ORSP Urgent Federally Funded Research Updates

Since taking office on January 20, 2025, the current administration has issued several executive orders. Some of these orders are impacting federally funded research and may impact proposals submitted and those already under review. The scope and details of any impacts is not yet fully known. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) is monitoring developments and will communicate with campus, as and when relevant information becomes known. Please check the ORSP website for updates, as well.  

Many federal sponsors, including the NIH, HHS, USDA, NASA, and the Department of Energy are contacting institutions and investigators with updated guidance on active awards. If you receive communication regarding an award from a federal sponsor, please forward it to Jeri-Anne Lyons  and copy Interim Director of Sponsored Programs, Pamela Keener . This will ensure we are aware so we can support you as we navigate this rapidly changing landscape. 

Pre-Award:

• Research Development and ORSP pre-award will continue with all ongoing and planned proposal submissions unless otherwise informed by federal sponsors.  

• Sponsor review timelines may change while federal agencies adapt to changes in federal priorities.  

• Please work with your pre-award administrator or Director of Research Development, Carman Melendrez, to confirm submission deadlines and that the funding announcement has not been revised or postponed. 

Existing Awards: 

• All existing awards remain active unless otherwise communicated by the sponsor.  

• In many cases, sponsors are communicating directly with investigators. Please forward any communications you receive to Jeri-Anne Lyons and Pamela Keener to ensure we are aware.  

• All existing terms and conditions for active awards remain in effect unless otherwise updated by the sponsor.   

ORSP will communicate any updates regarding compliance requirements or reporting requirements as they become available. Similarly, any changes to specific programs or awarded funding will be communicated as they are received.  

If you have an active award, review your grant agreement and make sure you understand the terms. Reach out to Pamela Keener and your post-award administrator with any questions or concerns.  

Closely monitor obligated balances. Keep in mind that anticipated future funding is subject to availability of funds and is not guaranteed. Reach out to Pamela Keener and Grant Accountant, Jeff Martin, with any questions regarding active awards and accounts.  

Finally, prioritize submission of any reports or deliverables that may be past due. 

We understand that this is a stressful time for those with active federal awards. Some agencies have mechanisms for investigators to sign up for alerts. You may consider signing up for these updates so that you have the most up-to-date information as ORSP works to communicate developments with campus.  

ORSP is here to support you and we will continue to monitor further developments and are here to support you and address your questions moving forward. For more information, visit the ORSP website.

If you did not received this communication via email and would like to be added to the ORSP email list, please submit the opt-in/opt-out form.

Jeri-Anne Lyons, PhD
Associate Vice President for Research
Dean, Graduate School
University of Northern Colorado