This message is intended to specifically address sponsored programs funded under state contracts.
The WA state legislature has not yet passed an operating budget for the next fiscal biennium. State agencies are prohibited from expending or committing funds in the absence of appropriations of such funds.
Several sponsored programs and projects are funded by state agencies, such as DOH, DHHS, and others. As required per the terms of these contracts, the sponsoring state agency must notify the contractor (UW) of suspension or early termination.
As notifications of potential suspension have been received, OSP has been alerting individual PIs. Please note that these notifications are to be considered suspension notices should the WA state legislature not finalize a biennium budget by June 30th.
These notices do indicate that work performed between the date of the notice and June 30th will not be affected. However, any work performed after this date is at the risk of the recipient.
If a budget is not passed by end of month, most contract terms stipulate that the contract must be actively re-instated by the sponsoring agency, once a budget is passed.
If your PI have a project funded with WA state appropriated funds, please be aware of this suspension possibility. Refer to the specific notification from the WA state agency sponsor for details.
If you or your PI have questions related to the suspension notification received from the agency sponsor, please feel free to contact OSP.
Thank you,
Carol Rhodes
Director
Office of Sponsored Programs