Notifications Regarding Federal Directives – USC Department of Contracts and Grants

Several recent Executive Orders may indicate shifts in federal priorities, potentially affecting both awarded projects and those awaiting funding from federal agencies or sponsors.

As agencies and sponsors adjust to these changes, USC’s Office of Research and Innovation remains committed to providing guidance, updates, and access to relevant resources to help you navigate this evolving landscape.

Campus Communications

University Guidance

As federal agencies and sponsors respond to recent Executive Orders, USC’s Office of Research and Innovation (OORI) remains dedicated to providing timely guidance, updates, and resources to support you through these changes.

The following guidance outlines key actions and recommendations to help you effectively manage proposals and awards during this period of transition.

Proposals

Proposals will continue to follow USC’s current processes and procedures. The grants.gov submission system is currently operational. You may continue to use Cayuse S2S to prepare and submit applications for any posted opportunities.
Sponsor proposal review timelines may be extended as federal agencies adjust funding priorities in certain areas.
For NIH proposals, while we await more guidance on NIH’s proposed revisions to F&A rate, please continue to use the University’s negotiated indirect cost rate consistent with previous practice.

What You Should Do:

Confirm Deadlines: Proposal deadlines and program dates may change. Reconfirm these details regularly.
Check Announcements: Ensure the funding announcement hasn’t been revised or postponed. Consider signing up for alerts from the relevant federal agency or sponsor.

Awards

Existing award terms and conditions remain as long as the award is active. Any changes to your award will be communicated through an amendment from the sponsor for USC’s review and execution.
There may be updates to research compliance and reporting requirements, which could be implemented by federal agencies or require project-specific amendments. Any new information will be shared with you, but your Program Officer may also provide direct updates.
Programs that are reduced, defunded, or terminated could experience delays in payments or require recipients to meet new criteria to access funds. Federal agencies will typically issue guidance in these cases, which USC will share promptly.

What You Should Do:

Review Award Terms: Familiarize yourself with the terms of your award, especially clauses related to funding availability and reimbursement.
Monitor Project Spending: Keep track of obligated budgets to avoid deficits while awaiting future obligations. Anticipated funding is subject to availability and should not be assumed as guaranteed.
Stay in Touch with Program Officers: Communicate regularly with your Program Officer to confirm whether changes impact your award. Share any updates with Katie Rountree, Executive Director, Department of Contracts and Grants (DCG).
Meet Reporting Deadlines: Ensure timely submission of reports and deliverables, prioritizing any that are overdue.
Stay Informed on Policies: Watch for updates from federal agencies overseeing your award regarding funding or compliance requirements.
Follow DCG Communications: Monitor NewsFlashes from DCG and check the dedicated page for federal updates.