Federal Grants News: Navigating Changes Under the New Administration

The recent transition in the U.S. administration has led to significant changes in federal grants. President Trump’s executive orders have introduced new priorities and policies, potentially impacting existing and future grants. Recipients of federal grants are advised to monitor agency announcements for funding updates and compliance changes. Delays in proposal reviews and funding pauses for certain programs are expected. Organizations should review their agreements, verify funding availability, and stay informed about policy shifts to ensure compliance and minimize disruptions.

Federal Grants News: Navigating Changes Under the New Administration

The transition in the U.S. administration has brought about substantial changes in federal grants, affecting both existing and future recipients. President Trump’s executive orders have introduced new priorities and policies, which may alter the implementation requirements attached to federal grants.

Impact on Federal Grants

1. Funding Pauses: The Executive Order “Unleashing American Energy” has paused funding for programs under the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This pause may delay or cancel procurement activities for projects relying on these funds2.
2. Policy Changes: The new administration has issued an Executive Order aimed at ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity. This order may introduce new terms and conditions for existing grants, potentially altering their implementation requirements2.
3. Proposal Reviews: Sponsor proposal review timelines may be extended as federal agencies navigate pauses on federal assistance funding in specific areas. Recipients should reconfirm proposal deadlines and funding announcements to avoid delays5.

4. Compliance and Monitoring: Organizations should review their agreements for cancellation clauses and payment milestones. They must also verify funding availability and monitor policy changes impacting their projects. Staying updated with agency announcements is crucial for compliance and minimizing disruptions1.

5. Guidance and Support: Federal agencies and sponsors are providing guidance and updates to help recipients navigate these changes. Recipients are encouraged to sign up for alerts from federal agencies or sponsors to stay informed5.

1. What are the potential impacts of President Trump’s executive orders on federal grants?

Answer: The executive orders may introduce new priorities and policies, potentially altering the implementation requirements attached to federal grants. This could lead to funding pauses, changes in anti-discrimination and affirmative action requirements, and new terms and conditions for existing grants2.

2. How might the funding pause under the “Unleashing American Energy” order affect my project?

Answer: The funding pause may delay or cancel procurement activities for projects relying on funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. You should verify if your project is affected and adjust your planning accordingly2.

3. What should I do if my proposal review timeline is extended?

Answer: Reconfirm the proposal deadline and ensure that the funding announcement has not been revised or postponed. Consider signing up for alerts from the federal agency or sponsor to stay informed about any changes5.

4. How can I ensure compliance with the new policy changes?

Answer: Review your agreements for cancellation clauses and payment milestones. Verify funding availability and monitor policy changes impacting your project. Stay updated with agency announcements to ensure compliance and minimize disruptions1.

5. Where can I find guidance and support during this transition?

Answer: Federal agencies and sponsors are providing guidance and updates. Sign up for alerts from federal agencies or sponsors to stay informed about any changes and navigate the evolving landscape5.

6. What are the key questions recipients of federal grants should ask during this transition?

Answer: Recipients should ask:
Can the budget authority for the federal program under which funding is awarded be eliminated or substantially cut?
Can a specific federal grant be terminated if it is designed to achieve policy aims inconsistent with the new administration’s goals?
To what extent can new terms and conditions be placed on an existing federal grant?2

7. How might the changes in anti-discrimination and affirmative action requirements affect my grant?

Answer: The changes may introduce new terms and conditions for existing grants, potentially altering their implementation requirements. You should review your grant agreement and ensure compliance with the new policy aims2.

8. What should I do if my project is at risk due to the funding pause?

Answer: Delay or cancel procurement activities if federal funds have not been obligated. Review current agreements for cancellation clauses and payment milestones. Contact SPA awards for questions1.

9. How can I stay updated with the latest information on federal grants?

Answer: Sign up for alerts from federal agencies or sponsors. Monitor agency announcements for funding or compliance updates. Forward any relevant information to Karen Jensen at Karen.Jensen@unh.edu for inclusion1.

10. What resources are available to help me navigate these changes?

Answer: Federal agencies and sponsors are providing guidance, updates, and access to relevant resources. Recipients should sign up for alerts and forward any new information to relevant contacts for inclusion1.

The recent transition in the U.S. administration has introduced significant changes in federal grants, including funding pauses and policy shifts. Recipients must monitor agency announcements, review their agreements, and stay informed about compliance changes to ensure their projects continue smoothly. Guidance and support from federal agencies and sponsors are available to help navigate this evolving landscape.