The direct salary that an individual can receive on NIH grant or cooperative agreement awards is restricted to ________ of the Federal Executive pay scale:

The correct answer is that the direct salary an individual can receive on NIH grant or cooperative agreement awards is restricted to Executive Level I of the Federal Executive pay scale.

This restriction is in place to ensure that salaries funded by federal grants remain within a specified level, thus promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability. The Executive Level I compensation cap aligns with the NIH's overall goal of supporting research while managing federal funds prudently. By setting the salary cap at this executive level, it also creates a consistent standard across various research projects and institutions.

Understanding the Federal Executive pay scale is crucial for researchers and administrators, as it impacts budget planning and resource allocation for grants. Adequate knowledge of these limitations ensures compliance with federal guidelines, which is essential for the successful management of research funding.