NIH Clarification on 120-day Liquidation Period: NIH recently clarified that the 120-day liquidation period is firm; awards in Closed status cannot be drawn down except in cases of a public health emergency, natural disaster, or similar event. After 120 days, PMS will automatically reject requests to withdraw funds.

Impact: Northwestern will no longer have the ability to draw NIH funds past the liquidation period.  To avoid forfeiture of NIH funds – and use of discretionary funds – grantees should make every effort to post costs to sponsored projects by the given due dates. 

Notice NOT-OD-23-086 and the complete NIH Grants Policy Statement Closeout section provide further information. ASRSP guidance on the closeout process is also available.

U.S. Government: As a recipient of significant federal funding, the possibility of a government shutdown could impact sponsored research activities and cash flow for Northwestern.  ASRSP is monitoring the news and will communicate relevant information as needed.

Equipment Inventory: As reminder, the deadline for the biennial Capital Equipment Physical Inventory for Evanston is May 31^st. Accounting Services’ 9-minute on-demand presentation is available to help unit representatives prepare.

NUQuickPay: Payments to research subjects and other individuals can now be made through Zelle or ACH using NUQuickPay. Recipients need to have a U.S. mailing address, an account with a U.S-based bank, and be set up in NUFinancials as a supplier. Full information and instructions to set up or change payment processing found on the Procurement and Payment Services website.