Compliance Conversations | Proposed Uniform Guidance Updates: Key Insights and Next Steps-Video Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

NGMA’s webinar introduced proposed changes to the Uniform Guidance, now being rebranded as the “Uniform Grant Regulations (UGR).” Speakers explained that OMB released the draft rule in late May, with comments due July 13, 2026, and a final rule potentially effective October 1. They urged attendees to submit comments through regulations.gov.<br /><br />The session reviewed major proposed shifts in both pre-award and post-award requirements. Key topics included eliminating fixed-amount subawards, expanding merit and risk reviews, adding new specific conditions, strengthening monitoring, and allowing agencies to terminate or suspend awards more easily, often without appeal. The speakers also discussed proposed limits on DEI-related activities, foreign collaborations, conferences, lobbying, memberships, and publication costs, as well as new requirements around e-Verify, cash management, and procurement documentation.<br /><br />They highlighted concerns that many provisions are vague, burdensome, and likely to face litigation, especially around OMB’s authority to turn guidance into binding regulation. Some items were presented as positives, such as maintaining tribal flexibilities, preserving indirect cost rules for now, and encouraging multi-year awards.<br /><br />Overall, the webinar emphasized that these are only proposed changes, not final rules, and that grantees should prepare, comment, and watch for future guidance.

Keywords

Uniform Guidance

Uniform Grant Regulations

OMB proposed rule

grant compliance

pre-award requirements

post-award requirements

subawards

grant monitoring

regulations.gov comments