The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a forthcoming research security policy that will prohibit collaborations with entities appearing on U.S. restricted parties lists for NSF-funded research projects.
Although the policy is not yet in effect, NSF has issued a Dear Colleague Letter to provide advance notice so that institutions and researchers can begin preparing for implementation. NSF anticipates implementing the policy during Fiscal Year 2027, concurrent with the effective date of its updated financial assistance guidance or related acquisition policy.
What the New Policy Will Require
Once implemented:
- NSF funds may not be used to support research collaborations with organizations identified on U.S. restricted parties lists (see Appendix A of the NSF Dear Colleague Letter). This prohibition also applies to employees of those restricted entities.
- Senior/key personnel on NSF-funded projects may not:
- Hold an appointment or position with a restricted entity;
- Receive research support from a restricted entity; or
- Collaborate on NSF-funded research with a restricted entity or its employees.
What This Means for USC Researchers
While no immediate action is required, investigators should begin reviewing current and prospective collaborations to ensure they will comply with these new requirements once they become effective. Researchers planning to submit NSF proposals or managing existing NSF awards should be aware of these upcoming restrictions when establishing new research collaborations.
DCG will continue to monitor NSF guidance and provide additional updates as implementation details become available.
If you have any questions, please contact your assigned DCG Officer.