Guidance from UWM Office of Research

Dear Colleagues, 

With the beginning of the new administration on Jan. 20, many Executive Orders have been signed aligning with changes in federal priorities. These changes could affect your already funded projects, projects under review, and others you may be preparing for submission. The Jan. 27 OMB order was rescinded Jan. 29.  However, all other agency directives remain in place. We are continuing to track ongoing Federal updates. 

As federal agencies and sponsors adjust to changes, we will try to offer guidance to the best of our ability. You might consider following the COGR 2025 Administration Transition Information & Resources site for updates. 

Proposals 

  1. We will continue to submit proposals as the federal agencies submission systems allow. 
  1. Sponsor proposal review timelines may be extended while the federal agencies navigate pauses on funding in specific areas. 
  1. There may be changes to proposal deadlines. We recommend that you reconfirm deadlines. 
  1. We recommend that you reconfirm funding announcements and consider signing up for alerts from the federal agency or sponsor if they are available. 
  1. As new versions of existing Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) are released, please read them very carefully. While they often make explicit the changes that occur with a reissue, not all changes in the wording may be highlighted. 

Awards 

  1. As of this writing, the Department of Energy and the NSF have issued new guidance regarding unallowable expenses, effective immediately.  If you have active DOE or NSF awards that appear to be impacted by any new guidance, please contact OSP ASAP to discuss further.  
  1. The terms and conditions of your executed award remain enforceable so long as your award is active. This includes the ability to invoice and receive reimbursement. In absence of updated guidance from your sponsor, please continue with business as usual. If there is a change to your award, we will receive an amendment for review and execution. 
  1. 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 will share any information we receive with you, though you may also receive instructions directly from your Program Officer. It is crucial to act swiftly to ensure compliance with any new requirements, as failure to do so could jeopardize funding. If you need assistance managing research compliance matters, please email OR-Compliance@uwm.edu. 
  1. We anticipate updates to award reporting requirements. These changes could be implemented directly by a federal agency or sponsor or may require an amendment on a project-by-project basis. 
  1. Review Your Grant Agreement: Make sure you understand the terms, especially clauses related to funding availability and reimbursement. 
  1. Closely monitor obligated budget balances and spending to avoid deficits while awaiting reimbursement and funding distributions. Anticipated future funding remains subject to availability of funds, updated federal guidance or notices, and should not be considered guaranteed. 
  1. Reports and Deliverables. Prioritize the submission of any technical reports or deliverables that may be past due. 
  1. Monitor Policy Updates: Keep an eye on announcements from the federal agency overseeing your grant for any updates on funding or compliance requirements. 

While I know many of you have worked with various Office of Research staff personally and would want to reach out to them individually with questions, we ask that you email OR-Support@uwm.edu so that we can better track and respond to inquiries collectively.   

— Kristian O’Connor, Interim Vice Provost for Research & Graduate School Dean