Colleges Face New Federal Reporting for Sports Funding

You might care about this because the General Services Administration or GSA is asking for public comments on a new information collection. This new requirement means that certain higher education institutions, like colleges and universities, will need to regularly certify that they are following the rules of Executive Order 14400. This order is specifically called 'Urgent National Action To Save College Sports'. The GSA wants to collect this information quarterly to help federal agencies make sure that colleges receiving government contracts or grants are complying with the executive order. The System for Award Management, known as SAM.gov, is the main website where these institutions register to receive federal awards. It is also where they will submit these new certifications. Only colleges with intercollegiate athletics revenue above 20 million dollars and registered in SAM.gov will need to complete this. The deadline to submit comments on this proposed change is August 17, 2026. This allows the public to provide feedback on whether the collection is needed and how to make it better or easier to comply with. What is particularly interesting about this notice is how the federal government is putting its new executive order into practice. Executive Order 14400 itself points to a focused federal interest in the rules governing college sports. This notice shows the direct connection between federal funding and compliance with those rules. It creates a clear and ongoing requirement for many colleges. The use of SAM.gov for these certifications brings transparency. It helps federal officials track compliance across many institutions. This is a practical step that creates new responsibilities for colleges receiving federal money, especially those with large sports programs. It shows a push for more accountability in how colleges manage their athletics when they also get federal support. Many different groups will find this legal document interesting. Higher education leaders and administrators, especially those who handle finances, legal compliance, or athletic department operations, will need to pay close attention. College and university attorneys will be interested in the details of the new compliance rules. Athletic directors and their staff at affected institutions will also need to understand these new federal expectations. Groups that advocate for college athletes may find this document relevant as it relates to how institutions manage their sports programs. Federal employees involved in awarding grants and contracts will also be interested as this collection helps them ensure compliance. Lastly, anyone interested in the governance of college sports and the use of federal funds in higher education will find this notice valuable.