Office of Research & Innovation

Research Update on Federal Executive Orders

January 24, 2025

Please visit our dedicated page on Federal Executive Orders.

1/24/2025 – This week several Executive Orders have been issued which may signal shifts in federal research priorities. These changes could potentially impact both currently awarded projects and those awaiting funding from federal agencies or sponsors. We are closely monitoring this dynamic situation.  As federal agencies and sponsors adapt to these developments, Drexel’s Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) will continue to provide you with guidance, updates, and links to relevant resources to help you navigate this changing landscape. At this time, we do not recommend halting or suspending any ongoing research activities based on these evolving updates without consulting ORI. 

Proposals 

  • ORI will continue to submit proposals as the federal agencies submission systems are operational. 
  • Sponsor proposal review timelines may be extended while federal agencies navigate pauses on federal assistance funding in specific areas. 

What to Do: 

  • Reconfirm proposal deadline dates as there may be changes to proposal deadlines. 
  • Reconfirm that the funding announcement has not been revised or postponed. If available, consider signing up for alerts from the federal agency or sponsor. 

Awards 

  • The terms and conditions of your executed award remain enforceable as long as your award is active. This includes the ability to invoice and receive reimbursement. Please continue with business as usual. If there is a change to your award, Drexel ORI will receive an amendment for review and execution. 
  • ORI anticipate updates to award Research Compliance requirements. These changes could either be implemented directly by a federal agency or sponsor or may require an amendment on a project-by-project basis. We will share any information we receive with you, though you may also receive instructions directly from your Program Officer. It is crucial to act swiftly to ensure compliance with any new requirements, terms or conditions, as failure to do so could jeopardize funding. If you need assistance managing research compliance matters related to research security/export control, please contact export@drexel.edu. For assistance managing research compliance matters related to IRB, IACUC, and COI, please contact:
  • ORI anticipate updates to award reporting requirements. These changes could either be implemented directly by a federal agency or sponsor or may require an amendment on a project-by-project basis. We will share any information we receive with you, though you may also receive instructions directly from your Program Officer. It is crucial to act swiftly to ensure you are complying with any new reporting requirements, as failure to do so could jeopardize funding. If you need assistance managing any requests, please contact your OSP Grants Administrator. 
  • If specific programs are terminated or restructured, you may encounter difficulties accessing funds or meeting new criteria. Federal agencies managing these programs will typically issue guidance on how to proceed. ORI will forward any guidance promptly if/when received.
  • If a program or initiative is reduced or defunded, there could be delays or pauses in payments for existing grants under those programs. While this is rare, it may occur if funding for a program is rescinded or redirected.
  • Keep documentation of any communication with sponsors or any other federal agencies during this time.

What to Do: 

  • Review Your Notice of Award/Award Agreement: Ensure you understand the terms, especially clauses related to funding availability and reimbursement. If you need assistance in locating your current agreement, please contact your  OSP Grants Administrator.  
  • Closely monitor obligated budget balances to avoid deficits while awaiting future obligations. Anticipated future funding remains subject to availability of funds and should not be considered guaranteed. 
  • Communicate with your program or grant officer to confirm there are no changes in terms, conditions, or requirements affecting your award. 
  • Reports and Deliverables. Prioritize the submission of any technical reports or deliverables that may be past due. 
  • Monitor Policy Updates: Keep an eye on announcements from the federal agency overseeing your grant for any updates on funding or compliance requirements. 

Executive Actions 

All current Presidential actions, Executive Orders, Memorandums, and Proclamations can be found on White House News. An Executive Order (EO) directs government operations and has the force of law, a Proclamation is a formal statement often ceremonial or symbolic, and a Memorandum provides policy guidance or instructions, typically less formal than an EO. APLU has published an overview of these recent Executive Orders. 

Federal Agency Guidance