Guidance on Potential U.S. Government Shutdown: Impacts on Research and Grants

Date: September 22, 2025
Prepared by: Office of the Vice Provost for Research

Overview: What Is a Government Shutdown?

A federal government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriations legislation or a continuing resolution to fund federal agencies. In such cases, non-essential government operations cease until funding is restored. While certain critical services continue, research and higher education programs supported by federal funds are significantly affected.

Currently, Congress is in ongoing negotiations to fund the government for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins on October 1, 2025. The current continuing resolution (CR) funding the government expires on September 30, 2025.

The next potential shutdown may take effect as early as October 1, 2025, which is the start of Fiscal Year 2026, if no resolution is reached.

Anticipated Impact on New York Tech’s Research & Grants Environment

A government shutdown could result in disruptions across the full research lifecycle, from proposal submission through award management and post-award activities.

Pre-award Services

  • Proposal submissions through Grants.gov, Research.gov, FastLane, ASSIST, NIH Commons, and other federal portals may be delayed or inaccessible.
  • Proposal deadlines may remain in effect unless agencies issue formal extensions. Faculty and research staff should assume deadlines are unchanged unless notified otherwise.
  • New Requests for Applications (RFAs), Program Announcements, and solicitations may not be released during the shutdown.

Post-award Services

  • Processing of new federal awards, amendments, and continuations will be delayed.
  • Drawdowns of funds through the Payment Management System may be limited, though existing obligated funds should remain accessible.
  • Reporting deadlines (technical, financial, and progress reports) may remain in place, though agency staff availability to confirm receipt or provide guidance may be limited. 

Federal Grant Proposal & Award Systems

  • Grants.gov, Research.gov, NSF FastLane, NIH eRA Commons, and other platforms may experience limited functionality or complete inaccessibility.
  • New York Tech’s Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPAR) will continue to provide internal support; however, system outages may restrict submission and award activity.

Federal Program Officers & Agency Staff

  • Program officers and grants management staff at federal agencies may be furloughed and unavailable for communication.
  • Response times to inquiries regarding proposals, awards, and compliance matters will be delayed.
  • No new approvals or negotiations (e.g., Just-in-Time requests, budget revisions) can be processed until operations resume.

Award Management at New York Tech

  • Ongoing projects with obligated funds may continue research activities, provided sufficient funds are available.
  • Travel authorizations, subaward issuance, and contract negotiations requiring federal approval will likely be delayed.
  • New York Tech will maintain operations and provide institutional support; however, external dependencies on federal approval or systems may restrict certain activities.

Guidance for New York Tech Faculty, Researchers & Administrators

  • Plan ahead: Submit proposals and reports as early as possible before potential shutdown dates.
  • Communicate with OSPAR: Work closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research for updated guidance on submissions and deadlines.
  • Continue research: Projects with existing obligated funding may proceed, but budget planning should be conservative until federal operations are restored.
  • Stay informed: Monitor official communications from federal agencies and New York Tech’s research office for updates.

New York Tech Research Office Commitment

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and OSPAR remain committed to supporting the New York Tech research community during any potential shutdown. While federal delays are outside institutional control, New York Tech will continue to provide guidance, monitor developments, and advocate for faculty and research needs.

For questions, please contact: Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Administration (OSPRAR) at grants@nyit.edu