In a previous post, we looked at 6 questions you should ask to tell how safe your federal grant is from conflicts of interest.
In today’s post, we’ll look at what you can do to reduce the risk of a conflict of interest affecting your organization’s federal funding.
Here are 5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Conflict of Interest.
It is nearly impossible to stop all risks of grant fraud, but here are five things that professional grant managers can do to reduce the risk of a dangerous conflict of interest:
#1 Identify and Disclose Risks
Potential conflicts of interest should be identified and disclosed to the appropriate level of the official at the organization to get guidance and advice concerning the specifics of the situation.
If you have a federal grant, you must disclose potential conflicts of interest to your funding agency to comply with your grant management.
#2 Communicate and Educate Grant Staff
Organization officials should take steps to communicate the conflict of interest prohibitions to everyone involved in managing grants.
Additionally, others who may work indirectly with grant personnel, such as purchasing staff, should be educated on what to look for about conflicts of interest in fact, and appearance.
#3 Document the Process for Clarity
Require a transparent, fair, and fully documented procurement process and a regular review and maintenance of the conflict of interest statements signed by individuals responsible for purchasing goods and services.
Documentation of the process will provide a roadmap for grant managers and others and expose holes in your process before a costly conflict of interest occurs.
#4 Watch Consulting Charges
When consultants are used, extra care should be taken to substantiate that their pay rate reflects the market rate for the unique skill set being utilized and that the final result of the engagement is well-defined and a record of the results is kept.
Professional services costs receive an added layer of scrutiny because of many past problems with this area of charges.
#5 Talk to Staff About Requirements
Managers and other key personnel who understand the requirements can often identify where noncompliance is likely to occur and where the risks from conflicts of interest, such as kickbacks, related party transactions, and bribery, could occur.
Keeping grants in compliance takes everyone understanding what the requirements say about conflicts of interest.
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Author:
Lucy Morgan CPA, MBA
CEO, Compliance Warrior
Author of “Decoding Grant Management-The Ultimate Success Guide to the Federal Grant Regulations in 2 CFR Part 200” The 2nd Edition is now available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle versions.