2025 Federal Administration Transition Guidance

Guidance on Federally Funded Projects during Administration Transition

January 27, 2025
The current administration, led by President Trump, assumed office on January 20, 2025. Since then, several Executive Orders have been issued (refer to White House News), indicating possible shifts in federal priorities. These changes may impact both awarded projects and those awaiting funding from federal agencies or sponsors.

Significant developments, including recent Executive Orders and potential future directives (e.g., those related to tariffs), may influence your project and associated procurement activities. It is essential to stay updated and incorporate these changes into your planning to ensure compliance and minimize potential disruptions.

UNH Sponsored Programs will provide guidance, updates, and access to relevant resources to help you navigate these changes. If you receive relevant information not included on this page, please forward it to Karen Jensen at Karen.Jensen@colleensflowercellar.com for inclusion.

Proposals

  • Submission: Proposal submissions will continue as long as federal agency systems remain operational.
  • Review Timelines: Expect potential delays in sponsor proposal reviews as federal agencies address pauses in federal assistance funding for certain areas.
  • At-Risk Accounts: Activation of not-fully executed (NFE) accounts for pending federal awards is not recommended.
  • Action Items:
  1. Reconfirm proposal deadlines to account for potential changes.
  2. Verify that funding announcements have not been revised or postponed. Sign up for agency or sponsor alerts when possible.

Awards

  • Terms and Conditions: Executed award terms remain enforceable while active, including invoicing and reimbursements.
  • Research Compliance Updates: Anticipate updates to compliance requirements, possibly necessitating project-specific amendments. Swift compliance is critical to maintain funding.
  • Reporting Requirements: Updates may occur, requiring swift adaptation to avoid jeopardizing funding. If you need assistance, please contact your STAR GCA.
  • Program Changes: In cases of program terminations or restructures, expect federal guidance on next steps, which SPA will promptly relay.

Action Items:

  1. Review grant agreements to understand funding and reimbursement clauses.
  2. Monitor budget balances to avoid deficits while awaiting future funding obligations.
  3. Maintain communication with program officers for updates.
  4. Submit any overdue technical reports or deliverables promptly.
  5. Monitor agency announcements for funding or compliance updates.

Procurement Guidance

When conducting procurement for federally funded projects, consider the following:

  • Funding Confirmation: If federal funds have not been obligated, consider delaying or canceling procurement.
  • Agreement Terms: Review current agreements for cancellation clauses and payment milestones. For questions, contact SPA awards at spa.awards@colleensflowercellar.com.
  • Quotes: Obtain quotes with the country of origin and a validity period to ensure stable pricing.
  • Obligated Funds: Procure equipment or materials using currently available funds.
  • Policy Awareness: Verify funding availability and monitor policy changes impacting projects.

Executive Actions and Federal Agency Guidance

  • Presidential Actions:
    • Executive Orders carry the force of law for government operations.
    • Proclamations are formal, often symbolic statements.
    • Memorandums provide policy guidance, less formal than Executive Orders.

As federal agencies issue official guidance and updates, additional sections will be added below.

Executive Orders & Related Resources (Source: Council on Government Relations)

Department/Agency Directives/Memoranda

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