Executive Actions and Federal Agency Guidance FAQs

Q: Can we continue to submit proposals? 

A: Yes! ECU will continue to submit proposals as federal agency submission portals are operational. However, please note that sponsor timelines may shift or be extended as federal agencies adjust to new rules, guidelines, and policies.  

It’s also essential to double-check that the funding announcement hasn’t been revised or had its deadlines changed. Pre-award Hub staff and Sponsored Programs Officers are closely monitoring any changes to proposal deadlines. However, it’s recommended that the principal investigator also verify the due dates and ensure the funding announcement hasn’t been altered in terms of title, program objectives, eligibility, or other key details (pay attention to the “Related Notices” section near the top of the funding announcement where any changes to application requirements are announced). 

Q: Can we continue to charge expenses on current awards? 

A: Yes! Continue conducting research and creative activities unless: 

1. you receive a stop work order (see question below regarding stop work orders) or 
2. you interpret your award to be inconsistent with the President’s Executive Orders (see question regarding executive orders).  

Q: I think I may have an award that falls under the executive orders. What should I do? 

A: Immediately notify your central office post-award specialist as well as the Office of Research Administration of any award which you believe may be inconsistent with the President’s Executive Orders. ORA will then work with you, OUC, and leadership to determine next steps on a case-by-case basis. 

Examples of awards that may fall under these executive orders could include programs, projects, activities, or contracts, such as financial assistance for foreign aid, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, gender-related policies, and the Green New Deal, among others. 

Executive Orders most likely to affect ECU awards include, but are not limited to:  

• Protecting the American People Against Invasion 
• Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid 
• Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements 
• Unleashing American Energy 
• Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing 
• Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government 
• Enforcing the Hyde Amendment 

Q: If I receive a stop work order, what do I do? 

A: Immediately notify your central office post-award specialist as well as the Office of Research Administration. Only costs through the date of receipt of the notice are typically reimbursable. If your award includes a subaward or other contracts, your post-award specialist will work with you to notify them to also stop work. ORA will work with you and the department in order to comply with the work order.