Federal Research Policy Announcements and Updates
As of now, the vast majority of research should continue as planned.
The University will continue to monitor the latest developments and share information relevant to researchers below. Sponsored Programs (ospera@bu.edu) remains the best point of contact for award-specific questions.
Latest Updates
Latest Update: June 16, 2026
- Regarding proposed changes to the Uniform Guidance: The Office of Management and Budget has published a proposed rule that would significantly modify how the federal government reviews and issues grant awards. Boston University will submit comments, working in coordination with professional associations and scientific societies. Individuals who wish to submit their own comments can review the University’s guidance on advocacy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regulations toolkit. More information is available on the COGR website. Should you have questions about the status of the proposal, please reach out to BU Federal Relations at federal@bu.edu.
Early Grant Termination Guidelines
Early Grant Termination Guidelines
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This guidance outlines the steps that need to be taken by a PI/department/school and Sponsored Programs when an award is terminated by a federal sponsor, a federal subaward is terminated by the prime sponsor, or a stop-work order is issued.
Learn More
Status of F&A Rates
Following a series of judicial and legislative actions, the calculation of F&A rates remains unchanged.
Boston University Guidance & Internal Memos
Archived BU Guidance
Archived BU Guidance
Previously-applicable guidance and older memos are available here in the Archive of Notices, Memos & Guidance. For current guidance and memos, please see the applicable list above.
If you have questions about how any guidance or memo applies to your specific award, reach out to Sponsored Programs at ospera@bu.edu.
General Background
Archived Background Information
Notices from Federal Agencies and Departments
If you have questions about how these notices apply to your specific, reach out to Sponsored Programs at ospera@bu.edu.
Archived Notices
Archived Notices
Previous agency notices are available here in the Archive of Notices, Memos & Guidance. For agency notices issued in the current month, please see the applicable sections above.
If you have questions about how any notice applies to your specific award, reach out to Sponsored Programs at ospera@bu.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Federal agencies are updating their terms and conditions to reference federal anti-discrimination law, prohibited boycotts, and other matters. Is there any action required on my end?
Several federal agencies, including NIH, NSF and VA, are requiring additional certifications that reference anti-discrimination law, diversity, equity and inclusion and/or prohibited boycotts. If you receive a certification request in connection with an award application or funding notice, please contact Sponsored Programs, so that the request can be reviewed.
The University will continue to monitor the latest developments and share information relevant to researchers. Sponsored Programs (ospera@bu.edu) remains the best point of contact for award-specific questions.
What should I do if my award is terminated by a federal sponsor, my federal subaward is terminated by the prime sponsor, or a stop-work order is issued?
A stop work order or termination notice may be sent to the PI, a Sponsored Programs grant administrator, or to the institution’s mailbox. If all parties are not copied on the communication, the notice should be sent to the following parties:
- The PI
- Sponsored Programs (ospera@bu.edu)
- The primary department administrator for the project
- Department chair/center director
- The school’s associate dean of research
Please refer to the early grant termination guidelines for next steps.
Can the federal government terminate my grant after it has been awarded?
The
Uniform Guidance allows federal funding agencies to terminate awards if the grantee institution has failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the award, including project milestones, or if the award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities. Following the University’s
early grant termination guidelines, please consult with Sponsored Programs and the Office of the General Counsel to determine the appropriate course of action.
What can the University do if an agency attempts to rescind an award?
In accordance with the
Uniform Guidance, agencies are required to provide written notice of the termination to the federal award recipient. The notice must include the reason for termination, the effective date, and the specific portion of the federal award being terminated. Each agency has its own procedures for appealing a termination decision. Additionally, the grant or cooperative agreement, or the funding agency’s grant policy statements, may outline agency-specific procedures the recipient must follow to dispute a termination.
Following the University’s early grant termination guidelines, please consult with Sponsored Programs and the Office of the General Counsel to determine the appropriate course of action.
Should I continue responding to grant solicitations?
Faculty should continue submitting applications for active federal award solicitations. We encourage investigators to complete applications using the latest posted guidance, including for any components that may conflict with executive orders, to ensure applications are accepted in the system.
Should I stop traveling or buying equipment with grant funds?
As of now, research should continue as planned. As always, stay proactive about managing grant funds to ensure long-term sustainability, but no preemptive changes are required unless you’ve received a written stop-work order.
I have a specific question about my grant or program. Where do I go for information?
We understand that many researchers have award-specific concerns. Please send your questions to Sponsored Programs at
ospera@bu.edu, and our team will compile them, provide responses, and add to these FAQs around common issues.
Things are happening quickly. What do I need to know now as a researcher?
Researchers should continue doing their work and advancing their scholarship, research, and expertise. They should continue submitting grants and thinking strategically about how to position their research to ensure that they can continue pursuing the topics they care about. No preemptive action is required unless you are explicitly notified otherwise by a program officer or through an agency announcement. The University is following federal actions closely and will continue to provide regular updates.
