As a result of financial planning by a Georgia Tech working group, Institute operations are not expected to be immediately affected by a federal shutdown. The longer a shutdown lasts, the greater the likelihood that operational changes will be necessary.
The U.S. government is approaching its Tuesday, Sept. 30, deadline to reach an agreement on federal spending for the new fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1. If an agreement is not reached by this deadline, it will result in a federal government shutdown, which will affect many programs, including the federal contracting work performed by Georgia Tech.
“Currently, Georgia Tech receives more than $100 million per month in federal funding for research activities,” said Kim Toatley, vice president for Finance and Planning and chief financial officer. “We actively plan for these types of situations, and the Institute is well-positioned in the short term. However, if there is a prolonged federal government shutdown, we would need to take measures to further preserve cash and maintain campus operations.”
Institute leadership continues to monitor the developing situation and is ready to implement strategies to help ensure continuity in the event of a federal government shutdown. Mitigation strategies include monitoring cash balances, accelerating federal invoicing, and assessing the need to defer certain purchases, hiring, and non-essential travel.
More information, including how specific federal agencies are affected, will be provided as the situation develops.