Guidance from Sponsors and Research Partners Regarding the Impact of COVID-19 on Research

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Note that this guidance is for federal agencies. Agency-specific guidance will be based on these memoranda and will be posted on this page when received.

• M-20-21 Implementation Guidance for Supplemental Funding Provided in Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (April 10, 2020)

• M-20-20 Repurposing Existing Federa ) l Financial Assistance Programs and Awards to Support the Emergency Response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (April 09, 2020)

• M-20-18 Managing Federal Contract Performance Issues Associated with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• M-20-17 Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to Loss of Operations (March 19, 2020)

• M-20-13 Updated Guidance on Telework Flexibilities in Response to Coronavirus (March 12, 2020)

• M-20-11 Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (March 9, 2020)

• OMB Memo M-20-23: Aligning Federal Agency Operations with the National Guidelines for Opening Up America Again. (April 20, 2020)

• OMB Memo M-20-26: Extension of Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance (COVID-19) (June 18, 2020)

• OMB Memo M-21-20: Extension of Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  due to Loss of Operations (March 19, 2021)

Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)

• COVID-19 FAQs (pdf) (March 16, 2020)

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Information for NIH Applicants and Recipients of NIH Funding - When the public health emergency was first declared, NIH identified a long list of flexibilities to support the research community. The list has been updated to remind the community of many of the current flexibilities that exist. (September 2021)

• NIH Covid-19 Website: Information on funding, clinical trials, and the agency's response.

• NIH Coronavirus (COVID-19): Resources, News Releases, and Updates

• COVID-19 FAQs for Flexibilities for Applicants and Recipients

• COVID- 19 Information for NIH Applicants and Recipients of NIH Funding (Updated April 6, 2020)

• Open Mike: COVID-19 Resources for Applicants and Recipients of NIH Funding (March 13, 2020)

• NIH Message to Applicants and Recipients of NIH Funds on Flexibilities Needed for COVID-19 (youtube.com) (March 17, 2020)

• Responding to Frequent Questions on Flexibilities Related to NIH Funding and COVID-19 (March 26, 2020)

• COVID-19 Pandemic Contingency Planning for Animal Care and Use Programs

• COVID-19 Pandemic Contingency Planning for Animal Care and Use Programs

• Guidance for Peer Reviewers

• NIH Temporary, Emergency Situations Due to COVID-19 and Application Scores Received During Peer Review

• Temporary, Emergency Situations Due to COVID-19 and Application Scores Received During Peer Review

• NIAID strategic plan details COVID-19 research priorities

• Will NIH Accept Late Applications for New Awards From Applicants Affected by COVID-19? (June 16, 2020)

• Many New and Updated COVID-19 FAQs (July 2, 2020)

• Temporary Extension of Eligibility for the NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award During COVID-19 PandemicNIH Will Continue to Accept Preliminary Data as Post-Submission Material Through May 2021 Council (August 12, 2020)

• NIH Will Continue to Accept Preliminary Data as Post-Submission Material Through May 2021 Council (August 14, 2020)

• New FAQs on Policy for Charging PPE to NIH Grants & Cooperative Agreements 

• NIH Notices:

  • (NOT-OD-20-123) Special Exception to the NIH/AHRQ/NIOSH Post-Submission Material Policy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • NOT-OD-20-082: NIH LATE APPLICATION POLICY Due to Public Health Emergency for United States for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)  - NIH has communicated that flexibility concerning proposal deadlines will be allowed. Prior approval for a late application is not required. Please upload a cover letter with your late application describing COVID-19’s impact on your ability to submit the application. (March 9, 2020)

  • NOT-OD-20-083: General FAQs: Proposal Submission and Award Management Related to COVID-19  (March 10, 2020)

  • NOT-OD-20-086: Flexibilities Available to Applicants and Recipients of Federal Financial Assistance Affected by COVID-19  -   more post award focused (March 12, 2020)

  • NOT-OD-20-087: Guidance for NIH-funded Clinical Trials and Human Subjects Studies Affected by COVID-19

  • NOT-OD-20-088: Flexibilities for Assured Institutions for Activities of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) Due to COVID-19 (March 16, 2020).

  • NOT-OD-20-091: NIH Late Application Policy Due to Public Health Emergency for United States for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) All grant applications submitted late for due dates between March 9, 2020, and May 1, 2020, will be accepted through May 1, 2020. This notice applies to all relevant funding opportunity announcements, including those that indicate no late applications will be accepted. Advance permission to submit late due to this declared emergency and a cover letter providing a justification are both not required. (March 26, 2020)

  • NOT-CA-20-054: Contributing to the Global COVID-19 Crisis Response by Allowing Some NCI-supported Projects to be Redirected to COVID-19-related Research During the Crisis

  • NOT-GM-20-026: Guidance for Cost-Related Flexibilities Available to Support of Competitive Research (SCORE) Award Recipients Affected by COVID-19

  • NOT-OD-20-122: Guidance for Applicants Preparing Applications for the Fall 2020 Due Dates During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • (NOT-OD-20-158): Temporary Extension of Eligibility for the NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • NOT-OD-20-163: Extending the Special Exception to the NIH/AHRQ/NIOSH Post-Submission Material Policy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • NOT-OD-20-179: Extending the Special Exception to the NIH/AHRQ/NIOSH Post-Submission Material Policy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: August/October 2021 Councils

  • NOT-OD-21-006: Exceptions to Use of a Single IRB During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency

  • NOT-OD-21-026: Extended Guidance for Applicants Preparing Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • NOT-OD-20-164: Policy for Charging Personal Protective Equipment to NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements as Direct Costs

• NIH FOAs:

  • PA-20-135: Emergency Competitive Revision to Existing NIH Awards (Emergency Supplement - Clinical Trial Optional)

  • PA-18-935: Urgent Competitive Revision to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements (Urgent Supplement -  Clinical Trial Optional)

• NCI: Interim Guidance for Patients on Clinical Trials Supported by the NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program and the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) (March 13, 2020)

• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA): COVID-19 Grantee Frequently Asked Questions

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

  • NOT-HS-20-010 - Flexibilities Available to AHRQ Recipients and Applicants Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Due to Loss of Operations

• U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA):

  • COVID-19 Guidance USD(R&E)

  • USAMRAA’s Supplemental Guidance on Administrative Flexibilities for Grants and Cooperative Agreements in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Version 1 (March 25, 2020) - replaces Version 1

• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA):

  • USAMRAA's COVID-19 FAQs (Version 1) (March 16, 2020)

  • Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) for DARPA Performers

• Basic Research FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions for DOD Research Proposers and Awardees Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (March 24, 2020)

• Department of the Air Force:

  • Potential Contract Impacts due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) (March 17, 2020) - 10th Contracting Squadron

  • Guidance for Coronavirus Diease 2019 (COVID-19) No Cost Extensions (NCEs)(March 26, 2020) - Air Force Research Laboratory

• Naval Research Laboratory (NRL): The Chief of Naval Research (CNR) has directed all inbound and outbound   Outside [the]   CONtiguous   United   States (a.k.a OCONUS) both essential and non-essential official travel under a NRL contract be canceled or suspended due to escalating concerns over the global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) unless an exception is granted by the CNR. If you have any additional questions, please contact your Contract and Grant Officer. (March 13, 2020)

• ONR FAQ for Current and Prospective Awardees Impacted by Novel COVID-19

• ONR Letter to Contractors on COVID-19

Department of Energy (DOE)

• Memorandum for Applicants and Awardees: Accommodating Interruptions from COVID-19 (pdf) (March 13, 2020)

• DOE Seeking Input and Collaboration on Science and Technology Response to COVID-19 (March 17, 2020)

• DOE Implementation of OMB Memorandum M-20-17 

• Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE): The DOE EERE is recommends proactive communication with your DOE Contracting Officer (CO) and project team at the DOE, particularly if you believe that your coronavirus response strategy might disrupt project timelines or deliverables. DOE EERE will work with you to resolve any issues and adjust or update plans. (March 26, 2020)

• Memorandum for Office of Science Applicants And Awardees (September 24, 2020)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

• FDA Guidance on Conduct of Clinical Trials of Medical Products during COVID-19 Pandemic (March 18, 2020)

Institute of Museum and Library Services

• The Institute of Museum and Library Services has created a   website with information about its response to COVID-19. To immediately support libraries during this crisis, the agency has changed the following application deadlines for library services opportunities:

  • National Leadership Grants for Libraries and Laura Bush 21^st Century Librarian Program (Invited Full Proposal phase): The deadlines have moved from March 30 to April 13.

  • Native American Library Services: Basic Grants: The deadline has moved from April 1 to April 15.

  • Native American Library Services: Enhancement Grants: The deadline has moved from May 1 to May 15.

  • Native Hawaiian Library Grants: The deadline has moved from May 1 to May 15.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

• NASA Coronavirus Response Information

• Letter to the NASA Contractor Community (March 10, 2020)

• NASA Administrator March 17 Statement on Agency Response to Coronavirus (March 17, 2020) ( Updated March 26, 2020)

• SMD FAQ on Grants and Research during the COVID-19 Epidemic (March 31, 2020)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

NIST will be doing its part to help PIs continue their NIST-funded research/project. The NIST Grants Office continues to operate during normal business hours with staff working remotely.  The best way to contact your NIST Grants Officer and Grants Specialist is via email.  NIST also recommends that grantees review the Memoranda issued by OMB:  M-20-17 (March 19, 2020),  M-20-13 (March 12, 2020),  M-20-11 (March 9, 2020).

National Science Foundation (NSF)

• NSF Career Program Deadline (June 23, 2020) 
• NSF Statement on Proposal Deadlines (June 16, 2020)
• NSF Statement on Covid-19 (March 9, 2020)
• NSF Important Notice No 146 to the Community Regarding COVID-19 (March 23, 2020)
• Coronavirus Information: Federal Guidance on COVID-19, Community Guidance, RAPID Research COVID-19
• NSF Guidance on the Effects of COVID-19 on Human Subjects Research
• NSF Guidance on the Effects of COVID-19 on Vertebrate Animal Research
• NSF Guidance for Major Facilities and Contracts Regarding COVID-19
• NSF Implementation of OMB Memorandum M-20-20 (April 10, 2020)
• NSF Implementation of OMB Memorandum M-20-17 (April 1, 2020)
• Impact on Existing NSF Deadline Dates
• FAQs About the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for Proposers and Awardees ( Updated April 2, 2020) 
• FAQS About the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for NSF SBIR and STTR Grantees
• FAQS About the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for NSF Major Facility Cooperative Agreement Recipients
• FAQs About the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for REU Sites, RET Sites, IRES Sites, and Similar Activities
• FAQs About the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for NSF Panelists
• Those supported on active NSF awards who are confronted with a short-term increase in dependent-care responsibilities are encouraged to consider applying for Career Life Balance (CLB) supplemental funding. 
  • Requests should be for support for additional personnel to sustain the research.
  • Funding for up to 6 months of support, for a maximum of $30K in direct costs may be requested. 
  • Those with family leave considerations may include PIs, co-PIs, other Senior Personnel, and GRFP and NSF postdoctoral fellowship recipients.
  • See NSF's Dear Colleague Letter for details.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

• NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
• Memorandum authorizing COVID 19 flexibilities pursuant to OMB Memorandum M-20-17 (March 27, 2020)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA): 

• NIFA Deadline Extensions Due to COVID-19 (March 17, 2020)
• NIFA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Partners
• NIFA-20-005 NIFA Coronavirus FAQs
• Clinical Trials Related to COVID-19 Listed on ClinicalTrails.gov

U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Justice Programs

• Guidance to Award Recipients Impacted by COVID-19: Short Term Relief for Various Administrative, Financial Management, and Audit Requirements (March 21, 2020)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• NOAA Guidance Regarding Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Due to Loss of Operations

Administration of Children and Families

• ACF Grant Recipient COVID-19 Guidance

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Information for CDC Applicants and Recipients of CDC Funding
• Flexibilities Available to Applicants and Recipients of Federal Financial Assistance Affected by COVID-19
• General Funding and Grants Frequently Asked Questions

National Laboratories

• Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory COVID-19 Guidance
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: COVID-19 Notification
• Los Alamos National Laboratory: COVID-19 Preparedness and Maintaining Laboratory Operations , COVID-19 Preparedness and Maintaining Laboratory Operations (3/20/2020 update)
• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Guidance for Subcontractors
• Sandia National Laboratories: Mission Essential Subcontract Activities During COVID-19 Response

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

• The Institute of Museum and Library Services  has created a  website with information about its response to COVID-19 . To immediately support libraries during this crisis, the agency has changed the following application deadlines for library services opportunities:
  • National Leadership Grants for Libraries and  Laura Bush 21 ^st  Century Librarian Program (Invited Full Proposal phase): The deadlines have moved from March 30 to April 13.
  • Native American Library Services: Basic Grants: The deadline has moved from April 1 to April 15.
  • Native American Library Services: Enhancement Grants: The deadline has moved from May 1 to May 15.
  • Native Hawaiian Library Grants: The deadline has moved from May 1 to May 15.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• COVID-19 Information for SAMHSA Discretionary Grant Recipients
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to COVID-19 for SAMHSA Grant Recipients

Department of Education

•  FAQs about COVID-19 for IES Grantees
• Letter to all HEP grantees (July 1, 2020)
• Update from the GEAR UP and Talent Search Division (September 9, 2020)

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

• COVID-19 Grantee Frequently Asked Questions

• Health Research Alliance [healthra.org] (HRA) is a collaborative member organization of non-profit research funders. They represent over 85 non-profit funders. HRA solicited feedback from its members on how they are preparing for or responding to COVID-19 [healthra.org], and combined this data with information compiled by a team at the Simons Foundation. They’ve consolidated the information into one spreadsheet [healthra.org], which contains data from 80 non-profit sponsors.

• Cures Within Reach: All proposal deadlines extended to April 3, 2020.

• The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation: Active Mellon Grants - Please send an email to program staff to initiate a COVID-19 related modification. Please also note that the HESH program will be allowing a three-month grace period for reporting on all grants.

• The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) - Foundation for Aging: If you are a current grantee and your organization needs a no-cost extension, budget re-allocation, or other adjustment, contact your program officer to discuss your particular situation.

• Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation: As researcher start to understand how the current conditions may impact work with the foundation, please let the Moore Foundation know. Moore Foundation contacts will continue to provide the time, flexibility, and resources you need to achieve shared goals.

• GOG Foundation: The situation is evolving from day to day, so please continue to monitor our website for information. Please feel free to reach out to us directly with any related questions at info@gog.org.

• Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation: Resources to support clinicians, the cancer care delivery team, and patients with cancer. Please contact our Grants& Awards team at grants@conquer.org with questions. We will be flexible: with deadlines for grant reports or other deliverables; process grant payments as scheduled and communicate any delays; and revisit any grant objectives, timelines, and terms, to ensure that you can focus on more emergent needs at this time.

• The Packard Foundation Message on the flexibilities for projects impacted by COVID-19, including extension on reporting requirements and prior approval requirements. (March 19, 2020)

• Council on Foundations (COF): A CALL TO ACTION: Philanthropy's Commitment During COVID-19: Join the Hundreds of Organizations who have Signed the Pledge!
  • Note from UCSD's Foundation Relations Team: During this difficult time, many of our foundation partners are expressing their support and understanding to grantees and potential applicants who have been impacted by the current public health crisis. The health and safety of faculty, postdocs, students and administrators, remains a top priority for these foundations, and this sentiment is being reflected in their guidance to discontinue and/or postpone work that will put anyone at risk. Our foundation partners also understand that travel restrictions, meeting cancellations and campus closures may make it impossible or difficult to fulfill grant activities. If there are any major concerns, unexpected costs, or emergency needs for your research, the best course of action is to reach out directly to the program officer with whom you have been working. Please know that the Foundation Relations team is here to help coordinate outreach to foundations as well. You can email us at foundationrelations@ucsd.edu with any questions or requests for support. We have been in touch with many foundations and are tracking changing deadlines for current and future grant opportunities as they come out.
• MacArthur Foundation COVID-19 response and support for grantees
• HHMI Medically Trained Scientists Program COVID-19 suspension

• DCS Corporation: DCS Subcontractors who are able to perform their work at home (or alternate location) should do so if they exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 or have family members who are symptomatic.

UCOP

• Charging grants and contracts costs to Federal sponsored awards during COVID-19 (March 24, 2020)

• UCOP COVID-19 Updates - how UC, sponsors, and regulators are responding to COVID-19

• UC Guidance and Policy - this page provides a summary of UC policies and guidance related to COVID-19

• UCOP Federal Agency Resources - this page provides a summary of federal agency resources and information regarding COVID-19.

• COVID-19 Leaves and Job Protection Guidance for Academic Personnel (updated 4/27/20)

• COVID-19 EPAL Request and Tracking Form for Academic Appointees

• COVID-19 Leave Guidance for Academic Supervisors (updated 4/27/20)

University of California Grant Programs

• Research Grants Program Office of the University of California update on COVID-19

 California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)

• For Clinical, Translational and Infrastructure awardees CIRM will not terminate awards for operational milestone delays due to the impact of COVID-19.  No formal request to CIRM is required.  For those of you who are running clinical trials, the FDA has issued a new guidance document entitled, FDA Guidance on Conduct of Clinical Trials of Medical Products during COVID-19 Pandemic Guidance for Industry, Investigators, and Institutional Review Boards, March 2020 which is linked for your convenience. (March 20, 2020)

• Inception, Quest and other non-milestone research awards will be allowed no-cost extensions beyond the allowable limit in the Notice of Award.  For these award types that require a no-cost extension, awardees should submit a Prior Approval request 30 days prior to the original project end date via the CIRM Grants Management System. (March 20, 2020)

State of California

• California Energy Commission – Notice to all applicants, until further notice, any requirement in CEC contract, grant, and loan solicitations, as well as in requests for offer, to provide a signature is waived (even if it is in the screening criteria). No signature, even electronic, is required.
• California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA): CDFA has published a COVID-19 resources page
• California Strategic Growth Council: Climate Change Research Program COVID-19 Grantee Guidance

UCSD IRB

• UCSD IRB Updates Regarding COVID-19 (pdf) (March 13, 2020) (Updated March 18, 2020)

County of San Diego

• COVID-19 Updates for Contractors

California Strategic Growth Council

• Climate Change Research Program COVID-19 guidance
• Climate Change Research Program Grantee Guidance

Council on Governmental Relations (COGR)

• Federal Agency Guidance on COVID-19’s Impact on Proposals and Awards (March 31, 2020)

• Institutional and Agency Responses to COVID-19 and Additional Resources (March 12, 2020)

  • COGR FAQ: COVID-19's Impact on Federal Awards (Version 1.0) (pdf) (March 12, 2020)

  • Multi Association Request to OMB on Expansion of M-20-11 for Administrative Relief (March 18, 2020)

  • COGR FAQ: COVID-19’s Impact on Federal Awards (Version 2.0) (pdf) (March 20, 2020)

  • FAQs Regarding COVID-19's Impact to Federal Awards (V.2.2) (April 8, 2020)

  • COGR's Federal Agency Guidance Matrix (April 8, 2020)

  • FAQ Addendum #1:  NIH Specific FAQs (April 13, 2020)

  • FAQ Addendum #2:  Costing and Financial Compliance FAQs (May 1, 2020)

  • FAQ Addendum #3:  Research Ethics and Compliance Human Subjects FAQ (Version 1.0)  (May 4, 2020)

• Virtual Meeting Report (June 10-12, 2020)

National Council of University Research Administrators

• NCURA’s new COVID-19 Response Community is a space for NCURA members to share questions and information. It is a free benefit to all NCURA members via the NCURA portal.