Nov. 4: Federal updates
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:
As the federal shutdown nears the one-month mark, I wanted to let you know that CSU has, thus far, experienced typical disruptions, including reduced communication with federal partners and very limited new award activity. We anticipate growing impacts as the shutdown continues and agencies furlough additional staff. We are also closely tracking shutdown-related news about proposed grant terminations and reductions in force that could impact CSU. Please continue to assume that all deadlines remain in place unless you see a published change.
I want to acknowledge that many members of our CSU community have family who are federal employees who have missed paychecks or are facing other hardships and uncertainty.
As you have seen in the news, the Secretary of Energy announced plans for termination of billions of dollars of awards. CSU has received termination notices for 4 awards and has a total of 7 awards on the published list where CSU is prime. We are working with the PIs to submit appeals and to address impacts on research teams. We are grateful for the continued support of Colorado’s congressional delegation.
In the ongoing F&A cap litigation, there are two recent legal wins for universities. A federal district judge recently vacated the Department of Defense’s rule that would have capped F&A at 15%. In a separate case, the National Science Foundation dropped its appeal of the lower court ruling, fully resolving this case. The historic F&A system remains in place at the NSF.
I remain grateful to be part of the CSU community. As always, please reach out if you have questions or need support.
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