Posted: January 24, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

This week brought a wave of executive orders and directives from the incoming Trump administration, several of which will impact research and the operations of federal agencies and departments that award grants and contracts. Notably, the NIH and the Department of Energy are currently under communication freezes, which include a pause on issuing new awards. The NIH has suspended study sections until February 1.

We are closely monitoring developments in Washington. In general, it will take time to fully understand the implications of changes to federal policy for research. In some cases, we await information from agencies and sponsors as they adjust to new directives; in other cases, executive orders are likely to be subject to litigation, which may delay or change their implementation. As the situation evolves, we will keep the Lehigh research community informed and provide guidance.

Below this message, you will find initial guidance pertaining to federal research proposals and awards, as well as potential changes to compliance and reporting requirements.

This is a time of change and disruption and thus of uncertainty and anxiety for many among our university community, including our researchers. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best wishes,

Dominic Packer, Associate Vice Provost for Research

Guidance for Proposals, Awards, and Potential Compliance and Reporting Changes as of January 24, 2025

For Proposals:

  • We will continue to submit proposals as long as the federal agencies submission systems are operational.
  • Proposal deadlines may change, so please monitor your funding opportunity announcement and agency notifications. If you are not already, we recommend you sign up for alerts from the federal agency or sponsor.

For Current Awards: 

  • The terms and conditions of your executed award remain enforceable so long as your award is active.  This includes the ability for us to invoice and receive reimbursement.  Please continue with business as usual.   If there is a change to your award, Lehigh will receive an amendment for review and execution.
  • Review your grant agreement: Ensure you understand the terms, especially clauses related to funding availability and reimbursement. Your Contract and Grant Specialist is available if you find terms unclear or need further clarification.
  • Closely monitor obligated budget balances to avoid deficits while awaiting future obligations. Anticipated future funding remains subject to availability of funds and should not be considered guaranteed.

Anticipated Changes:

  • We anticipate changes to research compliance and award reporting requirements. These changes could either be implemented directly by a federal agency or sponsor or may require an amendment on a project-by-project basis. We will share any information we receive with you, though you may also receive instructions directly from your Program Officer. It is crucial to act swiftly to ensure compliance with any new requirements, as failure to do so could jeopardize funding. Please inform your ORSP Contract and Grant Specialist immediately if you receive information about new compliance or reporting requirements, or if you need help with either.
  • If you have an active At-Risk award index for your project due to indications from the federal agency (or pass-through sponsor) regarding an award, ongoing negotiations, or because we are awaiting the next funding increment, please keep your Department Chair and Dean informed about the potential risks associated with any future funding decision.

Other recommendations:

  • Ensure the prompt submission of all technical reports or deliverables. Submit any that are past due as soon as possible.
  • Stay in touch with your program or grant officer to confirm there are no changes affecting your award.  Some agencies and departments are currently under a communication freeze, so this may not always be immediately possible.

Guidance adapted from ASU.