Today, May 19, 2025, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a temporary pause in the implementation of Policy Notice NSF 25-034, which had introduced a standard indirect cost—also known as Facilities and Administrative (F&A)—rate on modified total direct costs (MTDC) for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs). The policy was originally set to apply to all […]
MicroLearning Monday – Changes to a Scope of Work
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: Changes to Work Scope Why It Matters:Changes to the scope of work are among the most common post-award actions. These changes can significantly alter the objectives, approach, or key […]
DOD to Implement 15% Indirect Cost Cap on Higher Education Awards
The Department of Defense (DOD) has issued a new memorandum announcing its intent to cap indirect cost rates at 15% or lower for all new financial assistance awards to institutions of higher education. This change will go into effect 21 days from May 14, 2025, and marks a significant shift in how DOD will reimburse universities for […]
DOE Caps Indirect Costs for State and Local Governments, For-Profit and Non-Profit Org
On May 8, the Department of Energy (DOE) released three new Policy Flashes introducing Indirect Cost rate (IDC) caps for nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and state and local governments. What You Need to Know: These new DOE IDC caps apply to the following entity types on new awards: 15% IDC cap for nonprofits 10% IDC cap for state and local […]
Temporary Interruptions to NSF Research Infrastructure Outreach Website and COI Portal
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced that some digital services related to research infrastructure may experience temporary interruptions in the coming weeks. These changes are part of broader federal cost-reduction efforts that may impact the availability of certain NSF-hosted websites. What You Need to Know: The NSF Research Infrastructure Outreach website and Communities of Interest […]
No-Cost Extension Feature in ERA Commons (Update)
The Department of Contracts and Grants recently alerted the USC research community that the No-Cost Extension (NCE) feature in eRA Commons was temporarily unavailable. The National Insititute’s of Health (NIH) has now released NOT-OD-25-110, which provides formal guidance and clarification on the issue, along with key updates on how to proceed. What You Need to Know: Effective […]