Message from the Senior Vice President of Research and Innovation

Feb. 20, 2025

Dear colleagues,

In his message to the university community, President Sands shared that university leadership are actively engaged in informing Congressional leaders, Virginia Tech Board of Visitors members, and others in leadership positions about the potential negative consequences of changes like the suggested cap on facilities and administrative reimbursements.

Every sponsored project has both direct and indirect costs. Visit this webpage to learn more about Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs, also referred to as indirect costs, and what they cover.  

During this time of rapid change, researchers should note the following:

• Visit the Federal Agency Updates webpage, as well as agency websites for updates. If you have specific questions, please reach out to the Office of Sponsored Programs.
• The university is continuing to submit proposals, including responding to open calls for proposals and with previously negotiated F&A rates. 
• In some cases, changes in federal priorities are not yet reflected in requests for proposals and solicitations with upcoming deadlines. If you have questions about the requirements for a proposal you are working on, first contact the sponsor or program manager, and then contact Linda Duffy. 
• Continue to work on current projects unless notified by their sponsor to stop work or restrict certain types of activities on that specific project. If you have questions or concerns about the impact of a stop-work order on Virginia Tech employees or students, contact Laurel Miner.
• Continue to make progress on meeting research goals and timelines, especially for projects nearing the end of their award period. As you conduct work on project objectives, seek to accurately and quickly charge all labor so that the Office of Sponsored Programs can process invoices.
• Consider fiscal restraints on financial commitments such as large equipment purchases or issuing subcontracts where such expenses are not critical to near-term progress.

In coordination with university leadership, we will continue to provide you with guidance, updates, and links to relevant resources.

I am thankful for our collective commitment to critical research that addresses emerging challenges and opportunities that seek to improve the human condition and create a better world for all. Your work and unwavering dedication to the research mission are sincerely appreciated.

Regards,
Dan

Daniel Sui
Senior Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer

(This message was included in the February edition of the Research Monthly newsletter, which is distributed to faculty who do research and Office of Research and Innovation personnel. Subscribe to the Research Monthly)