Federal Debt Ceiling Update: The government shutdown has been averted, but funding for scientific research is expected to remain flat for FY24.

Uniform Guidance: The 200 CFR Uniform Guidance is expected to undergo a complete overhaul in the coming fiscal year. A draft of revised language will be issued for public comment this summer (expected in August). 

Backlogs:
 

Closeout: A subset of ASRSP staff is focusing exclusively on closeouts this summer, however, your partnership is needed to ensure progress. Please be sure to take prompt action upon request and contact your GCFA with questions. When applicable, the amount ASRSP is able to write off without a non-sponsored chart string is $1.

Expense queue: Due to inconsistent practices for transaction approvals, ASRSP has overhauled the process to ensure alignment with university, sponsor, and federal regulations. Given this, submissions may be returned for additional information – or could be deemed unallowed based university policy, sponsor guidelines, or federal regulations, which could result in more delays. Staff are working to process transactions quickly and are available to address questions or concerns.  

Additionally, the allowability matrix job aid is under revision and is expected to be reposted soon. In the meantime, please contact your assigned GCFA, Pooja Thakkar, or Virginia Hartley for additional information about cost allowability.

Cash application: ASRSP is working aggressively to address the backlog for cash application. Additional resources have been secured to resolve backlogs for unapplied cash. We anticipate this issue being resolved within the coming weeks.

FY22 Single Audit: Northwestern’s FY22 Single Audit was completed and no audit findings were reported. The FY22 report and previous years’ are posted on the ASRSP website. Preparations for the FY23 Single Audit will begin this month. Please contact Virginia Hartley immediately if external requests for audits or special fiscal reports are received.

Unobligated Balances: Unobligated balances reported by ASRSP are always based on the total balance of the last closed month. 

Fellowship/Training Grant Reporting: Now through August, annual financial reports will be processed for fellowships and training grants. Please note the budget period end date and accurately apply all charges, including stipends and tuition, for the period. Costs not posted for the budget period cannot be recovered.  

Capital Equipment Physical Inventory (Evanston only): Please be aware that this inventory is integrated into NU’s overall fiscal assessment and requires careful oversight. The University expects renewed attention in this area for the upcoming FY 2023 financial statement audit, FY 2023 Single Audit, and in connection with future indirect cost recovery rate negotiations.

Reminder: The deadline for submitting Asset Requests (disposals/transfers) in NUFinancials is June 30th. Please contact [log in to unmask] with any questions.

General inquiries for ASRSP staff can be sent to [log in to unmask]. Specific questions relating to an award should be sent first to the GCFA assigned to the award.