7.  PREAWARD COSTS.

  Recipients may incur preaward costs up to ninety (90) days prior to the effective date of an award. Preaward costs for periods preceding 90 days prior to the effective date of the award are allowable only if approved in writing, prior to incurrence, by a DOE Contracting Officer.  Any preaward expenditures (including those made after DOE approval) are made at the recipient’s risk and do not impose any obligation on the DOE.