Dear 51ÁÔÆæ Researchers, 

I am pleased to inform you that, in coordination with UWs, 51ÁÔÆæ will resume processing all federal grants. OSP will endeavor to process these awards as expeditiously as possible; however, we anticipate some delays as OSP implements new procedures to certify 51ÁÔÆæ’s compliance with new contract terms, which is necessary to accept these awards. I appreciate your continued patience as we continue our work to mitigate risk while supporting your continued work.  

The post 51ÁÔÆæ will resume processing all federal grants appeared first on Office of Government Relations.

Updates from the National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has recently announced several major agency changes, includingÌýÌýand aÌýÌýto stop awarding all funding actions until further notice. In addition, NSF will adoptÌýÌý(IDC) for new grants and cooperative agreements awarded after May 5. (It will not apply retroactively to existing awards.) The APLU, ACE, and 13 universities have since filed a jointÌýto halt the new IDC policy.ÌýÌý

NIH and DOE also have recently issued a 15% cap on IDC rates, which are also in litigation. As these lawsuits work their way through the courts,Ìýwhen preparing your proposal budget to any federal agency, please use 51ÁÔÆæ’s current federally negotiated rates as indicated in theÌý51ÁÔÆæ Budget Development Tool, posted on the Office of Research Toolbox webpage. Do not use a 15% IDC rate.Ìý

Questions?ÌýContact theÌýPre-Award SpecialistÌýassigned to your unit.Ìý

Bridge Funding for Canceled NSF GrantsÌý

Due to recent abrupt shifts in federal funding for education research, the Spencer Foundation announced a newÌýÌýfor scholars and teams whose grants have recently been canceled by NSF. Grants in the amount of $25,000 will be made to address immediate needs following grant cancellations, including data collection and/or analysis, project closure with community partners, or preparing grant proposals to continue the research. Eligible applicants must be working on research on STEM and education and have had a recently terminated or canceled grant from NSF.ÌýApplications are due May 30, and June 13, 2025.ÌýÌý

Questions? Contact the Spencer Foundation at RapidResponse@spencer.org.

The post 51ÁÔÆæ Office of Research Updates appeared first on Office of Government Relations.

In recent days we have become aware that some federal agencies or specific programs within agencies have begun asserting that grant proposal submission, reporting, and other processes constitute agreement to additional terms and conditions.  I write to remind you that while PIs at 51ÁÔÆæ are responsible for initiating and drafting proposals in response to funding opportunities and for providing regular reports, researchers are not authorized to negotiate or sign agreements on behalf of the university. At 51ÁÔÆæ, execution of research agreements is completed by Authorized Organizational Representatives (AOR) in the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) to ensure appropriate oversight and awareness of any potential issues.

Given the manner in which new terms are being imposed, and in compliance with new guidance from the Universities of Wisconsin, the Office of Research is requiring, effective immediately and until further notice, that researchers send any documentation that will be submitted to federal agencies to OSP for vetting prior to submission. This includes but is not limited to certifications and technical reports. We recognize that is an additional burden for you at a challenging time and appreciate your patience as we work through these issues.

 At 51ÁÔÆæ, it has always been the case that only an AOR may sign or otherwise agree to sponsored research agreements (contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements), as well as certain non-sponsored agreements, such as data use agreements, material transfer agreements, nondisclosure agreements, and memoranda of understanding. In cases where the PI submits materials that do not require AOR signature authority, such submissions should not suggest or imply acceptance of any terms or conditions by 51ÁÔÆæ. 

Also consistent with guidance from Universities of Wisconsin, please be advised that as OSP monitors submissions for updated federal terms and conditions, additional legal review may be required before submission approval.  Contact OSP well in advance of submission deadlines to facilitate such reviews.

— Kristian O’Connor, Interim Vice Provost for Research & Graduate School DeanÌý

The post Feb. 28 message from 51ÁÔÆæ Office of Research appeared first on Office of Government Relations.

Below are a few updates regarding the current federal funding landscape:

1. There is a potential government shutdown on the horizon starting March 14.ÌýWe ask that all PIsÌýsubmit expenditures ASAP, including making any necessary S&E purchases, so that the university can submit for federal reimbursement for those expenditures prior to the shutdown date. Please also notify your grant accountant of such expenditures so that they are aware.Ìý

2. Our previous guidance regarding current awards stands.ÌýPlease continue with your projects unless you receive a stop work order.ÌýIf you receive a stop work order (despite the current restraining order) or any other notice from your sponsor regarding changes to your project funding, please contact us immediately.

3. Our general guidance for proposal development is to ensure that you have the latest solicitation and to follow those guidelines as closely as possible.

4. As of today, the temporary restraining order regarding the indirect cost return change has been extended until the judge makes a final decision on the case.ÌýÌý

As always, please contact us if you have any questions (OR-Support@uwm.edu).Ìý ÌýÌý

— Kristian O’Connor, Interim Vice Provost for Research & Graduate School DeanÌý

The post Feb. 21 message from 51ÁÔÆæ Office of Research appeared first on Office of Government Relations.

As a follow up to the campus message that was sent by the Chancellor, I would like to provide specific guidance to PIs:   

• PIs should continue to use our current federally negotiated rates in all proposals (not 15%).ÌýÌý
• If you have not received a stop work order or other formal or informal notice to stop, continue operating normally.ÌýÌý
• If you have received a stop work order, cease work immediately and await further direction from your sponsor.ÌýÌý
• If you have not received a stop work order but have received some other type of warning or notice that may require a spending stop, forward any documentation you received to or-support@uwm.edu.ÌýÌý
• If 51ÁÔÆæ is the primary awardee on a federal grant, both the Office of Research and the PI will automatically receive notification of any changes to an award. However, if 51ÁÔÆæ is a subawardee on a federal grant, the Office of Research may not receive such notifications. Please contact the entity with whom you are working to establish a means of timely updates as the project progresses. If, at any time, the primary awardee instructs you to stop or modify your work, please forward any documentation you receive to or-support@uwm.edu.ÌýÌý

Please note that the situation is evolving, and we will reach out with additional guidance as warranted. If you have any questions, please email or-support@uwm.edu so that the Office of Research can track and respond to inquiries.

— Kristian O’Connor, Interim Vice Provost for Research & Graduate School DeanÌý

The post Feb. 10 message from 51ÁÔÆæ Office of Research appeared first on Office of Government Relations.

With the beginning of the new administration on Jan. 20, many Executive Orders have been signed aligning with changes in federal priorities. These changes could affect your already funded projects, projects under review, and others you may be preparing for submission. The Jan. 27 OMB order was rescinded Jan. 29.  However, all other agency directives remain in place. We are continuing to track ongoing Federal updates. 

As federal agencies and sponsors adjust to changes, we will try to offer guidance to the best of our ability. You might consider following the for updates. 

Proposals 

1. We will continue to submit proposals as the federal agencies submission systems allow.Ìý

2. Sponsor proposal review timelines may be extended while the federal agencies navigate pauses on funding in specific areas.Ìý

3. There may be changes to proposal deadlines. We recommend that you reconfirm deadlines.Ìý

4. We recommend that you reconfirm funding announcements and consider signing up for alerts from the federal agency or sponsor if they are available.Ìý

5. As new versions of existing Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) are released, please read them very carefully. While they often make explicit the changes that occur with a reissue, not all changes in the wording may be highlighted.Ìý

Awards 

1. As of this writing, the and the have issued new guidance regarding unallowable expenses, effective immediately.Ìý If you have active DOE or NSF awards that appear to be impacted by any new guidance, please contact OSP ASAP to discuss further.ÌýÌý

2. The terms and conditions of your executed award remain enforceable so long as your award is active. This includes the ability to invoice and receive reimbursement. In absence of updated guidance from your sponsor, please continue with business as usual. If there is a change to your award, we will receive an amendment for review and execution.Ìý

3. We anticipate updates to award Research Compliance requirements. These changes could either be implemented directly by a federal agency or sponsor or may require an amendment on a project-by-project basis. We will share any information we receive with you, though you may also receive instructions directly from your Program Officer. It is crucial to act swiftly to ensure compliance with any new requirements, as failure to do so could jeopardize funding. If you need assistance managing research compliance matters, please email OR-Compliance@uwm.edu.Ìý

4. We anticipate updates to award reporting requirements. These changes could be implemented directly by a federal agency or sponsor or may require an amendment on a project-by-project basis.Ìý

5. Review Your Grant Agreement: Make sure you understand the terms, especially clauses related to funding availability and reimbursement.Ìý

6. Closely monitor obligated budget balances and spending to avoid deficits while awaiting reimbursement and funding distributions. Anticipated future funding remains subject to availability of funds, updated federal guidance or notices, and should not be considered guaranteed.Ìý

7. Reports and Deliverables. Prioritize the submission of any technical reports or deliverables that may be past due.Ìý

8. Monitor Policy Updates: Keep an eye on announcements from the federal agency overseeing your grant for any updates on funding or compliance requirements.Ìý

While I know many of you have worked with various Office of Research staff personally and would want to reach out to them individually with questions, we ask that you email OR-Support@uwm.edu so that we can better track and respond to inquiries collectively.   

— Kristian O’Connor, Interim Vice Provost for Research & Graduate School Dean 

The post Guidance from 51ÁÔÆæ Office of Research appeared first on Office of Government Relations.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued an internal on Jan. 21 that places an immediate pause on the issuance of documents and public communications from the NIH, CDC, and FDA, including regulations, guidance, notices, and grant announcements, through Feb. 1. The 51ÁÔÆæ Office of Research is aware of this, monitoring the situation and assessing potential impacts.  

 While this directive affects the federal health agencies within DHHS only, other federal agencies may be pausing their own public communications. On January 20, the U.S. Department of Energy issued its own internal stating that, until further notice, it will review all communications and there will be delays in funding actions. At this time, we are not aware of other agencies (e.g., National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, NASA) that have paused or are planning to pause their public communications.  

 We will share additional updates as information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and understanding. 

— Kristian O’Connor, Interim Vice Provost for Research & Graduate School Dean 

The post Jan. 24 message from 51ÁÔÆæ Office of Research appeared first on Office of Government Relations.