The following memo containing changes to laboratory access and cleaning/disinfecting was sent out to all faculty

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Article published by InsideHigherEd titled "University Research: A Time of Disparate Change"

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New and updated NIH COVID-19 FAQs available
Visit our COVID-19 page to see new and updated FAQs, including: 

• During the pandemic, how may the IACUC expedite the three-year complete review of a currently approved protocol that is due to expire and still meet the PHS Policy requirements?
• May email responses from each IACUC member be used instead of digital or scanned signatures for the semiannual report to the Institutional Official?
• What flexibilities may IACUCS use to streamline approval of requests for an increase in previously approved animal numbers because of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Also, note that that many of the flexibilities provided in NOT-OD-20-086 have now expired. Recipients may rebudget funds to accommodate unanticipated costs without prior approval when rebudgeting does not constitute a change in scope and is not restricted by the terms and conditions of award (see NIH GPS 8.1).

FAQs on NSF’s Implementation of OMB Memorandum M-20-26

Last month the Foundation issued guidance on NSF’s implementation of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum (M-20-26), entitled, Extension of Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to Loss of Operations.  NSF remains committed to working with the Administration, other federal agencies, and the research community to effectively respond to the COVID-19 national emergency.  This issuance implemented updated guidance authorized by OMB Memorandum M-20-26 for recipients affected by COVID-19.  The guidance extends two of the short-term administrative relief from specific requirements contained in 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, without compromising accountability requirements. These extensions, that go beyond what OMB previously outlined in Memorandum M-20-17, specifically pertain to the allowability of salaries and other project activities and single audit submission.  In order to support charges against NSF awards, recipients are reminded of their responsibility to maintain appropriate records and documentation to support the charges in accordance with institutional policies and procedures. OMB Memoranda M-20-17 and M-20-20 have been rescinded.

FAQs relating to NSF’s implementation of OMB Memorandum M-20-26 for NSF proposers and awardees and for NSF major facility cooperative agreement recipients are available on NSF’s website.

Questions about the policies described in the NSF Guidance should be directed to policy@nsf.gov. 

Zoom meeting containing Q&As with researchers

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Federal update - COVID Guidance and Opportunities

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Congressional and Federal Agency Responses and Opportunities Regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak

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Congressional and Federal Agency Responses and Opportunities Regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak

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The following message from the Vice Chancellor for Research was shared with faculty on 5/22/20.

Colleagues,

consistent with the S&T repopulation plan (https://econnection.mst.edu/2020/05/returning-to-campus-one-phase-at-a-time/) and based on the recommendations by Dr. Goodman and the ad hoc lab access committee, we are moving to the next phase of opening research laboratories:

 1.       The next stage of lab opening commences on May 26, with oversight by department chairs and center directors.  Responsibility within laboratories to maintain appropriate social distancing, stay below lab max capacity, wear appropriate PPE, and adhere to laboratory safety protocols will be the shared responsibility of the PI and chair/center director.  In increasing the number of approved personnel for their unit, chair/center directors should target 75% of ultimate lab occupancy.  Here, occupancy levels refer to the total personnel approved to enter the laboratories at any time, rather than a set time interval. To arrive at 75% occupancy, chairs/center directors may use a guideline of opening labs for December 2020 graduation or research deadlines, or other criteria that are more suitable for their unit. 

2.       Chairs/center directors will continue to track laboratory personnel that may access any given laboratory using the excel spreadsheets on shared drives, such that this may be accessible to EHS, medical personnel , campus police, the VCR, and the ad hoc laboratory access committee.

3.       The efforts of the ad hoc lab access committee to provide secondary approval for chairs/directors will be redirected from reviewing lab schedules and student lists (via remote review of spreadsheets), to doing ‘spot checks’ in person that social distancing protocols are being adhered to in the laboratories.  The ad hoc laboratory access committee will develop scheduling to share this in-person oversight and review of opened laboratories.   In instances where the ad hoc committee notes lack of attention to COVID-19 protocols, they may make recommendations to the VCR to restrict access for that laboratory and/or department/center.

 Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Congressional and Federal Agency Responses and Opportunities Regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak

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Congressional and Federal Agency Responses and Opportunities Regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak

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Federal Updates - COVID-19 Agency Responses and Opportunities

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University World News reports 180 congressmen support call for US$26bn research support

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Two updates were sent out today from the Vice Chancellor of Research:

1. Effective immediately the approval chain for GRA hires is changed.

Approval chain for student hires

2. At today’s ICT meeting, given the advice by Dr. Goodman and the support by Dr. Roberts, it was decided that S&T undergraduate students may join any opened research labs to conduct research over the summer. This does not extend to non-S&T undergraduates. I am excited to see our undergraduates having the opportunity to continue their contributions to S&T research.

Recent COVID-19 updates

Federal Update

Memorandum from Vice Chancellor of Research of Plan for opening additional research laboratories

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Zoom meeting containing Q&As with researchers

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The Congressional Research Service (CRS) interviewed APLU staff as part of their work to write a report that was put out this week. The report summarizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Federal R&D activities in the USA. It provides a great summary of actions taken by Federal research agencies, as well as the impact on University research. You can see in it that S&T is facing the same challenges as the rest of the country’s university research enterprise.

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We hope you find this report useful and informative. We will continue to follow national and State developments and will continue to keep our researchers informed.

Efforts by government agencies to provide researchers and Universities with some relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agency Updates

The document is collecting these efforts in chronological order by agency, including ONR, AFOSR, NASA, DHS, NSF, etc. It informs about no cost extensions, additional funding opportunities, proposal deadline changes, etc. The most recent update is highlighted in YELLOW.

In the web site below you will find constantly evolving opportunities for COVID-19 related research projects and funding:

FUnding Opportunities

The key to getting ahead of this pandemic is for all of us to work collaboratively across the nation and the world.  Also, please keep in mind that COVID-19 related research has priority on our campus and researchers involved in it will be allowed controlled, safe access to laboratories.

Zoom meeting containing Q&As with researchers

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A matrix on agency guidance and response to OMB, compiled by COGR, is available below.

agency guidance and responses

More detailed information and FAQs about specific agencies can be found here.

Updates on research laboratories, Office of Sponsored Programs and Agency Guidelines

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Guidance and FAQs for Researhers

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