COVID-19 Resources for Researchers

UMass’s Response to the Rapidly Evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation

UMass has been continually working to mitigate the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on our university research community. Our top priority is the health and safety of our faculty, students, and staff, and UMass is making decisions following the guidance of local, state and national health agencies. This page will be updated regularly and highlight the latest statements or guidance from the university and federal sponsoring agencies. You can also view the FAQs, information, and guidance provided via the links below. Please email the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) with any additional questions. Note that any outreach to sponsoring agencies should be first coordinated with OSP.

UMASS CHAN MEDICAL SCHOOL NEWS:

• OSP Remote Operations - Process Change (Electronic Signatures)

• OSP Frequently Asked Questions: Pre-Award

• GA Frequently Asked Questions: Post Award

• UMASS Chancellor Video Messages

• UMCCTS (and IRB) - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Related Guidance to Researchers

NIH Guide/FAQ 

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Information for NIH Applicants and Recipients: Summary of guidance to date from NIH, including funding opportunities specific to COVID-19

• NIH Late Application Policy Due to Public Health Emergency - Provides guidance for late applications

• Proposal Submission and Award Management Related to COVID-19 - Addresses general questions associated with proposal submission and award management; some guidance on travel, cancelled conferences, etc.

• Flexibilities Available to Applicants and Recipients of Federal Financial Assistance - Addresses a range of topics related to pre-award costs; extension of post-award financial and other reporting; prior approval requirement waivers; and salaries, stipend, etc. 

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) COVID-19 Flexibilities for Applicants and Recipients - Offers an array of Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) in response to inquiries on policies and programs affecting the grants process

• Flexibilities for Assured Institutions for Activities of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) Due to COVID-19

• NIH Message to Applicants and Recipients of NIH Funds on Flexibilities Needed for COVID-19 (Video)

• COVID - Administrative supplements - PA-18-935 from the NIH

DOD Guidance

• Memo for all Grantees - Guidance for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19_ No Cost Extensions (NCEs)

• USAMRAA’s COVID-19 FAQs

• Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) for DARPA Performers

• The Department of Defense (DOD)  has issued “Frequently Asked Questions for DOD Research Proposers and Awardees Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).”

NSF Guide/FAQ

• Dear Colleague Letter on the Coronavirus Disease - Announces funding for COVID-19 related research

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for National Science Foundation (NSF) Proposers and Awardees - An extensive set of FAQ associated with proposal submission and award management

Other Useful Guides

• COGR Institutional and Agency Responses to COVID-19 and Additional Resources 

• COGR FAQs and Resources on COVID-19 Impact on Federal Awards

• OMB Memorandum M-20-17, Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to Loss of Operations

• OMB Memorandum M-20-20, Repurposing Existing Federal Financial Assistance Programs and Awards to Support the Emergency Response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration guide - General guidance for all U.S. workers and employers

Please contact OSP at Research.Funding@umassmed.edu with any additional questions.