[Faculty] Comments on OMB Proposed Uniform Guidance Revisions

[VCREDadmin VCREDadmin]

Dear Colleagues:

You may be aware that the federal government’s Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) recently published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
<https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/29/2026-10817/regulation-for-federal-financial-assistance>
that
substantially revises “Uniform Guidance,” the government-wide framework for
the management of federal grants, cooperative agreements and other forms of
federal financial assistance. A summary can be found here
<https://www.aplu.org/wp-content/uploads/Summary-of-Uniform-Guidance-Issues.pdf>
.

If finalized as proposed, the revised rules would significantly reshape —
and adversely affect — federal award management requirements for UCR and
across the University of California research ecosystem. In particular areas
of concern that would drastically affect our federally funded activities
are the following:

   - Expanded Agency Discretion in Funding Decisions
   - Expanded Suspension and Termination Authorities
   - Changes to Allowable, Unallowable, and Indirect Costs
   - Restrictions on International Collaboration and Expanded Oversight of
   Subrecipients
   - Elimination of Fixed Amount Awards and Subawards

See further details from AAU, APLU, and COGR here
<https://www.cogr.edu/sites/default/files/2026-06/COGR-AAU-APLU%20UG%20Executive%20Brief%206526_6.pdf>
.

The UC Office of the President is providing several calls to action:

Submit a comment
<https://universityofcalifornia.quorum.us/campaign/uniformguidancecomments/?utm_source=quorum&utm_medium=toolkit&utm_campaign=uniformguidancecomments&utm_content=Riverside>:
Use this framework for the comment letter, but please tailor and
personalize the letter before submitting. Look for the content in all caps,
set off by brackets, and be sure to at least customize those areas.

All comments submitted via this page must be made in your individual
capacity, not on behalf of the University. As such, this template may not
be used on University letterhead or email address. You may delete the
auto-populated name and submit a comment anonymously if you prefer.

Sign the petition
<https://universityofcalifornia.quorum.us/campaign/uniformguidancepetition/?utm_source=quorum&utm_medium=toolkit&utm_campaign=uniformguidancepetition&utm_content=UCLA>
that
will be shared with members of the California Congressional delegation. The
petition will raise awareness among key decision-makers by outlining
concerns about the proposed changes to the Uniform Guidance and their
potential impact on the University.

You may also consider writing directly to your congressional
representative(s) in your individual capacity. Congressional engagement
will play an important role in informing the broader discussion regarding
these proposed changes and their potential impact on federally funded
research. Accordingly, researchers may find it valuable to share their
perspectives with their elected representatives. If you do so, you may not
utilize UC resources or imply institutional representation or endorsement,
including the use of UCR letterhead and email, but you are free to do so in
your individual capacity. The 'How to Contact Your Member'
<https://www.congress.gov/members?q=%7B%22congress%22%3A119%7D> tool can
help you find your congressional representatives.

Please note that OMB is accepting comments through July 13.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to UCR’s research
enterprise.

Sincerely,


*Rodolfo H. Torres*Vice Chancellor
Research, Innovation, and Economic Development
Faculty Director
UC Alianza Mex
Distinguished Professor
Department of Mathematics
University of California, Riverside
200 University Office Building
Riverside, CA 92521
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