Skip to main content

Federal Research Updates 2026

 

Research & Innovation has created this page to offer the latest information and guidance for researchers on the necessary actions to take during transitions in U.S. government administration or federal agency leadership.

 

   

Contact Us

  Main: 915-747-5680

03/16/26

 

New Data Management & Sharing Plan Format Coming (May 2026)


Upcoming compliance change
  • There is a new format for   Data Management and Sharing Plans  (DMSP) going into effect for applications submitted for due dates on or after May 25, 2026 
  • Expect more information on implementation of this change as we are all made aware of changes from the NIH  
  • You are required to complete a   Material Transfer Agreement  for transfer of any research material, including   human biospecimens  

  [ View Info ]
 

NIH Requires eRA “Prior Approval Module” for Administrative Requests


  • Effective: Feb 20 2026
  • What changed
    • All NIH prior approval requests must now be submitted through the eRA Prior Approval Module by the institution’s Signing Official.
    • Examples of requests affected
      • Change of PI/PD
      • No-cost extensions
      • Budget revisions
      • Change in scope
[ View Info ]
 

Research Security Training


Many sponsors are implementing research security requirements for applicants and awarded researchers. 

NIH – National Institutes of Health
NOT-OD-26-017: Research Security Training Requirements for NIH , effective for applications submitted for due dates on or after May 25, 2026

NSF – National Science Foundation

DOE – Department of Energy

For questions about Training, please reach out to Research Protections at exportcontrol@utep.edu. 
All training requirements are being checked during proposal submissions. Incomplete training requirements may result in proposals not being able to be submitted.


Department of Education & Department of Labor Partnership


  • New grant opportunities will continue to be posted to grants.gov but will be submitted through Dept of Labor's GrantSolutions system (instead of grants.gov).
  • Existing awards will still be managed through Dept of Ed's G5 system. 

  [ View Info ]

 

   Updates:

  

02/13/26

 

Adjusted Timeline for NIH’s Implementation of Common Forms


The NIH requirement for the Biographical Sketch and Current & Pending Common Forms has been extended, with a leniency period through May 2026. However, NIH is still encouraging applicants to begin using the Common Forms as soon as feasible.

  [ View Info ]
 

01/28/26

 
Dear NASA grants community,

Effective January 28, 2026, NSSC Grants Activities Branch (GAB) has discontinued all external webform pages due to security concerns.

Impacted webforms:
• Grant/Cooperative Agreement Administrative Supplement Request(includes No-Cost Extensions)
• Grant/Cooperative Agreement Research Performance Progress Report Submission
• NSSC Grant PI Transfer Request

Updated submission process for NASA grantees:

• Performance reports: Submit to NSSC-Grant-Report@mail.nasa.gov
• Final reports: Submit to NSSC-CloseOut@mail.nasa.gov
• Administrative supplement requests (No-Cost Extensions, Administrative Changes, Prior Approvals): Submit to nssc-admin-supplement-request@mail.nasa.gov
• PI Transfer Requests: Submit to nssc-grants-pi-transfer@mail.nasa.gov

These updates are effective immediately and replace the discontinued webforms. Following these instructions will ensure timely processing of reports and requests.

NSSC Grants Activities Branch (GAB)

 
 

  

01/27/26

 

PF 2026-30 Indirect Cost Rates, Policy Flashes and Financial Assistance Letter No Longer in Effect Due to the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026


  [ View Info ]
 

01/25/26

 

NIH’s Implementation of Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support


  [ View Info ]
 

01/06/26

 

NOT-OD-26-019: Updated Application Policies: NIH Administrative Burden Reduction Effort Removal of Requirements for Letters of Intent and Unsolicited Applications Requesting $500,000 or More in Direct Costs

  1. NIH will no longer request or accept Letters of Intent (LOIs) as part of the application process.
  2. NIH will no longer require applicants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs (excluding consortium F&A costs) in any one budget period to contact the funding Institute or Center (IC) before application submission.

  [ View Info ]
 

12/09/25

 

NSF Releases PAPPG 24-1 Supplement 1: Key Policy Updates

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued Supplement 1 to the Proposal & Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG 24-1), effective December 8, 2025. This update introduces several important changes that impact proposal submissions, award management, and institutional compliance.
 

Highlights of the Update

  • New SBIR/STTR Project Pitch Process:
    The “Project Pitch” proposal type is now formally recognized for Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer submissions.
     
  • Updated Language & Compliance Requirements:
    The term “ Indian Tribes” replaces “ Tribal Nations” for alignment with federal definitions. NSF will not fund institutions maintaining agreements with Confucius Institutes unless a waiver is granted.
     
  • Restrictions on Drone Purchases:
    NSF funds may not be used to buy or operate drones made or assembled by certain foreign entities (effective Dec 22, 2025).
     
  • Enhanced Data-Sharing Expectations:
    Data supporting NSF-funded publications must be publicly available upon publication, with any limitations justified in the Data Management Plan.
     
  • Increased Funding Limits:
      • Planning Proposals: Up to $200K per year (for 2 years)
      • RAPID: Up to $300K (for 1 year)
      • EAGER: Up to $400K (for 2 years)

     
  • Clarified Review & Disclosure Policies:
    All full proposals require at least two reviewers. Institutions must annually disclose foreign support of $50K or more from countries of concern.
     
  • Administrative & Integrity Updates:
    Electronic remittance of program income is now required; “reportable equipment” threshold raised to $10K; and research misconduct definitions now explicitly include misuse of AI tools.
     
[ View Info ]
 

  

12/03/25

 

New NIH Research Security Training Requirement – effective May 25, 2026

This notice notifies the extramural community of the NIH implementation of the Research Security Training (RST) requirements outlined in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
[ View Info ]
 

  

12/02/25

 

NSF Research Security Policy Effective 12/2/25

  • Research-security Updates in "Important Notice No. 149" will go into effect December 2, 2025
  • Under these rules, for proposals submitted on or after Dec 2nd, all senior/key personnel must have completed acceptable research security training within the prior 12 months; institutions must maintain detailed documentation of foreign support/appointments/"other support"

[ View Info ]
 

  

11/17/25

 

Communication from NSF on Resumption of Operations

Thank you for your patience during the lapse in appropriations. NSF is now operating under a continuing resolution that runs until January 30, 2026.

We are prioritizing the most pressing issues, including restoring the capacity to make awards and ensuring continued management and oversight of existing awards. Our hardworking staff are focused on these activities, and we ask for your continued patience as we do so.

Please visit the recently updated Resumption of Operations at NSF on NSF.gov for information and answers to frequently asked questions.
[ View Info ]
 

  

6/20/25

 

U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts vacates NSF’s 15% Indirect Cost Rate policy (NSF 25-034)

[ View Info ]
 

  

5/02/25

 

NSF Policy Notice: Implementation of Standard 15% Indirect Cost Rate (Effective May 5th, 2025)

[ View Info ]
 
 
 

 

4/14/25

 

Department of energy announces limits on F&A rates to 15%

[ View Info ]
 
 
 

  

3/24/25

 

NSF Implementation of Recent Executive Orders

[ View Info ]
 
  

3/12/25

 

DOE Contracting Officer Notification of DOE’s rescission of DEI, CBP or PIER Plan, and Justice 40 Requirements in Financial Assistance Agreements (MAR 11)

[ View Info ]
 
 

 

2/25/25

NSF Executive Orders - Q&A

[ View Info ]
 

2/12/25

 

Nationwide TRO Granted (Feb 11)

[ View Info ]
 
 

2/11/25

Dear Faculty,

In light of the recent Executive Orders and federal agency notices, please follow the requirements in the Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) when preparing and submitting proposals to federal sponsors. It is important to adhere to all submission guidelines, eligibility criteria, budget requirements and certification processes. Any new requirements from federal agencies will be listed in the most current FOA.

Again,  all deadlines and requirements stated in the FOA remain in effect unless notified otherwise in writing. Please use  UTEP’s current federally negotiated Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rates, unless an alternative rate is specified in the FOA. UTEP’s rates can be found on the Office of Sponsored Projects website under “ Quick Info”.

Failure to comply with FOA instructions may result in proposal rejection, increased scrutiny, or funding restrictions. To avoid these risks, we strongly encourage faculty to work closely with your assigned  Research Administrator to ensure full compliance before submission.

For the latest updates on University guidelines and federal policy changes, please refer to Research & Innovation’s website:  Federal Updates.

Please reach out to your RA if you have any project-specific questions.

Sincerely,

Cory J Brown, CRA
Director - Office of Sponsored Projects

 


 

2/10/25


 
Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates
 

 

Dear Colleagues,

As you're aware, the research landscape continues to evolve rapidly due to Executive Orders and court rulings following the recent transition in the executive branch. I anticipate that we will face ongoing uncertainty in the near future. The recent changes to federal funding policies have understandably caused some anxiety within the UTEP research community, particularly concerning their potential impact on our faculty, staff, and students.

The Office of Research and Innovation is closely monitoring all communications and updates from the federal government and funding agencies. Our teams are ready to offer guidance and support as needed. We encourage you to reach out to your Research Administrator, our Associate Vice Presidents for Research, or myself if you have any questions or need assistance regarding changes to your grants.

We are currently evaluating the impact of the new NIH cap on overhead costs and how it may affect our research infrastructure and support systems. The new policy states that “For any new grant issued, and for all existing grants to IHEs retroactive to the date of issuance of this Supplemental Guidance, award recipients are subject to a 15 percent indirect cost rate. This rate will allow grant recipients a reasonable and realistic recovery of indirect costs while helping NIH ensure that grant funds are, to the maximum extent possible, spent on furthering its mission. This policy shall be applied to all current grants for go forward expenses from February 10, 2025 forward as well as for all new grants issued. We will not be applying this cap retroactively back to the initial date of issuance of current grants to IHEs.” The Office of Research and Innovation is developing strategies to ensure we can continue to support UTEP researchers should other funding agencies implement similar policies.

In the meantime, we ask that you continue with your research activities and fulfill your grant obligations. Unless we receive specific instructions to halt work or modify the scope of an award, it remains both your responsibility and UTEP’s to meet our commitments.

Our commitment to the research community is unwavering. Our work moves forward, transformative research remains crucial, and we remain dedicated to ensuring respect and fairness for every member of our community. UTEP has faced many challenges in the past, and thanks to the excellence and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, we have always emerged stronger, achieving new milestones in research, education, and service to our community.

For the latest updates on UTEP’s policies and procedures in response to these developments, please continue to visit the ORI page for Federal Research Updates.

Sincerely,

Ahmad M. Itani
Vice President for Research & Innovation
 
 

2/3/25

The United States District Court of Rhode Island issued a temporary restraining order (Court’s Order) in the case of New York et al. v. Trump, No. 25-cv-39-JJM-PAS (D.R.I.), ECF No. 50 (Jan. 31, 2025). See court order here.

As the Court’s Order reflects, the terms are temporary as litigation in the case is ongoing.

Below is a summary of key terms from the order:

  1. Federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB Memo, or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.
  2. This prohibition applies to all awards or obligations—not just those involving the Plaintiff States in the above-referenced case—and also applies to future assistance (not just current or existing awards or obligations).
  3. Agencies may exercise their own authority to pause awards or obligations, provided agencies do so purely based on their own discretion—not as a result of the OMB Memo or the President’s Executive Orders—and provided the pause complies with all notice and procedural requirements in the award, agreement, or other instrument relating to such a pause.

 
 

1/31/25

In accordance with the recent Executive Order titled, " Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing" all federal awardees are required to terminate any activities related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). For clarification regarding how this impacts your specific award, please reach out to your program officer or program director as soon as possible.

Note that unless otherwise directed by your sponsor, all other activities associated with federally funded projects should continue as usual. The terms and conditions of your active award remain in effect. Sponsored Projects will promptly inform you of any changes that may impact your funding.

If you receive any notice from your funding agency to pause or stop your work, please forward the communication to your Research Administrator in The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) at OSP@utep.edu for guidance prior to responding. A stop work order means that all project activities must cease immediately, and no additional expenses can be incurred from the effective date of the order.


 
 

1/29/25

OMB Memorandum M-25-13 is rescinded [View Here]


Federal Government Agency Updates

For any project specific questions please reach out to your assigned Research Administrator or OSP@utep.edu

Updates to this website will be made as new information is available


Council on Government Relations Resources Page 

[ View Info ]

 

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS/NIH/CDC/SAMHSA/HRSA)

[ View Info ]

  • There will be a temporary delay in communications due to an immediate pause on issuing documents and public communications.
  • This mandate was issued directly through the HHS in a Jan. 21 memo, and thus impacts the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and all other HHS divisions.
  • Travel is immediately suspended for federal health agency personnel.

 

National Science Foundation

[ View Info ]

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-25-13, issued on January 27, 2025, directs all Federal agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of their financial assistance programs to determine programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by the recent Executive Orders. Therefore, all review panels, new awards, and all payments of funds under open awards will be paused as the agency conducts the required reviews and analysis. NSF has created an Executive Order Implementation webpage to ensure the widest dissemination of information and updates. We will continue to communicate with you as we receive additional guidance.

 

All NSF grantees must comply with these Executive Orders, and any other relevant Executive Orders issued, by ceasing all non-compliant grant and award activities. Executive Orders are posted at https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/. In particular, this may include, but is not limited to conferences, trainings, workshops, considerations for staffing and participant selection, and any other grant activity that uses or promotes the use of DEIA principles and frameworks or violates Federal anti-discrimination laws.

 

Department of Energy

To Implement the E.O., the Department of Energy (DOE) directs the immediate suspension of the following activities in your financial assistance awards:

  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, procedures, programs, activities, and reviews involving or relating to DEI objectives and principles until further notice;
  • Requiring, using, or enforcing Community Benefits Plans (CBP)*; and
  • Justice40 requirements, conditions, or principles.

*In lieu of the CBP, the Department of Energy’s Office of Science required financial assistance applicants to include a Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER) Plan in their applications for financial assistance in response to funding opportunity announcement beginning in fiscal year (FY) 2023. These PIER Plans were subsequently incorporated into resultant financial assistance awards by reference.

Therefore, effective immediately, you shall suspend all DEI, CBP/PIER Plans and Justice 40 activities associated with all financial assistance awards issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science (SC), Consolidated Service Center – Office of Grants and Cooperative Agreements. DOE will not enforce any award requirements related to the above activities during this suspension pending the outcome of a review of the Department’s ongoing activities.


 

NASA

[ View Info ]

On January 20, 2025, the President of the United States of America signed an Executive Order titled, “Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions”, which repeals Executive Order 14035, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce”. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management issued a memorandum, dated January 21, 2025, titled, “Initial Guidance Regarding DEIA Executive Orders” to federal agencies. This guidance directed agencies to take immediate action to identify and terminate DEIA initiatives and programs and remove final or pending documents, directives, orders, materials, and equity plans issued by agencies in response to now-repealed Executive Order 14035, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) in the Federal Workforce (June 25, 2021).  

 

Effective immediately, NASA Grants and Cooperative Agreements Terms and Conditions must be updated to remove any reference to DEIA initiatives and programs.  NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) will continue to work packages; however, the Grant Officer is not able to award until the agency Terms and Conditions are updated.  NASA appreciates your patience with the award delays as we continue to work diligently to complete all grant and cooperative agreement awards.

 

National Institutes of Justice (NIJ/Department of Justice)

[ View Info ]

At this time, NIJ has removed all previously posted Notices of Funding Opportunity and associated webinars.

 

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

[ View Info ]

USDA has communicated a temporary suspension of actions on all grants. Existing work can continue under active awards until such time as you receive further guidance for specific awards.

 

1/28/25

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Amidst ongoing uncertainties surrounding federal funding, it’s important to take a realistic and measured approach. Together, we will continue to push forward on our research mission and for the benefit of the students we serve.

UTEP is closely monitoring all updates from the federal government and associated agencies regarding policy changes and will continue to evaluate the potential local impact during this period of transition.

The Office of Management and Budget has clarified that financial aid to individual students will be unaffected by yesterday’s guidance. Meanwhile, researchers should continue to work on their funded projects unless you receive instructions from your program officer, agency contact, or Research Administrator indicating otherwise.

Any researcher who received or receives information from your funding agency should reach out to your Research Administrator in The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) at OSP@utep.edu for guidance, prior to responding.  

 

Proposals

  • We recommend all PIs confirm proposal deadlines, check for any changes to proposal requirements, and discuss with their assigned Research Administrator to discuss any potential impacts to proposal submissions.
  • OSP will continue to submit proposals to federal agencies as long as submission systems remain operational, and no changes have been made to submission requirements/deadlines. We will notify those impacted by any changes to proposal submission due dates if they occur.
  • Review timelines for federal agencies may be halted or extended due to pauses on federal funding.

 

Awards

  • Many federal agencies have indicated that work on existing awards may continue as long as obligated funds are available, subject to new policies. However, we anticipate delays in additional funding or new funding as a result of policy changes.
  • Continued compliance with all agency requirements for funded awards is important, and OSP will review all amendments for changes in terms and conditions.
  • Changes to reporting requirements for funded awards may occur and, in coordination with OSP, you should respond to program officer instructions as needed.
  • If a stop work order is issued for your project, let OSP know immediately and halt all project activities.
  • Internal no cost extensions while awaiting additional allocations from federal agencies will require agency confirmation that the project will continue.

 

We know things are changing rapidly and will keep faculty and staff updated as needed, while reaching out to individual project teams that may be impacted. Should there be any project-specific concerns, please contact the Vice President for Research or a member of the Research and Innovation Leadership Team to discuss. We will continue our work to support the vital research that you do.

 

Sincerely,

Ahmad Itani, Vice President for Research
John Wiebe, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

 


NSF PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS: WHAT FACULTY NEED TO KNOW

NSF is operating in a rapidly changing funding environment and is sending a clear message to the research community: do not wait for solicitations, submit proposals now.


NSF Changes with Proposal Submissions

Recent communications from NSF leadership indicate that proposal submissions have declined nationwide, even as agencies continue to operate with appropriated funds.

  • NSF leadership has communicated a clear message: investigator-initiated proposals should continue to be submitted.
  • The absence of a solicitation should not be interpreted as a reason to delay submission.
  • New leadership and evolving decision-making structures
    • Leadership changes are in a developing stage with continuing evaluation to ensure strength
  • Emphasis on stewardship, efficiency, and reduced administrative burden

Greater focus on:

    • National relevance and impact
    • Strong partnerships
    • Large-scale, collaborative research
    • Alignment with federal priorities (AI, quantum science, and emerging technologies)

Investigator-Initiated (unsolicited) proposals
  • Explicitly permitted under NSF PAPPG 24-1
    • Chapter 1, under Program Descriptions and Program Announcements
  • Submitted without a specific program solicitation
  • Expected to demonstrate clear alignment with NSF priorities
    • If your research aligns with a program’s scope, do not wait for a specific solicitation to apply
  • Reviewed using NSF’s standard merit review criteria

Merit Review and Process Updates

NSF continues to adjust its review processes in response to staffing changes/constraints.

  • Minimum panel review requirements have been reduced (e.g. fewer required reviewers per proposal), allowing panels to function with limited
    • Minimum of 2 people on a panel with 1 reviewer and 1 program officer
  • NSF has emphasized that Program Officers may recommend awards without a full panel review
    • Program Officers cannot deny proposals unilaterally
  • These changes are intended to keep proposals moving, not to discourage submission

Submission Timing and Fiscal-Year Considerations

Submission timing has become more consequential due to constrained review capacity and evolving awarding plans.

  • Proposal submissions are markedly reduced NSF-wide, reducing the pool for immediate funding decisions
  • In Fall 2024, NSF released more than 800 funding opportunities, which may not be reached in the immediate future
  • Fewer new solicitations are expected, and many existing solicitations are being archived or streamlined after submission deadlines as a broader effort to reduce administrative burden.
  • Waiting for a new NOFO may lead to missed current fiscal-year funding windows
  • Earlier submissions provide Program Officers with more flexibility to work within fiscal-year timelines
  • Proposals submitted late summer or early fall may be reviewed but funded at a later fiscal year, depending on timing and availability
  • Historically, NSF receives fewer proposals between spring break and graduation
    • Spring submissions may be especially strategic
  • Encouragement across NSF to submit before summer whenever possible

Research Development Support

Faculty interested in submitting an NSF proposal should submit a Notice of Intent (NOI). Current and continuing support from Research Development entails:

  • Project design and strategy consultation
    • Unsolicited proposal positioning
    • Assistance with submission timelines
    • Proposal idea development and refinement
    • Internal and external proposal review
  • Alignment and framing with NSF priorities and review expectations
  • Resubmission strategy consultation

NOIs may be edited or cancelled as timelines evolve and broadly signal intent to submit.


Serving as an NSF Reviewer

NSF has emphasized a critical, agency-wide need for reviewers due to staffing reductions. Faculty are strongly encouraged to serve on one or more panels.

  • Some NSF units experienced staffing reductions of 50% or more
  • Agency-wide staffing is down by approximately one-third

Faculty participation supports:

  • Proposal quality and competitiveness
  • Strengthening future submissions
  • Relationships with NSF Program Officers
  • Integrity of the merit review process during a constrained period

 

Ultimately, the absence of a solicitation should not be interpreted as a reason to delay submission. Faculty are encouraged to engage with NSF Program Officers early to learn agency priorities, strengthen proposals, and build relationships.