Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Proposed Revisions of the Uniform Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance

Overview

The Uniform Guidance (UG) was introduced in 2013 by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and implemented in 2014 when the agency harmonized multiple OMB circulars on federal awards and grants. On May 29, 2026, OMB published a proposed rule in the Federal Register: OMB Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance. This proposed rule would be a significant overhaul of federal grant regulations and cooperative agreements across funding agencies.

The public comment period closed July 13, 2026, and OMB is now reviewing the comments it received. At the same time, Congress is examining the proposal through the FY2027 government funding process — see “Where Things Stand: OMB and Congress” below. GSA remains concerned about the potential effects on aging research, research training, scientific collaboration, innovation, and the broader ecosystem that supports older adults and their communities.

Scientist-Citizens need to amplify the potential impacts of these proposed changes.

Act Now—Your Voice Matters

On August 10, GSA President Tamara Baker, CEO James Appleby, and Vice President of Policy & Professional Affairs Trish D'Antonio held a member Town Hall on the OMB Uniform Guidance proposal — covering what the proposed rule says, what it means for aging research and aging-related programs, where things currently stand with OMB and Congress, and how you can engage as a Scientist-Citizen during August recess. Watch the recording.

Where Things Stand: OMB and Congress

The public comment period on OMB's proposed rule closed July 13, 2026. GSA submitted formal comments to OMB urging withdrawal of its proposed overhaul of the Uniform Guidance. Read GSA's full comment letter here.

OMB is now reviewing all comments submitted through the public process. OMB could finalize the rule, revise portions of it, delay action, or take another approach — GSA does not yet know which.

At the same time, Congress is examining the proposal through the government funding process. The Senate passed the bipartisan continuing resolution (CR). The CR would extend government funding from the end of this fiscal year on September 30 through December 11 and block the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed rule on nonpartisan federal grantmaking from taking effect during that period. The House continuing resolution does not include this delay language. The difference between the House and Senate versions will need to be resolved before a final funding measure is enacted — so the delay is not yet final.

GSA will continue to monitor both the regulatory and congressional processes and will update this page as developments occur.

Contact Your Members of Congress

Members of Congress care about the things we care about — advancing science, research, and innovation in their communities. August recess is one of the best times to reach district and state offices directly. Scientist-Citizens should contact their members of Congress as soon as possible to share their personal perspective on the potential impact of OMB's proposed rule.

GSA Guide to Engage Congress

GSA has developed a guide for engaging with members of Congress about the proposed rule, with separate phone scripts for Senate and House offices, a voicemail script, an email/written template, and talking points for a district or state office meeting.

Additional Resources on the Proposed Rule

GSA Member Briefing (July 2026) — video and accompanying handout
August Recess Advocacy Guide (Research!America)
OMB Proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance Brief (6/16/26)
The Administration's Proposed Revisions to the Uniform Guidance Are Here! And There Is a Lot Here to Consider! (Venable LLP, 6/4/26)
Elizabeth Ginexi, PhD — Substack posts with additional guidance and commentary
COGR: Immediate Considerations for Research Institutions

National Council of Nonprofits - Proposed Changes to the OMB Uniform Guidance