The June 2012 COGR Meeting presentation by David Kennedy focused on the challenges and complexities associated with federal financial reporting, cash requests, electronic systems, and the overall administrative burden on research institutions. The session featured presentations from financial leaders at the University of Minnesota, Wayne State University, and Yale University, who provided insights through institutional case studies. Key points discussed included the need for greater accountability and transparency in federal research funding, the difficulties associated with managing unobligated funds, and the inconsistent reporting requirements across various agencies and programs. The presentation also addressed the impact of recent legislative actions, such as the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA) and the rollout of new electronic management systems, on institutional operations.
Participants analyzed the ways institutions organize their financial reporting and management systems to comply with evolving federal requirements and highlighted both the challenges and best practices encountered, particularly during the implementation of stimulus programs like ARRA. The session underscored persistent issues such as varying interpretations of regulations, the administrative complexity of grants versus contracts, and the need for robust subrecipient accountability. There was a repeated emphasis on quantifying the burden of these requirements to inform policymakers and improve advocacy efforts. The discussion concluded with a call for continuous improvement in federal reporting practices and for COGR to play an active role in representing institutional concerns and identifying practical solutions.
