NASA's ROSES-25 program, an ongoing 'omnibus' solicitation, is undergoing significant changes with Amendment 59. This amendment is a response to the agency's and administration's priorities, as outlined in various sections of the ROSES-25 Summary of Solicitation. The amendment introduces several additions, changes, and clarifications, with new text highlighted in bold. One of the key updates is the proposed revisions to 2 CFR 200, the government-wide guidance for grants and cooperative agreements, which will take effect on October 1, 2026. These revisions could potentially restrict or deny certain types of allowable costs, such as publications, research or events outside the United States, and domestic conferences, unless they fall under legal exceptions or special award conditions. This raises a deeper question about the future of research funding and the potential impact on international collaborations and knowledge sharing. Personally, I think this is a critical development that could significantly shape the landscape of scientific research, particularly in the fields of space and Earth sciences. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for these revisions to impact not just NASA, but the entire federal financial assistance system. In my opinion, this highlights the importance of staying informed about policy changes that could have far-reaching consequences for research and innovation. One thing that immediately stands out is the need for researchers and institutions to carefully review the updated guidelines and adapt their proposals accordingly. This is especially crucial for those planning international collaborations or events, as they may need to seek legal exceptions or special award conditions to ensure their projects remain viable. What many people don't realize is that these revisions to 2 CFR 200 could have a significant impact on the diversity and inclusivity of research, particularly in fields that rely heavily on international collaboration and knowledge sharing. If you take a step back and think about it, this could potentially limit the exchange of ideas and expertise, hindering scientific progress and innovation. This raises a deeper question about the role of government policy in fostering international scientific cooperation and the potential consequences of restrictive funding guidelines. A detail that I find especially interesting is the timing of these revisions. With the proposed changes taking effect in October 2026, there is a critical window of opportunity for researchers and institutions to adapt their proposals and seek legal exceptions or special award conditions. This raises a question about the potential for a sudden shift in research priorities and the need for flexibility in funding guidelines. What this really suggests is that the future of scientific research may be shaped by the decisions made in the coming months, and that researchers and institutions need to be proactive in adapting to these changes. In conclusion, Amendment 59 to ROSES-25 is a significant development that could have far-reaching consequences for the fields of space and Earth sciences. It highlights the importance of staying informed about policy changes and the need for flexibility in research funding guidelines. As we move forward, it will be crucial to monitor the impact of these revisions and adapt accordingly to ensure the continued growth and innovation in these critical fields.
