The University of Florida is closely tracking a number of executive actions taken by the Trump Administration in recent weeks that affect the university’s core missions of teaching, research and service. We know that members of our community may be concerned about potential actions related to research funding, student aid, international students, and other critical parts of the university’s work. As we receive additional direction from the federal government, the university will communicate guidance to campus.
This site will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.
For additional questions, please email uf-federalrelations@ufl.edu.
Members of the media, please email news@ufl.edu.
Last Updated 4/18/2025
The Department of Energy has announced its intention to cap F&A (indirect) rates at 15%. This cap has been temporarily blocked by the courts.
A district court has issued an order blocking the National Institutes of Health from capping indirect research costs at 15%.
Page Last Updated 3/14/2025
Research Grants and Funding
NIH Indirect Costs
The University of Florida has signed a new F&A (indirect) rates effective July 1, 2025. New rates are listed at https://research.ufl.edu/dsp/proposals/budgeting/fa-rates-idc.html. The On-campus Research rate increases from 52.5% to 53.5%. The rates for Other Sponsored Activities, Scripps, Instruction, Off-Campus and DOD contracts have all changed. Please review the rates relevant to your activity at the link above.
There has been a change in thresholds as allowed by the changes in federal grant regulations 2 CFR 200. Effective July 1, UF will be allowed to recover F&A on the first $50,000 (up from $25,000) on outgoing subawards and the definition of equipment will transition to “tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per unit acquisition cost which equals or exceeds $10,000”. This is up from $5,000. Effective July 1, all proposals and existing awards will be expensed according to these new thresholds.
The following provides details on the impact of these increases on new proposals, existing awards, and pending awards:
New proposals (including supplements and any other request for funding not already committed by a sponsor): Effective immediately all proposals must use the new F&A rates. Only awards with exceptions specifically identified in accordance with the University’s Facilities & Administrative Cost Policy (F&A Policy and F&A Directives and Procedures) may use rates different than those provided in the negotiated agreement. UFIRST has been updated to reflect these rates. Progress reports, continuations, and other proposals to request release of already committed funding may continue to reflect the existing rates.
New awards received by UF on or after July 1, 2025 or with start dates on or after July 1, 2025: Any award received before July 1 with a start date before July 1 will maintain the rates in effect at the time of proposal submission. Any award received by UF on or after July 1, 2025 or with start dates on or after July 1, 2025 will be subject to the new rates. As a reminder, awards are subject to the negotiated F&A rates in effect at time of initial award and those rates apply to the Life of the award. “Life” shall mean for the competitive segment approved by the funding agency at the time of the initial award. For those projects that receive scheduled installments within an existing award, (for example, multi-year NIH and NSF awards are often distributed to the university in one-year budgetary installments), UF Research will ensure that the rates in place at the time of the competitive award remain in effect.
For awards in which the proposed budget was submitted based on the old rates, you should not anticipate receiving additional funds from the sponsor or University to cover the increased cost of F&A. These projects may need to be re-budgeted with the direct costs reduced to cover the additional F&A.
Only awards with exceptions specifically identified in accordance with the University’s Facilities & Administrative Cost Policy (F&A Policy and F&A Directives and Procedures) may use rates different than those provided in the negotiated agreement.
Questions regarding the policy or interpretation should be directed to the Division of Sponsored Programs at dsp@research.ufl.edu. Questions about proposal submission and budget development should be directed to ufproposals@ufl.edu
Page Last Updated 3/07/2025
Update on NIH Indirect Cost Cap Ruling
On March 5, 2025, a federal court issued a nationwide injunction blocking the implementation of NIH’s proposal to cap Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs, known as indirect costs, at 15%. This ruling prevents the policy from taking effect while legal proceedings continue.
UF will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates here. The Division of Sponsored Programs will communicate any additional guidance directly with researchers. All projects should continue spending and budgeting per UF’s F&A policy, located here.
Federal Funds Disbursement
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget rescinded an earlier freeze on federal payments. The university is monitoring the situation for any developments.
Proposal Submission
UF's Division of Sponsored Programs will continue to submit proposals so long as federal agencies’ submissions systems are operational. Review timelines may be affected. Please copy or forward any communications from your federal sponsor to UF Research at ufawards@ufl.edu. This address can also be used for any questions specific to your funding.
Page Last Updated 2/10/2025
Research Grants and Funding
NIH Indirect Costs
After courts issued a temporary restraining order against NIH funding cuts, UF is moving forward as normal following the NIH’s announcement on Feb. 7 that it would restrict Facilities and Administrative Costs (F&A), which support university research operations, to 15%., In the meantime, UF leadership is working to determine the potential impact on the university and maintain research activities. The Division of Sponsored Programs Research will communicate additional guidance directly with researchers.
Federal Funds Disbursement
The Office of Management and Budget rescinded an earlier freeze on federal payments. The university is monitoring the situation for any developments.
Proposal Submission
The Division of Sponsored Programs will continue to submit proposals so long as federal agencies’ submissions systems are operational. Review timelines may be affected. Please copy or forward any communications from your federal sponsor to UF Research at ufawards@ufl.edu. This address can also be used for any questions specific to your funding.
