The National Institutes of Health is operating under a continuing resolution that is effective through March 27, 2013, at the Fiscal Year 2012 level plus 0.6 percent.
Until Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations are enacted, NIH—including NIGMS—will issue noncompeting research grant awards at a level below that indicated on the most recent notice of award (generally up to 90 percent of the previously committed level). This is consistent with our practice during the continuing resolutions of fiscal years 2006-2012. Adjustments to awarded levels will be considered after our FY 2013 appropriations are enacted, but NIH expects institutions to monitor their expenditures carefully during this period.
All legislative mandates that were in effect in Fiscal Year 2012 remain in effect under the continuing resolution, including the salary limitation set at Executive Level II of the Federal pay scale ($179,700), which was effective for grant awards with an initial issue date on or after December 23, 2011 (see NOT-OD-12-034 and NOT-OD-12-035).
On February 21, 2013, NIH issued a notice about its operation plan in the event of a sequestration. On March 4, 2013, it sent a letter to grantee institutions about the potential impact of this budget reduction. Blog entries on this topic are posted on the NIGMS Feedback Loop and Rock Talk.
We will update this page when we have more information about the budgetary outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year.