Preparations for a possible federal shutdown on Sept. 30
Dear colleagues,
I am writing to provide information in advance of the expiration of the federal continuing resolution (CR), which is set to take place on September 30.
I am writing to provide information in advance of the expiration of the federal continuing resolution (CR), which is set to take place on September 30.
If a federal fiscal year 2025 budget or a new continuing resolution are not passed by September 30, we will be faced with a federal government shutdown.
Campus leadership, the Research & Innovation Office (RIO), the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG), and the Campus Controller's Office (CCO) are closely monitoring changes and emerging impacts surrounding federally sponsored projects. A federal government shutdown communications team monitors the possibility of a shutdown and stands ready to deploy a communications plan as needed. Another team is in place to develop guidance and support for those affected, should a shutdown occur.
Given the fluid situation at the federal level at this time, we are preparing for a wide range of possible impacts. Effects could expand beyond previous shutdown experiences, including the possibility that the government may not reimburse some costs incurred during a shutdown. While we don’t know if a shutdown will occur next week, or the length of a shutdown should one occur, we are making preparations.
Pre-shutdown action for principal investigators (PIs)
For federally funded projects, directly funded by a federal agency or through a subaward to CU Boulder, we recommend PIs take the following actions as soon as possible:
- No-cost extensions (NCEs)
No-cost extensions that are anticipated within 30 days after September 30 should be submitted promptly. How to submit NCEs guidance is available on the OCG website and your OCG Grant and Contract Officer can help answer questions. Please note that during a shutdown, federal agencies are not able to process NCEs or any other award modifications. - Pre-approvals
Pre-approvals for key personnel changes, equipment purchases and international travel should be submitted through your OCG Grant and Contract Officer. - Incremental funding
PIs should reach out to their sponsor’s technical contact to request incremental funding on projects for which the incremental funding date is approaching. - Plans for federal partners on awards
For awards that include federal partners on the project, PIs should promptly make plans with the federal partner in case they cannot work on the project during the shutdown period. - Limit at-risk accounts
At-risk accounts are currently limited and will be set up on a very limited, case-by-case basis, until resolution on the federal budget. - Post award
PIs or department administrators should notify their Research Financial Services (RFS) Grant Accountant of funds that are due or have not been invoiced for milestones or deliverables completed prior to the shutdown.
Additional communication and information will be provided to campus and posted to Research & Federal Funding News as we learn more about the federal government budget.
Please know that CU Boulder, in addition to the CU system and our university peers across the country, are working tirelessly to facilitate your success and minimize disruptions to our work and community. Thank you for your continuing commitment to our mission and one another during these challenging times.
Thank you,
Massimo Ruzzene
Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation
Dean of the Institutes
Research & Innovation Office
University of Colorado Boulder
Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation
Dean of the Institutes
Research & Innovation Office
University of Colorado Boulder