U.S. Federal Agencies Issue New Rules on Senior Executive Training and Research Funding

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a final rule that creates a government‑wide Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program. The rule extends program duration to 12–24 months, raises required training hours from 80 to 100, and adds minimum coaching, mentoring, and a 180‑day assignment outside a candidate’s regular position. The Senior Executives Association welcomed the updates but warned that uneven cost burdens could affect agencies.

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a proposed rule to overhaul the Uniform Guidance that governs federal financial assistance, including research grants. The proposal, aimed at implementing Trump‑administration policies, is open for public comment through July 13, with more than 70,000 comments already submitted. COSSA is offering webinars and resources to help stakeholders comment on the rule’s potential impact on the research community.