Program managers complete grants management training

Over 60 program managers from various government departments and agencies recently completed a five-day federal grants management training. (Contributed Photo)

Program managers from various government departments and agencies recently completed a five-day federal grants management training.

According to Finance Secretary Larrisa Larson, the workshop was provided in collaboration with Graduate School USA for a high-level overview of current changes in grants management regulations.

“Federal grants are used for many critical programs in the Commonwealth, and our office has been afforded the opportunity to stay attuned to the most current regulations to assist every department and ensure they are knowledgeable of these requirements. The grants management training focused on the Uniform Guidance Administration Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements,” Larson said.

Ryan Camacho, a technical financial analyst with the Department of Finance, noted that a total of 68 direct program managers, along with personnel from the Department of Finance and the Office of Management and Budget, took part in the grants training. Program managers were also able to address more specific concerns about the new regulations with the Graduate USA instructor.

“The new uniform guidelines are definitely beneficial and although there are no immediate changes for the Department of Finance in regards to grants management, we are looking into amending current local policies and procedures, such as travel regulations, procurement and inventory management, reporting requirements, and audit processes with this newly acquired knowledge and insight. Overall, the training received positive feedback and we hope we can continue to provide more on-island training,” Camacho said.

Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management planner Querlaine Blas said that federal grants such as those that deal with homeland security and disaster preparedness have many requirements that must be followed.

“The federal management grants training I feel was useful for any individual in the grant field. The instructor gave an in-depth look into the uniform grant guidance and highlighted several important aspects such as the importance of strong internal controls, having SOP’s in place, and consistent and timely reporting. Overall, it gave me an understanding of best practices to remain in compliance,” Blas said.

Epi Cabrera, the administrator for the Office of Grants Management, received his grants management certification late last month, not only enhancing his personal knowledge base but also increasing overall grant approval and government efficiency.

“We have been very successful in not only being awarded new and existing federal grant awards, but also ensuring that we are compliant with federal grant requirements in order to improve our public services and infrastructure. Federal grants encompass multiple government services, such as homeland security, public safety, education, public assistance under Federal Emergency Management Agency, and most recently, our efforts to detect and eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetles on Rota. We are pleased that program managers are taking part in maintaining their compliance and strengthening their knowledge of the federal grant process. Grants remain one of the crucial resources available to us as we move forward in improving the Commonwealth together,” said Gov. Ralph DLG Torres. (PR)