Guidance on DHS Partial Government Shutdown

The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPAR) is providing the following guidance regarding the partial federal government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)and its current impact on federal grant operations at the New York Institute of Technology.

As of today, Congress has not yet passed full FY2026 appropriations for DHS, resulting in a funding lapse for that department only. This partial shutdown is narrow in scope and does not extend to the major federal research agencies that support the majority of New York Tech’s sponsored programs, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Education (DoEd), and others. These agencies remain funded and operational through existing appropriations.

Impact on New York Tech Researchers

  • Active Federally Funded Awards
    Work on existing active grants and contracts funded by NIH, NSF, DOE, DoEd, and other non-DHS agencies may continue without interruption. Projects funded under existing obligations are not halted by the DHS funding lapse.
  • Proposal Submissions
    Federal proposal submission systems (e.g., grants.gov, research.gov) remain online. Investigators should continue to prepare and submit proposals according to planned timelines.
  • Agency Communications and Reviews
    Although major research agencies remain funded, some administrative staff may have reduced availability during this period. Communications with federal program officers, processing of administrative actions (e.g., approvals for no-cost extensions and rebudgeting), and merit review activities could experience delays or slower response times.
  • New Awards & Funding Decisions
    Issuance of new awards and advancement of funding decisions may be delayed depending on agency operating conditions and staffing levels.
  • Systems Availability
    Key federal systems supporting grants administration are currently functional; however, timelines for processing actions and agency responses may lengthen.

Practical Guidance

  • Continue research activities and compliance reporting for active awards.
  • Submit proposals and required application materials per your regular schedules.
  • Notify OSPAR of any time-sensitive issues that may require tracking with federal sponsors.
  • Anticipate slower turnaround on agency communications and administrative approvals.

OSPAR will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates should the federal situation evolve. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your continued dedication to research excellence at New York Tech.