- External funding secured, including:
- Competitive research grants (e.g., DoD, DHS, NIH)
- Contracts or service agreements with tactical agencies
- Private foundation or industry sponsorships
- Internal funding leverage from university sources and institutional support.
- Program income from training, continuing education, or consulting services.
- Cost-per-output analyses (e.g., cost per student trained, per project completed).
- Indirect cost recovery rates and reinvestment into research infrastructure.
- Use of shared resources and facilities to maximize return on investment.
- Year-over-year revenue and expenditure trends indicating financial growth or risk.
- Diversification of funding sources to reduce dependency on any single stream.
- Financial reserve levels or endowments supporting long-term operations.
- Evidence of reinvestment in mission-aligned initiatives, such as:
- Faculty or staff expansion
- Equipment and lab enhancements
- Student support and training capacity