Announcement: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced an update affecting all new financial assistance awards to Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs). Effective May 5, 2025, NSF will implement a new policy requiring a standard indirect cost rate cap of 15% (based on Modified Total Direct Costs – MTDC) for all new grants and cooperative agreements to IHEs […]
Announcements
NIH Implements New Policy on Foreign Subawards
Announcement: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a significant update regarding foreign subawards, as detailed in Notice NOT-OD-25-104, released on May 1, 2025. This change aims to enhance transparency and align with federal reporting requirements, particularly concerning national security considerations. Key Highlights: Development of a New Award Structure: NIH is establishing a new award […]
Managing Research Awards in Times of Uncertainty
Dear Colleagues, Research institutions across the country, including USC, are seeing an increase in award terminations and stop-work orders, often with little or no advance notice. In these uncertain times, it is critical that researchers and research administrators remain vigilant and proactively ensure that expenses are incurred and posted promptly. Taking timely action is essential […]
New DOE/NNSA Research Security Training Requirement – Effective May 1, 2025
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) have issued a new mandatory research security training requirement that applies to all active DOE awards and new proposals submitted to DOE on or after May 1, 2025. Who Must Complete the Training: Individuals currently working on DOE or NNSA funded projects who […]
MicroLearning Monday! – Determining Activity Types
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: Determining Activity Types Why It Matters: Identifying and categorizing the type of activity your PI’s proposal supports is vital. Whether it’s research, instruction, equipment, or fellowships, choosing the correct activity […]
NSF Releases Updated Guidance on Funding Priorities
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has published a new “Updates on NSF Priorities“ page, outlining changes to its funding criteria and programmatic focus. Key Highlights: Merit Review Criteria: All NSF proposals will continue to be evaluated based on two statutory criteria: Intellectual Merit (the potential to advance knowledge) and Broader Impacts (the potential to benefit society and […]