2023 Federal Government Shutdown FAQs

The following information is pulled from OCG’s previous experiences with Federal government shutdowns. Shutdowns are fluid situations. What is represented in these FAQs is the initial approach CU Boulder has taken with past shutdowns. If a shutdown becomes prolonged beyond a few weeks, this approach may change.

The Office of Management and Budget has issued Frequently Asked Questions for federal agencies in addition to posting agency-specific contingency plans. Researchers are requested to review the guidance provided by the funding agency/agencies supporting their active research projects.

Proposals

Awards

Unless directed otherwise by awarding agency, continue your research. If a sponsor sends a stop-work order, OCG will notify the PI and CCO.

If the research is not accessing federal locations, federal resources, unavailable federal data, or federal personnel, the work should continue as long as you have available award funding.

Performance beyond the period of performance (PoP) or amounts covered by the award are not technically allowed by Sponsors.

If an award’s PoP ends or funding is exhausted, contact OCG for guidance.

Spend prudently: Exceeding allotted award amounts is not recommended as costs may not be reimbursed by the Sponsor.

No. Federal awards from affected agencies will not be issued during a federal shutdown.

Awards that have already reach OCG before a shutdown will be processed and sent to CCO Project Set Up.

Awards that have an issued SpeedType can begin or continue work unless notified from the sponsor.

Cooperative agreements could be affected if federal participation is required, but not available during a shutdown.

Preapprovals - On Hold

  • Travel: Contact OCG if the Travel is Essential & Immediate
  • Government Equipment: Purchase, repair, dispositions
  • Budget Changes that require approval
  • Statement of Work changes

Extension Requests

  • NSF 1st Time NCE = OCG can submit & approve
  • Other Extension Requests = At Risk
    • File requests with OCG
    • OCG will submit when sponsoring agency reopens

Protect Animal and Human Subjects

  • In no event should the university’s animal or human research subjects be negatively impacted by the government shutdown. 

Reports

  • Continue to submit reports according to sponsor guidelines

OCG sends a letter to all impacted subs encouraging them to continue working thru the Period of Performance given by CU. Subs are encouraged to Work at Risk, if necessary, as CU does.

Authorized Funds: Expend funds committed by CU to the Sub.