SERVICE 1: Grant Management and Awards

STREAMLINING GRANT MANAGEMENT AND IMPROVING TIMELINESS OF GRANTS AWARDS

Other Information:

Overview: Over 40% of EPA’s budget is grants to States and Tribes. It is important that grants are provided in an efficient manner and that they are used in a timely manner to lead to the results intended. EPA is looking to provide flexibilities to streamline and improve grant management. Challenges: Delays due to federal budget process can lead to slow award of grants. Additionally, grant reporting frequency needs to be assessed in an effort to reduce burden while maintaining critical data. Featured Actions: Workgroup has identified some key changes that could streamline grants, including exceptions based reporting, improving the application process, and bundling Tribal grant assurance forms. Key Milestones and Timeline: * The first phase of this effort will be to reach consensus on priority areas for reform in consultation with State and Tribal partners, and in coordination with OMB’s Administrative Flexibility initiative. This will occur during Q1 and Q2 of FY2012. * The second phase will involve vetting of draft policies on streamlining/burden reduction in consultation with State and Tribal partners. This will occur during Q3 of FY 2012. * The third phase will involve issuing final policies in consultation with State and Tribal partners and approved by EPA’s senior-level Grants Management Council. This will occur in Q4 of FY 2012.

Stakeholder(s):

• States: Key Customer Groups: Primarily States and Tribes


• Tribes


• EPA/OARM


• EPA/OA

Objective(s):

S 1.1: Feedback

S 1.1.1: Areas of Concern

S 1.1.2: State Confernce Calls

S 1.2: Best Practices

S 1.2.1: DITCA

S 1.2.2: Assurance Bundling

S 1.3: Metrics and Standards

S 1.3.1: Continuing Environmental Program (CEP) Grants

S 1.3.2: Indirect Cost Rate Policy

S 1.4: Streamlining

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