Update 1/28/2025

We understand the feeling of uncertainty surrounding the recent White House Office of Management & Budget (OMB) memo M-25-13 released late last night on January 27, 2025. This memo issued a temporary pause on (i) issuance of new awards; (ii) disbursement of Federal funds under all open awards; and (iii) other relevant agency actions that may be implicated by the executive orders, to the extent permissible by law, until OMB has reviewed and provided guidance to the agency. As of this afternoon, a judge has temporarily blocked the freeze related to funding for “open awards” already granted by the federal government until Monday, February 3, 2025.

This situation is changing rapidly and we are actively monitoring to ensure we are up-to-date on the latest information. We will continue to share new information with you as soon as it becomes available. Importantly, we are here to support you as we all traverse these changes together.

To help the research community navigate until more information is available and our understanding becomes clearer, please see the guidance below. Note that this guidance will be updated as we learn more.

Research Activity
  • Please continue your research activity as planned through the review period noted in the OMB M-25-13 memo (until February 10, 2025), unless you have received a stop-work order. This guidance may be updated as more information becomes available.
  • Travel arrangements using obligated and approved funds may proceed. 
Proposals
  • Please continue to submit previously planned grant proposals. We have no information to indicate that federal agencies' submission systems are closed.
  • Pay close attention to possible changes in submission due dates and in requirements in new funding announcements.
  • Note: Due to unannounced updates to Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs), solicitation information in ResearchUVA may be outdated. Please refer directly to the NOFO on the agency website for the latest information. Currently, we do not know if there will be an impact on ResearchUVA system-to-system submissions.
  • We have no information as to whether previously scheduled NIH study section review panels will be held as planned over the next several weeks; however, NSF has announced a pause on study section panels until February 1, 2025.
Awards
  • We have no information as to when new funds might be received for recently issued Notice of Award statements.
  • 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 anticipate updates to award reporting 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.
  • Agencies are issuing stop-work orders that are being implemented on a direct project basis as well as general directives to suspend work related to broad types of programs and activities, such as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and Community Benefit Plans (CBP). Notify OSP of any stop-work communication immediately.

Recommended Actions

  • You may receive instructions directly from your Program Officer or sponsor. It is crucial to act swiftly to ensure compliance with any new requirements, as failure to do so could jeopardize funding. Please immediately forward any direct communication from a federal agency or sponsor related to your award or research compliance to ospnoa@virginia.edu
  • Review your grant agreement to ensure you understand the terms, especially clauses related to funding availability and reimbursement.
  • Closely monitor obligated budget balances to avoid deficits while awaiting future obligations. Anticipated future funding remains subject to availability of funds and should not be considered guaranteed.
  • Prioritize the submission of any technical reports or deliverables that may have been past due.
  • Keep an eye on announcements from the federal agency overseeing your grant for any updates on funding or compliance requirements.
  • Diligently monitor proposal deadlines as they may change.
  • Check if the funding announcement has been revised or postponed. If available, sign up for alerts from the federal agency or sponsor.

Contact the OVPR

To share any communication or instructions from federal agency program officers specific to your currently funded or pending research award, or for assistance with responding to communications from program officers:
askresearch@virginia.edu

Contact Federal Relations

For questions related to Congressional outreach:
julia.smith@virginia.edu

Contact OSP

For questions related to proposals and award processes:
ospnoa@virginia.edu

Senate Outreach

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