The document is a comprehensive overview of updates from major federal research funding agencies—NSF, DOE, DoD, and NIH—presented during an October 24, 2024, COGR meeting. Key NSF updates focus on implementing the revised 2 CFR regulations effective October 1, 2024, with significant changes to grant conditions, the elimination of Research Terms and Conditions (RTC) references for new awards, and ongoing simplification of funding opportunities to reduce administrative burden and enhance accessibility. NSF is also introducing mandatory multifactor authentication for Research.gov users and is finalizing FY2026 procedural guides, emphasizing outreach and feedback from the research community.
DOE’s Office of Research, Technology, and Economic Security (RTES) highlighted new and forthcoming policies to strengthen research security and compliance. Notable changes include a shift from nationality-based reviews to risk-based assessments of all project participants, the introduction of mandatory digital persistent identifiers (e.g., ORCID iDs) and research security training for covered individuals, expanded entity-of-concern prohibitions, and clarified requirements for transparency of foreign connections. The RTES office is enhancing engagement with stakeholders through new web resources, webinars, and open channels for community input.
NIH updates encompass budgetary details, with FY2025 operations under a continuing resolution and ongoing enforcement of legislative mandates such as salary limitations. NIH also outlined its phased implementation of revised 2 CFR Part 200 requirements, clarified single audit obligations for foreign recipients, updates on research security expectations, and the prohibition against participation in malign foreign talent recruitment programs for covered individuals. NIH continues to refine data management and sharing policies, including new templates and cost considerations, while coordinating closely with OSTP and agency partners on research security certifications and guidelines, particularly for institutions exceeding $50 million in federal R&D funding. Across all agencies, there is a strong emphasis on research security, compliance, administrative simplification, and transparent stakeholder communication.
