45 CFR Part 92
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 45, Volume 1, Parts 1 to 199]
[Revised as of October 1, 1999]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 45CFR92]
[Page 401-428]
TITLE 45--PUBLIC WELFARE
AND HUMAN SERVICES
PART 92--UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Subpart A--General
Sec.
92.1 Purpose and scope of this part.
92.2 Scope of subpart.
92.3 Definitions.
92.4 Applicability.
92.5 Effect on other issuances.
92.6 Additions and exceptions.
Subpart B--Pre-Award Requirements
92.10 Forms for applying for grants.
92.11 State plans.
92.12 Special grant or subgrant conditions for ``high-risk'' grantees.
Subpart C--Post-Award Requirements
Financial Administration
92.20 Standards for financial management systems.
92.21 Payment.
92.22 Allowable costs.
92.23 Period of availability of funds.
92.24 Matching or cost sharing.
92.25 Program income.
92.26 Non-Federal audit.
Changes, Property, and Subawards
92.30 Changes.
92.31 Real property.
92.32 Equipment.
92.33 Supplies.
92.34 Copyrights.
92.35 Subawards to debarred and suspended parties.
92.36 Procurement.
92.37 Subgrants.
Reports, Records Retention, and Enforcement
92.40 Monitoring and reporting program performance.
[[Page 402]]
92.41 Financial reporting.
92.42 Retention and access requirements for records.
92.43 Enforcement.
92.44 Termination for convenience.
Subpart D--After-the-Grant Requirements
92.50 Closeout.
92.51 Later disallowances and adjustments.
92.52 Collection of amounts due.
Subpart E--Entitlement [Reserved]
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301.
Source: 53 FR 8079, 8087, Mar. 11, 1988, unless otherwise noted.
Editorial Note: For additional information, see related documents
published at 49 FR 24958, June 18, 1984, 52 FR 20178, May 29, 1987, and
53 FR 8028, March 11, 1988.
Subpart A--General
Sec. 92.1 Purpose and scope of this part.
This part establishes uniform administrative rules for Federal
grants and cooperative agreements and subawards to State, local and
Indian tribal governments.
Sec. 92.2 Scope of subpart.
This subpart contains general rules pertaining to this part and
procedures for control of exceptions from this part.
Sec. 92.3 Definitions.
As used in this part:
Accrued expenditures mean the charges incurred by the grantee during
a given period requiring the provision of funds for: (1) Goods and other
tangible property received; (2) services performed by employees,
contractors, subgrantees, subcontractors, and other payees; and (3)
other amounts becoming owed under programs for which no current services
or performance is required, such as annuities, insurance claims, and
other benefit payments.
Accrued income means the sum of: (1) Earnings during a given period
from services performed by the grantee and goods and other tangible
property delivered to purchasers, and (2) amounts becoming owed to the
grantee for which no current services or performance is required by the
grantee.
Acquisition cost of an item of purchased equipment means the net
invoice unit price of the property including the cost of modifications,
attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make the
property usable for the purpose for which it was acquired. Other charges
such as the cost of installation, transportation, taxes, duty or
protective in-transit insurance, shall be included or excluded from the
unit acquisition cost in accordance with the grantee's regular
accounting practices.
Administrative requirements mean those matters common to grants in
general, such as financial management, kinds and frequency of reports,
and retention of records. These are distinguished from programmatic
requirements, which concern matters that can be treated only on a
program-by-program or grant-by-grant basis, such as kinds of activities
that can be supported by grants under a particular program.
Awarding agency means (1) with respect to a grant, the Federal
agency, and (2) with respect to a subgrant, the party that awarded the
subgrant.
Cash contributions means the grantee's cash outlay, including the
outlay of money contributed to the grantee or subgrantee by other public
agencies and institutions, and private organizations and individuals.
When authorized by Federal legislation, Federal funds received from
other assistance agreements may be considered as grantee or subgrantee
cash contributions.
Contract means (except as used in the definitions for grant and
subgrant in this section and except where qualified by Federal) a
procurement contract under a grant or subgrant, and means a procurement
subcontract under a contract.
Cost sharing or matching means the value of the third party in-kind
contributions and the portion of the costs of a federally assisted
project or program not borne by the Federal Government.
Cost-type contract means a contract or subcontract under a grant in
which the contractor or subcontractor is paid on the basis of the costs
it incurs, with or without a fee.
[[Page 403]]
Equipment means tangible, nonexpendable, personal property having a
useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or
more per unit. A grantee may use its own definition of equipment
provided that such definition would at least include all equipment
defined above.
Expenditure report means: (1) For nonconstruction grants, the SF-269
``Financial Status Report'' (or other equivalent report); (2) for
construction grants, the SF-271 ``Outlay Report and Request for
Reimbursement'' (or other equivalent report).
Federally recognized Indian tribal government means the governing
body or a governmental agency of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or
other organized group or community (including any Native village as
defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 85 Stat
688) certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the
special programs and services provided by him through the Bureau of
Indian Affairs.
Government means a State or local government or a federally
recognized Indian tribal government.
Grant means an award of financial assistance, including cooperative
agreements, in the form of money, or property in lieu of money, by the
Federal Government to an eligible grantee. The term does not include
technical assistance which provides services instead of money, or other
assistance in the form of revenue sharing, loans, loan guarantees,
interest subsidies, insurance, or direct appropriations. Also, the term
does not include assistance, such as a fellowship or other lump sum
award, which the grantee is not required to account for.
Grantee means the government to which a grant is awarded and which
is accountable for the use of the funds provided. The grantee is the
entire legal entity even if only a particular component of the entity is
designated in the grant award document.
Local government means a county, municipality, city, town, township,
local public authority (including any public and Indian housing agency
under the United States Housing Act of 1937) school district, special
district, intrastate district, council of governments (whether or not
incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under state law), any other
regional or interstate government entity, or any agency or
instrumentality of a local government.
Obligations means the amounts of orders placed, contracts and
subgrants awarded, goods and services received, and similar transactions
during a given period that will require payment by the grantee during
the same or a future period.
OMB means the United States Office of Management and Budget.
Outlays (expenditures) mean charges made to the project or program.
They may be reported on a cash or accrual basis. For reports prepared on
a cash basis, outlays are the sum of actual cash disbursement for direct
charges for goods and services, the amount of indirect expense incurred,
the value of in-kind contributions applied, and the amount of cash
advances and payments made to contractors and subgrantees. For reports
prepared on an accrued expenditure basis, outlays are the sum of actual
cash disbursements, the amount of indirect expense incurred, the value
of inkind contributions applied, and the new increase (or decrease) in
the amounts owed by the grantee for goods and other property received,
for services performed by employees, contractors, subgrantees,
subcontractors, and other payees, and other amounts becoming owed under
programs for which no current services or performance are required, such
as annuities, insurance claims, and other benefit payments.
Percentage of completion method refers to a system under which
payments are made for construction work according to the percentage of
completion of the work, rather than to the grantee's cost incurred.
Prior approval means documentation evidencing consent prior to
incurring specific cost.
Real property means land, including land improvements, structures
and appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
Share, when referring to the awarding agency's portion of real
property, equipment or supplies, means the same percentage as the
awarding agency's portion of the acquiring party's total
[[Page 404]]
costs under the grant to which the acquisition costs under the grant to
which the acquisition cost of the property was charged. Only costs are
to be counted--not the value of third-party in-kind contributions.
State means any of the several States of the United States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or
possession of the United States, or any agency or instrumentality of a
State exclusive of local governments. The term does not include any
public and Indian housing agency under United States Housing Act of
1937.
Subgrant means an award of financial assistance in the form of
money, or property in lieu of money, made under a grant by a grantee to
an eligible subgrantee. The term includes financial assistance when
provided by contractual legal agreement, but does not include
procurement purchases, nor does it include any form of assistance which
is excluded from the definition of grant in this part.
Subgrantee means the government or other legal entity to which a
subgrant is awarded and which is accountable to the grantee for the use
of the funds provided.
Supplies means all tangible personal property other than equipment
as defined in this part.
Suspension means depending on the context, either (1) temporary
withdrawal of the authority to obligate grant funds pending corrective
action by the grantee or subgrantee or a decision to terminate the
grant, or (2) an action taken by a suspending official in accordance
with agency regulations implementing E.O. 12549 to immediately exclude a
person from participating in grant transactions for a period, pending
completion of an investigation and such legal or debarment proceedings
as may ensue.
Termination means permanent withdrawal of the authority to obligate
previously-awarded grant funds before that authority would otherwise
expire. It also means the voluntary relinquishment of that authority by
the grantee or subgrantee. ``Termination'' does not include: (1)
Withdrawal of funds awarded on the basis of the grantee's underestimate
of the unobligated balance in a prior period; (2) Withdrawal of the
unobligated balance as of the expiration of a grant; (3) Refusal to
extend a grant r award additional funds, to make a competing or
noncompeting continuation, renewal, extension, or supplemental award; or
(4) voiding of a grant upon determination that the award was obtained
fraudulently, or was otherwise illegal or invalid from inception.
Terms of a grant or subgrant mean all requirements of the grant or
subgrant, whether in statute, regulations, or the award document.
Third party in-kind contributions mean property or services which
benefit a federally assisted project or program and which are
contributed by non-Federal third parties without charge to the grantee,
or a cost-type contractor under the grant agreement.
Unliquidated obligations for reports prepared on a cash basis mean
the amount of obligations incurred by the grantee that has not been
paid. For reports prepared on an accrued expenditure basis, they
represent the amount of obligations incurred by the grantee for which an
outlay has not been recorded.
Unobligated balance means the portion of the funds authorized by the
Federal agency that has not been obligated by the grantee and is
determined by deducting the cumulative obligations from the cumulative
funds authorized.
Sec. 92.4 Applicability.
(a) General. Subparts A through D of this part apply to all grants
and subgrants to governments, except where inconsistent with Federal
statutes or with regulations authorized in accordance with the exception
provision of Sec. 92.6, or:
(1) Grants and subgrants to State and local institutions of higher
education or State and local hospitals.
(2) The block grants authorized by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Act of 1981 (Community Services; Preventive Health and Health Services;
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Services; Maternal and Child
Health Services; Social Services; Low-Income Home Energy Assistance;
States' Program of Community Development
[[Page 405]]
Block Grants for Small Cities; and Elementary and Secondary Education
other than programs administered by the Secretary of Education under
Title V, Subtitle D, Chapter 2, Section 583--the Secretary's
discretionary grant program) and Titles I-III of the Job Training
Partnership Act of 1982 and under the Public Health Services Act
(Section 1921), Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation
Block Grant and Part C of Title V, Mental Health Service for the
Homeless Block Grant).
(3) Entitlement grants to carry out the following programs of the
Social Security Act:
(i) Aid to Needy Families with Dependent Children (Title IV-A of the
Act, not including the Work Incentive Program (WIN) authorized by
section 402(a)19(G); HHS grants for WIN are subject to this part);
(ii) Child Support Enforcement and Establishment of Paternity (Title
IV-D of the Act);
(iii) Foster Care and Adoption Assistance (Title IV-E of the Act);
(iv) Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (Titles I, X, XIV, and
XVI-AABD of the Act); and
(v) Medical Assistance (Medicaid) (Title XIX of the Act) not
including the State Medicaid Fraud Control program authorized by section
1903(a)(6)(B).
(4) Entitlement grants under the following programs of The National
School Lunch Act:
(i) School Lunch (section 4 of the Act),
(ii) Commodity Assistance (section 6 of the Act),
(iii) Special Meal Assistance (section 11 of the Act),
(iv) Summer Food Service for Children (section 13 of the Act), and
(v) Child Care Food Program (section 17 of the Act).
(5) Entitlement grants under the following programs of The Child
Nutrition Act of 1966:
(i) Special Milk (section 3 of the Act), and
(ii) School Breakfast (section 4 of the Act).
(6) Entitlement grants for State Administrative expenses under The
Food Stamp Act of 1977 (section 16 of the Act).
(7) A grant for an experimental, pilot, or demonstration project
that is also supported by a grant listed in paragraph (a)(3) of this
section;
(8) Grant funds awarded under subsection 412(e) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1522(e)) and subsection 501(a) of the
Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-422, 94 Stat.
1809), for cash assistance, medical assistance, and supplemental
security income benefits to refugees and entrants and the administrative
costs of providing the assistance and benefits;
(9) Grants to local education agencies under 20 U.S.C. 236 through
241-1(a), and 242 through 244 (portions of the Impact Aid program),
except for 20 U.S.C. 238(d)(2)(c) and 240(f) (Entitlement Increase for
Handicapped Children); and
(10) Payments under the Veterans Administration's State Home Per
Diem Program (38 U.S.C. 641(a)).
(b) Entitlement programs. Entitlement programs enumerated above in
Sec. 92.4(a) (3) through (8) are subject to Subpart E.
Sec. 92.5 Effect on other issuances.
All other grants administration provisions of codified program
regulations, program manuals, handbooks and other nonregulatory
materials which are inconsistent with this part are superseded, except
to the extent they are required by statute, or authorized in accordance
with the exception provision in Sec. 92.6.
Sec. 92.6 Additions and exceptions.
(a) For classes of grants and grantees subject to this part, Federal
agencies may not impose additional administrative requirements except in
codified regulations published in the Federal Register.
(b) Exceptions for classes of grants or grantees may be authorized
only by OMB.
(c) Exceptions on a case-by-case basis and for subgrantees may be
authorized by the affected Federal agencies.
[[Page 406]]
Subpart B--Pre-Award Requirements
Sec. 92.10 Forms for applying for grants.
(a) Scope. (1) This section prescribes forms and instructions to be
used by governmental organizations (except hospitals and institutions of
higher education operated by a government) in applying for grants. This
section is not applicable, however, to formula grant programs which do
not require applicants to apply for funds on a project basis.
(2) This section applies only to applications to Federal agencies
for grants, and is not required to be applied by grantees in dealing
with applicants for subgrants. However, grantees are encouraged to avoid
more detailed or burdensome application requirements for subgrants.
(b) Authorized forms and instructions for governmental
organizations. (1) In applying for grants, applicants shall only use
standard application forms or those prescribed by the granting agency
with the approval of OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980.
(2) Applicants are not required to submit more than the original and
two copies of preapplications or applications.
(3) Applicants must follow all applicable instructions that bear OMB
clearance numbers. Federal agencies may specify and describe the
programs, functions, or activities that will be used to plan, budget,
and evaluate the work under a grant. Other supplementary instructions
may be issued only with the approval of OMB to the extent required under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980. For any standard form, except the
SF-424 facesheet, Federal agencies may shade out or instruct the
applicant to disregard any line item that is not needed.
(4) When a grantee applies for additional funding (such as a
continuation or supplemental award) or amends a previously submitted
application, only the affected pages need be submitted. Previously
submitted pages with information that is still current need not be
resubmitted.
Sec. 92.11 State plans.
(a) Scope. The statutes for some programs require States to submit
plans before receiving grants. Under regulations implementing Executive
Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' States
are allowed to simplify, consolidate and substitute plans. This section
contains additional provisions for plans that are subject to regulations
implementing the Executive order.
(b) Requirements. A State need meet only Federal administrative or
programmatic requirements for a plan that are in statutes or codified
regulations.
(c) Assurances. In each plan the State will include an assurance
that the State shall comply with all applicable Federal statutes and
regulations in effect with respect to the periods for which it receives
grant funding. For this assurance and other assurances required in the
plan, the State may:
(1) Cite by number the statutory or regulatory provisions requiring
the assurances and affirm that it gives the assurances required by those
provisions,
(2) Repeat the assurance language in the statutes or regulations, or
(3) Develop its own language to the extent permitted by law.
(d) Amendments. A State will amend a plan whenever necessary to
reflect: (1) New or revised Federal statutes or regulations or (2) a
material change in any State law, organization, policy, or State agency
operation. The State will obtain approval for the amendment and its
effective date but need submit for approval only the amended portions of
the plan.
Sec. 92.12 Special grant or subgrant conditions for ``high-risk''
grantees.
(a) A grantee or subgrantee may be considered ``high risk'' if an
awarding agency determines that a grantee or subgrantee:
(1) Has a history of unsatisfactory performance, or
(2) Is not financially stable, or
(3) Has a management system which does not meet the management
standards set forth in this part, or
(4) Has not conformed to terms and conditions of previous awards, or
[[Page 407]]
(5) Is otherwise not responsible; and if the awarding agency
determines that an award will be made, special conditions and/or
restrictions shall correspond to the high risk condition and shall be
included in the award.
(b) Special conditions or restrictions may include:
(1) Payment on a reimbursement basis;
(2) Withholding authority to proceed to the next phase until receipt
of evidence of acceptable performance within a given funding period;
(3) Requiring additional, more detailed financial reports;
(4) Additional project monitoring;
(5) Requiring the grantee or subgrantee to obtain technical or
management assistance; or
(6) Establishing additional prior approvals.
(c) If an awarding agency decides to impose such conditions, the
awarding official will notify the grantee or subgrantee as early as
possible, in writing, of:
(1) The nature of the special conditions/restrictions;
(2) The reason(s) for imposing them;
(3) The corrective actions which must be taken before they will be
removed and the time allowed for completing the corrective actions and
(4) The method of requesting reconsideration of the conditions/
restrictions imposed.
Subpart C--Post-Award Requirements
Financial Administration
Sec. 92.20 Standards for financial management systems.
(a) A State must expand and account for grant funds in accordance
with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for its own
funds. Fiscal control and accounting procedures of the State, as well as
its subgrantees and cost-type contractors, must be sufficient to--
(1) Permit preparation of reports required by this part and the
statutes authorizing the grant, and
(2) Permit the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate
to establish that such funds have not been used in violation of the
restrictions and prohibitions of applicable statutes.
(b) The financial management systems of other grantees and
subgrantees must meet the following standards:
(1) Financial reporting. Accurate, current, and complete disclosure
of the financial results of financially assisted activities must be made
in accordance with the financial reporting requirements of the grant or
subgrant.
(2) Accounting records. Grantees and subgrantees must maintain
records which adequately identify the source and application of funds
provided for financially-assisted activities. These records must contain
information pertaining to grant or subgrant awards and authorizations,
obligations, unobligated balances, assets, liabilities, outlays or
expenditures, and income.
(3) Internal control. Effective control and accountability must be
maintained for all grant and subgrant cash, real and personal property,
and other assets. Grantees and subgrantees must adequately safeguard all
such property and must assure that it is used solely for authorized
purposes.
(4) Budget control. Actual expenditures or outlays must be compared
with budgeted amounts for each grant or subgrant. Financial information
must be related to performance or productivity data, including the
development of unit cost information whenever appropriate or
specifically required in the grant or subgrant agreement. If unit cost
data are required, estimates based on available documentation will be
accepted whenever possible.
(5) Allowable cost. Applicable OMB cost principles, agency program
regulations, and the terms of grant and subgrant agreements will be
followed in determining the reasonableness, allowability, and
allocability of costs.
(6) Source documentation. Accounting records must be supported by
such source documentation as cancelled checks, paid bills, payrolls,
time and attendance records, contract and subgrant award documents, etc.
(7) Cash management. Procedures for minimizing the time elapsing
between the transfer of funds from the U.S. Treasury and disbursement by
grantees and subgrantees must be followed
[[Page 408]]
whenever advance payment procedures are used. Grantees must establish
reasonable procedures to ensure the receipt of reports on subgrantees'
cash balances and cash disbursements in sufficient time to enable them
to prepare complete and accurate cash transactions reports to the
awarding agency. When advances are made by letter-of-credit or
electronic transfer of funds methods, the grantee must make drawdowns as
close as possible to the time of making disbursements. Grantees must
monitor cash drawdowns by their subgrantees to assure that they conform
substantially to the same standards of timing and amount as apply to
advances to the grantees.
(c) An awarding agency may review the adequacy of the financial
management system of any applicant for financial assistance as part of a
preaward review or at any time subsequent to award.
Sec. 92.21 Payment.
(a) Scope. This section prescribes the basic standard and the
methods under which a Federal agency will make payments to grantees, and
grantees will make payments to subgrantees and contractors.
(b) Basic standard. Methods and procedures for payment shall
minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and
disbursement by the grantee or subgrantee, in accordance with Treasury
regulations at 31 CFR Part 205.
(c) Advances. Grantees and subgrantees shall be paid in advance,
provided they maintain or demonstrate the willingness and ability to
maintain procedures to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer
of the funds and their disbursement by the grantee or subgrantee.
(d) Reimbursement. Reimbursement shall be the preferred method when
the requirements in paragraph (c) of this section are not met. Grantees
and subgrantees may also be paid by reimbursement for any construction
grant. Except as otherwise specified in regulation, Federal agencies
shall not use the percentage of completion method to pay construction
grants. The grantee or subgrantee may use that method to pay its
construction contractor, and if it does, the awarding agency's payments
to the grantee or subgrantee will be based on the grantee's or
subgrantee's actual rate of disbursement.
(e) Working capital advances. If a grantee cannot meet the criteria
for advance payments described in paragraph (c) of this section, and the
Federal agency has determined that reimbursement is not feasible because
the grantee lacks sufficient working capital, the awarding agency may
provide cash or a working capital advance basis. Under this procedure
the awarding agency shall advance cash to the grantee to cover its
estimated disbursement needs for an initial period generally geared to
the grantee's disbursing cycle. Thereafter, the awarding agency shall
reimburse the grantee for its actual cash disbursements. The working
capital advance method of payment shall not be used by grantees or
subgrantees if the reason for using such method is the unwillingness or
inability of the grantee to provide timely advances to the subgrantee to
meet the subgrantee's actual cash disbursements.
(f) Effect of program income, refunds, and audit recoveries on
payment. (1) Grantees and subgrantees shall disburse repayments to and
interest earned on a revolving fund before requesting additional cash
payments for the same activity.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, grantees
and subgrantees shall disburse program income, rebates, refunds,
contract settlements, audit recoveries and interest earned on such funds
before requesting additional cash payments.
(g) Withholding payments. (1) Unless otherwise required by Federal
statute, awarding agencies shall not withhold payments for proper
charges incurred by grantees or subgrantees unless--
(i) The grantee or subgrantee has failed to comply with grant award
conditions or
(ii) The grantee or subgrantee is indebted to the United States.
(2) Cash withheld for failure to comply with grant award condition,
but without suspension of the grant, shall
[[Page 409]]
be released to the grantee upon subsequent compliance. When a grant is
suspended, payment adjustments will be made in accordance with
Sec. 92.43(c).
(3) A Federal agency shall not make payment to grantees for amounts
that are withheld by grantees or subgrantees from payment to contractors
to assure satisfactory completion of work. Payments shall be made by the
Federal agency when the grantees or subgrantees actually disburse the
withheld funds to the contractors or to escrow accounts established to
assure satisfactory completion of work.
(h) Cash depositories. (1) Consistent with the national goal of
expanding the opportunities for minority business enterprises, grantees
and subgrantees are encouraged to use minority banks (a bank which is
owned at least 50 percent by minority group members). A list of minority
owned banks can be obtained from the Minority Business Development
Agency, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230.
(2) A grantee or subgrantee shall maintain a separate bank account
only when required by Federal-State agreement.
(i) Interest earned on advances. Except for interest earned on
advances of funds exempt under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act (31
U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) and the Indian Self-Determination Act (23 U.S.C.
450), grantees and subgrantees shall promptly, but at least quarterly,
remit interest earned on advances to the Federal agency. The grantee or
subgrantee may keep interest amounts up to $100 per year for
administrative expenses.
Sec. 92.22 Allowable costs.
(a) Limitation on use of funds. Grant funds may be used only for:
(1) The allowable costs of the grantees, subgrantees and cost-type
contractors, including allowable costs in the form of payments to fixed-
price contractors; and
(2) Reasonable fees or profit to cost-type contractors but not any
fee or profit (or other increment above allowable costs) to the grantee
or subgrantee.
(b) Applicable cost principles. For each kind of organization, there
is a set of Federal principles for determining allowable costs.
Allowable costs will be determined in accordance with the cost
principles applicable to the organization incurring the costs. The
following chart lists the kinds of organizations and the applicable cost
principles.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the costs of a-- Use the principles in--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State, local or Indian tribal government.. OMB Circular A-87.
Private nonprofit organization other than OMB Circular A-122.
an (1) institution of higher education,
(2) hospital, or (3) organization named
in OMB Circular A-122 as not subject to
that circular.
Educational institutions.................. OMB Circular A-21.
For-profit organization other than a 48 CFR Part 31. Contract
hospital and an organization named in OBM Cost Principles and
Circular A-122 as not subject to that Procedures, or uniform cost
circular. accounting standards that
comply with cost principles
acceptable to the Federal
agency.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 92.23 Period of availability of funds.
(a) General. Where a funding period is specified, a grantee may
charge to the award only costs resulting from obligations of the funding
period unless carryover of unobligated balances is permitted, in which
case the carryover balances may be charged for costs resulting from
obligations of the subsequent funding period.
(b) Liquidation of obligations. A grantee must liquidate all
obligations incurred under the award not later than 90 days after the
end of the funding period (or as specified in a program regulation) to
coincide with the submission of the annual Financial Status Report (SF-
269). The Federal agency may extend this deadline at the request of the
grantee.
Sec. 92.24 Matching or cost sharing.
(a) Basic rule: Costs and contributions acceptable. With the
qualifications and exceptions listed in paragraph (b) of this section, a
matching or cost sharing requirement may be satisfied by either or both
of the following:
(1) Allowable costs incurred by the grantee, subgrantee or a cost-
type contractor under the assistance agreement. This includes allowable
costs borne by non-Federal grants or by others cash donations from non-
Federal third parties.
[[Page 410]]
(2) The value of third party in-kind contributions applicable to the
period to which the cost sharing or matching requirements applies.
(b) Qualifications and exceptions--(1) Costs borne by other Federal
grant agreements. Except as provided by Federal statute, a cost sharing
or matching requirement may not be met by costs borne by another Federal
grant. This prohibition does not apply to income earned by a grantee or
subgrantee from a contract awarded under another Federal grant.
(2) General revenue sharing. For the purpose of this section,
general revenue sharing funds distributed under 31 U.S.C. 6702 are not
considered Federal grant funds.
(3) Cost or contributions counted towards other Federal costs-
sharing requirements. Neither costs nor the values of third party in-
kind contributions may count towards satisfying a cost sharing or
matching requirement of a grant agreement if they have been or will be
counted towards satisfying a cost sharing or matching requirement of
another Federal grant agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any
other award of Federal funds.
(4) Costs financed by program income. Costs financed by program
income, as defined in Sec. 92.25, shall not count towards satisfying a
cost sharing or matching requirement unless they are expressly permitted
in the terms of the assistance agreement. (This use of general program
income is described in Sec. 92.25(g).)
(5) Services or property financed by income earned by contractors.
Contractors under a grant may earn income from the activities carried
out under the contract in addition to the amounts earned from the party
awarding the contract. No costs of services or property supported by
this income may count toward satisfying a cost sharing or matching
requirement unless other provisions of the grant agreement expressly
permit this kind of income to be used to meet the requirement.
(6) Records. Costs and third party in-kind contributions counting
towards satisfying a cost sharing or matching requirement must be
verifiable from the records of grantees and subgrantee or cost-type
contractors. These records must show how the value placed on third party
in-kind contributions was derived. To the extent feasible, volunteer
services will be supported by the same methods that the organization
uses to support the allocability of regular personnel costs.
(7) Special standards for third party in-kind contributions. (i)
Third party in-kind contributions count towards satisfying a cost
sharing or matching requirement only where, if the party receiving the
contributions were to pay for them, the payments would be allowable
costs.
(ii) Some third party in-kind contributions are goods and services
that, if the grantee, subgrantee, or contractor receiving the
contribution had to pay for them, the payments would have been an
indirect costs. Costs sharing or matching credit for such contributions
shall be given only if the grantee, subgrantee, or contractor has
established, along with its regular indirect cost rate, a special rate
for allocating to individual projects or programs the value of the
contributions.
(iii) A third party in-kind contribution to a fixed-price contract
may count towards satisfying a cost sharing or matching requirement only
if it results in:
(A) An increase in the services or property provided under the
contract (without additional cost to the grantee or subgrantee) or
(B) A cost savings to the grantee or subgrantee.
(iv) The values placed on third party in-kind contributions for cost
sharing or matching purposes will conform to the rules in the succeeding
sections of this part. If a third party in-kind contribution is a type
not treated in those sections, the value placed upon it shall be fair
and reasonable.
(c) Valuation of donated services--(1) Volunteer services. Unpaid
services provided to a grantee or subgrantee by individuals will be
valued at rates consistent with those ordinarily paid for similar work
in the grantee's or subgrantee's organization. If the grantee or
subgrantee does not have employees performing similar work, the rates
will be consistent with those ordinarily paid by other employers for
similar
[[Page 411]]
work in the same labor market. In either case, a reasonable amount for
fringe benefits may be included in the valuation.
(2) Employees of other organizations. When an employer other than a
grantee, subgrantee, or cost-type contractor furnishes free of charge
the services of an employee in the employee's normal line of work, the
services will be valued at the employee's regular rate of pay exclusive
of the employee's fringe benefits and overhead costs. If the services
are in a different line of work, paragraph (c)(1) of this section
applies.
(d) Valuation of third party donated supplies and loaned equipment
or space. (1) If a third party donates supplies, the contribution will
be valued at the market value of the supplies at the time of donation.
(2) If a third party donates the use of equipment or space in a
building but retains title, the contribution will be valued at the fair
rental rate of the equipment or space.
(e) Valuation of third party donated equipment, buildings, and land.
If a third party donates equipment, buildings, or land, and title passes
to a grantee or subgrantee, the treatment of the donated property will
depend upon the purpose of the grant or subgrant, as follows:
(1) Awards for capital expenditures. If the purpose of the grant or
subgrant is to assist the grantee or subgrantee in the acquisition of
property, the market value of that property at the time of donation may
be counted as cost sharing or matching,
(2) Other awards. If assisting in the acquisition of property is not
the purpose of the grant or subgrant, paragraphs (e)(2) (i) and (ii) of
this section apply:
(i) If approval is obtained from the awarding agency, the market
value at the time of donation of the donated equipment or buildings and
the fair rental rate of the donated land may be counted as cost sharing
or matching. In the case of a subgrant, the terms of the grant agreement
may require that the approval be obtained from the Federal agency as
well as the grantee. In all cases, the approval may be given only if a
purchase of the equipment or rental of the land would be approved as an
allowable direct cost. If any part of the donated property was acquired
with Federal funds, only the non-federal share of the property may be
counted as cost-sharing or matching.
(ii) If approval is not obtained under paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this
section, no amount may be counted for donated land, and only
depreciation or use allowances may be counted for donated equipment and
buildings. The depreciation or use allowances for this property are not
treated as third party in-kind contributions. Instead, they are treated
as costs incurred by the grantee or subgrantee. They are computed and
allocated (usually as indirect costs) in accordance with the cost
principles specified in Sec. 92.22, in the same way as depreciation or
use allowances for purchased equipment and buildings. The amount of
depreciation or use allowances for donated equipment and buildings is
based on the property's market value at the time it was donated.
(f) Valuation of grantee or subgrantee donated real property for
construction/acquisition. If a grantee or subgrantee donates real
property for a construction or facilities acquisition project, the
current market value of that property may be counted as cost sharing or
matching. If any part of the donated property was acquired with Federal
funds, only the non-federal share of the property may be counted as cost
sharing or matching.
(g) Appraisal of real property. In some cases under paragraphs (d),
(e) and (f) of this section, it will be necessary to establish the
market value of land or a building or the fair rental rate of land or of
space in a building. In these cases, the Federal agency may require the
market value or fair rental value be set by an independent appraiser,
and that the value or rate be certified by the grantee. This requirement
will also be imposed by the grantee on subgrantees.
Sec. 92.25 Program income.
(a) General. Grantees are encouraged to earn income to defray
program costs. Program income includes income from fees for services
performed, from the use or rental of real or personal property acquired
with grant funds, from the sale of commodities or items fabricated under
a grant agreement,
[[Page 412]]
and from payments of principal and interest on loans made with grant
funds. Except as otherwise provided in regulations of the Federal
agency, program income does not include interest on grant funds,
rebates, credits, discounts, refunds, etc. and interest earned on any of
them.
(b) Definition of program income. Program income means gross income
received by the grantee or subgrantee directly generated by a grant
supported activity, or earned only as a result of the grant agreement
during the grant period. ``During the grant period'' is the time between
the effective date of the award and the ending date of the award
reflected in the final financial report.
(c) Cost of generating program income. If authorized by Federal
regulations or the grant agreement, costs incident to the generation of
program income may be deducted from gross income to determine program
income.
(d) Governmental revenues. Taxes, special assessments, levies,
fines, and other such revenues raised by a grantee or subgrantee are not
program income unless the revenues are specifically identified in the
grant agreement or Federal agency regulations as program income.
(e) Royalties. Income from royalties and license fees for
copyrighted material, patents, and inventions developed by a grantee or
subgrantee is program income only if the revenues are specifically
identified in the grant agreement or Federal agency regulations as
program income. (See Sec. 92.34.)
(f) Property. Proceeds from the sale of real property or equipment
will be handled in accordance with the requirements of Secs. 92.31 and
92.32.
(g) Use of program income. Program income shall be deducted from
outlays which may be both Federal and non-Federal as described below,
unless the Federal agency regulations or the grant agreement specify
another alternative (or a combination of the alternatives). In
specifying alternatives, the Federal agency may distinguish between
income earned by the grantee and income earned by subgrantees and
between the sources, kinds, or amounts of income. When Federal agencies
authorize the alternatives in paragraphs (g) (2) and (3) of this
section, program income in excess of any limits stipulated shall also be
deducted from outlays.
(1) Deduction. Ordinarily program income shall be deducted from
total allowable costs to determine the net allowable costs. Program
income shall be used for current costs unless the Federal agency
authorizes otherwise. Program income which the grantee did not
anticipate at the time of the award shall be used to reduce the Federal
agency and grantee contributions rather than to increase the funds
committed to the project.
(2) Addition. When authorized, program income may be added to the
funds committed to the grant agreement by the Federal agency and the
grantee. The program income shall be used for the purposes and under the
conditions of the grant agreement.
(3) Cost sharing or matching. When authorized, program income may be
used to meet the cost sharing or matching requirement of the grant
agreement. The amount of the Federal grant award remains the same.
(h) Income after the award period. There are no Federal requirements
governing the disposition of program income earned after the end of the
award period (i.e., until the ending date of the final financial report,
see paragraph (a) of this section), unless the terms of the agreement or
the Federal agency regulations provide otherwise.
Sec. 92.26 Non-Federal audit.
(a) Basic rule. Grantees and subgrantees are responsible for
obtaining audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of
1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and revised OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of
States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.'' The audits
shall be made by an independent auditor in accordance with generally
accepted government auditing standards covering financial audits.
(b) Subgrantees. State or local governments, as those terms are
defined for purposes of the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996, that
provide Federal awards to a subgrantee, which expends $300,000 or more
(or other
[[Page 413]]
amount as specified by OMB) in Federal awards in a fiscal year, shall:
(1) Determine whether State or local subgrantees have met the audit
requirements of the Act and whether subgrantees covered by OMB Circular
A-110, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements
with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit
Organizations,'' have met the audit requirements of the Act. Commercial
contractors (private for-profit and private and governmental
organizations) providing goods and services to State and local
governments are not required to have a single audit performed. State and
local governments should use their own procedures to ensure that the
contractor has complied with laws and regulations affecting the
expenditure of Federal funds;
(2) Determine whether the subgrantee spent Federal assistance funds
provided in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This may be
accomplished by reviewing an audit of the subgrantee made in accordance
with the Act, Circular A-110, or through other means (e.g., program
reviews) if the subgrantee has not had such an audit;
(3) Ensure that appropriate corrective action is taken within six
months after receipt of the audit report in instance of noncompliance
with Federal laws and regulations;
(4) Consider whether subgrantee audits necessitate adjustment of the
grantee's own records; and
(5) Require each subgrantee to permit independent auditors to have
access to the records and financial statements.
(c) Auditor selection. In arranging for audit services, Sec. 92.36
shall be followed.
[53 FR 8079, 8087, Mar. 11, 1988, as amended at 62 FR 45939, 45945, Aug.
29, 1997]
Changes, Property, and Subawards
Sec. 92.30 Changes.
(a) General. Grantees and subgrantees are permitted to rebudget
within the approved direct cost budget to meet unanticipated
requirements and may make limited program changes to the approved
project. However, unless waived by the awarding agency, certain types of
post-award changes in budgets and projects shall require the prior
written approval of the awarding agency.
(1) Approvals shall not be valid unless they are in writing, and
signed by at least one of the following officials of the Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS):
(i) The responsible Grants Officer or his or her designee;
(ii) The head of the HHS Operating or Staff Division that awarded
the grant; or
(iii) The head of the Regional Office of the HHS Operating or Staff
Division that awarded the grant.
(b) Relation to cost principles. The applicable cost principles (see
Sec. 92.22) contain requirements for prior approval of certain types of
costs. Except where waived, those requirements apply to all grants and
subgrants even if paragraphs (c) through (f) of this section do not.
(c) Budget changes--(1) Nonconstruction projects. Except as stated
in other regulations or an award document, grantees or subgrantees shall
obtain the prior approval of the awarding agency whenever any of the
following changes is anticipated under a nonconstruction award:
(i) Any revision which would result in the need for additional
funding.
(ii) Unless waived by the awarding agency, cumulative transfers
among direct cost categories, or, if applicable, among separately
budgeted programs, projects, functions, or activities which exceed or
are expected to exceed ten percent of the current total approved budget,
whenever the awarding agency's share exceeds $100,000.
(iii) Transfer of funds allotted for training allowances (i.e., from
direct payments to trainees to other expense categories).
(2) Construction projects. Grantees and subgrantees shall obtain
prior written approval for any budget revision which would result in the
need for additional funds.
(3) Combined construction and nonconstruction projects. When a grant
or subgrant provides funding for both construction and nonconstruction
activities, the grantee or subgrantee must obtain prior written approval
from the awarding agency before making any
[[Page 414]]
fund or budget transfer from nonconstruction to construction or vice
versa.
(d) Programmatic changes. Grantees or subgrantees must obtain the
prior approval of the awarding agency whenever any of the following
actions is anticipated:
(1) Any revision of the scope or objectives of the project
(regardless of whether there is an associated budget revision requiring
prior approval).
(2) Need to extend the period of availability of funds.
(3) Changes in key persons in cases where specified in an
application or a grant award. In research projects, a change in the
project director or principal investigator shall always require approval
unless waived by the awarding agency.
(4) Under nonconstruction projects, contracting out, subgranting (if
authorized by law) or otherwise obtaining the services of a third party
to perform activities which are central to the purposes of the award.
This approval requirement is in addition to the approval requirements of
Sec. 92.36 but does not apply to the procurement of equipment, supplies,
and general support services.
(5) Providing medical care to individuals under research grants.
(e) Additional prior approval requirements. The awarding agency may
not require prior approval for any budget revision which is not
described in paragraph (c) of this section.
(f) Requesting prior approval. (1) A request for prior approval of
any budget revision will be in the same budget formal the grantee used
in its application and shall be accompanied by a narrative justification
for the proposed revision.
(2) A request for a prior approval under the applicable Federal cost
principles (see Sec. 92.22) may be made by letter.
(3) A request by a subgrantee for prior approval will be addressed
in writing to the grantee. The grantee will promptly review such request
and shall approve or disapprove the request in writing. A grantee will
not approve any budget or project revision which is inconsistent with
the purpose or terms and conditions of the Federal grant to the grantee.
If the revision, requested by the subgrantee would result in a change to
the grantee's approved project which requires Federal prior approval,
the grantee will obtain the Federal agency's approval before approving
the subgrantee's request.
[53 FR 8079, 8087, Mar. 11, 1988, as amended at 53 FR 8079, Mar. 11,
1988]
Sec. 92.31 Real property.
(a) Title. Subject to the obligations and conditions set forth in
this section, title to real property acquired under a grant or subgrant
will vest upon acquisition in the grantee or subgrantee respectively.
(b) Use. Except as otherwise provided by Federal statutes, real
property will be used for the originally authorized purposes as long as
needed for that purposes, and the grantee or subgrantee shall not
dispose of or encumber its title or other interests.
(c) Disposition. When real property is no longer needed for the
originally authorized purpose, the grantee or subgrantee will request
disposition instructions from the awarding agency. The instructions will
provide for one of the following alternatives:
(1) Retention of title. Retain title after compensating the awarding
agency. The amount paid to the awarding agency will be computed by
applying the awarding agency's percentage of participation in the cost
of the original purchase to the fair market value of the property.
However, in those situations where a grantee or subgrantee is disposing
of real property acquired with grant funds and acquiring replacement
real property under the same program, the net proceeds from the
disposition may be used as an offset to the cost of the replacement
property.
(2) Sale of property. Sell the property and compensate the awarding
agency. The amount due to the awarding agency will be calculated by
applying the awarding agency's percentage of participation in the cost
of the original purchase to the proceeds of the sale after deduction of
any actual and reasonable selling and fixing-up expenses. If the grant
is still active, the net proceeds from sale may be offset against the
original cost of the property. When a grantee or subgrantee is directed
to
[[Page 415]]
sell property, sales procedures shall be followed that provide for
competition to the extent practicable and result in the highest possible
return.
(3) Transfer of title. Transfer title to the awarding agency or to a
third-party designated/approved by the awarding agency. The grantee or
subgrantee shall be paid an amount calculated by applying the grantee or
subgrantee's percentage of participation in the purchase of the real
property to the current fair market value of the property.
Sec. 92.32 Equipment.
(a) Title. Subject to the obligations and conditions set forth in
this section, title to equipment acquired under a grant or subgrant will
vest upon acquisition in the grantee or subgrantee respectively.
(b) States. A State will use, manage, and dispose of equipment
acquired under a grant by the State in accordance with State laws and
procedures. Other grantees and subgrantees will follow paragraphs (c)
through (e) of this section.
(c) Use. (1) Equipment shall be used by the grantee or subgrantee in
the program or project for which it was acquired as long as needed,
whether or not the project or program continues to be supported by
Federal funds. When no longer needed for the original program or
project, the equipment may be used in other activities currently or
previously supported by a Federal agency.
(2) The grantee or subgrantee shall also make equipment available
for use on other projects or programs currently or previously supported
by the Federal Government, providing such use will not interfere with
the work on the projects or program for which it was originally
acquired. First preference for other use shall be given to other
programs or projects supported by the awarding agency. User fees should
be considered if appropriate.
(3) Notwithstanding the encouragement in Sec. 92.25(a) to earn
program income, the grantee or subgrantee must not use equipment
acquired with grant funds to provide services for a fee to compete
unfairly with private companies that provide equivalent services, unless
specifically permitted or contemplated by Federal statute.
(4) When acquiring replacement equipment, the grantee or subgrantee
may use the equipment to be replaced as a trade-in or sell the property
and use the proceeds to offset the cost of the replacement property,
subject to the approval of the awarding agency.
(d) Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment
(including replacement equipment), whether acquired in whole or in part
with grant funds, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum, meet
the following requirements:
(1) Property records must be maintained that include a description
of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the
source of property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of
the property, percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the
property, the location, use and condition of the property, and any
ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price
of the property.
(2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the
results reconciled with the property records at least once every two
years.
(3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards
to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or
theft shall be investigated.
(4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the
property in good condition.
(5) If the grantee or subgrantee is authorized or required to sell
the property, proper sales procedures must be established to ensure the
highest possible return.
(e) Disposition. When original or replacement equipment acquired
under a grant or subgrant is no longer needed for the original project
or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by
a Federal agency, disposition of the equipment will be made as follows:
(1) Items of equipment with a current per-unit fair market value of
less than $5,000 may be retained, sold or otherwise disposed of with no
further obligation to the awarding agency.
[[Page 416]]
(2) Items of equipment with a current per unit fair market value in
excess of $5,000 may be retained or sold and the awarding agency shall
have a right to an amount calculated by multiplying the current market
value or proceeds from sale by the awarding agency's share of the
equipment.
(3) In cases where a grantee or subgrantee fails to take appropriate
disposition actions, the awarding agency may direct the grantee or
subgrantee to take excess and disposition actions.
(f) Federal equipment. In the event a grantee or subgrantee is
provided federally-owned equipment:
(1) Title will remain vested in the Federal Government.
(2) Grantees or subgrantees will manage the equipment in accordance
with Federal agency rules and procedures, and submit an annual inventory
listing.
(3) When the equipment is no longer needed, the grantee or
subgrantee will request disposition instructions from the Federal
agency.
(g) Right to transfer title. The Federal awarding agency may reserve
the right to transfer title to the Federal Government or a third part
named by the awarding agency when such a third party is otherwise
eligible under existing statutes. Such transfers shall be subject to the
following standards:
(1) The property shall be identified in the grant or otherwise made
known to the grantee in writing.
(2) The Federal awarding agency shall issue disposition instruction
within 120 calendar days after the end of the Federal support of the
project for which it was acquired. If the Federal awarding agency fails
to issue disposition instructions within the 120 calendar-day period the
grantee shall follow Sec. 92.32(e).
(3) When title to equipment is transferred, the grantee shall be
paid an amount calculated by applying the percentage of participation in
the purchase to the current fair market value of the property.
Sec. 92.33 Supplies.
(a) Title. Title to supplies acquired under a grant or subgrant will
vest, upon acquisition, in the grantee or subgrantee respectively.
(b) Disposition. If there is a residual inventory of unused supplies
exceeding $5,000 in total aggregate fair market value upon termination
or completion of the award, and if the supplies are not needed for any
other federally sponsored programs or projects, the grantee or
subgrantee shall compensate the awarding agency for its share.
Sec. 92.34 Copyrights.
The Federal awarding agency reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive,
and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or otherwise use, and to
authorize others to use, for Federal Government purposes:
(a) The copyright in any work developed under a grant, subgrant, or
contract under a grant or subgrant; and
(b) Any rights of copyright to which a grantee, subgrantee or a
contractor purchases ownership with grant support.
Sec. 92.35 Subawards to debarred and suspended parties.
Grantees and subgrantees must not make any award or permit any award
(subgrant or contract) at any tier to any party which is debarred or
suspended or is otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation
in Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, ``Debarment
and Suspension.''
Sec. 92.36 Procurement.
(a) States. When procuring property and services under a grant, a
State will follow the same policies and procedures it uses for
procurements from its non-Federal funds. The State will ensure that
every purchase order or other contract includes any clauses required by
Federal statutes and executive orders and their implementing
regulations. Other grantees and subgrantees will follow paragraphs (b)
through (i) in this section.
(b) Procurement standards. (1) Grantees and subgrantees will use
their own procurement procedures which reflect applicable State and
local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to
applicable Federal law and the standards identified in this section.
[[Page 417]]
(2) Grantees and subgrantees will maintain a contract administration
system which ensures that contractors perform in accordance with the
terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase
orders.
(3) Grantees and subgrantees will maintain a written code of
standards of conduct governing the performance of their employees
engaged in the award and administration of contracts. No employee,
officer or agent of the grantee or subgrantee shall participate in
selection, or in the award or administration of a contract supported by
Federal funds if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be
involved. Such a conflict would arise when:
(i) The employee, officer or agent,
(ii) Any member of his immediate family,
(iii) His or her partner, or
(iv) An organization which employs, or is about to employ, any of
the above, has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for
award. The grantee's or subgrantee's officers, employees or agents will
neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors or anything of monetary
value from contractors, potential contractors, or parties to
subagreements. Grantee and subgrantees may set minimum rules where the
financial interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item
of nominal intrinsic value. To the extent permitted by State or local
law or regulations, such standards or conduct will provide for
penalties, sanctions, or other disciplinary actions for violations of
such standards by the grantee's and subgrantee's officers, employees, or
agents, or by contractors or their agents. The awarding agency may in
regulation provide additional prohibitions relative to real, apparent,
or potential conflicts of interest.
(4) Grantee and subgrantee procedures will provide for a review of
proposed procurements to avoid purchase of unnecessary or duplicative
items. Consideration should be given to consolidating or breaking out
procurements to obtain a more economical purchase. Where appropriate, an
analysis will be made of lease versus purchase alternatives, and any
other appropriate analysis to determine the most economical approach.
(5) To foster greater economy and efficiency, grantees and
subgrantees are encouraged to enter into State and local
intergovernmental agreements for procurement or use of common goods and
services.
(6) Grantees and subgrantees are encouraged to use Federal excess
and surplus property in lieu of purchasing new equipment and property
whenever such use is feasible and reduces project costs.
(7) Grantees and subgrantees are encouraged to use value engineering
clauses in contracts for construction projects of sufficient size to
offer reasonable opportunities for cost reductions. Value engineering is
a systematic and creative anaylsis of each contract item or task to
ensure that its essential function is provided at the overall lower
cost.
(8) Grantees and subgrantees will make awards only to responsible
contractors possessing the ability to perform successfully under the
terms and conditions of a proposed procurement. Consideration will be
given to such matters as contractor integrity, compliance with public
policy, record of past performance, and financial and technical
resources.
(9) Grantees and subgrantees will maintain records sufficient to
detail the significant history of a procurement. These records will
include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: rationale for
the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor
selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
(10) Grantees and subgrantees will use time and material type
contracts only--
(i) After a determination that no other contract is suitable, and
(ii) If the contract includes a ceiling price that the contractor
exceeds at its own risk.
(11) Grantees and subgrantees alone will be responsible, in
accordance with good administrative practice and sound business
judgment, for the settlement of all contractual and administrative
issues arising out of procurements. These issues include, but are not
limited to source evaluation, protests, disputes, and claims. These
standards do not relieve the grantee or subgrantee
[[Page 418]]
of any contractual responsibilities under its contracts. Federal
agencies will not substitute their judgment for that of the grantee or
subgrantee unless the matter is primarily a Federal concern. Violations
of law will be referred to the local, State, or Federal authority having
proper jurisdiction.
(12) Grantees and subgrantees will have protest procedures to handle
and resolve disputes relating to their procurements and shall in all
instances disclose information regarding the protest to the awarding
agency. A protestor must exhaust all administrative remedies with the
grantee and subgrantee before pursuing a protest with the Federal
agency. Reviews of protests by the Federal agency will be limited to:
(i) Violations of Federal law or regulations and the standards of
this section (violations of State or local law will be under the
jurisdiction of State or local authorities) and
(ii) Violations of the grantee's or subgrantee's protest procedures
for failure to review a complaint or protest. Protests received by the
Federal agency other than those specified above will be referred to the
grantee or subgrantee.
(c) Competition. (1) All procurement transactions will be conducted
in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the
standards of Sec. 92.36. Some of the situations considered to be
restrictive of competition include but are not limited to:
(i) Placing unreasonable requirements on firms in order for them to
qualify to do business,
(ii) Requiring unnecessary experience and excessive bonding,
(iii) Noncompetitive pricing practices between firms or between
affiliated companies,
(iv) Noncompetitive awards to consultants that are on retainer
contracts,
(v) Organizational conflicts of interest,
(vi) Specifying only a ``brand name'' product instead of allowing
``an equal'' product to be offered and describing the performance of
other relevant requirements of the procurement, and
(vii) Any arbitrary action in the procurement process.
(2) Grantees and subgrantees will conduct procurements in a manner
that prohibits the use of statutorily or administratively imposed in-
State or local geographical preferences in the evaluation of bids or
proposals, except in those cases where applicable Federal statutes
expressly mandate or encourage geographic preference. Nothing in this
section preempts State licensing laws. When contracting for
architectural and engineering (A/E) services, geographic location may be
a selection criteria provided its application leaves an appropriate
number of qualified firms, given the nature and size of the project, to
compete for the contract.
(3) Grantees will have written selection procedures for procurement
transactions. These procedures will ensure that all solicitations:
(i) Incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical
requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured. Such
description shall not, in competitive procurements, contain features
which unduly restrict competition. The description may include a
statement of the qualitative nature of the material, product or service
to be procured, and when necessary, shall set forth those minimum
essential characteristics and standards to which it must conform if it
is to satisfy its intended use. Detailed product specifications should
be avoided if at all possible. When it is impractical or uneconomical to
make a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements, a
``brand name or equal'' description may be used as a means to define the
performance or other salient requirements of a procurement. The specific
features of the named brand which must be met by offerors shall be
clearly stated; and
(ii) Identify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and
all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals.
(4) Grantees and subgrantees will ensure that all prequalified lists
of persons, firms, or products which are used in acquiring goods and
services are current and include enough qualified sources to ensure
maximum open and free competition. Also, grantees and subgrantees will
not preclude potential bidders from qualifying during the solicitation
period.
[[Page 419]]
(d) Methods of procurement to be followed--(1) Procurement by small
purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively
simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies,
or other property that do not cost more than the simplified acquisition
threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000). If
small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations shall be
obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
(2) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are
publicly solicited and a firm-fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit
price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with
all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the
lowest in price. The sealed bid method is the preferred method for
procuring construction, if the conditions in Sec. 92.36(d)(2)(i) apply.
(i) In order for sealed bidding to be feasible, the following
conditions should be present:
(A) A complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase
description is available;
(B) Two or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete
effectively and for the business; and
(C) The procurement lends itself to a firm fixed price contract and
the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally on the
basis of price.
(ii) If sealed bids are used, the following requirements apply:
(A) The invitation for bids will be publicly advertised and bids
shall be solicited from an adequate number of known suppliers, providing
them sufficient time prior to the date set for opening the bids;
(B) The invitation for bids, which will include any specifications
and pertinent attachments, shall define the items or services in order
for the bidder to properly respond;
(C) All bids will be publicly opened at the time and place
prescribed in the invitation for bids;
(D) A firm fixed-price contract award will be made in writing to the
lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where specified in bidding
documents, factors such as discounts, transportation cost, and life
cycle costs shall be considered in determining which bid is lowest.
Payment discounts will only be used to determine the low bid when prior
experience indicates that such discounts are usually taken advantage of;
and
(E) Any or all bids may be rejected if there is a sound documented
reason.
(3) Procurement by competitive proposals. The technique of
competitive proposals is normally conducted with more than one source
submitting an offer, and either a fixed-price or cost-reimbursement type
contract is awarded. It is generally used when conditions are not
appropriate for the use of sealed bids. If this method is used, the
following requirements apply:
(i) Requests for proposals will be publicized and identify all
evaluation factors and their relative importance. Any response to
publicized requests for proposals shall be honored to the maximum extent
practical;
(ii) Proposals will be solicited from an adequate number of
qualified sources;
(iii) Grantees and subgrantees will have a method for conducting
technical evaluations of the proposals received and for selecting
awardees;
(iv) Awards will be made to the responsible firm whose proposal is
most advantageous to the program, with price and other factors
considered; and
(v) Grantees and subgrantees may use competitive proposal procedures
for qualifications-based procurement of architectural/engineering (A/E)
professional services whereby competitors' qualifications are evaluated
and the most qualified competitor is selected, subject to negotiation of
fair and reasonable compensation. The method, where price is not used as
a selection factor, can only be used in procurement of A/E professional
services. It cannot be used to purchase other types of services though
A/E firms are a potential source to perform the proposed effort.
(4) Procurement by noncompetitive proposals is procurement through
solicitation of a proposal from only one source, or after solicitation
of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.
(i) Procurement by noncompetitive proposals may be used only when
the
[[Page 420]]
award of a contract is infeasible under small purchase procedures,
sealed bids or competitive proposals and one of the following
circumstances applies:
(A) The item is available only from a single source;
(B) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not
permit a delay resulting from competitive solicitation;
(C) The awarding agency authorizes noncompetitive proposals; or
(D) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is
determined inadequate.
(ii) Cost analysis, i.e., verifying the proposed cost data, the
projections of the data, and the evaluation of the specific elements of
costs and profits, is required.
(iii) Grantees and subgrantees may be required to submit the
proposed procurement to the awarding agency for pre-award review in
accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.
(e) Contracting with small and minority firms, women's business
enterprise and labor surplus area firms. (1) The grantee and subgrantee
will take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority firms,
women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when
possible.
(2) Affirmative steps shall include:
(i) Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women's
business enterprises on solicitation lists;
(ii) Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women's
business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;
(iii) Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into
smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and
minority business, and women's business enterprises;
(iv) Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits,
which encourage participation by small and minority business, and
women's business enterprises;
(v) Using the services and assistance of the Small Business
Administration, and the Minority Business Development Agency of the
Department of Commerce; and
(vi) Requiring the prime contractor, if subcontracts are to be let,
to take the affirmative steps listed in paragraphs (e)(2) (i) through
(v) of this section.
(f) Contract cost and price. (1) Grantees and subgrantees must
perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement
action including contract modifications. The method and degree of
analysis is dependent on the facts surrounding the particular
procurement situation, but as a starting point, grantees must make
independent estimates before receiving bids or proposals. A cost
analysis must be performed when the offeror is required to submit the
elements of his estimated cost, e.g., under professional, consulting,
and architectural engineering services contracts. A cost analysis will
be necessary when adequate price competition is lacking, and for sole
source procurements, including contract modifications or change orders,
unless price resonableness can be established on the basis of a catalog
or market price of a commercial product sold in substantial quantities
to the general public or based on prices set by law or regulation. A
price analysis will be used in all other instances to determine the
reasonableness of the proposed contract price.
(2) Grantees and subgrantees will negotiate profit as a separate
element of the price for each contract in which there is no price
competition and in all cases where cost analysis is performed. To
establish a fair and reasonable profit, consideration will be given to
the complexity of the work to be performed, the risk borne by the
contractor, the contractor's investment, the amount of subcontracting,
the quality of its record of past performance, and industry profit rates
in the surrounding geographical area for similar work.
(3) Costs or prices based on estimated costs for contracts under
grants will be allowable only to the extent that costs incurred or cost
estimates included in negotiated prices are consistent with Federal cost
principles (see Sec. 92.22). Grantees may reference their own cost
principles that comply with the applicable Federal cost principles.
(4) The cost plus a percentage of cost and percentage of
construction cost
[[Page 421]]
methods of contracting shall not be used.
(g) Awarding agency review. (1) Grantees and subgrantees must make
available, upon request of the awarding agency, technical specifications
on proposed procurements where the awarding agency believes such review
is needed to ensure that the item and/or service specified is the one
being proposed for purchase. This review generally will take place prior
to the time the specification is incorporated into a solicitation
document. However, if the grantee or subgrantee desires to have the
review accomplished after a solicitation has been developed, the
awarding agency may still review the specifications, with such review
usually limited to the technical aspects of the proposed purchase.
(2) Grantees and subgrantees must on request make available for
awarding agency pre-award review procurement documents, such as requests
for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.
when:
(i) A grantee's or subgrantee's procurement procedures or operation
fails to comply with the procurement standards in this section; or
(ii) The procurement is expected to exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold and is to be awarded without competition or only
one bid or offer is received in response to a solicitation; or
(iii) The procurement, which is expected to exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold, specifies a ``brand name'' product; or
(iv) The proposed award is more than the simplified acquisition
threshold and is to be awarded to other than the apparent low bidder
under a sealed bid procurement; or
(v) A proposed contract modification changes the scope of a contract
or increases the contract amount by more than the simplified acquisition
threshold.
(3) A grantee or subgrantee will be exempt from the pre-award review
in paragraph (g)(2) of this section if the awarding agency determines
that its procurement systems comply with the standards of this section.
(i) A grantee or subgrantee may request that its procurement system
be reviewed by the awarding agency to determine whether its system meets
these standards in order for its system to be certified. Generally,
these reviews shall occur where there is a continuous high-dollar
funding, and third-party contracts are awarded on a regular basis.
(ii) A grantee or subgrantee may self-certify its procurement
system. Such self-certification shall not limit the awarding agency's
right to survey the system. Under a self-certification procedure,
awarding agencies may wish to rely on written assurances from the
grantee or subgrantee that it is complying with these standards. A
grantee or subgrantee will cite specific procedures, regulations,
standards, etc., as being in compliance with these requirements and have
its system available for review.
(h) Bonding requirements. For construction or facility improvement
contracts or subcontracts exceeding the simplified acquisition
threshold, the awarding agency may accept the bonding policy and
requirements of the grantee or subgrantee provided the awarding agency
has made a determination that the awarding agency's interest is
adequately protected. If such a determination has not been made, the
minimum requirements shall be as follows:
(1) A bid guarantee from each bidder equivalent to five percent of
the bid price. The ``bid guarantee'' shall consist of a firm commitment
such as a bid bond, certified check, or other negotiable instrument
accompanying a bid as assurance that the bidder will, upon acceptance of
his bid, execute such contractual documents as may be required within
the time specified.
(2) A performance bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent
of the contract price. A ``performance bond'' is one executed in
connection with a contract to secure fulfillment of all the contractor's
obligations under such contract.
(3) A payment bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent of
the contract price. A ``payment bond'' is one executed in connection
with a contract to assure payment as required by law of
[[Page 422]]
all persons supplying labor and material in the execution of the work
provided for in the contract.
(i) Contract provisions. A grantee's and subgrantee's contracts must
contain provisions in paragraph (i) of this section. Federal agencies
are permitted to require changes, remedies, changed conditions, access
and records retention, suspension of work, and other clauses approved by
the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.
(1) Administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances
where contractors violate or breach contract terms, and provide for such
sanctions and penalties as may be appropriate. (Contracts more than the
simplified acquisition threshold)
(2) Termination for cause and for convenience by the grantee or
subgrantee including the manner by which it will be effected and the
basis for settlement. (All contracts in excess of $10,000)
(3) Compliance with Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965,
entitled ``Equal Employment Opportunity,'' as amended by Executive Order
11375 of October 13, 1967, and as supplemented in Department of Labor
regulations (41 CFR chapter 60). (All construction contracts awarded in
excess of $10,000 by grantees and their contractors or subgrantees)
(4) Compliance with the Copeland ``Anti-Kickback'' Act (18 U.S.C.
874) as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 3).
(All contracts and subgrants for construction or repair)
(5) Compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276a to 276a-7)
as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5).
(Construction contracts in excess of $2000 awarded by grantees and
subgrantees when required by Federal grant program legislation)
(6) Compliance with Sections 103 and 107 of the Contract Work Hours
and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 327-330) as supplemented by
Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5). (Construction contracts
awarded by grantees and subgrantees in excess of $2000, and in excess of
$2500 for other contracts which involve the employment of mechanics or
laborers)
(7) Notice of awarding agency requirements and regulations
pertaining to reporting.
(8) Notice of awarding agency requirements and regulations
pertaining to patent rights with respect to any discovery or invention
which arises or is developed in the course of or under such contract.
(9) Awarding agency requirements and regulations pertaining to
copyrights and rights in data.
(10) Access by the grantee, the subgrantee, the Federal grantor
agency, the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their
duly authorized representatives to any books, documents, papers, and
records of the contractor which are directly pertinent to that specific
contract for the purpose of making audit, examination, excerpts, and
transcriptions.
(11) Retention of all required records for three years after
grantees or subgrantees make final payments and all other pending
matters are closed.
(12) Compliance with all applicable standards, orders, or
requirements issued under section 306 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
1857(h)), section 508 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1368), Executive
Order 11738, and Environmental Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR
part 15). (Contracts, subcontracts, and subgrants of amounts in excess
of $100,000)
(13) Mandatory standards and policies relating to energy efficiency
which are contained in the state energy conservation plan issued in
compliance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (Pub. L. 94-163,
89 Stat. 871).
[53 FR 8079, 8087, Mar. 11, 1988, as amended at 60 FR 19639, 19645, Apr.
19, 1995]
Sec. 92.37 Subgrants.
(a) States. States shall follow state law and procedures when
awarding and administering subgrants (whether on a cost reimbursement or
fixed amount basis) of financial assistance to local and Indian tribal
governments. States shall:
(1) Ensure that every subgrant includes any clauses required by
Federal statute and executive orders and their implementing regulations;
(2) Ensure that subgrantees are aware of requirements imposed upon
[[Page 423]]
them by Federal statute and regulation;
(3) Ensure that a provision for compliance with Sec. 92.42 is placed
in every cost reimbursement subgrant; and
(4) Conform any advances of grant funds to subgrantees substantially
to the same standards of timing and amount that apply to cash advances
by Federal agencies.
(b) All other grantees. All other grantees shall follow the
provisions of this part which are applicable to awarding agencies when
awarding and administering subgrants (whether on a cost reimbursement or
fixed amount basis) of financial assistance to local and Indian tribal
governments. Grantees shall:
(1) Ensure that every subgrant includes a provision for compliance
with this part;
(2) Ensure that every subgrant includes any clauses required by
Federal statute and executive orders and their implementing regulations;
and
(3) Ensure that subgrantees are aware of requirements imposed upon
them by Federal statutes and regulations.
(c) Exceptions. By their own terms, certain provisions of this part
do not apply to the award and administration of subgrants:
(1) Section 92.10;
(2) Section 92.11;
(3) The letter-of-credit procedures specified in Treasury
Regulations at 31 CFR Part 205, cited in Sec. 92.21; and
(4) Section 92.50.
Reports, Records Retention, and Enforcement
Sec. 92.40 Monitoring and reporting program performance.
(a) Monitoring by grantees. Grantees are responsible for managing
the day-to-day operations of grant and subgrant supported activities.
Grantees must monitor grant and subgrant supported activities to assure
compliance with applicable Federal requirements and that performance
goals are being achieved. Grantee monitoring must cover each program,
function or activity.
(b) Nonconstruction performance reports. The Federal agency may, if
it decides that performance information available from subsequent
applications contains sufficient information to meet its programmatic
needs, require the grantee to submit a performance report only upon
expiration or termination of grant support. Unless waived by the Federal
agency this report will be due on the same date as the final Financial
Status Report.
(1) Grantees shall submit annual performance reports unless the
awarding agency requires quarterly or semi-annual reports. However,
performance reports will not be required more frequently than quarterly.
Annual reports shall be due 90 days after the grant year, quarterly or
semi-annual reports shall be due 30 days after the reporting period. The
final performance report will be due 90 days after the expiration or
termination of grant support. If a justified request is submitted by a
grantee, the Federal agency may extend the due date for any performance
report. Additionally, requirements for unnecessary performance reports
may be waived by the Federal agency.
(2) Performance reports will contain, for each grant, brief
information on the following:
(i) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives
established for the period. Where the output of the project can be
quantified, a computation of the cost per unit of output may be required
if that information will be useful.
(ii) The reasons for slippage if established objectives were not
met.
(iii) Additional pertinent information including, when appropriate,
analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.
(3) Grantees will not be required to submit more than the original
and two copies of performance reports.
(4) Grantees will adhere to the standards in this section in
prescribing performance reporting requirements for subgrantees.
(c) Construction performance reports. For the most part, on-site
technical inspections and certified percentage-of-completion data are
relied on heavily by Federal agencies to monitor progress under
construction grants and subgrants. The Federal agency will require
additional formal performance
[[Page 424]]
reports only when considered necessary, and never more frequently than
quarterly.
(d) Significant developments. Events may occur between the scheduled
performance reporting dates which have significant impact upon the grant
or subgrant supported activity. In such cases, the grantee must inform
the Federal agency as soon as the following types of conditions become
known:
(1) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially
impair the ability to meet the objective of the award. This disclosure
must include a statement of the action taken, or contemplated, and any
assistance needed to resolve the situation.
(2) Favorable developments which enable meeting time schedules and
objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more
beneficial results than originally planned.
(e) Federal agencies may make site visits as warranted by program
needs.
(f) Waivers, extensions. (1) Federal agencies may waive any
performance report required by this part if not needed.
(2) The grantee may waive any performance report from a subgrantee
when not needed. The grantee may extend the due date for any performance
report from a subgrantee if the grantee will still be able to meet its
performance reporting obligations to the Federal agency.
Sec. 92.41 Financial reporting.
(a) General. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (a) (2) and (5) of
this section, grantees will use only the forms specified in paragraphs
(a) through (e) of this section, and such supplementary or other forms
as may from time to time be authorized by OMB, for:
(i) Submitting financial reports to Federal agencies, or
(ii) Requesting advances or reimbursements when letters of credit
are not used.
(2) Grantees need not apply the forms prescribed in this section in
dealing with their subgrantees. However, grantees shall not impose more
burdensome requirements on subgrantees.
(3) Grantees shall follow all applicable standard and supplemental
Federal agency instructions approved by OMB to the extend required under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 for use in connection with forms
specified in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section. Federal
agencies may issue substantive supplementary instructions only with the
approval of OMB. Federal agencies may shade out or instruct the grantee
to disregard any line item that the Federal agency finds unnecessary for
its decisionmaking purposes.
(4) Grantees will not be required to submit more than the original
and two copies of forms required under this part.
(5) Federal agencies may provide computer outputs to grantees to
expedite or contribute to the accuracy of reporting. Federal agencies
may accept the required information from grantees in machine usable
format or computer printouts instead of prescribed forms.
(6) Federal agencies may waive any report required by this section
if not needed.
(7) Federal agencies may extend the due date of any financial report
upon receiving a justified request from a grantee.
(b) Financial Status Report--(1) Form. Grantees will use Standard
Form 269 or 269A, Financial Status Report, to report the status of funds
for all nonconstruction grants and for construction grants when required
in accordance with Sec. 92.41(e)(2)(iii).
(2) Accounting basis. Each grantee will report program outlays and
program income on a cash or accrual basis as prescribed by the awarding
agency. If the Federal agency requires accrual information and the
grantee's accounting records are not normally kept on the accural basis,
the grantee shall not be required to convert its accounting system but
shall develop such accrual information through and analysis of the
documentation on hand.
(3) Frequency. The Federal agency may prescribe the frequency of the
report for each project or program. However, the report will not be
required more frequently than quarterly. If the Federal agency does not
specify the frequency of the report, it will be submitted annually. A
final report will be required upon expiration or termination of grant
support.
[[Page 425]]
(4) Due date. When reports are required on a quarterly or semiannual
basis, they will be due 30 days after the reporting period. When
required on an annual basis, they will be due 90 days after the grant
year. Final reports will be due 90 days after the expiration or
termination of grant support.
(c) Federal Cash Transactions Report--(1) Form. (i) For grants paid
by letter or credit, Treasury check advances or electronic transfer of
funds, the grantee will submit the Standard Form 272, Federal Cash
Transactions Report, and when necessary, its continuation sheet,
Standard Form 272a, unless the terms of the award exempt the grantee
from this requirement.
(ii) These reports will be used by the Federal agency to monitor
cash advanced to grantees and to obtain disbursement or outlay
information for each grant from grantees. The format of the report may
be adapted as appropriate when reporting is to be accomplished with the
assistance of automatic data processing equipment provided that the
information to be submitted is not changed in substance.
(2) Forecasts of Federal cash requirements. Forecasts of Federal
cash requirements may be required in the ``Remarks'' section of the
report.
(3) Cash in hands of subgrantees. When considered necessary and
feasible by the Federal agency, grantees may be required to report the
amount of cash advances in excess of three days' needs in the hands of
their subgrantees or contractors and to provide short narrative
explanations of actions taken by the grantee to reduce the excess
balances.
(4) Frequency and due date. Grantees must submit the report no later
than 15 working days following the end of each quarter. However, where
an advance either by letter of credit or electronic transfer of funds is
authorized at an annualized rate of one million dollars or more, the
Federal agency may require the report to be submitted within 15 working
days following the end f each month.
(d) Request for advance or reimbursement--(1) Advance payments.
Requests for Treasury check advance payments will be submitted on
Standard Form 270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement. (This form will
not be used for drawdowns under a letter of credit, electronic funds
transfer or when Treasury check advance payments are made to the grantee
automatically on a predetermined basis.)
(2) Reimbursements. Requests for reimbursement under nonconstruction
grants will also be submitted on Standard Form 270. (For reimbursement
requests under construction grants, see paragraph (e)(1) of this
section.)
(3) The frequency for submitting payment requests is treated in
Sec. 92.41(b)(3).
(e) Outlay report and request for reimbursement for construction
programs--(1) Grants that support construction activities paid by
reimbursement method. (i) Requests for reimbursement under construction
grants will be submitted on Standard Form 271, Outlay Report and Request
for Reimbursement for Construction Programs. Federal agencies may,
however, prescribe the Request for Advance or Reimbursement form,
specified in Sec. 92.41(d), instead of this form.
(ii) The frequency for submitting reimbursement requests is treated
in Sec. 92.41(b)(3).
(2) Grants that support construction activities paid by letter of
credit, electronic funds transfer or Treasury check advance. (i) When a
construction grant is paid by letter of credit, electronic funds
transfer or Treasury check advances, the grantee will report its outlays
to the Federal agency using Standard Form 271, Outlay Report and Request
for Reimbursement for Construction Programs. The Federal agency will
provide any necessary special instruction. However, frequency and due
date shall be governed by Sec. 92.41(b) (3) and (4).
(ii) When a construction grant is paid by Treasury check advances
based on periodic requests from the grantee, the advances will be
requested on the form specified in Sec. 92.41(d).
(iii) The Federal agency may substitute the Financial Status Report
specified in Sec. 92.41(b) for the Outlay Report and Request for
Reimbursement for Construction Programs.
[[Page 426]]
(3) Accounting basis. The accounting basis for the Outlay Report and
Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs shall be governed by
Sec. 92.41(b)(2).
Sec. 92.42 Retention and access requirements for records.
(a) Applicability. (1) This section applies to all financial and
programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical records, and
other records of grantees or subgrantees which are:
(i) Required to be maintained by the terms of this part, program
regulations or the grant agreement, or
(ii) Otherwise reasonably considered as pertinent to program
regulations or the grant agreement.
(2) This section does not apply to records maintained by contractors
or subcontractors. For a requirement to place a provision concerning
records in certain kinds of contracts, see Sec. 92.36(i)(10).
(b) Length of retention period. (1) Except as otherwise provided,
records must be retained for three years from the starting date
specified in paragraph (c) of this section.
(2) If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit or other action
involving the records has been started before the expiration of the 3-
year period, the records must be retained until completion of the action
and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the end of
the regular 3-year period, whichever is later.
(3) To avoid duplicate recordkeeping, awarding agencies may make
special arrangements with grantees and subgrantees to retain any records
which are continuously needed for joint use. The awarding agency will
request transfer of records to its custody when it determines that the
records possess long-term retention value. When the records are
transferred to or maintained by the Federal agency, the 3-year retention
requirement is not applicable to the grantee or subgrantee.
(c) Starting date of retention period--(1) General. When grant
support is continued or renewed at annual or other intervals, the
retention period for the records of each funding period starts on the
day the grantee or subgrantee submits to the awarding agency its single
or last expenditure report for that period. However, if grant support is
continued or renewed quarterly, the retention period for each year's
records starts on the day the grantee submits its expenditure report for
the last quarter of the Federal fiscal year. In all other cases, the
retention period starts on the day the grantee submits its final
expenditure report. If an expenditure report has been waived, the
retention period starts on the day the report would have been due.
(2) Real property and equipment records. The retention period for
real property and equipment records starts from the date of the
disposition or replacement or transfer at the direction of the awarding
agency.
(3) Records for income transactions after grant or subgrant support.
In some cases grantees must report income after the period of grant
support. Where there is such a requirement, the retention period for the
records pertaining to the earning of the income starts from the end of
the grantee's fiscal year in which the income is earned.
(4) Indirect cost rate proposals, cost allocations plans, etc. This
paragraph applies to the following types of documents, and their
supporting records: indirect cost rate computations or proposals, cost
allocation plans, and any similar accounting computations of the rate at
which a particular group of costs is chargeable (such as computer usage
chargeback rates or composite fringe benefit rates).
(i) If submitted for negotiation. If the proposal, plan, or other
computation is required to be submitted to the Federal Government (or to
the grantee) to form the basis for negotiation of the rate, then the 3-
year retention period for its supporting records starts from the date of
such submission.
(ii) If not submitted for negotiation. If the proposal, plan, or
other computation is not required to be submitted to the Federal
Government (or to the grantee) for negotiation purposes, then the 3-year
retention period for the proposal plan, or computation and its
supporting records starts from end of the fiscal year (or other
accounting period) covered by the proposal, plan, or other computation.
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(d) Substitution of microfilm. Copies made by microfilming,
photocopying, or similar methods may be substituted for the original
records.
(e) Access to records--(1) Records of grantees and subgrantees. The
awarding agency and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any
of their authorized representatives, shall have the right of access to
any pertinent books, documents, papers, or other records of grantees and
subgrantees which are pertinent to the grant, in order to make audits,
examinations, excerpts, and transcripts.
(2) Expiration of right of access. The rights of access in this
section must not be limited to the required retention period but shall
last as long as the records are retained.
(f) Restrictions on public access. The Federal Freedom of
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) does not apply to records unless required
by Federal, State, or local law, grantees and subgrantees are not
required to permit public access to their records.
Sec. 92.43 Enforcement.
(a) Remedies for noncompliance. If a grantee or subgrantee
materially fails to comply with any term of an award, whether stated in
a Federal statute or regulation, an assurance, in a State plan or
application, a notice of award, or elsewhere, the awarding agency may
take one or more of the following actions, as appropriate in the
circumstances:
(1) Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the
deficiency by the grantee or subgrantee or more severe enforcement
action by the awarding agency,
(2) Disallow (that is, deny both use of funds and matching credit
for) all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in
compliance,
(3) Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the current award for the
grantee's or subgrantee's program,
(4) Withhold further awards for the program, or
(5) Take other remedies that may be legally available.
(b) Hearings, appeals. In taking an enforcement action, the awarding
agency will provide the grantee or subgrantee an opportunity for such
hearing, appeal, or other administrative proceeding to which the grantee
or subgrantee is entitled under any statute or regulation applicable to
the action involved.
(c) Effects of suspension and termination. Costs of grantee or
subgrantee resulting from obligations incurred by the grantee or
subgrantee during a suspension or after termination of an award are not
allowable unless the awarding agency expressly authorizes them in the
notice of suspension or termination or subsequently. Other grantee or
subgrantee costs during suspension or after termination which are
necessary and not reasonably avoidable are allowable if:
(1) The costs result from obligations which were properly incurred
by the grantee or subgrantee before the effective date of suspension or
termination, are not in anticipation of it, and, in the case of a
termination, are noncancellable, and,
(2) The costs would be allowable if the award were not suspended or
expired normally at the end of the funding period in which the
termination takes effect.
(d) Relationship to debarment and suspension. The enforcement
remedies identified in this section, including suspension and
termination, do not preclude grantee or subgrantee from being subject to
``Debarment and Suspension'' under E.O. 12549 (see Sec. 92.35).
Sec. 92.44 Termination for convenience.
Except as provided in Sec. 92.43 awards may be terminated in whole
or in part only as follows:
(a) By the awarding agency with the consent of the grantee or
subgrantee in which case the two parties shall agree upon the
termination conditions, including the effective date and in the case of
partial termination, the portion to be terminated, or
(b) By the grantee or subgrantee upon written notification to the
awarding agency, setting forth the reasons for such termination, the
effective date, and in the case of partial termination, the portion to
be terminated. However, if, in the case of a partial termination, the
awarding agency determines that the remaining portion of
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the award will not accomplish the purposes for which the award was made,
the awarding agency may terminate the award in its entirety under either
Sec. 92.43 or paragraph (a) of this section.
Subpart D--After-the-Grant Requirements
Sec. 92.50 Closeout.
(a) General. The Federal agency will close out the award when it
determines that all applicable administrative actions and all required
work of the grant has been completed.
(b) Reports. Within 90 days after the expiration or termination of
the grant, the grantee must submit all financial, performance, and other
reports required as a condition of the grant. Upon request by the
grantee, Federal agencies may extend this timeframe. These may include
but are not limited to:
(1) Final performance or progress report.
(2) Financial Status Report (SF 269) or Outlay Report and Request
for Reimbursement for Construction Programs (SF-271) (as applicable).
(3) Final request for payment (SF-270) (if applicable).
(4) Invention disclosure (if applicable).
(5) Federally-owned property report:
In accordance with Sec. 92.32(f), a grantee must submit an inventory of
all federally owned property (as distinct from property acquired with
grant funds) for which it is accountable and request disposition
instructions from the Federal agency of property no longer needed.
(c) Cost adjustment. The Federal agency will, within 90 days after
receipt of reports in paragraph (b) of this section, make upward or
downward adjustments to the allowable costs.
(d) Cash adjustments. (1) The Federal agency will make prompt
payment to the grantee for allowable reimbursable costs.
(2) The grantee must immediately refund to the Federal agency any
balance of unobligated (unencumbered) cash advanced that is not
authorized to be retained for use on other grants.
Sec. 92.51 Later disallowances and adjustments.
The closeout of a grant does not affect:
(a) The Federal agency's right to disallow costs and recover funds
on the basis of a later audit or other review;
(b) The grantee's obligation to return any funds due as a result of
later refunds, corrections, or other transactions;
(c) Records retention as required in Sec. 92.42;
(d) Property management requirements in Secs. 92.31 and 92.32; and
(e) Audit requirements in Sec. 92.26.
Sec. 92.52 Collection of amounts due.
(a) Any funds paid to a grantee in excess of the amount to which the
grantee is finally determined to be entitled under the terms of the
award constitute a debt to the Federal Government. If not paid within a
reasonable period after demand, the Federal agency may reduce the debt
by:
(1) Making an administrative offset against other requests for
reimbursements,
(2) Withholding advance payments otherwise due to the grantee, or
(3) Other action permitted by law.
(b) Except where otherwise provided by statutes or regulations, the
Federal agency will charge interest on an overdue debt in accordance
with the Federal Claims Collection Standards (4 CFR Ch. II). The date
from which interest is computed is not extended by litigation or the
filing of any form of appeal.
Subpart E--Entitlement [Reserved]
