The October 2015 Update from the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) provides a comprehensive overview of current federal regulatory, compliance, and administrative issues impacting research institutions. Key topics addressed include the ongoing implementation and interpretation of Uniform Guidance, particularly concerning procurement standards, compensation documentation, F&A cost issues, and agency deviations in grant administration. The update also reports on the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) transition to subaccounting and new grant closeout procedures, highlights compliance complexities with the Affordable Care Act as it pertains to research assistants and graduate student insurance, and outlines contingency planning in light of potential government funding disruptions.
The document further examines recent Department of Defense (DOD) cybersecurity requirements for contractors, EPA updates to conflict-of-interest policy, and NASA’s indemnity and invention reporting practices—all of which raise concerns about compliance burdens and the need for clear, harmonized federal policies. COGR engages with agencies to seek clarification, advocate for balanced regulation, and reduce undue administrative overhead, as illustrated by their commentary on proposed labor rules and participation in interagency workshops such as those on technology transfer and commercialization. The update references significant external developments, including the National Academies’ report on federal research regulations, moves towards public access to research funded by the Veterans Administration, and legislative stasis on patent reform. The report emphasizes ongoing dialogue with key stakeholders and the commitment to keeping COGR membership informed and prepared for evolving federal requirements impacting academic research administration.
