Dear Colleagues,
The Office for Research and Economic Development (ORED) is closely monitoring developments in Washington, D.C., regarding a potential federal government shutdown, which will take effect Wednesday, October 1st unless Congress passes a continuing resolution or appropriations legislation to fund federal agencies.
Here’s what you need to know:
Agency Websites
If a shutdown occurs, funding agency websites may go offline. We recommend downloading any funding opportunity announcements, grants guides, agency presentation materials, or other essential resources before midnight (EST) Tuesday, September 30th to ensure continued access.
Proposal Submissions
Deadlines for proposals remain in effect unless updated by sponsors once the government reopens. Proposal preparation systems are expected to remain operational, but agency personnel will be unavailable to process submissions or answer questions during the shutdown. Announcements regarding deadline extensions may not be made until after the government reopens. While the Grants.gov Contact Center might remain functional, the availability of Help Desk systems is uncertain. Please continue to work towards published proposal deadlines with your Research Administrator unless additional information becomes available. If sponsor portals are disabled, SPA will work with investigators to submit proposals at the appropriate time once the shutdown ends.
Reimbursements
The University will continue invoicing and drawing down funds, assuming government systems are operational. However, no payments can be made during a lapse in appropriations.
Reporting Obligations
Grant reporting deadlines are still in effect. While agencies may not review reports during a shutdown, principal investigators must adhere to their reporting schedules. For awards nearing closeout deadlines, ensure that final reports are submitted on time if sponsor systems are operational.
Review Panels
Peer reviews and study sections are not expected to occur, which may delay proposal reviews and start dates for new awards. Faculty and staff serving on a review panel for an agency that is shut down may wish to consider cancelling their travel plans, as most agencies will not reimburse lost deposits or airfare. The university has policies in place to assist with reimbursements if needed.
Spending on Federal Awards
Work on federally sponsored projects should continue unless a sponsor issues a "stop work" order. Investigators may proceed with spending but should defer large equipment purchases and non-essential travel. Supplements and renewals will not be processed, and no new funding will be awarded until the government reopens. If a "stop work" order is issued, ORED will collaborate with principal investigators to determine the next steps.
Sponsor Approvals
Pending requests, such as re-budgeting or extensions, can still be submitted according to agency requirements. However, these will not be reviewed until the government reopens, and delays may occur due to backlogs.
We understand that uncertainty surrounding a government shutdown can be stressful. Please know that ORED remains committed to supporting you and your work through this period.
Please feel free to reach out to your Research Administrator if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
