From Paper to Practice: Astra PR at the NGMA Conference in Washington, D.C.

The world of grant management is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with federal regulations is key to the success of any organization that relies on these funds. With this in mind, Astra PR had the privilege of participating in the National Grants Management Association (NGMA) conference in Washington, D.C., where our Senior Managing Directors, Loreana González Lazzarini and Alejandro Camporreale, presented the session: "From Paper to Practice: Case Studies of Procurement and Equipment Policies."

This event, which brought together grant administration experts from across the country, served as a platform to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore how new regulations can be practically applied in the daily operations of organizations.

Equipment and Procurement Management: More Than Just a Requirement

During the presentation, we delved into two essential areas for those working with federal funds: equipment management and procurement procedures under the 2 CFR 200 regulations.

One of the most discussed topics was the new equipment purchase threshold, which increased from $5,000 to $10,000 as of October 2024. This change requires organizations to adjust their procurement policies, allowing for greater flexibility in smaller purchases while maintaining adequate controls to ensure the efficient use of resources.

However, the discussion went beyond numbers and regulations. We emphasized the importance of proper tracking of federally funded equipment, from the moment of purchase to its final disposition. Attendees shared their experiences on how inventory and maintenance processes can impact regulatory compliance and prevent issues with oversight agencies.

Another key aspect covered was the need for transparency in procurement processes. Full and open competition is a fundamental principle in grant regulations, and participants were particularly interested in how to avoid conflicts of interest when awarding contracts. One of the most critical rules we highlighted is that companies assisting in drafting technical specifications for a Request for Proposal (RFP) cannot then bid on the resulting procurement, ensuring fairness in the vendor selection process.

Applying Best Practices in a Challenging Environment

Beyond the theory, the event provided an opportunity to explore how these regulations impact organizations across different sectors. Case studies, audience questions, and open discussions enriched the conversation, highlighting that regulatory compliance is not just an obligation—it is a strategic approach to ensuring the sustainability of federally funded programs.

At Astra PR, we understand that the regulatory landscape can be complex, but we firmly believe that with the right approach, organizations can not only comply with regulations but also strengthen their impact and credibility.

If you want to learn more we invite you to read our previous Astra PR Insights articles.

For additional information on grant regulations and compliance resources, visit the NGMA website.

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