Policy Perspective
COGR FAQs on COVID 19 Impact on Federal Awards V.2.2
The document provides a detailed situational update on federal agency guidance and institutional responses related to the impacts of COVID-19 on the administration of federal awards, with a focus on funding, operational flexibilities, and compliance. Following the issuance of several Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memoranda, including M-20-17, federal agencies were instructed to offer tempo
Joint Association Letter to EPA to Request an Extension for the Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science NPRM
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), Association of American Universities (AAU), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) collectively submitted a formal request to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking an extension of the public comment period for the supplemental proposed rule, “Strengthening Transpare
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
COGR February 27-28 Meeting Report
The February 2020 COGR Meeting Report provides a detailed overview of issues and developments relevant to research administration and compliance, especially in the context of federal funding. A significant emphasis is placed on the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with COGR convening a dedicated work group to address institutional concerns related to federal awards, such as travel, person
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 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
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
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
