On May 29, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a proposed rule that would make massive changes to the federal guidance impacting all forms of federal financial assistance, which includes research grants. The rule, which alters the Uniform Guidance governing all federal financial assistance, significantly expands the authority of OMB and other political appointees to approve, cancel, block, or otherwise interfere with the federal grantmaking process.
Some of the changes included in the proposed rule include:
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• Requiring new grant programs to align with Administration priorities rather than stated need, statutory mandate, or community feedback
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• Requiring political appointees to sign off on grants before they are awarded
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• Allowing for grants to be terminated at any time if they are found to be “inconsistent with program goals or agency priorities”
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• Blocking federal funds from being used to “fund, promote, encourage, subsidize, or facilitate DEI or DEIA policies or practices”
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• Limiting international research collaborations without explicit permission
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• Giving OMB the authority to limit eligibility for grant programs based on an applicant’s membership in professional or advocacy groups
Numerous scientific societies, including APSA, have been closely monitoring this proposed rule due its significant implications on federal research grants. APSA along with 322 other organizations across sectors signed onto a public comment calling for an extension to the comment period. The comment period is now closed. APSA submitted a comment opposing the proposed OMB on July 10th, which can be found on APSA’s website.
ADVOCACY ROUNDUP
NSF Update–APSA’s government relations staff have been working to educate Members of Congress and the public about the importance of NSF and recent issues impacting the SBE Directorate through meetings with congressional offices. APSA Staff will continue to push for legislation protecting SBE throughout the appropriations process through meetings with Congressional offices, partner coalitions, and stakeholder engagement. ■
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