Providing grant information to current and prospective HHS grantees

The award process involves the preparation of the Notice of Award (NoA) and officially obligates funds for the grant. The NoA describes all terms and conditions of the award, including reporting requirements. NoAs are usually generated through an automated system and electronically transmitted to the budget office to obligate funds for the grant. A printed copy of the NoA is distributed to the recipient. As part of this step, required files (usually an official grant file and an institutional file) are created and/or updated for each grant/recipient.

The Grants Management Office prepares and signs the grant award, certifying that the award complies with all legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements and that it is a sound business agreement into which the Department should enter. The NoA is then distributed to the appropriate key offices. The Program Management Office, although not required by Departmental policy, usually signs the grant award, certifying that the award will contribute to the programmatic goals and that the activities funded under the award are technically and programmatic sound.