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MEMO FROM THE OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS (OSP)
Re: Federal Government Shutdown (October 1, 2025)
Effective as of 12:00 AM on October 1, 2025, the Federal Government is shut down due to Congress' inability to arrive at a compromise that would allow for funding the government. There is still hope that a positive resolution to the situation can be agreed upon by our Congressional leaders in the coming days (or weeks) ahead and that this shutdown is a temporary measure. Nevertheless, we wanted to provide an "FYI" to the campus to provide notification that the shutdown could have some impacts on grants and contracts that the institution has with the Federal Government.
Every shutdown is different and this one could also be unique. However, if past is precedent, then we may have at least a basic idea of what to expect during what we hope will be a brief shutdown. A few examples below reveal what we might see with this shutdown:
· In the past Grants.gov continued to take proposal submissions, even though some of the Federal agency systems that receive proposals from Grants.gov were not operational. However, to ensure that proposals were counted as "submitted on time", they still needed to be submitted to Grants.gov by the published deadline.
· NSF Fastlane (now NSF Research.gov) did shutdown during the last shutdown in 2018 which lasted 35 days. Fastlane allowed for late proposal submissions due to the shutdown, but provided very little turnaround time—and thus very little "leniency"-- once the shutdown ended and systems resumed normal operation. Therefore, the Office of Sponsored Programs is recommending we continue with "business as usual" submitting proposals by their due dates to ensure maximum opportunity for eventual award.
· A shutdown will result in the delayed receipt of new awards, increments, modifications, and extensions from the affected Federal agencies.
Historically, the impacts from a shutdown are typically agency-specific (and in some instances, they might even be award-specific). In previous years, agency-specific information was compiled on a list and provided by the Executive Branch (White House/OMB). However, the instruction this time is the following:
" In accordance with Circular A-11, agency contingency plans for a lapse in appropriations are hosted solely on each agency's website".
(See https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-resources/guidance/miscellaneous/)
OSP, OCGA, and ORCA will continue to monitor the news and situations that are constantly developing in regards to the shutdown. We will provide updates and guidance throughout the legislative process as they become available. At this time, the Office of Sponsored Programs is recommending we continue with business as usual.
Our goal is to help inform UMBC's research and Creative Achievement community with what the next necessary steps and procedures might be. And we sincerely hope that the required federal funding bills are soon passed or that a Continuing Resolution (CR) is obtained to at least stabilize the current funding volatility.
Additional COGR Links:
Considerations for a Federal Government Shutdown Updated: September 2025
COGR Statement on LinkedIn Regarding the Federal Government Shutdown (October 1, 2025)
Best Regards,
Michael T. Walsh
Director, OSP
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The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) seeks enthusiastic and experienced Temporary Visitor Experience /BMA Shop Associate to play an essential role in the success of the upcoming exhibition Amy Sherald: American Sublime. The ideal candidate will ensure a welcoming, seamless experience for visitors and will rotate between the box office and retail kiosk duties while acting as an ambassador for the institution using their excellent communication and customer service skills.
]]>The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) seeks enthusiastic and experienced Temporary Visitor Experience /BMA Shop Associate to play an essential role in the success of the upcoming exhibition Amy Sherald: American Sublime. The ideal candidate will ensure a welcoming, seamless experience for visitors and will rotate between the box office and retail kiosk duties while acting as an ambassador for the institution using their excellent communication and customer service skills.
]]>Interested in learning how to use STATA?
Join the Economics Council's workshop to explore this powerful statistical program, strengthen your data analysis skills, and connect with peers in economics.
Date and Time: TODAY at 6–8 PM
Location: Commons 329
Snacks will be provided!
We look forward to seeing you there!
]]>This fall's culture conversations is a three-part series that explores how a values-driven approach can deepen understanding and support for religious diversity. The series will address antisemitism, Islamophobia, and biases related to non-western religious and spiritual traditions, which can encompass a wide range of global traditions present at UMBC, including those common in South Asia such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Together, we will explore the intersections of faith and culture, building the skills to create communities where all beliefs are respected and valued.
A mix of in-person and virtual sessions will be provided this semester.
RSVP here: https://umbc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_09DlqMyjcC3YlBI
To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please get in touch with each program office directly. All sessions are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
Getting involved in scientific research is a core component of learning how to become a scientist, but understanding research and how to get started can be daunting. Where should you begin to get involved in undergraduate research?
Join us TOMORROW, October 1st from 12-PM in The Learning Collaboratory - TLC -- UC 115 -- for an informative workshop designed to clarify the steps to get involved in research. You'll learn practical strategies to kick-start your research journey, including how to find resources and connect with mentors. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to engage with undergraduate students who are currently involved in research across various STEM disciplines.
You can view and respond to the original post HERE.
]]>Location
Lecture Hall 1: Biological Sciences
Date & Time
October 7, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Description
Latinx Film Festival
Celebrating Hispanic heritage month on screen
On Oct. 7, Unleash the story of "two children emigrate to the US with their mother. Their days pass in a tiny flat waiting for her to come back as they hold on to the hope of visiting Disneyworld" in Los Lobos
Dr Meloddye Carpio-Rios will introduce the film and guide a short discussion after.
Come and dive into Hispanic cinema!