Federal Agency Updates

The Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors is closely monitoring newly issued presidential executive orders and related guidance from federal agencies that fund research at UT Austin. Relevant documents and resources will be posted as they become available. Members of the research community who receive memos or announcements not posted on this page can email them to research@utexas.edu.

Department of Defense
Department of Education
Department of Energy
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

U.S. Government Shutdown: Guidance for the UT Austin Research Community

As of Oct. 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government has entered a shutdown following the expiration of funding legislation. The University of Texas at Austin is actively monitoring the situation and working to mitigate impacts on our research enterprise. This guidance is intended to support researchers and administrative units during the shutdown period. Updates will be posted as new information becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I continue working on my federally funded research project?

Research activities funded by active federal awards may generally continue unless a Stop Work Order is issued by the sponsoring agency. If you receive such an order, please immediately notify your departmental administrator and the Office of Sponsored Projects at osp@austin.utexas.edu.

During the shutdown, UT Austin may continue to incur allowable costs within the approved budget of an active award. However, expenditures beyond the approved budget or in anticipation of future funding are not permitted.

What happens to prior approval requests (e.g., no-cost extensions)?

Federal agency staff are currently unavailable to process prior approval requests. Expect delays in approvals for no-cost extensions, formal rebudgeting, and other administrative actions. Please consult your OSP Grants Specialist for guidance.

I’m expecting a new federal award or an amendment to my existing award. What should I do?

Federal agencies are not issuing new awards, supplements, or amendments during the shutdown. Do not initiate pre-award spending or personnel appointments for anticipated awards. Contact your departmental administrator and OSP Post-Award Specialists.

Can UT Austin still submit proposals to federal agencies?

Most federal submission portals (e.g., Grants.gov, Research.gov) remain operational and accept proposals. In general, as long as the portals are open, posted proposal submission deadlines remain the same, even during a shutdown. However, proposal review and processing will be delayed until agency operations resume. UT Austin will continue submitting proposals unless otherwise directed. Agency-specific updates will be provided as available.

What about progress reports and compliance submissions?

Systems such as eRA Commons and Research.gov are currently accessible. While submissions may be accepted, processing will be delayed. Some agencies may issue guidance or extensions. Please coordinate with your OSP Post-Award Specialists for agency-specific instructions.

Where can I find more detailed information specific to my sponsors?

Contingency plans for specific agencies are posted above where available. In addition, the APLU offers a comprehensive list of agency-specific contingency plans.

 

Research Funding Updates

UT Principal Investigators can register now for informational sessions on the recent shifts in U.S. research funding.


Questions?

Email osp@austin.utexas.edu

Messages from the Vice President for Research