View a full list of federal agencies and their contact information.
We understand that more questions will arise, and we will strive to answer all of them as we are able to. For specific, urgent questions please contact research@pitt.edu.
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
2/26/2025: The White House issued an executive order advising agencies on how to implement DOGE’s cost efficiency initiatives. The executive order requires all Federal agencies to establish centralized systems that record every payment made under Federal contracts and grants, accompanied by brief written justifications. Additionally, agencies are required to review existing contracts and grants, terminating or modifying those deemed unnecessary or inefficient. Moving forward, each agency head, in consultation with DOGE, will issue guidance on signing new contracts or modify existing contracts. Agency Heads may approve new contracts prior to the issuance of such guidance on a case-by-case basis.
2/21/2025: The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a Preliminary Injunction halting agencies from:
- Pausing, freezing, impeding, blocking, canceling, or terminating any awards, contracts or obligations or changing the terms of any obligation, on the basis of the provision purporting to empower them to terminate “equity-related” grants;
- Requiring any grantee or contractor to make any ‘certification’ that the program does not promote DEI;
Bringing many False Claims Act enforcement action . . . premised on any certification made pursuant to the Certification Provision - If you receive any such requests, please contact OSP (osp@pitt.edu) immediately and they will advise on any required next steps.
2/21/2025: A federal judge ordered an extension on the nationwide temporary pause on the NIH’s Supplemental Guidance (NOT-OD-25-068), which imposed a standard indirect cost rate on all grants of 15%. Accordingly, until further notice, grant budgets submitted to the NIH should continue to include the University’s published negotiated indirect cost rate.
2/10/2025: A federal judge ordered a nationwide temporary pause on the NIH’s Supplemental Guidance (NOT-OD-25-068) which imposed a standard indirect cost rate on all grants of 15%. Accordingly, until further notice, grant budgets submitted to the NIH should continue to include the University’s published negotiated indirect cost rate.
2/7/2025: Pitt is aware of the release of NIH’s new statement on indirect funding rates, “Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates.” We are currently analyzing its potential impact on the University and will keep the University community updated as we move forward.
2/5/2025: Federal sites, such as ASSIST, eRA Commons and Grants.gov, are exhibiting periods of unannounced downtimes, and as such, faculty should not wait until the day of the deadline to submit to the sponsor. As a reminder, the Office of Sponsored Programs requests four full business days in advance of the sponsor’s deadline to ensure a successful submission.
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.”
What To Do Now
- Communication: If you receive any communication from a funding agency regarding a proposal or award, notify OSP as soon as possible at OSP@pitt.edu.
- 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 any communication from a funding agency regarding a proposal or award, notify OSP as soon as possible at OSP@pitt.edu.
- 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.
- Awards Status: If you have any questions regarding the status of your award, your contact at the applicable funding agency may be available to answer your questions.