Understanding Federal Regulations: Prohibitions Against Lobbying
Summary: Federal funds may not be used to influence or attempt to influence any member of the Executive or Legislative branches of government (including any agency employee) for the purpose of securing a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement or an extension, renewal, or modification of any of these award mechanisms. Charging travel expenses to a federal award or being paid from a federal award while attempting to influence the awarding of federal funds for a specific program is defined as lobbying, and is prohibited. Such expenditures by a third party on your behalf are prohibited as well.
How does this affect Principal Investigators?
You may not, while paid with federal funds or using federal grant funds for travel, urge an agency to support a specific proposal. It is acceptable to inquire as to the timing of a decision on a proposal; however, it is not acceptable to describe why a proposal should be funded. You may describe general research characteristics of the University, or even describe the work going on in a department or school, but you may not describe the activities of a specific researcher for purposes of encouraging a favorable decision on a proposal submitted by that researcher with the support of federal funds. This statement is not intended to prohibit normal interaction between a researcher and an agency officer or Member of Congress. However, there is no clear distinction between optimistic discussions of research progress and discussions concerning the proposal for a new award or the renewal of an existing award. Federal program officers have received training on this matter and should know when to cut off discussions, but the responsibility is a joint one. If you are unsure, contact the Office of Sponsored Programs (208-426-4420)
Penalties for violating this regulation could include fines of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 per violation and any other remedies the federal government deems appropriate, including loss of the particular award and/or suspension or debarment as an institution from further federal funding.