The document outlines the agenda and logistical details for the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) meeting scheduled for October 28-29, 2010, at the Washington Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. It provides information regarding registration, hotel reservations, and cancellation policies, emphasizing the importance of securing accommodations prior to the October 12 cut-off date for the special COGR rate. The meeting’s agenda is comprehensive, covering significant topics relevant to university research administration.
Thursday’s sessions include concurrent discussions on federal reporting requirements under new transparency laws, subaward and FAPIIS reporting, and challenges highlighted by the Government Accountability Office’s recent report on indirect costs and reporting burdens. Another session evaluates models for streamlining material transfer agreements to facilitate research collaboration. Dr. Subra Suresh, newly appointed Director of the National Science Foundation, is slated as a guest speaker. The program continues with a focused discussion led by GAO representatives on their report’s recommendations for improving federal reimbursement of university research indirect costs. The day concludes with detailed analysis of recent NSF and NIH grant policy changes, updates on conflicts of interest, and the status of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Friday is dedicated to committee reports on contracts and intellectual property, costing policies, and research compliance, with opportunities for member engagement and the submission of additional discussion topics. Attendance is exclusive to designated employees of member institutions and affiliates, ensuring focused and confidential discourse on these critical administrative and policy issues.
