Policy Perspective
COGR Submits Letter to OMB on Uniform Guidance Revisions
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing 190 major research universities and institutes, submits a detailed response to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed revisions to 2 CFR Parts 25, 170, 183, and particularly Part 200, which governs federal awards. COGR commends OMB’s efforts to improve clarity and reduce compliance burdens but emphasizes that many university
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19’s Impact on Federal Awards (Version 2.0)
The document provides a comprehensive update on federal funding agency guidance and flexibilities in response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed federal agencies to provide short-term administrative and financial relief, although implementation of these flexibilities varies by agency. Some agencies, such as the NIH, have permi
Multi Association Request for Expanded Administrative Relief Due to the Impacts of COVID-19
The document is a joint letter from four major academic and research organizations—the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)—to Margaret Weichert, Deputy Director of Management at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), dated M
COGR Submits Letter to OSTP on “Draft Desirable Characteristics of Repositories for Managing and Sharing Data Resulting from Federally Funded Research
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing a consortium of 188 research universities, medical centers, and research institutes, submitted feedback to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) regarding draft guidelines for desirable characteristics of data repositories managing federally funded research data. COGR acknowledges the value of accessible, well-managed data rep
COGR Notes for 3/16 Call With Dr. Larry Tabak and Dr. Mike Lauer
The call with Dr. Larry Tabak and Dr. Mike Lauer on March 16 centered on NIH’s response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding the health and safety of those involved in NIH-funded research. The NIH emphasized flexibility and support for institutions and researchers facing unprecedented challenges, detailing various accommodations such as accepting late applicat
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19’s Impact on Federal Awards (Version 1.1)
The document provides guidance for research institutions and recipients of federal awards navigating the impacts of COVID-19, interpreted under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Institutions are advised to follow their own established emergency and disaster policies, particularly around business continuity, and to ensure these are clearly documented, versioned, and accessible. Key recommendations
COGR Submits Joint Letter to NLM on RFI for Clinical Trials.gov Modernization
The Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) submitted joint comments to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) regarding the planned modernization of ClinicalTrials.gov. They commend the NLM’s efforts and note that the current system faces challenges due to its dual role: serving both the general public and the scientific community. Originally de
COGR Submits Joint Letter with AAU to NIH on Clinicaltrials.gov Modernization
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) and the Association of American Universities (AAU) submitted comments to the National Library of Medicine regarding the modernization of ClinicalTrials.gov. They commend the National Library of Medicine for addressing the need to update the system, which has evolved beyond its original purpose of serving both the public and scientific communities since
COGR Comments on Revised DofEd Sec. 117 Reporting Requirements
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing major research universities and institutes, wrote to the Department of Education to express ongoing concerns regarding proposed changes to Section 117 reporting requirements for disclosing foreign gifts and contracts. While COGR acknowledges that the Department has made certain revisions addressing transparency and confidentiality, particu
COGR Signs on To Joint Association Letter to FAA on Unmanned Aircraft Systems NPRM
The document is a formal comment submitted by a coalition of major U.S. universities and academic associations in response to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The signatories express strong support for the general principle of requiring remote identification for UAS, highlighting its i
