Important Updates on Federal Research Funding and Support for PIs

Dear Principal Investigators,

We are going through a turbulent time in the world of federal research funding. Please know that we are here to support you through every step of the way. Below are critical updates and guidance to help you navigate the situation:

Federal Funding Landscape

• Several agencies have issued notices regarding grant freezes, cancellations, and terminations. The situation remains highly fluid and volatile.
• Ongoing legal actions, including temporary restraining orders (TROs), are challenging the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) and U.S. Department of Energy’s (USDOE) proposed 15% indirect cost (IDC) cap.
• The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced that new awards will also carry only a 15% IDC rate. If you are preparing a submission, please consult with our office for further guidance.
• The NIH has stated that institutions involved in certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts may be deemed ineligible for funding.

CSUN’s Institutional Position

• The California State University (CSU) system complies with all federal nondiscrimination laws and the lawful requirements administrative Executive Orders.
• CSUN does not engage in activities that promote unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment and remains in full compliance with Proposition 209.
• We will continue to accept and manage federally funded awards unless otherwise directed by the awarding agency.

What to Do if Your Grant is Affected

• If you receive notification that your award has been frozen, canceled, or terminated, please contact Dr. Charlene Manzueta at charlene.manzueta@csun.edu
• We are working with affected PIs to submit appeals in coordination with CSU’s Office of General Counsel and our legal team.

Current Guidance for All PIs

• Continue working on your grants and submitting invoices as scheduled, unless explicitly directed otherwise by your funding agency.
• Do not suspend research activity unless you receive a formal notice to do so.

NIH Policy Change: No-Cost Extensions (NCEs)

• The NIH has temporarily disabled automatic NCEs via eRA Commons.
• All NCEs must now be submitted through a prior approval request for NIH review. Details are available in NIH Notice NOT-OD-25-110. Please work with your Grants and Contracts Analysts to submit prior approval requests.

Looking Ahead: IDC Reform

• National research organizations are advocating for a more sustainable and transparent model for Facilities & Administration (F&A) costs. We will continue to update you as new developments emerge.

Continue to Apply

• Despite these challenges, we strongly encourage all faculty to continue applying for external funding opportunities.
• If you need assistance identifying active funding opportunities or require support with proposal development, please contact Dr. Edgar Lopez, RSP Research and Grant Development Officer, at edgar.lopez@csun.edu. Our office is here to support you every step, from concept to submission. Let us help you move your research forward.

PI Office Hours

We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication. Please join our PI Office Hours to share questions and concerns, or simply to connect with our team.

Day	Date	Time	Meeting ID	Zoom Link	Passcode
Thursday	May 22	1:00pm – 3:00pm	83676335289	https://csun.zoom.us/j/83676335289?pwd=SRpuPT7WVbVqsLtxwMf9P7XcnjT7bS.1	566659
Friday	May 23	10:00am – 12:00pm
Tuesday	May 27	1:00pm – 3:00pm

If the scheduled hours do not work for you, feel free to email research@csun.edu to schedule a one-on-one meeting. Dr. Jawa, AVP for Research and Sponsored Programs, is also available to meet with you directly.

We understand how frustrating and disheartening this moment may feel. Please know that you are not alone. We’re in this together, and we will navigate the storm side by side.

With appreciation for your resilience and commitment,

Mariappan “Jawa” Jawaharlal, Ph.D.

Associate Vice President, Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP)

Charlene Rosenda Manzueta, EdD, MA, CRA

Managing Director, RSP, AOR | IO

Rick Evans

Executive Director, The University Corporation

Grace Slavik

Associate Executive Director, Financial Services, The University Corporation