The following post is from Thompson Grants weekly delivery of grant- and audit-related news and analysis from their editors, conveniently organized in pre-award, post-award and audit categories. It also provides readers with the latest Grants Intelligence articles from experts in the grants community, responses to subscriber questions, links to their most recent newsletter issues and e-learning offerings, and upcoming webinars.
October 21 – 25, 2019
Grants Development NewsED Plans To Amend Professional Development Regs
The Department of Education (ED) is proposing to amend the regulations for its Indian Professional Development program (CFDA 84.299B) to include new language detailing applicant requirements under the program, and to require program participants, after completing their training as teachers or administrators, to work in local educational agencies (LEAs) that serve a “high proportion” of Indian tribal students.
Grants Management NewsHHS Opts Not To Request Administrative Cost Data
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently rejected a Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommendation that would require states to submit projections of their administrative costs when submitting applications to participate in the section 1115 Medicaid demonstration program.
READ MORENew Body Wants to Reduce Administrative Burdens, Asks for Input
At the recent meeting of the Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP), Lisa Nichols of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) headed a session to hear from faculty and administrators their ideas for reducing researchers’ administrative workload, particularly input on streamlining the grant application process.
Single Audit NewsOIG Advises FWS To Issue Pass-Through Guidance
The Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Inspector General (OIG), in a recent audit, urged the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to issue guidance that will help states better understand the difference between issuing subgrants and contracts under the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program.
READ MOREUpcoming Events
Along with grant-related forums hosted by Thompson Grants, the following is a list of meetings and conferences that are noteworthy for subscribers. Some are directly related to single audits, while others deal with subjects of more general interest to those involved with governmental accounting, auditing or program management. To submit an entry for the calendar, please send an email to sass@thompson.com, including the name of the conference, dates, location, sponsor and contact information.
Grants Intelligence – October 2019Transforming Federal Grants Management and Modernizing Public Sector Procurement
The role of procurement in the service delivery system of federal, state and local governments, and the refinement of the methods and processes used to increase efficiency and reduce costs, has led to several bold initiatives in the past few years.
Ask the ExpertHow Do You Calculate Travel Per Diems and Meals?
Q: How do you calculate travel day per diems when a meal has been provided? We use GSA per diem rates. Our policy is to provide 75 percent of the standard per diems on travel days. But how should this be calculated when a meal is provided? Let’s say one is traveling to Austin, where the M&IE rate is $59 per day (breakdown: $13 for breakfast, $15 for lunch, $26 for dinner, $5 for incidentals). On the last day of the conference, you’re provided with lunch and dinner, and then you fly out the same evening. Which of the two methods would you use to calculate their reimbursement? Method A (deduct all meals, then apply 75 percent prorate): Reimbursement = ($59 – 15 – 26) * 0.75 = $13.50, which is simply 75 percent of the $5 incidental expenses + 75 percent of the $13 breakfast rate. Method B (apply 75 percent prorate, then deduct full value of meals): Reimbursement = ($59 * 0.75) – 15 – 26 = $3.25, which is less than 75 percent of the $5 incidental expenses, and consequently reimburses nothing for breakfast. Any guidance you can provide is greatly appreciated. Regards, Maria from Berkeley, Calif.
Monthly Newsletters
We take all the news each month and compile into a monthly newsletter for your files.
Federal Grants Development Handbook Newsletter, October 2019
Federal Grants Management Handbook Newsletter, October 2019
Single Audit Information Service Newsletter, October 2019
Federal Grants News Newsletter, October 2019
| WEBINARS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS |
Indirect Costs and Cost Allocation Plans – An eLearning Course
Karen Norris | Self-guided course
In this eLearning course, Karen Norris, a national consultant and subject matter expert for k4rnoco, a K4ren Norris Company, and formerly with Thompson Information Services, will discuss the changes in the new uniform grant reform guidance related to calculating and charging indirect costs to federal grants. The presentations will include: an overview on indirect cost rates, including developing and submitting indirect cost rate proposals; how the rules governing indirect costs have changed; and provide practical examples how agencies can prepare for these changes.
How to Write a Winning Grant Application
M. Linda Wastyn, Ph.D. |Tuesday, October 29, 2019 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
Intense competition for funding means your grant application must be utterly irresistible. That’s why grant consultant Linda Wastyn advises you to argue. Compared to traditional grants applications, an “argument format” immediately sets your proposal apart. A well-developed argument for funding wins reviewers’ attention. Strong supporting data wins their respect. And you’re likelier to win the award for your program. How do you construct such an irresistible grant application? Wastyn explains all you need to know in this upcoming webinar!
Internal Audit — Critical for Compliance!
Elizabeth Gombash | Thursday, October 31, 2019 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
The uniform grant guidance requires non-federal entities (NFEs) to have strong internal controls. But even the best-designed—and tested—controls won’t ensure compliance. That’s because too many NFEs assume their people have the grants knowledge to apply those controls effectively. Audits, however, often reveal that employees don’t have that know-how. Why risk such costly assumptions? An internal “knowledge audit” can help make sure employees play their critical role in keeping internal controls strong and effective. Here’s how to use this critical assessment to keep your own organization audit-ready.
Uniform Guidance – Back to Basics
Elizabeth Gombash |Tuesday, November 05, 2019 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
Knowing what the uniform grant guidance regulations say is vital. But it’s not enough to mitigate the risk of audit findings. You must also understand the practical impact these regulations have on your real-world grants management. That means knowing how to apply those rules—properly—to every phase of grants management, from pre-award through post-award. Now, here’s how to amplify your regulatory knowledge with practical perspective so you can strengthen control systems and decision-making throughout the grants lifecycle.
Data Quest: Federal Government’s Quest for Standard Data and Impact on Grant Recipients
Sandra Swab |Thursday, November 14, 2019 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
In the last few years, the federal government has initiated several measures to provide Congress, program managers and the public with accurate funding information. Now, this quest to standardize both data and reporting requirements could have a major impact on your own grant management. It’s critical to understand how federal data and reporting standardization initiatives may affect both your funding programs and your internal and external reporting processes. Plus, if you do need to make changes to adapt your programs, you need best practices for managing those efforts. Let an expert show you what to expect and how to prepare.
Indirect Costs and Cost Allocation Plans – an Overview
Karen Norris |Wednesday, November 20, 2019 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
Managing indirect costs was never simple. There are different indirect rates, different indirect formulas, and different rules under the uniform guidance. How is the de minimis rate used? What restrictions apply? Why would indirect costs be waived? What are cost allocation plans? Understanding the rates, formulas and rules is critical to making the most out of your grant funding!
Internal Controls in the Single Audit Environment
Veronica Cook & Michaela Kay |Tuesday, December 17, 2019 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
The 2019 Compliance Supplement and the uniform grant guidance makes internal controls a top priority for all nonprofits. It’s crucial to know how auditors look at internal controls during a single audit vs. a financial statement audit. You must understand how the COSO framework applies to your own internal controls, enterprise risk management and fraud deterrence. Plus, you need the right documentation. Let two audit experts show you what to put in place before auditors arrive.
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