Federal Funding Briefing, July2024

JAMESON-SELECTED NEWS, STORIES & INSIGHTS

In the July Federal Funding Briefing, we re-cap some of the news we shared this month, including deep dives into UGA audits, discussions on Chevron and government contractors, ITC and patent protection, and changes in engineering and science meet to future innovation, and the latest in SBIR opportunities, information, and deadlines.

The More You Know about Uniform Guidance Audits, the Better

In 1984, Congress passed the Single Audit Act to provide a cost-effective audit for recipients of federal grants. The administrative requirements and cost principles that nonfederal entities are required to adhere to are included in Title 2 CFR 200.300 (subpart D) and .400 series (subpart E), respectively. The audit requirements are included in Title 2 CFR.500 series (subpart F).  These regulations and requirements are extensive and there are many nuances that can easily be misunderstood.  Learn the key misconceptions—and realities in this article.

Want to go deeper? Get all the details on CFR 200—the uniform administrative requirements, cost principles and audit requirements for federal awards. Visit the site.

Expanding the Scope of SBIR/STTR Programs. In theory. And practice.

Between 2020 and 2022, 96% of STTR awards and 97% of SBIR awards went to small business entrepreneurs based in metropolitan areas—with 80% of awards landing in the largest 100 metros.  Big coastal metro tech hubs and a few inland stars dominated.  There are good reasons and ways to widen America’s Seed Fund’s reach. This Brookings article details some of them. Read here.

$52 million. 229 projects. 39 states. Speaking of expanding the SBIR program’s geographic program, the DoE announced a slew of SBIR and STTR Phase I awards for everything from cybersecurity for electric vehicle charging infrastructure to new ways to detect radiation threats to new ways to manufacture lithium metal for batteries.  Read the article.

Enter the ITC

As concerns about patent protections and changes to the Bayh-Dole Act rise, the International Trade Commission (ITC) may offer real hope. The federal agency has the power to deter patent infringement abroad and at home by blocking infringers’ access to the American market—and it can move fast. Read or listen to the op-ed.

Jettisoning Chevron May Benefit Government Contractors

By overruling Chevron, the Supreme Court has created new opportunities for government contractors to challenge agency rulemaking. According to legal experts, Morgan Lewis, Loper Bright could  allow for new proactive challenges to existing agency rules, such as FAR clauses or agency supplements to the FAR. Read the article.

On the Innovation Horizon

The National Science Board Calls for New U.S. Strategies.  A dramatically changed science, engineering, and technology landscape—including funding changes, China as a collaborator and competitor, and rising need for STEM skills —require new policies and ways forward. Read the article. 

A Fast Track Proposal for the DOE seeks to accelerate early-stage clean tech into market-ready solutions. By closing gaps to bridge the valley of death and providing increased flexibility, priority access, and tailored support, the proposal aims to speed  technological and commercial progress. Read the article. 

Changes to NIH Simplified Review Framework.  To ensure fairness for all applicants and make the process easier for reviewers, the NIH has developed a Simplified Review Framework.  Some significant adjustments lie ahead for NIH peer review for applications received on or after Jan. 25, 2025. Get prepared.

Important Info & Opportunities for SBIR/STTR Grantees

Phase II to Phase III with AFWERX/STRAFI Notice of Opportunity. If you have a current Phase II SBIR/STTR contract with a minimum of 90 days of performance executed or have completed a Phase II contract within two years, the Strategic Funding Increase program can provide the extra funding and mentorship you need to reach Phase III.  Capability package submission deadline is noon EDT on Sept. 18, 2024. Details and necessary links are here.

4 Reasons to Get an Early Start on NIH SBIR Application. If your company has not worked with NIH before, you must complete four separate registrations prior to preparing an application and applying for funding: SAM (System for Award Management), eRA Commons, Grants.gov, and SBA.  Know that it can take 6 weeks or more to complete the process. Get all the information you need on this site.

Phase I SBIR Accounting Survival Kit.If  you’ve received an SBIR/STTR Phase I grant, you’re probably thinking about your innovation and its future, not your accounting. But compliance is essential to both.  That’s why we created the Phase I SBIR Accounting Survival Kit. Through it, we’ll teach you how to set up QuickBooks Online to be FAR Part 31 and DCAA compliant and provide video training on how to use your system properly. In the end, you’ll be able to confidently produce financial statements – including your Job Cost Report and calculate correct Indirect Rates.

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