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Overview of Contracts for NGOs November 19, 2009 ♦ 8:30am-5:00pm Amman, Jordan Le Meridien Hotel What are the important differences between a contract and a grant? What are the risks in administering a contract? What rules apply to contracts that aren't applicable to grants? These are common questions faced by employees of NGOs who increasingly compete for and win contracts from USAID and other federal agencies.
The very premise of a contract in which the U.S. Government is the buyer entails a stricter relationship than a grantee would usually experience. The risks of non-compliance are significant and the management involvement of the Government in the oversight and management of work is greater. The rules and regulations are quite different.
Who Should Attend? Program Staff – Headquarters and field program staff who are dealing with contract administrations issues on a day-to-day basis. These personnel are the NGO's first line of defense in identifying and resolving compliance issues.
Finance and Administrative Staff – Finance officers, internal auditors, accounting and compliance managers and others who have on-going responsibility for the financial administration of contracts.
Development Staff – Staff members who seek and obtain financial support from the federal government must understand the nature of the relationship that the PVO/NGO is entering with the government.
Outside Independent Auditors – Representative of certified public accounting firms who perform financial audits of private voluntary organizations and NGOs should attend to gain familiarity with applicable contract regulations. (NOTE: CPE credits will be obtained for attendance.)
Plan to attend with colleagues from other units of your organization (or from your independent audit firm). Learn or review the rules together and cut down the internal and external misunderstandings that get in the way of program performance. What Topics Will Be Covered?
The intent of this workshop is to provide participants with an awareness of the rules, regulations, issues and risk in administering a contract. The participants will receive a broad overview of contracting with the Federal government. They will become broadly familiar with the Federal and USAID Acquisition regulations. There will be a review of the competitive award cycle to serve as a context for the administration of the award.
Emphasis will be on post-award administration. Topics include CTO versus CO responsibilities, managing the relationship with USAID, approvals, budge management, sub-awards and personnel. Contract administration issues related to cost principles, contract performance reviews, branding, audit and allowances will also be addressed.
What Questions Will It Answer?
The workshop will address important questions that NGO employees will have in dealing with contracts. When administering a contract, what changes? And what doesn't? Is this cost allowable under a contract, as it was under a grant? What must be approved by USAID under a contract? How does my working relationship change with USAID? What happens if we make a mistake or cannot deliver on-time? Do I manage my budget differently? Where can I find a rule or regulation and when should I consult with expertise within my organization?
Earn CPE Credits For Certified Public Accountants wanting to earn CPE's, InsideNGO is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. Participants at the workshop will earn 8 CPE credits for the workshop and receive a certificate of attendance. The course level is intermediate. No advance preparation is required. No prerequisites. |
Workshop Info |