3015.166—Use of equipment.
(a) Basic rule.
Whenever the equipment is not transferred under the provisions set forth in § 3015.165, it shall be used by the recipient in the project or program for which it was acquired as long as needed, whether or not the project or program continues to be supported by Federal funds. When the equipment is no longer needed for the original project or program the recipient shall use the equipment, if needed, in other projects or programs currently or previously funded by the Federal government, in the following order of priority:
(b) Shared use.
When equipment is used less than full time in the original project or program, the recipient shall make it available for use in other projects or programs currently or previously funded by the Federal government. Provided, such other use will not interfere with the work on the original project or program. First preference for such use, however, shall be given to other projects or programs funded by the same USDA awarding agency.
(c) Use by other recipients.
When the recipient can no longer use the equipment as required by paragraph (a) of this section, it may voluntarily make the equipment available for use on projects or programs currently or previously funded by the Federal government which the recipient is supporting through subgrants or through non-Federal grants. A subrecipient may also voluntarily make the equipment available for use in projects or programs currently or previously funded by the Federal government which are being conducted or supported by the recipient.
(d) Other uses.
Unless the awarding agency provides otherwise, while equipment is being used as described in the preceding paragraphs of this section, it may also be used part-time for other purposes. The use as described in the previous paragraphs, however, shall be given priority over other uses.