Dear research and innovation community,

We are now three weeks into the federal government shutdown that began on October 1. While there are currently few signs of an imminent resolution and we remain hopeful that Congress will reach a resolution soon, I am sharing several updates and reminders.

Although impacts have so far been manageable, an extended shutdown may increasingly affect a range of activities across our campus. We are continuing to monitor developments and possible impacts on our students, faculty, staff and research.

Reminders for our Principal Investigator (PI) community

• PIs should not spend past the approved end date or budget of sponsored projects. The federal government is not obligated to cover costs beyond those limits.
• At-risk accounts continue to be limited and will be set up on a case-by-case basis.
• PIs and Department Research Administrators should monitor sponsored projects that are approaching end dates or budget limits.
• During shutdowns, federal program, grant and contract officers are not available to answer questions or provide required preapprovals, such as for sponsor-approved no-cost extensions, key personnel changes, travel and equipment purchases.
• In case of funding shortfalls and funding gaps, please review and follow the previously communicated guidelines for award terminations or stop work.
• Under no circumstances should animal or human subjects be put at risk because of funding issues due to the federal shutdown.
• The Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) will advise subawardees of similar considerations, not spending past an approved period of performance or budget, ensuring animal and human subjects safety, and monitoring end dates and budget limits. 

A few resources to utilize for the duration of the shutdown

• Government shutdown FAQs for PIs
• Federal funding webpage
• CU Boulder Today

We deeply appreciate your patience, teamwork and ongoing commitment as we navigate this uncertainty together.

Massimo Ruzzene
Senior Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation, Dean of the Institutes
Research & Innovation Office
University of Colorado Boulder