Page last updated: February 13, 2025
Since January 20, 2025, numerous Executive Orders (EOs) have been issued, signaling shifts in federal priorities. While federal agencies navigate these EOs – and corresponding legal actions – the Iowa State research community has responded with patience, perseverance, and resilience in the face of questions and uncertainty about both active research grants and upcoming proposals.
On January 30, 2025, the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), launched an effort to provide tailored guidance to principal investigators (PIs) with questions regarding grants and proposals that were or could be impacted by changes in federal priorities and funding. Through February 10, 2025, the team had triaged and responded to more than 200 PI inquiries. Our team will continue to work with investigators as agencies provide more concrete guidance. If you have any concerns about a grant or contract, please email fedfunds2025@iastate.edu and include the following information in your message: your name; agency; project number; and information in question.
The OVPR will continue to work closely with our peers through professional organizations such as the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) and the Council on Government Relations (COGR) while monitoring the actions of federal agencies. We will provide guidance, updates, and links to relevant resources to help you navigate the federal research funding landscape as it continues to evolve. Please check this site frequently for updates from federal agency partners and other key resources.
Review Your Grant Language
Principal Investigators (PIs) on current grants, contracts, or subcontracts, are instructed to review proposed work and contact us (fedfunds2025@iastate.edu) if your project includes DEI components. Specifically, if your grant/contract contains Broader Impacts, PIER plans, or other similar sections, notify us immediately for assistance. Take note of the DEI-related direction from the Department of Education and Department of Energy in the Agency Communications section below.
Updated Guidance Based on Temporary Restraining Order
On Friday, January 31, 2025, a Federal Court issued a TRO (PDF) directing Federal grant-making agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), to “…not pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards and obligations on the basis of the OMB Memo M-25-13, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.” The TRO further states that out of an abundance of caution, all federal agencies should comply with the terms of the TRO. The terms of the TRO are temporary as litigation in the case is ongoing but must be complied with until further Order of the Court. (2/4/2025)
General Guidance
Proposals
- We will continue to submit proposals as the federal agencies submission systems are operational.
- Sponsor proposal review timelines may be extended while federal agencies navigate pauses on federal assistance funding in specific areas.
- Sponsor RFPs may also change during this timeframe. Please check the RFP for revisions before submitting your proposal. OSPA will do all we can to review/assess changes.
- There may be changes to proposal deadlines. Reconfirm that the RFP (proposal funding opportunity announcement) has not been revised or postponed. Monitor sponsor portals, grants.gov, and emails for updates.
Awards
- The terms and conditions of your executed award remain enforceable so long as your award is active. If there is a change to your award, OSPA or OIPTT will receive notice or an amendment for review and execution.
- We anticipate updates to award Research Compliance and/or Award Reporting requirements. These changes could either be implemented directly by a federal agency or sponsor or may require an amendment on a project-by-project basis. We will share any information we receive with you, though you may also receive instructions directly from your Program Officer. Please forward any notifications you receive to OSPA (ospa-awards@iastate.edu) or OIPTT. It is crucial to act swiftly to ensure compliance with any new requirements, as failure to do so could jeopardize funding.
- If specific programs are terminated or restructured, you may encounter difficulties accessing funds or meeting new criteria. Federal agencies managing these programs will typically issue guidance on how to proceed. OSPA or OIPTT will pass this along promptly if/when received.
- Issuance of subawards by OSPA/OIPTT from federal funding sources will be paused until the federal agency has completed their analysis of their federal financial assistance programs.
- If a program or initiative is reduced or defunded, there could be delays or pauses in payments for existing projects under those programs. While this is rare, it may occur if funding for a program is rescinded or redirected.
- Should a stop work order be issued for an existing project, the PI will be notified promptly. If the PI receives a stop work order directly, please forward it to OSPA at ospa-awards@iastate.edu for review and coordination.
Awards – What to do
- Review your sponsored project agreement. Ensure you understand the terms, especially clauses related to funding availability and termination.
- Closely monitor obligated and unspent balances to avoid deficits while awaiting future funding. Anticipated future funding remains subject to availability of funds and is not guaranteed.
- Review your grant proposal and contract. If you have any DEI activities in your grant/contract, contact ospa-awards@iastate.edu for assistance.
- Communicate with the Program Officer. Stay in touch with your Program Officer to confirm there are no changes affecting your award.
- Reports and deliverables: prioritize submission of any technical reports or deliverables that are due or past due.