Policy Perspective
COGR Submits Comments to NIH on Intramural Research Program Policy: Promoting Equity Through Access Planning
COGR responds to the NIH’s draft policy requiring licensees of NIH technologies to submit access plans aimed at promoting patient access, expressing support for the aim of equity but cautioning that such requirements may unintentionally complicate technology commercialization and deter potential licensees due to increased risks and uncertainties. COGR recommends that NIH focus on adjusting its own
Overview of OSTP Guidelines for Research Security Programs at Covered Institutions
The OSTP Research Security Program Guidelines, released July 9, 2024, establish four required elements for research security compliance—cybersecurity, foreign travel security, research security training, and export control training—at institutions exceeding a $50 million annual federal R&D threshold, with detailed timetables for agency and institutional implementation. The Guidelines promote u
COGR and AAMC Submit Joint Letter to DEA on Rescheduling Marijuana
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) submitted joint comments to the DEA in support of the proposed rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, highlighting that this shift would reduce barriers and administrative burdens for cannabis research at their member institutions. They recomm
COGR Responds to OMB's Invitation to Provide Comments and Technical Corrections to Address Select Items in the Recently Released OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance (Fourth Look)
This comment letter offers detailed comments and proposed technical corrections to the OMB’s updated Uniform Grant Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance, set to take effect October 1, 2024. The letter highlights COGR's recommendations on timely implementation of new thresholds for equipment and subawards, urges reconsideration of changes regarding fixed amount awards, and advocates for the rea
Great Minds: Brainstorming & Benchmarking with COGR Member Institutions: June 2024
The document outlines the agenda and discussion themes for the "Great Minds: Brainstorming & Benchmarking" session held COGR on June 6, 2024. Moderated by key COGR directors and committee chairs from prominent research institutions, the session provides a collaborative platform for member institutions to discuss compliance, policy implementation, and operational challenges related to research
OMB Advance Questions: June 2024 Meeting
The document presents a series of detailed, advance questions directed at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) concerning recent changes and updates to federal grant administration guidance, particularly with respect to cost principles, indirect costs, and award management. The queries reflect both constructive feedback and concerns from institutional stakeholders about the practical implicat
A Second Look at the Final OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance – Webinar Poll Results
The document presents the results of a webinar conducted on May 15, 2024, which surveyed participants on their familiarity and perspectives regarding the final OMB guidance for federal financial assistance. The poll addressed topics such as the extent of participants’ review, equipment capitalization thresholds, institutional implementation strategies, and primary office leadership, collecting res
COGR & AAU Submit Joint Comments in Response to Unlocking the Full Potential of Intellectual Property by Translating More Innovation to the Marketplace (Docket No. PTO-C-2024-004)
COGR and AAU, representing leading U.S. research universities, submitted comments to USPTO Director Kathi Vidal expressing agreement with AUTM’s positions and addressing key issues impacting university technology transfer and innovation commercialization. They voiced serious concerns about NIST's draft march-in rights framework, warning that its adoption could deter investment and harm patent lice
Results from COGR’s Survey on Research Institutions’ Experiences with DoD Policy for Risk-Based Security Reviews of Fundamental Research
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) surveyed 82 member institutions to assess their experiences with Department of Defense (DoD) requirements for risk-based security reviews and mitigation plans in fundamental research. The majority of respondents were public universities, with a significant portion also conducting export-controlled and classified research. Approximately half of the insti
