# Guidance for Grants and Agreements > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A2023-21078 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Proposed Rule - **Published:** October 5, 2023 - **Citation:** 88 FR 69390 ## Text OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET 2 CFR Parts 1, 25, 175, 180, 182, 183, 184, 200 Guidance for Grants and Agreements AGENCY: Office of Federal Financial Management, Office of Management and Budget. ACTION: Proposed rule; notification of proposed guidance. SUMMARY: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is proposing to revise sections of OMB Guidance for Grants and Agreements. This proposed revision reflects comments received from Federal agencies and those received in response to the OMB Notice of Request for Information published in the Federal Register in February 2023. In response to Federal agency and public input, OMB is proposing revisions intended in many cases to reduce agency and recipient burden. OMB proposes both policy changes and clarifications to existing guidance including plain language revisions. OMB also proposes to update the guidance to reflect recent OMB priorities related to Federal financial assistance. Finally, OMB is proposing revisions to improve Federal financial assistance management, transparency, and oversight through more accessible and readily comprehensible guidance. DATES: OMB invites interested persons and organizations to submit comments on or before December 4, 2023. ADDRESSES: Comments on this proposal must be submitted electronically before the comment closing date to www.regulations.gov. In submitting comments, please search for recent submissions by OMB to find docket OMB-2023-0017, which includes the full text of the proposed revisions and submit comments there. Please provide clarity as to the section of the guidance that each comment is referencing by beginning each comment with the section number in brackets. For example; if the comment is on 2 CFR 200.1 include the following before the comment [200.1]. The public comments received by OMB will be posted at http://www.regulations.gov and be a matter of public record. Accordingly, please do not include in your comments any confidential business information or information of a personal-privacy nature. In general, responses to the comments will be summarized and included in the preamble of the final guidance. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Reisig or Steven Mackey at the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management via email at MBX.OMB.OFFM.Grants@OMB.eop.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Summary The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposes to revise several parts of the OMB Guidance for Grants and Agreements located in title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to further clarify and update guidance to Federal agencies on the consistent and efficient use of Federal financial assistance. This document includes proposed revisions to Part 1 (About Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations and Subtitle A); Part 25 (Universal Identifier and System for Award Management); Part 170 (Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information), Part 175 (Award Term for Trafficking in Persons); Part 180 (OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement)); Part 182 (Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance)); Part 183 (Never Contract with the Enemy); and Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). As explained in further detail below, OMB proposes revising 2 CFR for reasons including: (1) incorporating statutory requirements and administration priorities; (2) reducing agency and recipient burden; (3) clarifying sections that recipients or agencies have interpreted in different ways; and (4) rewriting applicable sections in plain language, improving flow, and addressing inconsistent use of terms. Consistent with these objectives, OMB proposes both policy changes and clarifications to existing guidance including plain language revisions. OMB also proposes to update the guidance to reflect recent OMB priorities related to Federal financial assistance. Finally, OMB's proposed revisions are also intended to improve Federal financial assistance management, transparency, and oversight through more accessible and readily comprehensible guidance. OMB summarizes its proposals for policy changes in this document below. OMB also explains its general methodology for plain language revisions. OMB sought to maintain the existing structure of the 2 CFR guidance, which remains generally intact and mostly consistent with earlier iterations of the guidance—for example, in terms of the structure of parts, structure of subparts, and section numbering. Except in cases where OMB proposes policy changes or other edits for consistency with statutory requirements, OMB also generally sought to maintain the existing content of the 2 CFR guidance. In many cases throughout the guidance, however, OMB proposes plain language revisions to simplify the guidance text, avoid or reduce technical jargon where feasible, provide greater consistency, and make the text more succinct. The proposed revisions align with OMB's authority to: (i) issue guidance promoting consistent and efficient use of Federal financial assistance instruments; and (ii) provide overall direction and leadership to Federal agencies on policies and requirements related to Federal financial assistance. See 31 U.S.C. 6307 and 31 U.S.C. 503(a)(2). Additional authorities for the proposed revisions are set forth below. Many of the proposed revisions reflect comments received from Federal agencies and those received from the public in response to the OMB Notice of Request for Information published in the Federal Register in February 2023. See 88 FR 8480 (Feb. 9, 2023). Background Between 2012 and 2013, OMB worked with Federal agencies to revise and streamline existing guidance to develop the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) located in part 200 of 2 CFR. 79 FR 78589 (Dec. 26, 2013). This effort was intended to assist programs in delivering better outcomes on behalf of the American people while simultaneously reducing administrative burden and the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. The Uniform Guidance in part 200, which OMB established in 2013, consolidated, streamlined, and superseded requirements from several earlier OMB Circulars and guidance documents related to grants management and implementation of the Single Audit Act. OMB explained in 2013 that its guidance intended to improve both the clarity and accessibility of these requirements across the Federal government. Federal award-making agencies implemented the Uniform Guidance through an interim final rule, which became effective on December 26, 2014. 79 FR 75867 (Dec. 19, 2014). OMB generally reviews the Uniform Guidance every five years in accordance with 2 CFR 200.109. OMB made further revisions to the Uniform Guidance in 2020. 85 FR 49506 (Aug. 13, 2020). The 2020 revisions addressed topics including program development and design, as well as measuring recipient performance to assist Federal awarding agencies and non-Federal entities to improve program goals and objectives, share lessons learned, and adopt of promising performance practices. Based on feedback and ongoing engagement with Federal agencies and the broader Federal financial assistance community, OMB believes that additional revisions are now warranted to the Uniform Guidance in part 200 to further streamline, clarify, and update the guidance, including raising certain thresholds, where permissible under law, in recognition of inflation over time. Further information on OMB's objectives for the proposed revisions is provided below. In addition to proposed revisions in part 200, OMB also proposes revisions to other parts in subtitle A of 2 CFR for similar reasons, including parts 1, 25, 170, 175, 180, 182, and 183. OMB established these parts at different times in the last 20 years. See, for example, 69 FR 26276 (May, 11, 2004) (establishing 2 CFR for guidance on grants and other financial assistance and nonprocurement agreements); 70 FR 51863 (Aug. 31, 2005) (establishing part 180); 75 FR 55671 (Sep. 14, 2010) (establishing part 25); and 75 FR 55663 (Sep. 14, 2010) (establishing part 170). OMB Objectives OMB's objectives for the current proposed revisions to several parts of subtitle A of 2 CFR include: (1) incorporating statutory requirements and administration priorities; (2) reducing agency and recipient burden; (3) clarifying sections that recipients or agencies have interpreted in different ways; and (4) rewriting applicable sections in plain language, improving flow, and addressing inconsistent use of terms. The proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance in part 200 and other parts of 2 CFR generally support these four objectives. In support of objective (1), OMB proposes to implement changes throughout the Uniform Guidance and other parts to ensure consistency with statutory authorities. For example, OMB proposes to revise Parts 25, 170, and 175 to ensure its guidance properly aligns with underlying statutes, as amended. These potential revisions would reduce inconsistencies between OMB's guidance and authorizing statutes to ensure proper implementation. OMB has also made several structural changes to individual parts within Chapter I to provide further structural consistency throughout OMB's guidance in 2 CFR. In support of objective (2), OMB proposes to increase several monetary thresholds that have not been updated for many years. For example, OMB proposes increasing the single audit threshold from $750,000 to $1,000,000 and increasing the threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 for determining items that are considered to be equipment. OMB reviewed previous increases to the thresholds and considered current economic data when making its determinations. In further support of reducing burden, OMB is proposing a complete revision to the template text for a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) located in Appendix I of the Uniform Guidance in part 200. With this revision, OMB intends to reduce administrative burden and unnecessary obstacles for applying to Federal financial assistance. In support of objective (3), OMB proposes revisions to 2 CFR to clarify areas of misinterpretation. Many of these clarifications do not represent a change in policy but serve to explain the intent of specific sections of the Uniform Guidance in part 200, and other parts in 2 CFR, with greater precision and clarity. OMB received feedback from Federal agencies and the public stating that Federal agencies and the recipient community interpret many sections differently. As one example, OMB clarifies that Federal agencies approve costs requiring prior approval when the Federal award is issued if the costs were included in the recipient's proposal, and do not require subsequent approval prior to expenditure. In support of objective (4), OMB proposes to revise the guidance to follow plain language principles. Plain language principles OMB focused on included using simple words and phrases, avoiding jargon, using terms consistently, and being concise. Related to OMB's plain language revisions, throughout subparts A to E of part 200, OMB proposes to use the terms “recipient,” “subrecipient,” or both in place of “non-Federal entity.” OMB believes that the existing usage of “non-Federal entity” in subparts A through E of the existing CFR text in part 200 presents challenges to readers and makes it difficult to quickly understand what entity is being addressed, especially in situations in which Federal agencies apply part 200 to Federal agencies, for-profit organizations, foreign public entities, or foreign organizations under 2 CFR 200.101. In the revisions to part 200, OMB uses the term “non-Federal entity,” as defined in section 200.1, only when that entity is specifically intended, such as in subpart F implementing the Single Audit Act. In many cases in part 200 OMB proposes to replace “non-Federal entity” with either “recipient and subrecipient” or “recipient or subrecipient.” In cases where the guidance in part 200 relates specifically to only either “recipients” or “subrecipients,” but not both, OMB refers specifically to the applicable entity. OMB invites comments on this proposal and any effects it may have on specific sections or paragraphs of the guidance in part 200. OMB notes that these revisions related to the use of the terms “non-Federal entity,” “recipient,” and “subrecipient” do not directly change the existing scope of applicability of the guidance. The applicability provision for part 200 at section 200.101, continues to provide Federal agencies with discretion on whether to apply subparts A through E of part 200 to Federal agencies, for-profit entities, foreign public entities, or foreign organizations. In the same section, OMB proposes to encourage Federal agencies to apply the requirements in subparts A to E of part 200 to all recipients in a consistent and equitable manner, but does not require them to do so. In cases in which Federal agencies apply part 200 to such entities, OMB's proposal further clarifies how the guidance applies to those entities as either recipients or subrecipients. As another example of plain language revisions, OMB proposes to replace the use of the general term “OMB designated governmentwide systems” with more specific terms to reduce ambiguity for those unfamiliar with the Uniform Guidance. In this proposed revisions OMB specifically mentions the appropriate system, such as SAM.gov, USASpending.gov, the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), or Grants.gov . The overall goal of OMB's plain language revision effort is to make the Uniform Guidance more accessible to the general public and ensure more equitable access to Federal funding opportunities by making the guidance on that topic easier to understand. OMB does not directly address the proposed plain language revisions in this preamble unless a revision represents a material change to the Uniform Guidance. However, OMB invites comment on whether any of its plain language revisions in part 200, or other parts, may have unintended consequences. OMB also invites comments on whether further modifications or additional precision is needed in any specific instance, such as in the case of OMB's proposed use of the terms “recipient,” “subrecipient,” or both in particular sections of the guidance. Statutory Authority for OMB Guidance for Grants and Agreements The Director of OMB is authorized under 31 U.S.C. 6307 to “issue supplementary interpretative guidelines to promote consistent and efficient use of . . . grant agreements . . . and cooperative agreements.” The Deputy Director for Management of OMB is authorized under 31 U.S.C. 503 to, among other things, provide “overall direction and leadership to the executive branch on financial management matters by establishing financial management policies and requirements.” 31 U.S.C. 503(a)(2). OMB also relies on authorities including the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-156, as amended, codified at 31 U.S.C. 7501-7507); the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA or the Transparency Act) (Pub. L. 109-282), as amended; the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act of 2014) (Pub. L. 113-101), as amended; the Federal Program Information Act (Pub. L. 95-220 and Pub. L. 98-169, as amended, codified at 31 U.S.C. 6101-6106); the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 (Pub. L. 95-224, as amended, codified at 31 U.S.C. 6301-6309); the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (codified at 41 U.S.C. 1101-1131); the Budget and Accounting Procedures Act of 1950, as amended (codified at 31 U.S.C. 1101-1126); the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 (codified at 31 U.S.C. 503-504); the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), as amended (codified at 22 U.S.C. 7101-7115); and Executive Order 11541, “Prescribing the Duties of the Office of Management and Budget and the Domestic Policy Council in the Executive Office of the President.” Request for Information Issued by OMB in February 2023 On February 9, 2023, OMB published a Notice of Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register . 88 FR 8480 (Feb. 9, 2023). OMB received approximately 1,250 individual comments from all sources, including 113 submissions from the public containing multiple comments in each. In response to Federal agency and public input, OMB is proposing the revisions discussed below. Part-by-Part Discussion of the Proposed Revisions OMB invites comments on the proposed revisions throughout subtitle A of 2 CFR. OMB identifies areas below where comments may be particularly useful. Part 1—About Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations and Subtitle A OMB proposes to revise the headings of title of 2 CFR and Subtitle A and Chapter I to replace “Grants and Agreements” with “Federal Financial Assistance.” This revision will help to ensure that the Uniform Guidance is understood to be applicable beyond just grants and cooperative agreements, unless noted differently in the applicability provision for the Uniform Guidance at section 200.101 or relevant provisions in others parts in chapter I. OMB proposes to revise section 1.200 to remove paragraphs (b) and (c), which are no longer accurate. When OMB first established part 1 in 2004, see 69 FR 26276 (May 11, 2004), it implemented the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999 (Pub. L. 106-107). That legislation ceased to be effective on November 20, 2007 based on a sunset date included in the law. In addition, chapter II of subtitle A in 2 CFR, which now contains part 200, was initially intended to contain OMB guidance in its “initial form” before it was “finalized.” That statement no longer accurately reflects the structure of subtitle A of 2 CFR nor status of the OMB guidance in part 200. OMB proposes to provide a more succinct statement in section 1.215 explaining that some of the guidance was organized differently within previous OMB circulars or other guidance documents before establishment of title 2 of the CFR. Because 2 CFR has now existed for almost 20 years in its current format and location, OMB does not believe it is necessary to continue to include the table showing earlier sources of certain elements of the OMB guidance in 2 CFR. The Federal Register notice establishing 2 CFR in 2004, see 69 FR 26276 (May, 11, 2004), and other subsequent Federal Register notices establishing and revising particular parts and provisions of subtitle A in 2 CFR, include that information. OMB also proposes to revise section 1.305 to further clarify Federal agency responsibilities, such as coordinating with the Council on Federal Financial Assistance (see OMB Memorandum M-23-19), the Grants Quality Service Management Office (QSMO), and other governance committees. OMB also proposes to add section 1.231 to clarify its intent that if any provision of this guidance, as finalized, were held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision, or combination of provisions, are severable from the remaining provisions of the guidance, as finalized. Part 25—Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management OMB proposes to revise the guidance in this part to ensure it properly aligns with the authorizing statutes, as amended, including the Transparency Act and the DATA Act of 2014. OMB first revises the title of Part 25 to replace “universal identifier” with “unique entity identifier.” In section 25.105, which is renamed “Applicability,” OMB proposes to clarify that the requirement to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and register in SAM.gov does not apply to second-tier subrecipients or contractors. In support of Federal agency requests, OMB proposes to clarify that recipients of loan guarantees must obtain a UEI and register in SAM.gov , while a Federal agency may use discretion when determining to apply the requirements to beneficiary borrowers. In section 25.110, OMB proposes to clarify that, even if an exception is granted, a Federal agency remains responsible for reporting data to comply with the Transparency Act, as amended, except that it may use a generic entity identifier in the circumstances described. Although not included in the proposed guidance in this document, OMB is also considering other ways of reducing the administrative burden associated with obtaining a UEI and registering in SAM.gov for foreign organizations or foreign public entity receiving Federal awards between $25,000 (the Transparency Act threshold for a “Federal award”) and $250,000 (the simplified acquisition threshold). Federal agencies have explained to OMB that the process for obtaining a UEI and registering in SAM.gov can present significant challenges for some of their applicants for, and recipients of, awards in this limited category. Based on this feedback, OMB is considering establishing a new exception in section 25.110 that would allow an agency to grant a one-time exception from the requirement to obtain a UEI, register in SAM.gov , or both for foreign organizations or foreign public entities applying for or receiving an award between $25,000 and $250,000 for a project or program performed outside the U.S. OMB will work with Federal agency partners to determine if this proposal can be implemented in a way that is consistent with Transparency Act reporting requirements. If included in the final revisions to the guidance, OMB will also consider incorporating further limits or safeguards in this exception to mitigate risk, such as not allowing its application to awards that will include subawards above $30,000—the threshold for subaward reporting established based on the pilot program in section 5(b) of the Transparency Act, as amended by the Data Act of 2014. Public Law 113-101; 85 FR 49506 (Aug. 13, 2020); 2 CFR 170.220. This proposed change would provide more flexibility—as needed—to agencies operating in overseas environments where SAM.gov registration presents particular challenges. If finalized, the exception would only be available on a case-by-case basis in situations in which the agency has conducted a risk-based analysis and deemed it impractical for the entity to comply with the requirements(s). This proposed change would only be finalized in a way that would allow agencies to continue following Transparency Act reporting requirements for this limited category of awards. Related to the above analysis, OMB is also considering expanding the exigent circumstances exception in section 25.110 to provide recipients with additional time to obtain a UEI and complete SAM.gov registration if exigent circumstances persist beyond 30 days. This proposal is not included in the proposed guidance in this document, but OMB is considering ways to provide this additional flexibility in the final guidance. When exigent circumstances exist, the current guidance at section 25.110 allows agencies to provide recipients up to 30 days after the Federal award date to obtain a UEI and complete SAM.gov registration. In recognition of the issues that sometimes arise when organizations attempt to register in SAM.gov , particularly for new or inexperienced applicants, OMB's proposal would provide Federal agencies with the option to provide recipients an additional 90 days if exigent circumstances persist. OMB will work with Federal agency partners to determine if this proposal can be implemented in a way that is consistent with Transparency Act reporting requirements. If included in the final revisions to the guidance, OMB proposes to further clarify that Federal agencies should not issue payments to a recipient that is unable to obtain a UEI or complete registration in SAM.gov . OMB also proposes to clarify that Federal agencies should include an award term expressly providing that the recipient's eligibility to receive any future payments under the award (such as outlays of cash) would be contingent on the recipient receiving a UEI and completing registration. Again, this proposed change would only be finalized in a way that would allow agencies to continue following Transparency Act reporting requirements for this limited category of awards. OMB also proposes several clarifications in the part, such as a proposed revision in section 25.205 explaining that the requirement to have an active UEI does not apply to amendments to terminate or close a Federal award. Part 170—Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information OMB proposes to revise the guidance in this part to ensure it properly aligns with the authorizing statutes, as amended, including the Transparency Act and the DATA Act of 2014. OMB proposes to clarify the specific Federal agency reporting requirements and to revise the award term to resolve issues related to which entities the award term applies to. OMB also proposes to revise certain sections to clarify their intended meaning. For example, OMB proposes to move certain requirements currently contained in section 170.110 to section 170.105, which OMB proposes to rename “Applicability.” Part 175—Award Term for Trafficking in Persons OMB proposes to revise the guidance in part 175 to ensure it properly aligns with the authorizing statutes that have been amended since it was published. See the TVPA of 2000, as codified at 22 U.S.C. 7101 to 7115. OMB proposes to update the policy and Award Term to ensure alignment with the current statute and to further align with the format of the CFR. For example, at section 175.105, OMB proposes adding provisions related to a compliance plan and requiring notification to Inspectors Generals under certain circumstances to further align with statute. Part 180—OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Government-Wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) OMB proposes minimal revisions to this part based on feedback received from the Interagency Suspension and Debarment Committee (ISDC) in accordance with section 180.40. Considering the role of the ISDC in recommending changes, OMB does not propose extensive plain language revisions through this document in part 180. Sections in part 180 that OMB proposes to revise include sections 180.635 and 180.640 to clarify available administrative actions in lieu of debarment. OMB proposes amending section 180.705 to include “other indicators of adequate evidence that may include, but are not limited to, warrants and their accompanying affidavits” for officials to consider before initiating a suspension. OMB proposes additional clarifying edits to sections 180.710, 180.815, and 180.860, including adding text to section 180.860 to address factors influencing a debarment decision; this revision proposes to add text on “whether your business, technical, or professional license(s) has been suspended, terminated, or revoked.” OMB proposes changes to this part generally in response to an ISDC recommendation to provide additional clarifications to 2 CFR to reflect current practice. OMB is not proposing to establish new policy in part 180 that would negatively impact the ability of Federal agencies or recipients to adhere to this guidance. Part 182—Government-Wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance) OMB proposes limited plain language revisions to this part. Part 183—Never Contract With The Enemy OMB proposes limited plain language revisions to this part. Part 184—Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects OMB established this part on Buy America preferences for infrastructure projects through a separate process. 88 FR 57750 (Aug. 23, 2023). OMB does not propose changes to part 184 through this document. OMB notes, however, that it may potentially make minor, non-substantive changes to part 184 through its final guidance if necessary to ensure consistency with any changes to the definitions in section 200.1. OMB notes that part 184, at section 184.3, states that acronyms and terms not defined in part 184 have the same meaning as provided in section 200.1. Certain terms used in part 184, such as “Federal awarding agency,” may be affected by OMB's proposed changes under this notice. Thus, it may be necessary to make minor conforming changes to part 184 to ensure consistent use of terms. Part 200—Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards In the paragraphs below, OMB discusses proposed changes to each subpart of the Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR part 200. Subpart A—Acronyms and Definitions OMB proposes to update section 200.0 to remove acronyms that either appear only once or are used infrequently in the Uniform Guidance. At the same time, OMB proposes to add several acronyms that are used more frequently, but have been omitted from this section in past updates, such as Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). In section 200.1, OMB proposes to remove several definitions that were used only once or on a limited basis and instead move such definitions to the appropriate section of the Uniform Guidance where they appear. OMB proposes this change to ease the experience of the reader and avoid the need to review Subpart A for an understanding of a single section or small set of sections. For example, OMB proposes moving the definition of “Cooperative audit resolution” to the text of Subpart F. OMB also proposes deleting the definition of “Federal awarding agency,” which OMB now proposes to incorporate within the definition of “Federal agency.” OMB also proposes adding several new definitions of commonly used terms based on feedback from agencies and the RFI. Proposed new definitions include “continuation funding,” “for-profit organization,” “key personnel,” “participant,” and “prior approval.” OMB proposes to revise several definitions to incorporate threshold increases referenced in other sections, such as the threshold increase for “equipment” to $10,000, the threshold for “supply” to $10,000, and the definition of “Modified Total Direct Costs,” which now proposes to exclude subaward costs above $50,000, as compared to $25,000 in the existing guidance. OMB also proposes to revise several definitions for other reasons. For example, OMB proposes to shorten the definition of “improper payment” to ensure that the definition references the appropriate source in Appendix C to OMB Circular A-123, Requirements for Payment Integrity Improvement. OMB proposes to update the definition of “intangible property” to include more information related to date and licenses. OMB also proposes to clarify “participant support costs” with additional explanatory information and expand the definition of “questioned costs” to provide greater understanding of the terms throughout the Uniform Guidance. In addition, other definitions that OMB proposes altering include “cost sharing” (discussed below under section 200.306), “Federal agency,” “Federal award date,” “financial obligations,” “Indian tribe,” “period of performance,” “prior approval,” “real property”, “recipient,” “special purpose equipment,” “subaward,” and “termination.” OMB also proposes a minor change to the definition of the term “Federal financial assistance.” OMB proposes the term to include assistance received or administered by “recipients or subrecipients”—as compared to assistance received or administered by “non-Federal entities” in the existing guidance. In cases in which Federal agencies apply subparts A through E of part 200 to for-profit organizations, use of the terms “recipients or subrecipients” in this definition may provide further clarity on the applicability of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) (Pub. L. 117-58, 135 Stat. 429, 70901-70927, Nov. 15, 2021) to Federal awards made by that agency to for-profit organizations. Section 70912(4) of BABA incorporates the definition of Federal financial assistance from 2 CFR 200.1 or successor regulations. For additional information on BABA and OMB's guidance in 2 CFR part 184, see 88 FR 55750 (Aug. 23, 2023). OMB does not, however, propose to materially change the sentence in the applicability section at 200.101(a)(2) providing Federal agencies with discretion on whether to apply the guidance to for-profit organizations. Subpart B—General Provisions OMB proposes to revise this subpart, in section 200.101, to clarify the applicability of the Uniform Guidance. In OMB's proposal, all subparts of part 200 continue to apply to Federal agencies that make Federal awards to “non-Federal entities.” Federal agencies also retain discretion on whether to apply subparts A through E of part 200 to Federal agencies, for-profit entities, foreign public entities, or foreign organizations—which are not included in the definition of the term “non-Federal entity.” OMB proposes to add language encouraging agencies to apply the requirements in subparts A through E of part 200 to all recipients in a consistent and equitable manner to the extent permitted within applicable statutes, regulations, and policies. In support of plain language principles, OMB proposes to convert the applicability table in paragraph (b) of section 200.101 into paragraph form. OMB proposes multiple clarifying revisions in section 200.102 to improve agency and recipient understanding of the availability and use of exceptions to, or deviations from, OMB's Uniform Guidance in part 200. In section 200.104, OMB proposes to provide a more succinct statement that part 200 supersedes previous OMB guidance issued in 2 CFR on topics including cost principles and audits for Federal financial assistance. Because part 200 has now existed for 10 years in its current format and location, OMB does not believe it is necessary to continue to include the detailed list identifying elements of the Uniform Guidance in part 200 previously contained in OMB Circulars or other parts of 2 CFR, subtitle A, chapter II. In section 200.111 OMB proposes new guidance to permit Federal agencies to request, receive, and distribute Federal award information in a language other than English when it is appropriate for a specific program or Federal award. This proposal would allow for more flexibility when working in international environments or in communities where English is the not the primary language. Finally, based on feedback from the oversight community, OMB proposes to revise the section on mandatory disclosure to clarify that recipients and subrecipients must promptly disclose any credible evidence of a violation of Federal criminal law potentially affecting the Federal award. OMB also proposes to revise this section to require recipients and subrecipients to provide written disclosure to the agency's Office of Inspector General. OMB believes the proposed “credible evidence” standard is more appropriate because it would not require recipients, subrecipients, and applicants to make a legal determination that a criminal law has been violated before they are required to make a disclosure of “credible evidence” of such a violation to the Federal agency, pass-through entity (if applicable), and the agency's Office of Inspector General. Subpart C—Pre-Federal Award Requirements and Contents of Federal Awards OMB proposes to revise this subpart to clarify certain requirements for fixed amount awards. For example, OMB proposes to clarify in section 200.201 that recipients are entitled to any unexpended funds under a fixed amount award if the required activities were completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award. In the same section, OMB also proposes to clarify record retention and post award certification requirements. In addition—although no specific language is proposed in this document—OMB is considering requiring additional pre-award certifications for fixed amount awards to address the potential increased risk of fraud under fixed amount awards. OMB invites comments on appropriate pre-award certifications for fixed amount awards and notes that it may include a requirement for such certifications in the final guidance document. OMB also proposes to more specifically identify certain prior approval requirements that specifically relate to fixed amount awards. OMB also proposes to expand section 200.202 on program planning and design to encourage agencies to encourage recipients to engage members of the community that will benefit from or be impacted by a Federal financial assistance program. OMB also proposes to encourage Federal agencies to develop programs in consultation with the communities that will benefit from or be impacted by a program. In section 200.202, OMB also proposes to underscore that Federal agencies should consider all available data and evaluation results from past programs and coordinate with other agencies during program planning and design. OMB proposes to revise section 200.203 on Assistance Listings to reinforce the importance of communicating in plain language and highlighting any program-related customer service initiatives. OMB proposes to revise section 200.204 on notices of funding opportunities in a number of ways to encourage Federal agencies to focus more on communicating requirements to the public in an accessible and comprehensible manner. For example, OMB proposes to include an Executive Summary requirement and to encourage agencies to use plain language when publishing opportunities. OMB also proposes that agencies should communicate program requirements specifically and clearly, as well as limit the length of program announcements. As noted in the proposed changes to the guidance, this is particularly important in consideration of applicants with less experience applying for Federal financial assistance, such as applicants from underserved communities. OMB also proposes to encourage Federal agencies to identify all eligible applicants in the funding opportunity—for example, by providing greater specificity on different types of nonprofit organizations such as labor unions. In proposing these revisions, OMB aims to make notices of funding opportunities more consistent and transparent. OMB also aims to ensure that applicants are not unintentionally excluded from funding opportunities. OMB also proposes additional changes in section 200.204, such as encouraging agencies to provide an anticipated award date and providing additional clarifying guidance on the availability period for funding opportunities. In section 200.205 OMB proposes to clarify that a Federal agency should consider diversity when developing policies and procedures for merit review panels. In section 200.206 OMB proposes to revise the section regarding risk evaluation by using the term risk assessment as a standard term and clarifying agency requirements to appropriately review eligibility qualifications and financial integrity information. OMB also proposes to clarify that agency processes may consider any risk criteria pertinent to a program, such as cybersecurity risk or impacts on local jobs and the community. OMB further proposes to clarify that an agency may modify its risk assessment at any time during the lifecycle of an award. OMB also proposes to clarify in section 200.209 that those entities who are exempt from the requirements of 2 CFR part 25 must still complete the certifications and representations by submitting the appropriate assurance form. OMB also proposes to include several additions to section 200.216 on the prohibition of certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment to expand the guidance by incorporating additional information from OMB's Frequently Asked Questions document. Lastly, OMB proposes to include a new section 200.217 to expand on the whistleblower protections and requirements for recipients of Federal financial assistance, which had previously been referenced in section 200.300. Subpart D—Post Federal Award Requirements OMB proposes to retain the guidance in section 200.300 on statutory and national policy requirements, which explains the need to administer Federal awards in full accordance with the U.S. Constitution, applicable Federal statutes and regulations, and requirements of part 200. OMB proposes to streamline section 200.300 and to reinforce existing nondiscrimination requirements under the Constitution and other applicable law, consistent with Executive Order 13988 of January 20, 2021 (“Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation”), and Executive Order 14075 of June 15, 2022 (“Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals”). In section 200.305 on Federal payment, OMB proposes to provide additional flexibilities for recipients when interest bearing accounts are not accessible in a foreign country; and to provide a specific link for returning funds to the Payment Management System, rather than including the more extensive instructions in the guidance itself. OMB proposes to revise section 200.306 on cost sharing, as well as the definition of cost sharing itself, to clarify that “matching” is one category of cost sharing overall—thus eliminating the need to repeat the term “matching” throughout. In the same section, OMB also proposes to provide additional guidance on voluntary uncommitted cost sharing for institutes of higher education. OMB proposes to revise section 200.307 on program income by providing clarifications in paragraph (a) regarding use and expenditure of program income, including allowing program income for certain closeout costs. OMB also proposes to revise and provide further clarifying guidance in paragraph (b) for each of the three methods for use of program income. OMB proposes changes to section 200.308 on revision of budget and program plans by combining the requirements for construction and non-construction awards to provide greater uniformity in the requirements for all award types. OMB proposes to clarify that recipients do not need approval of individual subrecipients under all circumstances, but only when making subawards of programmatic activities not proposed by the recipient in the application for an award. A Federal agency may also require prior approval of subrecipients through the terms and conditions of a Federal award. OMB proposes to further clarify that agencies should not require approval of a change in a proposed subrecipient unless the initial inclusion of a subrecipient was a determining factor in the agency's merit review process. This change is proposed to reinforce the role of the recipient as responsible for the efficient and effective administration of the Federal award including the selection of a qualified and capable subrecipient. OMB also proposes to identify other items requiring prior approval, including requesting additional funds, transferring funds, and no-cost extensions. OMB proposes to clarify that no-cost extensions are different from one-time extensions, which an agency is permitted to authorize a recipient to do without prior approval. In section 200.309 on modification to the period of performance, OMB proposes to provide additional clarification that when an agency decides not to continue an award with multiple budget periods, the period of performance should be amended to end at the completion of the currently authorized budget period. OMB also proposes to incorporate the definition of “renewal award” in this section. In section 200.311, addressing real property, OMB proposes to include a new paragraph on appraisals to introduce additional guidance on standards for conducting independent appraisals consistent with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 4601-4655) except as provided in the implementing regulations at 49 CFR part 24, “Uniform Relocation Assistance And Real Property Acquisition For Federal And Federally-Assisted Programs.” OMB also proposes to include a definition of the term “encumbrance” in sections 200.311, 200.313, and 200.315. In section 200.313, relating to equipment, OMB proposes to increase the threshold value for equipment from $5,000 to $10,000 and to provide additional guidance on the meaning of a “conditional title.” Consistent with proposals in sections 200.311 and 200.315, OMB also proposes a definition of the term “encumbrance.” Consistent with the existing requirements for States, OMB also proposes to allow Indian Tribe to dispose of equipment in accordance with tribal law. OMB also proposes to clarify that agencies may permit the recipient to retain equipment with no further obligation to the Federal government when it is not prohibited by Federal statue or regulation. OMB also proposes to reinforce the responsibility of recipients to maintain updated records regarding equipment. OMB proposes to revise section 200.314 on supplies to raise the threshold from $5,000 to $10,000. OMB also proposes to clarify that the requirements for unused supplies apply to the aggregate value of all supply types, and not just like-item supplies. OMB also proposes to include a definition of “unused supplies” in section 200.314. In section 200.315 on intangible property, OMB proposes to reinforce the potential requirement for recipients and subrecipients to make intangible property publicly available on agency-designated websites. Consistent with proposals in sections 200.311 and 200.313, OMB also proposes a definition of the term “encumbrance.” OMB proposes several revisions to the procurement standards in the Uniform Guidance. In recognition of Tribal sovereignty, and consistent with the existing requirements for States, in section 200.317 OMB proposes to allow Indian tribes to follow their own policies and procedures. OMB also proposes to revise the procurement standards in section 200.318. These proposed revisions include providing additional guidance that contractors appropriately classify employees consistent with the Fair Labor Standards Act. See the Fair Labor Standards Act at 29 U.S.C. chapter 8. OMB also proposes adding a new paragraph (l) in section 200.318 to clarify that that the procurement standards in part 200 do not prohibit recipients or subrecipients from using Project Labor Agreements or similar forms of pre-hire collective bargaining agreements; requiring commitments or goals to hire people residing in high-poverty areas, disadvantaged communities as defined by the Justice40 Initiative OMB Memorandum M-21-28, or high-unemployment census tracts within a region no smaller than the county where a federally funded construction project is located, consistent with the policies and procedures of the recipient or subrecipient, provided that a recipient or subrecipient may not prohibit interstate hiring; requiring commitments or goals to individuals with barriers to employment (as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(24)), including women and people from underserved communities as defined by Executive Order 13985; using agreements intended to ensure uninterrupted delivery of services; using agreements intended to ensure community benefits; or offering employees of a predecessor contractor rights of first refusal under a new contract. The proposed paragraph explains that Federal agencies may consider allowing recipients or subrecipients to use such practices if consistent with the U.S. Constitution, applicable Federal statutes and regulations, the objectives and purposes of the Federal financial assistance program, and other requirements of part 200. For example, any hiring preference for a class or groups of persons would be permissible only to the extent that it is consistent with the equal protection requirement of the U.S. Constitution. In section 200.319, OMB proposes to remove the prohibition in the Uniform Guidance on using geographic preference requirements. In the same section, OMB also proposes to state that subpart D does not prohibit recipients and subrecipients from incorporating a scoring mechanism that rewards bidders committing to specific numbers and types of U.S. jobs, as well as certain compensation and benefits. OMB cautions, however, that any geographic preferences or scoring mechanisms must be consistent with the U.S. Constitution, applicable Federal statutes and regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. OMB also proposes to clarify that any such scoring mechanism must be consistent with established practices and legal requirements applicable to the recipient or subrecipient. In section 200.320 on procurement methods, OMB proposes to change “small purchases” to “simplified acquisitions” to further align with standard terminology. In paragraph (a), OMB proposes to clarify that “micro-purchases” and “simplified acquisitions” are types of “informal procurement methods for small purchases.” OMB also proposes to remove the requirements that local and tribal governments must open sealed bids in public; this requirement may be inconsistent with State or tribal policies and procedures. In section 200.321, OMB proposes to add “veteran-owned business” to the types of businesses that recipients and subrecipients are encouraged to consider for procurement contracts under a Federal award. OMB proposes to add a new paragraph (b) in section 200.323. Executive Order 14057 of December 8, 2021 (“Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability”) establishes that it is the policy of this Administration to lead by example and pursue a whole-of-government approach on sustainability and expanding American technologies, industries, and jobs that support sustainability and climate resilience. The Executive Order tasks the Federal government with pursuing new strategies to improve the Nation's preparedness and resilience to the effects of a changing climate, including financial management strategies. In support of this policy, OMB proposes to add a new paragraph (b) in section 200.323 encouraging Federal award recipients, to the extent permitted by law, to purchase, acquire, or use products and services that can be reused, refurbished, or recycled; contain recycled content, are biobased, or are energy and water efficient; and are sustainable. OMB proposes to add additional language to section 200.324 on contract cost and price to establish that the recipient or subrecipient may consider potential workforce impacts in their procurement analysis if the procurement transaction will potentially displace public sector employees. OMB also seeks comment on its proposal to delete the existing paragraph (b) in 2 CFR 200.324, requiring the recipient to negotiate profit as a separate element of the price for each contract in which there is no price competition. In section 200.328, OMB proposes to provide additional clarity on required deadlines for financial reporting to align with progress reporting requirements. In section 200.329, OMB proposes to revise the reporting of program performance section to remind agencies of the importance of not requiring information in programmatic reports that is not necessary for the effective monitoring of the award. OMB also proposes additional language that emphasizes the importance of measuring customer experience as well as considering evaluation plans when outlining reporting requirements. OMB further proposes to clarify that programmatic reporting may not be required more frequently than quarterly unless specific conditions have been applied to the award in accordance with section 200.208. In section 200.331 on subrecipient and contractor determinations, OMB proposes additional language to emphasize that Federal agencies do not have a direct legal relationship with subrecipients and contractors of pass-through entities. OMB also proposes to clarify that the characteristics indicative of a subrecipient or contractor determination are not limited to the sample characteristics currently provided in the guidance. Based on feedback from the Federal financial assistance community, OMB proposes to include in section 200.332 the requirement for pass-through entities to confirm that potential subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal funds. In section 200.333, OMB proposes removing the current Simplified Acquisition Threshold limit for fixed amount subawards to provide agencies and recipients with increased flexibility in making programmatic and budgetary decisions, while still allowing recipients to establish their own award-specific thresholds with the prior written approval of the Federal agency. Under the proposed revision, a recipient's use of fixed amount subawards remains subject to the prior written approval of the Federal agency. OMB also proposes to revise and clarify the guidance pertaining to termination and closeout requirements in sections 200.340 through 200.344. On termination, in section 200.340 OMB proposes to remove language that allows a Federal agency or pass-through entity to terminate an award “if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities.” This revision is proposed only for the purpose of clarifying the guidance; the proposed guidance still allows agencies to terminate a Federal award according to the terms and condition of the award. OMB also proposes to clarify that a termination does not include a Federal agency's decision to not provide continuation funding. In section 200.341, OMB also proposes to clarify requirements that must be included in a notice of termination. In section 200.344 on closeout, OMB proposes to revise closeout guidance to clarify that recipients must still submit a final financial report even when the recipient does not have a final indirect cost rate; and proposes to clarify that an additional final report must be submitted when the indirect cost rate is finalized. In the same section, OMB also proposes to provide additional flexibilities for agencies and recipients to closeout Federal awards in a timely manner. OMB proposes to allow an agency and recipient to mutually agree upon a final indirect cost rate for an individual award. This proposed revision is not intended to grant agencies additional authorities to negotiate rates over cognizant agencies for indirect rates; rather, it simply proposes to affirm the Federal agency's right to negotiate with the recipient or subrecipient on a case-by-case basis with the goal of closing out specific awards in a timely manner. Subpart E—Cost Principles In section 200.401 on applicability, OMB proposes to clarify that the cost principles in subpart E do not apply to grants and cooperative agreements for food commodities. In section 200.403, OMB proposes to add language clarifying when allowable administrative closeout costs may be incurred in paragraph (h). In section 200.407, OMB has removed ten items from the prior written approval requirements to reduce Federal agency and recipient burden. These proposed revisions include no longer requiring prior written approval for such items as, real property, equipment, direct costs, entertainment costs, exchange rates, memberships, participant support costs, selling and marketing costs, and taxes. In this section, OMB also proposes to remove the reference to requiring prior written approval for use of grants agreements, cooperative agreements, and contracts, but other requirements throughout the Uniform Guidance in part 200 would continue to apply to use of these instruments. In section 200.414, OMB proposes to revise several aspects of the guidance pertaining to indirect costs. OMB proposes to clarify that recipients and subrecipients may notify OMB of any disputes with regards to a Federal agency's application or acceptance of a federally negotiated indirect cost rates. OMB also proposes to revise the guidance to clarify that pass-through entities must accept all federally negotiated indirect cost rates for subrecipients. In the same section, in response to feedback from the Federal financial assistance community, OMB proposes to raise the de minimis rate from 10 percent to 15 percent. This change would allow for a more reasonable and realistic recovery of indirect costs, particularly for new or inexperienced organizations that may not have the capacity to undergo a formal rate negotiation, but still deserve to be fully compensated for their overhead costs. The proposed changes still allow recipients and subrecipients to apply a rate lower than 15 percent at their own discretion. At the same time, the proposed guidance clarifies that Federal agencies may not compel recipients and subrecipients to use an indirect rate lower than the proposed 15 percent rate, unless required by statute. OMB also proposes to clarify that the de minimis rate may not be applied to cost reimbursement contracts and recipients and subrecipients are not required to use the de minimis rate. Finally, OMB also proposes to remove the existing requirement in paragraph (h) of section 200.414 for all indirect cost rates to be publicly available on a government-wide website—but this may be revisited when applicable systems are updated to allow for the posting of indirect cost rates. OMB seeks comments that include analysis on the advantages and disadvantages of raising the de minimis rate in the way proposed. Based on feedback from the oversight community, in section 200.415 OMB proposes to require subrecipients to certify to pass-through entities that financial information submitted to the pass-through entity is complete and accurate. Based on feedback from both Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) and Federal agencies, OMB also proposes to remove the requirement in section 200.419 for an IHE that receives an aggregate total $50 million or more in Federal awards and instruments subject to subpart E to submit a disclosure statement form (DS-2) containing information on cost accounting standards. This proposed change, if finalized, would likely reduce Federal agency and recipient burden. OMB received a comment indicating that the DS-2 is outdated, not needed for ensuring compliance with statutory authorities related to Federal financial assistance, and not universally implemented across the IHE community. The commenter also indicated that the DS-2 is not used as regular tool by the audit or oversight community to enhance compliance or oversight. This commenter also stated that information contained in the DS-2 is readily available in numerous policy portals at research universities and creates unnecessary administrative and cost burden to research universities and Federal agencies. If finalized, this proposed change would not impact the requirement for IHEs receiving Federal awards above the threshold to comply with the Cost Accounting Standards Board's cost accounting standards. It would only no longer require use of the DS-2 form. This proposed change also is not intended to impact any FAR-based requirements related to disclosure of cost accounting practices. OMB seeks comments on the potential impact of this proposed change to section 200.419, including analysis on the advantages and disadvantages of removing the requirement for use of the DS-2 form. For example, are there any advantages in retaining consistency and uniformity in accounting practices followed by educational institutions for both contracts under the FAR and Federal financial assistance under part 200, which are achieved through use of the DS-2? For additional background, see, for example, 58 FR 39996, at 39997 (Jul. 26, 1993) (explaining OMB's initial plans to expand the Cost Accounting Standards Board's regulations and standards for educational institutions to Federal grants). Does the requirement to use the DS-2 at section 200.419 help ensure that each IHE's practices used in estimating costs for a proposal are consistent with cost accounting practices used by the institution in accumulating and reporting costs or serve other functions? See 48 CFR 9905.501-20. How, if at all, could removing the requirement to use the DS-2 from section 200.419 impact compliance by research universities with the requirements of 41 U.S.C. 1502 or the implementing regulations at FAR, Chapter 99 for government contracts? To what extent would removing the requirement to use the DS-2 at section 200.419 reduce burden if the statutory and FAR-based requirements remain in effect? OMB proposes to require several revisions to the general provisions for items of costs. Specifically, in section 200.420, OMB proposes to add further clarifying text explaining that the listed items of cost are not intended to provide a comprehensive list and that failure to mention an item, even as an example, is not intended to imply that is allowable or unallowable. OMB proposes this clarification to address numerous questions about allowability of costs that arise in the Federal financial assistance community. In section 200.422, OMB proposes to incorporate the definition of an “advisory council or committee.” At section 200.431, OMB proposes to revise the section on fringe benefits to require recipients and subrecipients to allocate payments for unused leave as general administrative expenses or include them in a fringe benefit rate with cognizant agency approval. Based on feedback from the oversight community, OMB also proposes in section 200.431 to clarify that recipients and subrecipients may not charge unfunded pension and post-retirement health benefits to an award in a manner that is inconsistent with the allocation principles of Subpart E. Also in section 200.431, OMB proposes additional clarifying guidance on pension plan costs and post-retirement health plans. OMB proposes to clarify the description of conferences in section 200.432 to remove any limitations provided by the specific types of events listed in the guidance currently. OMB also proposes to allow for dependent-care costs associated with participants' attending or partaking in program-related conferences. OMB proposes to revise section 200.438 entertainment costs to include prizes, which currently reside in Subpart B, despite the fact that prizes are an item of cost. In section 200.440, OMB removed the requirement for prior approval of fluctuations of exchange rates. While a recipient or subrecipient needs prior approval for additional Federal funding, no approval is required because an exchange rate has fluctuated and resulted in a necessary charge to available funding. In section 200.454, OMB proposes to remove prior approval requirements for the cost of membership in any civic or community organization. In section 200.455 on organization costs, OMB proposes to clarify that any costs associated with either persuading or dissuading employees from collective bargaining and related activities are not allowable under Federal awards. OMB also proposes to add clarifying language that certain costs related to data, evaluation, and other related organization costs are allowable. In section 200.456, OMB proposes to remove the prior approval requirement of participant support costs. OMB proposes to clarify, however, that the treatment of participant costs is ultimately the responsibility of the recipient or subrecipient to determine, document, and treat consistently across all Federal awards (and when negotiating indirect rates). In section 200.461, OMB proposes additional clarifying guidance on publication and printing costs by adding reference to “article processing charges” or “similar open access fees.” In section 200.467, OMB also proposes to remove the prior approval option for selling and marketing costs, clarifying selling and marketing costs are unallowable unless they meet the requirements in section 200.421 and are required to meet the requirements of the award. Finally, OMB proposes to revise the section on termination costs at section 200.472 to also include closeout costs. Specifically, OMB proposes to include guidance for recipients and subrecipients to charge administrative costs specifically associated with the closeout of a Federal award. OMB received feedback from the Federal financial assistance community that the exclusion of closeout costs in the Uniform Guidance has been problematic as recipients and subrecipients have been unable to charge actual costs associated with closeout actions, such as certain administrative or staff costs not covered through indirect cost recoveries. Subpart F—Audit Requirements In this subpart, OMB proposes to raise the audit threshold from $750,000 to $1,000,000 in section 200.501. OMB reviewed audit submission data as well as economic data when determining the increase to this threshold. Every two years, the Director of OMB is authorized to adjust the dollar amount of this threshold consistent with the purposes of the Single Audit Act, provided the Director does not make such adjustments below $300,000. 31 U.S.C. 7502. In section 200.502 OMB also proposes to clarify that, in determining Federal awards expended, loan and loan guarantees retain their Federal character through the end of the Federal award period of performance unless otherwise specified in statute or Federal agency regulations. In response to feedback from Federal agencies, OMB proposes to revise the guidance to require that the schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for comprehensive annual financial reports identify the State, municipal, or local entity recipient or subrecipient of a Federal award. This change is necessary to provide greater transparency and understanding of the information provided in the schedule. In section 200.510, at paragraph (b), OMB proposes additional guidance explaining that, for audits covering multiple recipients (such as departments, agencies, IHEs, and other organizational units), the schedule of expenditures must identify the recipient of the Federal award. In section 200.513, OMB proposes to revise the responsibilities of Federal agencies. Specifically, OMB proposes to encourage Federal agencies to engage with external audit stakeholders and the Federal agency's Office of Inspector General National Single Audit Coordinator (NSAC) prior to submitting compliance supplement drafts to OMB. In the same section OMB also proposes to clarify that a Federal agency's key management single audit liaison must also coordinate with the agency's Office of Inspector General NSAC when appropriate. In section 200.514, on scope of audit, OMB proposes to revise compliance requirements to specify that compliance testing must include a test of transactions and other auditing procedures necessary to provide the auditor with sufficient evidence to support an opinion on compliance. In section 200.516, based on feedback OMB received from the Federal financial assistance community, OMB proposes to revise in the definitions of known questioned costs and likely questioned costs and provide further clarity on how they are identified in an audit report. Appendix I to Part 200—Full Text of Notice of Funding Opportunity OMB proposes to revise this appendix in its entirety in support of the goal of simplifying and clarifying the grant solicitation and application process, which is a key objective under Executive Order 14058 on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government. The proposed changes to the notice of funding opportunity in Appendix I are intended to improve the quality and accessibility of funding opportunities. Specifically, the proposed revisions to Appendix I intend to: (1) follow plain language principles; (2) group similar items together to streamline content; (3) align sections more closely to the application process; (4) include basic information at the top of a funding opportunity so that applicants can more easily make decisions about whether or not to apply; (5) clearly define what must be included in a section of the funding opportunity versus what is at an agency's discretion; and (6) provide flexibility to agencies while also giving applicants a common way to find information in every funding opportunity. Appendix III to Part 200—Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and Assignment, and Rate Determination for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) OMB proposes to update this appendix to adjust the exclusion threshold of subawards from $25,000 to $50,000 for modified total direct costs. Appendix IV to Part 200—Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and Assignment, and Rate Determination for Nonprofit Organizations OMB proposes to update this appendix to adjust the exclusion threshold of subawards from $25,000 to $50,000 for modified total direct costs. OMB also proposes to clarify that under the direct cost allocation method, joint costs include costs for information technology. Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals OMB proposes to update this appendix to adjust the exclusion threshold of subawards from $25,000 to $50,000 under modified total direct costs (MTDC). OMB also proposes to clarify the meaning of “department or agency” for State and local governments. OMB also proposes a revision to underscore that Federal agencies must accept indirect cost proposals developed by State or local departments or agencies receiving less than $35 million in their fiscal year. The proposed revision to this appendix also provides that Federal agencies cannot compel these State or local governmental departments or agencies to accept the de minimis rate, or any other rate established by the Federal agency, in place of their indirect cost proposals. OMB emphasizes, however, that any such indirect cost proposals must be developed in accordance with the requirements of part 200 and maintained for audit—along with related supporting documentation. Appendix X to Part 200—Data Collection Form (Form SF-SAC) OMB proposes to revise this appendix to clarify where audit submission instructions are located. Appendix XII to Part 200—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters OMB proposes to revise this award term to be consistent with the statutory obligation and to reflect the appropriate location (responsibility and qualification records) in SAM.gov for reporting integrity and performance matters. OMB proposes to renumber the award term to align to the requirements of the standard organization of the Code of Federal Regulations. Other Revisions Under Consideration for Future Updates OMB may consider additional revisions for potential future updates. Specifically, OMB welcomes additional comments from the public on the following topics for consideration in possible additional revisions in the future: • Establishing specific audit requirements for for-profit entities, which are not subject to the requirements of Subpart F; • Incorporating the requirements of National Security Presidential Management (NSPM)-33 on research security requirements; • Providing additional guidance in 2 CFR concerning the relationship of specific aspects of the guidance to loans and loan guarantees; • Establishing mechanisms to automatically adjust certain thresholds due to inflation or other triggering events (where permitted by law). • Removing additional prior approval requirements. • Challenges related to negotiating indirect costs, working with cognizant agencies, or any other topics related to indirect costs that could be addressed in future updates; and • Expanding the guidance in Subpart F to include more specific requirements on the scope of an audit (“proper perspective”) so that agencies have additional contextual information to guide them in resolving audit findings. Request for Comments OMB requests comments on all aspects of the propose guidance in this document, including on any reliance interests that commenters may have based on the existing text of 2 CFR, subtitle A that OMB's proposal may affect, and that OMB should consider in deciding whether or how to finalize this guidance. Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), and Executive Order 14094 (Modernizing Regulatory Review) Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866, 13563, and 14094 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives, and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). The OMB Guidance for Grants and Agreements published in subtitle A of 2 CFR is guidance to Federal agencies and not regulation. 2 CFR 1.100(b). OMB has thus determined that the revision of 2 CFR is not a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866, as amended. Regulatory Flexibility Act This proposed guidance is exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) because it is guidance to Federal agencies and not regulation. See 5 U.S.C. 553(b). Moreover, even if this proposed guidance were otherwise subject to 5 U.S.C. 553, it would be exempt from the notice and comment requirement as a matter related to grants. See 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2). OMB nonetheless provides the following information for the information of the public. For a rule subject to the notice-and-comment provisions of the APA, the Regulatory Flexibility Act 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., requires that an agency provide a final regulatory flexibility analysis or to certify that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Based on the nature of the revisions proposed in this notice, OMB does not expect this guidance to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. There are some proposed revisions that may impose a non-significant burden; however, there are more proposed revisions that reduce burden to small entities. When reviewing all proposed revisions, the burden that will be reduced for recipients is much greater than the burden imposed. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 The proposed guidance would not impose unfunded mandates as defined by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4, 109 Stat. 48). The proposed guidance would not result in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $168 million or more in any one year (2 U.S.C. 1532). Executive Order 13132 (Federalism Assessment) This proposed guidance has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and criteria contained in E.O. 13132, “Federalism,” 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 10, 1999). OMB has determined that this proposed guidance would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism assessment. The guidance in 2 CFR is inherently national in scope and significance. Regardless, in accordance with section 4(d) of E.O. 13132, OMB consulted with appropriate State and local officials that may be affected by Federal agencies' implementation of OMB's revised guidance by means of posting the RFI prior to proposing revisions. OMB weighed carefully the interests of those who submitted comments in response to the RFI in proposing revisions to the guidance, which balance the State interests with the need to provide Federal agencies with consistent, uniform, efficient, and transparent guidance, which is consistent with authorizing law. Paperwork Reduction Act This guidance does not contain a new requirement for information collection. Rather, it streamlines requirements in specific sections. Thus, the Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply. Executive Order 13175 (Tribal Consultation) OMB has analyzed this revised guidance in accordance with the principles and criteria contained in E.O. 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments” 65 FR 67249 (Nov. 9, 2000). On March 7, 2023, OMB held a two-hour Tribal consultation to solicit feedback from Tribal representatives. OMB also proposes providing greater flexibility to Tribal governments in the proposed guidance centered on procurement standards and disposition of equipment. OMB also proposes to clarify the definition of Indian Tribes. List of Subjects 2 CFR Part 1 Administration of Federal financial assistance, Administrative practice and procedure, Federal financial assistance programs. 2 CFR Part 25 Administrative practice and procedure; Grant programs; Grants administration; Loan programs. 2 CFR Part 170 Colleges and universities; Grant programs; Hospitals; International organizations; Loan programs; Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 2 CFR Part 175 Administrative practice and procedures; Grant programs; Indians—tribal government; Nonprofit organizations; State and local governments. 2 CFR Part 180 Administrative practice and procedure; Grant programs; Loan programs; Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 2 CFR Part 182 Administrative practice and procedure; Drug abuse; Grant programs; Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 2 CFR Part 183 Foreign aid; Grants administration; Grant programs; International organizations; Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 2 CFR Part 200 Administration of Federal financial assistance, Administrative practice and procedure, Federal financial assistance programs. For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Office of Management and Budget proposes to amend title 2, subtitle A, chapters I and II of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: 1. Revise the heading of title 2 to read as follows: Title 2—Federal Financial Assistance 2. Revise the heading of subtitle A of title 2 to read as follows: Subtitle A—Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance 3. Revise part 1, consisting of §§ 1.100 through 1.305, to read as follows: PART 1—ABOUT TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND SUBTITLE A Sec. Subpart A—Introduction to Title 2 of the CFR 1.100 Content of this title. 1.105 Organization and subtitle content. 1.110 Issuing authorities. Subpart B—Introduction to Subtitle A 1.200 Purpose of chapters I and II. 1.205 Applicability to Federal financial assistance. 1.210 Applicability to Federal agencies and others. 1.215 Relationship to previous issuances. 1.220 Federal agency implementation of this subtitle. 1.230 Maintenance of this subtitle. 1.231 Severability. Subpart C—Responsibilities of OMB and Federal Agencies 1.300 OMB responsibilities. 1.305 Federal agency responsibilities. Authority: 31 U.S.C. 503; 31 U.S.C. 1111; 31 U.S.C. 6307; 41 U.S.C. 1121; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1970; E.O. 11541, 35 FR 10737. Subpart A—Introduction to Title 2 of the CFR § 1.100 Content of this title. This title contains: (a) Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance to Federal agencies on governmentwide policies for the award and administration of Federal financial assistance; and (b) Federal agency regulations implementing that OMB guidance. § 1.105 Organization and subtitle content. (a) This title is organized into two subtitles. (b) The OMB guidance described in § 1.100(a) is published in subtitle A. Publication of the OMB guidance in the CFR does not change its nature—it is guidance, not regulation. (c) Each Federal agency that awards Federal financial assistance has a chapter in subtitle B in which it issues those regulations. The Federal agency regulations in subtitle B differ in nature from the OMB guidance in subtitle A because the OMB guidance is not regulatory. Federal agency regulations in subtitle B may give regulatory effect to the OMB guidance, to the extent that the agency regulations require compliance with all or portions of the OMB guidance. See also § 1.220. § 1.110 Issuing authorities. OMB issues this subtitle. Each Federal agency that has a chapter in subtitle B of this title issues that chapter. Subpart B—Introduction to Subtitle A § 1.200 Purpose of chapters I and II. Chapters I and II of subtitle A provide OMB guidance to Federal agencies that helps ensure consistent and uniform governmentwide policies and procedures for the management of the agencies' Federal financial assistance. § 1.205 Applicability to Federal financial assistance. The types of instruments that are subject to the guidance in this subtitle vary from one portion of the guidance to another. All portions of the guidance apply to grants and cooperative agreements, and some portions also apply to other types of Federal financial assistance. For example, the: (a) Guidance on debarment and suspension in part 180 of this subtitle applies broadly to all Federal financial assistance, and not just to grants and cooperative agreements. (b) Cost principles in subpart E of part 200 of this subtitle apply to procurement contracts issued under a Federal award, as well as to Federal financial assistance. Cost principles are implemented for Federal agencies' direct procurement contracts through the Federal Acquisition Regulation in title 48 of the CFR, rather than through Federal agency regulations on Federal financial assistance in this title. § 1.210 Applicability to Federal agencies and others. (a) This subtitle contains guidance that directly applies only to Federal agencies. (b) The guidance in this subtitle may affect other entities through each Federal agency's implementation of the guidance, portions of which may apply to: (1) The agency's awarding or administering officials; (2) Recipients and subrecipients that receive or apply for the agency's Federal financial assistance or receive subawards under grants or cooperative agreements; or (3) Any other entities involved in agency transactions subject to the guidance in this chapter. § 1.215 Relationship to previous issuances. Although some of the guidance was organized differently within OMB circulars or other documents, much of the guidance in this subtitle existed prior to the establishment of title 2 of the CFR. § 1.220 Federal agency implementation of this subtitle. A Federal agency that awards Federal financial assistance subject to the OMB guidance in this subtitle implements the guidance in agency regulations in subtitle B of this title and in guidance documents, policy documents, and procedural issuances, such as internal instructions to the agency's awarding and administering officials. An applicant, recipient, or subrecipient would see the effect of that implementation in the organization and content of the agency's announcements of funding opportunities and in its award terms and conditions. § 1.230 Maintenance of this subtitle. OMB issues guidance in this subtitle after publication in the Federal Register . Any portion of the guidance that has a potential impact on the public is published with an opportunity for public comment. § 1.231 Severability. The provisions of this subtitle are separate and severable from one another. If any provision of this subtitle is held invalid or unenforceable as applied to a particular person or circumstance, the provision should be construed so as to continue to give the maximum effect permitted by law as applied to other persons not similarly situated or to dissimilar circumstances. If any provision is determined to be wholly invalid and unenforceable, it should be severed from the remaining provisions of this part, which should remain in effect. Subpart C—Responsibilities of OMB and Federal Agencies § 1.300 OMB responsibilities. OMB is responsible for: (a) Issuing and maintaining the guidance in this subtitle, as described in § 1.230; (b) Interpreting the policy requirements in this subtitle; (c) Reviewing Federal agency regulations implementing the requirements of this subtitle, as required by Executive Order 12866; (d) Conducting broad oversight of governmentwide compliance with the guidance in this subtitle; and (e) Performing other OMB functions specified in this subtitle. § 1.305 Federal agency responsibilities. The head of each Federal agency that awards and administers Federal financial assistance subject to the guidance in this subtitle is responsible for: (a) Implementing the guidance in this subtitle; (b) Ensuring that the Federal agency complies with their implementation of the guidance; (c) Coordinating with the Council on Federal Financial Assistance, the Grants Quality Service Management Office, and other governance committees as appropriate; and (d) Performing other functions specified in this subtitle. 4. Revise part 25, consisting of § 25.100 through appendix A to part 25, to read as follows: PART 25—UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT Sec. Subpart A—General 25.100 Purpose of this part. 25.105 Applicability. 25.110 Exceptions to this part. Subpart B—Policy 25.200 Requirements for notice of funding opportunities, regulations, and application instructions. 25.205 Effect of noncompliance with a requirement to obtain a UEI or register in SAM.gov . 25.210 Authority to modify agency application forms or formats. 25.215 Requirements for agency information systems. 25.220 Use of award term. Subpart C—Recipient Requirements of Subrecipients 25.300 Requirement for recipients to ensure subrecipients have a unique entity identifier. Subpart D—Definitions 25.400 Definitions. Appendix A to Part 25 Award Term Authority: 31 U.S.C. 503; 31 U.S.C. 6102; 31 U.S.C. 6307; Pub. L. 109-282; Pub. L. 110-252, Pub. L. 113-101, Pub. L. 117-40. Subpart A—General § 25.100 Purpose of this part. This part provides guidance to Federal agencies that: (a) The unique entity identifier (UEI) is the universal identifier for Federal financial assistance applicants, as well as recipients and their direct subrecipients, and; (b) The System for Award Management ( SAM.gov ) is the repository for standard information about applicants and recipients. § 25.105 Applicability. (a) This part applies to a Federal agency's Federal financial assistance as defined in § 25.400. This part applies to all applicants for and recipients of Federal financial assistance unless exempted by Federal statute or § 25.110. (b) Subrecipients are required to obtain a UEI in accordance with subpart C. This part does not apply to subrecipients of subrecipients (second-tier subrecipients) or contractors under Federal awards. (c) This part does not apply to an individual who applies for or receives Federal financial assistance as a natural person (unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization an individual owns or operates). (d) Because this part applies to loan guarantees and other guaranteed programs, recipients of the guarantee from the Federal agency (for example, lenders of guaranteed loans) are required to complete entity validations and acquire a UEI. Additionally, at the Federal agency's discretion, non-individual beneficiary borrowers (for example, small businesses or corporations) may be required by the Federal agency to obtain a UEI or register in SAM.gov . § 25.110 Exceptions to this part. (a) General exceptions. (1) Under a condition identified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, a Federal agency may exempt an applicant or recipient of Federal financial assistance from the requirement to obtain a UEI, register in SAM.gov , or both. (i) If a Federal agency grants an exception under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, it must use a generic entity identifier in the data it reports to USAspending.gov if reporting for a prime award of Federal financial assistance to the recipient is required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (Pub. L. 109-282, as amended, hereafter cited as “Transparency Act”). Granting an exception under paragraph (a)(2) of this section does not impact a Federal agency's responsibility for reporting under the Transparency Act, except that it may use a generic entity identifier in the circumstances described. (ii) Federal agencies should use generic entity identifiers rarely as it prevents recipients from fulfilling reporting requirements such as subaward or executive compensation reporting required by the Transparency Act. (2) A Federal agency may exempt either an applicant or recipient when: (i) The Federal agency determines that it must protect information about the entity from disclosure in the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States or to avoid jeopardizing the personal safety of the entity's staff, partners, beneficiaries, and participants; (ii) (A) All of the following conditions are met: ( 1 ) the entity is a foreign organization or foreign public entity; ( 2 ) the Federal award or subaward will be performed outside the United States; ( 3 ) the Federal award or subaward will be less than $25,000; and ( 5 ) the Federal agency deems it to be impractical for the entity to comply with the requirements of this part. (B) The Federal agency must determine this exemption on a case-by-case basis while utilizing a risk-based approach; or (iii) For applicants, the Federal agency determines that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a UEI and registering in SAM.gov before receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal agencies must require the recipient to obtain a UEI and complete registration in SAM.gov within 30 days of the Federal award date. (b) Class exceptions. OMB may approve additional exceptions for classes of Federal awards, applicants, or recipients subject to the requirements of this part when exceptions are not prohibited by statute. Subpart B—Policy § 25.200 Requirements for notice of funding opportunities, regulations, and application instructions. (a) A Federal agency that issues Federal financial assistance (see § 25.400) must include the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section in each notice of funding opportunity, regulation, or other issuance containing instructions for applicants that is issued on or after the effective date of this guidance. A notice of funding opportunity is any paper or electronic issuance that a Federal agency uses to announce a funding opportunity, whether it is called a “program announcement,” “notice of funding availability,” “broad agency announcement,” “research announcement,” “solicitation,” or any other term. (b) The notice of funding opportunity, regulation, or other issuance must require each applicant that does not have an exemption under § 25.110 to: (1) Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting an application; (2) Maintain a current and active registration in SAM.gov at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by a Federal agency. The applicant must review and update its information in SAM.gov annually from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates to ensure it is current, accurate, and complete. If applicable, this includes identifying the applicant's immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries, as well as providing information on all predecessors that have received a Federal award or contract within the last three years; and (3) Include its UEI in each application it submits to the Federal agency. (c) For the purposes of this policy: the applicant meets the Federal agency's eligibility criteria and has the legal authority to apply and receive the Federal award. For example, if a consortium applies for a Federal award to be made to the consortium as the recipient, the consortium must have a UEI. If a consortium is eligible to receive funding under a Federal agency program, but the agency's policy is to make the Federal award to a lead entity for the consortium, the UEI of the lead applicant must be used. § 25.205 Effect of noncompliance with a requirement to obtain a UEI or register in SAM.gov. (a) Unless an entity is exempt under § 25.110, a Federal agency may not issue a Federal award or amend an existing Federal award if the entity is not in compliance with the requirements of this part. This does not apply to amendments to terminate or close out a Federal award. (b) At the time a Federal agency is ready to make a Federal award, if the intended recipient has not complied with the requirements to obtain a UEI and maintain an active registration in SAM.gov with current information, the Federal agency may make a Federal award to another applicant. § 25.210 Authority to modify agency application forms or formats. To implement the policies in §§ 25.200 and 25.205, a Federal agency may add a UEI field to information collections previously approved by OMB, with no further approval required. § 25.215 Requirements for agency information systems. Each Federal agency that awards Federal financial assistance (see § 25.400) must ensure that its information systems are able to both accept and transmit the UEI as the universal identifier for Federal financial assistance applicants and recipients. § 25.220 Use of award term. (a) A Federal agency must include the award term in Appendix A in all Federal financial assistance agreements (see § 25.400) to accomplish the purpose of § 25.100. (b) A Federal agency may use different letters and numbers than those in Appendix A to designate the paragraphs of the award term. Subpart C—Recipient Requirements of Subrecipients § 25.300 Requirement for recipients to ensure subrecipients have a unique entity identifier. (a) A recipient may not make a subaward to a subrecipient that has not obtained a UEI and provided it to the recipient. Subrecipients are not required to complete full registration in SAM.gov to obtain a UEI. (b) A recipient must notify any potential subrecipients that the recipient cannot make a subaward unless the subrecipient obtains and provides a UEI to the recipient. Subpart D—Definitions § 25.400 Definitions. Terms not defined in this part shall have the same meaning as provided in 2 CFR part 200, subpart A. As used in this part: Applicant means any entity that applies for a Federal award directly to a Federal agency. Entity includes: (1) Whether for profit or nonprofit: (i) A corporation; (ii) An association; (iii) A partnership; (iv) A limited liability company; (v) A limited liability partnership; (vi) A sole proprietorship; (vii) Any other legal business entity; (viii) Another grantee or contractor that is not excluded by subparagraph (b); and (ix) Any State or locality; (2) Does not include: (i) An individual recipient of Federal financial assistance; or (ii) A Federal employee. Federal Award means an award of Federal financial assistance that an entity receives from a Federal agency. Federal financial assistance: (1) Means assistance that entities receive or administer in the form of a: (i) Grant; (ii) Cooperative agreement (which does not include a cooperative research and development agreement pursuant to the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, as amended (15 U.S.C. 3710a); (iii) Loan; (iv) Loan guarantee; (v) Subsidy; (vi) Insurance; (vii) Food commodity; (viii) Direct appropriation; (ix) Assessed or voluntary contribution; or (x) Any other financial assistance transaction that authorizes the entity's expenditure of Federal funds. (2) For the purposes of this part, the term “Federal financial assistance” does not include: (i) Technical assistance that provides services in lieu of money; and (ii) A transfer of title to federally-owned property provided in lieu of money, even if the award is called a grant. Recipient means an entity that receives or administers a Federal Award directly from a Federal agency. System for Award Management ( SAM.gov ) means the Federal repository into which an entity must provide the information required for the conduct of business as a recipient. Unique entity identifier means the universal identifier assigned by SAM.gov to uniquely identify an entity. Appendix A to Part 25—Award Term I. System for Award Management ( SAM.gov ) and Universal Identifier Requirements (a) Requirement for System for Award Management. (1) Unless exempt from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110, you must maintain a current and active registration in SAM.gov . Your registration must always be current and active until you submit all final reports required under this Federal award or receive the final payment, whichever is later. You must review and update your information in SAM.gov at least annually from the date of your initial registration or any subsequent updates to ensure it is current, accurate, and complete. If applicable, this includes identifying your immediate and highest-level owner and subsidiaries and providing information about your predecessors that have received a Federal award or contract within the last three years. (b) Requirement for Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). (1) If you are authorized to make subawards under this Federal award, you: (i) Must notify potential subrecipients that no entity may receive a subaward from you until the entity has provided its UEI to you. (ii) May not make a subaward to an entity unless the entity has provided its UEI to you. Subrecipients are not required to complete full registration in SAM.gov to obtain a UEI. (c) Definitions. For the purposes of this award term: System for Award Management (SAM.gov) means the Federal repository into which a recipient must provide the information required for the conduct of business as a recipient. Additional information about registration procedures may be found in SAM.gov (currently at https://www.sam.gov ). Unique entity identifier means the universal identifier assigned by SAM.gov to uniquely identify an entity. Entity is defined at 25 CFR 400 and includes all of the following types as defined in 2 CFR 200.1: (1) Non-Federal entity; (2) Foreign organization; (3) Foreign public entity; (4) Domestic for-profit organization; and (5) Federal agency. Subaward has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1. Subrecipient has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1. 5. Revise part 170 to read as follows: PART 170—REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION Sec. Subpart A—General 170.100 Purpose of this part. 170.105 Applicability. Subpart B—Policy 170.200 Federal agency reporting requirements. 170.210 Requirements for notices of funding opportunities, regulations, and application instructions. 170.220 Use of award term. Subpart C—Definitions 170.300 Definitions. Appendix A to Part 170 Award term Authority: 31 U.S.C. 503; 31 U.S.C. 6102; 31 U.S.C. 6307; Pub. L. 109-282; Pub. L. 110-252, Pub. L. 113-101, Pub. L. 117-40. Subpart A—General § 170.100 Purpose of this part. This part provides guidance to Federal agencies on establishing requirements for recipients of Federal awards to report information on subawards and executive total compensation, as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-282), as amended by the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-101), hereafter referred to as the “Transparency Act.” § 170.105 Applicability. (a) This part applies to a Federal agency's Federal financial assistance as defined in § 170.300. This part applies to all recipients and subrecipients of Federal awards who meet the reporting requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, unless exempt under Federal statute or by paragraph (d) of this section. (b) This part does not apply to an individual who applies for or receives Federal financial assistance as a natural person (that is, unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization an individual owns or operates). (c) Reporting Requirements. (1) The names and total compensation of an entity's five most highly compensated executives must be reported if: (i) In the entity's preceding fiscal year, it received: (A) 80 percent or more of its annual gross revenue in Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal awards (and subawards) subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at § 170.300; and (B) $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenue from Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal awards (and subawards) subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at § 170.300; and (ii) The public does not have access to information about the compensation of senior executives of the entity through periodic reports filed under section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a), 78o(d)) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (d) Class exceptions. OMB may approve additional exceptions for classes of Federal awards or recipients when not prohibited by Federal statute. Subpart B—Policy § 170.200 Federal agency reporting requirements. (a) Federal agencies must publicly report Federal awards that equal or exceed the micro-purchase threshold (see 2 CFR 200.1). Federal agencies must publish the required Federal award information on USAspending.gov in accordance with the guidance provided by OMB and the U.S. Department of the Treasury's DATA Act Information Model Schema (DAIMS). (b) Federal agencies should ensure that their agency-specific requirements do not require recipients to submit data that is the same as or similar to data required by the Transparency Act during a given reporting period. § 170.210 Requirements for notices of funding opportunities, regulations, and application instructions. (a) A Federal agency that makes Federal awards subject to the Transparency Act must include the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section in each notice of funding opportunity, regulation, or other issuance containing instructions for applicants under which Federal awards may be made that are subject to Transparency Act reporting requirements. A notice of funding opportunity is any paper or electronic issuance that a Federal agency uses to announce a funding opportunity, whether it is called a “program announcement,” “notice of funding availability,” “broad agency announcement,” “research announcement,” “solicitation,” or any other term. (b) The notice of funding opportunity, regulation, or other issuance must require each applicant, to which this part applies, to have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with this part if they receive a Federal award. § 170.220 Use of award term. (a) A Federal agency must include the award term in Appendix A to this part in each Federal award to a recipient under which the total funding is anticipated to equal or exceed $30,000 in Federal funding. (b) Consistent with paragraph (a) of this section, a Federal agency is not required to include the award term in Appendix A of this part if the total amount of Federal funding under the Federal award will not equal or exceed $30,000. However, the Federal agency must subsequently add the award term if increases to the Federal funding result in the award equaling or exceeding $30,000. (c) A Federal agency may use different letters and numbers than those in Appendix A to designate the paragraphs of the award term. Subpart C—Definitions § 170.300 Definitions Terms not defined in this part shall have the same meaning as provided in 2 CFR part 200, subpart A. As used in this part: Applicant means any entity that applies for a Federal award directly from a Federal agency. Entity includes: (1) Whether for profit or nonprofit: (i) A corporation; (ii) An association; (iii) A partnership; (iv) A limited liability company; (v) A limited liability partnership; (vi) A sole proprietorship; (vii) Any other legal business entity; (viii) Another grantee or contractor that is not excluded by subparagraph (2) or (3); and (ix) Any State or locality; (2) Does not include: (i) An individual recipient of Federal financial assistance; or (ii) A Federal employee. Federal Award means an award of Federal financial assistance that an entity receives from a Federal agency. Executive means an officer, managing partner, or any other employee holding a management position. Federal financial assistance : (1) Means assistance that entities receive or administer in the form of a: (i) Grant; (ii) Cooperative agreement (which does not include a cooperative research and development agreement pursuant to the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, as amended (15 U.S.C. 3710a); (iii) Loan; (iv) Loan guarantee; (v) Subsidy; (vi) Insurance; (vii) Food commodity; (viii) Direct appropriation; (ix) Assessed or voluntary contribution; or (x) Any other financial assistance transaction that authorizes the entity's expenditure of Federal funds. (2) For the purposes of this part, the term “Federal financial assistance” does not include: (i) Technical assistance that provides services in lieu of money; (ii) A transfer of title to federally-owned property provided in lieu of money, even if the award is called a grant; (iii) Any classified Federal award; or (iv) Any award funded in whole or in part with Recovery funds, as defined in section 1512 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111-5). Recipient means an entity that receives or administers a Federal Award directly from a Federal agency. Total Compensation means the cash and noncash dollar value an executive earns during an entity's preceding fiscal year. This includes all items of compensation as prescribed in 17 CFR 29.402(c)(2). Appendix A to Part 170—Award Term I. Reporting Subawards and Executive Compensation (a) Reporting of first-tier subawards— (1) Applicability. Unless you are exempt as provided in paragraph (d) of this award term, you must report each action that equals or exceeds $30,000 in Federal funds for a subaward to an entity or Federal agency. You must subsequently report an action if increases to the Federal funding results in the subaward equaling or exceeding $30,000. (2) Reporting Requirements. (i) The entity or Federal agency must report each subaward described in paragraph (a)(1) of this award term to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) at http://www.fsrs.gov. (ii) For subaward information, report no later than the end of the month following the month in which the subaward was made. (For example, if the subaward was made on November 7, 2025, the subaward must be reported by no later than December 31, 2025). (b) Reporting total compensation of recipient executives for entities —(1) Applicability. You must report the total compensation for each of your five most highly compensated executives for the preceding completed fiscal year if: (i) The total Federal funding authorized to date under this Federal award equals or exceeds $30,000; (ii) in the preceding fiscal year, you received: (A) 80 percent or more of your annual gross revenues from Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal awards (and subawards) subject to the Transparency Act; and (B) $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenues from Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal awards (and subawards) subject to the Transparency Act; and, (iii) The public does not have access to information about the compensation of the executives through periodic reports filed under section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a), 78o(d)) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 after receiving this subaward. (To determine if the public has access to the compensation information, see the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission total compensation filings at http://www.sec.gov/answers/execomp.htm. ) (2) Reporting Requirements. You must report executive total compensation described in paragraph (b)(1) of this appendix: (i) As part of your registration profile at https://www.sam.gov. (ii) No later than the month following the month in which this Federal award is made, and annually after that. (For example, if this Federal award was made on November 7, 2025, the executive total compensation must be reported by no later than December 31, 2025.) (c) Reporting of total compensation of subrecipient executives— (1) Applicability. Unless a first-tier subrecipient is exempt as provided in paragraph (d) of this appendix, you must report the executive total compensation of each of the subrecipient's five most highly compensated executives for the subrecipient's preceding completed fiscal year, if: (i) The total Federal funding authorized to date under the subaward equals or exceeds $30,000; (ii) In the subrecipient's preceding fiscal year, the subrecipient received: (A) 80 percent or more of its annual gross revenues from Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal awards (and subawards) subject to the Transparency Act; and, (B) $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenues from Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts), and Federal awards (and subawards) subject to the Transparency Act; and (iii) The public does not have access to information about the compensation of the executives through periodic reports filed under section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a), 78o(d)) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 after receiving this subaward. (To determine if the public has access to the compensation information, see the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission total compensation filings at http://www.sec.gov/answers/execomp.htm. ) (2) Reporting Requirements. Subrecipients must report to you, the recipient, their executive total compensation described in paragraph (c)(1) of this appendix. You are required to submit this information to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) at http://www.fsrs.gov no later than the end of the month following the month in which the subaward was made. (For example, if the subaward was made on November 7, 2025, the subaward must be reported by no later than December 31, 2025). (d) Exemptions. (1) If in the previous tax year you had gross income under $300,000, you are exempt from the requirements to report: (i) Subawards, and (ii) The total compensation of the five most highly compensated executives of any subrecipient. (e) Definitions. For purposes of this award term: Entity includes: (1) Whether for profit or nonprofit: (i) A corporation; (ii) An association; (iii) A partnership; (iv) A limited liability company; (v) A limited liability partnership; (vi) A sole proprietorship; (vii) Any other legal business entity; (viii) Another grantee or contractor that is not excluded by subparagraph (2); and (ix) Any State or locality; (2) Does not include: (i) An individual recipient of Federal financial assistance; or (ii) A Federal employee. Executive means an officer, managing partner, or any other employee holding a management position. Subaward has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1. Subrecipient has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1. Total Compensation means the cash and noncash dollar value an executive earns during an entity's preceding fiscal year. This includes all items of compensation as prescribed in 17 CFR 229.402(c)(2). 6. Revise part 175 to read as follows: PART 175—AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS Sec. Subpart A—General 175.100 Purpose of this part. 175.105 Statutory requirement. Subpart B—Guidance 175.200 Use of award term. 175.205 Referral. Subpart C—Definitions 175.300 Definitions. Appendix A to Part 175 Award term Authority: 22 U.S.C. 7104(g); 22 U.S.C. 7104a; 22 U.S.C. 7104b; 22 U.S.C. 7104c; 31 U.S.C. 503; 31 U.S.C. 6307; 31 U.S.C. 1111; 41 U.S.C. 1121; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1970; E.O. 11541, 35 FR 10737. Subpart A—General § 175.100 Purpose of this part. This part establishes a Federal award term for grants and cooperative agreements to implement the requirements in 22 U.S.C. 7104(g). § 175.105 Statutory requirement. (a) Federal agencies are required to include in each Federal grant or cooperative agreement a condition that authorizes the Federal agency to terminate the award, without penalty, if a private entity receiving funds under the award as a recipient or subrecipient engages in: (1) Severe forms of trafficking in persons; (2) The procurement of a commercial sex act during the period of time that the grant or cooperative agreement is in effect; (3) The use of forced labor in the performance of the grant or cooperative agreement; or (4) Acts that directly support or advance trafficking in persons, including the following acts: (i) Destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or otherwise denying an employee access to that employee's identity or immigration documents; (ii) Failing to provide return transportation or pay for return transportation costs to an employee from a country outside the United States to the country from which the employee was recruited upon the end of employment if requested by the employee, unless: (A) exempted from the requirement to provide or pay for such return transportation by the Federal department or agency providing or entering into the grant or cooperative agreement; or (B) the employee is a victim of human trafficking seeking victim services or legal redress in the country of employment or a witness in a human trafficking enforcement action; (iii) Soliciting a person for the purpose of employment, or offering employment, by means of materially false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises regarding that employment; (iv) Charging recruited employees a placement or recruitment fee; or (v) Providing or arranging housing that fails to meet the host country's housing and safety standards. (b) Compliance plan and certification requirement. (1) Certification. Prior to receiving a grant or cooperative agreement, if the estimated value of services required to be performed under the grant or cooperative agreement outside the United States exceeds $500,000, a recipient must certify that: (i) The recipient has implemented a plan to prevent the activities described in paragraph (a) of this section, and is in compliance with this plan; (ii) The recipient has implemented procedures to prevent any activities described in paragraph (a) of this section and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subcontractor, subgrantee, or employee of the recipient engaging in any activities described in paragraph (a) of this section; and (iii) To the best of the recipient's knowledge, neither the recipient, nor any subcontractor or subgrantee of the recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subcontractor or subgrantee, is engaged in any of the activities described in paragraph (a) of this section. (2) Annual certification. If the recipient receives the award, it must submit an annual certification consistent with paragraph (b)(1) of this section for each year the award is in effect. (3) Compliance plan. Any plan or procedures implemented pursuant to paragraph (b) must be appropriate to the size and complexity of the grant or cooperative agreement and to the nature and scope of its activities, including the number of non-United States citizens expected to be employed. (4) Copies of the compliance plan. The recipient must provide a copy of the plan to the grant officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on its website and at the workplace. (5) Minimum requirements of the compliance plan. The compliance plan must include, at a minimum, the following: (i) An awareness program to inform recipient employees about the Government's policy prohibiting trafficking-related activities described in paragraph (a) of this section, the activities prohibited, and the actions that will be taken against the employee for violations. Additional information about Trafficking in Persons and examples of awareness programs can be found at the website for the Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at http://www.state.gov/j/tip/. (ii) A process for employees to report, without fear of retaliation, activity inconsistent with the policy prohibiting trafficking in persons. (iii) A recruitment and wage plan that only permits the use of recruitment companies with trained employees, prohibits charging recruitment fees to the employees or potential employees and ensures that wages meet applicable host-country legal requirements or explains any variance. (iv) A housing plan, if the recipient, subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor intends to provide or arrange housing, that ensures that the housing meets host-country housing and safety standards. (v) Procedures to prevent agents, subrecipients, contractors, or subcontractors at any tier and at any dollar value from engaging in trafficking in persons, including activities in paragraph (a) of this section, and to monitor, detect, and terminate any agents, subgrants, or subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor employees that have engaged in such activities. (c) Notification to Inspectors General and cooperation with government. The head of a Federal agency making or awarding a grant or cooperative agreement must require that the recipient of the grant or cooperative agreement: (1) Immediately inform the Inspector General of the Federal agency of any information it receives from any source that alleges credible information that the recipient, any subcontractor or subgrantee of the recipient, or any agent of the recipient or of such a subcontractor or subgrantee, has engaged in conduct described in paragraph (a) of this section; and (2) Fully cooperate with any Federal agencies responsible for audits, investigations, or corrective actions relating to trafficking in persons. Subpart B—Guidance § 175.200 Use of award term. (a) To implement the requirements of 22 U.S.C. 7104(g) a Federal agency must include the award term in Appendix A of this part for the following Federal awards: (1) A grant or cooperative agreement to a private entity, as defined in § 175.300; and (2) A grant or cooperative agreement to a State, local government, Indian Tribe, foreign public entity, or any other recipient if funding under the award could be provided to a subrecipient that is a private entity. (b) A Federal agency may use different letters and numbers than those in Appendix A to designate the paragraphs of the award term. § 175.205 Referral. A Federal agency official should inform the agency's suspension and debarment official if an award is terminated based on a violation of a prohibition in the award term under Appendix A. Subpart C—Definitions § 175.300 Definitions. Terms not defined in this part shall have the same meaning as provided in 2 CFR part 200, subpart A. As used in this part: Abuse or threatened abuse of law or legal process means the use or threatened use of a law or legal process, whether administrative, civil, or criminal, in any manner or for any purpose for which the law was not designed, in order to exert pressure on another person to cause that person to take some action or refrain from taking some action. Coercion means: (1) Threats of serious harm to or physical restraint against any person; (2) Any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to believe that failure to perform an act would result in serious harm to or physical restraint against any person; or (3) The abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process. Commercial sex act means any sex act on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person. Debt bondage means the status or condition of a debtor arising from a pledge by the debtor of his or her personal services or of those of a person under his or her control as a security for debt, if the value of t [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A2023-21078. Public record. Not legal advice.