Federal Transition Updates and Resources | Key Issues | University Operations and External Affairs | University of Miami

Federal Transition Updates and Resources | Key Issues | University Operations and External Affairs | University of Miami
Accessibility Options:
Skip to Content
Skip to Search
Skip to footer
Office of Disability Services
Request Assistance
305-284-2374
Display:
Default
High Contrast
Apply
About UM
Give to UM
Schools
School of Architecture
College of Arts and Sciences
Miami Herbert Business School
School of Communication
School of Education and Human Development
College of Engineering
School of Law
Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
Miller School of Medicine
Frost School of Music
School of Nursing and Health Studies
The Graduate School
Division of Continuing and International Education
Alumni
Tools
People Search
Class Search
IT Help and Support
CaneLink
myUM
Workday
Blackboard
Employment
Privacy Statement
Apply
Apply
About UM
Give to UM
Schools
Alumni
Academics
Admissions
Student Life
Research
UHealth
Athletics
Tools
Popular Links
News@TheU
People Search
IT Help and Support
CaneLink
myUM
Workday
Blackboard
Employment
Privacy Statement
More Sites
University Operations and External Affairs
Government and Community Relations
University Communications
Areas
Audit and Advisory Services
University Compliance
Development and Alumni Relations
Enrollment Management
Facilities Operations and Planning
Government and Community Relations
Institutional Research and Strategic Analytics
Police Department
Secretary of the Board
UHealth Marketing and Communications
University Communications
Areas
More Sites
University Operations and External Affairs
Government and Community Relations
University Communications
Areas
Audit and Advisory Services
University Compliance
Development and Alumni Relations
Enrollment Management
Facilities Operations and Planning
Government and Community Relations
Institutional Research and Strategic Analytics
Police Department
Secretary of the Board
UHealth Marketing and Communications
University Communications
More Sites
University Operations and External Affairs
Government and Community Relations
University Communications
$sLabel
Federal Transition Updates and Resources
Federal Transition Updates and Resources
On Jan. 20, 2025, the federal government transitioned to new presidential and congressional leadership in Washington, D.C. The transitions in these two branches of government will result in
new policies and executive orders
, with the potential to impact the work of higher education institutions and academic health systems across the country, including the University of Miami community.
The University is monitoring these transitions for potential impacts and will update the campus community as often as possible.
To better understand and prepare for potential policy changes, the University is gathering guidance from higher education advocacy groups, including the
Association of American Universities (AAU)
, of which the University became a member in 2023.
We encourage students, researchers, and faculty and staff members to check this page regularly for the latest updates and resources.
University Resources and Insights
Open All Tabs
University Statements
Update on Federal Government Action
(Login required)
Open All Tabs
University Resources
Federal Funding and Research Activities HUB Channel
(Login required)
Government and Community Relations
Immigration-related resources
Office of Research Administration
Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship
Information by Topic
Open All Tabs
Presidential Actions, Executive Orders, and Memorandums
Executive Order:
Urgent National Action to Save College Sports
Accompanying
Fact Sheet
Executive Order:
Fostering the Future for American Children and Families
Executive Order:
Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking
Accompanying
Fact Sheet
Memorandum:
Ensuring Transparency in Higher Education Admissions
Accompanying
Fact Sheet
Department of Education
follow-up memo
Executive Order:
Saving College Sports
Executive Order:
Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets
Proclamation:
Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Security with Respect to Sterile Medical Equipment
Memorandum:
Eliminating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Medicaid
Proclamation:
Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats
Executive Order:
Restoring Gold Standard Science
Executive Order:
Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients
Executive Order:
Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research
Executive Order:
Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence at American Universities
Executive Order:
Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education
Executive Order:
White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Executive Order:
Preparing Americans for High Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future
Executive Order:
Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies
Executive Order:
Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy
Executive Order:
Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth
Executive Order:
Lowering Drug Prices by Once Again Putting Americans First
Executive Order:
Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities
Executive Order 14222:
Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Cost Efficiency Initiative
Executive Order 14221:
Making America Healthy Again by Empowering Patients with Clear, Accurate, and Actionable Healthcare Pricing Information
Memorandum:
America First Investment Policy
Executive Order 14219:
Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Deregulatory Initiative
Executive Order 14214:
Keeping Education Accessible and Ending COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates in Schools
Executive Order 14212:
Establishing the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission
Executive Order 14210:
Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative
Executive Order 14201:
Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports
Executive Order 14192:
Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation
Executive Order 14187:
Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation
Memorandum:
Memorandum for the Secretary of State the Secretary of Defense the Secretary of Health and Human Services the Administrator of the United States for International Development
Executive Order 14182 :
Enforcing the Hyde Amendment
Executive Order 14177:
President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
Executive Order 14173:
Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity
Executive Order 14169:
Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid
Executive Order 14168:
Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government
Executive Order 14162:
Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements
Executive Order 14161:
Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats
Executive Order 14160:
Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship
Executive Order 14159:
Protecting the American People Against Invasion
Executive Order 14154:
Unleashing American Energy
Executive Order 14151:
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing
Executive Order 14150:
America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State
Memorandum:
America First Trade Policy
Memorandum:
Regulatory Freeze Pending Review
Executive Order 14148:
Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions
Financial Aid Guidance
One Big Beautiful Bill Act — Financial Aid Guidance
The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces significant changes to federal student loan programs, including the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, that will impact most students, but there is a greater impact to graduate and professional students.
The new law established stricter loan limits for graduate and professional student borrowers. These changes are part of a broader restructuring of federal financial aid and repayment options.
The
Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee
recently reached consensus on how the Department of Education should implement student loan provisions, and also determined the definitions of graduate and professional degree programs. The reconciliation bill instituted annual loan maximums of $20,500 and $50,000 on graduate and professional programs, respectively, and aggregate loan caps of $100,000 and $200,000, respectively.
The Department of Education (ED) proposed the following definitions:
professional degree
Signifies both completion of the academic requirements for beginning practice in a given profession and a level of professional skill beyond that normally required for a bachelor’s degree;
Is generally at the doctoral level, and that requires at least six academic years of postsecondary education coursework for completion, including at least two years of post-baccalaureate level coursework;
Generally requires professional licensure to begin practice; and
Includes a four-digit CIP [Classification of Instructional Programs] code, as assigned by the institution or determined by the Secretary, in the same intermediate group as the fields listed in paragraph (2)(i) of this definition.
The fields listed include: pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic, law, medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatry, theology, and clinical psychology. The department’s proposal limits the number of professional programs to about
650 programs
when all criteria are applied.
ED will next publish the agreed upon regulatory language in the
Federal Register
, where institutions and the public will have the opportunity to comment before the rules are final.
As of Nov. 14, 2025.
This information is subject to change. For the latest information, always check directly with the relevant federal agency website. This page will be updated as additional federal guidance becomes available.
Key changes to Graduate PLUS Loans
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan program will be discontinued for new borrowers.
Students who receive a Graduate PLUS Loan disbursement
before
July 1, 2026,
while enrolled in
a credentialed program, may continue borrowing under current rules for up to three academic years or until the end of their program, whichever comes first.
Key changes to Parent PLUS Loans
Starting July 1, 2026, for new PLUS loans made to parents of
dependent undergraduate students
under the federal Direct Loan Program:
Annual borrowing cap
Parents can borrow via a Parent PLUS Loan up to
$20,000 per student per year
(combined from all parents) for those dependent undergraduate students.
Prior to this, parents could borrow up to the “cost of attendance minus other aid” amount (effectively no specific statutory annual cap for Parent PLUS).
Aggregate (lifetime) cap
A maximum of
$65,000 total per student
for the parent borrowing (i.e., once the limit is reached for that student, no further Parent PLUS borrowing for that student) for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026.
Previously, there was
no aggregate cap
for Parent PLUS (for the undergraduate dependent student).
Grandfather/Transition rules
For students (and their parents) who enrolled in a program and borrowed before July 1, 2026, “legacy” terms apply — meaning they may continue under the old rules for up to three more years or until the student finishes the program, whichever comes first.
For new Parent PLUS loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, the new caps apply.
For additional guidance related to financial aid opportunities:
The University of Miami is actively reviewing the OBBBA to understand its impact on financial aid options for students and families. Students are encouraged to review financial plans early and explore alternative funding options, including private loans and institutional aid.
Undergraduate students
Office of Undergraduate Financial Assistance and Employment
Contact:
Canes Central
Graduate Students
Graduate Professional Financial Assistance
UOnline Graduate programs
Contact:
Canes Central
Miller School of Medicine students
Office of Medical Education
Contact:
medfinaid@miami.edu
School of Law students
Admissions
Contact:
Canes Central
Research Funding and Grants
Please note the changes to current guidance below:
Significant Changes
NEW
Effective immediately, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has disabled the No Cost Extension (NCE) expanded authority function in eRA Commons, requiring all NCE requests to be submitted as prior approval requests (PAR). NCE requests will be reviewed by NIH "to ensure that awards do not fund off-mission activities or projects." At this time, PARs require a progress report, a detailed budget, and a justification to be submitted by Office of Research Administration (ORA). See the full Notice at
NOT-OD-25-110: Updated NIH Processes for No-Cost Extensions.
Effective immediately, NIH will not issue awards (new, renewal, or non-competing continuation) that include a foreign subaward. NIH will allow rebudgeting to continue the project domestically where possible. NIH will also no longer accept applications that include a foreign subaward. Funding Opportunity Announcements that allow foreign subawards have been superseded by this Notice. See the full Notice at
NOT-OD-25-104: Updated NIH Policy on Foreign Subawards.
Office of Vice-Provost for Research and Scholarship (OVPRS) Guidance
OVPRS recommends planning to complete projects and spend all award funds within the period of performance, in accordance with the award terms and conditions.
If a NCE is necessary, please contact your Program Officer for guidance prior to submitting the required documentation to ORA. NCEs may be requested no more than 90 days prior to the award end date.
Contact your Program Officer for guidance on managing foreign subawards.
While there is no formal guidance regarding use of non-subrecipient foreign collaborators or suppliers, OVPRS recommends considering domestic resources wherever possible.
Prior Guidance
If you receive notice that your award is terminated:
Submit an award modification request (AMR) in IBIS to change the end date and initiate the closeout process.
In some instances, you may have an opportunity to appeal the decision (this will be outlined in the termination notice). In most cases, appeals must be submitted to the sponsor within 30 days. If you decide to appeal, please follow these steps:
Submit the draft of the appeal letter to Dr. Maria Alcaide (
malcaide@miami.edu
) and Annabel Escandon (
aescandon@miami.edu
) no later than one week after the termination notice is received. Alcaide will review in coordination with relevant offices such as General Counsel and will provide feedback within one week.
The approved appeal letter must be routed ORA for submission to the sponsor.
Even if you are appealing, the closeout process must commence (AMR should still be submitted in IBIS) so it can be completed timely in the event the appeal is not approved.
Full Guidance
Information on Federal Proposals
OVPRS will continue to submit federal proposals on behalf of the University in accordance with standard process and deadlines to available funding opportunities.
Several federal electronic systems including eRA Commons and Grant.gov have experienced technical issues which have impacted the University’s ability to submit grant applications.
All proposals budgets including F&A costs are to be created in accordance with 2 C.F.R. 200 (Uniform Guidance), sponsor policy, and University policy. This includes budgeting F&A in accordance with the University’s federally negotiated rate agreement unless unallowed by the specific funding opportunity or relevant regulation.
Action Steps:
Investigators and department administrators should confirm the funding opportunity is available and the requirements have not changed prior to preparing a submission.
All federal applications should be ready for final submission to the sponsor
by 3 p.m. the business day before the deadline.
This will allow time for system issues. Note that proposals that are not submitted timely due to issues with federal systems may not be accepted by the sponsor.
Contact the Office of Research Administration (ORA) for questions regarding budgeting F&A costs on your proposal.
Information on Advance Accounts
Non-federal advance account requests will continue to be reviewed and approved in accordance with normal process.
ORA has paused approval of any advance account for
new
federal projects.
ORA continues to accept advance account requests for continuations on federal awards. A monthly review of advance accounts where the NOA is delayed 60 days or more (direct federal funding) or 120 days (federal subawards) will be completed to determine if any additional actions are needed on a particular award.
Action Steps:
Do not incur any expenses on new federal projects where the notice of award has not been issued to the University or the federal contract has not been signed. This includes instances where the proposal has been recommended for funding, but ORA has not received the notice of award.
Submit advance account requests non-competitive continuation years.
Information on Outgoing Federal Subawards
The pause on the issuance of new subawards on federal awards has been lifted and subawards will be issued in accordance with normal process. Please ensure all subawardees invoice, and those invoices are reviewed and approved timely.
Information on Federal Awards
Federal awards may be delayed or terminated.
The University is able to submit NIH no cost extensions on many awards.
The Miami Veterans Affairs (VA) is not executing new or modifying existing IPAs at this time.
Action Steps:
NEW
: If you receive notice that your award is terminated:
Submit an Award Modification Request (AMR) in IBIS to change the end date and initiate the closeout process.
In some instances, you may have an opportunity to appeal the decision (this will be outlined in the termination notice). In most cases, appeals must be submitted to the sponsor within 30 days. If you decide to appeal, please follow these steps:
Submit the draft of the appeal letter to Dr. Maria Alcaide (
malcaide@miami.edu
) and Annabel Escandon (
aescandon@miami.edu
) no later than one week after the termination notice is received. Alcaide will review in coordination with relevant offices such as General Counsel and will provide feedback within one week.
The approved appeal letter must be routed to ORA for submission to the sponsor.
Even if you are appealing, the closeout process must commence (AMR should still be submitted in IBIS) so it can be completed timely in the event the appeal is not approved.
If you receive any communication from a sponsor, including a program officer asking for any attestation or certification of any kind, do not respond and forward the request to
ora@miami.edu
immediately for guidance.
No Cost Extensions
When it is anticipated that a no cost extension will be needed, submit the request as early as possible to ORA (note that the request cannot be submitted more than 90 days prior to the project end date)
Do not assume no cost extensions will be approved (including the first no cost extension) and plan the management of your award and spending accordingly while ensuring compliance with federal, sponsor, and University policies regarding the allowability and allocability of costs.
Incurring Expenses and Allowable Costs under Executive Orders
Do not incur expenses beyond what has been obligated by the current notice of award.
Ensure that costs applied to the correct grant account and posted to the account timely. When needed journals and PAAs must be done as soon as possible to post to the correct account.
This is especially critical for Department of Defense (including but not limited to ONR, Army, DOD, Air Force, etc.) awards. Expenses must be posted timely to ensure the University is invoicing for all costs incurred each month.
Do not incur non-personnel expenses related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, on federal awards, as these expenses may not be considered allowable. A definition of what qualifies as diversity, equity, and inclusion has not been provided, and further guidance will be provided once information becomes available. Contact the ORA Leadership Team at
ora@med.miami.edu
for concerns about a specific award or program.
Continue to charge existing staff, student, postdoc, and faculty salaries to existing and funded federal awards unless you receive any communication or instruction from the federal sponsor that the cost may be unallowable. In this case, contact the ORA Leadership Team at
ora@med.miami.edu
Inform ORA immediately of any communication from a federal sponsor about any unanticipated changes to the award, including but not limited to potential suspension of the project, cancellation of a portion of the scope, or delay of the award.
Inform ORA immediately of all grants that include diversity, equity, and inclusion activities or any other activity described in a relevant executive order, as this may no longer be an allowable cost on your award.
Non-Federal Funding Opportunities
There are many non-federal funding opportunities available that might support research and scholarship. Several tools exist to search for funding announcements including the University
Corporate and Foundations Opportunities Database
and
Pivot
Federal Government Shutdown
Update on government shutdown
as of Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025
Federal employees have been instructed to return to work Thursday, Nov. 13, following the resolution of the recent government lapse. We anticipate that federal agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, CDC, FDA, DoD, etc.) will resume standard operations over the coming days. Currently, no immediate action is required from our research community. However, you may experience delays as federal program officers, grants management specialists, and scientific review staff transition back to full operations.
The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship will continue to monitor agency-specific guidance as it is released. If any time-sensitive updates arise related to proposal submissions, reporting deadlines, or award actions, we will share them promptly with the campus research community.
Thank you for your patience and for your continued commitment to advancing the University of Miami’s research mission.
Federal Government Shutdown
As of 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, the federal government has officially entered a shutdown. The following guidance is provided to assist the research community in navigating the shutdown.
Proposal and RPPR Submission Guidance
System Availability
: We expect that systems such as Research.gov and Grants.gov will remain operational during the shutdown. You should continue to submit proposals in accordance with agency-stated deadlines, provided the submission systems are functioning. Plan to submit early, as agency help desk staff are unlikely to be available to assist with technical issues during this time.
Stay Informed
: Monitor the websites of your funding agencies regularly for any updates or changes to proposal deadlines and other key dates that may be impacted by the shutdown.
Submit on Time
: Unless otherwise noted by the agency, proposals should still be submitted by the original deadline. Many agencies do not automatically extend deadlines due to a shutdown.
Expect Delays
: Processing, review, and award notifications will likely be delayed until the government reopens. Please plan accordingly.
Agency Communication
: Furloughed federal employees will not be responding to emails or phone calls. All inquiries will be held until after the shutdown concludes.
Anticipated Awards
Federal agencies are not expected to issue new awards, or other award related actions during the shutdown. This includes new or renewal awards, continuation awards and supplements and incremental funding. Agencies are also unlikely to approve prior approval requests (e.g., revised budgets) during the shutdown.
Existing Awards
Principal Investigators should continue work on existing awards unless the project requires significant involvement from the federal agency (e.g., cooperative agreements) and work is not able to continue without their involvement. We anticipate continued payment during the shutdown.
Questions and Concerns
Contact Research Administration if you have questions or concerns. For proposals, contact Deborah Musgrove, associate director,
dmusgrove@miami.edu
For anticipated and existing awards, contact Stephane Malebranche, director,
smalebranche@miami.edu
Agency Guidance
Open All Tabs
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Message for HHS Grant Recipients
7-Apr Communication
HHS Grant Recipients:
Please review this
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
. Please note, this action only applies to the 23 Plaintiff States listed in the TRO.
If you have questions, please reach out to your Grant Officer.
PFLAG v. Trump - Notice of Order and Preliminary Injunction (PI) 03.10.2025
10-Mar Communication received by the Office of Sponsored Programs
Please review the attached Notice of Court Order and attached Preliminary Injunction Order (PI).
PFLAG v. Trump – Notice and PI 03.10.2025
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (last updated 3/7)
5-Mar Important Notice for Grant Recipients
Received by:
Office of Sponsored Programs
Message:
HHS Grant Recipients:
Please review the following documents:
Notice of Court Order
Preliminary Injunction Order
If you have questions, please reach out to your Grant Officer.
Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
11-Feb UPDATE - Message to Research Recipients
“In compliance with the Temporary Restraining Order issued on January 31, 2025, in the United States District Court in the District of Rhode Island, the purpose of this communication is to rescind the following CDC communications effective immediately:
January 29, 2025: Cease DEI Activities on ALL CDC funded awards
January 31, 2025: Cease ALL Activities Promoting Gender Ideology
Please direct questions to
PRISM@cdc.gov
Notice- Funding Pause Temporary Restraining Order
2-Feb Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing the attached notice of temporary restraining order (TRO) pursuant to a case pending in the U.S. District Court in the District of Rhode Island to all CDC contracgtors. This case challenges an alleged “pause” of certain Federal financial assistance, related to OMB Memorandum M-25-13, Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs (Jan. 27, 2025) (“OMB Memo”). The TRO prohibits certain actions by HHS and the other defendant agencies and is effective immediately and until furtherorder of the court. This Notice is being provided pursuant to the Court’s directive that notice of the order be provided “to all Defendants and agencies and their employees, contractors, and grantees by Monday, February 3, 2025, at 9 a.m.”
A copy of the Court’s Order is located in the link below.
RI TRO Notice
If you have any questions, please contact
contractnotification@cdc.gov
Cease Gender Ideology Activities on CDC Awards
31-Jan Communication sent to award recipients and shared with the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Dear Recipient: This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) award is funded in whole or in part with United States Government funds. To implement the Executive Order entitled
Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government
(Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government – The White House), and in accordance with Office of Personnel Management’s Initial Guidance (
Memorandum to Heads and Acting Heads of Departments and Agencies: Initial Guidance Regarding President Trump’s Executive Order Defending Women
), you must immediately terminate, to the maximum extent, all programs, personnel, activities, or contracts promoting or inculcating gender ideology at every level and activity, regardless of your location or the citizenship of employees or contractors, that are supported with funds from this award. Any vestige, remnant, or re-named piece of any gender ideology programs funded by the U.S. government under this award are immediately, completely, and permanently terminated.
No additional costs must be incurred that would be used to support any gender ideology programs, personnel, or activities. Any questions should be directed to
PRISM
@cdc.gov
Cease DEI Activities on CDC Awards
29-Jan Communication sent to award recipients and shared with the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Dear Recipient: This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) award is funded in whole or in part with United States Government foreign assistance funds.
To implement Executive Orders entitled
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing
and
Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Action
, you must immediately terminate, to the maximum extent, all programs, personnel, activities, or contracts promoting “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) at every level and activity, regardless of your location or the citizenship of employees or contractors, that are supported with funds from this award. Any vestige, remnant, or re-named piece of any DEI programs funded by the U.S. government under this award are immediately, completely, and permanently terminated.
No additional costs must be incurred that would be used to support any DEI programs, personnel, or activities. If you are a global recipient and have previously received this notification regarding DEI activities, please follow those instructions accordingly.”
Department of Education
Memo from the U.S. Secretary of Education
7-Aug
The U.S. Department of Education has issued a memo on the Presidential Memorandum to ensure transparency in higher education admissions. Read the follow-up memo from the U.S. Secretary of Education
here
U.S. Department of Education Instructs Educational Institutions Receiving Federal Funds to End Racial Preferences
14-Feb
The U.S. Department of Education has sent a
Dear Colleague Letter
to educational institutions receiving federal funds notifying them that they must cease using race preferences and stereotypes as a factor in their admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, sanctions, discipline, and beyond.
U.S. Department of Education Takes Action to Eliminate DEI
23-Jan Communication posted to the Department of Education website.
“The U.S. Department of Education has taken action to eliminate harmful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including references to them in public-facing communication channels and its associated workforce. These actions are in line with President Trump’s ongoing commitment to end illegal discrimination and wasteful spending across the federal government. They are the first step in reorienting the agency toward prioritizing meaningful learning ahead of divisive ideology in our schools.
Following President Trump’s recent Executive Orders and initial guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Department removed or archived hundreds of guidance documents, reports, and training materials that include mentions of DEI from its outward-facing communication channels. The Department also put employees charged with leading DEI initiatives on paid administrative leave. These review efforts will continue as the Department works to end discrimination based on race and the use of harmful race stereotypes, both within the agency and throughout America’s education system.
Notable actions the Department has taken include:
Dissolution of the Department’s Diversity & Inclusion Council, effective immediately.
Background:
The Diversity & Inclusion Council was established following
Executive
Order
13583
under then-President Obama. President Trump has
rescinded
the Executive Orders that guide the Council and issued a new Executive Order, “
Ending
Radical
and
Wasteful
Government
DEI
Programs
and
Preferencing
,” that terminates groups like the Diversity & Inclusion Council. DEI documents issued and related actions taken by the Council have been withdrawn.
Dissolution of the Employee Engagement Diversity Equity Inclusion Accessibility Council (EEDIAC) within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), effective immediately and pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order “
Ending
Radical
and
Wasteful
Government
DEI
Programs
and
Preferencing
”.
Cancellation of ongoing DEI training and service contracts which total over $2.6 million.
Withdrawal of the Department’s Equity Action Plan.
Placement of career Department staff tasked with implementing the previous administration’s DEI initiatives on paid administrative leave.
Identification for removal of over 200 web pages from the Department’s website that housed DEI resources and encouraged schools and institutions of higher education to promote or endorse harmful ideological programs.
Pursuant to OPM guidance, the Department will continue its comprehensive review of all agency programs and services to identify additional initiatives and working groups that may be advancing a divisive DEI agenda, including programs using coded or imprecise language to disguise their activity. Careful review of all public sites and media channels for DEI language and resources will also continue.”
Department of Energy
Temporary Restraining Order – AAU v. DOE
Apr-16
A U.S. district judge has issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) regarding the
DOE Policy Flash: Adjusting Department of Energy Grant Policy for Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) (the “Rate Cap Policy”)
“For purposes of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(b), the Plaintiffs have made a sufficient showing that they have provided notice to Defendants and that, unless their Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order (“TRO”), [ECF No. 3 (the “Motion”)], is granted, they will sustain immediate and irreparable injury before there is an opportunity to hear from all parties.
Thus, a TRO is justified to preserve the status quo pending a hearing and the Plaintiffs’ Motion is GRANTED.”
Please review the full
order granting the TRO (PDF)
Indirect Costs Policy Memorandum (last updated 4/13)
Apr-11
In a new policy memorandum shared with grant recipients at colleges and universities, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will limit financial support of indirect costs of DOE research funding to
15%
“…Hereinafter, the Department will no longer use the negotiated indirect cost rate for grants awarded to IHEs. Instead, it is setting a standardized 15 percent indirect cost rate for all grant awards to IHEs.”
Resources:
Policy Memorandum
DOE Policy Flashes
Communication received by the Office of Sponsored Programs
11-Mar – Recession Letter
SUBJECT: RESCISSION OF NOTICE OF SUSPENSION OF DEI, CBP/PIER PLANS AND JUSTICE 40 RELATED ACTIVITIES UNDER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AWARDS
Dear Recipient,
DOE believes that few, if any, funding agreements issued by the Office of Science are “equity-related” under section 2(b)(i) of Executive Order 14151, 90 FR 8339, entitled
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Program and Preferencing.
Nonetheless, out of an abundance of caution, it is rescinding the following communication effective immediately:
Rescinded:
DEI, CBP/PIER Plans, and Justice40-related activities suspension letter dated January 31, 2025.
However, pursuant to DOE’s enforcement authority and in accordance with current administrative priorities, any Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Community Benefit Plan (CBP), Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER) Plan, or Justice40 activities provided for in your funding agreement(s) are, for the time being, voluntary. DOE will compensate you for all activities undertaken pursuant to the terms of your funding agreement(s).
If you have any questions, please contact the undersigned Contracting Officer by e-mail at
warren.riley@science.doe.gov
Warren Riley
Office of Grants and Cooperative Agreements
DOE Contracting Officer
Document posted to Department of Energy Website
Here is the direct link
NOTICE OF COURT ORDER
You are hereby advised that a temporary restraining order has been entered in the case of New
York et al. v. Trump, No. 25-cv-39-JJM-PAS (D.R.I.), ECF No. 50 (Jan. 31, 2025). You are
receiving this Notice pursuant to the Court’s directive that notice of the order be provided “to all
Defendants and agencies and their employees, contractors, and grantees by Monday, February 3,
2025, at 9 a.m.” A copy of the Court’s Order is attached for reference.
This case challenges an alleged “pause” of certain Federal financial assistance, related to OMB
Memorandum M-25-13, Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial
Assistance Programs (Jan. 27, 2025) (“OMB Memo”). Although that OMB Memo was
rescinded on January 29, 2025, the plaintiffs in the above-referenced case allege that the funding
pause directed by the OMB Memo is still in effect, including because of recently issued
Executive Orders by the President.
In response, the Court has entered a temporary restraining order prohibiting certain actions by
the Defendants in the case, which is effective immediately. All Defendants—including their
employees, contractors, and grantees—must immediately comply with the Court’s Order. For
complete details and terms of the Court’s Order, please refer to pages 11 and 12 of the enclosed
Order.
To assist in your compliance, here is a summary of the key terms:
Federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any
awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB Memo, or on the basis of the
President’s recently issued Executive Orders.
This prohibition applies to all awards or obligations—not just those involving the
Plaintiff States in the above-referenced case—and also applies to future assistance
(not just current or existing awards or obligations).
Agencies may exercise their own authority to pause awards or obligations, provided
agencies do so purely based on their own discretion—not as a result of the OMB
Memo or the President’s Executive Orders—and provided the pause complies with
all notice and procedural requirements in the award, agreement, or other
instrument relating to such a pause.
On pages 11 and 12 of the Order, the Court prohibits agencies from pausing
funding “except on the basis of the applicable authorizing statutes, regulations,
and terms.” Thus, agencies remain free to exercise their own discretion under
their “authorizing statutes, regulations, and terms,” including any exercise of
discretion to pause certain funding. Additionally, agencies remain free to take
action pursuant to the terms of the relevant award or obligation, such as in cases
of grantee noncompliance.
Any exercise of agency discretion, however, cannot be based on the OMB Memo
or the President’s Executive Orders, given that the Court has prohibited agencies
from “implementing or giving effect to the OMB [Memo] under any other name
or title[.]” (Order, pg.12). Additionally, any decision to pause, stop, delay, or
otherwise withhold federal financial assistance programs must comply with all
notice and procedural requirements in the award, agreement, or other instrument
setting forth the terms of the award or obligation.
Out of an abundance of caution, all federal agencies (even those not named as
defendants in the case) should comply with the above-referenced terms.
As the Court’s Order reflects, the above terms are temporary as litigation in the case is ongoing.
At present, however, the Court’s Order is in effect and must be complied with.
If you have any questions about the scope or effect of the Court’s Order, please contact your
agency’s Office of General Counsel or your grant officer, as appropriate. Thank you for your
attention to this matter.
DOE Contracting Officer Notification of DOE’s Suspension of DEI, CBP or PIER Plan, and Justice 40 Requirements in Financial Assistance Agreements
31-Jan Communication received by the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“On January 20, 2025, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order (E.O.) titled,
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.
The order includes, in part, a requirement to terminate all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) performance requirements for employees, contractors, or grantees.
To implement the E.O., the Department of Energy (DOE) directs the immediate suspension of the following activities in your financial assistance awards:
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and activities involving or relating to DEI objectives and principles;
Community Benefits Plans (CBP)*; or
Justice40 requirements, conditions, or principles.
In lieu of the CBP, the Department of Energy’s Office of Science required financial assistance applicants to include a Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER) Plan in their applications for financial assistance in response to funding opportunity announcements beginning in fiscal year (FY) 2023. These PIER Plans were subsequently incorporated into resultant financial assistance awards by reference.
Therefore, effective immediately, you shall suspend all DEI, CBP/PIER Plans, and Justice40 activities associated with all financial assistance awards issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science (SC), Consolidated Service Center – Office of Grants and Cooperative Agreements. DOE will not enforce any award requirements related to the above activities during this suspension pending the outcome of a review of the Department’s ongoing activities.
If you believe any activity listed above is required by law, or if you have any questions, please contact the undersigned Contracting Officer by e-mail at
christine.nault
@science.doe.gov
.”
Office of Science Guidance on PIER Plans
27-Jan Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“The President has issued 43 Executive Orders, Presidential Memoranda, and Proclamations, including an Executive Order entitled
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.
DOE is moving aggressively to implement this Executive Order by directing the suspension of the following:
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, procedures, programs, activities, and reviews involving or relating to DEI objectives and principles until further notice;
Requiring, using, or enforcing Community Benefits Plans (CBP); and
Requiring, using, or enforcing Justice40 requirements, conditions, or principles in any loans, loan guarantees, grants, cost sharing agreements, funding opportunity announcements, contracts, contract awards, or any other source of financial assistance.
The Office of Science is immediately ending the requirement for Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER) Plans in any proposal submitted to the Office of Science. All open solicitations have been or will be amended to remove the PIER Plan requirement and associated review criterion. For proposals that have already been submitted to the Office of Science, no action on the part of the applicant is required, but applicants will have the option to resubmit a new application with the removal of the PIER plan. Reviewers will not be asked to read or comment on PIER Plans. Selection decisions will not take into consideration the content of PIER Plans or any reviewer comments on PIER Plans.
If you have questions, please email
questions
@science.doe.gov
. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.”
Memorandum for All DOE Funding Agreements or Awards
27-Jan Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“SUBJECT: Cease all activities associated with DEI and CBP The President has issued 43 Executive Orders, Presidential Memoranda, and Proclamations, including an Executive Order entitled
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.
DOE is moving aggressively to implement this Executive Order by directing the suspension of 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;
Community Benefits Plans (CBP); and
Justice40 requirements, conditions, or principles.
Recipients and subrecipients must cease any activities, including contracted activities, and stop incurring costs associated with DEI and CBP activities effective as of the date of this letter for all DOE grants, cooperative agreements, loans, loan guarantees, cost sharing agreements, or other DOE funding of any kind. Recipients are responsible for communicating and enforcing this direction with all subrecipients and contractors. Costs incurred after the date of this letter will not be reimbursed. This letter will be incorporated into your award with the next modification.
Additional guidance will be forthcoming. Recipients who have DEI and CBP activities in their awards will be contacted by their Grants Officer to initiate award modifications consistent with this Order.”
Department of Justice
Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination
29-July
The Department of Justice issued guidance that clarifies the application of federal anti-discrimination laws to programs or initiatives that may involve discriminatory practices. Read more:
Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination
Notice to DOJ Grantees Regarding Executive Order 14187, sec. 4, and Executive Order 14168, secs. 3(e) and 3(g) – Preliminary Injunction
6-Mar
Notice to DOJ Grantees Regarding Executive Order 14187, sec. 4, and Executive Order 14168, secs. 3(e) and 3(g) – Preliminary Injunction
Please see the attached written Notice of Court Order, including a copy of the Court’s Order, regarding a preliminary injunction addressing certain provisions of:
Executive Order 14187,
Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation
(January 28, 2025)
Executive Order 14168,
Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government
(January 20, 2025)
Effective immediately, this preliminary injunctive order prohibits certain actions.
Notice of Court Order (March 5, 2025) and Court Order (February 28, 2025), Washington v. Trump, 25-cv-244-LK (W.D. Wash.), Electronic Case File Docket Entry No. 233 (PDF)
Notice to DOJ Grantees Regarding Funding Pause – Temporary Restraining Order
2-Feb Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Please see the attached written Notice of the Court’s Order, including a copy of the Court’s Order, regarding certain Federal financial assistance programs, including grants. Effective immediately, this temporary restraining order prohibits certain actions.
A copy of this Notice will be filed on Monday, February 3, 2025, by 9:00 a.m.
As a reminder, the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) is available. DOJ award recipients are able to request a drawdown in ASAP.
RI
Temporary
Restraining
Order
Notice
01
-31
-2025
.pdf
Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP)
31-Jan Communication received by award recipients and shared with the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“DOJ award recipients are currently able to request a drawdown in ASAP.
Please note that the routine end-of-month ASAP suspension for financial reconciliation will not occur for January, and ASAP will remain available. Visit the ASAP Resources page on the JustGrants Resources website for background about the system, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and training opportunities.
For information on how to request funds in ASAP in the ordinary course, please reference this
user
guide
For all questions related to the ASAP system, please contact the OCFO Customer Service Center by email at
Ask.OCFO
@usdoj.gov
or by telephone at 800–458–0786.”
Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) Accounts Temporary Suspension
28-Jan Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“On January 27, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued memorandum M-25-13,
Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs.
This memorandum requires Federal agencies to “identify and review all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the President’s policies and requirements,” including certain recent executive orders.
Among other things, the OMB memorandum requires that while these reviews are being conducted, Federal agencies must, to the extent permissible under applicable law, pause disbursement of Federal funds under all open awards.
This temporary pause is intended to provide the Administration with time to review agency programs and determine the best uses of the funding for those programs consistent with the law and the President’s priorities. Accordingly, all DOJ-related ASAP accounts will be temporarily suspended during the pause. As expressly provided in the OMB memorandum, the temporary pause “will become effective on January 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.” After this deadline, DOJ award recipients will not be able to request a drawdown in ASAP until further notice.
If a grantee attempts to draw funds down in ASAP during the account suspension period, the grantee will receive an “Error 839: No accounts found matching criteria” message and will not be able to request drawdowns.
Please visit the
ASAP
Resources
page
on the JustGrants Resources website for background about the system, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and training opportunities.
For information on how to request funds in ASAP in the ordinary course, please reference this
user
guide
For all questions related to the ASAP system, please contact the OCFO Customer Service Center by email at
Ask.OCFO
@usdoj.gov
or by telephone at 800–458–0786.”
Department of Labor
Follow-up re: Executive Orders and OMB Directive
31-Jan Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Dear ABA2 grantees,
Many States, Tribes, and grantees have asked staff at the USDOL Employment and Training Administration (ETA) if we have additional information on the Executive Orders and recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directive M-25-13,
Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs.
OMB’s memo has been rescinded. DOL grants can continue in accordance with
TEN No. 21-24
We are also aware that the Payment Management System (PMS) used to disburse funds was unavailable to many users on January 28, including those trying to draw down funds. PMS has changed its operating hours to 5:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST Monday through Friday and may experience periodic interruptions. PMS should be available, and grantees should be able to draw down funds.
We understand grantees may continue to have questions. Please continue sending your questions to regional offices. We are reviewing them and using them to develop further guidance.
– The OA Grants Team”
Immediate Implementation of Executive Orders
22-Jan Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Purpose: To notify all Employment and Training Administration (ETA) recipients about changes ETA is making to federal financial assistance awards to prohibit activities described in President Trump’s Executive Orders (EOs) titled
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,
issued on January 20, 2025, and
Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,
issued on January 21, 2025.
Action Requested: Effective immediately, all recipients of federal financial assistance awards are directed to cease all activities related to
diversity, equity, and inclusion
(DEI) or
diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
(DEIA) under their federal awards, consistent with the requirements of the Executive Orders. Additional guidance will be provided.
Summary and Background
Summary – This notice shares recent EO requirements to eliminate DEI activities that constitute illegal discrimination or preferences.
Background – President Trump has issued several Executive Orders, which are available at
https
://www.whitehouse.gov
/presidential
-actions/
, including:
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing
(January 20, 2025)
Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity
(January 21, 2025)
All federal agencies are taking steps to implement these Executive Orders and are promptly notifying all federal awardees. ETA, like all federal agencies, will provide further guidance on specific programs and activities within those programs.
Ceasing DEIA Activities
All awardees must immediately cease all award activities related to DEI or DEIA. All other award activities should continue.
ETA will issue further guidance on specific activities that are allowable and unallowable.
Inquiries
Please direct inquiries to the appropriate Regional Office.
References
Executive Order:
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing
(January 20, 2025) –
https
://www.whitehouse.gov
/presidential
-actions
/2025
/01
/ending
-radical
-and
-wasteful
-government
-dei
-programs
-and
-preferencing/
Executive Order:
Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity
(January 21, 2025) –
https
://www.whitehouse.gov
/presidential
-actions
/2025
/01
/ending
-illegal
-discrimination
-and
-restoring
-merit
-based
-opportunity/
Environmental Protection Agency
Notice of Court’s Order
3-Feb
Communication received by investigators and shared with the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Dear Grant Recipient,
Pursuant to the Court’s directive in
New York et al. v. Trump
, No. 25-cv-39-JJM-PAS (D.R.I.), ECF No. 50 (Jan. 31, 2025), all EPA assistance agreement recipients are receiving the attached Notice of the Court’s Order for awareness and information. A copy of the Court’s Order is also attached for reference.
If you have any questions about the scope or effect of the Court’s Order, please contact your Grants Award Official.
Thank you.”
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA PA Notification - Notice Regarding Funding Pause - Temporary Restraining Order
4-Feb Communication received by the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Dear Public Assistance Recipients and Subrecipients,
The link below includes the written Notice of a Court Order, including a copy of the Court’s order, regarding certain Federal financial assistance programs, including grants. Effective immediately, this temporary restraining order prohibits certain actions. Additional guidance is forthcoming regarding DHS’s separate authority.
RI Temporary Restraining Order Notice 01-31-2025 – Click for attachment
If you require additional assistance with the
FEMA Grants Manager
, please contact the Grants Manager Hotline at (866) 337-8448 or
FEMA-Recovery-PA-Grants@fema.dhs.gov
.”
Health Resources and Services Administration
Message for HHS Grant Recipients -- Notice of Court Order
10-Mar Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
HHS Grant Recipients,
Please review the attached Notice of Court Order and attached Preliminary Injunction Order.
If you have questions, contact us at
DGMOCommunications@hrsa.gov
Attachments:
PFLAG v. Trump – notice of court order – PI.pdf
116 – PI Order.pdf
Letter from HRSA Administrator
Mar-6
Dear Hospital Administrators, Colleagues, and Grant Recipients,
The behavioral health needs of children, youth, and their families are one of the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) highest priorities.
As you may know, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), issued a
Quality and Safety Special Alert Memo (QSSAM)
yesterday, alerting providers to the dangerous chemical and surgical mutilation of children, including interventions that cause sterilization.
The QSSAM reminds providers of their duty to serve all patients, especially children, with dignity and adherence to the highest standard of care that is informed by robust evidence and the utmost scientific integrity. The memo notes that the United States is now an outlier in the treatment of gender dysphoria in children, as the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Finland have recently issued restrictions on the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for children.
Moving forward, HRSA will review its policies, grants, and programs in light of the concerns discussed in the QSSAM and may begin taking steps in the future to appropriately update its policies to protect children from chemical and surgical mutilation. HRSA will follow any applicable substantive and procedural requirements when taking any future action.
HRSA’s review will include its Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Payment Program. In particular, HRSA will examine the $367.2 million awarded in fiscal year 2024 to 59 free-standing children’s hospitals nationwide in light of the concerns discussed in the QSSAM. HRSA may also consider re-scoping, delaying, or potentially canceling new grants in the future depending on the nature of the work and any future policy changes HRSA may implement.
Thank you for your continued partnership with HHS and HRSA and for your cooperation as we work together to improve the health and well-being of the children of this country and to Make America Healthy Again.
The QSSAM’s message to providers on the dangerous chemical and surgical mutilation of children, including interventions that cause sterilization, was informed by a growing body of evidence and protective policies in other developed countries. HRSA may begin taking steps to appropriately update its policies to protect children from chemical and surgical mutilation.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Engels
Administrator
Message for HHS Grant Recipients – Notice of Court Order
Mar-5
HHS Grant Recipients:
Please review the attached Notice of Court Order and attached Preliminary Injunction Order.
If you have any questions, contact us at
DGMOCommunications@hrsa.gov
Attachments:
233 – PI Order and Mem. Op. (PDF)
2025.03.05 – Washington v. Trump – Notice of Court Order (PDF)
HRSA Rescinds Notice Titled "Important Message for HRSA Award Recipients"
5-Feb Communication sent to investigators and shared with the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Dear Recipient,
HRSA rescinds the notice titled
“Important Message for HRSA Award Recipients”
that was sent to all HRSA grantees on January 31, 2025.
If you have questions, please contact us at
DGMOCommunications
@hrsa.gov
Thank you.”
Important Message for HRSA Award Recipients
3-Feb Communication sent to investigators and the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Dear HRSA Recipient,
The United States District Court of Rhode Island issued a temporary restraining order (Court’s Order) in the case of
New York et al. v. Trump
, No. 25-cv-39-JJM-PAS (D.R.I.), ECF No. 50 (Jan. 31, 2025). This case challenges an alleged “pause” of certain Federal financial assistance related to OMB Memorandum M-25-13,
Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs
(Jan. 27, 2025) (“OMB Memo”). You are receiving this Notice pursuant to the Court’s directive. Please see attachments.
As the Court’s Order reflects, the above terms are temporary as litigation in the case is ongoing.
If you have any questions, please contact us at
DGMOCommunications
@hrsa.gov
Thank you.
Attachments
– RI
Temporary
Restraining
Order
Notice
Important Message for HRSA Award Recipients
31-Jan Communication received by award recipients and forwarded to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Dear HRSA Recipient,
Your Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) award is funded in whole or in part with U.S. government funds.
Effective immediately, HRSA grant funds may not be used for activities that do not align with Executive Orders (E.O.) titled:
Ending
Radical
and
Wasteful
Government
DEI
Programs
and
Preferencing
Initial
Rescissions
of
Harmful
Executive
Orders
and
Action
Protecting
Children
from
Chemical
and
Surgical
Mutilation
Defending
Women
from
Gender
Ideology
Extremism
and
Restoring
Biological
Truth
to
the
Federal
Government
Any vestige, remnant, or re-named piece of any programs in conflict with these Executive Orders is terminated in whole or in part.
You may not incur any additional costs that support any programs, personnel, or activities in conflict with these Executive Orders.
If you have any questions, contact us at
DGMOCommunications
@hrsa.gov
.”
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Notice of Court Order
5-Mar
Dear Colleagues,
The attached
Notice of Court Order
is being provided in accordance with the
Preliminary Injunction
issued by the court.
Thank you for your work and partnership with NASA.
Initial Guidance Regarding Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government Executive Order
6-Feb Communication received by the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“On January 20, 2025, the President signed an Executive Order (E.O.) titled,
Defending
Women
from
Gender
Ideology
Extremism
and
Restoring
Biological
Truth
to
the
Federal
Government
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memorandum, dated January 29, 2025, titled
Initial
Guidance
Regarding
President
Trump’s
Executive
Order
Defending
Women
to federal agencies. This guidance directed agencies to take immediate action to end federal funding of gender ideology activities.
Key Requirements
Contracts and Grants:
NASA contractors and grantees must immediately cease and desist all activities that promote or reflect gender ideology required under their contracts or grants.
For contracts, stop work orders may have been issued under FAR 52.242-15, and terminations clause modifications may have been issued under FAR 52.249.
For grants, this requirement follows 2 CFR 200.340 (Termination).
Ceased activities may include training, reporting, special emphasis programs, or any direct or indirect activities related to gender ideology.
Contractors and grantees must notify their Contracting Officer or Grant Officer if they identify contract or grant requirements in violation of this guidance.
Guidance Updates:
NASA will issue further guidance to implement the E.O., including updates to the NASA FAR Supplement, Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual, Procedures, and Terms and Conditions.
Websites and Media:
NASA has removed external and internal websites, social media accounts, and documents related to gender ideology as of January 31, 2025, per OPM guidance.
Additional Notes
Contractors and grantees are still responsible for adhering to applicable laws, such as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission requirements.
Organizations must ensure efficient communication with their Contracting or Grant Officer regarding compliance.
If you have any questions, please contact your Contracting Officer or Grant Officer.
Karla Smith Jackson
Assistant Administrator for Procurement
Message for NASA Grantees on DEIA EOs
29-Jan Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Dear NASA Grants Community,
On January 23, 2025, NASA’s Office of Procurement (OP) released a memorandum for the NASA contractor and grant community regarding Executive Order
“Initial Rescission of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions”
and the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) memorandum
“Initial Guidance Regarding DEIA Executive Orders.”
Per OP’s memo, NASA grant and cooperative agreement recipients shall immediately cease and desist all DEIA activities required for their award. This work may include but is not limited to: DEIA plan requirements, training, workshops, reporting, considerations for staffing, or any other direct or indirect grant activity related to DEIA.
All grant recipients shall notify their cognizant Grant Officer if they identify requirements within their awards that are in violation of this guidance. Your Grant Officer’s contact information can be found on your NF 1687,
Notice of Award for Grant and Cooperative Agreement (NOA).
Thank you for your work and partnership with NASA.”
Initial Guidance Regarding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) Executive Orders
23-Jan Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
On January 20, 2025, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order (E.O.) titled
Initial
Rescissions
of
Harmful
Executive
Orders
and
Actions
, which repeals Executive Order 14035,
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memorandum, dated January 21, 2025, titled
Initial
Guidance
Regarding
DEIA
Executive
Orders
to federal agencies.
To implement the E.O. requirements, OPM directed federal agencies to take immediate action to identify and terminate DEIA initiatives and programs and remove final or pending documents, directives, orders, materials, and equity plans issued in response to the now-repealed Executive Order 14035. The following directions are provided:
Contracts and Grants
NASA Contractors and Grantees shall immediately cease and desist all DEIA activities required under their contracts or grants. In accordance with FAR 52.242-15 (Stop Work Clause), a stop work order may have been issued to halt all or any part of DEIA-related activity. Additionally, FAR 52.249 (Terminations Clause) modifications may also be issued to implement this change.
This work may include but is not limited to: DEIA plan requirements, training, reporting, considerations for staffing, or any other direct or indirect contract or grant activity.
All Contractors and Grantees shall notify their Contracting Officer or Grant Officer if they identify requirements within their contracts or grants that are in violation of this guidance.
Guidance
Consistent with the DEIA E.O. and the
Regulatory
Freeze
Pending
Review
E.O.
, additional guidance will be issued to further implement the executive order requirements, such as:
Updating and removing DEIA-related policy guidance in the NASA FAR Supplement
Revisions to the Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual
Changes to Grant and Cooperative Agreement Procedures
Updates to Grant and Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions
Websites, Social Media, and Public Information
NASA’s Office of Procurement has removed external and internal-facing contract and grant websites that included DEIA-related policies and documents. These websites were taken offline as of 5:00 PM on January 22, 2025, per OPM guidance.
We endeavor to keep our NASA contractor and grantee community informed. As additional guidance becomes available, NASA Contracting Officers or Grant Officers will be contacting your organization to discuss necessary contract or grant modifications required to comply with the Executive Orders.
To ensure efficient lines of communication, we ask companies to actively engage with their cognizant Contracting Officer or Grant Officer regarding the removal of DEIA activities as it pertains to their contract or grant award.
Please contact your cognizant Contracting Officer or Grant Officer if you have any questions regarding this memorandum.
National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has officially resumed operations following the recent shutdown.
Below are key updates impacting research activities:
Reopening of NIH Extramural Activities
(See
NOT-OD-26-012
for details):
Late Research Application Acceptance
Applications for deadlines that were originally Oct. 1 – Dec. 5, 2025, will be accepted until Dec. 8, 2025, 5:00 p.m. local time.
This includes Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) that originally stated late applications would not be accepted.
Peer Review
Approximately 370 peer review meetings were canceled during the shutdown, impacting over 24,000 applications.
To catch up, review meetings will only discuss/review 30–35% of the applications in queue (vs. the typical 50%). While this will not lower number of projects awarded, it will reduce the amount of feedback that faculty receive to improve the proposals.
Early Stage Investigator (ESI) Status
Investigators whose ESI eligibility expired during the shutdown will have their status automatically extended. ESI is defined as the initial 10 years after completion of a terminal degree or post-clinical training.
Change in Application Due Date for Extramural Loan Repayment Program
(See
NOT-OD-26-010
for details):
The deadline for the annual application window of Sept. 1 – Nov. 20, 2025, has been extended to Dec. 4, 2025.
NIH Notice NOT-OD-25-132 - Supporting Fairness and Originality in NIH Research Applications
This notice has two important messages:
NIH will only accept six new, renewal, resubmission, or revision applications from an individual Principal Investigator/Program Director or Multiple Principal Investigator for all council rounds in a calendar year.
NIH will not consider applications that are either substantially developed by AI, or contain sections substantially developed by AI, to be original ideas of applicants. If the detection of AI is identified post award, NIH may refer the matter to the Office of Research Integrity to determine whether there is research misconduct while simultaneously taking enforcement actions including but not limited to disallowing costs, withholding future awards, wholly or in part suspending the grant, and possible termination.
Read the full notice
Notice of Civil Rights Term and Condition of Award
Source: NIH Notice
NOT-OD-25-090
Apr-21
Effective with the issuance of this Notice, the following term and condition applies:
Recipients must comply with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of 31 U.S.C. § 372(b)(4).
Read the full notice
Statement of NSF Priorities
18-Apr
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) was established in 1950 to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense. It does this by investing in the most promising ideas and people across all fields of science and engineering (S&E). NSF priorities are grounded in the mission of the agency and modulated by statutory directives and administration priorities.
NSF uses two statutory criteria to ensure that every award has the potential to:
Advance new knowledge (
Intellectual Merit
), and
Maximize impact on the Nation and its people (
Broader Impacts
).
NSF investments unleash groundbreaking discoveries, translational solutions, and expand participation in STEM. These efforts strengthen our domestic workforce to fuel economic prosperity, national security, and global S&E competitiveness.
The principles of merit, competition, equal opportunity, and excellence are the bedrock of the NSF mission. NSF continues to review all projects using
Intellectual Merit
and
Broader Impacts
criteria.
NSF’s broadening participation activities—including those conducted under the Broader Impacts criterion and research on broadening participation—must aim to create opportunities for
all Americans, everywhere
These efforts should not preference some groups at the expense of others, or directly/indirectly exclude individuals or groups.
Research projects with narrow impact limited to subgroups based on protected class or characteristics do not effectuate NSF priorities.
NSF will continue to support:
Research focused on understanding or addressing participation in STEM, consistent with all applicable statutes and mandates, with the goal of expanding opportunity for all Americans;
Basic and use-inspired research in S&E fields that involve protected characteristics
only when
it is intrinsic to the research question and aligned with agency priorities.
Sincerely,
Sethuraman Panchanathan
Director, U.S. National Science Foundation
Important Notice for Grant Recipients
7-Apr
HHS Grant Recipients:
Please review this
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
. Please note, this action only applies to the 23 Plaintiff States listed in the TRO.
If you have questions, please reach out to your Grant Officer.
Notice of Preliminary Injunction Distribution - PFLAG v. Trump
10-Mar Communication received by Office of Sponsored Programs.
NIH Contractor Organizations,
Please review the attached documents:
Notice of Court Order
Preliminary Injunction Order
The subject Executive Orders:
Executive Order 14168
Executive Order 14187
As discussed in the Notice of Court Order, this message is being provided by the National Institutes of Health to all of its contractors.
~ National Institutes of Health, Office of Acquisition Management and Policy
Temporary Restraining Order Issued on NIH Indirect Cost Notice
10-Feb
The
2/7 NIH notice reducing indirect cost rates
was challenged in court through
a lawsuit
filed by attorneys general representing 22 states.
A judge issued a
temporary restraining order
pausing the change. Additional lawsuits have been filed by groups including:
The American Council on Education
The Association of American Universities
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
The Association of American Medical Colleges
For more information, visit
the COGR website
Legal filings submitted, Motion for Temporary Restraining Order
10-Feb
Legal Filings Submitted by AAU
Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement
7-Feb
Notice posted to the NIH website.
Purpose:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards a large number of grants providing substantial federal funding for research purposes. These grants include significant payments for “indirect costs,” defined as “facilities” and “administration.”
Facilities:
Depreciation on buildings, equipment, capital improvements, interest on associated debt, and operations and maintenance expenses.
Administration:
General administration expenses, such as the director’s office, accounting, personnel, and related expenditures.
NIH generally uses the indirect cost rate negotiated by the agency with cognizance for F&A/indirect cost rates. However, NIH may deviate from the negotiated rate for future grants and, in some cases, for existing grants.
Key Policy Update:
Effective immediately, NIH will implement a
standard indirect cost rate of 15%
across all NIH grants for indirect costs. This rate replaces negotiated rates for indirect costs and applies to all new grant awards and retroactively to existing grants for institutions of higher education (IHEs).
Rationale:
Aligns with indirect cost rates of private foundations, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (10%) and other funders (15%).
Helps ensure more funds are directed toward direct research expenses rather than overhead.
Implementation:
Applies to all grants retroactively for go-forward expenses from February 10, 2025, onward.
Not retroactively applied to initial grant awards.
Further details about NIH’s indirect cost policies and implementation can be found on the NIH website.
No Cost Extension Link Unavailable
6-Feb
The automatic No-Cost Extension (NCE) link in eRA Commons for NIH awards is currently unavailable. According to the eRA Commons Helpdesk, a guide notice explaining next steps is coming soon.
The Office of Sponsored Programs will continue to submit NCE requests via email until further information is available. Please consult our
Updates
on
Federal
Research
page for new information or contact
NotifyOSP
with any questions.
Notice of Court Order & Temporary Restraining Order
2-Feb Communication sent to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is providing the attached notice of temporary restraining order (TRO) pursuant to a case pending in the U.S. District Court in the District of Rhode Island.
This case challenges an alleged “pause” of certain Federal financial assistance, related to OMB Memorandum M-25-13,
Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs
(Jan. 27, 2025) (“OMB Memo”).
The TRO prohibits certain actions by HHS and the other defendant agencies and is effective immediately and until further order of the court. This Notice is being provided pursuant to the Court’s directive that notice of the order be provided “to all Defendants and agencies and their employees, contractors, and grantees by Monday, February 3, 2025, at 9 a.m.”
A copy of the Court’s Order is attached for reference.
If you have any questions, please contact the contracting officer for your respective HHS contract(s), or
oamp
@od.nih.gov
See related public notice posted here:
https
://sam.gov
/opp
/298fba709baa498e98d2fa201ace6a93
/view
National Institutes of Health, Office of Acquisition Management and Policy
Closure of New Applications for Diversity Supplements
24-Jan
As of January 24, 2025, the NIH has
closed
notice
PA-23-189,
Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Not Allowed).
National Science Foundation
15% F&A Rate Cap Effective May 5, 2025
Received by: UIC and from NSF Policy Notice
May 2
Effective
May 5, 2025
, NSF will apply a
standard indirect cost rate not to exceed 15%
to all grants and cooperative agreements awarded to Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) for which indirect costs are allowable.
The awardee is authorized to determine the appropriate rate up to this limit.
Implementation Guidelines:
NSF funding opportunities issued after May 5, 2025, will include notice of this indirect cost rate policy to ensure public awareness.
The
15% rate maximum applies only to new awards made to IHEs on or after May 5, 2025
Recipients must use a rate
no greater than 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC)
, as defined in 2 CFR §200.1.
This policy
does not apply retroactively
to existing awards.
Institutions are
not required to amend budgets
for awards issued before May 5, 2025, and will
not need to return previously reimbursed indirect costs
Award supplements
made via amendments to awards issued prior to May 5, 2025, are
not subject to this policy
Continuing grant increments
are awarded under original terms and conditions and
are not subject to this policy
if awarded before May 5, 2025.
Read the full notice
Preliminary Injunction Regarding Executive Orders 14187 and 14168
6-Mar
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, a Federal Court issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting certain actions related to Executive Orders 14187 and 14168, which is effective immediately.
You can review the court’s order and the Executive Orders here:
The Order prevents NSF employees from withholding federal funding because a health care entity or health professional provides gender-affirming care.
The Court’s Order also prevents NSF from implementing the requirements contained in Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of Executive Order 14168,
Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government
Pursuant to the Court’s directive, this notice is being provided “to all Defendants, and agencies and their employees, contractors and grantees.”
Sethuraman Panchanathan
Director
Message to the NSF PI Community
2-Feb Communication received by the Office of Sponsored Programs.
“Dear Colleagues,
On Friday, January 31, 2025, a Federal Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) directing Federal grant-making agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), to:
“…not pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate… awards and obligations to provide federal financial assistance to the States, and… not impede the States’ access to such awards and obligations, except on the basis of the applicable authorizing statutes, regulations, and terms.”
Although the language of the TRO is directed at State institutions, the Department of Justice has determined that it applies to all NSF award recipients. You can review the TRO
here
In order to comply with the TRO, the NSF Award Cash Management Service (ACM$) system is available for awardees to request payments as of 12:00 PM EST, February 2, 2025.
This message is also available on the
Executive Order Implementation webpage
. Please check back regularly as we add frequently asked questions (FAQs) based on community feedback.
Sethuraman Panchanathan
Director, National Science Foundation
Message to the NSF PI Community
28-Jan Communication posted to the NSF website.
On January 27, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued Memorandum M-25-13, directing all Federal agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of their financial assistance programs to determine programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by recent Executive Orders.
Immediate Actions Taken by NSF
All review panels, new awards, and all payments of funds under open awards are paused as the agency conducts the required reviews and analysis.
NSF has created an
Executive Order Implementation webpage
to ensure broad dissemination of information and updates.
NSF grantees must comply with the Executive Orders by ceasing all non-compliant grant and award activities.
Executive Orders are posted at
whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions
. Compliance may include, but is not limited to:
Conferences, trainings, workshops
Staffing and participant selection considerations
Any grant activity that uses or promotes DEIA principles
Activities that may violate Federal anti-discrimination laws
Guidance for NSF Award Recipients
Institutions should work with their research office to ensure compliance.
Questions should be submitted via
this webform
Thank you for your work advancing science, engineering, technology, and innovation for our nation.
Questions?
Researchers
Contact the Office of Research Administration leadership team at
updatesora@miami.edu
for concerns about a specific award or program.
Government
Contact the
Office of Government and Community Relations
for questions regarding federal, state, and local government.
Media
Members of the media should contact University Communications or
submit a media request
Top
University of Miami
Coral Gables
FL
33124
305-284-2211
University Operations and External Affairs
Resources
About UM
myUM
CaneLink
Academic Calendar
Blackboard
UM Network
Alumni & Friends
Medical Center
Hurricane Sports
Careers
Visit
Campus Map
Parking & Transportation
Connect
social-facebook
social-twitter
social-youtube
social-instagram
Copyright: 2026 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved.
Emergency Information
Privacy Statement & Legal Notices
Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing University websites can
submit details to our online form