Federal Funding Briefing, December 2024

JAMESON-SELECTED NEWS, STORIES & INSIGHTS

In the December Federal Funding Briefing, we re-cap some of the news we shared this month. Look for updates on recent fraud cases, tips on securing funding and how to stay compliant, information on program-specific audits, and more.

Government Fraud is Risky Business

Case in point: The CEO of a small business submitted a proposal to the NSF for an SBIR project and received $225K grant. From the first drawdown, he converted a portion of the federal funds to his own use, including sending money to others. Sentencing will be in April, maximum punishment is 1 year in prison with a $100K fine.  More details here

Time is of the essence. A government contractor with a multi-billion dollar contract regularly engaged in a fraudulent timecard scheme designed to fleece the Department of Energy. Read the full article. If you want to learn more about timesheets and compliance, we have a number of blogs on the subject, including “Timekeeping and Uncompensated Overtime Issues.” Read it here.

Why Innovation Should Be Promoted. And Protected.

Federal R&D boosts worker productivity, but not all types are equal. In fact, research shows that increases in non-defense R&D explain nearly 20% of post-WWII total factor productivity growth. Get the details.

Protecting patent rights is essential to strengthening small innovators. Alan Heinrich presents his concerns that the proposed Litigation Transparency Act would make it harder for inventors to defend their patents in court. Read the opinion piece.

Could the DoE Loans Program Office (LPO) Face Defaults?

According the Inspector General, the rapid expansion of the DoE’s LPO over the past three fiscal years poses potential funding threats for the SBIR and STTR programs, the mentor protégé program, and others. For information on the LPO, IG concerns and contractor implications, read this article.

For Every Issue, There’s A Potential Solution

In response to a congressional directive to scrutinize research areas posing security concerns, the NSF has begun piloting its TRUST process. The goal is to focus on risk mitigation and to “get to yes.”  Read the article.

In partnership with the DoE, DoD and others,  Activate Fellowship provides critical resources while connecting first-time tech founders with a network of mentors and investors. Since 2015, nearly 200 fellowship-backed companies have leveraged this support into $3.6B in follow-on investment, with 96% still growing after 10 years. Learn more about this organization and its vision here.

Of Particular Interest to SBIR/STTR Grantees and Contractors

Wondering how to secure BARDA and ARPA-H grants for your innovative healthcare solution? Read this article.

As a grantee, if you expend more than $1M in federal awards, you are required to have a Single Audit.  However, if you meet three conditions, the less intrusive program-specific audit may be an option. Details here. 

The incoming Trump Administration is expected to promote different policy objectives than those of the Biden Administration. This will be reflected in how the administration allocates federal funding. Here’s what may be around the corner.

A Final 2024 Note From Jameson & Company

With 2025 just over the horizon, we want to wish you a very Happy New Year and all the best in the months to come. No matter what changes, opportunities or concerns may lie ahead, there is one constant. We are always here for you.

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