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Dear colleagues,
The Office of the Vice President for Research would like to update you on recent federal policy changes and their potential impact on research at K-State. As you may be aware, several recent executive orders have temporarily paused certain federal agency operations. These currently include:
- HHS and NIH: The Department of Health and Human Services, including the National Institutes of Health, has temporarily paused all Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA)-governed committees. This includes study sections and council meetings, which may affect travel and related activities through at least Saturday, Feb.1.
- DOE: The Department of Energy has implemented a pause on funding actions such as grants, loans and cost-sharing agreements while undergoing policy reviews.
- USDA: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has removed several requests for applications, as well as their due dates. All National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) requests for applications are currently under review.
- USAID: In accordance with the President’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, USAID is pausing all new obligations of funding, and in some cases will issue stop work orders, amend existing awards, or suspend existing awards, pending a review of foreign assistance programs funded by USAID.
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NSF: Scheduled review panels for National Science Foundation grant applications are on pause until Feb. 1.
Implications for K-State
Some grant submission portals may remain active, and our sponsored programs team continues to process submissions and manage invoices to federal agencies and for other sponsored projects. However, we are noticing some agencies removing certain proposal opportunities.
While these actions are temporary, they may be extended to other federal agencies. We understand these interruptions may pose challenges, particularly for researchers who rely on federal funding. Unless directed otherwise by official agency communication, all operations should proceed as normal. It is prudent to be prepared to take action as we receive specific guidance from funding agencies. However, anticipatory actions should not be taken until such guidance has been received from the agencies.
If you have any specific concerns about your grant or contract or have received correspondence directly from your program officer, reach out to Paul Lowe at research@k-state.edu. We strongly encourage faculty and staff to document any impacts these changes may have on their work.
Looking ahead
We recognize the uncertainty these changes bring and are closely monitoring developments. Our priority is to support your research efforts while minimizing disruption. The Office of Sponsored Programs will continue to assist with and submit proposals to all funding opportunities that remain open. We encourage you to continue to develop proposals and work with OSP in anticipation of opportunities reopening.
Thank you for your dedication to K-State and your contributions to advancing research, scholarship and innovation.
Hans Coetzee
Interim Vice President for Research
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