As you are aware, the challenges for federally funded research at universities continue. Because of substantial staffing and policy changes in federal agencies, actions related to current awards, renewals and new awards are delayed. Virtually all agencies are affected one way or another.
Review steps required for the following scenarios:
No-cost extension (NCE) for a current award:
If you anticipate needing an NCE for an award that is ending or is associated with a competing renewal, initiate the request early. Some agencies (e.g. NSF and NIH) still allow institutional approval of the first NCE request, although that may change. However, other NCEs are not routinely granted, so internal extensions are only approved for a limited period.
For NCEs requiring sponsor approval, if an NCE request was initiated in a timely fashion and it has not yet been approved by the time the award ends, you can request a Temporary Internal Extension for 30 days.
Non-competing renewals:
Continuation notifications for many renewals are delayed. If the annual report has been submitted as required, PIs can request a SAGE Renewal Advance or a Temporary Internal Extension, which will allow work on the project to proceed for up to 30 days. Temporary HR actions will be needed if the notice of award is not received within 30 days.
New awards:
Advance spend requests for new awards will only be approved if a Notice of Award (NOA) has been received.
Early termination:
In the unfortunate event that an award is terminated early, the PI should notify their department right away to get help with responding to the notice. Then:
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Submit an OSP & GCA Award Modification in SAGE.
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Choose “Schedule Change” and the subcategory of “Early Termination”.
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Email osp@uw.edu with the MOD # so that OSP is aware of this action.
Review guidance on changes to research involving human subjects or animals.
Appeals
Some termination notices include clauses that allow the PI to appeal. PIs must work with their department and school/college leadership to determine whether to appeal. OSP is responsible for submitting the appeal, and they will work with the PI in developing the justification. Contact Carol Rhodes, OSP Director at carhodes@uw.edu if an appeal is being considered.
Note that all charges to the project must be suspended during the appeal process.
Thank you,
The Office of Sponsored Programs