2025 Federal Administration Transition Guidance for Federally Funded Research

Find up-to-date guidance and resources regarding the 2025 federal administration transition impacting federally funded research projects.

BREAKING (Jan. 31): A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) has been issued, preventing federal agencies from pausing or canceling awards based on Executive Orders. Investigators should continue research activities unless directly instructed otherwise by their sponsor.

Overview

The Trump Administration has issued new Executive Orders reflecting a shift in federal priorities. As with any administration transition, temporary pauses on external communications and operational reviews are standard as federal agencies realign their policies with new directives.

On January 20, 2025, these Executive Orders led to several significant actions, including project-specific suspensions, stop-work orders, and terminations by federal agencies and sponsors. The recent TRO prohibits federal agencies from pausing, freezing, or canceling DEIA-related grants based on the Executive Orders. Researchers should continue normal grant activities unless notified otherwise by their sponsor.

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) recognizes and appreciates the vital contributions of faculty, students and staff to federally funded research projects. Ensuring the continuity of research teams is a top priority and we are actively monitoring these developments to assess their impact on federally funded research projects. We are committed to supporting Principal Investigators as they navigate these changes and will work closely with departments and leadership to address any funding interruptions that may affect project personnel.

As new information becomes available, OSP will provide timely updates, resources, and tailored guidance to help you navigate this evolving situation. If you encounter information not addressed here, please email unosponpro@unomaha.edu so we can include it in our communications.

Proposals

Submission: Proposal submissions will continue as long as federal agency systems remain operational.

Review Timelines: Expect potential delays in sponsor proposal reviews as federal agencies address pauses in federal assistance funding for certain areas.

Action Items:

Revalidate proposal deadlines to account for any potential adjustments.
Confirm that funding announcements have not been revised or delayed.
Sign up for agency or sponsor notifications, if available, to remain informed of updates.

Awards

Pending WBS Requests: Activating temporary accounts for pending federal awards is not advised.

Terms and Conditions: Executed award terms remain enforceable while active, including invoicing and reimbursements.

Research Compliance Updates: Anticipate updates to compliance requirements, possibly necessitating project-specific amendments. Swift compliance is critical to maintain funding.

Export Control Matters and Foreign Travel/Collaboration Considerations: Contact Research Compliance at researchcompliance@unomaha.edu .
Human Subject, Animal Research, Conflict in Interest in Research and Responsible Conduct in Research Matters: Contact Research Compliance at researchcompliance@unomaha.edu

Reporting Requirements: Updates may occur, requiring quick changes to avoid jeopardizing funding. If you need assistance, please contact your grants accountant .

Program Changes: In cases of program terminations or restructures, expect federal guidance on next steps, which OSP will promptly relay.

Travel: Previously approved travel should proceed as planned unless the awarding agency provides specific notice stating otherwise. If you have already made travel arrangements using obligated and approved funds, you may proceed. If you receive new guidance from your funding agency regarding travel restrictions, please forward to unosponpro@unomaha.edu.

Please note, OSP has diligently worked to draw down all expended funds for federal awards and will continue to monitor fund availability to ensure compliance and timely reimbursement. Any concerns should be directed to grantsaccounting@unomaha.edu

Action Items:

PIs should continue federally funded research as planned, including DEIA-related activities, unless directed otherwise by their sponsor. Any previous stop-work orders should be reviewed with Research Compliance to determine if they are still applicable.

Review grant agreements to understand funding clauses.

Monitor budget balances to avoid deficits while awaiting future funding obligations.

Maintain communication with program officers for updates.

Maintain communication with subrecipients if changes are necessary.

Submit any overdue technical reports or deliverables promptly.

Monitor agency announcements for funding or compliance updates. Share any stop-work orders, termination notices, or suspensions with unosponpro@unomaha.edu immediately. OSP will coordinate next steps with you and your team.

Procurement Guidance

When conducting procurement for federally funded projects, consider the following:

Funding Confirmation: If federal funds have not been obligated, consider delaying or canceling procurement.

Agreement Terms: Review current agreements for cancellation clauses and payment milestones. For questions, contact your grants accountant or grantsaccounting@unomaha.edu.

Quotes: Obtain quotes with the country of origin and a validity period to ensure stable pricing.

Obligated Funds: Procure equipment or materials using currently available funds.

Executive Actions and Federal Agency Guidance

Presidential Actions:

Executive Orders carry the force of law for government operations.
Proclamations are formal, often symbolic statements.
Memorandums provide policy guidance, less formal than Executive Orders.

As federal agencies issue official guidance and updates, additional sections will be added below.

COGR Communications & Resources

COGR's Administration Transition Information Resources webpage (updated frequently)
- COGR's Summary Tracker of Executive Orders (V.2, 1/28/25)
- COGR LinkedIn Communication (1/27/25)

Executive Orders & Related Resources (Source: Council on Government Relations)

TRO Update (Jan. 31, 2025): A federal court has issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) preventing agencies from pausing or canceling grants based on Executive Orders. UNO is actively monitoring agency responses and will provide updates accordingly.