In Regards to a Possible Federal Government Shutdown

Pending situation in Washington DC:

Congress has not yet reached agreement on federal appropriations, and a government shutdown remains a possibility if funding lapses after September 30, 2025. While essential services would continue, many federal agencies could suspend grant processing, reporting, and communications.

What do we need to do?

First, if there is a government shutdown, this does not mean faculty must immediately stop work on federally funded projects (unless you receive a stop-work order, which would not generally be anticipated). The university will be able to manage cash flows for the immediate future so that research work can continue; however, delaying major purchases or expenditures is recommended until more information is available.  

While it is important to note that each federal agency will have its own unique procedures and protocols, as well as issuing its own contingency plans, we can generally expect some of the following:

• If your work necessitates usage of a facility that is managed by an impacted federal agency, you are likely not going to be able to access this facility during the shutdown period.
  
• Agencies will be prohibited from signing new grants or contracts.
  
• Most agency staff will not respond to any inquiries received, including those related to upcoming deadlines, proposal preparation, and applications.
  
• The review process for proposals will be delayed although deadlines may still be enforced unless an agency posts alternative instructions.
  
• No new Continuing Grant Increments (CGIs) will be awarded.
  
• Grant payments to the campus could be disrupted.




• Principal Investigators (PI’s) should be able to submit annual and final project reports as required (and should continue to do so based on already established deadlines).

• No-cost extensions will likely not be processed until normal agency operations resume, and federal funds cannot be obligated for expenses that occur beyond the award end date.

• Supplemental funding requests will not be processed and awarded until normal operations resume.

Here are some additional considerations for faculty who serve as PIs on federal contracts or grants:

• If you work with collaborators at national laboratories, it would be prudent to contact them to ensure you receive any materials or information from them in advance of a potential shutdown.

• In the event of a shutdown, any “stop-work orders” received on federal grants and contracts should be forwarded to ospadmn@auburn.edu.

Contacts:
If you have any specific contract or grant questions, please feel free to contact

Tony Ventimiglia, Assistant Vice President for Research Administration.

Concerns related to payment or invoicing issues may be directed to Gina Bailey, Director of Contracts & Grants Accounting.

Let us hope that appropriate negotiations are successful in Washington and that our government continues to function into the new fiscal year.


Dr. Steven E. Taylor, P.E.