The Freedom Project and The Example It Sets

07/06/2020 | Comment

Most people don’t think of the birth of our nation as a project. But what we celebrate on July 4 (or 3, as the case may be) most certainly is. Creating the Declaration of Independence involved the coordination of diverse resources toward a specific goal, with a clear, unique outcome. What makes July 4 so special is that it was the day on which the authors and signers of that founding document declared the project (or at least that phase of the project) complete.

The creation of the Declaration affirmed that all projects arise in response to needs. The authorship and approval of the Declaration represented a massive project with significant change and conflict. The outcome was meaningful.
The sacrifices were significant. Put all that together, and you have a project that people continue to honor and revere
almost 250 years later.
“Believe me, dear Sir: there is not in the British empire a man who more cordially loves a union with
Great Britain than I do. But, by the God that made me, I will cease to exist before I yield to a connection
on such terms as the British Parliament propose; and in this, I think I speak the sentiments of America.”  

Thomas Jefferson, November 29, 1775

Response to Needs
The British oppression of the states in the late 1700s was no minor matter. Thomas Jefferson time and again expressed his love for the status quo, but as the British imposed more and more taxes, rules, and regulations on the colonies, people had had enough.

  • Lesson Learned – Want to make your project leave an indelible mark? Find a cause that everyone truly believes in and point to how your project solves it.

Authorship and Approval
While Thomas Jefferson normally gets the credit for writing the Declaration, it was actually created by committee. Jefferson penned the first draft, but it was edited by the Continental Congress. The group effort is sometimes credited with getting Congressional approval.

  • Lesson Learned – On his desk in the Oval Office, President Ronald Reagan kept a small plaque with the words: “There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he does not mind who gets the credit.”

Conflict is the Norm, Rather than an Anomaly
Any reading of the history of the Declaration of Independence features arguments, disagreements, and a hundred different versions of what the Congress should and could agree on. Some of the conflicts (particularly those in New York and Maryland) dragged on into late June, with New York only signing on after July 4. For the other states, the arguments were sufficiently compelling against reuniting with England that they could tolerate almost any agreement.

  • Lesson Learned – When there are virtually no other alternatives, ‘Plan A’ will ultimately prevail and look like sheer genius (even if some had adamantly opposed it from the beginning).

Meaningful Outcome
There was a time when every schoolchild could recite the first few lines of the Declaration from memory. While that kind of rote instruction is no longer de rigueur, the sentiment behind it should linger. It matters; word for word it matters. This project matters — every aspect of the deliverable matters.

  • Lesson Learned – We decide what matters. We encourage what matters. And when it’s a deliverable that will be around for years, decades, or even centuries to come, we need to find the aspects that matter and render them as components of rote memory.

Sacrifices Merit Respect
As we near July 4, it’s important to reflect on the last line of the Declaration. “We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” These were not words taken lightly. And, many did ultimately sacrifice both their lives and fortune. While on projects, we rarely have to make those kinds of sacrifices. We do give up time and effort and energy. We give. We share. We commit. So do our team members.

  • Lesson Learned – Team members at all levels need to know their efforts are cherished, appreciated, and respected. Let their names echo down the corridors (even the virtual ones) whenever the project is mentioned.

As we come upon July 4, it is truly a time to honor our country, and the project effort to make it go from radical theory to amazing outcome. If we can muster even the smallest measure of the founders’ resolve, success is inevitable.

Carl Pritchard, PMP, PMI-RMP, is principal and founder of Pritchard Management Associates and a senior instructor at Management Concepts. An expert lecturer, author, researcher, instructor, and coach, Carl is focused on project management, particularly risk and communications. Carl earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University and PMP. He welcomes your comments and insights

Living with Uncertainty

04/29/2020 | Comment

Managing a job, home, and family can be a challenge. But when life gets turned upside down, it’s not uncommon for everyday frustrations to become serious points of friction. When we deal with one issue after another, our ability to tolerate frustration diminishes, and the likelihood that we experience miscommunication and conflict increases. During this time, as we face uncertainty about the future, we must hold onto the few constants that we do have.

Draw on Your Strengths

Each of us has a set of skills, knowledge, and personality traits that drive our personal and professional successes. Remind yourself of those characteristics and use them to impact your work and provide support for those around you.

Seek First to Understand

When life is off-kilter, the chance for misunderstandings increases. Give your coworkers, colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates your undivided attention while you are interacting. Listen closely and confirm that you correctly understand what is being said. This extra effort can help avoid potential conflicts and help you focus your attention in the right direction.

Keep Your Priorities Straight

While examining your priorities, consider which tasks will have the greatest impact, which will require the most time and focus, and which will require input from others, and when each of them must be complete. Be clear about your expectations, but stay flexible. Having a plan is good, but having a flexible plan is better.

Get Creative

Working from home with kids, pets, parents, and significant others can be very challenging, especially when this was not part of the plan. Find creative ways to make it work for you. Think about areas of your home that may be more conducive to quiet focus time or conference calls. Build periodic breaks into your schedule to allow time for interacting with your family. Sit outside and enjoy the sunshine when the weather is nice. Take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy the options you do not have under normal circumstances.

Celebrate Your Successes

When you overcome a challenge, solve a problem, or achieve an objective, share your experience. Understanding how you were able to be successful, despite sub-optimal circumstances, can be very valuable to your team and your colleagues as they navigate obstacles and challenges.

Have an Open Mind

You may have been accustomed to a comfortable routine, but it is good to keep your options open. Necessity can be a powerful motivator. Expect to be asked to do things that are outside of your comfort zone. Ponder ways to solve problems that arise. During times of uncertainty, we all must be ready to assist in new ways.

Stay Connected

Although you may not be rubbing elbows with anyone these days, you still have numerous ways of staying connected with friends, family, colleagues, and coworkers. Take a few moments each day to check in with people in your personal and professional circles. They will appreciate the fact that you made the effort which will make you feel good too.

We Applaud Your Contribution

Everyone at Management Concepts stands behind our Federal Employees as we weather the pandemic together. Please follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, state and local governments to stay safe and help us minimize the long-term impact on our communities.

To help you make the most of your time, we have undertaken a huge initiative, increasing the number of courses offered virtually to more than 80% of courses so far. Take care, and we hope to see you in a virtual classroom soon.

How Will the Proposed Changes to the Uniform Guidance Affect You?

04/29/2020 | Comment

Whether you are associated with a grant-making agency, a pass-through entity, or a grant recipient, there are many changes in the recently released Uniform Guidance update that will undoubtedly impact your grants.

If the idea of combing through the 44 pages of tiny 3-column text doesn’t excite you, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
View this short video (https://vimeo.com/395964631) to see what you can learn in the Federal Grants Update 2020 Course at Management Concepts.

In addition to this overview of the proposed changes, we also offer a wide selection of grants-focused classes that provide up-to-date instruction on all things grant.

Grant-Making Agencies

Federal employees of grant-making agencies manage and monitor grant awards. For foundational knowledge from pre-award through closeout, we’ve got you covered with 21 courses, 15 of which are Guaranteed to Run: (https://www.managementconcepts.com/Training/Training-Topics/Grants-Assistance/Federal-Employees)

Pass-Through Entities

Introducing grants management best practices to pass-through entities can help them overcome challenges related to the subaward process, monitoring measures, and grants management. Take a look at these 24 courses, 14 of which are Guaranteed to Run: https://www.managementconcepts.com/Training/Training-Topics/Grants-Assistance/Pass-Through-Entities

Grant Recipients

Finding Federal grant funding is only part of the mountain that grant recipients need to need to climb. Whether you are seeking funds for programs or policies, we can help you stay compliant and monitor performance. Browse these 23 courses, 12 of which are Guaranteed to Run: https://www.managementconcepts.com/Training/Training-Topics/Grants-Assistance/Recipients

International Grant Professionals Day

Management Concepts is here to help grants professionals stay abreast of emerging factors that impact the grants community. With International Grant Professionals Day approaching on March 13, 2020, we honor the work that you do. From ideation through closeout, managing the day-to-day work of grants management is essential, to us as individuals, to the communities that benefit from grants, and to society at large. Please accept our sincere thank you. We truly appreciate your vital contribution.

Thompson Grants Provides Critical COVID-19 Information

04/17/2020 | Comment

Helping the Grants Community Find Critical Resources
for COVID-19 Information

Searching for important grant funding and managing federal awards is complex enough under “normal” circumstances, but with the global disruptions created by the COVID-19 outbreak, many entities and organizations are finding it particularly challenging to find critical financial resources to support and maintain their programs, and they are desperate to locate the information and guidance needed to ensure that they properly administer their grants under constantly changing conditions.

Finding information about available funding and grant management requirements related to COVID-19 can be a challenge, and organizations can spend countless hours searching though other general COVID-19 discussions to find assistance that is grant-specific. To address this challenge, Thompson Grants is providing multiple resources to help the grants community pinpoint available funding to meet their particular needs, and to stay abreast with regulatory flexibilities and new policies implemented by federal agencies.

GrantScape

Because the need to obtain financial assistance has become especially critical, Thompson Grants is making it easier to access its GrantScape database, which can help nonfederal entities find thousands of grants opportunities and billions of dollars in funding — particularly during these difficult times — from federal agencies, state governments, local municipalities and private foundations. GrantScape can assist users in finding new sources of funding that may be hard to locate otherwise.

For example, the Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of State, among others, along with a host of private funders, currently are seeking applications for funding pertaining to COVID-19.

Better still, through June 1, Thompson Grants is extending a 66% discount on its signature GrantScape subscription. NGMA members can receive this discount — regularly $29 per month, now just $10 per month — with the code “HELP2NGMA”. Consultants assisting grant-seekers looking for funding can enjoy a special discount on Thompson’s GrantScape Pro subscription through June 1. For NGMA members, the GrantScape Pro subscription, just $49 per month (down from $99 per month) is available using the promo code “NGMA20PROS”. And for good measure, subscribers to Thompson’s GrantScape Lite will have their subscriptions upgraded to GrantScape at no additional cost.

COVID-19 Grants Management Update

Along with the need to find funding in response to COVID-19, there is also a lot to learn about managing grant awards during this critical time. Congress has made more than $2 trillion in assistance available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) — $940 billion of which includes grants and loans — which must be managed appropriately. In addition, OMB has released memoranda to federal agencies on flexibilities that they can offer to grant applicants and recipients that have experienced operational losses due to COVID-19. Federal agencies also are releasing their own guidance policies addressing certain award programs.

To assist in learning more about these developments, Thompson Grants recently hosted a webinar, in which Jack Reagan, partner in the UHY Certified Public Accounting firm, discussed major COVID-19-related measures that affect the grants management process. Attendees learned more about new legislative and administrative initiatives, including details under the CARES Act; learned how to take advantage of major grant and loan programs now available from the federal government; and found out the best ways to capture costs related to COVID-19 compliance and how to document those costs to facilitate reimbursement. The webinar can be purchased on demand here.

Thompson Grants also just introduced a free whitepaper, “How COVID-19 Is Impacting Grants,” which provides an overview of grant funding in the CARES Act, information on the 13 grant administrative flexibilities under the recently released OMB memoranda, and examples of agency policy pertaining to COVID-19. For example, the memoranda enable awarding agencies to extend grantee closeout report and single audit submission dates, and to waive certain prior approvals.

Thompson Grants Compliance Expert

In addition, along with several news articles to keep subscribers up-to-date on the latest developments related to COVID-19 and grants, Thompson Grants also now is providing a free Grant-Specific COVID-19 Links roundup at is Grants Compliance Expert library to enable the grants community to find federal government links addressing COVID-19 and grant programs.

As developments occur pertaining to COVID-19 and grants, Thompson Grants will continue to provide more information to help the grants community react to fast-changing developments.

Join Us in Celebrating International Grant Professionals Day

03/16/2020 | Comment

How can we make the world a better place?

This is one of the chief questions that is asked and answered in the grants community. Some consider it to be the only question that really matters.

Federal, state, and local entities offer grants to enable game-changing individuals, teams, and organizations to implement their visions. The possibilities are endless, but the one element that is common among them all is the team of people who turn ideas into action — grants professionals.

  • From formulating the idea of planning it out to calculating financial needs, prospective grant recipients are the folks who get the ball rolling.
  • Grant writers then shape the story that will be presented to grant sponsors for consideration.
  • Once a grant has been awarded, the implementation team executes the plan.
  • At the same time, grant managers ensure that they comply with the terms of the grant.
  • In some cases, pass-through entities contribute to maximizing the grant’s impact by expanding the group of partners beyond the original set of awardees.
  • After the specified period has ended, the grant must be closed out.
  • Many grant recipients publicize their accomplishments and challenges to encourage like-minded individuals to act as well.

Transforming an idea into action with the help of a grant requires a special group of people. On this day, International Grant Professionals Day, Management Concepts thanks grants professionals across the globe for your commitment, dedication, and enduring patience. Your work makes the world a better place for all of us.

Natalie Komitsky is the Content Marketing Manager at Management Concepts. For more than ten years, she has been creating compelling content that tells stories, communicates ideas, and captivates readers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Nonfiction Writing, and Editing from George Mason University.

Changes from DUNS Number to Unique Entity ID

02/10/2020 | Comment

2020 will bring several changes to the grant world. A notable change required for receiving federal funding includes replacing the Dun & Bradstreet DUNS number with a new Unique Entity ID (UEI). The UEI will be a 12-character, alphanumeric value. This will not only be a change in the number but also include a change in the process of both requesting and obtaining a UEI number. As with the DUNS number, the definition of what makes an entity unique will remain based on information not matched by any other existing registered entity. The future burden will also be reduced by making the change only once, even if a different entity validation service (EVS) provider is selected in the future.

Between now and December 2020, the established registration process applies, and it is business as usual for non-federal entities. Meaning, new entities will continue to register for a DUNS number and then register in SAM.gov. Existing entities will continue to renew registration as usual.

By the end of December 2020, the SAM-generated UEI will replace the DUNS number and become the official identifier.

New entities requesting a UEI will go to SAM.gov to request their UEI, register their entity, and make any updates to their legal business name and physical address. Customer support will also now be at a single helpdesk for all UEI and entity registration issues.

Existing entities’ transition will not be too difficult. Their registration will automatically be assigned a new UEI, which will be displayed in SAM.gov. The purpose of registration, core data, assertions, representations & certifications, and points of contact in SAM.gov will not change, and no one will be required to re-enter this data. The DUNS number assigned will also be retained for historical search purposes.

While GSA has already begun transitioning by developing necessary tools and creating technical specifications, the go-live date for the new UEI is January 1, 2021. The GSA will also publish more information during this transition.

 

Register for our February Webinar Wednesday!
February 26, 2020

“Unique Entity Identifier Transition”

Presented by
Nancy Goode, Director of Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement
Integrated Award Environment (IAE) at the General Services Administration

DOT Launches New ROUTES Initiative To Improve Rural Transportation

11/16/2019 | Comment

Here in the D.C. area, driving on often congested urban highways, it can be easy for one to forget that there is a whole country of rural roads out there that are vital transportation corridors but have their own challenges with which to contend. For example, according to the Department of Transportation (DOT), more than 70% of our nation’s road miles are in rural areas, and while only one-fifth of the American population lives in rural areas, rural traffic fatalities are disproportionately high, totaling 46% of fatalities in 2018. Further, 90% of posted (i.e., limited weight) bridges are in rural areas and heavy trucks cannot cross these bridges. To find a safe bridge, heavy trucks hauling in rural areas must travel three-times the distance as in metro areas.

To address these concerns, DOT has launched a new initiative — the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative — to support rural transportation needs. Under this initiative, DOT will assess its discretionary funding and financing opportunities to improve nationwide outcomes for rural communities’ transportation infrastructure. DOT will assist rural stakeholders in understanding how to access DOT grants and financing products, and developing data-driven approaches to better assess needs and benefits of rural transportation projects.

The initiative builds on DOT’s Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Loan Program’s Rural Project Initiative, which offers lower project-cost thresholds for loan eligibility, subsidized interest rates, and the coverage of fees to encourage use of the credit program for infrastructure projects in rural areas. The department will meet with rural transportation stakeholders at events over the coming year to educate project sponsors about the funding and finance opportunities at DOT, as well as to receive their feedback.

The initiative will be led by the newly-created ROUTES Council, chaired by the DOT Undersecretary for Transportation, which will identify critical rural transportation concerns and coordinate efforts among DOT’s different modal administrations. The council will initially review public comments and create a rural resources handbook, holding its first meeting in November.

It will be interesting to see what develops from this initiative. Hopefully, grant funding can be better used to meet the needs on rural roads, reduce fatalities and ease transport burdens.

5 Reasons to Join Your Professional Grants Management Association – NGMA!

10/16/2019 | Comment

 A letter to new grants professionals!

If you’re a grants management professional and haven’t joined a professional organization like the National Grants Management Association, you’re likely missing out on important career-building opportunities! Take a look at our top five reasons to join!

#1 Unparalleled Networking Opportunities
The opportunities that NGMA provides for networking are many, but most important is the possibility of connecting with people at conferences, chapter meetings, educational training and online. NGMA member benefits provide access to online chats and forums that gives members the ability to ask questions and explore different topics. Members connect the work they’re doing with others across the country and globally. Building that national or even global network helps our members solve problems in their local areas, discover best practices, and even connect to job opportunities they may not otherwise have known about.

#2 Vital Component of Lifelong Learning
Through NGMA, you’ll have access to continuing education, industry news updates, and conferences.  These resources are critical to continuing education, which in turn can lead to better processes, systems, and personal career outcomes.  NGMA also provides opportunities to become a credentialed Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS)! This credential confers formal recognition of professional competency in the full lifecycle of grants management which can propel a grant professional’s career to the next level.

#3 Source of Mentorship 
NGMA is where you can find experts who will help advance your knowledge and skills. The range of expertise and experience within the NGMA community can provide a wealth of resources to members who are active. Participating in the NGMA Social Community (found on ngma.org) is the perfect place to start building connections with peers, industry experts, obtain sample documents, share ideas and ask questions! There are also special sections specifically for the CGMS, local chapters, or special interests.

 #4 Local Chapter, Webinars, and Regional Events
One of NGMA’s most coveted member benefits is our free chapters! NGMA’s chapters are extremely active, often meeting several times throughout the year and offering CPEs to attendees by way of timely and interesting presentations! NGMA offers opportunities for members to obtain CPEs and take trainings online through our webinar series. Webinars are also archived online and can be viewed as many times as you’d like! In addition to the webinar series, NGMA offers trainings both in the DC area as well as on the road, our GMBoK training program.

#5 Career and Leadership Development
When we are able to connect with people in our field, we have the opportunity to advance our careers! Becoming actively involved with your association not only opens up educational and networking opportunities, but it can also help us hone our leadership skills. Volunteers play an important role in the mission and vision of NGMA. There are a number of opportunities throughout the year to volunteer, whether you are looking for a long-term opportunity for a short-term project. NGMA actively recruits leaders to serve on the Membership, Education and CGMS Committees.  Visit our website to learn more about each committee’s mission.

Join NGMA today!

If you are new to grants management, we look forward to welcoming you to the NGMA family. Reach out to me (gail@ngma.org) with any questions you may have, and I will be happy to get you settled into your new home at NGMA and make sure that you know how to make the most of your member benefits!

Sincerely,

Gail Remy, Senior Manager of Membership & Chapters