Research

Guidance on Changes to Proposals, Sponsored Projects and Awards

Current Status and Monitoring

Research and Graduate Studies (RGS) continues to monitor the evolving landscape of federal policies and directives following the recent presidential transition. To support you through this period, we are maintaining active communication with federal agencies, program officers, and national organizations in coordination with PSU Government Relations and the Office of General Council. This ensures we remain informed about any changes that may influence proposal submissions, active awards, or reporting requirements. Investigators are asked to share any direct communications from federal sponsors, as this information helps us provide tailored support and timely guidance.

Important Note for Researchers: Key action to take before implementing any new federal directives or policy change

If you receive an email, phone call, or other communication from any sponsor with a request to stop, terminate or modify an existing award or sign any certification, the first action you should take is to immediately contact us via the Reporting Changes to Research Projects or Proposals form. Please do not respond to any of these requests directly. Our team will reach out with further guidance. This will ensure that all necessary considerations are addressed before any action is taken.

Note: This guidance will be updated as new information becomes available. However, due to the rapidly changing nature of the federal landscape, any direct communications from federal agencies and/or sponsors supersede the information shared below.

Report Changes to Sponsored Project Proposals and Awards about this content

Updates

National Science Foundation on Changing Priorities

Dear Colleagues, Last Friday the National Science Foundation released a new statement to announce the termination of awards that are "not aligned with agency priorities." At this time ...

Department of Energy Reductions in Indirect Cost Rates

Dear Colleagues, Last Friday, the department of Energy Released a notice limiting the indirect cost recovery rate to 15% ... 

Executive Order to Dismantle the Department of Education

Dear Colleagues, On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (ED), aiming to shift control over education to states and local communities. While the ....

Update on DEI Executive Orders and What it Means for PSU

Dear Colleagues, Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit lifted an injunction, allowing enforcement of two executive orders to restrict DEI initiatives among federal agencies and contractors. While legal ...

PSU’s Response to Federal Directives and Executive Orders Impacting Research Awards

Portland State University (PSU) is committed to upholding the principles of academic freedom, research integrity, and public-impact scholarship. As Oregon’s urban research university, we recognize that federal directives and executive orders can have significant implications for our faculty, students, research programs, and funding landscape. In response to recent shifts...

New Guidance on Federal Directives related to DEI Executive Orders

Dear Colleagues, On Friday, February 21st, the US District Court issued a preliminary injunction in the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Ed v. Trump litigation against three key provisions of two Executive Orders that sought to end government support for programs promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. The preliminary injunction prevents the federal administration from...

NIH and Facilities and Administration Costs

Dear Colleagues, After a two hour hearing on February 21st, a Federal Judge extended the Temporary Restraining Order blocking the recent push to cap indirect cost recovery at 15% for NIH grants. The current TRO is held in place until the Judge makes a final decision on whether or not an injunction will be granted. As we mentioned last week ...

Impacts of a Potential Government Shutdown on Research

Dear Colleagues, Congress has passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through March 14, 2025. However, without an extension or a final budget, we could face a partial shutdown by mid-March. While we cannot predict the exact outcome, past shutdowns provide insight into what we might expect. Here, we outline...

Earlier updates are archived here.

Additional Resources

The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) has provided helpful resources explaining the essential functions of F&A costs. 

The Council on Governmental Relations has created a 2025 Federal Administration Transition Resources page, which is updated regularly.

The National Science Foundation has created an NSF Implementation of Recent Executive Orders page which is updated regularly.

Questions?

Additional guidance for proposals, awards, budgeting and compliance are outlined below. For further assistance please contact Annie Lindgren, Associate Vice President for Research. Our team is here to support you and ensure that your research remains on track amid evolving federal directives. 

Sign up for the RGS Newsletter, Updates and Alerts, and more about this content

Proposal Submissions

Federal agency submission systems remain operational, and PSU continues to process and submit proposals. However, it is essential to recognize that timelines for proposal reviews and funding decisions may be adjusted due to temporary pauses or shifts in specific funding areas.

Key Actions for Investigators - Proposals:

  • Verify Deadlines: Confirm proposal deadlines, as extensions or adjustments may have been announced. 
  • Review Funding Announcements: Funding opportunity announcements may include revisions to requirements, eligibility, or submission dates. Stay informed by reviewing updates thoroughly. 
  • Subscribe to Agency Alerts: Enable real-time updates from funding agencies to receive notifications about changes as they occur. 
  • Communicate Changes: Use the form above to inform the Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) proposal team immediately of any adjustments in funding levels, requirements, or timelines that could impact your submission. 

Proactive communication and preparation are key to ensuring your proposals remain competitive despite potential delays or policy shifts.

Active Awards

Existing federal awards continue to operate under their current terms and conditions. Activities such as invoicing, reimbursements, and project execution remain unchanged unless you receive direct communication to the contrary. Sometimes, investigators may be issued directives such as temporary stop-work orders or funding adjustments. These scenarios, while uncommon, require immediate action and coordination with RGS and the SPA team.

Key Actions for Investigators - Awards:

  • Limit Short-Term Spending: Please prioritize support for existing personnel and suspend non-essential spending in the short term for federal awards.
  • Monitor Terms and Conditions: Periodically review your grant agreement to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements. 
  • Maintain Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your Program Officer for updates or clarifications regarding your project. 
  • Track Deliverables: Ensure timely submission of reports and deliverables to avoid any interruptions in funding. 
  • Plan for Continuations: Multi-year awards may have additional requirements for continuation funding. Verify and fulfill these requirements as needed. 
  • Communicate any official notices: In addition to completing the form above, please send any official award modifications, award amendments, or stop work orders for active awards to awards@pdx.edu.

Proactively monitoring and managing your award will help mitigate disruptions and maintain compliance.

Budget Management

Prudent financial management of your award is critical during periods of uncertainty. Ensuring alignment with your project’s financial plan and maintaining flexibility to address unexpected changes are essential.

Key Actions for Investigators:

  • Monitor Expenses: Regularly review your project expenditures to avoid overspending or misallocating funds. 
  • Maintain a Buffer: Retain some flexibility in your budget to accommodate delays or unexpected costs. 
  • Review Financial Reports: Meet with your Departmental Research Administrator (DRA) regularly to discuss financial reports and promptly address any discrepancies. 
  • Prepare Contingency Plans: Anticipate potential delays in funding and outline strategies to maintain project momentum during such periods. 

Strong budget management ensures your project remains compliant and prepared for potential disruptions.

Award Compliance and Reporting

Federal awards are governed by strict compliance and reporting requirements. Changes in federal policy may introduce new or revised obligations that require prompt attention and implementation.

Research Compliance: 

  • Stay informed about updates to research security/export control policies and implement changes as required. 
  • Maintain compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols. 
  • Address conflicts of interest proactively and transparently. 

Reporting Requirements: 

  • Monitor and document sponsor-directed changes to reporting timelines or content. 
  • Share any award modification documents via the form above and the appropriate staff member will follow up.

Program Changes: 

  • Some federal programs may undergo restructuring, potentially affecting timelines and funding. 
  • Timely communication and adherence to compliance requirements will support the continuity and success of your research efforts.