Administration proposes sweeping changes to federal grantmaking

On May 29, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a proposed rule that would make government-wide changes to the management of federal grants, cooperative agreements, and other forms of federal financial assistance. The proposed changes would have sweeping implications for the scientific enterprise, American universities and academic institutions, and scientific societies, like ASA, CSSA, and SSSA. Within the 400+ page announcement, the proposed changes would codify into regulation a series of executive orders from the administration on the oversight of federal grantmaking; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs; merit-based opportunity; and foreign collaborations. Changes in the following topics would have the greatest impact on ASA, CSSA, and SSSA and our members.

1. Political influence over the merit review process
2. Limitations on DEI activities
3. Limitations on international research collaborations
4. Expanded discretionary termination authority of funding agreements 
5. Limitations on federal funding to be used for publications, conferences, subscriptions, and memberships

Individuals and organizations are invited to offer comments on the proposed changes. Deadline for comments is July 13. While ASA, CSSA, and SSSA are drafting a response to the topics outlined above, the Societies did join more than 300 other organizations in requesting an extension for comments.