Update on federal research grants

We write with some updates concerning federal research grants.

Despite all the recent activity around federal grants, Western's guidance to principal investigators remains unchanged: grant-funded work may continue as usual under the terms of the original award unless / until the award is formally amended. As of today, only a single Western grant has received a stop-work order and no Western awards have been amended, and therefore all other projects may continue work as originally planned.

The restraining order issued Friday against the Executive Orders freezing federal grant funding should mean that recipients of federal assistance like Western will resume getting reimbursed by the federal government for grant expenses; those systems had been offline most of last week. The text of Friday's restraining order, which was extended by a second federal court this afternoon, supports Western's position and has unambiguous language regarding the limits of Executive powers and appropriated funding. NSF states on a new FAQ page that it, "can not take action to delay or stop payment for active awards based solely on actual or potential non-compliance with the Executive Orders." The AAUP has cautioned universities about the risks of "anticipatory obedience," altering research agendas before being legally compelled to.

The restraining order does not apply to the agency grant portfolio review process currently underway at federal funders. Agencies have not fully explained what these reviews entail or what actions may result and while so far only one Western project has been directly impacted, in the coming days more directives could be issued, or principal investigators may be instructed to revise workplans and/or budgets. In some instances, these directives may be sent directly to principal investigators. If you receive one please contact RSP@wwu.edu immediately.

Many programs continue to accept new proposals through Research.gov and other portals, so check for updates if you plan an upcoming submission. At the same time, several agencies have cancelled or delayed review panels and are changing open solicitations. In addition, there have been reports of important datasets and other digital resources used by researchers and the wider community being taken offline, and AmeriCorps has removed selected position postings.

Western researchers and educators are active in many of the areas being targeted, and the uncertainty and harm from the government's actions causes great concern. All Western research complies with federal law, and we will continue collaborating with WA state government leadership, the WA Attorney General's Office, and our higher education partners to try and mitigate impacts.

Thank you for your commitment to Western's research mission. Your important work is a central part our university's identity and purpose, and Western is committed to continuing to support you.

David Patrick
Vice Provost for Research