The Grants and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.) is a federal law that establishes the framework for how federal agencies award grants and cooperative agreements. The law was passed with the intent of ensuring that federal funds are used efficiently and effectively to achieve the public purposes for which they were appropriated.
The act requires that all federal agencies establish guidelines and procedures for the award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements. These guidelines must be in accordance with specific standards set forth in the law. As a result, all grant and cooperative agreement applications must meet certain criteria to be considered for funding.
Grants and cooperative agreements are similar in many ways, but they have one fundamental difference. Grants are typically awarded to organizations or individuals for a specific purpose, while cooperative agreements involve a more collaborative relationship between the grantee and the federal agency. In a cooperative agreement, the grantee plays a more active role in the project and works closely with the agency to ensure that the project is completed successfully.
In addition to establishing guidelines and procedures for the award of grants and cooperative agreements, the act also provides for the establishment of a standard set of administrative requirements and cost principles. These requirements and principles help ensure that federal funds are used in accordance with federal regulations, and that grantees and cooperative agreement partners are held accountable for their use.
One of the most significant administrative requirements is the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 C.F.R. Part 200). These regulations establish a consistent set of rules for the award and administration of federal grants and cooperative agreements. They cover a wide range of topics, including financial management, procurement, reporting, and closeout procedures.
Overall, the Grants and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 plays a crucial role in ensuring that federal funds are used in a responsible and effective manner. By establishing clear guidelines and procedures for the award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements, the act helps promote transparency and accountability in the use of federal funds. Whether you are an individual seeking grant funding or an organization looking to partner with a federal agency on a cooperative agreement, familiarity with the act is essential to navigate the grant and cooperative agreement application process.
