Policy Perspective
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
COGR Submits Letter to Biden Administration on Administrative Burden in Research
COGR wrote to President Biden to express appreciation for his administration's commitment to research and to offer recommendations for maximizing the impact of federal research funding. The letter details concerns regarding excessive and inefficient regulatory burdens on federally funded research, highlighting their detrimental effects on productivity and institutional resources, and presents elev
Restrictions on Research Awards: Troublesome Clauses. A Report of the AAU/COGR Task Force
The AAU/COGR Task Force report examines the growing prevalence and impact of restrictive clauses—termed “troublesome clauses”—in U.S. research awards, particularly those that limit the dissemination of research findings or the participation of foreign nationals without prior approval. Despite the long-standing federal policy articulated in National Security Decision Directive 189 (NSDD 189)—which
January 2021 Addendum to Research Impact Under COVID-19 is Available
The "Research Impact Under COVID-19 – January 2021 Addendum," released by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), examines the severe disruptions COVID-19 has inflicted upon the U.S. research enterprise. Utilizing an updated Research Impact Metric (RIM) model, the addendum presents new data reflecting significant losses in research output—ranging from 20 to 40 percent—and financial
COGR Submits Letter to ORI on RFI on Research Integrity (85 FR 66341)
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), representing 190 U.S. research universities and affiliated institutes, responded to the Office of Research Integrity's (ORI) request for information regarding fostering a climate of research integrity through training and education. COGR acknowledges the critical role of Responsible Conduct of Research (RI/RCR) education in promoting ethical resea
Joint Association Letter to DoD Regarding CMMC (DFARS Case 2019-D041)
The letter, jointly submitted by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), EDUCAUSE, the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), and the American Council on Education (ACE), articulates deep concerns regarding the Department of Defense’s (DOD) interim rule implementing the NIST Special Publication 800-171 Assessment Methodology
2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance Readiness Guide
The "Implementation and Readiness Guide for the OMB Uniform Guidance," prepared by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), is a comprehensive resource aimed at helping institutions navigate and implement the significant revisions made to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200), effective November 12, 2020.
