The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) issued guidance on March 21, 2020, to provide short-term administrative, financial management, and audit relief to grant recipients impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the OMB Memorandum M-20-17, OJP outlined temporary flexibilities for award recipients, including the suspension of some prior approval requirements and Grant Adjustment Notices (GANs) for certain actions, though recipients of cooperative agreements must still seek prior approval for project or cost changes. These measures are time-limited and subject to reassessment within 90 days by OMB.
Key provisions include the allowability of costs related to cancelled events or the purchase of telework equipment, the continued charging of salaries and benefits as per recipients’ established policies, and the availability of no-cost award extensions up to 12 months where eligible. Reporting deadlines for financial and performance reports due in early 2020 have been extended, and closeout requirements, audit submissions, and SAM registration deadlines have also seen temporary relief. The guidance mandates detailed documentation and adherence to record-keeping standards. Additionally, planned on-site monitoring is being shifted to remote formats or postponed, and flexibility is offered regarding OJP-sponsored conferences and events. Recipients are encouraged to maintain ongoing communication with their grant managers to address challenges and ensure compliance with the updated requirements during the public health emergency.
