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
- Contingency Plan Guidance for Continuation of Operations in the Absence of Available Appropriations (September 2025)
- Temporary Restraining Order halting implementation of Dept. of Defense’s June 12, 2025 guidance on indirect cost rates (June 17, 2025)
Department of Education
Contingency Plan for Lapse in Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations (September 28, 2025)
Department of Energy
- Temporary Restraining Order halting implementation of Dept. of Energy's April 11, 2025 guidance on indirect cost rates. (April 16, 2025)
- Executive Order update to PIER Plan requirement (January 25, 2025)
- Agency-wide Review of Program and Administrative Activities (January 20, 2025)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- NASA Guidance (updated regularly)
- Amendment 109: Removing DEIA Requirements from ROSES-2024 (January 22, 2025)
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
Implementation of Recent Executive Orders (updated regularly)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Implementation of New Initiatives and Policies (updated regularly)
- Contingency Plan (FY 2025)
- Supporting Fairness and Originality in NIH Research Applications (July 17, 2025)
- Permanent Injunction halting implementation of NIH’s February 7 supplemental guidance and replacing the January 31, 2025 Temporary Restraining Order (April 4, 2025)
- Immediate Pause on Issuing Documents and Public Communications (January 21, 2025)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Implementation of Recent Executive Orders (updated regularly)
- Updates on NSF Priorities (updated regularly)
- Assistance and Contract-Related Policy and Systems Issues During a Lapse in Appropriations (September 30, 2025)
- Summary judgement halting implementation of NSF’s May 2, 2025 guidance on indirect cost rates (June 20, 2025)
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.
UT Principal Investigators can register now for informational sessions on the recent shifts in U.S. research funding.
Questions?
Email osp@austin.utexas.edu