Federal Grants Law 101

Every year the federal government expends hundreds of billions of dollars on various grant programs to address important issues like public health and safety, the Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment, and education initiatives. This presentation will provide an overview of the federal financial assistance system underlying all federal grant awards. The discussion will include core concepts such as the legal nature of federal grant agreements and cooperative agreements as well as the major requirements. Finally, the presenter will discuss typical agency approaches to oversight and enforcement of federal grant obligations and common disputes under federal grants.

1. Define a federal grant and identify the differences between a federal grant and a federal contract

2. Explore the different types of grants

3. Discuss the life cycle of a grant from pre award phase, award phase and post award phase

4. Identify the statutory and regulatory requirements governing federal agencies and grantees such as the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards