Navigating the Storm: UCI Research Prepares for Anticipated Federal Government Shutdown

As the nation watches the unfolding federal budget negotiations, a looming threat of a U.S. government shutdown, potentially effective October 1, 2023, casts a long shadow over critical research initiatives. At the University of California, Irvine (UCI), the Office of Research (OR) is taking proactive steps to ensure its vibrant research community is well-informed and prepared for the potential disruptions.

This isn't UCI's first rodeo with federal fiscal uncertainty.

Drawing upon lessons from previous shutdowns, such as the extensive 35-day impasse in 2018-2019, the OR and Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) teams are diligently working to minimize adverse effects on UCI's groundbreaking research endeavors and its dedicated personnel.

For Principal Investigators (PIs) and researchers whose projects are funded by non-federal sources or who are working with federal funds already disbursed, the message is clear: continue your vital work as planned.

However, for those intricately linked to federal agencies, the landscape becomes more complex. Collaborators employed by federal entities like the USDA, VA, or NOAA might face furloughs, temporarily halting their participation in joint projects.

A shutdown means most federal agency operations will grind to a halt.

This includes the critical infrastructure for grant submissions. Platforms like Grants.gov and Research.gov could become inaccessible, effectively pausing new proposal submissions. While some agencies might extend deadlines, PIs are strongly advised to submit any proposals with imminent due dates as soon as possible, ideally before September 29, 2023.

The OR and SPA will be vigilant in monitoring agency announcements regarding deadline extensions.

The financial lifeline of research will also be impacted. Expect a freeze on new federal awards and modifications to existing ones. Furthermore, reimbursements and payments for ongoing federal grants could experience significant delays, potentially creating cash flow challenges for projects.

Researchers are encouraged to communicate any concerns regarding financial implications to their respective departments and OR contacts.

While the federal government might be on pause, many of UCI's internal oversight and support functions will continue without interruption. Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and Conflict of Interest (COI) reviews will proceed as scheduled.

Essential services like Export Control and the Research Compliance Office (RCO) will also remain operational. Clinical research, due to its patient-centric nature, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure patient safety and ethical considerations are paramount.

The UCI Office of Research understands the anxiety and uncertainty that a government shutdown can bring.

They are committed to continuous monitoring of the situation, providing timely updates, and offering unwavering support to the research community. PIs are encouraged to maintain open lines of communication with their designated OR contacts for personalized guidance and assistance during this challenging period.

In these turbulent times, UCI stands ready to support its researchers, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge and innovation continues with as little disruption as possible, even in the face of federal gridlock.