Policy Perspective
The COGR 2023 F&A Survey Preliminary Results: June 2023 Meeting
The COGR 2023 F&A Survey provides a comprehensive overview of current practices, trends, and challenges related to Facilities and Administrative (F&A) cost rates at U.S. research institutions. Conducted between January and April 2023 with 119 respondents, the survey serves as both a benchmarking tool and an advocacy resource. Its findings reveal a diverse respondent profile, predominantly
COGR Responds to OSTP Request for Information: NSPM 33 Research Security Programs Standard Requirement (88 FR 14187)
COGR submitted comments on the proposed OSTP Research Security Program Standard Requirements, emphasizing the need for standards that are risk-based, consistent across all agencies, and clearly defined to avoid unnecessary burdens and confusion. COGR advocates for streamlined compliance procedures, clearer definitions, and more flexibility for institutions, while urging that compliance requirement
COGR, AAU, and AUTM Submit Joint Association Letter on COVID-19 Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Supply, Demand, and TRIPS Agreement Flexibilities
The letter, submitted jointly by the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Council on Government Relations (COGR), and AUTM, addresses the U.S. International Trade Commission in relation to Investigation No. 332-596, focusing on COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics, and the possible expansion of the TRIPS Agreement waiver. The associations, representing leading American research universiti
COGR's Response to Request for Information (RFI) on Update to NOT-OD-05-034 Guidance on Prompt Reporting of Noncompliances to OLAW (NOT-OD-23-063)
COGR submitted a letter to the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) regarding the proposed update to guidance on prompt reporting of noncompliance in animal research. COGR acknowledges the importance of clear and unambiguous reporting standards, which balance the protection of animal welfare with minimizing unnecessary administrative burden for researchers. Wh
COGR Responds to the NIH Plan to Enhance Public Access to the Results of NIH-Supported Research [NOT-OD-23-091]
This document is a formal response from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing over 200 U.S. research universities and affiliated institutions, to the National Institutes of Health’s Request for Information regarding its plan to enhance public access to the results of NIH-supported research. COGR expresses support for the OSTP directive that increases access to federally funded
COGR's Response to Request for Information (RFI): Re-envisioning U.S. Postdoctoral Research Training and Career Progression within the Biomedical Research Enterprise [NOT-OD-23-084]
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing more than 200 U.S. research universities and affiliated institutions, submitted this response to the NIH’s Request for Information regarding the enhancement of postdoctoral research training and career progression in the biomedical field. COGR’s comments focus on several key policy areas to improve postdoctoral training pathways. It recomm
COGR Submits Joint Association Request to OSTP for Listening Sessions on Research Security Programs Standards
The letter, addressed to Stacy Murphy of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), is a formal request from major organizations representing the higher education and research community regarding the draft standards for research security programs under NSPM-33. The signatories commend the OSTP for its work and the ample opportunity for public comment, but express the need for additional e
COGR Responds to OMB's RFI: Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
COGR has posted its Letter to OMB, in response to OMB’s Request for Information (RFI) – Uniform Guidance. We expect OMB to review responses from all stakeholders and publish proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance later in 2023.
COGR Posts DRAFT Response to OMB (Uniform Guidance)
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing over 200 U.S. research universities and affiliated institutes, submitted a detailed response to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Request for Information regarding proposed updates to federal grant regulations (notably, 2 CFR Parts 25, 170, 175, 176, 180, 182, 183, and 200). The letter outlines a series of recommendations aimed a
COGR's Joint Response to NASA’s “New Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment Policy for Recipients of NASA Financial Assistance Awards”
The document is a formal response from leading organizations in the higher education and research university sector to NASA regarding its proposed new Conflict of Interest (COI) and Conflict of Commitment (COC) Policy for recipients of NASA financial assistance awards. The signatories commend NASA's initiative to enhance research integrity and address both financial and non-financial conflict
