*** Please see the memo below from the USC Office of Research and Innovation. *** ——————————————————————————————————————— To the USC and Greater LA Innovation Community: Join the Office of Research and Innovation for an informational webinar on the Research Catalyst Program. This exciting program supports innovative, high-impact research with strong potential for external funding and real-world impact. The […]
Effort Certification Update from the Office of Financial Analysis (OFA)
*** Please see the memo below from the Office of Financial Analysis. *** Dear Colleagues, OFA has updated the effort certification calendar for the following open period. Next period affecting S03-2025 Summer & Q01 – 2026 Quarter will generate documents for reviewers on November 6th and open to certifiers on November 20th. If you have any questions, please email […]
MicroLearning Monday – Single IRB at USC
Welcome back to MicroLearning Mondays, our biweekly series of bite-sized research administration trainings brought to you by the Department of Contracts and Grants. This week’s topic: Single IRB at USC: What Every PI Needs to Know Why It Matters: Federal sponsors such as NIH now require the use of a Single IRB (sIRB) for most multi-site human subjects […]
NSF Operations During Federal Government Lapse in Appropriations
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is currently affected by the federal government shutdown, resulting in the suspension of most NSF operations. While limited, excepted activities will continue, new funding actions and administrative processes are on hold until normal operations resume. NSF Policy Reference: NSF Website: NSF Memorandum: Assistance and Contract-Related Policy and Systems Issues During […]
DOE Indirect Cost Restrictions in Upcoming Solicitations
The Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced new solicitation language imposing a 15% cap on indirect costs (IDC), also known as Facilities & Administrative (F&A) costs. Based on DOE policy documents and peer institution consensus, this restriction does not apply to institutions of higher education (IHEs). It is intended for nonprofit, for-profit, and state or […]
Federal Government Shutdown – Impacts on Research & Public Health Agencies
As of October 1, 2025, the federal government entered a lapse in appropriations, resulting in an immediate shutdown of many operations across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its divisions. HHS has released its FY26 Lapse in Funding Contingency Plan, alongside division-specific updates for key agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), […]