What Key Updates on Uniform Grants Guidance Mean for You

By Rob Ford

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has announced a landmark revision of the Uniform Guidance, which primarily governs how federal awards are administered. This move marks the most substantial amendment to the Uniform Guidance since its inception in December 2013.

The revision, officially known as the 2024 Revised Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, went into effect on October 1, 2024. While it is intended to streamline the process of managing federal funds, reduce administrative burdens, and bolster clarity for organizations receiving federal funding, there can be a lot to take in and process. Let’s break down what’s in the revision, and what it means for you.

What are the Key Changes?

1. Increase in Single Audit Threshold - The threshold for a Single Audit has been increased from $750,000 to $1,000,000. Now, organizations annually expending $1 million or more of federal funds will be required to undertake a Single Audit. This change is a major relief for smaller entities, reducing their audit burden.
2. Revisions in Terms and Terminologies - The term "non-federal entity" has been substituted with "recipient" or "subrecipient" throughout several sections of 2 CFR 200. This change is aimed at reducing confusion and improving clarity.
3. Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures - Recipients and sub-recipients are now required to integrate cybersecurity measures to safeguard information in their internal controls . This new requirement underscores the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age.

Read more key changes