Separate Accounting
Since ARRA expenditures must be segregated from non-ARRA funds, new accounts will be established to capture all costs which benefit the ARRA-supported activities.
If any cost is not charged 100% to an ARRA-supported activity, the basis for allocating costs among two or more benefiting activities must be clearly documented on the transaction itself.
Keep ARRA expenditures closely aligned with agency-approved budgets and work plans
Read your award document carefully since special individual award terms may apply.
Expend according to your award budget. Agency-permitted rebudgeting may still occur, but each deviation from the agency-approved budget should be clearly explained and supported. We recommend documenting in your project files at the time of the change describing why the alteration was needed.
Spend all ARRA funds timely
Initiate work and associated expenditures promptly after award. Pursue progress on all ARRA awards as vigorously as possible consistent with proper stewardship and good scientific practices. Agencies will be closely monitoring “burn rates” and may withdraw funding if they determine progress is unsatisfactory.
Monitor expenditures carefully as carryover is not permitted from an ARRA-funded budget period to a non-ARRA funded budget period, or the reverse.
Report unanticipated delays (e.g., progress is significantly impacted by a month or more) on ARRA awards promptly to DGCA, who will determine if agency concurrence must be obtained.
Promptly fulfill all special and routine reporting obligations (including regular technical reporting)
Assist with mandatory quarterly reporting on jobs created, jobs retained, percentage of completion, etc. Submit all technical progress reports on-time. Respond promptly to DGCA requests for expenditure verification to enable timely financial report submissions and closeouts.