The Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act: A Comprehensive Overview
The Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act, commonly known as the GCA, is a federal law that governs the use of federal grant and cooperative agreements by the government. The act was passed into law in 1977 and has undergone several amendments since then.
The GCA sets out the legal framework for the award and administration of federal grants and cooperative agreements. It defines the terms and conditions of these awards, the responsibilities of the government and the grantee, and the procedures for resolving disputes.
Grants and cooperative agreements are financial assistance provided by the government to organizations, including non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and state and local governments, to support a wide range of programs and activities. Grants and cooperative agreements are similar in that both are used to fund programs and activities that benefit the public. However, they differ in their structure and the roles of the federal government and the grantee.
Under a grant, the federal government provides funds to the grantee to carry out a specific project or program. The government generally has minimal involvement in the implementation of the program and the grantee has significant freedom in how the funds are spent. In contrast, under a cooperative agreement, the government is actively involved in the implementation of the program and works closely with the grantee to ensure that the goals of the program are met.
The GCA requires that federal agencies adhere to certain procedures in the award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements. These procedures include publishing notices of funding opportunities, evaluating applications based on established merit criteria, and establishing clear reporting requirements for grant recipients.
The act also sets out requirements for the protection of intellectual property rights and the handling of conflicts of interest. Additionally, it requires agencies to establish procedures for resolving disputes and provides for administrative and judicial review of decisions made under the act.
In summary, the Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act is a crucial piece of legislation that governs the use of federal grants and cooperative agreements. It provides the framework for the award and administration of these awards, sets out the roles and responsibilities of the government and grantees, and provides procedures for resolving disputes. Any organization that is seeking federal funding should be familiar with the provisions of the act and ensure that they comply with its requirements.