Announcement: The Department of Contracts and Grants (DCG) previously issued guidance regarding new federal requirements related to Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRP) under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. As a reminder, starting on June 7, 2025, in accordance with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) Chapter II.D.1.e(ii), all PIs or co-PIs named […]
Announcements
MicroLearning Monday – When is Cayuse Sponsored Projects Required?
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: When is Cayuse Sponsored Projects Required? Why It Matters: Cayuse Sponsored Projects (SP) is USC’s official system for routing, approving, and tracking sponsored project proposals and awards. Understanding when Cayuse […]
Update From NSF Regarding Indirect Cost Reimbursement Rates
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has begun issuing award terms referencing a 15% indirect cost rate, citing Case No. 1:25-cv-11231 and NSF Policy Notice 25-034. USC has received such terms, which have appeared not only in new NSF awards but also in amendments, continuations, and supplements to existing awards—despite NSF’s own policy guidance and a federal […]
Update From DOD Regarding Indirect Cost Reimbursement Rates
On May 14, 2025, the Secretary of Defense issued a memorandum stating the Department of Defense’s (DoD) intent to implement a 15% cap on indirect cost reimbursement rates for all new financial assistance awards to institutions of higher education. It is important to note that this cap is not yet in effect. The memo outlines preliminary […]
New Cayuse SP Compliance Question on Gain of Function / Dual Use Research of Concern
In response to a recent Executive Order on Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research, federal agencies are now required to develop enhanced policies around Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC). As a result, USC Biosafety has initiated updates to ensure compliance and support Principal Investigators (PIs) in identifying GOF/DURC-related research. What’s Changing in Cayuse […]
NSF Pauses Implementation of New Indirect Cost Rate Policy
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 […]