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Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP)
The Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) welcomes the opportunity to assist faculty and research staff in your efforts to obtain external funding. We encourage you to communicate early and schedule a face-to-face meeting for an overview of services, processes, and procedures. The ORSP webpages provide the policies, procedures, forms, and tools needed to submit research proposals and manage sponsored accounts throughout the life cycle of external funds awarded to faculty, staff, and students.
Please Note: All proposals for external funds (grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements) must be submitted through the ORSP and must be completed and delivered to the ORSP no later than 5 business days before sponsor deadlines.
Update on Federal Funding
Last update: February 25, 2025
There has been significant confusion over the past few weeks in terms of federal guidance and related legal challenges for existing grants. We have been working with the other UMass campuses and the Office of General Counsel (OGC) to understand the current legal issues and assess administrative implications.
This is a dynamic situation, and while most of these issues are still being decided, it is essential that any sponsor communications be forwarded immediately to ORSP. We will include these in our ongoing work with OGC and you on the appropriate actions and the necessary response.
Meanwhile, since many federal actions are the subject of ongoing litigation and, as such, we provide the following information and guidance:
- Proposal Submissions: proposal submissions should proceed as scheduled. However, it's important to verify that funding announcements have not been revised or postponed, as some opportunities may have been suspended or otherwise affected.
- Award Management: Existing contracts, grants, and agreements with federal agencies remain in effect unless formally modified or a stop-work order is received from funding agency representatives. Funded projects can continue as usual unless directed otherwise by funding agency representatives and confirmed by ORSP. Deliverables, including progress reports, should be submitted as scheduled to avoid jeopardizing future funding.
- Financial Management: Project budgets should be closely monitored to avoid deficits. Spending against future funds should be limited, as future obligations may be delayed, and in extreme cases, expenditures against future funding may not be reimbursed.
We will continue to share any new developments as they arise through two mechanisms:
- Federal News Updates, Policy Changes & University Guidelines will be posted on the University News page under Federal News
- Campus updates specific guidance for UMB researchers will be posted on the ORSP website
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all learn more information and navigate any changes. We are also grateful for your ongoing work and contributions, your efforts matter. Meanwhile, we know the uncertainty is very worrisome for you and your colleagues and collaborators. We are all hoping some consistency returns but if there is anything we can do during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to your ORSP contacts. Please be assured that campus leadership is working tirelessly to protect and advance the values, mission, and strategic priorities of UMass Boston.