Posted September 2, 2026 by Ashley Washburn
New federal research security requirements restrict the use of goods and services from, or collaborations with, certain restricted entities in federally funded research. UNL research personnel should be aware of these updated policies from the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation.
Key updates are summarized below, followed by additional details.
The 2026 Department of Defense Fundamental Research Decision Matrix prohibits the use of DOD funds for fundamental research conducted in collaboration with, or using equipment from, any entities appearing on DOD prohibited entity lists.
DOD has also prohibited the use of Anthropic AI platforms (e.g., Claude) in connection with DOD funding.
NSF announced on July 8 that it will implement a new policy in fiscal year 2027 that prohibits (1) use of NSF funds on collaborations with entities on certain U.S. restricted parties lists, and (2) senior/key personnel on NSF-funded projects from holding an appointment or position with, or receiving research support from, these restricted entities for the duration of their NSF award.
What should researchers do?
DOD researchers: Those who currently have or expect to apply for DoD funding must immediately identify and cease any collaborations with, or use of equipment from, entities on DOD Prohibited Entity Lists for DOD-funded projects. Additionally, do not make any new purchases from, or enter any new collaborations with, any of those entities. Of the current 13 prohibited lists, the three main ones include DOD1260H, DOD1286 and the Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List. Additionally, researchers who currently have or are anticipating DOD funding must stop using any Anthropic AI platform (e.g., Claude).
NSF researchers: Researchers who have or expect to apply for NSF funding should review the Dear Colleague Letter and their collaborations for relationships with entities on the U.S. restricted parties lists. Although the policy is scheduled for full implementation in FY2027, which begins Oct. 1, NSF has started incorporating these restrictions into certain award and proposal review processes.
Other federal funding: Researchers who have or expect to apply for other federal funding should plan ahead by reviewing and identifying alternatives to equipment, services, software and collaborations from or with entities on the prohibited entity lists and other U.S. restricted parties lists.
Non-federally funded activities: Procurement of equipment or services from restricted parties may be considered if no viable or cost-effective alternative exists. Discuss these purchases in advance with your college/department leadership, UNL Procurement Services, and the Research Compliance, Integrity and Security office. However, equipment and services from restricted entities should not be purchased for use in spaces where federally funded research may take place, such as core facilities, recharge centers, and other shared facilities and resources on campus.
Helpful resources
The NSPM-33 webpage has resources and other information on these topics. Visit the Federal Restrictions: Equipment, Services and Collaborations section for more information. For questions, please contact RCIS at rcr@unl.edu or 402-472-6965.
