On September 24, the Director of the Office of Science, Dr. Chris Fall, released a memo to Office of Science applicants and awardees to provide an update on the administration of grants and other awards during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Science continues to be “committed to maximum flexibility in administering awards, recognizing potential delays in research caused by impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Principal investigators will not be penalized for missed milestones and program managers are available to discuss impacts. The Office of Science is also committed to continue making new awards and merit reviews will move forward.
Specifically, regarding COVID-19 flexibilities, investigators, staff, and students may continue to charge salaries and benefits to Office of Science awards if the recipient institution permits salaries to continue to be paid in the event of emergencies or disasters. In addition, the Office of Science is continuing to take the following actions based on existing authorities:
- extend deadlines for proposals, preproposals, letters of intent, and progress reports,
- award no-cost extensions as quickly as possible, and
- consider supplemental requests, subject to availability of funds.
For more detailed information on Office of Science efforts to mitigate COVID-19 impacts, visit https://science.osti.gov/grants/Policy-and-Guidance/COVID.