UW Research

September 30, 2025

Federal Government Shutdown News & Updates 2025

Federal Government Shutdown Possible 10/01/2025

9/30/2025: Sent to all active PIs and & MRAM

The Offices of Research and Finance, Planning and Budgeting are closely monitoring the likelihood of a federal government shutdown after midnight tonight, 9/30/2025.

We are hopeful congress will resolve the situation soon. While the University of Washington has liquidity to navigate a short term shutdown, a shutdown at this time coupled with continued federal policy volatility could present a range of outcomes that may differ from previous federal shutdowns we’ve experienced. UW leadership is preparing for a variety of scenarios.

What to expect during a shutdown:

  • Federal agency staff will not be available for approvals, support or administrative functions.
  • At this time, there is uncertainty as to whether federal agencies will pause active federal grant and contract activities.
  • Impacted federal sponsors may or may not decide to suspend application submissions. Please check for announcements on agency websites.
  • Study sections, review panels, site visits and other review activities will likely be cancelled or postponed.
  • If a stop work order is issued on an award, please review GCA’s Executive Branch Actions guidance.
  • In the event a sponsor’s financial reporting system is temporarily unavailable, GCA will submit all impacted financial reports as soon as the system is restored and operational.
  • Impacted federal agencies may temporarily stop making payments.
  • Expect delays, lack of communication and support from impacted federal agencies.

We will continue to provide more information and guidance relative to the shutdown and sponsored programs as it becomes available.

Please also pay attention to our Guidance on Federal Administration Research Policy.

Resources

Federal Agency Contingency Plans

Page Revisions

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