National Science Foundation (NSF)

Updates

May 2, 2025: NSF released a Policy Notice of an Implementation of Standard 15% Indirect Cost Rate.  “Effective May 5, 2025, NSF will apply a standard indirect cost rate not to exceed 15% to all grants and cooperative agreements awarded to IHEs for which indirect costs are allowable.[1] The awardee is authorized to determine the appropriate rate up to this limit.”

Feb. 2, 2025: NSF sent an email update regarding a federal court’s temporary restraining order, and announced:

• The NSF Award Cash Management Service (ACM$) system is available for awardees to request payments as of noon EST, Feb. 2, 2025. Read NSF’s frequently asked questions for more information.

Jan. 28, 2025: The message to the National Science Foundation (NSF) PI community was posted on the NSF Implementation of Recent Executive Orders website, which has since been updated. For the most current information, please visit the NSF Implementation of Recent Executive Orders website.

• The NSF asks researchers not to engage in award activities that are prohibited under the Executive Orders, specifically citing activities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
• All DEIA activities required under NSF grants must cease immediately. This includes any grant activity that uses or promotes DEIA principles and frameworks.

Guidance for faculty

• We are actively working with our government relations team and our national organizations, including AAMC, AAU, and COGR, to address the F&A rate issue. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available.
• NSF-funded projects that include DEIA activities should cease those activities immediately.