OMB Proposes Sweeping Changes to Federal Grants

Published June 01, 2026

By AACOM Government Relations

Federal Policy OME Advocate

  • On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a proposed rule, Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance, which would revise requirements for grants, cooperative agreements and other federal financial assistance across all agencies.
  • While OMB intends to strengthen transparency and oversight, the 400+ page proposal would expand political review of discretionary grants and could significantly alter the peer-review process.
  • The proposal does not cap indirect research costs but may prohibit grantees from using federal funds to publish research.
  • An AACOM summary is forthcoming. Interested parties are encouraged to review the proposal and submit comments by July 13, 2026.