Spring 2015 issue of Horizons

∙ Determine that your time and effort reporting system is in compliance with the requirements of the UGG. ∙ Determine whether your existing time and effort reports may be streamlined given the more flexible nature of the new requirements. ∙ Determine who will be the member of management authorized to sign the new certification required for annual and final fiscal reports. It is not often that the federal government issues a pronouncement that reduces the burden of compliance requirements. The UGG is therefore a rare opportunity for grantees to redesign their internal controls to achieve greater efficiency and reduced costs. Grantees are encouraged to understand the changes embodied in the UGG and evaluate how their organizations may benefit from the relief it offers.

∙ Federal agencies are granted permission to approve alternative proposals for which payment would be based on outcomes or milestones of program performance. In these cases, time and effort reporting would not be necessary. ∙ All annual and final fiscal reports or vouchers requesting payment must now include a certification, signed by an official capable of legally binding the entity, attesting that the report is true, complete, accurate and consistent with the objectives of the federal award. In response to these changes to federal award cost principles, your organization should take the following action steps: ∙ If you have an indirect cost rate proposal in place, determine whether you will exercise the option to extend the proposal. ∙ If you have never had an indirect cost rate proposal, determine whether you will take advantage of the 10% flat rate.

RubinBrown’s Public Sector Services Group Through our extensive list of clients, including many cities and governmental entities, we understand the issues unique to the public sector.

Jeff Winter, CPA — St. Louis Partner-In-Charge Public Sector Services Group 314.290.3408 jeff.winter@rubinbrown.com

Cheryl Wallace, CPA — Denver Partner & Vice Chair Public Sector Services Group 303.952.1288 cheryl.wallace@rubinbrown.com

Kaleb Lilly, CPA — Kansas City Partner & Vice Chair Public Sector Services Group 913.499.4417 kaleb.lilly@rubinbrown.com

Ted Williamson, CPA — St. Louis Partner Public Sector Services Group 314.678.3534 ted.williamson@rubinbrown.com

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