“suits,” administrative a-holes that suck research dry, etc. Point is, don’t think we’ll find much sympathy for administrative cuts. When I worked for Sate Government, the Feds were always looking at administrative costs and the indirect cost allocation methodology. My guess is schools and research organizations will have to cope within the 15% cap, or do a better job of pointing out special needs above am arbitrary 15% cap.

Here’s a definition of indirect costs in this matter from Forbes. Forbes is not arguing in favor of cuts, but do a good job of discussing issues.

“Last Friday, NIH announced it would cap reimbursement for indirect costs incurred on university research at 15%. Indirect costs involve several kinds of overhead expenses universities bear when their investigators conduct research.

“ They are divided into two categories — “facilities” and “administration" — and include items like maintenance of equipment, facility upgrades, the operation of labs, depreciation, utility charges, support staff, accounting, research compliance, legal expenses, and the salaries of key administrators who oversee an institution’s research programs.


https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2025/02/10/what-the-nih-cut-to-indirect-cost-payments-could-cost-red-states/

Even worse, none of the rubes who supported trump will give a chit about these cuts, unless they somehow benefit from them.