01/27/2025
By Anne Maglia
As these funders adjust to the changes, we’ll keep faculty and staff informed and offer guidance to the best of our ability. The university’s primary focus is on ensuring compliance with state and federal laws while continuing to support our mission and values.
Please visit the UMass Lowell Office of Sponsored Programs news page for official updates. Please email VCRI@uml.edu with questions.
Current guidance on 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.
- There may be changes to proposal deadlines. It is recommended to reconfirm the deadline.
- Reconfirm that the funding announcement has not been revised or postponed. If available, consider signing up for alerts from the federal agency or sponsor.
- As new versions of existing Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) are released, please read very carefully. While they often make explicit the changes that occur with a reissue, not all changes in the wording may be highlighted.
Current guidance on awards:
- The terms and conditions of your executed award remain enforceable so long as your award is active. This includes the ability to invoice and receive reimbursement. Please continue with business as usual. If there is a change to your award, we will receive an amendment for review and execution.
- We anticipate updates to award Research Compliance 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. It is crucial to act swiftly to ensure compliance with any new requirements, as failure to do so could jeopardize funding. If you need assistance managing research compliance matters, please email OSPProposals@uml.edu.
- We anticipate updates to 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.
- Review your grant agreement: Ensure you understand the terms, especially clauses related to funding availability and reimbursement.
- Closely monitor obligated budget balances to avoid deficits while awaiting future obligations. Anticipated future funding remains subject to availability of funds and should not be considered guaranteed.
- Reports and deliverables: Prioritize the submission of any technical reports or deliverables that may be past due.
- Monitor policy updates: Keep an eye on announcements from the federal agency overseeing your grant for any updates on funding or compliance requirements.