Organization: InsideNGO
Registration deadline: 13 Jun 2016
Starting date: 14 Jun 2016
Ending date: 16 Jun 2016
Overview
This workshop will present new, updated regulatory information and guidance, as per the rule changes effective December 26, 2014
What is an allowable cost? What procedures do I need to follow when purchasing equipment with USAID money? How much can I revise my budget without having to go to USAID for approval? How long should I retain records? What are the most common audit findings and how can I avoid being written up by my auditors?
The plethora of rules and regulations associated with the management of government grants and cooperative agreements by US NGOsis a source of regular and continuing frustration to those on the receiving end. Sorting out what is required, by whom, and when, is made even more complicated by the fact that the rules seem to be constantly changing and/or subject to differing interpretation. The situation usually means that authoritative answers are hard to find.
The workshop will give US NGO participants a good sense of the issues they confront when dealing with USAID. Our emphasis will be on USAID funding under assistance instruments - grants and cooperative agreements, but the workshop should be worthwhile for organizations receiving funding from other federal agencies as well. Participants will be encouraged to raise problems they are having and to ask questions that will help them clarify their thinking.
Program Content/Learning Objectives
- Develop a familiarity with USAID language and jargon
- Gain a basic orientation to the updated rules and regulations for US NGOs
The workshop covers topics essential to a comprehensive knowledge of USAID grants and cooperative agreements. It provides both basic training for new staff and a useful refresher for veterans. Coverage includes:
- Types of USAID awards and why that's important;
- Detailed review of OMB's Uniform Guidance in 2CFR200
- The Award Process (Pre-Award, Post-Award, Closeout);
- Sources of legal authority and policy;
- Review of USAID's implementation of OMB's Uniform Guidance in 2CFR700
- Standard Award Provisions for U.S Based and Non-US Based Organizations
- Policies on Source and Nationality of USAID-Financed Goods and Services
- What's Negotiable When You're Applying for USAID Assistance
- Policies and procedures for subawarding funds
- Cost allowability under OMB's Uniform Guidance, Subpart E
- Audit readiness and survival
What Questions Will Be Answered?
The most important ones--those that you bring and raise. Questions like: Is this an allocable cost? Can I charge this to our grant? Do we need prior approval to buy this? Can they do that to us? What happens if I make a mistake? How do I handle non-compliance by a critical sub-grantee?
While the workshop is intended to give US NGO staff a lot of information in a relatively short time, it isn't completely tailor-made until you make it that way. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and receive answers both during the general sessions and on an individual basis with the instructor. When answers aren't immediately available there is a guarantee to follow-up and get them for you.
Who Should Attend?
Finance and Administrative Staff of US NGOs: Finance officers, controllers, accounting and compliance managers who have on-going responsibility for the administration of USAID awards.
Program Staff: Headquarters and field program staff of US NGOs with a need to know the USAID requirements, particularly in the decentralized environment prevalent in many PVOs/NGOs.
Development Staff: Those staff members who seek and hopefully find outside financial support must understand the nature of the relationship that the US/NGO is entering with the US government and those areas where negotiation of favorable award terms and conditions is possible.
Outside Independent Auditors: Representatives of certified public accounting firms who perform government compliance or Financial Audits of private voluntary organizations and NGOs should attend to gain familiarity with the criteria against which those organizations are reviewed.
USAID Staff: Agreement Officers, CTOs and Program staff who need to make sure they know and are up to date on the rules and regulations they have to implement.
Plan to attend with colleagues from other units of your organization (or from your independent audit firm). Learn or review the rules together and cut down the internal and external misunderstandings that get in the way of program performance.
How to register:
Register now here!
Early: May 16 ($1,100 for InsideNGO Members, $1,350 for Non-Members)
Regular: May 30 ($1,200 for Members, $1,450 for Non-Members)
Late: Jun 14 (1,300 for Members, $1,550 for Non-Members)