Now that the GCI FY26 proposals have been submitted, it is time to turn our attention to the FY27 Congressionally Directed Spending/ Community Project process. We are confident that the House and Senate intend to proceed with these projects for FY27. To that end, we are providing our best guidance on the FY27 Congressionally Directed Spending/ Community Project (what has been called Earmarks) process. While we do not yet have definitive guidance on the specific processes the House and Senate will follow, we do not believe they will change dramatically from previous year, so we are providing guidance based on the FY26 guidance.
We expect that Congressional Offices will seek application for Community Projects/CDS in March. In preparation for that request, we will use a process similar to the process we have used in the past, which will require the ADRs to submit their down selected applications to Kerry Bolognese and Rebekah Hersch by March 3, 2025. Concept papers can be submitted to Kerry and Rebekah by the ADRs any time before March 3 as well.
We ask that the ADRs work with their faculty to solicit community projects that address a community need that has been identified by or in partnership with a community. Projects being considered for Senators should have regional or Statewide application. Here are materials to help including the slide deck that we presented during the webinar along with a template you and faculty can use to submit projects (along with a one-page summary of the process). As the submission to the ADRs is the first step in the process, we are suggesting that faculty only complete Part I of the template. ADRs are free to set the deadlines for their internal submissions.
Each college/school is allowed to submit TWO (2) applications to the HOUSE and TWO (2) applications to the SENATE. When submitting proposals for House consideration, please keep in mind that Rep. Beyer represents Arlington (Mason Square Campus) and Alexandria, Rep. Walkinshaw represents mostly Fairfax County (including George Mason), Rep. Subramanyam represents parts of Prince William (SciTech Campus) and Loudoun, and Rep. Vindman represents Woodbridge (Potomac Science Center). Proposals should address issues of interest to those districts.
We do not yet have specific guidelines on the accounts available for the House or Senate request. However, you can access guidance for the Senate from last year and last year’s House accounts. Last year the House did not allow proposals for the Departments of Defense/Intelligence agencies, Education, Labor, HHS, Treasury/SBA. (The Senate only excluded Defense/Intel accounts).
If you would like further information about congressional priorities this year, please contact Kerry Bolognese.