This is an encouraging update to the previous update on COM LGP’s current status amidst the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

Please note that COM LGP has recently been granted permission to draw down funds from the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP.gov), thereby enabling the continuation of full operations through the end of January, contingent upon ASAP.gov’s continued availability per the drawdown schedule.

The directive sent out earlier to all CRE VPs and the Call for Action within the shutdown contingency plan are currently being temporarily rescinded for now and all normal operations shall continue. COM LGP will continue monitoring the situation, and if circumstances change or further action becomes necessary, timely updates and directions will be provided.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Contingency Plan for U.S. Government Shutdown

Scenario: ASAP Drawdown is NOT Available

1.Purpose

This contingency plan establishes the actions to be taken in the event a U.S. Government Shutdown that prevents access to funds through the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) System. The plan ensures continuity of essential Land Grant operations, protects employees, and maintains compliance with federal and institutional policies until funding access is restored.

2.Scope

This plan applies to all Land Grant programs and projects administered by the College of Micronesia Land Grant Program and partner colleges (College of the Marshall Islands, Palau Community College, College of Micronesia-FSM), including:

• Cooperative Research and Extension (CRE)
• Agricultural Experiment Station (AES)
• Cooperative Extension Services (CES)
• Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

3. Key Assumptions

• ASAP system will not allow drawdowns during the federal shutdown.
• Funds previously drawn and deposited into local accounts remain accessible. (if there is)
• •Institutional reserved may be considered for temporary support, subject to Board of Regents approval.
• •Federal reporting requirements remain in effect unless explicitly suspended by USDA-NIFA.
• •Shutdown duration is unknown; plan covers both short-term and extended disruptions.

4. Plan of Action

A. Financial Management

1. Freeze Non-Essential Expenditures – Limit spending to essential activities (e.g., personnel salaries, utilities, existing contractual obligations.)
2. Cash Flow Monitoring – Central Office and Partner colleges should monitor their cash balance as reimbursement of expenditures may be delayed.
3. Prioritization of Obligations – Payments will prioritize:

• Employee salaries and benefits

• Safety- and compliance-related program activities

• Time-sensitive experiments (e.g., ongoing agricultural trials)

4. Alternative Funding Sources – Explore temporary internal bridging mechanisms (Endowment fund, Local funds/BOR funds, Matching funds where allowable)

5. Vendor/Contractor Communication – Notify contractors/vendors/Partners of potential delays in federal reimbursements and negotiate extensions where feasible.

B. Program Continuity

• Prioritization of Activities – Continue only activities that are essential to health, safety, compliance, or that prevent program disruption. Defer new projects until funding access resumes.

• Staffing – Retain core staff necessary to maintain critical services; defer overtime and non-essential travel. Defer new hiring of personnel if possible and feasible.

• Reporting – Prepare all reports on time, even if submission systems are down, to ensure readiness once federal systems are operational. (e.g. RFP required documents)

• Research Protection – Ensure that live animals, plants, and ongoing field experiments are sustained to prevent irreversible loss.

C. Communication

• Internal Communications – Provide regular updates to leadership, program directors, and staff regarding financial status and operational adjustments.
• External Communication – Maintain contact with federal grant officers and financial officials to document impact of the shutdown. (if federal grant officers are available)
• Stakeholder Notification – Inform partners, subrecipients, and beneficiaries of potential delays in reimbursements or payments or service delivery.

• Risk Mitigation
• Maintain detailed records of all expenditures and obligations incurred during the shutdown.
• Document all communications with federal agencies and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations (2 CFR 200) even during restricted funding flow.
• Develop a recovery plan for rapid resumption of ASAP drawdowns once the system is available.

• Recovery and Post-Shutdown Actions
• Resume ASAP drawdowns immediately once federal access is restored.
• Prioritize clearing backlog obligations (payroll, vendors, contractors, partners).
• Reassess program budgets and adjust schedules for postponed activities.
• Submit required financial and programmatic reports to USDA/NIFA, including documentation of shutdown-related delays.

• Approval and Implementation
• This plan shall be effective immediately upon announcement of a U.S. Government shutdown and will remain in effect until funding access with ASAP is restored. It shall be reviewed and approved by the Executive Director with coordination with the Vice Presidents for Cooperative Research and Extension.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

THE U.S Government Shut Down … At midnight on Tuesday, September 30th, the US government shutdown due to Congress’s inability to agree and approve the fy26 budget. This shutdown affects most federal agencies and employees.

COM Land-Grant Program’s Status … As a result of this shutdown, the COM LGP is unable to drawdown funds from ASAP.gov because it is closed and will remain closed until the US government reopens for normal business. This is the major issue that the program is facing at the moment. Fortunately, there are still obligated funds available in the program’s local accounts that will hopefully sustain the program’s operations for the next two months if the shutdown is prolonged for two months. To help ensure these limited funds are used effectively and efficiently, a Contingency Plan is already in place that limits expenditures to only essential activities such as personnel, utilities and ongoing contractual obligations. 

What To Expect … Delayed payments to vendors / contractors or delayed reimbursements to the program’s three partner colleges (CMI, COM-FSM and PCC) where the Cooperative Research and Extension teams and activities are administered.  

Palau, Micronesia – September 4, 2025 – The Executive Director, accompanied by the administrative staff from the COM Land Grant Program Central Office, attended the College of Micronesia Board of Regents meeting held at Palau Community College. This gathering brought together the Regents led by Chairman Emais Roberts of the Republic of Palau (ROP), Vice Chair Suzzane Gallen of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and Secretary Treasurer Minister Gerald Zakios from the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Also in attendance were the presidents of the three partner colleges Dr. Patrick Tellei of Palau Community College (PCC), Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono of the College of Micronesia FSM (COM-FSM), and Dr. David Newnham of the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) who participated via zoom.

The agenda items for the meeting included the reviewing and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting in Pohnpei on April 22^nd, Communication – Policy and Resolutions), Endowment and Investment updates from Raymond James & Associates, FY25 Budget Report and FY26 Budget proposal, Quarterly updates from the central office and the Cooperative Research and Extension programs Vice Presidents, and a couple of Old and New Business items.

Other activities in the meeting schedule included a hosted dinner by Jason Miayashita of Raymond James & Associates on Fri Sept 5^th followed by a visit to Peleliu state on Sat Sept 6^th hosted by Peleliu Governor and Chairman of the Board of Regents Dr. Emais Roberts, PCC President and staff as well as the PCC CRE staff. The schedule concluded with a farewell dinner on Sun Sept 7^th hosted by Chairman Roberts and a close colleague & friend.

Standing from Left to Right (front row) Exec. Secretary to COMLG central Office, Lerhina L. Johnson,CMI Board of Regents, Hon. Gerald Zakios, Chairman of the Board of Regents, Dr. Emais Robert of ROP, Vice Chair of COMLG Board of Regents to the FSM, Suzann L. Gallen, President of COMFSM, Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, Admin Assistance to the office of the president (PCC), Leilanie Miko, VP CRE to COMFSM, Steven H. Young. From Left to Right (front Row) Dr. Patrick Telley, President of PCC, Dr. Manoj Nair standing behind COMFSM President. Standing from left to Right (third row) Dr. Christopher Kitalong, Standing behind PCC President to his right, Executive Director, Stanley Lorennij, Standing behind First row, BOR Chariman, CES Director, Engly Ioanis, CMI CRE VP, Dr. Adedayao Ogunmokun, COMLG CFO, Doman Daoas, the rest are partner college VPS and Palau CRE staff and partner college staff.

The College of Micronesia’s Land Grant Program (COM LGP) recently hosted a three-day trainer’s workshop on animal health and production. The event was held at the CTEC building next to the COM- LGP office in Kolonia, Pohnpei, and brought together extension agents and other agriculture participants from Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia.

The primary objectives of the workshop were to equip selected trainers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to master artificial insemination techniques in pigs with a special focus on reproductive management and care during estrus to ensure successful breeding outcomes, safety, and sustainable practices and approaches in poultry and free ranging.

The program opened with welcoming remarks from Pohnpei chief of agriculture Mr. Kordy Carl followed by a brief opening remark from the Executive Director of COM Land Grant. Throughout the workshop, participants were fully engaged in dynamic presentations showcasing cutting-edge techniques in livestock production. The interactive training platform not only involved knowledge sharing, but actual hands-on experiences. One highlight was the trainees visit to the Madolenihmw pilot farm where live individual demonstrations of swine seamen collection and artificial insemination was conducted—an intricate process requiring specialized skills to master.

Standing from right to left (second row): COMLG Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij, Associate Director for CES Mr. Engly Ioanis, and Pohnpei State Chief of Agriculture Mr. Kordy Carl (standing behind Mr. Ioanis). Also pictured are participants from the three Micronesian regional islands, along with staff members from the COMLG Central Office