The University is closely monitoring the status of Continuing Resolutions and will confirm if a federal shutdown (or partial shutdown) occurs. The status of federal proposal and award management systems and the best way to handle prospective and current federal sponsored projects, as well as agency-specific guidance will be posted as soon as it is known. Please check back frequently for updated information. In the event of questions about a specific project, please contact the SPA Grant and Contract Officer serving your unit.
Potential Federal Shutdown March 15, 2025
Please check this page often as information is expected to be updated frequently.
Last update: Friday, March 14, 2025 9:00 AM
Information from University Officials
Proposals
Most federal agency electronic proposal systems are expected to remain functioning and accepting proposals during the shutdown; this means that it is likely that proposal deadlines will not be extended for agencies using these systems for proposal submission. Please proceed with your proposal submissions in a normal fashion. Please look at your agency's website or scroll down to the specific agency's information on this site to see if SPA has been informed about the status of that agency's system(s).
Pre-Award Spending
Principal investigators may continue to request pre-award spending accounts, but caution should be used when requesting such accounts or spending against them, since federal agency funding priorities for the year may yet change. Awards that are currently anticipated to be funded could yet be cancelled. In the event an award does not materialize, the PI and department are responsible for covering the costs incurred using other allowable non-sponsored funds.
Incoming Awards and Subawards
It is likely that the University will not receive any new or continuing federal awards during the shutdown, though SPA may receive some federally-funded subawards from other entities that received their awards prior to the shutdown.
Spending on Active Awards
Unless otherwise notified by SPA or the federal funding agency, Principal investigators may continue to spend on awards and funding they have already received.
Billing Federal Agencies
The University has taken proactive measures to minimize the impact of the shutdown, including drawing down funds (billing) the federal government for all financial aid and sponsored projects expenditures that are eligible to be reimbursed in advance of the shutdown deadline. To the extent that federal payment systems remain active during the shutdown, the University will continue to bill the federal government. If a system is not available, the University will bill that agency as soon as the shutdown is over.
Prior Approval Requests
E.g, for rebudgets that need agency approval, changes in PI, change in scope of work, no cost time extensions. These may continue to be requested, but are likely not to be acted on by the agency until the shutdown is over. If the agency’s electronic system for such approvals becomes unavailable, SPA will hold the request until the shutdown is over.
Information from the Federal Government
Federal Agency Contingency Plans across the Federal Government.
OMB Frequently Asked Questions (9/27/23)
Agriculture (USDA, including ARS, Forest Service, NIFA)
Department of Agriculture Lapse in Funding Plans (9/29/23)
Commerce (including NIST, NOAA, etc.)
Department of Commerce Lapse Plan (9/27/23)
Corporation for National and Community Service
Corporation for National and Community Service Contingency Plan (9/27/23)
Defense
Department of Defense Contingency Plan (11/15/23)
Education
Department of Education Contingency Plan (9/29/23)
Energy
Department of Energy Contingency Plan (9/6/23)
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Protection Agency Contingency Plan (9/29/23)
Health and Human Services
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Contingency Plans (9/21/23)
Homeland Security
Department of Homeland Security Lapse Funding Plan (10/3/24)
Interior
Department of the Interior Contingency Plans (9/29/23)
Justice
Department of Justice Contingency Plan (9/25/23)
NASA
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contingency Plan (8/1/23)
National Endowment for the Arts
National Endowment for the Arts Contingency Plan (1/26/24)
National Endowment for the Humanities
National Endowment for the Humanities Lapse Plan (9/28/23)
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation Contingency Plan (9/27/23)
State (including USAID)
Department of State Contingency Plan (8/28/23)
United States Agency for International Development Contingency Plan (8/1/23)
Transportation
Department of Transportation Contingency Plan (9/16/24)
Treasury
Department of the Treasury Contingency Plans (9/28/23)