• Purchases, major contracts, and other significant non-personnel spending. 
• Non-essential travel.  
• New job offers.  
• Consulting services. 

Dear Georgia Tech Community, 

As the U.S. government enters its third week of the federal shutdown, lawmakers continue working toward an agreement on federal spending for the new fiscal year, which began Oct. 1. We know this situation has created uncertainty across our community, especially for those whose work and research depend on federal funding. As the federal shutdown continues, our goal is to protect the Institute’s operational stability while maintaining focus on serving our students and upholding our mission. 

The shutdown has delayed payments for federally sponsored research activities, which represent more than $100 million in monthly expenses at Georgia Tech. While we remain hopeful that the U.S. government shutdown will end soon, Institute leadership — with guidance from the working group convened to address the issue — is preparing to implement mitigation strategies as early as next week to slow spending to preserve cash and maintain essential campus operations during this shutdown. 

If the shutdown continues beyond Monday, Oct. 20, the Institute will begin limiting certain activities to reduce expenditures and preserve cash. These include:

• Major contracts, purchases, and other significant non-personnel expenditures.
• Non-essential travel.
• New job offers.
• Consulting services.

We recognize that these steps may create challenges for some, and we are committed to communicating clearly and supporting our community throughout this process. Details and related procedures will be shared with College and unit leaders as well as financial managers. 

Georgia Tech remains committed to continuing research activities to the greatest extent possible given current constraints. The Institute will continue to submit invoices and make cash requests as federal systems allow, though payments from sponsors are delayed. Researchers can find additional guidance here: osp.gatech.edu/federal-government-shutdown-guidance. 

The Institute’s leadership team is working diligently to minimize the impact on our students, faculty, and staff. With the working group’s support, executive leadership will continue to closely monitor cash reserves and adjust our approach as needed — especially if the shutdown extends into November. 

We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued commitment to Georgia Tech. More information will be shared as it becomes available.  

Sincerely, 

Tricia Chastain 
Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance 

Karie Davis-Nozemack 
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 

Tim Lieuwen 
Executive Vice President for Research 

As of Oct. 20, the U.S. government was entering its fourth week of the federal shutdown. The impasse was delaying payment for federally funded research activities at Georgia Tech, which represent more than $100 million per month in expenses. As a result, Institute leadership began to implement cost-saving strategies, effective Oct. 20, across the entirety of Georgia Tech, regardless of funding source.

The goal was to slow spending to preserve cash, maintain essential campus operations, and fulfill our academic and research mission as we navigated the federal government shutdown.

Beginning on Oct. 20, the following activities were significantly limited:

• Purchases, major contracts, and other significant non-personnel spending. 
• Non-essential travel.
• New job offers. 
• Search firm and temp staffing contracts.
• Consulting services.

As the government works towards becoming fully funded for the fiscal year, we encourage a conservative approach when making hiring, procurement, and travel decisions. 

The hiring pause and other non-personnel measures were suspended on Monday, Nov. 17.

When research operations continue during a government shutdown, research institutions like Georgia Tech can still bill and collect revenue for federally funded work once the government reopens. This revenue supports more than research – it helps cover indirect costs that fund essential services, facilities, and administrative support across the university. If research stops, the loss of revenue can lead to budget shortfalls that affect all departments. As such, Georgia Tech continued to submit invoices and make cash requests through federal systems that remained operational.

Consider whether the reason for denial was solely related to the shutdown or for other reasons, like regular funding availability or correct job title. Proceed with a job offer once department leadership and hiring manager are in alignment with business needs. 

The Federal Shutdown webpage will be updated with information and resources as the situation continues to develop. If you are a researcher, you can find answers to many questions regarding grants and sponsorships here.

Work with your HR Partner to address hiring-related questions. Cabinet members and senior leadership are also equipped with current and accurate information.

Questions related to procurement transactions can be submitted through ServiceNow.

Questions related to Infrastructure and Sustainability (I&S) construction transactions, can be directed to Jim Stephens, vice president for I&S, at jstephens94@gatech.edu.

Questions related to information technology transactions, can be directed to Cynthia Martin, senior director of resources management, Office of Information Technology, at cynthia.martin@business.gatech.edu.

Questions related to travel can be submitted through ServiceNow.