Good news: revised NSF guidance

Dear NSF-funded PIs,

I’m writing in follow up to my January 29, 2025 email regarding the NSF communication about implementation of certain Executive Orders and NSF’s directive to cease DEIA activities.  On Friday, January 31, 2025, a federal judge in Rhode Island issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in a lawsuit filed by several state attorneys general challenging the legality of steps taken by the executive branch to pause certain federal funding to the states.  As a result of the TRO, NSF issued new guidance yesterday that may be relevant to your research.  

The new guidance clarifies that “NSF can not take action to delay or stop payment for active awards based solely on actual or potential non-compliance with the Executive Orders.”  As has always been the case, NSF may take action to address violations of law, regulation, or current NSF grant terms and conditions.

The new guidance also explains that NSF is continuing its internal review of its award portfolio in the context of the new Executive Orders.  This review may impact renewals or new award decisions by NSF.  As I mentioned in my previous email, it is possible the guidance from NSF or other agencies will change again.  In addition, the TRO is a temporary measure imposed by the federal judge to preserve the status quo while the litigation proceeds, but it is also subject to change. As this continues to be an evolving situation, I and others at the University will provide updates as we have them.  

Please be aware that like NSF, the University is continuing to evaluate how the Executive Orders may impact federally-funded research.  During this time, please continue your research activities in accordance with the terms of your grant or contract.  This should answer most of the questions you sent to me in your latest correspondence, but please reach out with new ones as they arise.

For those of you writing progress reports for non-competitive renewals, please reach out if you have any questions.

I am truly grateful to everyone for being so responsive to my recent communication and for your collaboration during these uncertain times.

Please take care,

Kim

A. Kimberley McAllister, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Research, Scholarly Inquiry and Creative Activity