A recent meeting of the Grants Management Symposium, hosted by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) and sponsored by Cherry Bekaert, brought together key federal, state and local government stakeholders to discuss strategies for modernizing grants management.
The event featured insights from officials at the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Office of Federal Financial Management and the Council on Federal Financial Assistance. Additionally, the Field Guide for Financing Integrated Data Systems and Evaluation in the Public Sector was highlighted.
Key Takeaways From the Symposium
1. The Updated Uniform Grants Guidance: Clarifications and Opportunities
The symposium emphasized OMB’s recently updated Uniform Guidance for grants, which clarifies that grantees can and should use a portion of their federal funds to develop integrated data systems (IDS) and enhance their evaluation capacity.
This update, which took effect on October 1, 2025, provides a more precise framework for grantees to:
- Invest in technology and infrastructure that supports cross-agency data sharing.
- Utilize federal funds for evaluation and performance measurement.
- Streamline cost allocation processes to enhance transparency and efficiency.
OMB officials underscored that, while these policies have existed, many grantees were previously unaware of their ability to use federal funds in this manner. The new guidance aims to eliminate that uncertainty and empower state and local governments to more effectively leverage federal resources in the future.
2. The Role of the Council on Federal Financial Assistance (COFFA)
Another significant discussion point was the Council on Federal Financial Assistance (COFFA), which brings together 52 federal grant-making agencies to improve coordination and reduce administrative burdens. COFFA is spearheading efforts to:
- Simplify Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) to make them more clear and accessible.
- Standardize grants management practices across agencies to reduce inefficiencies.
- Promote workforce development initiatives to ensure federal, state and local grants management personnel have the skills to effectively administer funds.
3. Funding Integrated Data Systems (IDS) Field Guide Lessons
The Field Guide for Financing Integrated Data Systems and Evaluation in the Public Sector, developed through collaboration with NAPA and Cherry Bekaert, provides a roadmap for grantees to navigate complex funding mechanisms.
Key recommendations from the field guide include:
- Utilizing Direct and Indirect Costing Methods: Grantees can charge IDS development and evaluation as both direct and indirect costs, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Leveraging Statewide Cost Allocation Plans (SWCAPs): This method allows states to distribute the costs of shared services, such as data infrastructure, across multiple funding streams.
- Exploring Alternative Funding Sources: In addition to federal funds, grantees should consider philanthropic support, vendor-financed models and chargeback mechanisms to supplement their investments in data systems.
Recommended Actions for Grantees
Given the insights from the symposium, grantees should take the following steps to maximize their impact and compliance with the updated federal guidance:
1. Assess Current Data and Evaluation Capabilities
- Conduct an internal review of existing data management and evaluation systems.
- Identify and improve gaps in technology, personnel and financial resources for improved data integration and performance measurement.
2. Align With Federal Funding Opportunities
- Review the updated OMB Uniform Guidance to ensure an understanding of allowable costs related to data infrastructure.
- Consult COFFA’s implementation resources to streamline compliance and reduce administrative burdens.
3. Build Collaborative Partnerships
- Work with peer organizations, academic institutions and private sector partners to enhance data-sharing capabilities.
- Engage federal program officers early in the grant application process to confirm cost eligibility.
4. Prepare for Audits and Compliance Reviews
- Develop a clear cost allocation plan that ensures compliance with federal guidelines.
- Maintain detailed documentation of expenses related to IDS and evaluation activities.
Looking Ahead: A More Data-Driven Future
The discussions at the Grants Management Symposium reinforced the growing federal commitment to evidence-based policymaking. With clearer guidelines on funding integrated data systems, grantees are now better positioned to enhance their capacity, reduce inefficiencies and improve service delivery.
As grantees move forward, Cherry Bekaert stands ready to support organizations in navigating these changes, ensuring compliance and maximizing their impact. By leveraging the resources, expertise, and best practices outlined at the symposium and the field guide, organizations can modernize their grant management approach and drive meaningful results for their communities.
For further insights and support, reach out to Cherry Bekaert’s Grants Management professionals or explore the full Field Guide for Financing Integrated Data Systems and Evaluation in the Public Sector.
