Preparations for a possible federal shutdown on March 14
Dear colleagues,
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I am writing to provide information in advance of the expiration of the federal continuing resolution (CR), which is set to take place on March 14.
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If a federal fiscal year 2025 budget or a new continuing resolution are not passed by March 14, we will be faced with a federal government shutdown.
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Campus leadership, the Research & Innovation Office (RIO), and the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) are closely monitoring changes and emerging impacts surrounding federally sponsored projects. A federal government shutdown communications team monitors the possibility of a shutdown and stands ready to deploy a communications plan as needed.
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Given the fluid and unpredictable state of the federal government at this time, we are preparing for a wide range of possible impacts. Effects could expand beyond previous shutdown experiences, including the possibility that the government may not reimburse some costs incurred during the shutdown. While we don’t know if a shutdown will occur next week, or the length of a shutdown should one occur, we are making preparations.
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What principal investigators (PIs) can do:
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For federally funded projects, directly funded by a federal agency or through a subaward to CU Boulder, we recommend PIs take the following actions as soon as possible:
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- No Cost Extensions (NCE): No-cost extensions (NCEs) that are anticipated within 30 days after March 14 should be submitted promptly. is available on the OCG website and your can help answer questions. Please note that during a shutdown, federal agencies are not able to process NCEs or any other contract modifications.
- Pre-Approvals: Pre-approvals for key personnel changes, equipment purchases and international travel should be submitted through your .
- Incremental Funding: PIs should reach out to their sponsor’s technical contact to request incremental funding on projects for which the incremental funding date is approaching.
- Plans for Federal Partners on Awards: For awards that include federal partners on the project, PIs should promptly make plans with the federal partner in case they cannot work on the project during the shutdown period.
- Limit At-Risk Accounts: At-risk accounts will be set up on a very limited, case-by-case basis, until resolution on the federal budget.
- Post Award: PIs or department administrators should notify their of funds that are due or have not been invoiced for milestones or deliverables completed prior to the shutdown.
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Additional communication and information will be provided to campus and posted to as we learn more about the federal government budget.
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Please know that CU Boulder, in addition to the CU system and our university peers across the country, are working tirelessly to facilitate your success and minimize disruptions to our work and community. Thank you for your continuing commitment to our mission and one another during these challenging times.
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Best regards,
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Massimo Ruzzene
Senior Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes
Slade Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Research & Innovation Office
University of Colorado Boulder
Senior Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes
Slade Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Research & Innovation Office
University of Colorado Boulder