Brustein & Manasevit PLLC and the California Department of Education present a two-series Workshop on Federal Education Programs for Programmatic and Business Administrators in LEAs/Charters:

Part 1: ESSER Updates and Hot Topics……………..October 28, 2021
Part 2: EDGAR Updates and Hot Topics……………November 4, 2021

This fall marks a shift in many ways for states and school districts moving from distance learning to in-person school, and for the federal government, which is redirecting its focus from implementation of stimulus programs to tracking compliance and results. In fact, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has already started contacting some districts and states to investigate the use of stimulus funds.

This emphasis on compliance comes at the same time we are seeing a change in the overall tone of ED from an agency that is flexible and hands-off to one that asks grantees for detailed information about plans for grant money, consultation with stakeholders, and spending information. OIG has indicated that it will be particularly vigilant with respect to allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse – or any other red flags raised by spending – in anticipation of the opportunities for fraud that arise with such a large influx of stimulus funding.

With so much on the line, it is more important than ever to understand how the Uniform Grant Guidance (UGG) and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) apply, which expenditures are allowable and how to track them, how to document costs, and how to prepare for and respond to inquiries from ED, OIG, and state auditors. The California Department of Education has asked the federal education law firm in Washington, D.C., Brustein & Manasevit, PLLC, to lead a two-series virtual workshop to continue this discourse: the first session will cover updates to ESSER funding (CARES, CRRSAA, and ARP), including allowable uses, legislative developments, maintenance of equity requirements, and ED ESSER monitoring procedures; the second session will cover requirements under the UGG and EDGAR, as well as technical revisions by the Office of Management and Budget, and flexibilities offered as a result of disruptions caused by COVID-19 and related school closures.

ESSER (CARES/CRRSAA/ARP) Funding Workshop Topics Include:

• Legislative update
• Periods of availability and timely obligations of funds
• Allowable uses of funds
• Construction and capital expenditures
• Maintenance of equity
• Requirements for documentation/procedures/internal controls
• ED ESSER monitoring procedures

EDGAR/UGG Workshop Topics Include:

• Compliance supplement and recent audits
• Time and effort documentation
• Capital Expenditures, Construction, Davis-Bacon requirements
• Timely obligation of funds and carryover
• Property/equipment/supplies inventory controls
• Procurement and conflicts of interest
• Allowable costs

Registration Information:

Dates:
October 28, 2021 (ESSER);
November 4, 2021 (UGG/EDGAR)

Times: 9:30 – 11:30 am PST, lunch break, 12:30 – 2:30 pm PST
Cost: $195 per workshop; $345 for both workshops

• Optional add-on: $50 EDGAR book
• 8 CPE credits available!
• Includes up-to-date reference materials, as well as PowerPoint presentation with relevant citations and guidance
• Fee is allocable to the federal grants your district or charter receives