22 C.F.R. PART 226—ADMINISTRATION OF ASSISTANCE AWARDS TO U.S. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
Title 22 - Foreign Relations
Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2381(a) and 2401.
Source: 60 FR 3744, Jan. 19, 1995, unless otherwise noted.
Except as otherwise authorized by statute, this part establishes uniform administrative requirements for grants and cooperative agreements awarded by USAID to U.S. institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations, and to U.S. commercial organizations; and to subawards thereunder. USAID shall not impose additional or inconsistent requirements, except as provided in Sections 226.4, and 226.14, or unless specifically required by Federal statute or executive order. Non-profit and commercial organizations that implement Federal programs for the States are also subject to State requirements. This part shall be administered in compliance with the standards set forth in part 205, Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs, of this chapter. [60 FR 3744, Jan. 19, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 61724, Oct. 20, 2004] Accrued expenditures means the charges incurred by the recipient during a given period requiring the provision of funds for: (1) Goods and other tangible property received; (2) Services performed by employees, contractors, subrecipients, and other payees; and, (3) Other amounts becoming owed under programs for which no current services or performance is required. Accrued income means the sum of: (1) Earnings during a given period from services performed by the recipient, and goods and other tangible property delivered to purchasers, and (2) Amounts becoming owed to the recipient for which no current services or performance is required by the recipient. Acquisition cost of equipment means the net invoice price of the equipment, including the cost of modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make the property usable for the purpose for which it was acquired. Other charges, such as the cost of installation, transportation, taxes, duty or protective in-transit insurance, shall be included or excluded from the unit acquisition cost in accordance with the recipient's regular accounting practices. Activity mean a set of actions through which inputs—such as commodities, technical assistance, training, or resource transfers—are mobilized to produce specific outputs, such as vaccinations given, schools built, microenterprise loans issued, or policies changed. Activities are undertaken to achieve objectives that have been formally approved and notified to Congress. Advance means a payment made by Treasury check or other appropriate payment mechanism to a recipient upon its request either before outlays are made by the recipient or through the use of predetermined payment schedules. Agreement Officer means a person with the authority to enter into, administer, terminate and/or closeout assistance agreements subject to this part, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of USAID. An Agreement Officer can only act within the scope of a duly authorized warrant or other valid delegation of authority. The term “Agreement Officer” includes persons warranted as “Grant Officers.” It also includes certain authorized representatives of the Agreement Officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the Agreement Officer. Apparent successful applicant(s) means the applicant(s) for USAID funding recommended for an award after technical evaluation, but who has not yet been awarded a grant, cooperative agreement or other assistance award by the Agreement Officer. Apparent Successful Applicants will be requested by the Agreement Officer to submit a Branding Strategy and Marking Plan. Apparent Successful Applicant status confers no right and constitutes no USAID commitment to an award, which still must be obligated by the Agreement Officer. Award means financial assistance that provides support or stimulation to accomplish a public purpose. Awards include grants, cooperative agreements and other agreements in the form of money or property in lieu of money, by the Federal Government to an eligible recipient. The term does not include: Technical assistance, which provides services instead of money; other assistance in the form of loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies, or insurance; direct payments of any kind to individuals; and, contracts which are required to be entered into and administered under procurement laws and regulations. Branding strategy means a strategy the Apparent Successful Applicant submits at the specific request of a USAID Agreement Officer after technical evaluation of an application for USAID funding, describing how the program, project, or activity is named and positioned, as well as how it is promoted and communicated to beneficiaries and cooperating country citizens. It identifies all donors and explains how they will be acknowledged. A Branding Strategy is required even if a Presumptive Exception is approved in the Marking Plan. Cash contributions means the recipient's cash outlay, including the outlay of money contributed to the recipient by third parties. Closeout means the process by which the Agreement Officer determines that all applicable administrative actions and all required work of the award have been completed by the recipient and USAID. Commodities mean any material, article, supply, goods or equipment, excluding recipient offices, vehicles, and non-deliverable items for recipient's internal use in administration of the USAID funded grant, cooperative agreement, or other agreement or subagreement. Contract means a procurement contract under an award or subaward, and a procurement subcontract under a recipient's or subrecipient's contract. Cost sharing or matching means that portion of project or program costs not borne by the Federal Government. Date of completion means the date on which all work under an award is completed or the date on the award document, or any supplement or amendment thereto, on which USAID sponsorship ends. Disallowed costs means those charges to an award that the USAID Agreement Officer determines to be unallowable, in accordance with the applicable Federal costs principles or other terms and conditions contained in the award. Equipment means tangible nonexpendable personal property including exempt property charged directly to the award having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. However, consistent with recipient policy, lower limits may be established. Excess property means property under the control of USAID that, as determined by the head of the Agency, is no longer required for its needs or the discharge of its responsibilities. Exempt property means tangible personal property acquired in whole or in part with Federal funds, where the Federal awarding agency has statutory authority to vest title in the recipient without further obligation to the Federal Government. An example of exempt property authority is contained in the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act (31 U.S.C. 6306), for property acquired under an award to conduct basic or applied research by a non-profit institution of higher education or non-profit organization whose principal purpose is conducting scientific research. Federal awarding agency means the Federal agency that provides an award to the recipient. Federal funds authorized means the total amount of Federal funds obligated by the Federal Government for use by the recipient. This amount may include any authorized carryover of unobligated funds from prior funding periods when permitted by agency regulations or agency implementing instructions. Federal share of real property, equipment, or supplies means that percentage of the property's acquisition costs and any improvement expenditures paid with Federal funds. Funding period means the period of time when Federal funding is available for obligation by the recipient. Intangible property and debt instruments means, but is not limited to, trademarks, copyrights, patents and patent applications and such property as loans, notes and other debt instruments, lease agreements, stock and other instruments of property ownership, whether considered tangible or intangible. Marking plan means a plan that the Apparent Successful Applicant submits at the specific request of a USAID Agreement Officer after technical evaluation of an application for USAID funding, detailing the public communications, commodities, and program materials and other items that will visibly bear the USAID Identity. Recipients may request approval of Presumptive Exceptions to marking requirements in the Marking Plan. Obligations means the amounts of orders placed, contracts and grants awarded, services received and similar transactions during a given period that require payment by the recipient during the same or a future period. Outlays or expenditures means charges made to the project or program. They may be reported on a cash or accrual basis. For reports prepared on a cash basis, outlays are the sum of cash disbursements for direct charges for goods and services, the amount of indirect expense charged, the value of third party in-kind contributions applies and the amount of cash advances and payments made to subrecipients. For reports prepared on an accrual basis, outlays are the sum of cash disbursements for direct charges for goods and services, the amount of indirect expense incurred, the value of in-kind contributions applied, and the net increase (or decrease) in the amounts owed by the recipient for goods and other property received, for services performed by employees, contractors, subrecipients and other payees and other amounts becoming owed under programs for which no current services or performance are required. Personal property means property of any kind except real property. It may be tangible, having physical existence, or intangible, having no physical existence, such as copyrights, patents, or securities. Principal officers means the most senior officer in a USAID Operating Unit in the field, e.g., USAID Mission Director or USAID Representative. For global programs managed from Washington but executed across many countries such as disaster relief and assistance to internally displaced persons, humanitarian emergencies or immediate post conflict and political crisis response, the cognizant Principal Officer may be an Office Director, for example, the Directors of USAID/W/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and Office of Transition Initiatives. For non-presence countries, the cognizant Principal Officer is the Senior USAID officer in a regional USAID Operating Unit responsible for the non-presence country, or in the absence of such a responsible operating unit, the Principle U.S Diplomatic Officer in the non-presence country exercising delegated authority from USAID. Prior approval means written approval by an authorized official evidencing prior consent. Program income means gross income earned by the recipient that is directly generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the award (see exclusions in §§226.24 (e) and (h)). Program income includes, but is not limited to, income from fees for services performed, the use or rental of real or personal property acquired under federally-funded projects, the sale of commodities or items fabricated under an award, license fees and royalties on patents and copyrights, and interest on loans made with award funds. Interest earned on advances of Federal funds is not program income. Except as otherwise provided in USAID regulations or the terms and conditions of the award, program income does not include the receipt of principal on loans, rebates, credits, discounts, etc., or interest earned on any of them. Programs mean an organized set of activities and allocation of resources directed toward a common purpose, objective, or goal undertaken or proposed by an organization to carry out the responsibilities assigned to it. Project costs means all allowable costs, as set forth in the applicable Federal cost principles, incurred by a recipient and the value of the contributions made by third parties in accomplishing the objectives of the award during the project period. Project period means the period established in the award document during which Federal sponsorship begins and ends. Projects include all the marginal costs of inputs (including the proposed investment) technically required to produce a discrete marketable output or a desired result (for example, services from a fully functional water/sewage treatment facility). Property means, unless otherwise stated, real property, equipment, supplies, intangible property and debt instruments. Public communications are documents and messages intended for distribution to audiences external to the recipient's organization. They include, but are not limited to, correspondence, publications, studies, reports, audio visual productions, and other informational products; applications, forms, press and promotional materials used in connection with USAID funded programs, projects or activities, including signage and plaques; Web sites/Internet activities; and events such as training courses, conferences, seminars, press conferences and the like. Real property means land, including land improvements, structures and appurtenances thereto, but excludes movable machinery and equipment. Recipient means an organization receiving a grant or cooperative agreement directly from USAID to carry out a project or program. The term includes the following types of U.S. organizations: public and private institutions of higher education; public and private hospitals; quasi-public and private non-profit organizations such as, but not limited to, community action agencies, research institutes, educational associations, and health centers; and commercial organizations. The term does not include government-owned contractor-operated facilities or research centers providing continued support for mission-oriented, large-scale programs that are government-owned or controlled, or are designated as federally-funded research and development centers. Research and development means all research activities, both basic and applied, and all development activities that are supported at universities, colleges, and other non-profit institutions. “Research” is defined as a systematic study directed toward fuller scientific knowledge or understanding of the subject studied. “Development” is the systematic use of knowledge and understanding gained from research directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods, including design and development of prototypes and processes. The term research also includes activities involving the training of individuals in research techniques where such activities utilize the same facilities as other research and development activities and where such activities are not included in the instruction function. Small awards means a grant or cooperative agreement not exceeding the small purchase threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11). Subaward means an award of financial assistance in the form of money, or property in lieu of money, made under an award by a recipient to an eligible subrecipient or by a subrecipient to a lower tier subrecipient. The term includes financial assistance when provided by any legal agreement, even if the agreement is called a contract, but does not include procurement of goods and services nor does it include any form of assistance which is excluded from the definition of “award” in this section. Subrecipient means the legal entity to which a subaward is made and which is accountable to the recipient for the use of the funds provided. Editorial Note: At 70 FR 50189, Aug. 26, 2005, a definition of Subrecipient was added to §226.2, effective Jan. 2, 2006. However, §226.2 already includes a definition of Subrecipient. The definition added at 70 FR 50189, Aug. 26, 2005 is set forth below:
Subrecipient means any person or government (including cooperating country government) department, agency, establishment, or for profit or nonprofit organization that receives a USAID subaward, as defined in 22 CFR 226.2. Supplies means all personal property excluding equipment, intangible property, and debt instruments as defined in this section, and inventions of a contractor conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the performance of work under a funding agreement (“subject inventions”), as defined in 37 CFR part 401, “Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.” Suspension means an action by USAID that temporarily withdraws Federal sponsorship under an award, pending corrective action by the recipient or pending a decision to terminate the award. Suspension of an award is a separate action from suspension under USAID regulations implementing E.O.s 12549 and 12689, “Debarment and Suspension.” See 22 CFR Part 208. Technical assistance means the provision of funds, goods, services or other foreign assistance such as loan guarantees or food for work, to developing countries and other USAID recipients, and through such recipients to subrecipients, in direct support of a development objective—as opposed to the internal management of the foreign assistance program. This definition is applicable only to 22 CFR 226.91. Termination means the cancellation of USAID sponsorship, in whole or in part, under an agreement at any time prior to the date of completion. Third party in-kind contributions means the value of non-cash contributions provided by non-Federal third parties. Third party in-kind contributions may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property, and the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project or program. Unliquidated obligations, for financial reports prepared on a cash basis, means the amount of obligations incurred by the recipient that have not been paid. For reports prepared on an accrued expenditure basis, they represent the amount of obligations incurred by the recipient for which an outlay has not been recorded. Unobligated balance means the portion of the funds authorized by USAID that has not been obligated by the recipient and is determined by deducting the cumulative obligations from the cumulative funds authorized. Unrecovered indirect cost means the difference between the amount awarded and the amount which could have been awarded under the recipient's approved negotiated indirect cost rate. USAID means the United States Agency for International Development. USAID Identity (Identity) means the official marking for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) comprised of the USAID logo or seal and new brandmark with the tagline that clearly communicates our assistance is “from the American people.” The USAID Identity is available on the USAID Web site at http://www.usaid.gov/branding and is provided without royalty, license or other fee to recipients of USAID funded grants or cooperative agreements or other assistance awards. USAID Partner Co-Branding Guide is a USAID produced publication that is provided free of charge to recipients of USAID funded grants or cooperative agreements or other assistance awards or subawards, that details recommended marking practices and provides examples of USAID funded programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities marked with the USAID Identity. Working capital advance means a procedure whereby funds are advanced to the recipient to cover its estimated disbursement needs for a given initial period. [60 FR 3744, Jan. 19, 1995, as amended at 70 FR 50189, Aug. 26, 2005] For awards subject to this part, all administrative requirements of codified program regulations, program manuals, handbooks and other nonregulatory materials which are inconsistent with the requirements of this part shall be superseded, except to the extent they are required by statute, or authorized in accordance with the deviations provision §226.4. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) may grant exceptions for classes of grants or recipients subject to the requirements of this part when exceptions are not prohibited by statute. However, in the interest of maximum uniformity, exceptions from the requirements of this part shall be permitted only in unusual circumstances. USAID may apply more restrictive requirements to a class of recipients when approved by OMB. USAID may apply less restrictive requirements when awarding small awards, except for those requirements which are statutory. Exceptions on a case-by-case basis may also be made by the USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Management. Unless sections of this part specifically exclude subrecipients from coverage, the provisions of this part shall be applied to subrecipients if such subrecipients are organizations which, if receiving awards directly from USAID, would fall within the definition of recipients. State and local government subrecipients are subject to the provisions of regulations implementing the grants management common rule, “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments,” as amended. Sections 226.11 through 226.17 prescribe forms and instructions and other pre-award matters to be used in applying for USAID awards. (a) Use of grants and cooperative agreements, and contracts. In each instance USAID shall decide on the appropriate award instrument (i.e., grant cooperative agreement or contract). The Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act (31 U.S.C. 6301–08) governs the use of grants, cooperative agreements and contracts. A grant or cooperative agreement shall be used only when the principal purpose of a transaction is to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal statute. The statutory criterion for choosing between grants and cooperative agreements is that for the latter, “substantial involvement is expected between the executive agency and the State, local government, or other recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated in the agreement.” Contracts shall be used when the principal purpose is acquisition of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government. (b) Public notice and priority setting. USAID shall notify the public of its intended funding priorities for discretionary grant programs, unless funding priorities are established by Federal statute. (a) USAID shall comply with the applicable report clearance requirements of 5 CFR part 1320, “Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public,” with regard to all forms used in place of or as a supplement to the Standard Form 424 (SF–424) series. (b) Applicants shall use the SF–424 series or those forms and instructions prescribed by USAID. (c) For Federal programs covered by E.O. 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” the applicant shall complete the appropriate sections of the SF–424 (Application for Federal Assistance) indicating whether the application was subject to review by the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC). The name and address of the SPOC for a particular State can be obtained from the Federal awarding agency or the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The SPOC shall advise the applicant whether the program for which application is made has been selected by that State for review. (d) Federal awarding agencies that do not use the SF–424 form should indicate whether the application is subject to review by the State under E.O. 12372. USAID and recipients shall comply with the nonprocurement debarment and suspension common rule implementing E.O.s 12549 and 12689, “Debarment and Suspension,” 22 CFR Part 208. This common rule restricts subawards and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. If an applicant or recipient: Has a history of poor performance, is not financially stable, has a management system that does not meet the standards prescribed in this part, has not conformed to the terms and conditions of a previous award, or is not otherwise responsible, the USAID Agreement Officer may impose additional requirements as needed, provided that such applicant or recipient is notified in writing as to: The nature of the additional requirements, the reason why the additional requirements are being imposed, the nature of the corrective action needed, the time allowed for completing the corrective actions, and the method for requesting reconsideration of the additional requirements imposed. Any special conditions will be promptly removed once the conditions that prompted them have been corrected. (a) The Metric Conversion Act, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act (15 U.S.C. 205) declares that the metric system is the preferred measurement system for U.S. trade and commerce. (b) Wherever measurements are required or authorized, they shall be made, computed, and recorded in metric system units of measurement, unless otherwise authorized by the agreement officer in writing when it has been found that such usage is impractical or is likely to cause U.S. firms to experience significant inefficiencies or the loss of markets. Where the metric system is not the predominant standard for a particular application, measurements may be expressed in both the metric and the traditional equivalent units, provided the metric units are listed first. Under the Act, any U.S. State agency or agency of a political subdivision of a State which is using appropriated Federal funds must comply with Section 6002. Section 6002 requires that preference be given in procurement programs to the purchase of specific products containing recycled materials identified in guidelines developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (40 CFR parts 247–254). Accordingly, State and local institutions of higher education and hospitals that receive direct Federal awards or other Federal funds shall given preference in their procurement programs funded with Federal funds to the purchase of recycled products pursuant to the EPA guidelines. Unless prohibited by statute or codified regulation, USAID may at some future date, allow recipients to submit certifications and representations required by statute, executive order, or regulation on an annual basis, if the recipients have ongoing and continuing relationships with the agency. Annual certifications and representations shall be signed by responsible officials with the authority to ensure recipients' compliance with the pertinent requirements. Sections 226.21 through 226.28 prescribe standards for financial management systems, methods for making payments and rules for: Satisfying cost sharing and matching requirements, accounting for program income, budget revision approvals, making audits, determining allowability of costs and establishing funds availability. (a) Recipients shall relate financial data to performance data and develop unit cost information whenever practical. (b) Recipients' financial management systems shall provide for the following. (1) Accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federally-sponsored project or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §226.52. While USAID requires reporting on an accrual basis, if the recipient maintains its records on other than an accrual basis, the recipient shall not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. These recipients may develop such accrual data for their reports on the basis of an analysis of the documentation on hand. (2) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally-sponsored activities. These records shall contain information pertaining to all Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, outlays, income and interest. (3) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property and other assets. Recipients shall adequately safeguard all such assets and assure they are used solely for authorized purposes. (4) Comparison of outlays with budget amounts for each award. Whenever appropriate, financial information should be related to performance and unit cost data. (5) Written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds to the recipient from the U.S. Treasury and the issuance or redemption of checks, warrants or payments by other means for program purposes by the recipient. To the extent that the provisions of the Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA) (Pub. L. 101–453) govern, payment methods of State agencies, instrumentalities, and fiscal agents shall be consistent with CMIA Treasury-State Agreements or the CMIA default procedures codified at 31 CFR part 205, “Withdrawal of Cash from the Treasury for Advances under Federal Grant and Other Programs.” (6) Written procedures for determining the reasonableness, allocability and allowability of costs in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Federal cost principles and the terms and conditions of the award. (7) Accounting records, including cost accounting records, that are supported by source documentation. (c) Where the Federal Government guarantees or insures the repayment of money borrowed by the recipient, USAID, at its discretion, may require adequate bonding and insurance if the bonding and insurance requirements of the recipient are not deemed adequate to protect the interest of the Federal Government. (d) USAID may require adequate fidelity bond coverage where the recipient lacks sufficient coverage to protect the Federal Government's interest. (e) Where bonds are required in the situations described above, the bonds shall be obtained from companies holding certificates of authority as acceptable sureties, as prescribed in 31 CFR part 223, “Surety Companies Doing Business with the United States.” (a) Payment methods shall minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury and the issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means by the recipients. Payment methods of State agencies or instrumentalities shall be consistent with Treasury-State CMIA agreements or default procedures codified at 31 CFR part 205. (b)(1) Recipients will be paid in advance, provided they maintain or demonstrate the willingness to maintain: (i) Written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the recipient, and (ii) financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established in Section 226.21. (2) Cash advances to a recipient organization shall be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the recipient organization in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of cash advances shall be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the recipient organization for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. (c) Whenever possible, advances will be consolidated to cover anticipated cash needs for all awards made by USAID to the recipient. (1) Advance payment mechanisms include, but are not limited to, USAID Letter of Credit, Treasury check and electronic funds transfer. (2) Advance payment mechanisms are subject to 31 CFR part 205. (3) Recipients will be authorized to submit requests for advances and reimbursements at least monthly when electronic fund transfers are not used. (d) Requests for Treasury check advance payment shall be submitted on SF–270, “Request for Advance or Reimbursement,” or other forms as may be authorized by OMB. This form is not to be used when Treasury check advance payments are made to the recipient automatically through the use of a predetermined payment schedule or if precluded by special USAID instructions for electronic funds transfer. (e) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section cannot be met. USAID may also use this method on any construction agreement, or if the major portion of the construction project is accomplished through private market financing or Federal loans, and the Federal assistance constitutes a minor portion of the project. (1) When the reimbursement method is used, USAID shall make payment within 30 days after receipt of the billing, unless the billing is improper. (2) Recipients are authorized to submit a request for reimbursement at least monthly when electronic funds transfers are not used. (f) If a recipient cannot meet the criteria for advance payments and USAID has determined that reimbursement is not feasible because the recipient lacks sufficient working capital, the USAID Agreement Officer may provide cash on a working capital advance basis. Under this procedure, USAID shall advance cash to the recipient to cover its estimated disbursement needs for an initial period generally geared to the recipient's disbursing cycle, normally 30 days. Thereafter, USAID shall reimburse the recipient for its actual cash disbursements. The working capital advance method of payment will not be used for recipients unwilling or unable to provide timely advances to their subrecipients to meet the subrecipients' actual cash disbursements. (g) To the extent available, recipients shall disburse funds available from repayments to and interest earned on a revolving fund, program income, rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments. This paragraph is not applicable to such earnings which are generated as foreign currencies. (h) Unless otherwise required by statute, USAID will not withhold payments for proper charges made by recipients at any time during the project period unless: (1) A recipient has failed to comply with the project objectives, the terms and conditions of the award, or Federal reporting requirements, or (2) The recipient or subrecipient is delinquent in a debt to the United States as defined in OMB Circular A–129, “Managing Federal Credit Programs.” Under such conditions, USAID may, upon reasonable notice, inform the recipient that payments shall not be made for obligations incurred after a specified date until the conditions are corrected or the indebtedness to the Federal Government is liquidated. (i) Standards governing the use of banks and other institutions as depositories of funds advanced under awards are as follows. (1) Except for situations described in paragraph (i)(2) of this section, or as otherwise provided in USAID regulations or implementing guidance governing endowment funds, USAID does not require separate depository accounts for funds provided to a recipient or establish any eligibility requirements for depositories for funds provided to a recipient. However, recipients must be able to account for the receipt, obligation and expenditure of funds. (2) Advances of Federal funds shall be deposited and maintained in insured accounts whenever possible. (j) Consistent with the national goal of expanding the opportunities for women-owned and minority-owned business enterprises, recipients are encouraged to use women-owned and minority-owned banks (a bank which is owned at least 50 percent by women or minority group members). (k) Recipients shall maintain advances of Federal funds in interest bearing accounts, unless: (1) The recipient receives less than $120,000 in Federal awards per year, (2) The best reasonably available interest bearing account would not be expected to earn interest in excess of $250 per year on Federal cash balances, or (3) The depository would require an average or minimum balance so high that it would not be feasible within the expected Federal and non-Federal cash resources. (l) Except as otherwise provided in the terms and conditions of the award in accordance with USAID regulations or other implementing guidance, for those entities where CMIA and its implementing regulations do not apply, interest earned on Federal advances deposited in interest bearing accounts shall be remitted annually to Department of Health and Human Services, Payment Management System, Rockville, MD 20852. Interest amounts up to $250 per year may be retained by the recipient for administrative expense. State universities and hospitals shall comply with CMIA, as it pertains to interest. If an entity subject to CMIA uses its own funds to pay pre-award costs for discretionary awards without prior written approval from the Federal awarding agency, it waives its right to recover the interest under CMIA. (m) Except as noted elsewhere in this part, only the following forms shall be authorized for the recipients in requesting advances and reimbursements. USAID shall not require more than an original and two copies of these forms. (1) The SF–270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement, is the standard form for all nonconstruction programs when electronic funds transfer or predetermined advance methods are not used. USAID has the option of using this form for construction programs in lieu of the SF–271, “Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs.” (2) The SF–271, Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs, is the standard form to be used for requesting reimbursement for construction programs. However, USAID may substitute the SF–270 when it determines that it provides adequate information to meet Federal needs. (a) All contributions, including cash and third party inkind, shall be accepted as part of the recipient's cost sharing or matching when such contributions meet all of the following criteria. (1) Are verifiable from the recipient's records. (2) Are not included as contributions for any other federally-assisted project or program. (3) Are necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of project or program objectives. (4) Are allowable under the applicable cost principles. (5) Are not paid by the Federal Government under another award, except where authorized by Federal statute to be used for cost sharing or matching. (6) Are provided for in the approved budget. (7) Conform to other provisions of this part, as applicable. (b) Unrecovered indirect costs may be included as part of cost sharing or matching. (c) Values for recipient contributions of services and property shall be established in accordance with the applicable cost principles. If USAID authorizes recipients to donate buildings or land for construction/facilities acquisition projects or long-term use, the value of the donated property for cost sharing or matching shall be the lesser of: (1) The certified value of the remaining life of the property recorded in the recipient's accounting records at the time of donation, or (2) The current fair market value. However, when there is sufficient justification, the USAID Agreement Officer may approve the use of the current fair market value of the donated property, even if it exceeds the certified value at the time of donation to the project. (d) Volunteer services furnished by professional and technical personnel, consultants, and other skilled and unskilled labor may be counted as cost sharing or matching if the service is an integral and necessary part of an approved project or program. Rates for volunteer services shall be consistent with those paid for similar work in the recipient's organizations. In those instances in which the required skills are not found in the recipient organization, rates shall be consistent with those paid for similar work in the labor market in which the recipient competes for the kind of services involved. In either case, paid fringe benefits that are reasonable, allowable, and allocable may be included in the valuation. (e) When an employer other than the recipient furnishes the services of an employee, these services shall be valued at the employee's regular rate of pay (plus an amount of fringe benefits that are reasonable, allowable, and allocable, but exclusive of overhead costs), provided these services are in the same skill for which the employee is normally paid. (f) Donated supplies may include such items as expendable equipment, office supplies, laboratory supplies or workshop and classroom supplies. Value assessed to donated supplies included in the cost sharing or matching share shall be reasonable and shall not exceed the fair market value of the property at the time of the donation. (g) The method used for determining cost sharing or matching for donated equipment, buildings and land for which title passes to the recipient may differ according to the purpose of the award, if: (1) If the purpose of the award is to assist the recipient in the acquisition of equipment, buildings or land, the total value of the donated property may be claimed as cost sharing or matching, or (2) If the purpose of the award is to support activities that require the use of equipment, buildings or land, normally only depreciation or use charges for equipment and buildings may be made. However, the full value of equipment or other capital assets and fair rental charges for land may be allowed, provided that the USAID Agreement Officer has approved the charges. (h) The value of donated property shall be determined in accordance with the usual accounting policies of the recipient, with the following qualifications. (1) The value of donated land and buildings shall not exceed its fair market value at the time of donation to the recipient as established by an independent appraiser (e.g., certified real property appraiser or General Services Administration representative) and certified by a responsible official of the recipient. (2) The value of donated equipment shall not exceed the fair market value of equipment of the same age and condition at the time of donation. (3) The value of donated space shall not exceed the fair rental value of comparable space as established by an independent appraisal of comparable space and facilities in a privately-owned building in the same locality. (4) The value of loaned equipment shall not exceed its fair rental value. (i) The following requirements pertain to the recipient's supporting records for in-kind contributions from third parties. (1) Volunteer services shall be documented and, to the extent feasible, supported by the same methods used by the recipient for its own employees, (2) The basis for determining the valuation for personal services, material, equipment, buildings and land shall be documented. (a) Recipients shall apply the standards set forth in this section to account for program income related to projects financed in whole or in part with Federal funds. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, program income earned during the project period shall be retained by the recipient and, in accordance with USAID regulations, other implementing guidance, or the terms and conditions of the award, shall be used in one or more of the following ways: (1) Added to funds committed by USAID and the recipient to the project or program, and used to further eligible project or program objectives. (2) Used to finance the non-Federal share of the project or program. (3) Deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the Federal share of costs is based. (c) When the agreement authorizes the disposition of program income as described in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section, program income in excess of any limits stipulated shall be used in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this section. (d) If the terms and conditions of the award do not specify how program income is to be used, paragraph (b)(3) of this section shall apply automatically to all projects or programs except research. For awards that support research, paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall apply automatically unless the terms and conditions of the award provide another alternative, or the recipient is subject to special award conditions, as indicated in §226.14. Recipients which are commercial organizations may not apply paragraph (b)(1) of this section, in accordance with §226.82 of this part. (e) Unless the terms and conditions of the award provide otherwise, recipients shall have no obligation to the Federal Government regarding program income earned after the end of the project period. (f) Costs incident to the generation of program income may be deducted from gross income to determine program income, provided these costs have not been charged to the award and they comply with the cost principles applicable to the award funds. (g) Proceeds from the sale of property shall be handled in accordance with the requirements of the Property Standards (See §§226.30 through 226.37). (h) Unless the terms and condition of the award provide otherwise, recipients shall have no obligation to the Federal Government with respect to program income earned from license fees and royalties for copyrighted material, patents, patent applications, trademarks, and inventions produced under an award. However, Patent and Trademark Amendments (35 U.S.C. 18) apply to inventions made under an experimental, developmental, or research award. (a) The budget plan is the financial expression of the project or program as approved during the award process. It may include either the sum of the Federal and non-Federal shares, or only the Federal share, depending upon USAID requirements as reflected in the terms and conditions of the agreement. It shall be related to performance for program evaluation purposes whenever appropriate. (b) Recipients are required to report deviations from budget and program plans, and request prior approvals for budget and program plan revisions, in accordance with this section. (c) For nonconstruction awards, recipients shall request prior approvals from the USAID Agreement Officer for one or more of the following program or budget related reasons: (1) Change in the scope or the objective of the project or program (even if there is no associated budget revision requiring prior written approval). (2) Change in a key person specified in the application or award document. (3) The absence for more than three months, or a 25 percent reduction in time devoted to the project, by the approved project director or principal investigator. (4) The need for additional Federal funding. (5) The transfer of amounts budgeted for indirect costs to absorb increases in direct costs, or vice versa. (6) The inclusion, unless waived in the agreement by USAID, of costs that require prior approval in accordance with OMB Circular A–21, “Cost Principles for Institutions of Higher Education,” OMB Circular A–122, “Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations,” or 45 CFR part 74, Appendix E, “Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to Research and Development under Grants and Contracts with Hospitals,” or 48 CFR part 31, “Contract Cost Principles and Procedures,” as applicable. (7) The transfer of funds allotted for training allowances (direct payment to trainees) to other categories of expense. (8) Unless described in the application and funded in the approved budget of the award, the subaward, transfer or contracting out of any work under an award. This provision does not apply to the purchase of supplies, material, equipment or general support services. (d) No other prior approval requirements for specific items may be imposed unless a deviation has been approved by OMB. (e) USAID may waive cost-related and administrative prior written approvals required by this part and OMB Circulars A–21 and A–122, except for requirements listed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(4) of this section. Such waivers may authorize recipients to do any one or more of the following: (1) Incur pre-award costs 90 calendar days prior to award or more than 90 calendar days with the prior approval of the USAID Agreement Officer. All pre-award costs are incurred at the recipient's risk (i.e., USAID is under no obligation to reimburse such costs if for any reason the recipient does not receive an award or if the award is less than anticipated and inadequate to cover such costs). (2) Initiate a one-time extension of the expiration date of the award of up to 12 months. For one-time extensions, the recipient must notify the USAID Agreement Officer in writing, with the supporting reasons and revised expiration date, at least 10 days before the expiration date specified in the award. This one-time extension may not be exercised merely for the purpose of using unobligated balances. The recipient may initiate a one-time extension unless one or more of the following conditions apply: (i) The terms and conditions of award prohibit the extension. (ii) The extension requires additional Federal funds. (iii) The extension involves any change in the approved objectives or scope of the project. (3) Carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent funding periods. (4) Except for awards under Section 226.14 and Subpart E of this part, for awards that support research, unless USAID provides otherwise in the award or in its regulations or other implementing guidance, the prior approval requirements described in paragraphs (e) (1) through (3) of this section are automatically waived (i.e., recipients need not obtain such prior approvals) unless one of the conditions included in paragraph (e)(2) of this section applies. (f) USAID may, at its option, restrict the transfer of funds among direct cost categories or programs, functions and activities for awards in which the Federal share of the project exceeds $100,000 and the cumulative amount of such transfers exceeds or is expected to exceed 10 percent of the total budget as last approved by the USAID Agreement Officer. USAID shall not permit a transfer that would cause any Federal appropriation or part thereof to be used for purposes other than those consistent with the original intent of the appropriation. (g) All other changes to non-construction budgets, except for the changes described in paragraph (j) of this section, do not require prior approval. (h) For construction awards, recipients shall request prior written approval promptly from the USAID Agreement Officer for budget revisions whenever: (1) The revision results from changes in the scope or the objective of the project or program, (2) The need arises for additional Federal funds to complete the project, or (3) A revision is desired which involves specific costs for which prior written approval requirements may be imposed consistent with the applicable cost principles listed in §226.27. (i) No other prior approval requirements for specific items may be imposed unless a deviation has been approved by OMB. (j) When USAID makes an award that provides support for both construction and nonconstruction work, the USAID Agreement Officer may require the recipient to request prior approval before making any fund or budget transfers between the two types of work supported. (k) For both construction and nonconstruction awards, recipients shall notify the USAID Agreement Officer in writing promptly whenever the amount of Federal authorized funds is expected to exceed the needs of the recipient for the project period by more than $5000 or five percent of the Federal award, whichever is greater. This notification shall not be required if an application for additional funding is submitted for a continuation award. (l) When requesting approval for budget revisions, recipients shall use the budget forms that were used in the application unless the USAID Agreement Officer indicates a letter of request suffices. (m) Within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the request for budget revisions, the USAID Agreement Officer shall review the request and notify the recipient whether the budget revisions have been approved. If the revision is still under consideration at the end of 30 calendar days, the USAID Agreement Officer shall inform the recipient in writing of the date when the recipient may expect the decision. (a) Recipients and subrecipients that are institutions of higher education or other non-profit organizations (including hospitals) shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501–7507) and revised OMB Circular A–133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.” (b) State and local governments shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501–7507) and revised OMB Circular A–133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.” (c) For-profit hospitals not covered by the audit provisions of revised OMB Circular A–133 shall be subject to the audit requirements of the Federal awarding agencies. (d) Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements of USAID or the prime recipient as incorporated in the award document. [60 FR 3744, Jan. 19, 1995, as amended at 62 FR 45939, 45941, Aug. 29, 1997] For each kind of recipient, there is a set of Federal principles for determining allowable costs. Allowability of costs shall be determined by the Agreement Officer in accordance with the cost principles applicable to the entity incurring the costs. Thus, allowability of costs incurred by State, local or federally-recognized Indian tribal governments is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A–87, “Cost Principles for State and Local Governments.” The allowability of costs incurred by non-profit organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A–122, “Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations.” The allowability of costs incurred by institutions of higher education is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A–21, “Cost Principles for Educational Institutions.” The allowability of costs incurred by hospitals is determined in accordance with the provisions of Appendix E of 45 CFR part 74, “Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to Research and Development Under Grants and Contracts with Hospitals.” The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations and those non-profit organizations listed in Attachment C to Circular A–122 is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR part 31. Where a funding period is specified, a recipient may charge to the award only allowable costs resulting from obligations incurred during the funding period and any pre-award costs authorized by the USAID Agreement Officer. Sections 226.31 through 226.37 set forth uniform standards governing management and or disposition of property furnished by the Federal Government or whose cost was charged to a project supported by a Federal award. USAID shall not impose additional requirements unless specifically required by statute. The recipient may use its own property management standards and procedures provided it observes the provisions of §§226.31 through 226.37. Recipients shall, at a minimum, provide the equivalent insurance coverage for real property and equipment acquired with Federal funds as provided to property owned by the recipient. Federally-owned property need not be insured unless required by the terms and conditions of the award. (a) Unless the agreement provides otherwise, title to real property shall vest in the recipient subject to the condition that the recipient shall use the real property for the authorized purpose of the project as long as it is needed and shall not encumber the property without approval of the Agreement Officer. (b) The recipient shall obtain written approval from the Agreement Officer for the use of real property in other federally-sponsored projects when the recipient determines that the property is no longer needed for the purpose of the original project. Use in other projects shall be limited to those under federally-sponsored projects (i.e., awards) or programs that have purposes consistent with those authorized for support by USAID. (c) When the real property is no longer needed as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the recipient shall request disposition instructions from the Agreement Officer. The Agreement Officer will give one or more of the following disposition instructions: (1) The recipient may be permitted to retain title without further obligation to the Federal Government after it compensates the Federal Government for that percentage of the current fair market value of the property attributable to the Federal participation in the project. (2) The recipient may be directed to sell the property under guidelines provided by USAID and pay the Federal Government for that percentage of the current fair market value of the property attributable to the Federal participation in the project (after deducting actual and reasonable selling and fix-up expenses, if any, from the sales proceeds). When the recipient is authorized or required to sell the property, proper sales procedures shall be established that provide for competition to the extent practicable and result in the highest possible return. (3) The recipient may be directed to transfer title to the property to the Federal Government or to an eligible third party provided that, in such cases, the recipient shall be entitled to compensation for its attributable percentage of the current fair market value of the property. (a) Federally-owned property. (1) Title to federally-owned property remains vested in the Federal Government. Recipients shall submit annually an inventory listing of federally-owned property in their custody to USAID. Upon completion of the award or when the property is no longer needed, the recipient shall report the property to USAID for further Federal agency utilization. (2) If USAID has no further need for the property, it shall be declared excess and reported to the General Services Administration, unless USAID has statutory authority to dispose of the property by alternative methods (e.g., the authority provided by the Federal Technology Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 3710(I)) to donate research equipment to educational and non-profit organizations in accordance with E.O. 12821, “Improving Mathematics and Science Education in Support of the National Education Goals.”) Appropriate instructions shall be issued to the recipient by USAID. (b) Exempt property. When statutory authority exists, USAID has the option to vest title to property acquired with Federal funds in the recipient without further obligation to the Federal Government and under conditions USAID considers appropriate. Such property is “exempt property” (see definition in §226.2). Should USAID not establish conditions, title to exempt property upon acquisition shall vest in the recipient without further obligation to the Federal Government. (a) Unless the agreement provides otherwise, title to equipment acquired by a recipient with Federal funds shall vest in the recipient, subject to conditions of this part. (b) The recipient shall not use equipment acquired with Federal funds to provide services to non-Federal outside organizations for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services, unless specifically authorized by Federal statute, for as long as the Federal Government retains an interest in the equipment. (c) The recipient shall use the equipment in the project or program for which it was acquired as long as needed, whether or not the project or program continues to be supported by Federal funds and shall not encumber the property without approval of USAID. When no longer needed for the original project or program, the recipient shall use the equipment in connection with its other federally-sponsored activities, in the following order of priority: (1) Activities sponsored by USAID, then (2) Activities sponsored by other Federal agencies. (d) During the time that equipment is used on the project or program for which it was acquired, the recipient shall make it available for use on other projects or programs if such other use will not interfere with the work on the project or program for which the equipment was originally acquired. First preference for such other use shall be given to other projects or programs sponsored by USAID; second preference shall be given to projects or programs sponsored by other Federal agencies. If the equipment is owned by the Federal Government, use on other activities not sponsored by the Federal Government shall be permissible if authorized by USAID. User charges shall be treated as program income. (e) When acquiring replacement equipment, the recipient may use the equipment to be replaced as trade-in or sell the equipment and use the proceeds to offset the costs of the replacement equipment subject to the approval of USAID. (f) The recipient's property management standards for equipment acquired with Federal funds and federally-owned equipment shall include all of the following. (1) Equipment records shall be maintained accurately and shall include the following information. (i) A description of the equipment. (ii) Manufacturer's serial number, model number, Federal stock number, national stock number, or other identification number. (iii) Source of the equipment, including the award number. (iv) Whether title vests in the recipient, the Federal Government, or other specified entity. (v) Acquisition date (or date received, if the equipment was furnished by the Federal Government) and cost. (vi) Information from which one can calculate the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the equipment (not applicable to equipment furnished by the Federal Government). (vii) Location and condition of the equipment and the date the information was reported. (viii) Unit acquisition cost. (ix) Ultimate disposition data, including date of disposal and sales price or the method used to determine current fair market value where a recipient compensates USAID for its share. (2) Equipment owned by the Federal Government shall be identified to indicate Federal ownership. (3) A physical inventory of equipment shall be taken and the results reconciled with the equipment records at least once every two years. Any differences between quantities determined by the physical inspection and those shown in the accounting records shall be investigated to determine the causes of the difference. The recipient shall, in connection with the inventory, verify the existence, current utilization, and continued need for the equipment. (4) A control system shall be in effect to insure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the equipment. Any loss, damage, or theft of equipment shall be investigated and fully documented; if the equipment was owned by the Federal Government, the recipient shall promptly notify the Federal awarding agency with whose funds the equipment was purchased. (5) Adequate maintenance procedures shall be implemented to keep the equipment in good condition. (6) Where the recipient is authorized or required to sell the equipment, proper sales procedures shall be established which provide for competition to the extent practicable and result in the highest possible return. (g) When the recipient no longer needs the equipment, the equipment may be used for other activities in accordance with the following standards. For equipment with a current per unit fair market value of $5000 or more, the recipient may retain the equipment for other uses provided that compensation is made to the original Federal awarding agency or its successor. The amount of compensation shall be computed by applying the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the original project or program to the current fair market value of the equipment. If the recipient has no need for USAID-financed equipment, the recipient shall request disposition instructions from the Agreement Officer. USAID shall determine whether the equipment can be used to meet the agency's requirements. If no requirement exists within USAID, the availability of the equipment shall be reported to the General Services Administration to determine whether a requirement for the equipment exists in other Federal agencies. The USAID Agreement Officer shall issue instructions to the recipient no later than 120 calendar days after the recipient's request and the following procedures shall govern: (1) If so instructed or if disposition instructions are not issued within 120 calendar days after the recipient's request, the recipient shall sell the equipment and reimburse USAID an amount computed by applying to the sales proceeds the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the original project or program. However, the recipient shall be permitted to deduct and retain from the Federal share $500 or ten percent of the proceeds, whichever is less, for the recipient's selling and handling expenses. (2) If the recipient is instructed to ship the equipment elsewhere, the recipient shall be reimbursed by the Federal Government by an amount which is computed by applying the percentage of the recipient's participation in the cost of the original project or program to the current fair market value of the equipment, plus any reasonable shipping or interim storage costs incurred. (3) If the recipient is instructed to otherwise dispose of the equipment, the recipient will be reimbursed by USAID for such costs incurred in its disposition. (h) USAID reserves the right to transfer the title to the Federal Government or to a third party named by the Federal Government when such third party is otherwise eligible under existing statutes. Such transfer shall be subject to the following standards: (1) The equipment shall be appropriately identified in the award or otherwise made known to the recipient in writing. (2) USAID shall issue disposition instructions within 120 calendar days after receipt of a final inventory. The final inventory shall list all equipment acquired with award funds and federally-owned equipment. If USAID fails to issue disposition instructions within the 120 calendar day period, the recipient shall apply the standards of this section, as appropriate. (3) When USAID exercises its right to take title, the equipment shall be subject to the provisions for federally-owned equipment. (a) Title to supplies and other expendable equipment shall vest in the recipient upon acquisition. If there is a residual inventory of unused supplies exceeding $5000 in total aggregate value upon termination or completion of the project or program and the supplies are not needed for any other federally-sponsored project or program, the recipient shall retain the supplies for use on non-Federal sponsored activities or sell them, but shall, in either case, compensate the Federal Government for its share. The amount of compensation shall be computed in the same manner as for equipment. (b) The recipient shall not use supplies acquired with Federal funds to provide services to non-Federal outside organizations for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services, unless specifically authorized by Federal statute as long as the Federal Government retains an interest in the supplies. (a) The recipient may copyright any work that is subject to copyright and was developed, or for which ownership was purchased, under an award. USAID reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work for Federal purposes, and to authorize others to do so. (b) Recipients are subject to applicable regulations governing patents and inventions, including government-wide regulations issued by the Department of Commerce at 37 CFR part 401, “Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts and Cooperative Agreements.” (c) The Federal Government has the right to: (1) Obtain, reproduce, publish or otherwise use the data first produced under an award; and (2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes. (d) (1) In addition, in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for research data relating to published research findings produced under an award that were used by the Federal Government in developing an agency action that has the force and effect of law, the Federal awarding agency shall request, and the recipient shall provide, within a reasonable time, the research data so that they can be made available to the public through the procedures established under the FOIA. If the Federal awarding agency obtains the research data solely in response to a FOIA request, the agency may charge the requester a reasonable fee equaling the full incremental cost of obtaining the research data. This fee should reflect costs incurred by the agency, the recipient, and applicable subrecipients. This fee is in addition to any fees the agency may assess under the FOIA (5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)). (2) The following definitions apply for purposes of this paragraph (d): (i) Research data is defined as the recorded factual material commonly accepted in the scientific community as necessary to validate research findings, but not any of the following: preliminary analyses, drafts of scientific papers, plans for future research, peer reviews, or communications with colleagues. This “recorded” material excludes physical objects (e.g., laboratory samples). Research data also do not include: (A) Trade secrets, commercial information, materials necessary to be held confidential by a researcher until they are published, or similar information which is protected under law; and (B) Personnel and medical information and similar information the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, such as information that could be used to identify a particular person in a research study. (ii) Published is defined as either when: (A) Research findings are published in a peer-reviewed scientific or technical journal; or (B) A Federal agency publicly and officially cites the research findings in support of an agency action that has the force and effect of law. (iii) Used by the Federal Government in developing an agency action that has the force and effect of law is defined as when an agency publicly and officially cites the research findings in support of an agency action that has the force and effect of law. (e) Title to intangible property and debt instruments acquired under an award or subaward vests upon acquisition in the recipient. The recipient shall use that property for the originally-authorized purpose, and the recipient shall not encumber the property without approval of USAID. When no longer needed for the originally authorized purpose, disposition of the intangible property shall occur in accordance with the provisions of §226.34(g). [60 FR 3744, Jan. 19, 1995, as amended at 65 FR 14407, 14410, Mar. 16, 2000] Real property, equipment, intangible property and debt instruments that are acquired or improved with Federal funds shall be held in trust by the recipient as trustee for the beneficiaries of the project or program under which the property was acquired or improved. Recipients shall record liens or other appropriate notices of record to indicate that personal or real property has been acquired, improved or constructed with Federal funds and that use and disposition conditions apply to the property. Sections 226.41 through 226.48 set forth standards for use by recipients in establishing procedures for the procurement of supplies and other expendable property, equipment, real property and other services with Federal funds. These standards are furnished to ensure that such materials and services are obtained in an effective manner and in compliance with the provisions of applicable Federal statutes and executive orders. No additional procurement standards or requirements shall be imposed by USAID upon recipients, unless specifically required by Federal statute or executive order or approved by OMB. The standards contained in this section do not relieve the recipient of the contractual responsibilities arising under its contract(s). The recipient is the responsible authority, without recourse to USAID, regarding the settlement and satisfaction of all contractual and administrative issues arising out of procurements entered into in support of an award or other agreement. This includes disputes, claims, protests of award, source evaluation or other matters of a contractual nature. Matters concerning violation of statute are to be referred to such Federal, State or local authority as may have proper jurisdiction. The recipient shall maintain written standards of conduct governing the performance of its employees engaged in the award and administration of contracts. No employee, officer, or agent shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by Federal funds if a real or apparent conflict of interest would be involved. Such a conflict would arise when the employee, officer, or agent, any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for an award. The officers, employees, and agents of the recipient shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, or parties to subagreements. However, recipients may set standards for situations in which the financial interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value. The standards of conduct shall provide for disciplinary actions to be applied for violations of such standards by officers, employees, or agents of the recipient. All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. The recipient shall be alert to organizational conflicts of interest as well as noncompetitive practices among contractors that may restrict or eliminate competition or otherwise restrain trade. In order to ensure objective contractor performance and eliminate unfair competitive advantage, contractors that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, invitations for bids and/or requests for proposals shall be excluded from competing for such procurements. Awards shall be made to the bidder or offeror whose bid or offer is responsive to the solicitation and is most advantageous to the recipient, price, quality and other factors considered. Solicitations shall clearly establish all requirements that the bidder or offeror shall fulfill in order for the bid or offer to be evaluated by the recipient. Any and all bids or offers may be rejected when it is in the recipient's interest to do so. (a) All recipients shall establish written procurement procedures. These procedures shall provide, at a minimum, that: (1) Recipients avoid purchasing unnecessary items, (2) Where appropriate, an analysis is made of lease and purchase alternatives to determine which would be the most economical and practical procurement for the Federal Government, and (3) Solicitations for goods and services provide for all of the following. (i) A clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product or service to be procured. In competitive procurements, such a description shall not contain features which unduly restrict competition. (ii) Requirements which the bidder/offeror must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals. (iii) A description, whenever practicable, of technical requirements in terms of functions to be performed or performance required, including the range of acceptable characteristics or minimum acceptable standards. (iv) The specific features of “brand name or equal” descriptions that bidders are required to meet when such items are included in the solicitation. (v) The acceptance, to the extent practicable and economically feasible, of products and services dimensioned in the metric system of measurement. (vi) Preference, to the extent practicable and economically feasible, for products and services that conserve natural resources and protect the environment and are energy efficient. (b) Positive efforts shall be made by recipients to utilize small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises, whenever possible. Recipients of USAID awards shall take all of the following steps to further this goal. (1) Ensure that small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises are used to the fullest extent practicable. (2) Make information on forthcoming opportunities available and arrange time frames for purchases and contracts to encourage and facilitate participation by small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises. To permit USAID, in accordance with the small business provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, to give United States small business firms an opportunity to participate in supplying commodities and services procured under the award, the recipient shall to the maximum extent possible provide the following information to the Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU/MRC), USAID Washington, DC 20523, at least 45 days prior to placing any order or contract in excess of the small purchase threshold: (i) Brief general description and quantity of goods or services; (ii) Closing date for receiving quotations, proposals or bids; and (iii) Address where solicitations or specifications can be obtained. (3) Consider in the contract process whether firms competing for larger contracts intend to subcontract with small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises. (4) Encourage contracting with consortiums of small businesses, minority-owned firms and women's business enterprises when a contract is too large for one of these firms to handle individually. (5) Use the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency in the solicitation and utilization of small businesses, minority-owned firms and women's business enterprises. (c) The type of procuring instruments used (e.g., fixed price contracts, cost reimbursable contracts, purchase orders, and incentive contracts) shall be determined by the recipient but shall be appropriate for the particular procurement and for promoting the best interest of the program or project involved. The “cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost” or “percentage of construction cost” methods of contracting shall not be used. (d) Contracts shall be made only with responsible contractors who possess the potential ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of the proposed procurement. Consideration shall be given to such matters as contractor integrity, record of past performance, financial and technical resources or accessibility to other necessary resources. In certain circumstances, contracts with certain parties are restricted by agencies' implementation of E.O.s 12549 and 12689, “Debarment and Suspension.” (e) Recipients shall, on request, make available for USAID, pre-award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc., when any of the following conditions apply. (1) A recipient's procurement procedures or operation fails to comply with the procurement standards in this part. (2) The procurement is expected to exceed the small purchase threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) and is to be awarded without competition or only one bid or offer is received in response to a solicitation. (3) The procurement, which is expected to exceed the small purchase threshold, specifies a “brand name” product. (4) The proposed award over the small purchase threshold is to be awarded to other than the apparent low bidder under a sealed bid procurement. (5) A proposed contract modification changes the scope of a contract or increases the contract amount by more than the amount of the small purchase threshold. Some form of cost or price analysis shall be made and documented in the procurement files in connection with every procurement action. Price analysis may be accomplished in various ways, including the comparison of price quotations submitted, market prices and similar indicia, together with discounts. Cost analysis is the review and evaluation of each element of cost to determine reasonableness, allocability and allowability. Procurement records and files for purchases in excess of the small purchase threshold shall include the following at a minimum: (a) Basis for contractor selection, (b) Justification for lack of competition when competitive bids or offers are not obtained, and (c) Basis for award cost or price. A system for contract administration shall be maintained to ensure contractor conformance with the terms, conditions and specifications of the contract and to ensure adequate and timely follow up of all purchases. Recipients shall evaluate contractor performance and document, as appropriate, whether contractors have met the terms, conditions and specifications of the contract. The recipient shall include, in addition to provisions to define a sound and complete agreement, the following provisions in all contracts. The following provisions shall also be applied to subcontracts. (a) Contracts in excess of the small purchase threshold shall contain contractual provisions or conditions that allow for administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances in which a contractor violates or breaches the contract terms, and provide for such remedial actions as may be appropriate. (b) All contracts in excess of the small purchase threshold shall contain suitable provisions for termination by the recipient, including the manner by which termination shall be effected and the basis for settlement. In addition, such contracts shall describe conditions under which the contract may be terminated for default as well as conditions where the contract may be terminated because of circumstances beyond the control of the contractor. (c) Except as otherwise required by statute, an award that requires the contracting (or subcontracting) for construction or facility improvements shall provide for the recipient to follow its own requirements relating to bid guarantees, performance bonds, and payment bonds unless the construction contract or subcontract exceeds $100,000. For those contracts or subcontracts exceeding $100,000, the USAID Agreement Officer may accept the bonding policy and requirements of the recipient, provided that USAID determines that the Federal Government's interest is adequately protected. In making this determination for contract or subcontracts to be performed overseas, the Agreement Officer shall take into consideration any established local practices relating to security. If such a determination has not been made, the minimum requirements shall be as follows. (1) A bid guarantee from each bidder equivalent to five percent of the bid price. The “bid guarantee” shall consist of a firm commitment such as a bid bond, certified check, or other negotiable instrument accompanying a bid as assurance that the bidder shall, upon acceptance of its bid, execute such contractual documents as may be required within the time specified. (2) A performance bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent of the contract price. A “performance bond” is one executed in connection with a contract to secure fulfillment of all the contractor's obligations under such contract. (3) A payment bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent of the contract price. A “payment bond” is one executed in connection with a contract to assure payment as required by statute of all persons supplying labor and material in the execution of the work provided for in the contract. (4) Where bonds are required, the bonds shall be obtained from companies holding certificates of authority as acceptable sureties pursuant to 31 CFR part 223, “Surety Companies Doing Business with the United States.” (d) All negotiated contracts (except those for less than the small purchase threshold) awarded by recipients shall include a provision to the effect that the recipient, USAID, the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents, papers and records of the contractor which are directly pertinent to a specific program for the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts and transcriptions. (e) All contracts, including small purchases, awarded by recipients and their contractors shall contain the procurement provisions of Appendix A to this part, as applicable. Whenever a provision is required to be inserted in a contract under an agreement, the recipient shall insert a statement in the contract that in all instances where the U.S. Government or USAID is mentioned, the recipient's name shall be substituted. Procurement requirements which are applicable to USAID because of statute and regulation are in Subpart G. Sections 226.51 through 226.53 establish the procedures for monitoring and reporting on the recipient's financial and program performance and the necessary standard reporting forms. They also set forth record retention requirements. (a) Recipients are responsible for managing and monitoring each project, program, subaward, function or activity supported by the award. Recipients shall monitor subawards to ensure subrecipients have met the audit requirements as delineated in Section 226.26. (b) The terms and conditions of the agreement will prescribe the frequency with which the performance reports shall be submitted. Except as provided in paragraph 226.51(f), performance reports will not be required more frequently than quarterly or, less frequently than annually. Annual reports shall be due 90 calendar days after the award year; quarterly or semi-annual reports shall be due 30 days after the reporting period. USAID may require annual reports before the anniversary dates of multiple year awards in lieu of these requirements. The final performance reports are due 90 calendar days after the expiration or termination of the award. (c) If inappropriate, a final technical or performance report shall not be required after completion of the project. (d) Performance reports shall generally contain, for each award, brief information on each of the following: (1) A comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives established for the period, the findings of the investigator, or both. Whenever appropriate and the output of programs or projects can be readily quantified, such quantitative data should be related to cost data for computation of unit costs. (2) Reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate. (3) Other pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs. (e) Recipients shall submit the original and two copies of performance reports. (f) Recipients shall immediately notify USAID of developments that have a significant impact on the award-supported activities. Also, notification shall be given in the case of problems, delays, or adverse conditions which materially impair the ability to meet the objectives of the award. This notification shall include a statement of the action taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation. (g) USAID may make site visits, as needed. (h) USAID shall comply with clearance requirements of 5 CFR part 1320 when requesting performance data from recipients. (a) The following forms are used for obtaining financial information from recipients. (1) SF–269 or SF–269A, Financial Status Report. (i) USAID will require recipients to use either the SF–269 or SF–269A to report the status of funds for all nonconstruction projects or programs. The type of form required will be established in the award. USAID may, however, have the option of not requiring the SF–269 or SF–269A when the SF–270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement, or SF–272, Report of Federal Cash Transactions, is determined to provide adequate information to meet its needs, except that a final SF–269 or SF–269A shall be required at the completion of the project when the SF–270 is used only for advances. (ii) The type of reporting required will be established in the agreement. If USAID requires accrual information and the recipient's accounting records are not normally kept on the accrual basis, the recipient shall not be required to convert its accounting system, but shall develop such accrual information through best estimates based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (iii) USAID will determine the frequency of the Financial Status Report for each project or program, considering the size and complexity of the particular project or program. The frequency of reports will be established in the agreement. However, the report shall not be required more frequently than quarterly or less frequently than annually. A final report shall be required at the completion of the agreement. (iv) Recipients shall submit the SF–269 or SF–269A (an original and two copies) no later than 30 days after the end of each specified reporting period for quarterly and semi-annual reports, and 90 calendar days for annual and final reports. Extensions of reporting due dates may be approved by USAID upon request of the recipient. (2) SF–272, Report of Federal Cash Transactions. (i) When funds are advanced to recipients USAID shall require each recipient to submit the SF–272 and, when necessary, its continuation sheet, SF–272a. USAID shall use this report to monitor cash advanced to recipients and to obtain disbursement information for each agreement with the recipients. (ii) USAID may require forecasts of Federal cash requirements in the “Remarks” section of the report. (iii) When practical and deemed necessary, USAID may require recipients to report in the “Remarks” section the amount of cash advances received in excess of three days. Recipients shall provide short narrative explanations of actions taken to reduce the excess balances. (iv) Recipients shall be required to submit not more than the original and two copies of the SF–272 15 calendar days following the end of each quarter. USAID may require a monthly report from those recipients receiving advances totaling $1 million or more per year. (v) USAID may waive the requirement for submission of the SF–272 for any one of the following reasons: (A) When monthly advances do not exceed $25,000 per recipient, provided that such advances are monitored through other forms contained in this section; (B) If, in USAID's opinion, the recipient's accounting controls are adequate to minimize excessive Federal advances; or, (C) When the electronic payment mechanisms provide adequate data. (b) When USAID needs additional information or more frequent reports, the following shall be observed. (1) When additional information is needed to comply with legislative requirements, USAID shall issue instructions to require recipients to submit such information under the “Remarks” section of the reports. (2) When USAID determines that a recipient's accounting system does not meet the standards in Section 226.21, additional pertinent information to further monitor awards may be obtained upon written notice to the recipient until such time as the system is brought up to standard. USAID, in obtaining this information, shall comply with report clearance requirements of 5 CFR part 1320. (3) USAID may accept the identical information from the recipients in machine readable format or computer printouts or electronic outputs in lieu of prescribed formats. (4) USAID may provide computer or electronic outputs to recipients when such expedites or contributes to the accuracy of reporting. (a) This section sets forth requirements for record retention and access to records for awards to recipients. USAID shall not impose any other record retention or access requirements upon recipients. (b) Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to an award shall be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, as authorized by USAID. The only exceptions are the following: (1) If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records shall be retained until all litigation, claims or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken. (2) Records for real property and equipment acquired with Federal funds shall be retained for 3 years after final disposition. (3) When records are transferred to or maintained by USAID, the 3-year retention requirements is not applicable to the recipient. (4) Indirect cost rate proposals, cost allocations plans, etc. as specified in paragraph 226.53(g). (c) Copies of original records may be substituted for the original records if authorized by USAID. (d) USAID shall request transfer of certain records to its custody from recipients when it determines that the records possess long term retention value. However, in order to avoid duplicate recordkeeping, USAID may make arrangements for recipients to retain any records that are continuously needed for joint use. (e) USAID, the Inspector General, Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, have the right of timely and unrestricted access to any books, documents, papers, or other records of recipients that are pertinent to the awards, in order to make audits, examinations, excerpts, transcripts and copies of such documents. This right also includes timely and reasonable access to a recipient's personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion related to such documents. The rights of access in this paragraph are not limited to the required retention period, but shall last as long as records are retained. (f) Unless required by statute, USAID will not place restrictions on recipients that limit public access to the records of recipients that are pertinent to an award, except when USAID can demonstrate that such records shall be kept confidential and would have been exempted from disclosure pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) if the records had belonged to USAID. (g) Indirect cost rate proposals, cost allocations plans, etc. Paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this section apply to the following types of documents, and their supporting records: indirect cost rate computations or proposals, cost allocation plans, and any similar accounting computations of the rate at which a particular group of costs is chargeable (such as computer usage chargeback rates or composite fringe benefit rates). (1) If submitted for negotiation. If the recipient submits to the Federal awarding agency or the subrecipient submits to the recipient the proposal, plan, or other computation to form the basis for negotiation of the rate, then the 3-year retention period for its supporting records starts on the date of such submission. (2) If not submitted for negotiation. If the recipient is not required to submit to the Federal awarding agency or the subrecipient is not required to submit to the recipient the proposal, plan, or other computation for negotiation purposes, then the 3-year retention period for the proposal, plan, or other computation and its supporting records starts at the end of the fiscal year (or other accounting period) covered by the proposal, plan, or other computation. Sections 226.61 and 226.62 set forth uniform suspension, termination and enforcement procedures. (a) Awards may be terminated (or, with respect to paragraphs (a) (1) and (3) of this section, suspended) in whole or in part if any of the circumstances stated in paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this section apply. (1) By USAID, if a recipient materially fails to comply with the terms and conditions of an award. (2) By USAID with the consent of the recipient, in which case the two parties shall agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. (3) If at any time USAID determines that continuation of all or part of the funding for a program should be suspended or terminated because such assistance would not be in the national interest of the United States or would be in violation of an applicable law, then USAID may, following notice to the recipient, suspend or terminate the award in whole or in part and prohibit the recipient from incurring additional obligations chargeable to the award other than those costs specified in the notice of suspension. If a suspension is effected and the situation causing the suspension continues for 60 days or more, then USAID may terminate the award in whole or in part on written notice to the recipient and cancel any portion of the award which has not been disbursed or irrevocably committed to third parties. (4) By the recipient upon sending to USAID written notification setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. However, if USAID determines in the case of partial termination that the reduced or modified portion of the award will not accomplish the purposes for which the grant was made, it may terminate the award in its entirety under paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this section. (b) If costs are allowed under an award, the responsibilities of the recipient referred to in paragraph 226.71(a), including those for property management as applicable, shall be considered in the termination of the award, and provision shall be made for continuing responsibilities of the recipient after termination, as appropriate. (a) Remedies for noncompliance. If a recipient materially fails to comply with the terms and conditions of an award, whether stated in a Federal statute, regulation, assurance, application, or notice of award, USAID may, in addition to imposing any of the special conditions outlined in §226.14, take one or more of the following actions, as appropriate in the circumstances. (1) Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency by the recipient or more severe enforcement action by USAID. (2) Disallow (that is, deny both use of funds and any applicable matching credit for) all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in compliance. (3) Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the current award. (4) Withhold further awards for the project or program. (5) Take other remedies that may be legally available. (b) Hearings and appeals. The recipient may appeal, in accordance with Subpart F, any action taken by USAID on which a dispute exists and a decision by the Agreement Officer has been obtained. There is no right to a hearing on such an appeal. (c) Effects of suspension and termination. Costs of a recipient resulting from obligations incurred by the recipient during a suspension or after termination of an award are not allowable unless USAID expressly authorizes them in the notice of suspension or termination or subsequently. Other recipient costs during suspension or after termination which are necessary and not reasonably avoidable are allowable if: (1) The costs result from obligations which were properly incurred by the recipient before the effective date of suspension or termination, are not in anticipation of it, and in the case of a termination, are noncancellable, and (2) The costs would be allowable if the award were not suspended or expired normally at the end of the funding period in which the termination takes effect. (d) Relationship to debarment and suspension. The enforcement remedies identified in this section, including suspension and termination, do not preclude a recipient from being subject to debarment and suspension under E.O.s 12549 and 12689 and USAID's implementing regulations (see 22 CFR Part 208). Sections 226.71 through 226.73 contain closeout procedures and other procedures for subsequent disallowances and adjustments. (a) Recipients shall submit, within 90 calendar days after the date of completion of the award, all financial, performance, and other reports as required by the terms and conditions of the award. USAID may approve extensions when requested by the recipient. (b) Unless USAID authorizes an extension, a recipient shall liquidate all obligations incurred under the award not later than 90 calendar days after the funding period or the date of completion as specified in the terms and conditions of the award or in agency implementing instructions. (c) USAID will make prompt payments to a recipient for allowable reimbursable costs under the award being closed out. (d) The recipient shall promptly refund any balances of unobligated cash that USAID has advanced or paid and that is not authorized to be retained by the recipient for use in other projects. OMB Circular A–129 governs unreturned amounts that become delinquent debts. (e) When authorized by the terms and conditions of the award, USAID shall make a settlement for any upward or downward adjustments to the Federal share of costs after closeout reports are received. (f) The recipient shall account for any real and personal property acquired with Federal funds or received from the Federal Government in accordance with §§226.31 through 226.37. (g) In the event a final audit has not been performed prior to the closeout of an award, USAID retains the right to recover an appropriate amount after fully considering the recommendations on disallowed costs resulting from the final audit. (a) The closeout of an award does not affect any of the following. (1) The right of USAID to disallow costs and recover funds on the basis of a later audit or other review. (2) The obligation of the recipient to return any funds due as a result of later refunds, corrections, or other transactions. (3) Audit requirements in §§226.26. (4) Property management requirements in §§226.31 through 226.37. (5) Records retention as required in §226.53. (b) After closeout of an award, a relationship created under an award may be modified or ended in whole or in part with the consent of USAID and the recipient, provided the responsibilities of the recipient referred to in paragraph 226.73(a), including those for property management as applicable, are considered and provisions made for continuing responsibilities of the recipient, as appropriate. (a) Any funds paid to a recipient in excess of the amount to which the recipient is finally determined to be entitled under the terms and conditions of the award constitute a debt to the Federal Government. USAID reserves the right to require refund by the recipient of any amount which USAID determines to have been expended for purposes not in accordance with the terms and condition of the award, including but not limited to costs which are not allowable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles or other terms and conditions of the award. If not paid within a reasonable period after the demand for payment, USAID may reduce the debt by: (1) Making an administrative offset against other requests for reimbursements, (2) Withholding advance payments otherwise due to the recipient, or (3) Taking other action permitted by law. (b) Except as otherwise provided by law, USAID will charge interest on an overdue debt in accordance with 4 CFR Chapter II, “Federal Claims Collection Standards.” This subpart contains additional provisions that apply to awards to commercial organizations. These provisions supplement and make exceptions for awards to commercial organizations from other provisions of this part. No funds shall be paid as profit to any recipient that is a commercial organization. Profit is any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. The additional costs alternative described in §226.24(b)(1) may not be applied to program income earned by a commercial organization. (a) Any dispute under or relating to a grant or agreement shall be decided by the USAID Agreement Officer. The Agreement Officer shall furnish the recipient a written copy of the decision. (b) Decisions of the USAID Agreement Officer shall be final unless, within 30 days of receipt of the decision, the grantee appeals the decision to USAID's Deputy Assistant Administrator for Management, USAID, Washington, DC 20523. Appeals must be in writing with a copy concurrently furnished to the Agreement Officer. (c) In order to facilitate review on the record by the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Management, the recipient shall be given an opportunity to submit written evidence in support of its appeal. No hearing will be provided. (d) Decisions by the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Management shall be final. (a) USAID policy is that all programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities, specified further at paragraph (b)–(e) of this section, partially or fully funded by a USAID grant or cooperative agreement or other assistance award or subaward must be marked appropriately overseas with the USAID Identity, of a size and prominence equivalent to or greater than the recipient's, other donor's or any other third party's identity or logo. (1) USAID reserves the right to require the USAID Identity to be larger and more prominent if it is the majority donor, or to require that a cooperating country government's identity be larger and more prominent if circumstances warrant; any such requirement will be on a case-by-case basis depending on the audience, program goals and materials produced. (2) USAID reserves the right to request pre-production review of USAID funded public communications and program materials for compliance with the approved Marking Plan. (3) USAID reserves the right to require marking with the USAID Identity in the event the recipient does not choose to mark with its own identity or logo. (4) To ensure that the marking requirements “flow down” to subrecipients of subawards, recipients of USAID funded grants and cooperative agreements or other assistance awards are required to include a USAID-approved marking provision in any USAID funded subaward, as follows:
As a condition of receipt of this subaward, marking with the USAID Identity of a size and prominence equivalent to or greater than the recipient's, subrecipient's, other donor's or third party's is required. In the event the recipient chooses not to require marking with its own identity or logo by the subrecipient, USAID may, at its discretion, require marking by the subrecipient with the USAID Identity. (b) Subject to §226.91 (a), (h), and (j), program, project, or activity sites funded by USAID, including visible infrastructure projects (for example, roads, bridges, buildings) or other programs, projects, or activities that are physical in nature (for example, agriculture, forestry, water management), must be marked with the USAID Identity. Temporary signs or plaques should be erected early in the construction or implementation phase. When construction or implementation is complete, a permanent, durable sign, plaque or other marking must be installed. (c) Subject to §226.91 (a), (h), and (j), technical assistance, studies, reports, papers, publications, audio-visual productions, public service announcements, Web sites/Internet activities and other promotional, informational, media, or communications products funded by USAID must be marked with the USAID Identity. (1) Any “public communications” as defined in §226.2, funded by USAID, in which the content has not been approved by USAID, must contain the following disclaimer:
This study/report/audio/visual/other information/media product (specify) is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of [insert recipient name] and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. (2) The recipient shall provide the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) or other USAID personnel designated in the grant or cooperative agreement with at least two copies of all program and communications materials produced under the award. In addition, the recipient shall submit one electronic and/or one hard copy of all final documents to USAID's Development Experience Clearinghouse. (d) Subject to §226.91 (a), (h), and (j), events financed by USAID such as training courses, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, fairs, workshops, press conferences and other public activities, must be marked appropriately with the USAID Identity. Unless directly prohibited and as appropriate to the surroundings, recipients should display additional materials such as signs and banners with the USAID Identity. In circumstances in which the USAID Identity cannot be displayed visually, recipients are encouraged otherwise to acknowledge USAID and the American people's support. (e) Subject to §226.91 (a), (h), and (j), all commodities financed by USAID, including commodities or equipment provided under humanitarian assistance or disaster relief programs, and all other equipment, supplies and other materials funded by USAID, and their export packaging, must be marked with the USAID Identity. (f) After technical evaluation of applications for USAID funding, USAID Agreement Officers will request Apparent Successful Applicants to submit a Branding Strategy, defined in §226.2. The proposed Branding Strategy will not be evaluated competitively. The Agreement Officer shall review for adequacy the proposed Branding Strategy, and will negotiate, approve and include the Branding Strategy in the award. Failure to submit or negotiate a Branding Strategy within the time specified by the Agreement Officer will make the Apparent Successful Applicant ineligible for award. (g) After technical evaluation of applications for USAID funding, USAID Agreement Officers will request Apparent Successful Applicants to submit a Marking Plan, defined in §226.2. The Marking Plan may include requests for approval of Presumptive Exceptions, paragraph (h) of this section. All estimated costs associated with branding and marking USAID programs, such as plaques, labels, banners, press events, promotional materials, and the like, must be included in the total cost estimate of the grant or cooperative agreement or other assistance award, and are subject to revision and negotiation with the Agreement Officer upon submission of the Marking Plan. The Marking Plan will not be evaluated competitively. The Agreement Officer shall review for adequacy the proposed Marking Plan, and will negotiate, approve and include the Marking Plan in the award. Failure to submit or negotiate a Marking Plan within the time specified by the Agreement Officer will make the Apparent Successful Applicant ineligible for award. Agreement Officers have the discretion to suspend the implementation requirements of the Marking Plan if circumstances warrant. Recipients of USAID funded grant or cooperative agreement or other assistance award or subaward should retain copies of any specific marking instructions or waivers in their project, program or activity files. Cognizant Technical Officers will be assigned responsibility to monitor marking requirements on the basis of the approved Marking Plan. (h) Presumptive exceptions: (1) The above marking requirements in §226.91 (a)–(e) may not apply if marking would: (i) Compromise the intrinsic independence or neutrality of a program or materials where independence or neutrality is an inherent aspect of the program and materials, such as election monitoring or ballots, and voter information literature; political party support or public policy advocacy or reform; independent media, such as television and radio broadcasts, newspaper articles and editorials; public service announcements or public opinion polls and surveys. (ii) Diminish the credibility of audits, reports, analyses, studies, or policy recommendations whose data or findings must be seen as independent. (iii) Undercut host-country government “ownership” of constitutions, laws, regulations, policies, studies, assessments, reports, publications, surveys or audits, public service announcements, or other communications better positioned as “by” or “from” a cooperating country ministry or government official. (iv) Impair the functionality of an item, such as sterilized equipment or spare parts. (v) Incur substantial costs or be impractical, such as items too small or other otherwise unsuited for individual marking, such as food in bulk. (vi) Offend local cultural or social norms, or be considered inappropriate on such items as condoms, toilets, bed pans, or similar commodities. (vii) Conflict with international law. (2) These exceptions are presumptive, not automatic and must be approved by the Agreement Officer. Apparent Successful Applicants may request approval of one or more of the presumptive exceptions, depending on the circumstances, in their Marking Plan. The Agreement Officer will review requests for presumptive exceptions for adequacy, along with the rest of the Marking Plan. When reviewing a request for approval of a presumptive exception, the Agreement Officer may review how program materials will be marked (if at all) if the USAID identity is removed. Exceptions approved will apply to subrecipients unless otherwise provided by USAID. (i) In cases where the Marking Plan has not been complied with, the Agreement Officer will initiate corrective action. Such action may involve informing the recipient of a USAID grant or cooperative agreement or other assistance award or subaward of instances of noncompliance and requesting that the recipient carry out it's responsibilities as set forth in the Marking Plan and award. Major or repeated non-compliance with the Marking Plan will be governed by the uniform suspension and termination procedures set forth at 22 CFR 226.61 and 226.62. (j) USAID Principal Officers, defined for purposes of this provision at §226.2, may at any time after award waive in whole or in part the USAID approved Marking Plan, including USAID marking requirements for each USAID funded program, project, activity, public communication or commodity, or in exceptional circumstances may make a waiver by region or country, if the Principal Officer determines that otherwise USAID required marking would pose compelling political, safety, or security concerns, or marking would have an adverse impact in the cooperating country. USAID recipients may request waivers of the Marking Plan in whole or in part, through the Cognizant Technical Officer. No marking is required while a waiver determination is pending. The waiver determination on safety or security grounds must be made in consultation with U.S. Government security personnel if available, and must consider the same information that applies to determinations of the safety and security of U.S. Government employees in the cooperating country, as well as any information supplied by the Cognizant Technical Officer or the recipient for whom the waiver is sought. When reviewing a request for approval of a waiver, the Principal Officer may review how program materials will be marked (if at all) if the USAID Identity is removed. Approved waivers are not limited in duration but are subject to Principal Officer review at any time due to changed circumstances. Approved waivers “flow down” to recipients of subawards unless specified otherwise. Principal Officers may also authorize the removal of USAID markings already affixed if circumstances warrant. Principal Officers' determinations regarding waiver requests are subject to appeal to the Principal Officer's cognizant Assistant Administrator. Recipients may appeal by submitting a written request to reconsider the Principal Officer's waiver determination to the cognizant Assistant Administrator. (k) Non-retroactivity. Marking requirements apply to any obligation of USAID funds for new awards as of January 2, 2006. Marking requirements also will apply to new obligations under existing awards, such as incremental funding actions, as of January 2, 2006, when the total estimated cost of the existing award has been increased by USAID or the scope of work is changed to accommodate any costs associated with marking. In the event a waiver is rescinded, the marking requirements shall apply from the date forward that the waiver is rescinded. In the event of the rescinding of a waiver after the date of completion as defined in 22 CFR 226.2 but before closeout as defined in 22 CFR 226.2., the USAID mission or operating unit with initial responsibility to administer the marking requirements shall make a cost benefit analysis as to requiring USAID marking requirements after the date of completion of the affected programs, projects, activities, public communications or commodities. (l) The USAID Identity, USAID Partner Co-Branding Guide, and other guidance will be provided at no cost or fee to recipients of USAID grants, cooperative agreements or other assistance awards or subawards. Additional costs associated with marking requirements will be met by USAID if reasonable, allowable, and allocable under the cost principles of OMB Cost Circular A–122. The standard cost reimbursement provisions of the grant, cooperative agreement, other assistance award or subaward should be followed when applying for reimbursement of additional marking costs. (m) This section shall become effective on January 2, 2006. [70 FR 50190, Aug. 26, 2005] All contracts, awarded by a recipient including small purchases, shall contain the following provisions as applicable: 1. Equal Employment Opportunity— All contracts to be performed in the United States, or to be performed with employees who were recruited in the United States, shall contain a provision requiring compliance with E.O. 11246, “Equal Employment Opportunity,” as amended by E.O. 11375, “Amending Executive Order 11246 Relating to Equal Employment Opportunity,” and as supplemented by regulations at 41 CFR Chapter 60, “Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Equal Employment Opportunity, Department of Labor,” to the extent required by the foregoing. 2. Copeland “Anti-Kickback” Act (18 U.S.C. 874 and 40 U.S.C. 276c)— All contracts and subawards in excess of $2,000 for construction or repair to be performed in the United States awarded by recipients and subrecipients shall include a provision for compliance with the Copeland “Anti-Kickback” Act (18 U.S.C. 874), as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR part 3, “Contractors and Subcontractors on Public Building or Public Work Financed in Whole or in Part by Loans or Grants from the United States”). The Act provides that each contractor or subrecipient shall be prohibited from inducing, by any means, any person employed in the construction, completion, or repair of public work, to give up any part of the compensation to which he is otherwise entitled. The recipient shall report all suspected or reported violations to the Federal awarding agency. 3. Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 276a to a–7)— When required by Federal program legislation, all construction, alteration, and/or repair contracts to be performed in the United States awarded by the recipients and subrecipients of more than $2,000 shall include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276a to a–7) and as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR part 5, “Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction”). Under this Act, contractors shall be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the minimum wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors shall be required to pay wages not less than once a week. The recipient shall place a copy of the current prevailing wage determination issued by the Department of Labor in each solicitation and the award of a contract shall be conditioned upon the acceptance of the wage determination. The recipient shall report all suspected or reported violations to the Federal awarding agency. 4. Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 327–333)— Where applicable, all contracts awarded by recipients in excess of $2000 for construction contracts to be performed in the United States and in excess of $2500 for other such contracts that involve the employment of mechanics or laborers shall include a provision for compliance with sections 102 and 107 of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 327–333), as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR part 5). Under section 102 of the Act, each contractor shall be required to compute the wages of every mechanic and laborer on the basis of a standard work week of 40 hours. Work in excess of the standard work week is permissible provided that the worker is compensated at a rate of not less than 1 5. Rights to Inventions Made Under a Contract or Agreement— Contracts or agreements for the performance of experimental, developmental, or research work shall provide for the rights of the Federal Government and the recipient in any resulting invention in accordance with 37 CFR part 401, “Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts and Cooperative Agreements,” and any implementing regulations issued by the awarding agency. 6. Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), as amended—Contracts and subawards of amounts in excess of $100,000 to be performed in the United States shall contain a provision that requires the recipient to agree to comply with all applicable standards, orders or regulations issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.). Violations shall be reported to the Federal awarding agency and the Regional Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 7. Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment (31 U.S.C. 1352)— Contractors who apply or bid for an award exceeding $100,000 shall file the required certification. Each tier certifies to the tier above that it will not and has not used Federal appropriated funds to pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with obtaining any Federal contract, grant or any other award covered by 31 U.S.C. 1352. Each tier shall also disclose any lobbying with non-Federal funds that takes place in connection with obtaining any Federal award. Such disclosures are forwarded from tier to tier up to the recipient. 8. Debarment and Suspension (E.O.s 12549 and 12689)— Certain contracts shall not be made to parties listed on the nonprocurement portion of the General Services Administration's “Lists of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Nonprocurement Programs” in accordance with E.O.s 12549 and 12689, “Debarment and Suspension.” This list contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, and contractors declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory authority other than E.O. 12549. Contractors with awards that exceed the small purchase threshold shall provide the required certification regarding its exclusion status and that of its principals. 9. Contracts which require performance outside the United States shall contain a provision requiring Worker's Compensation Insurance (42 U.S.C. 1651, et seq.). As a general rule, Department of Labor waivers will be obtained for persons employed outside the United States who are not United States citizens or residents provided adequate protection will be given such persons. The recipient should refer questions on this subject to the USAID Agreement Officer.
Title 22: Foreign Relations
PART 226—ADMINISTRATION OF ASSISTANCE AWARDS TO U.S. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
Section Contents
§ 226.1 Purpose and applicability.
§ 226.2 Definitions.
§ 226.3 Effect on other issuances.
§ 226.4 Deviations.
§ 226.5 Subawards.
§ 226.10 Purpose.
§ 226.11 Pre-award policies.
§ 226.12 Forms for applying for Federal assistance.
§ 226.13 Debarment and suspension.
§ 226.14 Special award conditions.
§ 226.15 Metric system of measurement.
§ 226.16 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
§ 226.17 Certifications and representations.
Financial and Program Management
§ 226.20 Purpose of financial and program management.
§ 226.21 Standards for financial management systems.
§ 226.22 Payment.
§ 226.23 Cost sharing or matching.
§ 226.24 Program income.
§ 226.25 Revision of budget and program plans.
§ 226.26 Non-Federal audits.
§ 226.27 Allowable costs.
§ 226.28 Period of availability of funds.
Property Standards
§ 226.30 Purpose of property standards.
§ 226.31 Insurance coverage.
§ 226.32 Real property.
§ 226.33 Federally-owned and exempt property.
§ 226.34 Equipment.
§ 226.35 Supplies and other expendable equipment.
§ 226.36 Intangible property.
§ 226.37 Property trust relationship.
Procurement Standards
§ 226.40 Purpose of procurement standards.
§ 226.41 Recipient responsibilities.
§ 226.42 Codes of conduct.
§ 226.43 Competition.
§ 226.44 Procurement procedures.
§ 226.45 Cost and price analysis.
§ 226.46 Procurement records.
§ 226.47 Contract administration.
§ 226.48 Contract provisions.
§ 226.49 USAID-Specific procurement requirements
Reports and Records
§ 226.50 Purpose of reports and records.
§ 226.51 Monitoring and reporting program performance.
§ 226.52 Financial reporting.
§ 226.53 Retention and access requirements for records.
Suspension, Termination and Enforcement
§ 226.60 Purpose of suspension, termination and enforcement.
§ 226.61 Suspension and termination.
§ 226.62 Enforcement.
§ 226.70 Purpose.
§ 226.71 Closeout procedures.
§ 226.72 Subsequent adjustments and continuing responsibilities.
§ 226.73 Collection of amounts due.
§ 226.80 Scope of subpart.
§ 226.81 Prohibition against profit.
§ 226.82 Program income.
§ 226.90 Disputes.
§ 226.91 Marking.
§ 226.1001 Eligibility rules for goods and services. [Reserved]
§ 226.1002 Local cost financing. [Reserved]
§ 226.1003 Air transportation. [Reserved]
§ 226.1004 Ocean shipment of goods. [Reserved]
Appendix A to Part 226—Contract Provisions
Subpart A—General
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§ 226.1 Purpose and applicability.
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§ 226.2 Definitions.
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§ 226.3 Effect on other issuances.
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§ 226.4 Deviations.
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§ 226.5 Subawards.
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Subpart B—Pre-award Requirements
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§ 226.10 Purpose.
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§ 226.11 Pre-award policies.
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§ 226.12 Forms for applying for Federal assistance.
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§ 226.13 Debarment and suspension.
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§ 226.14 Special award conditions.
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§ 226.15 Metric system of measurement.
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§ 226.16 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
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§ 226.17 Certifications and representations.
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Subpart C—Post-award Requirements
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Financial and Program Management
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§ 226.20 Purpose of financial and program management.
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§ 226.21 Standards for financial management systems.
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§ 226.22 Payment.
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§ 226.23 Cost sharing or matching.
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§ 226.24 Program income.
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§ 226.25 Revision of budget and program plans.
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§ 226.26 Non-Federal audits.
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§ 226.27 Allowable costs.
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§ 226.28 Period of availability of funds.
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Property Standards
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§ 226.30 Purpose of property standards.
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§ 226.31 Insurance coverage.
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§ 226.32 Real property.
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§ 226.33 Federally-owned and exempt property.
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§ 226.34 Equipment.
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§ 226.35 Supplies and other expendable equipment.
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§ 226.36 Intangible property.
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§ 226.37 Property trust relationship.
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Procurement Standards
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§ 226.40 Purpose of procurement standards.
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§ 226.41 Recipient responsibilities.
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§ 226.42 Codes of conduct.
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§ 226.43 Competition.
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§ 226.44 Procurement procedures.
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§ 226.45 Cost and price analysis.
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§ 226.46 Procurement records.
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§ 226.47 Contract administration.
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§ 226.48 Contract provisions.
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§ 226.49 USAID-Specific procurement requirements
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Reports and Records
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§ 226.50 Purpose of reports and records.
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§ 226.51 Monitoring and reporting program performance.
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§ 226.52 Financial reporting.
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§ 226.53 Retention and access requirements for records.
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Suspension, Termination and Enforcement
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§ 226.60 Purpose of suspension, termination and enforcement.
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§ 226.61 Suspension and termination.
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§ 226.62 Enforcement.
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Subpart D—After-the-Award Requirements
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§ 226.70 Purpose.
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§ 226.71 Closeout procedures.
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§ 226.72 Subsequent adjustments and continuing responsibilities.
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§ 226.73 Collection of amounts due.
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Subpart E—Additional Provisions For Awards to Commercial Organizations
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§ 226.80 Scope of subpart.
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§ 226.81 Prohibition against profit.
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§ 226.82 Program income.
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Subpart F—Miscellaneous
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§ 226.90 Disputes.
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§ 226.91 Marking.
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Subpart G—USAID-Specific Requirements
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§ 226.1001 Eligibility rules for goods and services. [Reserved]
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§ 226.1002 Local cost financing. [Reserved]
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§ 226.1003 Air transportation. [Reserved]
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§ 226.1004 Ocean shipment of goods. [Reserved]
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Appendix A to Part 226—Contract Provisions
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