2 CFR § 2900.3 - Questioned cost.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t2/s2900.3"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "2 CFR § 2900.3 - Questioned cost."
title_number: 2
title_name: "Federal Financial Assistance"
section_number: "2900.3"
section_name: "Questioned cost."
chapter_name: "DEPARTMENT OF LABOR"
part_number: "2900"
part_name: "UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, COST PRINCIPLES, AND AUDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL AWARDS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "5 U.S.C. 301; 2 CFR 200."
regulatory_source: "79 FR 76081, Dec. 19, 2014, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "2900"
---


# 2900.3 Questioned cost.

In the DOL, in addition to the guidance contained in 2 CFR 200.1, a questioned cost means a cost that is questioned by an auditor, Federal Project Officer, Grant Officer, or other authorized Awarding agency representative because of an audit or monitoring finding:

(a) Which resulted from a violation or possible violation of a statute, regulation, or the terms and conditions of a Federal award, including for funds used to match Federal funds;

(b) Where the costs, at the time of the audit, are not supported by adequate documentation; or

(c) Where the costs incurred appear unreasonable and do not reflect the actions a prudent person would take in the circumstances.

(d) Questioned costs are not an improper payment until reviewed and confirmed to be improper as defined in OMB Circular A-123 Appendix C (see also the definition of improper payment in 2 CFR 200.1).

[79 FR 76081, Dec. 19, 2014, as amended at 80 FR 81440, Dec. 30, 2015; 86 FR 22108, Apr. 27, 2021]