Certified Research Administrator Practice Exam

Do Federal Agencies have to follow Uniform Guidance?

1. The UG are instructions. The federal agencies can develop their own policies and procedures to request to be codified in the CFR

2. Yes

3. The UG are instructions that must be followed, except for the DOD, which can create their own guidelines.

4. No

The correct answer is: The UG are instructions. The federal agencies can develop their own policies and procedures to request to be codified in the CFR

Federal Agencies are required to follow the Uniform Guidance as a foundational framework for managing federal funds. The Uniform Guidance is established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and dictates the administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal awards. However, federal agencies do have some discretion in how they implement these guidelines within their own policies and procedures. This means that while the Uniform Guidance provides a standardized approach to managing federal funds, agencies can seek to have their distinct policies codified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), allowing them to tailor certain aspects of the guidance to fit their specific operational contexts and compliance structures. This flexibility acknowledges the diverse missions and needs of various agencies while maintaining a baseline of accountability and consistency across federal award management processes. The mention of the Department of Defense (DOD) specifically is also relevant. While the Uniform Guidance applies broadly, the DOD has certain latitude to establish its own guidelines due to the unique nature of its funding and operational requirements. However, this does not negate the overarching requirement for federal agencies to adhere to the principles set forth in the Uniform Guidance. Overall, understanding the role of the Uniform Guidance in federal funding management and the flexibility that federal agencies have in applying it is crucial for grasping