The White House released draft regulations yesterday that aim to centralize Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control over the release of government funds, including scientific research grants.
If enacted, the proposal would dramatically change the peer review process, giving senior political appointees final say over approvals.
Section 200.205 states that “consistent with the Executive order, senior appointees must conduct these reviews and apply specific principles when evaluating proposals. These principles include ensuring that discretionary awards advance the President’s policy priorities, prohibit the use of funds for discriminatory or otherwise impermissible purposes, and emphasize ensuring compliance with applicable law.” This section refers to President Trump’s August 7 Executive Order regarding oversight of federal grantmaking.
The proposal states that the scientific peer review of research proposals “remains advisory and does not replace agency discretion.”
The proposed OMB rule would not affect the indirect costs rate, which the administration had previously tried to cap at 15% last year.