The federal policy changes research offices are tracking, in plain language, with primary sources.
NIH 15% indirect cost cap
In February 2025, NIH issued guidance setting a 15% indirect cost rate for NIH grants. A federal district court in Massachusetts permanently enjoined it on April 4, 2025, and the First Circuit upheld that on January 5, 2026. The Administration's FY2027 NIH budget proposes a 15% cap again. CRS Insight IN12516
NSF research security training
Effective October 10, 2025, research security training must be completed within 12 months before an NSF proposal is submitted, under Section 10634 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Stanford Office of Research Administration summary
Grants.gov is changing
Simpler.Grants.gov's roadmap targets 2027 for replacing the legacy Grants.gov experience. Roadmap
Questions
What is the status of the NIH 15% indirect cost cap?
As of October 12, 2026: a federal court in Massachusetts permanently blocked the NIH 15% indirect cost policy on April 4, 2025, and the First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that on January 5, 2026. The Administration's FY2027 NIH budget proposed a 15% cap again, so the issue is now with Congress (Congressional Research Service, IN12516).
When is NSF research security training required?
Effective October 10, 2025, NSF requires research security training to be completed within the 12 months before proposal submission, consistent with Section 10634 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.