Final answer:
Grounds-maintenance costs during summer can indeed distort indirect-cost rates when calculated monthly due to the seasonal nature of such expenses, as illustrated by the increased maintenance needs of businesses like landscaping companies or even a manufacturing plant running at maximum capacity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that grounds-maintenance costs incurred during summer months will distort indirect-cost rates that are computed monthly is true. During the summer, maintenance activities such as lawn care and gardening can result in higher expenses for businesses that require these services. Similarly, companies that specialize in seasonal services like leaf raking or snow shoveling have low fixed costs, but their costs can still fluctuate based on the season. For instance, a manufacturing plant that operates at its maximum capacity continuously may see diminishing marginal returns and an increase in marginal costs due to the necessity of frequent maintenance and repair of overworked equipment. These examples illustrate that seasonal factors can significantly affect the calculation of accurate, stable indirect-cost rates.