Executive Orders and Federal Funding

Overview

On January 20, 2025, Executive Orders were issued (White House Presidential Actions), as the new administration took office. These Executive Orders signal changes in federal priorities, which could impact both your awarded projects and those awaiting funding from federal agencies or sponsors.

As federal agencies and sponsors adjust to the changes, Pitt Research will continue to provide you with guidance, updates, and links to relevant resources in helping you navigate the evolving landscape. Should you receive information not listed on this site, we welcome those resources and ask that they be sent to research@pitt.edu.

Recent Updates

1/29/2025: The White House Office of Management and Budget rescinded its pause on federal funding.

1/28/2025: U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan temporarily blocked implementation of The Office of Management and Budget’s pause on funds.

1/28/2025: The Office of Management and Budget issued a follow-up memorandum stating that “Any program not implicated by the President’s Executive Orders is not subject to the pause.”

1/27/2025: The Office of Management and Budget issued a “Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs.”

Stop Work Orders

A small number of Pitt faculty members have received stop work orders either directly or indirectly through the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). Agencies have also issued broad stop work orders as identified in more detail below. If you receive a stop work order or are subject to a stop work order, please halt activities and notify OSP immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

What To Do Now

Notice of Funding Opportunities: Previously open NOFOs could now be closed. We encourage you to check the status of a NOFO before continuing with your grant submission.
Review your grant Notice of Awards and contracts: Ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your awards and contracts, especially clauses related to funding availability and reimbursement.
Monitor budgets: Closely monitor obligated budget balances to avoid deficits while awaiting future award notices.
Contact with grants specialists: If the University receives notices or communications of changes affecting your award, the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) will notify you. If you receive a stop work order, comply with the order and notify OSP as soon as possible.
Reports and deliverables: Prioritize the submission of any technical reports or deliverables that might be past due and ensure that all future reports and deliverables are submitted on time.
Monitor policy updates: Keep an eye on announcements from the federal agency overseeing your grant for any updates on funding or compliance requirements.
Procurement considerations: When engaging in procurement activities for federally funded projects, please consider the following:
- If federal funding for the procurement is still pending to Pitt and you have been approved for an Advance Account, then consider postponing or canceling the procurement until the required funds are committed/received. If the procurement requires further consideration or resources from Pitt, please contact your department administrator.
- If an agreement is fully executed and thus the procurement is underway, review the terms and conditions of the agreement for cancellation provisions and upcoming payment milestones (most agreements written using University forms of contract will have “termination for convenience” language). If you have any questions, please contact the Purchasing Services Procurement Specialist who assisted with the agreement.
- If an agreement is still being negotiated, collaborate with your assigned Purchasing Services Procurement Specialist to ensure the terms and conditions align with the current funding availability.
- When obtaining quotes for a purchase of goods, request the country of origin be included and ensure the quote includes a validity period during which the vendor is committed to maintaining the quoted prices without alteration.
- Exercise caution in procuring equipment, materials, or supplies for projects using currently obligated funds. You are encouraged to verify the availability of funds with your department administrator and stay informed about any policy changes that could impact your projects before acquiring any further goods or services.

Executive Orders and Overviews

Executive Orders: President Trump signed executive orders, several of which apply to research and education.
APLU Overview of Executive Orders: The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU®) has posted an Overview of President Trump's Executive Orders.
AAU Statement on Executive Orders and OMB Memorandum: Association of American Universities (AAU) President Barbara R. Snyder released a statement about the temporary pause on federal spending.
COGR Summary of Executive Orders: The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) has posted a Summary of President Trump's Executive Orders. COGR has also posted information about the transition period.

Federal Agency-Specific Guidance:

We will post critical updates from major funding agencies on this webpage. If you receive new, critical information from an agency or program officer concerning your funding and projects, please send that information to Pitt’s Office of Sponsored Programs at OSP@pitt.edu. If you receive any direct communication from a sponsor that requires acknowledgement and/or signature, please forward immediately to OSP@pitt.edu for assistance on next steps.

Below is a list of updates from major funding agencies.

Department of Defense (DOD)

Currently, we do not have DoD-specific guidance.

If Pitt receives additional guidance from a federal agency, the Office of Sponsored Programs will follow up with those impacted.