2025 Federal Administration Actions and Updates

Last updated February 4, 2025

Research Related Policy Updates and Resources

The University of Chicago is dedicated to supporting our researcher community and the impactful, field-defining research produced across all academic disciplines. As the broader landscape of federal funding for academic research evolves, the University will continue to explore ways to support research while minimizing disruptions.

This site is a central hub for information regarding recent Executive Orders, actions by federal agencies related to sponsored research, and related University guidance. We will update this site regularly as new developments emerge.

Links to Relevant Executive Orders and Rescinded OMB Memo M-25-13 

• Update 2/5/2025: There is pending litigation regarding the rescinded OMB memo, with Federal Courts in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia each issuing a temporary restraining order prohibiting the administration from implementing the federal funding freeze as contemplated by the rescinded OMB memo. Agencies have been notified of their obligation to comply with the terms of the TRO issued in Rhode Island.  Each TRO is expected to remain in effect until the applicable Court rules on a motion for preliminary injunction.  Additionally, on February 3, 2025, a complaint was filed in the District Court of Maryland challenging the legality of DEI-related Executive Orders.
• Executive Order relating to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Programs
• Executive Order related to Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid
• OMB Memo M-25-13:
  • Rescission of M-25-13 
  • OMB Memo M-25-13: Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs
  • OMB: Instructions for Federal Financial Assistance Program Analysis
  • OMB Memo: Temporary Pause Q and A
• Other Presidential Actions (White House)

Links to Agency/Department Memoranda and Other Communications

Links to Helpful Association Websites and Documents

The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), an association of research universities/institutions and AMCs, has developed a resource page that provides links to information, analysis, government documents, and other information about executive actions and changes in policies and practices that affect federally funded research.  We encourage you to reference this resource for the most up to date information on agency developments.

The Association of Public Land-grant Universities (APLU) has put together a helpful summary of the recent Executive Orders and Memos.  

The Association of American Universities (AAU) also has a resource page providing updates.

University Guidance for the Federally-Funded Research Community

Despite ongoing federal policy changes, the University remains committed to ensuring that research activity continues with minimal disruption. Below are key guidelines for faculty and researchers regarding proposals, pre-submission processes, and awarded grants.

General Guidance

• Stay Informed: Sign up for agency or sponsor notifications. Although communication from many agencies has been limited, this may help you stay abreast of any communications they issued to the research community.
• Continue Active Research: Proceed with work on federal funded projects unless a stop work order has been received from the sponsor (see below) and continue to meet all deadlines for technical reports and other required deliverables.
• Monitor Budgets: Per normal practice, continue monitoring obligated budget balances to prevent deficits while awaiting future funding obligations.
• Access to Public Datasets: If your research relies on publicly available datasets hosted by a federal agency website, to the extent permissible under the terms of access, consider downloading the set locally to enable continued access or contact colleagues who may have already done so.  For local preservation, please contact the Library at datasharing@uchicago.edu. They can assist with data preservation and advise on the appropriate action in line with copyright and other applicable law. Just because material is available online does not necessarily mean it would be legal to download, share and use it for research. Please visit our Database Resource Page for links to sites that have archived data.  

Proposals & Pre-Submission

Faculty and researchers should continue submitting proposals according to Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). Given the evolving policy landscape, we encourage investigators and grant administrators to:

• Regularly Check for Updates: Stay on top of updated NOFOs and amendments that may impact eligibility, submission requirements, deadlines or allowable costs.

• Consult with Pre-Award Administrators: If a specific proposal requirement in your NOFO is impacted by a recent Executive Order consult with your local or URA pre-award administrator for guidance on how to proceed.

Active Federal Awards

• Stop-Work Orders or Suspensions: If you receive a stop-work order, notice of suspension or request for a certification directly from a federal funding agency, please forward it immediately to ura-researchcompliance@uchicago.edu for assistance and guidance. 

• Avoid Signing Amendments: Please do not sign amendments or certifications from agencies without prior consultation with URA.

• Other Agency Communications: If you have any questions or concerns about other communications you receive from a funding agency, please contact your local administrator or URA at ura-researchcompliance@uchicago.edu.