June 2025 (RAF) Summaries

June RAF updates

Summary of relevant information from the June ORA RAF meeting

Before summarizing key points from the Research Administration Forum (RAF) held on 6/12:
  1. NIH has rescinded NOT-OD-25-090: Notice of Civil Rights Term & Condition, see NOT-OD-25-124
  2. As of last week, OCGA has resumed processing NIH Awards

The state legislature rejected proposed cuts to UC for next FY.  The final budget must be negotiated by 6/27. With the full transition to BruinIRB, webIRB will no longer be accessible after 6/30/25.

NIH Announcements

Foreign Subawards

NIH Termination closeout timelines have been updated as follows:

  • Within 60 days if no Human Subjects (HS) and animals
  • Within 120 days if the project involves HS and animals


Effective 5/1/25, UCLA is no longer permitted to issue subawards to a foreign entity

  • NIH will not immediately require the removal of active foreign subs, but action to remove must be taken before continuation funds will be provided
  • NIH will implement a new structure by 9/30/25
    • NIH will issue awards and pay foreign sites directly
    • UCLA will still be responsible for coordinating reports
    • As existing awards with foreign subs come up for non-competing renewal, consider – can you do project without foreign site.  If not, NIH will issue termination.

What have we seen at UCLA:
  • Proposed relinquishment of grant by UCLA, grant transfers to foreign site and foreign site subs back to UCLA (have seen this with Fogarty)
  • Reframing of foreign sub as a consultant with a significant change in scope
  • Removing foreign sub and requesting fund be rebudgeted at UCLA

There are currently no formal guidelines on the process for non-competitive renewals with foreign subs.  OCGA recommends PI reaches out informally to their PO before RPPR submission.  Either include the updated plan in the RPPR, or via a prior approval request.  If foreign PI is an MPI, submit a formal prior approval request to remove MPI.

Process and timing for terminating the foreign subaward:

  1. Send an email to ocgasubawards@research.ucla.edu confirming that PI intends to terminate sub (subaward checklist isn’t required)
  2. Outgoing Subawards Team (OST) will process an amendment rescinding future funding and confirming project end
  3. Once terminated, sub has 45 days to invoice
  4. Once final invoice and deliverables are received, email the Subaward Final Closeout Cert form to ocgasubawards@research.ucla.edu and upload to BB+

More NIH Updates…

In FY26, NIH will reserve ½ of their budget allocation for competing research grants in order to fully fund outyear commitments up front, instead of year to year. As legacy noncompeting research projects phase out, this shift in grants policy will make a greater portion of  funding available for new research projects each year.

Notes from Michelle Bull, NIH OPERA Director:

    • Proposals with foreign subs will be rejected without review
    • Existing awards: reframing a sub to a consultant will be scrutinized
    • Details on new structure and process will be released by 6/30/25
    • Changes to domestic subs will likely be implemented by 9/30/26

Notes from Jay Bhattacharya, NIH Director:

    • NIH continues to recognize value and need for some work to be performed by a foreign partner
    • Reason for change is because of lack of transparency and control that NIH currently has
    • Universities are not in a position to properly “police” foreign subs
    • NIH is building a structure that will provide them more direct control over work being conducted and expenses being incurred
    • Current foreign CTs will not have to recompete for funds under the new model

UCLA Announcements & Updates

UC Analysis of the FY26 Budget Request

    • NIH Budget proposes a 38% /  18.1B budget decrease from FY25 enacted budget
    • Alignment with president’s priorities to address chronic disease and eliminating research on climate change, gender, and DEI
    • Reorganization of NIH – elimination of NIMHD, NINR, NCCIH and FIC
    • NSF budget proposes a 55% decrease from FY25 enacted

**General Announcements**

Gates Foundation New deadline: 20 years to give away his wealth

Reminder – PIs shouldn’t sign certifications/assurances.  Send to awards@research.ucla.edufor for review first.

Advocacy 101 workshop – Forty-five minute session to provide faculty with the skills and resources necessary to have successful advocacy meetings in their personal capacities. Click here to register.

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