The September 2016 Update from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) provides a detailed overview of recent policy, regulatory, and compliance developments affecting research institutions, with a particular focus on federal grants administration. Key issues discussed include updates on federal procurement standards and extensions to implementation grace periods, ongoing clarifications to the Uniform Guidance and related FAQs, and efforts to address the equitable treatment of off-campus research centers in NIH funding announcements. The document highlights COGR’s continued dialogue with federal agencies such as HHS on grant closeout procedures and reporting, as well as the significance of recent Department of Justice settlements concerning Facilities & Administration (F&A) cost recovery.
The update also touches on broader regulatory trends, such as expected changes to Bayh-Dole Act regulations, ongoing challenges in export controls, and increasing public and legislative scrutiny over government-funded patents and drug pricing. COGR details its engagement with policymakers regarding new federal audit requirements, student financial aid audits, and intellectual property policies, including partnerships with peer organizations and responses to external advocacy campaigns. Further, the document provides guidance on evolving research compliance issues—such as conflict-of-interest policies, federal data transparency initiatives, and new guidance on IRB written procedures and animal research oversight. Throughout, COGR emphasizes the importance of institutional feedback and collaboration, the need for clear communication with federal agencies, and a proactive stance in reducing administrative burden and ensuring regulatory compliance in the academic research environment.
