Federal Funding Updates Under the New Administration

Update, 1/23/2025 – Additional guidance has been added in bold font below, and new drop-down sections have been added with Executive Action information and sponsor-specific guidance.

1/22/2025 – The current administration, led by President Trump, took office on January 20, 2025. Since then, several Executive Orders have been issued (White House News), which may signal shifts in federal priorities. These changes could potentially impact both your awarded projects and those awaiting funding from federal agencies or sponsors.

As federal agencies and sponsors adapt to these developments, ASU Research Operations will continue to provide you with guidance, updates, and links to relevant resources to help you navigate this evolving landscape.  If you receive information that isn’t already within this page, please forward it to heather.christina.clark@asu.edu for inclusion.

Proposals

• We will continue to submit proposals as the federal agencies submission systems are operational.
• Sponsor proposal review timelines may be extended while federal agencies navigate pauses on federal assistance funding in specific areas.

What to Do:

• There may be changes to proposal deadlines. It is recommended to reconfirm the deadline.
• Reconfirm that the funding announcement has not been revised or postponed. If available, consider signing up for alerts from the federal agency or sponsor.

Awards

• The terms and conditions of your executed award remain enforceable so long as your award is active.  This includes the ability to invoice and receive reimbursement.  Please continue with business as usual.   If there is a change to your award, ASU will receive an amendment for review and execution.
• We anticipate updates to award Research Compliance requirements. These changes could either be implemented directly by a federal agency or sponsor or may require an amendment on a project-by-project basis. We will share any information we receive with you, though you may also receive instructions directly from your Program Officer.  It is crucial to act swiftly to ensure compliance with any new requirements, as failure to do so could jeopardize funding. If you need assistance managing research compliance matters related to research security/export control, please contact export.control@asu.edu. For assistance managing research compliance matters related to IRB, IBC, IACUC, COI, and RCR contact research.integrity@asu.edu.
• We anticipate updates to award reporting requirements. These changes could either be implemented directly by a federal agency or sponsor or may require an amendment on a project-by-project basis. We will share any information we receive with you, though you may also receive instructions directly from your Program Officer.  It is crucial to act swiftly to ensure you are complying with any new reporting requirements, as failure to do so could jeopardize funding. If you need assistance managing any requests, please contact your Unit Post-Award RA. Unit RAs will coordinate with AMT where needed.
• If specific programs are terminated or restructured, you may encounter difficulties accessing funds or meeting new criteria. Federal agencies managing these programs will typically issue guidance on how to proceed.  We will pass this along promptly if/when received.
• If a program or initiative is reduced or defunded, there could be delays or pauses in payments for existing grants under those programs. While this is rare, it may occur if funding for a program is rescinded or redirected.
• It is not recommended to extend an At-Risk status unless the project is at significant risk of being negatively impacted.  If an At-Risk status has already been initiated for your project due to indications from the federal agency regarding an award, ongoing negotiations, or awaiting the next funding increment, it is encouraged to keep your department informed about the potential risks associated with any future funding decision.

What to Do:

• Review Your Grant Agreement: Ensure you understand the terms, especially clauses related to funding availability and reimbursement.
• Closely monitor obligated budget balances to avoid deficits while awaiting future obligations. Anticipated future funding remains subject to availability of funds and should not be considered guaranteed.
• Communicate with the Grant Officer: Stay in touch with your program or grant officer to confirm there are no changes affecting your award.
• Reports and Deliverables.  Prioritize the submission any technical reports or deliverables that may have be past due.
• Monitor Policy Updates: Keep an eye on announcements from the federal agency overseeing your grant for any updates on funding or compliance requirements.

Executive Actions and Federal Agency Guidance

The Presidential Actions list below, prepared by Beacon Global Strategies on behalf of ASU, includes Executive Orders, Memorandums, and Proclamations. The APLU Overview highlights additional Executive Orders.

• An Executive Order (EO) directs government operations and has the force of law.
• A Proclamation is a formal statement often ceremonial or symbolic.
• A Memorandum provides policy guidance or instructions, typically less formal than an EO. 

This information and additional updates can be found on the Research Operations News page.