SPA Proposal Team Highlights
As we wrap up another productive quarter, Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) is pleased to share key updates following recent submissions and federal policy changes that impact our research community.
Reminder:
Team White and Team Red mailboxes are no longer in use. Please use SPA-Proposals@umaryland.edu. The SPA Contact Us page is a great resource for finding contact information.
Federal Policy Updates:
HHS Grants Policy Statement Version 2.0 applies to awards and award modifications that add funding made on or after October 01, 2025. This version aligns with 2 CFR 200 and introduces new provisions under 2 CFR 300, including flow-down obligations for subrecipients.
NIH Application Limits: Starting September 25, 2025, most investigators are limited to six applications per calendar year (NOT-OD-25-132). This excludes T-series and R13 grants.
AI in NIH Applications: NIH now requires transparency and responsible use of AI tools in both applications and peer review processes.
DoD Indirect Cost Cap: A 15% F&A cap was introduced for assistance awards to IHEs, but a recent court ruling declared the policy invalid.
NIH Policy Update: New Structure for International Collaborations
NIH has announced a major change for projects involving foreign components. Under Notice NOT-OD-25-155, NIH will eliminate foreign subawards under parent grants and require applicants to use new activity codes (PF5 for grants, UF5 for cooperative agreements) with multi-component applications that include an International Project Component for each foreign collaborator.
Implementation is expected during FY2026. NIH will issue a Parent NOFO (notice of funding opportunity) with detailed instructions and provide resources to assist applicants.
Related NIH Announcements:
- NOT-OD-25-104 – NIH Policy on Foreign Subawards and Oversight of International Collaborations
- NOT-OD-25-098 – Reminder: Application Requirements for Activities Outside the U.S.
- NOT-OD-25-130 – Updated Guidance for Active Projects During Transition
NIH Extramural Nexus Announcement – Overview of New Application Structure
Planning Ahead:
With the winter holiday break approaching, please submit proposals and award actions early to ensure timely review. SPA and SPAC offices will follow UMB’s official closure schedule, and standard business hours remain Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Stay Connected:
Join SPA Office Hours
Mondays (2nd & last): Contracts Team available
Mondays (1st of each pay period, 10:00-11:30 am): The Proposal Team is available
Wednesdays (1st & last): Research Security Manager available
Visit the SPA website for routing instructions, policy updates, and meeting materials