Research Announcements
New NIH, FCC and DOE Guidance
Several recent federal updates may affect UofL researchers and research administrators, including changes to NIH application and reporting requirements, new FCC restrictions on foreign-produced equipment purchases and conflict-of-interest requirements for DOE-funded projects.
NIH Announcements
NIH has issued a reminder regarding the disclosure of foreign collaborations, foreign components, funding attribution, and publication practices. The notice reflects increased federal oversight of international research collaborations and emphasizes that NIH-funded institutions are responsible for ensuring accurate reporting throughout the life of an award.
Key Takeaways for Investigators:
- Most Foreign Collaborations Should Be Assumed Reportable
- Prior Disclosure and Approval Requirements Still Apply
- Accurate Funding Attribution Is Critical
NIH has announced that it will replace Letters of Support with Letters of Collaboration in NIH grant applications as part of its effort to reduce administrative burden and align more closely with the National Science Foundation format. This change will take effect with the implementation of Forms J in Fiscal Year 2027.
Letters of Collaboration should be used only to document a collaborator’s intent to collaborate or provide material support, such as resources or materials described in the application. These letters may not include endorsements, evaluations, or general statements of support for the project. Each letter must be 100 words or fewer.
After the implementation date, NIH applications that continue to include traditional Letters of Support may be returned without review. Researchers preparing NIH applications should begin planning for this change and work with collaborators to use the new NIH-recommended format when applicable.
For all applications except fellowships:
"If the application submitted by [Organization Name and with PD/PI Name] as Program Director/Principal Investigator entitled [Grant Application Title] is selected for funding by NIH, it is my intent to collaborate and/or commit resources as detailed in the application."
NIH has provided implementation details for the updated NIH Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan format first announced in NOT-OD-26-046. This affects the format and reporting process for NIH DMS Plans, but it does not change the underlying 2023 NIH DMS Policy.
Key Dates:
- July 29, 2026: NIH released NOT-OD-26-100 with implementation instructions for applications and active awards.
- October 1, 2026: Changes to an approved DMS Plan should be reported in the RPPR, Section C.5.c, rather than through a separate prior approval request.
Researchers with NIH applications or awards subject to the DMS Policy should use the updated DMS Plan format.
For active awards, the updated format should be provided with the next RPPR. Prior NIH approval is no longer required to modify an approved DMS Plan. Beginning October 1, 2026, changes such as a new data repository, a change in scientific direction, or an updated sharing timeline should be reported in the RPPR.
Researchers preparing NIH submissions or RPPRs should review the updated NIH DMS Plan format and coordinate with their grants, compliance, or library data management support teams as needed.
FCC Announcements
Researchers should be aware that the Federal Communications Commission recently added several categories of foreign-produced equipment to the List of Equipment and Services Covered by Section 2 of the Secure Networks Act, commonly called the FCC Covered List. The Covered List identifies equipment and services determined to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the safety and security of U.S. persons
Recent Additions and Key Dates:
- December 22, 2025: The FCC added uncrewed aircraft systems, or drones, and UAS critical components produced in foreign countries to the Covered List.
- March 23, 2026: The FCC added routers produced in foreign countries, except routers that receive Conditional Approval from the Department of War or Department of Homeland Security.
- July 28, 2026: The FCC added foreign-produced power inverters and foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to the Covered List.
Before ordering drones, routers, robotic devices, power inverters, telecommunications equipment, video surveillance equipment, or cybersecurity products for research, please check whether the item, manufacturer, or equipment category appears on the FCC Covered List. If you are unsure, contact Procurement, IT Security, Export Controls, or Research Security before ordering.
This determination may affect purchases of robotic platforms used in research, including mobile robots, humanoid robots, quadruped robots, unmanned ground vehicles, autonomous robotic systems, or similar network-enabled robotic devices.
Equipment on the FCC Covered List is restricted from receiving FCC equipment authorization, which may affect whether new models can be imported, marketed, or sold in the United States. The FCC has stated that this action applies to new device models and does not affect a consumer’s continued use of devices previously acquired or previously authorized through the FCC equipment authorization process.
If your project involves purchasing or using mobile robots, humanoid robots, quadruped robots, unmanned ground vehicles, or other advanced robotic devices, please consult Procurement, IT Security, Export Controls, or Research Security before placing an order. This review will help determine whether the item is affected by the FCC Covered List or requires additional documentation before purchase.
DOE Announcements
The U.S. Department of Energy issued a final rule amending 2 CFR part 910, subpart C, effective August 17, 2026, establishing formal requirements for conflicts of interest, conflicts of commitment, and organizational conflicts of interest in DOE financial assistance awards.
The rule applies to universities as well as covered individuals involved in DOE-funded or proposed projects. Covered individuals generally include PIs, project directors, co-PIs, project managers, and others who substantively contribute to the project scope.
Researchers need to disclose financial interests, outside appointments, affiliations, employment, foreign talent program participation, sponsored travel, other support, and other relationships. Required disclosures must be submitted by the time of application, updated annually, and updated within 15 days of any new actual, apparent, or potential conflict.
Researchers must complete COI/COC training before participating in DOE-funded projects and complete refresher training at least every two years. Researchers who maintain up to date ADF filings with UofL complete the required training as part of the ADF submission.
Failure to disclose or properly manage conflicts may result in award conditions, disallowed costs, rejected applications, termination of funding, or other enforcement actions.