Four steps to a successful ARP process for awards over $10 million

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Final Rule greatly eased the administrative burden for local governments receiving awards under $10 million. These recipients can now allocate their entire award to “Revenue Loss” and spend the money on “Provision of Government Service” – the most flexible of all the Expenditure Categories and the one with the least reporting requirements.

But what about those receiving awards greater than $10 million? These recipients have a much more challenging road to travel. Determining the use of the award is more difficult when the dollars are greater and the uses are more constrained. Compliance requirements can be daunting – particularly for organizations inexperienced in federal grant administration. To help those with awards over $10 million navigate the funding and implementation process, Baker Tilly has developed its “Essential Elements for a Successful ARP Process”.

Step 1: Plan

The planning phase is where much of the work – and some of the most important work – occurs. Here is where the foundation is laid for everything that comes after. Organizations will want to develop their funding strategy, carefully considering issues such as community engagement and inclusion. Resources will be put in place, including defining the roles of staff and consultants and developing policies, procedures and a communication plan. An often-needed prerequisite is education of the governing body and other major stakeholders on ARP permitted uses and requirements.

Step 2: Perform

Building on the planning phase, those who will be charged with creating and implementing projects to be funded from the award will need education on the ARP, as well as the previously created policies, processes and procedures.

All recipients of ARP funds must follow the Uniform Guidance governing administration of federal grants. This Guidance mandates numerous requirements, including:

• Internal controls
• Administrative costs
• Investment of the award and use of program income
• Procurement and purchasing
• Subrecipient monitoring
• Single audit