Comment on OMB-2026-0034-0001
Lifespan Technologies LLCOpposeBusiness
Summary: A small business owner and alcohol researcher opposes the proposed changes to federal financial assistance regulations. They argue that the changes would undermine scientific merit by involving political appointees in grant reviews, create undue burdens on publication and conference costs, and grant agencies too much power to terminate grants.
I have significant concerns about these proposed changes. The most concerning involves review of grants (200.205). Grants should be reviewed by peer scientist and awarded on the merit of the idea, the scientific approach & feasibility, and the ability of the team to accomplish the research goals. The idea that a political appointee is better qualified to judge the merit of a grant proposal is ludicrous. In addition, publication costs (200.461) and conference attendance costs (200.432) are fundamental aspects of scientific advancement, and would place an undue burden on agencies to require express prior approval-- bad idea. Finally, granting federal agencies broad discretion to terminate discretionary grants at will gives them too much power without a check or balance.
As a small business owner and alcohol researcher, I implore you, do NOT institute these changes. Please do not slow down and hinder the conduct and progress of science. The United States of America produces the greatest scientific & technology output, but we have rivals everywhere that are waiting for us to stumble. Please do everything you can to invest in and encourage science, technology, and general human progress in the USA.