Wednesday, Oct. 1

As of Oct. 1, the U.S. government has failed to reach a spending agreement in time to avoid a shutdown of the federal government. Due in part to financial planning, the Institute does not expect any significant effect on its operations in the immediate term. As in previous situations, a Georgia Tech working group has been assessing the potential of a shutdown and planning mitigation strategies to help ensure business continuity as lawmakers negotiate to reach an agreement. 

“Georgia Tech has successfully navigated these situations in the past, and we are modeling scenarios on how the shutdown may affect cash flow and campus operations over time,” said Kim Toatley, vice president for Finance and Planning and chief financial officer. “While we are hopeful that an agreement will be reached soon, we are working to adapt our financial planning and activities to this fluid situation.”

Navigating the Federal Government Shutdown

As a result of proactive financial planning by a Georgia Tech working group, Institute operations are not expected to be immediately affected. The longer a shutdown lasts, the greater the likelihood that operational changes would be necessary.

More information, including how specific federal agencies are affected, will be provided as the situation develops.

How Would a Federal Government Shutdown Affect Georgia Tech?

U.S. government programs represent more than $100 million per month in federal funding for research activities at Georgia Tech. If the shutdown continues beyond a few weeks, mitigation strategies will need to be implemented to preserve cash and maintain campus operations. Some strategies include conserving available reserves; requiring Cabinet-level approval for certain purchases, hiring, and non-essential travel; and slowing down select research.

Activities related to ongoing grants and contracts will continue, but additional support and administrative assistance from sponsors may be limited. New grant applications will be on hold, and no new awards will likely be issued. Georgia Tech will continue to submit invoices and make cash requests as systems allow, but payment from sponsors will be delayed. Additional actions will be considered as circumstances warrant, and the Institute will remain committed to limiting the effect on students, faculty, and staff. 

Visit the Georgia Tech News Center for an updated article HERE.

 

Agency News and Contingency Plans

 

Proposal Submissions

Grants.Gov (we use Cayuse at Georgia Tech) and Research.Gov will be operational and accepting proposals if there is a shutdown.  Please proceed with your proposal submissions in a normal fashion.  Reach out to your contracting officer with specific questions or to the Research Education Team at training@osp.gatech.edu if issues with any proposal systems.

 

General Guidance During a Shutdown

  • Active grant and contract activity should continue but be mindful of your budget, particularly under contracts with limitation of funds or costs terms.
  • Sponsors may decide not to allow application submissions.
  • Expect delays and lack of federal communications from affected agencies related to your proposals. It is possible that some websites may go dark. You should consider downloading or copying information that is important to your work in case it becomes unavailable.
  • Agency personnel may not be available for approvals, support or administrative functions.
  • Affected agencies may temporarily stop making payments.

  • The Office of Sponsored Programs will monitor the situation and communicate changes to federal and sponsor guidance. Check this website frequently.

     

Frequently Asked Questions

For other questions or assistance, please contact your OSP Contracting Officer:
Government & Not-For-Profit Contracting for GTRC (Academic Units/RI) Directorate
Government & Not-For-Profit Contracting for GTARC (GTRI) Directorate
Corporate & International Contracting Directorate