Rhesus macaques at Oregon Health and Science University's Oregon National Primate Research Center.
Dave Miller / OPB
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Oregon Health And Science University, alleging OHSU made false financial claims.
When the federal government gives an institution a research grant, the institution is allowed to charge a "facilities and administration" fee.
That fee pays for things like maintenance and the use of equipment at the institution.
But the fee is different depending on where research is being done — in this case at the Oregon National Primate Research Center in Beaverton, Oregon, as opposed to OHSU’s Portland campus.
DOJ officials say the university falsely charged a higher facilities and administration fee than warranted at its "Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute."
The government is seeking damages and penalties.
OHSU issued a statement vigorously disputing the claim, saying it received approval from the federal government before applying the rate.