Dear Faculty Colleagues,

 

Last Friday, May 29, the White House Office of Management and Budget published a proposal to significantly revise the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance (also know as Uniform Guidance), that covers government-wide policies and requirements related to the management of grants and other forms of federal financial assistance. We recognize the significant implications of these proposed changes for research universities, scientific collaboration and the broader research enterprise, and we share the concerns that many members of our community have raised.

 

Please know that Brown is actively engaged on this issue. University leaders, government relations, faculty and research administration staff are carefully reviewing the proposal and assessing its potential impact on our community. We are working closely with the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), the Association of American Universities (AAU), the American Council on Education (ACE), other higher education and research organizations and Rhode Island's congressional delegation to advocate for policies that support research, innovation and academic excellence.

 

The current public comment period closes on July 13, although COGR and other organizations have requested a 90-day extension to provide stakeholders with additional time to review and respond to the proposal. We also recognize that many members of our community may wish to submit comments individually. In the coming days and weeks, we will share information, resources and guidance to assist members of the Brown community who are interested in submitting comment letters.

 

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact the Division of Research at federalupdates@brown.edu with questions. Thank you for your continued engagement and dedication to Brown's research and educational mission.

 

Sincerely,

 

Francis J. Doyle III, Provost

Greg Hirth, Vice President for Research