The COGR October 2015 Update provides an extensive overview of recent developments, regulatory changes, and ongoing initiatives affecting research institutions in the United States. It highlights key topics discussed at the October COGR meeting, including the outcomes and implications of audits on FDP Payroll Certification Pilots, the implementation challenges and technical corrections related to Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and updates on federal oversight concerning effort reporting, indirect costs (F&A), procurement standards, and agency deviations. The document reports COGR's ongoing advocacy and engagement with federal agencies and regulators, particularly in areas such as the negotiation of F&A rates, financial closeouts, and harmonizing agency policies to reduce administrative burden.
Additionally, the update addresses broader policy issues impacting research administration, such as compliance with the Affordable Care Act for research assistants, DOD's new cybersecurity and mandatory incident reporting requirements, and EPA's finalization of conflict of interest policies. It summarizes COGR's interactions with federal agencies on contentious contractual provisions (e.g., NASA indemnity language) and their involvement in dialogue and workshops aimed at fostering technology transfer, regulatory reform, and commercialization of federally funded research. The report incorporates external developments, such as federal appropriations status, proposed labor rule changes, updates on public access policies, and recommendations from the National Academies for optimizing regulatory frameworks. It underscores COGR’s efforts to ensure that regulatory changes are equitable, practical, and minimize unnecessary administrative workload, while promoting effective stewardship of federal research funds.
