APIC Comments on OMB Federal Grant Funding Revisions

APIC submitted comments to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on the Regulation of Federal Financial Assistance proposed rule. Although OMB claims that the proposed rule will increase transparency, oversight, and accountability in the federal funding framework, the results of the proposed rule could have a chilling effect on science. The proposal would give political appointees authority to dictate which funding applications are approved, instead of recommendations for peer review panels. The proposal would also require grants to conform to the Administration’s priorities, and restrict the activities of grant recipients – including subscriptions to professional journals, membership in professional associations, attendance at conferences — among other provisions. Read APIC’s comments.