The Business Resource Center (BRC) provides business and administrative services to the Institute in the areas of finance, accounting, payroll, human resources, contracts, grant administration, procurement, facilities management, property administration, administrative support, and staff support services. It partners with STScI's Information Technology Services Division to improve computer support for BRC internal operations and communications. BRC also provides expertise and support to the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) corporate office and other AURA centers. BRC is organized into branches and groups according to its major functions and responsibilities. It has a customer-service orientation, as it is involved directly or indirectly in almost every endeavor at the Institute as well as in the careers of Institute staff and in providing funds to General Observers (GOs) and Archival Researchers (ARs).
The Business Support Group comprises administrative staff members, who are deployed by matrix assignments to STScI's operating divisions, where they provide comprehensive administrative support and coordinate between BRC, Institute management, and the divisions.
The Contracts and Grants Branch is comprised of the Contracts and Sponsored Programs Office and the Grants Administration Office.
- The Contracts and Sponsored Programs Office supports Institute staff members in preparing proposals and in administering awarded grants and contracts.
- The Grants Administration Office provides funds to GOs and ARs to support their scientific research based on Hubble observations. It facilitates the financial review of submitted budgets and makes funding recommendations to the Director for final approval.
The Facilities Operations and Services Group manages the facilities infrastructure and provides a variety of staff support services, including security, housekeeping, parking administration, food services, document reproduction, and other logistical support. The physical plant comprises the 130,000 square foot Muller building and a large parking facility. Logistical support services are also provided to off-site leased office space at the Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg Building.
The Finance Branch maintains all Institute financial records, prepares and monitors performance against indirect budgets, and produces management financial statements. It tracks property, provides travel support services for Institute staff and visitors, and ensures that procurements of products and services are competitive.
The Human Resources Branch provides personnel services to Institute staff and management, including recruitment and employment, relocation, salary administration, benefits administration, development of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action plans, employee-management relations, and various forms of training.