“With NSF funding, Pennsylvania research universities advance scientific discovery, sustain high-skilled jobs in our region, and drive innovation that keeps our country competitive and secure,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Our universities – and the students, faculty, and communities they serve – deserve clear communication and a transparent, merit-based, efficient funding process. NSF and OMB need to act now to resolve the current backlog, provide meaningful updates to applicants, and ensure a process that avoids unnecessary delays.” 

The letter, signed by Senator Dave McCormick and Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Summer Lee (PA-12), comes after university administrators in Pennsylvania outlined delays in grants being awarded and disbursed and a lack of communication from NSF. University officials raised concerns that NSF is issuing significantly fewer grants than it has in previous years, reflecting apparent administrative constraints as OMB has imposed additional review requirements and reductions in force.  

Specifically, Houlahan and the co-signers want to know the number of grants currently pending, the operational factors causing delays, the role of OMB in reviewing grants, the steps taken by NSF and OMB to ensure an efficient grant process, and the guidance provided by NSF to applicant institutions.    

The full letter can be read here.