The document provides a comprehensive overview of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) efforts to implement Section 5 of the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act) of 2014, with a particular focus on the Section 5 Grants Pilot managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The DATA Act aims to establish standardized, government-wide financial data reporting practices, improve the quality and availability of federal spending information, and reduce the administrative burden placed on recipients of federal awards. The Section 5 Grants Pilot, mandated by Congress, seeks to develop recommendations for standardizing reporting elements, eliminating duplicative reporting, and minimizing compliance costs for grant recipients.
To achieve these objectives, the pilot employs a multifaceted framework involving consultation with stakeholders, the deployment and testing of innovative data tools, and the collection of feedback to inform continuous improvement. Among the key test models are the Common Data Element Repository (CDER) Library, designed as an online repository for standardized grants-related data definitions; a consolidated federal financial reporting system to streamline data submissions; enhancements to the Single Audit process; development of a standardized Notice of Award; and the Learn Grants web portal to provide comprehensive information to grant recipients. Stakeholder engagement has featured prominently through town halls, expert meetings, and public dialogues. The timeline anticipates completion of pilot activities by May 2017, with subsequent reporting to Congress. The overall initiative reflects a data-centric vision, emphasizing increased transparency, simplification of reporting requirements, and strengthened collaboration between federal agencies and grant recipients. Opportunities for involvement are available through various channels, including direct feedback and participation in online forums.
