OMB Revisions
The federal Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed 2026 revisions to the Uniform Guidance would significantly impact grant management and how federal awards are issued, managed and audited. The public comment period is open through July 13, 2026, with a potential effective date of October 1, 2026.
The proposed revisions affect a range of issues, including F&A reimbursements, unallowable costs on grants, merit review processes, research security requirements, and the conditions under which federal awards may be modified or terminated.
To understand how this may affect East Carolina University, please review the following FAQ:
What has OMB proposed?
On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget issued a proposed rule that would substantially revise the government-wide regulations governing federal grants, cooperative agreements, and other forms of federal financial assistance. Because these regulations establish baseline requirements for federal awards across the government, the proposal may have implications for universities and other recipients of federal funding.
The proposal is broad and is not limited to research funding. At universities, federal financial assistance can also support education and workforce-development programs, public health and community initiatives, agricultural activities, equipment and infrastructure projects, and other public service activities. The proposed changes could, therefore, affect how a wide range of federally supported programs are selected, funded, administered, monitored, and potentially terminated.
The proposal is not final and is currently open for public comment until July 13, 2026.
How do the proposed revisions affect us and the research enterprise at East Carolina University?
The University is currently analyzing the proposal. Areas under review include potential changes affecting:
- How federal agencies review and select proposals, including the roles of peer review and senior agency officials;
- The administration, modification, monitoring, and termination of federal awards;
- The allowability of, or requirements for prior approval of, costs associated with scientific publishing, conferences, professional memberships, and related scholarly activities;
- International research collaborations and partnerships; and
- Other compliance, reporting, and administrative requirements affecting recipients of federal funding.
For additional context, APLU has prepared a summary of major issues in the proposed rule: Key Issues within OMB Uniform Guidance Revision Proposal.
The final impact will depend on whether, how, and when the proposed provisions are adjusted and incorporated into a final rule and subsequently applied by federal agencies.
Do researchers or administrators need to change anything about how they conduct their work?
No – It is only a proposal at this time.
Researchers and administrators should continue to follow the terms and conditions of their current awards, existing sponsor requirements, and University policies and procedures. Do not change project activities, budgets, collaborations, or planned expenditures at this time. The University will provide additional guidance if a final rule is issued or if federal agencies communicate changes affecting current or future awards.
What is ECU doing about this? What can I do to help our collective effort?
The University has convened a cross-functional working group that includes faculty, subject-matter experts, research administrators, and representatives from relevant University offices, to analyze the proposal, assess its potential implications, monitor responses from national higher education and research associations, and help inform the ECU’s next steps.
We are also working with national higher education and research organizations, including COGR, AAU, APLU, and others, to share information, understand how the proposal could affect universities and the broader research enterprise, and coordinate responses where appropriate.
ECU plans to submit an institutional comment letter to OMB before the federal comment period closes on July 13, 2026. Faculty, researchers, research administrators, and others are encouraged to provide input to the working group. Please be specific! Use specific examples of how particular provisions might impact our work and work output. Consider:
- Current or planned research programs
- Grant application or administration processes
- Domestic or international collaborations
- Publishing, conference participation, or professional activities, or
- The broader scientific and research enterprise
Input submitted through the form will be reviewed as ECU develops its institutional response.
May I submit my own input?
Yes. Members of the University community may submit comments in their personal capacity through the federal regulatory comment portal.
Before you do, please consider the APLU’s prepared summary of major issues in the proposed rule: Key Issues within OMB Uniform Guidance Revision Proposal
Anyone submitting an individual comment should make clear that the views expressed are their own and that they are not submitting the comment on behalf of their employer, East Carolina University or the University of North Carolina System. Comments submitted to the federal docket will become part of the public record, so submissions should not include confidential, proprietary, private, or otherwise protected information.
Individual comments are due on or before July 13, 2026.