Highlights from the 2021 Virtual NGMA Annual Grants Training
Written by: Sarah K. Hluchan
Management Concepts was proud to sponsor, exhibit, and present at the second virtual National Grants Management Association (NGMA) Annual Grants Training. Held on April 6-8, 2021, the conference boasted record-breaking attendance of over 1,000 participants from across the country who came together to learn and network on NGMA’s virtual platform. Our team was busy meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends via face-to-face video chat at the virtual Management Concepts exhibit booth. It was great to see so many returning students stop by to say hi while planning their next set of classes!
Tom Devine, Management Concepts Subject Matter Expert in Financial Management, presented a session entitled, “Keep your Grants Program Out of the Headlines: How to Detect Ethical Dilemmas and Prevent Waste, Fraud, and Abuse,” where he explored real-life case studies to identify common ethical dilemmas in grant execution and discuss best practices for internal controls and oversight. Case studies referenced the Uniform Guidance and other federal initiatives to increase transparency and accountability and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse of federal funds.
The conference’s sessions offered something for everyone ― grantors, grantees, pass-through entities, and sub-recipients. This year, we saw an increased emphasis on how to work effectively in the virtual environment, including how to manage and work with sub-recipients remotely and strategic discussions about how to manage COVID-19 funding effectively.
One of the highlights was the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) general session with Gil Tran and Nicole Waldeck. The presentation discussed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and corresponding OMB guidance, 2 CFR 200 updates, and the performance playbook. The session included a breakout of ARP funding to discuss the $162 billion provided for state, local, and tribal government support. Another highlight was the lunch session presented by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grants Management Quality Services Management Office (QSMO) about improvements to the grants management experience ― including making it easier for grantees to navigate across different government grants systems.
NGMA leveraged its virtual platform to bring panelists and attendees together from across the country. They’ve already announced the 2022 AGT will be in person ― returning to the Crystal City Marriott in Arlington. Management Concepts looks forward to catching up with all of you person next year!
Management Concepts is proud to be a Corporate Alliance Partnership Program (CAPP) member of NGMA, participating in NGMA events and activities throughout the year. Visit our NGMA partnership page for more information.