Does your organization plan to receive money as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? Regardless if the money is in the form of a contract or grant there are compliance concerns and, of course, you need to first get the money before you can spend it. Unfortunately, with the almost $800 billion coming down the pike through the different government agencies (e.g. states, localities, Department of Transportation, etc.) there is no one single application and compliance standard. Although the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has provided guidance, it’s up to the agencies to create the compliance mechanisms and frameworks. There is still a lot of uncertainty and not everyone is on the same path.

In fact, some organizations have already bowed out because the application process is too cumbersome and confusing. For example, creating new reports to comply with requested information takes time and energy on top of just continuing to do all the normal work. Addressing compliance requirements by the most efficient means possible is paramount to unlocking the door to potential ARRA dollars.

Organizations should remember that although the ARRA money is already flowing, the bulk of it won’t hit until the next two years and continues to flow until 2016. There is still plenty of time to create effective and efficient processes and controls. After all, ARRA was passed to create jobs and get the U.S. back on track; we’re supposed to use it!

Resources:

http://www.recovery.gov/
http://www.recovery.ca.gov/
http://www.usmayors.org/recovery