June 1 – 5, 2020
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.
Because the nation’s response to concerns about the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has dramatically affected traditonal grant processes, Thompson Grants is now offering a continuously updated roundup in our Top News section containing grant-specific links for grant applicants and recipients posted by federal agencies, as well as from Congress and the Office of Management and Budget. The roundup is available here.
Grants Development NewsNGMA Speakers Tout the Benefits of a Grants Policy Manual
Entities applying for and receiving grant awards can better ensure proper internal controls over the administration of the award by developing an internal grants manual that covers the whole grants lifecycle, two Florida-based consultants told attendees during the recent National Grants Management Association’s 2020 Virtual Grants Training and Summit.
Grants Management NewsAttorney Panel Discusses OMB’s Proposed Revisions
Four attorneys recently discussed various topics related to grants oversight and law, including their concerns about and praise for the revisions to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) uniform guidance proposed in January, during a question-and-answer session as part of the recent National Grants Management Association’s 2020 Virtual Grants Training and Summit.
READ MOREGAO: Better Export Control Guidance Needed for Effective Compliance
Without additional guidance and outreach, U.S. universities receiving federal financial assistance may not have the tools they need to properly comply with the relevant regulations designed to safeguard export-controlled items, according to a recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
READ MOREFederal Agency Issuances
A Compilation of Award Guidance, Notices and Regulatory Updates Issued by Federal Agencies and Offices
Agriculture
Implemented regulations for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, establishing provisions for direct payments to producers of eligible commodities and specifying the eligibility requirements, payment calculations and application procedures for the program (7 C.F.R. Part 9). Effective date: May 21, 2020. 85 Fed. Reg. 30825-30835, May 21, 2020; https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/05/21/2020-11025/coronavirus-food-assistance-program.
Single Audit NewsOIG Panel Discusses Ways To Limit Fraud Risks
As grant recipients receive federal awards, they should closely examine the special conditions of their awards and establish documented policies and procedures to reduce the risk of false claims and fraud, an official with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) told attendees at the recent National Grants Management Association 2020 Virtual Grants Training and Summit.
Grants Intelligence – June 2020Use Retroactive Controls to Seek Forgiveness Under COVID
The closures and changes under the COVID-19 pandemic hit faster than anticipated (at least by most of us). Federal agencies, states, local recipients and nonprofits suddenly moved to virtual settings which resulted in many programs being delayed or worse, with programs ending or even businesses closing. Questions came faster than answers. Can we pay our employees during closures? Can we charge cancellation fees? What about contractors?
Ask the ExpertWhat is the Rebudgeting Percentage on Grants Funded through NIH?
Q: What is the percentage for rebudgeting without prior approval of an agency receiving grant funds though the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities? Kathleen from Houston, Texas
READ MOREWhat Is DOL’s Requirement To Respond to Wage Determinations?
Q: What is your experience when requesting new Wage Determinations from the Department of Labor? Are they timely in their response (I believe I read they have 30 days to address the request for new wage determination? Maria from Reno, Nev.
Monthly Newsletters and Recent Handbook Updates
We take all the news each month and compile into a monthly newsletter for your files, and make continuous updates to our publications to keep them current.
Federal Grants Development Handbook:
¶270 — Updated links and made editorial revisions
¶113 — Updated section to include information about the GREAT Act
¶114 — Created new section to discuss COVID-19 response’s implications for grants
Federal Grants Management Handbook:
Federal Grants Management Handbook Newsletter, June 2020
¶565 – Added information about the DOD USERRA Working Group and made other editorial revisions
Single Audit Information Service:
Single Audit Information Service Newsletter, June 2020
Guidance ¶501 — Made editorial revisions
¶1410 — Updated the list of AICPA Statements on Auditing Standards
Guide to Managing Federal Grants for Colleges and Universities:
Federal Grants News Newsletter, June 2020
¶565 – Added information about the DOD USERRA Working Group and made other editorial revisions
| 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.
Asking Permission vs. Begging Forgiveness: Unraveling the Need for Prior Approval
Toni Demaglio |Tuesday, June 09, 2020 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
There are times when it may be better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission. Modifying your grant budget isn’t one of them. Neither is making changes in your project activities. Procuring goods or services without prior written approval from a federal funding agency can trigger consequences no grant recipient wants to face: unallowable costs. In this upcoming webinar, a seasoned grants expert shows you steps you can take to seek the required permission—and win approval.
Preparation is Everything: How to Demonstrate Program Impact in Reporting
Scot Scala |Wednesday, June 17, 2020 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
Unless you can demonstrate program impact effectively, grant funders and other supporters may not realize how much you’ve achieved. That’s why it’s critical to focus on measuring impact and reporting performance so it highlights the outcomes and results that matter most to stakeholders. Let a fund development expert show you how, starting with the best way to use the SMART Outcome Measurement Model.