Find guidance on funding and agency updates during the federal government transition (updated 4/23/2025)

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2025 Federal Research Policy Updates

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Find guidance and resources to navigate new research-specific requirements, regulations, or systems for working with federal sponsors. (Updated Wednesday, April 23, 11:18 AM EDT)

Important: Share all agency communications related to federally funded projects with researchimpact@cornell.edu and cc: Mary-Margaret Klempa, Senior Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs (mk636@cornell.edu). 

Go to: Federal Agency Guidance and Updates | Cornell Guidance and Updates | General Guidance for Proposals and Awards

Federal Agency Guidance & Updates

Cornell Updates

Indirect Cost Guidance for Proposal Budgets
NIH: NIH supplemental guidance on indirect costs remains enjoined due to continued court actions. Researchers and sponsored research administrators should continue to process NIH awards and proposals as they did before Feb. 7.
DOE: If you are planning to submit to DOE, contact the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) for specific guidance. 

General Guidance for Proposals and Awards

Proposals 

  • Cornell researchers are encouraged to continue to submit proposals. The federal agency submission systems are operational.
    • Continue to use Cornell’s federally negotiated F&A rates or other previously established rates (e.g., on training grants) for all proposals, including for NIH projects.
  • Sponsor proposal review timelines may be extended while federal agencies navigate pauses in specific areas.
  • Proposal deadlines may change. Reconfirming deadlines is recommended.
  • Confirm that the funding announcement has not been revised or postponed.
  • Consider signing up for funding alerts from the sponsor. 

Awards 

  • Avoid spending before the award is finalized or spending beyond the obligated budget in anticipation of a promised amendment. We’ve seen some awards that looked promising but ultimately were not approved.
  • The terms and conditions of your executed award remain enforceable as long as your award is active. 
  • Continuations and post-award action approvals by federal agencies may be delayed.
  • Review your award to ensure you understand your funding availability and reimbursement terms.
  • 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, especially those that may  be past due.
  • Keep an eye on communications from your funding sponsor.

Cornell Research & Innovation is actively monitoring the federal government transition, executive orders, and agency guidance. We are working closely with university leadership to ensure compliance with changes that may impact Cornell. Our teams are collaborating with our professional associations to understand and track the implications of these directives as well. 

Published on: Friday, January 24, 2025 - 3:48pm