The February 25–26, 2016 COGR Meeting Report provides an extensive overview of ongoing federal policy developments and challenges facing the academic research community, with a focus on research and regulatory reform, costing policies, contracts and intellectual property, and research compliance and administration. Key discussions included efforts to streamline administrative processes and reduce burden associated with federal grants, notably through NSF-led initiatives, pilot programs like the DATA Act Section 5 Grants Pilot, and proposed regulatory changes to the Common Rule affecting human subjects research. The report notes broad university opposition to new rules on biospecimens, and highlights ongoing dialogue regarding animal research, particularly regarding transport of lab animals and primate research ethics. Costing policy updates emphasize continued issues with grants closeout processes at NIH and HHS, the implementation of Uniform Guidance procurement standards, concerns regarding single audit requirements, ACA compliance for graduate research assistants, and persistent inequities in the treatment of off-campus research centers in RFAs.
On contracts and intellectual property, COGR is actively engaged with policymakers on topics such as the DFARS safeguarding rule for cybersecurity, stressing the need to clarify exemptions for fundamental research. The complexities of open licensing requirements, especially those from the Department of Education, are debated, weighing innovation dissemination against the need for flexible IP management. The report details HHS and NIH responses to legislative pressures—such as the potential for "march-in" rights under the Bayh-Dole Act as a tool for drug price control—and the impact of new policies within the Precision Medicine Initiative regarding biospecimen and data control. Persistent concerns with PCORI contract terms and growing challenges with foundation-funded research agreements are noted, particularly around indirect costs and intellectual property. In research compliance and administration, COGR provides updates on effective practices, new communication tools, and meetings with key figures such as the new Director of ORI and DOD research officers, addressing topics such as research misconduct processes, evolving DOD grant regulations, indirect cost rates, micro-purchase thresholds, and new legislation to relax FAA restrictions on university drone use. Overall, the report reflects a proactive approach by the research administration community in shaping, responding to, and implementing evolving federal research policies and regulatory requirements.
