Update 04/08/2011: How would a government shutdown affect research at OHSU?

Update on April 8: OHSU Research Administration is now receiving information from various federal agencies about the impact of a federal shutdown. At this time, most investigators—especially those funded by NIH—should not be affected, and you should continue your work as usual. If we receive any information that might affect your ability to carry out your research on existing projects, Research Grants &Contracts or another appropriate Research Administration unit will get in touch with you.

You will be affected most if you are planning to submit a grant in the next few days or if you are waiting to hear about an award—these are activities that will cease if there is a shutdown. Help desks will close, and other federal websites may not work as expected.

This is a fluid situation that we are closely tracking and we will update you as often as necessary as things change.

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As an institution that receives a significant amount of funding from the federal government, OHSU leaders have been preparing for a potential government shutdown on March 18. The temporary shutdown will become a reality if Congress fails to reach a budget agreement.

So what does this mean for you? According to OHSU’s Leadership Forum, OHSU leaders believe that most research activities will continue, even if the shutdown occurs. Effects of the shutdown might include the following:

• Disruptions to federal contracts
• Inability to submit federal grants or receive preaward authorization
• Inability to execute large equipment purchases from federal grants
• Inability to be reimbursed for student financial aid

For more information, visit the Leadership Forum blog. We’ll be following this story as it progresses—stay tuned.