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

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.

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.

Other Resources

Several nonprofit organizations collaborated on a “F&A Costs of Research” one-pager, which provides a narrative description of the importance of indirect costs (F&A).

These organizations also published a “Costs of Federally Sponsored Research” infographic, which provides a visual representation of direct vs. indirect costs (F&A).

The organization United for Medical Research published a report titled “NIH’s Role in Sustaining the U.S. Economy.”

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.

Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

ACF’s Office of Head Start has instructed the removal the ACF or HHS logos if they appear on Head Start-funded program websites. A disclaimer should also be added to clarify the nature of the content and its alignment (see document).

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.

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

Department of Education (DOEd)

2/18/2025: The Department of Education's HEPIS portal is unavailable. There is no indication as to when it will reopen.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

Department of Energy (DOE)

1/27/2025: The DOE has suspended the following activities in any loans, loan guarantees, grants, cost sharing agreements, contracts, contract awards, or any other source of DOE funding:

diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and activities involving or relating to DEI objectives and principles; and
Community Benefits Plans (CBP); and
Justice40 requirements, conditions, or principles.

Review the full memorandum at this link.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

2/3/2025: The U.S. Department of Justice has provided a notice of temporary restraining order (TRO) pursuant to a case pending in the U.S. District Court in the District of Rhode Island. Review the notice at this link.

1/30/25: DOJ award recipients are currently able to request a drawdown in ASAP. Review the notification at this link.

1/28/2025: DOJ-related ASAP accounts temporarily suspended. Review the notification at this link.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

U.S. Department of the Treasury

2/3/2025: The U.S. Department of the Treasury has provided a notice of temporary restraining order (TRO) pursuant to a case pending in the U.S. District Court in the District of Rhode Island. Review the notice at this link.

Federal Health Agencies (CDC, FDA, NIH)

Currently, we do not have any broad guidance from the FDA.

2/12/2025: NIH’s no-cost extension (NCE) button is now available again on the eRA Commons site.

2/11/2025: The CDC issued a recission on stop work orders related to “DEI Activities” and “Activities Promoting Gender Ideology.” See recission at this link.

2/7/2025: The NIH posted “Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates.” You can view the guidance at this link.

2/7/2025: NIH’s no-cost extension (NCE) button is unavailable on the eRA Commons site. As we understand, a guide notice will be posted by the NIH explaining next steps.

2/3/2025: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has provided a notice of temporary restraining order (TRO) pursuant to a case pending in the U.S. District Court in the District of Rhode Island. Review the notice at this link.

2/3/2025: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR) has provided a notice of temporary restraining order (TRO) pursuant to a case pending in the U.S. District Court in the District of Rhode Island. Review the notice at this link.

2/3/2025: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided a notice of temporary restraining order (TRO) pursuant to a case pending in the U.S. District Court in the District of Rhode Island. Review the notice at this link.

2/3/2025: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/National Institutes of Health (NIH) has provided a notice of temporary restraining order (TRO) pursuant to a case pending in the U.S. District Court in the District of Rhode Island. Review the notice at this link.

1/31/2025: The CDC has called for the termination of all programs, personnel, activities, or contracts promoting or inculcating gender ideology. Review the memorandum at this link.

1/29/2025: The CDC has issued an immediate termination of DEI activity for all programs, personnel, activities, or contracts. You can review the memorandum at this link.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

1/23/2025 - NASA has issued a cease and desist on all DEIA activities. You can review the memorandum at this link.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

3/3/2025: The NEH has updated information on their webpage regarding the executive orders. You can view details on their site at this link.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

National Institute of Justice (NIJ)

1/28/2025: NIJ has removed all previously posted Notices of Funding Opportunity and associated webinars.

1/27/2025: NIJ has cancelled all previously posted Notices of Funding Opportunity and associated webinars. You can review that notification at this link.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

National Science Foundation (NSF)

See the NSF page providing information regarding recent executive orders and their impact on the NSF community.

2/20/2025: The NSF has updated information on their webpage regarding the executive orders. You can view FAQs and other details on their site at this link.

2/3/2025: The National Science Foundation has provided a notice of temporary restraining order (TRO) pursuant to a case pending in the U.S. District Court in the District of Rhode Island. Review the notice at this link.

2/2/25: NSF Award Cash Management System is available. You can review the email at this link.

1/28/2025: NSF has paused all review panels, new awards, and all payments of funds under open awards. You can review the email at this link.

1/27/25: NSF is terminating all DEIA-related contracts. You can review the memorandum at this link.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

2/2/2025: The USAID.gov site is offline.

1/24/25: USAID is pausing all new obligations of funding, and sub-obligations of funding. You can review the memorandum at this link.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Currently, we do not have USDA-specific guidance.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

1/29/2025: HUD acknowledges rescindence of OMB pause. You can view the memorandum at this link.

1/28/2025: HUD acknowledges OMB memo pausing federal spending. You can view the memorandum at this link.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

1/28/25: VA has determined that all 44 of its financial assistance programs will continue uninterrupted and that all VA programs and operations will continue uninterrupted. More on their site at this link.

1/27/25: VA ends DEI. More on their site at this link.

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

If you receive a notification from an agency or program officer, please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs immediately at OSP@pitt.edu.

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.