Office of Management and Budget Circulars for managing grants that apply to all federal executive agencies

OMB Circulars

In addition to the provisions of authorizing legislation and implementing regulations, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issues government-wide circulars for managing grants that apply to all federal executive agencies. When these agencies are required to apply the directives, the effect on grantees is often the same as regulation. Among the circulars relevant to grants administration are those that have to do with administrative requirements, cost principles and audits.

Administrative Requirements

  • A-102 (rev.) Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants to State and Local Governments (also known as the Common Rule). Establishes consistency and uniformity among federal agencies in the management of grants and cooperative agreements with state, local and federally recognized Indian tribal governments.
     
  • A-110 (rev.) Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations. Establishes consistent and uniform grants administration requirements placed by federal agencies on non-profit organizations other than state and local governments.

Cost Principles

  • A-21 (rev.) Cost Principles for Educational Institutions. Establishes principles for determining costs applicable to grants, contracts, and other agreements with educational institutions.
     
  • A-87 (rev.) Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments. Establishes standards for determining costs for federal awards carried out through grants, cost reimbursement contracts, and other agreements with state and local governments and federally recognized Indian tribal governments.
     
  • A-122 (rev.) Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations. Establishes principles for determining costs applicable to non-profit organizations.

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Audits

  • A-133 Audits of States, Local Governments, and Other Non-Profit Organizations (rev.). Establishes consistent and uniform audit requirements and defines federal responsibilities for implementing and monitoring such requirements for states, local governments, and other nonprofit organizations receiving federal awards.

Agency Implementations

In addition to issuing regulations to specify details of the enabling statutes, agencies often find it helpful to publish handbooks, guidelines, or manuals.

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