Changes to OMB Circulars Addressing Administrative Rules and Cost Principles

January 17, 2014

In December 2013, OMB published final regulations that reform Federal grant-making with the intention of decreasing administrative burden for grantees and reducing waste, fraud and abuse.

These new regulations combine the multiple Federal regulations that currently govern the way grants are administered into a single uniform policy guide; this changes the OMB Circulars as you know them. The cross-agency Council on Financial Assistance Reform (COFAR) worked closely with OMB on developing these rules, and will work with stakeholders to facilitate implementation.

For more information on changes in OMB guidance, please see these resources below:

• Complete Federal Regulations: Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
• Crosswalks from old to new regulations: Uniform Grant Guidance Crosswalks and Side-by-Sides
• OMB Announcement: Improving Outcomes by Reducing Red Tape for Financial Assistance
• OMB Discussion on changes (12/20/13): OMB Uniform Grant Guidance Webcast
• News item: OMB Simplifies Governmentwide Grant Guidance

On Monday, January 27th, the Council on Financial Assistance Reform (COFAR), held a training webcast for more than 5,000 registered viewers, on the major updates to OMB's recently reformed guidance on Administrative Requirements, Audit Requirements and Cost Principles for Federal Financial Assistance (2 C.F.R. 200). The presenters provided the public with a comprehensive overview of the guidance, insight into the COFAR's deliberative process during the two year development process, and addressed frequently asked questions. The Uniform Guidance will be implemented one year from publication on December 26, 2014. OMB and the COFAR will continue to engage Federal and Non-Federal stakeholders over the next year to facilitate a smooth implementation process. Please submit any comments or questions to [email protected].

Participants Included:

• Norman Dong, Interim Controller Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
• Kathy Bialas, Assistant General Counsel, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Jean Feldman, Head Policy Officer, Division of Institution & Award Support, National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Stephen Daniels, Director of the Division of Policy, Review and Resolution, Department of Labor (DOL)
• Terry Ramsey, Senior Technical Advisor, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• Laura Watson, Associate Deputy Administrator, Department of Labor (DOL)

Links to the Uniform Guidance 1-27-14 Training Webcast:

COFAR Training Intro 1-27-14
http://youtu.be/SOET4b-7my8

COFAR Training Administrative Requirements 1-27-14
http://youtu.be/BP3l3PjI1JQ

COFAR Training Cost Principles 1-27-14
http://youtu.be/q0rWXdy2ICM

COFAR Training Audit Requirements 1-27-14
http://youtu.be/g-U8HGbbC-Y

Links to the Training Webcast Presentation Slides
COFAR Training Administrative Requirements 1-27-14 Slides
COFAR Training Cost Principles 1-27-14 Slides
COFAR Training Audit Requirements 1-27-14 Slides