You may be aware that the federal government’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that substantially revises “Uniform Guidance,” the government-wide framework for the management of federal grants, cooperative agreements and other forms of federal financial assistance. A summary can be found here.
If finalized as proposed, the revised rules would significantly reshape — and adversely affect — federal award management requirements for UCR and across the University of California research ecosystem. In particular areas of concern that would drastically affect our federally funded activities are the following:
- Expanded Agency Discretion in Funding Decisions
- Expanded Suspension and Termination Authorities
- Changes to Allowable, Unallowable, and Indirect Costs
- Restrictions on International Collaboration and Expanded Oversight of Subrecipients
- Elimination of Fixed Amount Awards and Subawards
- See further details from AAU, APLU, and COGR here.
The UC Office of the President is providing several calls to action:
Submit a comment: Use this framework for the comment letter, but please tailor and personalize the letter before submitting. Look for the content in all caps, set off by brackets, and be sure to at least customize those areas.
All comments submitted via this page must be made in your individual capacity, not on behalf of the University. As such, this template may not be used on University letterhead or email address. You may delete the auto-populated name and submit a comment anonymously if you prefer.
Sign the petition that will be shared with members of the California Congressional delegation. The petition will raise awareness among key decision-makers by outlining concerns about the proposed changes to the Uniform Guidance and their potential impact on the University.
You may also consider writing directly to your congressional representative(s) in your individual capacity. Congressional engagement will play an important role in informing the broader discussion regarding these proposed changes and their potential impact on federally funded research. Accordingly, researchers may find it valuable to share their perspectives with their elected representatives. If you do so, you may not utilize UC resources or imply institutional representation or endorsement, including the use of UCR letterhead and email, but you are free to do so in your individual capacity. The 'How to Contact Your Member' tool can help you find your congressional representatives.
Please note that OMB is accepting comments through July 13.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to UCR’s research enterprise.