The impact of a federal government shutdown on sponsored program activities should be considered for the following:
Proposals
SPO will continue to review, approve, and submit proposals. Principal Investigators should plan to submit proposals as if the proposal deadlines remain unchanged. However, we encourage submitting your proposal early if possible. Support from sponsors will not be available to answer questions or resolve system issues. Reviews of submitted proposals and announcements of new funding opportunities will be delayed.
New Awards or Modifications
New awards will be delayed, and current negotiations will be put on hold during a shutdown. If you need budget revisions, extensions, or other programmatic assistance, coordinate with SPO so that the request can be ready for submission once the government shutdown ends. Letters of Guarantee for awards not yet received should be carefully considered by the department and college. The additional risk caused by the shutdown should be carefully considered.
Existing Awards
Researchers should continue to work on federally funded contracts and grants unless you receive specific information from the agency or program officer. If you receive direction to stop work, please notify your SPO Post-Award Grant & Contract Officer and your Sponsored Programs Accountant immediately. Principal Investigators should still submit all required reports according to the deadlines outlined in the award agreement.
Agency Information
Each agency may handle the shutdown differently. Principal Investigators should continue work as planned unless they receive specific information or instructions from their program officers. Most federal employees will not be permitted to work at all during a shutdown. This includes not being able to check email or respond to messages. Contingency plans may be posted on each agency’s website as they become available.
Payment
USU will not be able to draw down federal funds during a shutdown. The impact for USU will be dependent upon the duration of the shutdown.
Additional Related Resources
Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities: Federal Government Shutdown Resources
Council on Governmental Relations: Considerations for a Federal Government Shutdown
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: Government Shutdowns Q&A