President Trump’s recent executive order introduces measures aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in federal spending, particularly concerning research awards. The key points impacting research funding are:
Centralized Payment Justification System: Agencies are required to establish a system that records every payment made under federal contracts and grants, accompanied by a brief written justification from the approving employee. Agency heads will be able to pause and review payments lacking proper justification.
Review and Termination of Existing Contracts and Grants: Agency heads, in collaboration with their Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Team Leads, must assess all current contracts and grants. The objective is to identify and terminate or modify agreements that exhibit waste, fraud, or abuse, with a particular focus on funds disbursed to educational institutions and foreign entities. This review is to be completed within 30 days from the order’s issuance.
Comprehensive Review of Contracting Policies and Personnel: Agencies are instructed to evaluate their contracting policies, procedures, and personnel comprehensively. During this 30-day review period, the issuance or approval of new contracting officer warrants is suspended unless deemed necessary by the agency head. This measure aims to streamline contracting processes and ensure that personnel involved are aligned with the administration’s efficiency goals.
Covered Contract and Grant Approval: Following the review specified in 2 above, and prior to entering into new contracts, each Agency Head shall, in consultation with the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, issue guidance on signing new contracts or modifying existing contracts to promote Government efficiency and the policies of my Administration. The Agency Head may approve new contracts prior to the issuance of such guidance on a case-by-case basis. Each DOGE Team Lead shall provide the Administrator with a monthly informational report on contracting activities. As soon as an agency’s contract and grant justification process are established, this report shall include all payment justifications provided pursuant to that process, to the extent consistent with law.
Possible Impacts on Researchers
Changes in Funding Priorities – Some research areas may see shifts in funding focus, with an emphasis on projects aligned with updated agency priorities.
Program Consolidation – Certain research support programs might be merged, potentially streamlining processes but also requiring adjustments to new structures.
Administrative Adjustments – Agencies may experience staffing changes and be required to implement new processes, which could temporarily affect grant processing times and administrative support.
Requests or Notices from Sponsors – If you receive any notices that impact your awards, please ensure that you forward that communication promptly to your DCG Officer.
Staying Informed – Keeping up with agency updates and policy changes will help researchers navigate any adjustments smoothly.
For more information on federal directives and their implications, please also visit our DCG Federal Directives page.