The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently issued a proposal to revise the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, commonly known as Uniform Guidance. The proposed changes introduce new requirements for federal programs, including grant distribution, that could limit the role of scientific expertise in federal decision-making.
The Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) Board of Directors stated that the revisions conflict with its core values of community, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability. The Board expressed opposition to the proposal, noting that it could restrict participation in federally supported research and create barriers to knowledge. According to SSP, such limitations would hinder researchers’ ability to address global challenges, reduce international collaboration, and weaken the diversity of perspectives that drive scientific progress.
SSP emphasized that the proposal places political considerations above scientific integrity and innovation. The organization warned that limiting collaboration with global experts could result in fewer breakthroughs, reduced innovation, and diminished public confidence in institutions responsible for managing scientific knowledge.
The SSP Board reaffirmed its commitment to science, scholarship, and global engagement, stating that its guiding principles remain central to supporting the research ecosystem. The organization highlighted its role in fostering inclusivity and protecting the integrity of scholarly communication.
SSP announced a Town Hall meeting, scheduled for June 22 at 1:00 pm ET, led by its newly formed Advocacy Committee co-chaired by Beth Craanen and Tim Lloyd. The session will provide an opportunity to discuss the OMB proposal, share best practices, and consider collective responses.
The organization encouraged members of the scholarly community to submit comments on the proposal by July 13 (OMB-2026-0034). SSP also referenced a recent article in The Scholarly Kitchen by Darla Henderson of FASEB, which offers guidance on responding to the proposed rule.
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