Federal Funding Briefing, June 2025

JAMESON-SELECTED NEWS, STORIES & INSIGHTS

In the June Federal Funding Briefing, we look for the latest on indirect cost rate caps; Grant rulings and news; the future of science policy, and new opportunities for SBIR/STTR grantees and contractors. 

US Science Policy at a Crossroads – a Longer View

The science community is facing significant challenges. According to ITIF president, Robert D. Atkinson, there are two ways to respond. Double down on the longstanding Vannevar Bush model of science policy or chart a new course, aligning science policy with national priorities. Read the in-depth thought piece.

Indirect Cost Rate Caps Recommendations and Info 

Having a hard time tracking all the news, legal challenges, and decisions on the 15% rate caps for the NIH, DoE, NSF, and DoD? Higher Ed Dive has a great read: Read here. 

The Joint Associations Group (JAG) on Indirect Costs and its team of subject matter experts are working to develop a new model for funding indirect costs of federal research grants. It’s soliciting feedback on the provisional models it has developed and plans to synthesize a final model to present to Congress and the Executive branch. Read more. Want to learn more? Check out JAG’s informational webinar. See the presentation. 

All The News on NIH

June was chock-full of news and research happenings at the NIH. For example:

• In early June, NIH scientists published a declaration criticizing Trump’s cuts. Read article.   
• Meanwhile, Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, testified before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on the 2026 budget request. Watch his testimony  here.
• A federal judge’s order to restore hundreds of millions of dollars of NIH grants marked a big win for scientists in June — but it doesn’t mean they can immediately get back to work. Details here.
• Following the aforementioned court order, NIH ceased plans to terminate more existing projects. Read article.
• According to a recent GAO report:  In 2023, the NIH had oversight of roughly $35 billion in 65,000 external biomedical research awards. However, it failed to consistently track unused funds or act when financial and progress reports from grant recipients were late. Details and recommendations here.

June Federal Funding Briefing: Info For SBIR/STTR Grantees and Contractors     

Navigating Uniform Guidance Compliance.  If you have a federal grant or contract and draw down more than $1M per year, you will have a Uniform Guidance Audit (UGA) and compliance is essential. Get the details you need. 

Small Biz GovCon Bills to Watch. Here are 8 bills currently before Congress that small business contractors should keep an eye on. Read here.

A Phase I funding award requires the meticulous tracking of spending in compliance with FAR Part 31. You must be able to produce Job Cost Reports and calculate indirect cost rates to progress to Phase II. Our Phase I DIY Survival Kit shows you how to turn QuickBooks Online into a compliant accounting system. Details here.

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