Dear colleagues,
As of Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the federal government has entered a government shutdown. Please be aware that a government shutdown may have some impact to federally funded projects, although in most cases, spending on existing awards may proceed as usual and proposals may still be accepted. Work on federally funded projects can continue as usual, unless sponsoring agencies communicate otherwise, or they issue a stop-work order.
What is a stop-work order and what should I do if I receive one?
- Stop-work orders advise that all work needs to stop immediately, and no expenses can be incurred on the project until further notice. In some cases, however, more specific restrictions are added to the award terms, for example, restrictions on travel.
- Please direct all agency correspondence to research@uncg.edu immediately upon receipt of a stop-work order and coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) in all stop-work situations. OSP will review the stop-work order and provide guidance to help come to a common understanding on what transactions are allowable and what transactions cannot be charged during the stop-work period. It is important that correspondence and documentation regarding a stop-work order be sent to OSP immediately to allow for timely review and action.
What do I do in case I have a proposal due during a shutdown?
- Some agencies will continue to accept automated proposals during the shutdown, but others will not. Please check the sponsor’s web site to be sure.
- Several departments have begun publishing their contingency staffing plans, as noted below. This list will be updated as more become available:
What to expect during the shutdown:
- Agency operations pause. Most federal staff will be unavailable; email/phone may not be answered. New awards, amendments, prior approvals, and payments may be delayed until agencies reopen.
- Obligated awards may continue. If your award has current-year funds already obligated to UNCG, project work may typically proceed so long as it does not require federal staff direction, access to federal facilities, or new prior approvals. Continue to follow your approved scope, budget, and compliance requirements.
- New actions will likely wait. Proposals due during a shutdown may be postponed or accepted without federal help desk support; reviews and new funding decisions will be delayed. No-cost extensions, carryforward approvals, rebudgeting requiring agency approval, just-in-time (JIT), and research performance progress report (RPPR) reviews may be delayed.
- Systems may be limited. Some sponsor systems can become unavailable or experience delays. Plan for disruptions in submissions, award processing, and drawdowns/reimbursements.
- Non-federal sponsors (state, foundation, industry) are not affected unless your project depends on federal partners or facilities.
If you have specific questions about your proposal submission, please contact your Grants Specialist in the Office of Sponsored Programs. These individuals will be identified and assigned to your Funding Proposal in Cayuse.
For additional information regarding the government shutdown and its impacts to federally funded projects or future proposals, please see the most recent updates at: UNCG Government Shutdown.
We will also send updates to campus via email when major changes occur. If you have additional questions, please contact research@uncg.edu.
Sincerely,
Sherine O. Obare, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement