The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) February 25-26, 2016 meeting report highlights major discussions and developments in federal research regulation, compliance, costing policy, and research administration. The meeting covered ongoing efforts by federal agencies and universities to reduce administrative burdens associated with federal awards, including initiatives to streamline proposal and grant management processes. There was significant attention to prospective reforms in human subjects research regulations (notably the Common Rule), animal research transport, as well as updates on DATA Act Section 5 Grants Pilot projects aiming to standardize data reporting and enhance digital accountability.
Key costing policy topics included progress on streamlining grants closeouts at NIH and HHS, uniform guidance and procurement standards, as well as the implications of the 2016 DRAFT Compliance Supplement on audits. Healthcare policy intersections, such as compliance with the Affordable Care Act for student health plans and graduate assistants, and updates to NIH’s salary cap, were also addressed. Emerging challenges in contracts and intellectual property were prominent, including cybersecurity concerns tied to DFARS clauses, debates over open licensing requirements, and responses from HHS regarding the use of Bayh-Dole Act march-in rights related to drug pricing. Issues with foundation funding, particularly regarding indirect costs, IP, and indemnification in university research agreements, were highlighted, alongside ongoing ambiguities in PCORI contract terms.
In research compliance and administration, updates included an effective practices guide for sponsored programs, initiation of an OSP policy listserv, and productive meetings with officials from ORI and the Department of Defense focused on standardizing compliance requirements. Legislative initiatives aiming to ease restrictions on university drone usage were also noted. Overall, the report reflects an environment of active regulatory scrutiny and reform, ongoing stakeholder engagement, and a persistent drive for administrative efficiency, fairness in costing, and effective compliance in federally-funded research.
