The October 2017 COGR Meeting Report provides a detailed overview of key developments affecting research universities and organizations, focusing on federal policy, regulatory changes, and compliance matters. Major issues included the ongoing debates over tax reform and its potential negative implications for universities and nonprofits, particularly regarding the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.” The meeting addressed the Administration’s efforts to reduce Facilities & Administrative (F&A) cost reimbursement rates—a move largely opposed by stakeholders who argue such cuts could undermine the United States’ research leadership. Reports indicated that Congress appeared receptive to maintaining the current F&A structures, but vigilance and continued advocacy were deemed necessary. Costing policy discussions encompassed topics such as the implementation of micropurchase thresholds, the application of F&A rates to services like cloud computing, direct charging for technology infrastructure, negotiation practices for F&A rates, and intricacies of software capitalization and vendor payment timing under federal guidance.
The report also highlighted ongoing efforts in research regulatory reform, including collaboration with federal agencies such as NIH, USDA, and FDA to reduce administrative burden, especially concerning regulations on animal research and human subjects. The committee tracked important updates on the Common Rule, NIH definitions and policies for clinical trials, single IRB mandates, and genomic data sharing. In the area of contracts and intellectual property, the meeting covered developments in defense-related contracting, ongoing refinement of Bayh-Dole regulations, the status of the iEdison invention reporting system, and legislative activity around sovereign immunity in intellectual property cases. Research compliance and administration were addressed through updates on research integrity, public access, federal subaward and subrecipient monitoring, data management, dual-use research oversight, and the creation of new working groups on topics like marijuana and hemp research. The report overall reflects an active landscape of policy, regulatory, and operational changes that require coordinated advocacy, interpretation, and adaptation by research-intensive institutions.
