Policy Perspective
FINAL_COGR_AAU_Comments_Ethological Petition_USDA_August 2015
The Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing leading research universities and institutes, submitted a joint response opposing a petition received by the USDA requesting the development of specific "ethologically appropriate" standards for the care of nonhuman primates in research facilities. The petition seeks amendments t
Effort_Reporting_-_How_Universities_Meet_the_Current_Federal_Requirements (1)
This document from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) offers an in-depth analysis of federal requirements and university practices regarding effort reporting for salary and wage charges on federal research awards. It highlights the growing scrutiny from federal auditors concerning compensation on grants, prompting both agencies and higher education institutions to reevaluate and, in some
University_Contributions_to_Research_and_the_Underrecovery_of__Compliance_Costs-_Talking_Points
The document, produced by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), discusses the increasing financial burden universities face in supporting research activities, particularly regarding the underrecovery of compliance costs due to federal limitations on facilities and administrative (F&A) cost reimbursement. COGR studies reveal that most major research universities consistently incur admin
Talking_Points_on_Effort_Reporting
The document, authored by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), discusses the ongoing controversies and complexities surrounding effort reporting for federally reimbursed academic salaries, focusing on the challenges in balancing federal accountability with the operational realities of academic research. It highlights the historical evolution of the federal guidance, noting a longstanding
FACILITIES_AND_ADMINISTRATIVE_COSTS
The document, authored by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) and published in January 2010, presents an informative set of materials concerning Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs in research settings. Prepared by a dedicated working group comprising professionals from several major universities and consulting expertise, the materials aim to clarify the concept, structure, and
Summary_of_University_Concerns_with_Commerce_IG_Report
The document summarizes the key concerns of U.S. research universities regarding a March 2004 report by the Department of Commerce Inspector General (IG) on “deemed export” controls, which are regulatory measures governing the transfer of sensitive technology to foreign nationals within the United States. The universities, as represented by the Council on Governmental Relations and the Association
Summary_of_University_Concerns_with_DOD_IG_Report
The document summarizes concerns held by major U.S. research universities regarding the Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General’s March 2004 report on export-controlled technology at research facilities. The primary issue raised is the potential requirement, as recommended by the DOD IG, to insert broad, mandatory export control compliance clauses into DOD contracts with universities without
Terrorism_and_Trafficking_-_Grant_and_Contract_Provisions
The document provides a detailed review of new grant and contract provisions introduced by major private foundations and federal agencies aimed at preventing the promotion or support of terrorism, violence, bigotry, and human trafficking, notably prostitution and sex trafficking. In response to heightened regulatory concerns post-9/11, foundations such as Ford, Rockefeller, Sloan, and MacArthur, a
Revised_Information_Quality_Bulletin_for_Peer_Review
The revised Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review, issued by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), offers new guidance to federal agencies regarding the peer review of scientific information they disseminate to the public. This update responds to significant criticism of an earlier draft, which stakeholders found to be overly p
SUMMARY_POINTS_ON_UNIVERSITY_USE_OF_ROYALTY_INCOME
The document summarizes the use of royalty income from federally funded inventions at major U.S. research universities, based on a 2001 survey conducted by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) at the request of the NIH. The findings, verified by data from the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), confirm that the Bayh-Dole Act has successfully incentivized universities to c
