Policy Perspective
F&A Cost Rates and Reimbursement Pressures Under COVID-19: Maintaining a Fair and Reliable System
The document, prepared by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), examines the significant challenges and emerging considerations affecting Facilities and Administrative (F&A) cost rates and reimbursements for research institutions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It details how the pandemic has disrupted traditional processes for developing F&A cost rate proposals, especially
February 2021 Meeting Report & Update
The February 2021 Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) Meeting Report provides an extensive overview of current issues impacting research institutions, particularly in relation to the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report addresses ongoing activities and resources COGR offers to support institutions in managing pandemic-related challenges, emphasizing new legislation such as t
Material Transfer in Academia: 20 Questions and Answers (2021 Update)
The document provides a comprehensive overview of material transfer agreements (MTAs) in academic research, emphasizing their critical role in regulating the exchange of research materials—especially in the life sciences—and addressing complex issues such as ownership rights, academic freedom, liability, and compliance with legal and ethical standards. It outlines common challenges faced by resear
Institutional Experiences with CMMC: February 2021 Meeting
The document summarizes a panel discussion on the institutional experiences of universities with the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), highlighting perspectives from UC San Diego, Purdue University, and Indiana University. The discussion addresses recent DoD regulatory changes requiring contractors to achieve at least Level 1 CMMC certification, emphasizing
F&A Pressures Under COVID-19
The forthcoming COGR paper addresses both current and anticipated future challenges surrounding Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rates and the associated reimbursement process within research institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has notably disrupted the standard F&A process, particularly in developing rate proposals, even though reimbursement levels have largely remained stable. The pap
COGR Joins Multi Association Comment Letter on the National Strategy for Expanding American Innovation (Docket #PTO-P-2020-0057)
The document presents joint comments from four major academic and research organizations regarding the USPTO’s National Strategy for Expanding American Innovation. The associations express strong support for the strategy and the principles shared by their peer organizations. They emphasize the importance of rigor, excellence, equity, and inclusivity in federally funded research, and highlight ongo
COGR Joins Coalition Letter to HHS on Proposed Fetal Tissue Rule (RIN 0991-AC15)
The letter, addressed to Acting Secretary Norris Cochran of the Department of Health and Human Services, urges the withdrawal of the proposed rule (RIN 0991-AC-15) concerning increased safeguards and integrity requirements for extramural research involving human fetal tissue (HFT). Representing a broad coalition of scientific, medical, and patient organizations, the signatories argue that the rule
COGR Comment Letter to NSF on 22-1 PAPPG
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing 190 research universities and affiliated institutions, submitted comprehensive comments to the National Science Foundation (NSF) regarding the proposed updates in the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), specifically NSF 22-1. COGR’s commentary focuses on achieving greater clarity and harmonization in policy langua
