As of Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a lapse in appropriations has triggered a partial shutdown of non-essential federal operations. This may affect research activities in the coming days and weeks.
The Office of Sponsored Programs is available to provide guidance to principal investigators and will continue monitoring information. Each federal agency will issue its own procedures and guidance. Principal investigators who receive a stop-work order should forward the notification to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Government Shutdown Guidance
- Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Federal Government Shutdown Resources
- Council on Governmental Relations: Considerations for a Federal Government Shutdown
- National Institutes of Health guidance
- National Science Foundation: Assistance and Contract-Related Policy and Systems Issues During a Lapse in Appropriations
- Office of Management and Budget agency contingency plans
Impact on Sponsored Programs
A government shutdown can have various implications for sponsored programs and research activities. While we cannot predict the exact duration or severity of any potential shutdown, we must be prepared for possible disruptions that may affect our federal grants and contracts. These disruptions could include:
- Delays in award processing: During a government shutdown, federal agencies may suspend the processing of new grant and contract awards. This could affect the start dates of new projects and the availability of funds.
- Suspension of administrative services: Certain federal agency functions related to administrative and financial matters may be temporarily halted, impacting our ability to submit progress reports, obtain prior approvals or access agency systems.
- Limited communication: Communication with federal agency program officers and administrators may be limited during a shutdown, hindering our ability to seek guidance or resolve issues related to sponsored programs.
Steps We Are Taking
The Office of Sponsored Programs is committed to minimizing the impact of a potential government shutdown on our operations and sponsored programs. Here are some steps we are taking to address this situation:
- Monitoring the situation: We are closely monitoring developments related to the federal budget and funding negotiations. Our team is in regular contact with federal agency representatives to stay informed about their contingency plans.
- Communication: We will keep you informed of any significant developments and their potential impact on sponsored programs.
- Financial planning: We recommend that principal investigators and grant managers (liaisons and business managers) review their budgets and spending plans to ensure that funds are managed prudently during any potential funding gap.
- Continuity of essential services: OSP strives to maintain essential functions during a government shutdown to the best of our ability. We will prioritize tasks that ensure the continuity of ongoing sponsored projects.
- Guidance and support: Research personnel are encouraged to contact the OSP team to navigate any challenges that may arise due to a government shutdown. Each agency has unique policies and procedures to navigate a shutdown period.
What Research Teams Can Do
During a government shutdown, we encourage all faculty and staff involved in sponsored programs to take the following steps:
- Stay informed: Stay updated on the situation through official university communications and OSP updates.
- Review Your grants and contracts: Review your sponsored project portfolios and identify any potential impacts a shutdown may have on your research and financial obligations.
