Federal Research Updates

If implemented, a 15 percent cap on indirect costs would significantly undermine Mines’ ability to support all research at Mines. IDC rates, negotiated with the federal government, are essential for maintaining a high-quality research environment. They fund critical infrastructure and services such as lab overhead, data systems, and facility maintenance, as well as compliance with national security, safety, and reporting requirements.

While court rulings have prevented the immediate implementation of IDC caps, changes to the federal reimbursement model are still anticipated, creating ongoing uncertainty for institutions like Mines. Mines continues to assess the financial and operational impacts of these policies and is working with peer institutions and federal partners to advocate for sustainable funding models that reflect the true cost of research and reduce administrative burden.

Several federal agencies have announced grant and contract modifications or cancellations for a variety of reasons. Mines has received official notice of several grant terminations. If your grant is affected, the Office of Research Administration (ORA) will notify you directly with instructions to discuss the best way to proceed based on communications received. If you have questions about your specific projects, please contact the Office of Research Administration at ora@mines.edu.

Immediately forward the notice to your ORA representative or rtt@mines.edu for guidance. You may also inform your department head regarding these developments.

If you have received an official notice modifying or terminating your grant contract, immediately notify your ORA representative to discuss the best way to proceed based on communications received.

On March 4, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit lifted a nationwide injunction on presidential executive orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, allowing enforcement to proceed while litigation continues. Researchers are encouraged to share any DEI-related guidance received from funding agencies with the Office of Research Administration (ORA). Likewise, if you receive a notice from a funding agency requesting certification of compliance with DEI requirements, please contact ORA.

Some federal funding agencies have begun issuing new guidance on community benefit plans and broader impacts. For example, on April 18, 2025, the NSF published an updated statement of priorities that provides guidance on the NSF’s broadening participation activities criterion, stating that research in this category should not preference some groups but should rather aim to create opportunities for all Americans.

Mines researchers are encouraged to monitor for updates as more information becomes available. If you have questions specifically related to your grant, or if you are contacted by a funding agency requesting grant modification, please contact Mines Office of Research Administration.

The federal workforce reductions and agency restructuring have caused disruptions across agency processes and the impacts on grant processing times, funding competitiveness, and R&D spending allocations remains uncertain. Faculty should continue to respond to federal funding calls as they are published. 

Proposals should align with the priorities outlined in the funding opportunity, which reflect the priorities and focus of the funding agency and administration. RTT can help investigators strategize and provide resources highlighting high-level agency priorities.

Broader Impacts (BI) remains one of the National Science Foundation’s two core review criteria alongside Intellectual Merit. BI statements answer the question of how the research will benefit society and activities can encompass a broad range of areas that can be found on the NSF BI webpage. In addition, on April 18, 2025, the NSF published an updated statement of priorities that provides guidance on the NSF’s broadening participation activities criterion, stating that research in this category should not preference some groups but should rather aim to create opportunities for all Americans. BI statements should align with the criteria that can be found in the above links and Mines researchers can continue to develop strong BI plans by leveraging existing efforts across public engagement and outreach, STEM education, workforce development, economic competitiveness, national security, and more. RTT provides specific resources to help broaden the impact of Mines research here.

The most resilient funding strategy is to maintain as diverse a funding portfolio as possible. Researchers are recommended to continue to respond not only to federal funding opportunities but also consider industry connections and foundation funding opportunities. RTT offers tools, training, and support to broaden funding sources. See the following question for more details and resource links.

Mines researchers are recipients of many types of funding beyond federal grants including industry supported research, grants from foundations and charitable organizations, and state funding. We recommend a multi-pronged approach:

• View RTT’s find funding page and the weekly Research Development Newsletter
• Search the Pivot Proquest database, which contains grants, fellowships, and other funding information from public and private sources.
• Leverage your networks:
  • Consider new or expanded work with industry partners.
  • Learn from peers who have received foundation funding that you may also be eligible for.
• For foundation/philanthropic funding sources for research:
  • Monitor key foundations by signing up to receive their communications.
  • Use Pivot to hone in on prospects that align with your research.
  • Once you have foundation prospects in mind, reach out to Zach Lynott, Director of Foundation Relations, for next steps. Often the institution has an existing relationship or contact with a foundation that can serve as a foot in the door, or there may be unique strategies for approaching a particular foundation that Zach can help to guide you through.

On May 2, 2025, the Administration released an initial FY 26 budget proposal, which includes significant cuts to research and higher education programs. The Administration’s budget is a reflection of its priorities. Ultimately the U.S. Congress will determine final funding levels.

Faculty are encouraged to work directly with their department heads and deans on specific questions related to funding commitments and graduate students. Generally speaking:

• If your students/post docs are to be funded from industry-supported grants, you can proceed as usual.
• If your students/post docs are to be funded from a start-up (PD account) commitment, you can proceed as usual.
• If your students/post docs are to be funded from a federally funded grant, please be in contact with your department head and your dean. Mines is pausing new offers until updated agency guidelines come out and agencies have done their initial review of existing grants. We expect that to happen shortly. This situation will be reassessed regularly.
• If your students/post docs are to be supported from any Mines funding sources other than start-up/PD account funds (e.g., general fund, endowment funds, departmental accounts, etc.), please pause for now and contact your department head and dean for further guidance. Mines will reassess the situation when we have further clarity on the funding changes and landscape.

COGR has assembled a resource of federal documents and related actions. View it here.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) provides resources to help scientists understand the Federal budget process. This process includes the release of the Administration’s budget, which reflects its priorities, and the Congressional budget process, which ultimately sets the funding levels each fiscal year. The webpage provides information and a video explainer on the basics of the process. It is important to note that the timeline for this process can change based on many factors, and seeing a later than normal release of the administration’s budget is not unusual after an administration change.

View communications from the Mines VPRTT to our research community:

• Research & Federal Funding Update – Nov 13
• Research & Federal Funding Update – Oct 20
• Research & Federal Funding Update – Sept 25
• Research & Federal Funding Update – June 24
• Research & Federal Funding Update – May 8
• Research & Federal Funding Update – April 16
• Research & Federal Funding Update – April 15
• Research & Federal Funding Update – April 8
• Research & Federal Funding Update – Feb 28
• Research & Federal Funding Update – Feb 11
• Research & Federal Funding Update – Jan 28

We recognize the additional stress and uncertainty that changes to the federal funding landscape have caused for you and your students, and we remain committed to supporting the Mines community as we navigate these challenging times together. Please be attentive to colleagues and students who may be directly affected and help connect them with available campus resources.

• Mines employees seeking support—including mental health assistance—can access services through the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP).
• Students in need of support are encouraged to submit a Student Outreach and Support (SOS) referral, and Mines Student Life staff will follow up to help them navigate available resources.
• Mines Human Resources is always available to assist faculty, staff, and students in accessing with available resources and can be reached at hr@mines.edu.
• For questions about your research projects, reach out to the Office of Research Administration (ORA) at ora@mines.edu.
• For questions related to federal engagement or policy developments, contact Andrew Lattanner, Director of Federal Relations, at alattanner@mines.edu.

Mines Research Development Team has partnered with McAllister & Quinn to compile relevant policy briefs that detail federal policy changes and provide insights for researchers and educators. Mines faculty can access these here. (Sign-in required.)

On September 23, 2025, the Administration released it’s FY 2027 R&D priorities memorandum, outlining its directions to advance national technological leadership, economic competitiveness, and national security. Many of the priorities outlined in the memo align with Mines’ areas of expertise: energy, critical minerals, quantum, advanced infrastructure, space resources and advanced manufacturing. In addition, the memo highlights workforce development, investments in research infrastructure, and opportunities to lead mission-driven initiatives through university–industry–government partnerships.

No. Routine interactions with program managers or technical officers (e.g., discussing specific research proposals or grants) do not require coordination through Federal Relations. However, if there is any uncertainty about the level of engagement or the audience, please reach out to Mines Federal Relations for guidance.

If you have questions about pending federal legislation, rulemaking, or planned advocacy activities, contact Mines Federal Relations first. Federal Relations can help navigate compliance requirements, coordinate outreach, and support your efforts to maximize impact.

For questions or to discuss upcoming engagements, please contact:
Andrew Lattanner
alattanner@mines.edu
(303) 384-2371
Director of Federal Relations
Colorado School of Mines