The following guidance outlines key actions and recommendations to help you effectively manage proposals and awards.

Proposal Guidance

• Standard submission process: Proposals will continue to follow the institution’s established processes and procedures. Continue working with your local research administrator to prepare and submit applications for available funding opportunities.
• Potential timeline adjustments: Federal agencies may extend proposal review timelines as they reassess funding priorities in certain areas.
• NIH indirect cost rate: While awaiting further guidance on NIH’s proposed revisions to the Facilities & Administrative (F&A) rate, please continue using the university’s negotiated indirect cost rate, consistent with prior practice.

Action Items for Researchers

• Confirm deadlines: Proposal deadlines and program dates may change—regularly reconfirm to stay updated.
• Monitor announcements: Check for revisions or postponements to funding opportunities. Consider subscribing to alerts from relevant federal agencies or sponsors.

Award Management Updates

• Award terms and conditions: Existing awards remain subject to their original terms as long as they are active. Any modifications will be communicated through an amendment from the sponsor for Tufts’ review and execution.
• Compliance and reporting changes: Federal agencies may update research compliance and reporting requirements or require project-specific amendments. Any new information will be shared, but your program officer may also provide direct updates.
• Funding adjustments: Programs that are reduced, defunded, or terminated may face payment delays or require recipients to meet new criteria to access funds. Federal agencies will issue guidance in such cases, which the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) will promptly share.

What You Should Do

• Review award terms: Familiarize yourself with your award conditions, especially those related to funding availability.
• Monitor project spending: Track your budget to prevent deficits while awaiting future funding obligations. Anticipated funding is not guaranteed. Ensure that your collaborators on subawards invoice Tufts in a timely manner.
• Stay in touch with program officers: Regularly communicate with your program officer to determine if changes impact your award. Share updates with your local research administrator.
• Meet reporting deadlines: Submit reports and deliverables on time, prioritizing any overdue items. Delayed reports and deliverable may compromise Tufts’ ability to seek reimbursements of award expenses.
• Stay informed on policy updates: Monitor federal agency communications for any changes to funding or compliance requirements.
   

Questions and Answers

How is leadership advocating for researchers and responding to federal directives?

We are actively advocating for our research community on multiple fronts, including joining efforts with AAU, ACE, and APLU to file a lawsuit to block the proposed indirect rate reduction on NIH awards. In addition, we are engaging with Senators Warren and Markey, as well as Congresswoman Clark and Congressman McGovern, to seek their support on Capitol Hill and within the federal agencies. We are also providing our delegation with detailed insights into the impact of funding reductions on our research programs. Our advocacy efforts will continue, and we encourage researchers to share information that can strengthen our case with policymakers. If you have information to share, please email it to the Provost’s Office.

How will I know if my grant is affected?
Most research can proceed as planned. Unless a sponsor issues a written stop-work order, Tufts research teams should continue work on federally funded projects. If a stop-work order is received, Research Administration will notify affected PIs. Researchers should follow agency guidance and consult program officers as needed.

What should I do if I receive a stop-work or termination notice?
Forward any stop-work, funding pause, or termination notices to your local research administrator immediately. They will forward the notice to the OVPR. The OVPR and University Counsel will advise on next steps. Do not take personnel actions without consulting OVPR. If given a verbal stop-work order, request an official written notice.

Should I continue applying for grants?

Yes, investigators should submit applications for active federal solicitations. Use the latest posted guidance, even if components may conflict with executive orders, to ensure applications are accepted.