TO THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ESTABLISHMENTS
SUBJECT: Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments
1. Purpose. This Circular establishes consistency and uniformity among Federal agencies in the management of grants and cooperative agreements with State, local, and federally- recognized Indian tribal governments. This revision supersedes Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-102, dated March 3, 1988.
2. Authority. This Circular is issued under the authority of the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, as amended; the Budget and Accounting Procedures Act of 1950, as amended; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1970; Executive Order 11541 and the Chief Financial Officers Act, 31 U.S.C. 503. Also included in the Circular are standards to ensure consistent implementation of sections 202, 203, and 204 of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act Amendments of 1983, and sections 6301-08, title 31, United States Code.
3. Background. On March 12, 1987, the President directed all affected agencies to issue a grants management common rule to adopt government-wide terms and conditions for grants to State and local governments, and they did so. In 1988, OMB revised the Circular to provide guidance to Federal agencies on other matters not covered in the common rule.
4. Required Action. Consistent with their legal obligations, all Federal agencies administering programs that involve grants and cooperative agreements with State, local and Indian tribal governments (grantees) shall follow the policies in this Circular. If the enabling legislation for a specific grant program prescribes policies or requirements that differ from those in this Circular, the provisions of the enabling legislation shall govern.
5. OMB Responsibilities. OMB may grant deviations from the requirements of this Circular when permissible under existing law. However, in the interest of uniformity and consistency, deviations will be permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
6. Information Contact. Further information concerning this Circular may be obtained from:
Office of Federal Financial Management Office of Management and Budget Room 6025 New Executive Office Building Washington, DC 20503 (202) 395-3993
7. Termination Review Date. The Circular will have a policy review three years from the date of issuance.
8. Effective Date. The Circular is effective on publication.
/s/
Alice M. Rivlin
Acting Director
Attachment