Sent Sunday, December 23, 2018

Dear Brown Faculty and Staff,

I’m writing regarding the federal government shutdown and potential implications for the University. The partial government shutdown, which began at midnight on Friday, December 21, is a result of Congress’ inability to reach an agreement on a federal budget or continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government. The duration of the shutdown is unclear, as is the potential impact the partial shutdown will have on the University.

The partial government shutdown is limited to the agencies that have not had appropriations bills signed into law for FY 2019.  The National Institutes of Health and the Education Department will continue to operate as usual, and federal financial aid will not be impacted. However, several agencies, including NSF, NASA, and NEH, will be closed during the shutdown. The White House Office of Management and Budget has released an FAQ to address agency operations, including grants and contracts, and has posted various agency-specific contingency plans.
For your reference, please see the following list of federal departments and agencies potentially affected by the shutdown:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
US Forest Services (USFS)
Other USDA Agencies

Commerce, Justice, and Science
NSF
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NASA
Other Commerce Bureaus & Agencies and Department of Justice Agencies

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Many of DHS’s law enforcement agents are considered essential employees and will continue to work during the shutdown.
Homeland Security Operational Component

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Transportation Administrations
HUD Offices

Interior and Environment
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Fish & Wildlife (FWS)
US Geological Survey (USGS)
Dept. of Interior Bureaus & Offices

State, Foreign Operations
State Dept. Bureaus and Offices 

General Guidance During a Shutdown
 

• Work may continue on active grants and contracts if the shutdown duration is limited.
• Sponsors may decide not to allow application submissions.
• Expect delays and lack of federal communications from affected agencies related to proposals.
• Agency personnel may not be available for approvals, support or administrative functions.
• Affected agencies may temporarily stop making payments.

Researchers currently working under federal contracts and grants should continue to work, unless their agency or program officer has advised them otherwise. OVPR has and will continue to provide guidance to faculty with research awards that may be affected. Faculty and staff who are scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., or to other federal sites/labs during the shutdown, should confirm whether their federal contact will be available to meet, since only staff deemed essential will be working during the shutdown.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and report any potential implications to the University community. Please contact me at [email protected] if you are affected by the shutdown, as we will keep our Congressional delegation and member associations, such as AAU, aware of the effects of the shutdown on our capacity to fulfill our mission.

Sincerely, 

Richard M. Locke
Provost