March 3: Updated guidance regarding federal changes and activities

This email is being sent to PIs with open federal awards, deans, research associate deans, and unit heads whose units have federal sponsored projects.

Dear Colleagues: 

We appreciate your continued communication, questions, and persistence as we monitor federal developments and track the status of executive orders, temporary restraining orders, and other federal administrative and court actions. Although there continue to be many questions and much uncertainty, we remain committed to working through any needed changes and providing you with guidance.   

At this time, it is important we focus on proactively securing the future of the research enterprise.  To that end, please: 

  • Continue to write and submit proposals.   
  • Ensure that technical reports are completed and submitted on time. 
  • Request no cost and other extensions well in advance of the grant expiration date. 
  • Promptly process all expenses through the Office of Sponsored Programs to facilitate timely invoicing.  

In addition to presidential actions, we are also closely watching budget negotiations in Congress.  The current continuing resolution expires on March 14. There is a chance that there will be a government shutdown at midnight on March 14 if Congress cannot agree to another continuing resolution. A potential shutdown may affect federal agencies in different ways and each will likely determine independently how to move forward. Please be sure you take action to prepare for a shutdown: 

  • For federally funded grants that expire between March 15 and May 15, please work with the Office of Sponsored Programs to request extensions now, if needed. 
  • Consider submitting proposals due on or around March 14 early. Some federal agencies may suspend the acceptance of new grant proposals and the issuance of new awards.  
  • Please continue to work on your projects as planned, unless you are notified otherwise by your federal, federal pass-through sponsors, or the OVPR. 

We are here to assist you. Please send us your suggestions, questions, and any notices or orders from sponsoring agencies. Also send us any good news items from the agencies. You can reach us at [email protected].   

Change and uncertainty are difficult. It is during these challenges that it becomes important that we not lose sight of our collective purpose. Our pursuit of knowledge and discovery make the world a better place. As is a wise course when we find ourselves in new territory without a map, let’s focus on what we can do: persist through challenges, focus on the work ahead, and support each other.   

Best, 

Cass 

Cassandra Moseley, Ph.D.(she/hers)
Vice President for Research

Professor, Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship
Office of the Vice President for Research