On Wednesday, July 8, AACI submitted comments to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in response to its proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance (OMB-2026-0034). The proposed Uniform Guidance rule would make sweeping changes to the federal grants process, including several provisions that could significantly affect the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and other agencies that support cancer research. An analysis by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in partnership with STAT, showed about 95 percent of the 496,769 public comments expressed opposition, while just 1 percent of comments demonstrated support for the proposed changes.
In its comments, AACI urged OMB to preserve the longstanding, merit-based scientific peer review process and expressed concern that the proposal would allow political appointees to play a greater role in funding decisions. AACI also cautioned against provisions that would expand the government’s authority to terminate grants after they have been awarded, create uncertainty for research addressing cancer and other health disparities, restrict use of grant funds for publishing research findings and presenting results at scientific conferences, and increase unnecessary administrative burden for research institutions and federal agencies.
Noting that academic cancer centers conduct a substantial share of the nation's cancer research, clinical trials, and workforce training, AACI urged OMB to revise the proposal to ensure federal grant policies continue to support scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration while preserving a predictable, evidence-based grants process that advances lifesaving cancer research.
On Monday, August 3, the Senate passed a continuing resolution that includes a provision prohibiting OMB from issuing or finalizing the proposed Uniform Guidance rule. The provision also states that if the rule is finalized before enactment of the legislation, it would have no force or effect through the continuing resolution period, ending Friday, December 11. The legislation is currently pending action by the House and ultimately awaits President Trump's signature.
Review AACI’s full comment letter.
AACI is reviewing additional federal policy proposals that could have significant implications for academic cancer centers.
Through August 3, the NIH sought public feedback on a proposal to cap the number of simultaneous research project grants an individual investigator may hold as a principal investigator or multi-principal investigator. The agency is considering caps of two, three, or four grants per investigator. With input from the Board of Directors, AACI submitted institutional comments that outlined concerns about potential impacts on cancer research, team science, and investigator productivity.
Read AACI's comment letter.
AACI is also reviewing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed CY 2027 OPPS rule, including provisions related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program and site-neutral payment policies. AACI is actively evaluating the proposal and encourages members to share feedback on how these and other provisions could affect cancer centers and patient access to care. Comments on the proposed rule are due Monday, August 31.
AACI is launching a public policy email newsletter later this month as an exclusive benefit to members. AACI Update and Commentary subscribers will receive the first issue in mid-August. Please send content ideas, feedback, and subscription requests to Jaren Love, MBA, MPPM, director of policy & government affairs, and Emily Stimmel, MA, director of communications.