FHWA Resource Center
FINANCE SERVICES TEAM
Courses, Seminars, and Workshops offered by Resource Center specialists
2 CFR Part 225 (Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments)
This course covers 2 CFR Part 225, Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments, formally known as OMB Circular A-87. Participants in this course will become familiar with the basic principles for determining the allowability of costs incurred by State, local and Indian tribal governments. The course also includes a discussion of direct versus indirect costs, a description of the four basic types of indirect cost rates, and an introduction to prepare and use cost allocation plans and indirect cost rates.
• Dan Parker, Financial Specialist, 720-963-3216, danial.parker@dot.gov
49 CFR Part 18 (Common Rule)
This course discusses OMB Circular A-102 and the government-wide Common Rule as applied by the U.S. DOT in 49 CFR Part 18, commonly referred to as the "Common Rule." All State, local and governmental units receiving FHWA funds must follow these general administrative rules while administering U.S. DOT grants and cooperative agreements. This course covers pre-award, post-award, and grant close-out requirements.
• Dan Parker, Financial Specialist, 720-963-3216, danial.parker@dot.gov
Consultant Audit Guide
This course covers the essential elements of contracting and the auditing of engineering consulting firms for transportation projects. Course topics include contracting with design engineering firms, federal transportation laws and regulations, the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs), and indirect costs.
To schedule, phone:
• Gina Laney, Financial Management Specialist, 404-562-3919, gina.laney@dot.gov
Conventional Transportation Finance
Federal grant transportation funding, including categories, obligation, appropriation, eligibility and the Highway Trust Funds, will be reviewed. The characteristics of the Federal-aid program, including relationships among Federal, State and local governments, will be included. A general understanding of the transportation planning process as related to finance and the use of municipal bonds as matching funds and examples will also be explored.
To schedule, phone:
• Robert Clark, Supervisory Fin. Management Specialist., 410-962-0104, robert.clark@dot.gov
• Gina Laney, Financial Management Specialist, 404-562-3919, gina.laney@dot.gov
• Ken Jenkins, Financial Management Specialist, 573-638-2625, kenneth.jenkins@dot.gov
• Dave Dickson, Financial Management Specialist 360-753-8078, dave.dickson@dot.gov
Developing an Indirect Cost Allocation Plan
This course will describe the 7-step process in developing an indirect cost allocation plan in accordance with 2 CFR Part 225 Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments, formally known as OMB Circular A-87 and FHWA policy. Participants will receive instruction on the benefits and disadvantages of claiming indirect costs through the Federal-aid program. A discussion on the available resources and examples will be provided by the instructor. Participants will become familiar with the different methodologies in claiming indirect costs, and they will be able to discuss their thoughts on the most appropriate approach for their program. Examples will be provided on calculating an indirect cost rate and applying the rate to direct project costs. The course will also include an overview of the documentation requirements when submitting an indirect cost allocation for FHWA approval.
• Dan Parker, Financial Specialist, 720-963-3216, danial.parker@dot.gov
Financial Management Boot Camp
This course was designed to give newly hired Division financial management staff an intensive introduction to FHWA and the laws, regulations and policies governing the financial management program. The course includes four phases:
● Phase 1 includes an on-sight visit of a Resource Center or Headquarters financial specialist and, if possible, a pre-assigned mentor to provide a basic understanding of federal laws, regulations and policies governing the Federal-aid program. This phase is scheduled to last 1 week.
● Phase 2 requires travel to FHWA’s Headquarters office for headquarters orientation. This orientation may be conducted in two sessions and will last multiple weeks. The duration of this training will be determined after an assessment of the Division's requirements, financial manager's competency, and resource availability. The participant will be introduced to the legislative and regulatory process. The participant will receive hands-on training in the area of financial accountability and project funds management. The participant will be given a tour of the headquarters building and meet the staff in other program offices.
● Phase 3 will be a developmental assignment in another FHWA Division office. During this phase of training, the financial manager or specialist will visit a Division office and receive hands-on training from their mentor.
● Phase 4 will include a joint billing review assisted by the Resource Center or Headquarters financial specialists. The participant will assist the review team to determine the scope of the review, develop the review plan, perform other preliminary steps, conduct the review, and write the final report.
• Dan Parker, Financial Specialist, 720-963-3216, danial.parker@dot.gov
• Dana Hafenstine, Financial Management Specialist , 720-963-3217, dana.hafenstine@dot.gov
• Ken Jenkins, Financial Management Specialist, 573-638-2625, kenneth.jenkins@dot.gov
• Dave Dickson, Financial Management Specialist 360-753-8078, dave.dickson@dot.gov
Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting-
OMB Circular A-123, Appendix A
The course provides a current definition of what internal controls consist of, as well as the legislative and regulatory framework of OMB Circular A-123. The course further explains what both managers and employees need to know to effectively manage internal controls in their organization. The course will provide the audience with the knowledge to monitor, evaluate and report on their own internal controls, as well as strengthen their program oversight. The course may be designed for either State DOTs or Federal-aid Division offices. This is a one day course provided at the site of the requestor.
• Dana Hafenstine, Financial Management Specialist , 720-963-3217, dana.hafenstine@dot.gov
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