UPDATE: January 31, 2026 

As of Jan. 31, the U.S. government has failed to reach a spending agreement in time to avoid a partial shutdown of the federal government. Due in part to planning efforts, the Institute does not expect any significant effect on its operations in the immediate term. As in previous situations, a Georgia Tech working group has been assessing the potential of a shutdown and planning mitigation strategies to help ensure business continuity as lawmakers negotiate to reach an agreement. 

If the partial shutdown is prolonged, mitigation strategies will need to be implemented to preserve cash and maintain campus operations. Similar to the previous shutdown, mitigation strategies will include accelerating federal invoicing; monitoring cash balances; and assessing the need to defer certain purchases, hiring, and non-essential travel.

 

 

How Does a Federal Government Shutdown Affect Georgia Tech?

The impasse is delaying payment for federally funded research activities at Georgia Tech, which represent more than $100 million per month in expenses. During a government shutdown, research institutions like Georgia Tech must take measures to plan for long-term financial health and research continuity.  

As a result of the continued shutdown and delayed payments from federal sponsors, the Institute is now activating mitigation strategies to help preserve cash, maintain campus operations, and fulfill our academic and research mission. These measures – developed with guidance from the Federal Shutdown working group – apply across the entirety of Georgia Tech, regardless of funding source.

Additional information, including strategy guidance and FAQs, can be found here. Access to guidance related to hiring, travel, and other non-personnel expenditures is single-sign-on protected. These online resources will be maintained throughout the shutdown and updated as the situation continues to develop.    

Proposal Submissions

Grants.Gov (we use Cayuse at Georgia Tech) and Research.Gov will be operational and accepting proposals if there is a shutdown.  Please proceed with your proposal submissions in a normal fashion.  Reach out to your contracting officer with specific questions or to the Research Education Team at training@osp.gatech.edu if issues with any proposal systems.

General Guidance During a Shutdown

  • Active grant and contract activity should continue but be mindful of your budget, particularly under contracts with limitation of funds or costs terms.
  • Sponsors may decide not to allow application submissions.
  • Expect delays and lack of federal communications from affected agencies related to your proposals. It is possible that some websites may go dark. You should consider downloading or copying information that is important to your work in case it becomes unavailable.
  • Agency personnel may not be available for approvals, support or administrative functions.
  • Affected agencies may temporarily stop making payments.
  • The Office of Sponsored Programs will monitor the situation and communicate changes to federal and sponsor guidance. Check this website frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

For other questions or assistance, please contact your OSP Contracting Officer:
Government & Not-For-Profit Contracting for GTRC (Academic Units/RI) Directorate
Government & Not-For-Profit Contracting for GTARC (GTRI) Directorate
Corporate & International Contracting Directorate

Agency News and Contingency Plans