Research Impacts
Federal executive orders and directives can affect federally funded research at UC Irvine. Key areas impacted include:
- Regulatory Compliance – Changes to grant management, reporting, and allowable costs.
- Funding Restrictions – New conditions on federal awards.
- Institutional Responsibilities – Guidance for researchers on compliance.
For timely updates from funding agencies, an FAQ, an archive of research town halls, instructions for joining the C&G email listserv, and a form to submit your specific questions about federal impacts on research, visit the Office of Research’s Impact of Federal Executive Orders and Directives on Federal Grants and Contracts page.
Proposed Federal Grant Management Changes Could Impact UC Research
The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) is encouraging members of the UC research community to review and respond to proposed federal rule changes that could significantly affect the administration of federally funded research.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would substantially revise the Uniform Guidance—the federal framework governing grants, cooperative agreements and other forms of federal financial assistance. If adopted, the proposed revisions could alter award management requirements across the University of California research enterprise, affecting institutions, researchers and research administrators alike.
Because the public comment period is limited, UCOP encourages interested members of the research community to take action by:
- Submitting a public comment on the proposed rule
- Signing the UC petition expressing concerns about the proposed changes
Additional information and analyses are available from higher education and research organizations:
- Association of American Universities (AAU): Implications of the Proposed Changes
- Council on Governmental Relations (COGR): Considerations for Research Institutions
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): Rule Summary
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB): Why Commenting Matters
- CRD Associates: Rule Summary
- Ropes & Gray: Key Takeaways
UC Irvine researchers and research administrators are encouraged to review these resources and consider participating in the public feedback process.
COGR 2025 Administration Transition Resources
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), an association of research universities and institutions, provides a comprehensive tracking of executive orders, department/agency memoranda, and lawsuits affecting federally funded research. This resource offers analysis, institutional responses, and regulatory updates to help research institutions navigate policy changes during the 2025 administration transition.
Visit the COGR 2026 Administration Transition Resources page for details.
F&A Costs in Federally Funded Research
The Frequently Asked Questions about Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs of Federally Sponsored University Research document, developed by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), explains the essential role of F&A costs—also known as indirect costs—in supporting federally funded research.
Key points:
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These cover essential research infrastructure and administrative expenses, including labs, compliance, and safety measures.
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Universities provide research on behalf of federal agencies, and F&A funding helps cover necessary operational costs.
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Yes, institutions fund a significant portion of research expenses beyond federal grants.
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No, federal reimbursements do not fully cover research-related infrastructure costs.
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FAQs About Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs of Federally Sponsored University Research (PDF)
Reducing F&A support could limit research capacity, deteriorate facilities, and increase financial strain on universities.
Recent Messages
Communications and updates from UC Irvine and UCOP