The May 2023 COGR Update provides a comprehensive overview of recent activities, policy developments, and ongoing advocacy efforts relevant to research administration at U.S. academic institutions. COGR (Council on Governmental Relations) underscores its critical role in supporting the partnership between research institutions and the federal government, given the increasing complexity and cost of compliance with federal regulations. The President’s Message highlights COGR’s recent initiatives, notably the substantial compliance costs associated with the NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy, preparations to shape research security program standards under NSPM-33 and the CHIPS & Science Act, and enhanced engagement with members via LinkedIn. COGR also emphasizes attentiveness to broader issues such as the potential impacts of U.S. debt ceiling negotiations on research funding.
Significant policy updates are described across numerous domains. For data management, COGR reports that the new NIH DMS Policy poses over $1 million in annual compliance costs for larger institutions, with similar burdens proportionally threatening the participation of smaller organizations in federal research. Uniform Guidance revisions by OMB are being closely monitored, with COGR advocating for greater oversight, more appropriate conflict of interest treatment, flexibility around subawards, and clarity in cost reimbursement processes. In research security, the update details evolving federal standards, reporting requirements, and cybersecurity measures, including new restrictions resulting from the CHIPS Act and updates from agencies such as NIST, NSF, and the Department of Defense. Intellectual property developments are also discussed, from the opposition to TRIPS waiver expansion to finalized Bayh-Dole regulation revisions and concerns over proposed CHIPS Act licensing restrictions. In research ethics, the update addresses new FDA guidance, ongoing efforts to improve and clarify IRB oversight, and updates on the management of conflicts of interest and animal research regulations. The document also reviews changes in contracts and grants administration, such as proposed NSF PAPPG revisions and updated NIH policies for subawards and stipends, and reports on costing and financial compliance initiatives, including federal audit transitions and advocacy related to F&A cost rate negotiations. Overall, this update reflects COGR’s continued commitment to reducing regulatory burden, seeking fair cost reimbursement, and supporting institutions in navigating the dynamic federal research policy environment.
