Watkins Public Affairs

Major OMB Guidance Update Announced! 📢 The Biden-Harris Administration recently unveiled substantial revisions to the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance. This is a game-changer for organizations navigating the complexities of federal grants and financial aid, affecting over $1.2 trillion in annual funding across various sectors. Key Highlights: Streamlined Processes: The updates aim to significantly reduce administrative burdens, allowing organizations to focus more on mission outcomes rather than overhead. Increased Transparency: Efforts have been made to make grant announcements clearer and application processes more accessible, particularly for underserved communities. This includes simplifying compliance, reducing unnecessary "prior approvals," and revising Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for ease of application. Focus on Impact: There's a new emphasis on using funds for quality evaluation, data analysis, and community engagement to enhance program effectiveness. Equitable Access: The revised guidance seeks to remove barriers to entry, making it easier for all communities to access vital funding and support. Implementation & Impact: Set to be implemented by October 1, 2024, these changes reflect extensive feedback from a wide range of stakeholders and a review of over 3,200 public comments. The guidance is part of a broader strategy to ensure federal assistance is efficient, effective, and reaches those most in need, marking the most substantial update to the Uniform Grants Guidance in a decade. For Grant Seekers & Administrators: This overhaul is designed to empower organizations, communities, and individuals by simplifying access to federal funds and making the whole process more transparent. Whether you’re a nonprofit, local government, tribal organization, or educational institution, these changes are poised to make a significant impact on how you seek and manage federal assistance. #Grants #FederalFunding #OMBGuidance #Nonprofits #PublicService #CommunityDevelopment

ONE MONTH: MCEC will provide technical support and grant writing assistance, in partnership with the FEWSS Project, and the next deadline is June 31! Submit your interest form here: https://lnkd.in/eQ6NU_mP

🇺🇸 Navigating Buy America Requirements for Federal Grants The Buy America Act requires the use of U.S.-made iron, steel, and manufactured goods in federally funded projects. Understanding these requirements is crucial for compliance and the successful execution of your project. Key Points to Remember: Domestic Materials: Ensure all iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in your project are produced in the United States. Certification: Obtain and keep certifications from suppliers confirming that materials meet Buy America standards. Documentation: Maintain thorough documentation to prove compliance during audits and reviews. Adhering to Buy America requirements not only supports domestic manufacturing but also ensures your project remains eligible for federal funding. #BuyAmerica #FederalGrants #Compliance #Manufacturing

⚖️ Managing Compliance in Federal Grants Winning a federal grant is just the beginning. Ensuring compliance with federal regulations throughout the project is crucial and can be daunting. 📌 Key compliance tips: Understand the Rules: Familiarize yourself with 2 CFR 200 and specific grant guidelines. Keep Detailed Records: Maintain thorough documentation of all expenditures and activities. Regular Audits: Conduct internal audits to ensure you’re on track. What compliance challenges have you faced? Share in the comments below ⬇️ #GrantCompliance #FederalFunding

🌍 Navigating the Justice40 Initiative in Federal Grants The Justice40 Initiative aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities. This transformative approach requires a deep understanding of the initiative's goals and guidelines. Key Steps to Get Started: Familiarize Yourself with EO 14008: Understand the foundational executive order signed by President Biden that launched the Justice40 Initiative. Identify Covered Programs: Determine which of your projects fall under the Justice40 categories, such as clean energy, sustainable housing, and critical infrastructure. Utilize the CEJST: The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool helps identify disadvantaged communities to ensure your project aligns with Justice40 goals. Navigating these steps ensures your projects contribute meaningfully to environmental justice. #Justice40 #FederalGrants #EnvironmentalJustice #Sustainability

Check out this week's edition of the FUNDamentals newsletter from Grantcycle and Watkins Public Affairs. This week we're trying something different with the format. Instead of a laundry list of grants, we've broken things down by industry, including economic development, energy and environment, housing and community development, and transportation. Give it a read and let me know what you think. #grants #energy #federalgrants #funding #housing #communitydevelopment #economicdevelopment #environment #transportation

🚀 NSF Engines: Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine Earlier this year, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engines program  announced 10 inaugural awards, supporting innovative regional projects across the U.S. Currently, NSF is accepting funding applications for the next round of NSF Engines projects, to fund projects like the Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine. Central Florida Semiconductor Innovation Engine Led by the International Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research (ICAMR, Inc.) (doing business as BRIDGR), this engine supports semiconductor advanced packaging design and manufacturing, vital for national defense and technology advancement. Region of Service: Osceola County, Florida, and surrounding counties Competitive Advantage: Strategic investments in semiconductor talent pipelines Industry partnerships with global leaders County-owned fabrication facility with space for growth Key Technology Areas: Advanced computing and semiconductors Advanced materials Advanced communications Advanced energy and industrial efficiency technologies Artificial intelligence Data and cybersecurity Robotics and advanced manufacturing Quantum information science and technology REMINDER: The application for this round of NSF Engines is OPEN, and Letters of Intent are due June 18th, 2024. #NSFEngines #Innovation #Semiconductors #EconomicGrowth #NSF

🚀 Exciting Opportunity: NSF Engines Program The National Science Foundation (NSF) Engines program, is transforming regional innovation ecosystems across the U.S. This unique program aims to spur economic growth and technological advancement in regions that have not fully participated in the tech boom. Key Goals of the NSF Engines Program: Advance critical technologies like semiconductors, AI, advanced wireless, and biotechnology. Address pressing national and societal challenges. Cultivate partnerships across industry, academia, government, nonprofits, and communities. Promote economic growth and job creation. Funding Details: Each NSF Engine can receive up to $160 million over 10 years, with an option for two years of planning funding before the official launch. This unprecedented investment supports diverse regional coalitions to drive innovation, workforce development, and economic impact. 🗓️ Important Date: Letters of Intent are due June 18th, 2024. 💡 Next Steps: Define your region of service and build a coalition of partners. Align your proposal with the program’s goals to advance technology and promote regional growth. Utilize the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) to identify disadvantaged communities and ensure your project aligns with Justice40 goals. For more information or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Watkins Public Affairs #NSFEngines #Innovation #EconomicGrowth #RegionalDevelopment #Technology #NSF #FederalGrants

Navigating the Federal Grant Application Process The federal grant application process can be a maze of paperwork and deadlines. Many organizations struggle with the complexity and often miss out on potential funding. 📋 Here are some steps to simplify the process: Start Early: Give yourself ample time to gather necessary documents. Read Guidelines Thoroughly: Understand all requirements and criteria. Seek Expert Help: Don’t hesitate to hire a grant writer or consultant. Prepare a Strong Proposal: Clearly articulate your project’s impact and feasibility. What’s the biggest challenge you face in the application process? ⬇️ #GrantApplication #FederalFunding

🔌 Powering a Clean Energy Future 🔌 Over the past few years, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill has been crucial in modernizing our power grid. With over $62 billion in funding for clean energy projects and grid modernization, grants are helping the US advance towards a 100% carbon-pollution-free power sector by 2035. If you have any questions about upcoming U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grants we are here to help. #CleanEnergy #PowerGrid #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Resilience