Event Details
Anaheim, CA
July 18 - 21, 2026
Attain Partners is exhibiting at the NACUBO 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place July 18 – 21 in Anaheim, California. Visit our team at Booth #506 throughout the conference.
Our team will be engaging with higher education business officers and institutional leaders on topics related to research administration, compliance, and sponsored program management.
Connect with Attain Partners
Attain Partners helps institutions strengthen research administration and compliance functions through advisory services, operational support, and strategic guidance. During NACUBO 2026, our team will discuss approaches that help institutions navigate evolving federal requirements and support effective grant management practices.
Meet the Team

Mark Davis
Managing Partner and Research Lead

Shacey Temperly
Managing Director

Gil Tran
Senior Specialist Leader and OMB Emeritus
Featured Session
Hot Issues in Federal Grant Management
Monday, July 20 | 2:30p – 3:45p ET
Recent revisions to the Uniform Guidance and subsequent Executive Orders have reshaped the federal grant environment, creating new compliance expectations, funding uncertainties, and operational pressures for colleges and universities. Business officers and research administrators must assess the financial and stewardship implications for indirect cost recovery, award management, and institutional risk. This session will provide a practical update on recent and anticipated Office of Management and Budget actions, agency implementation trends, and the proposed Joint Associations Group FAIR model. Presenters will translate federal developments into actionable considerations for institutional budgeting, cost allocation practices, and strategic planning in 2026.
After attending this session, you’ll be able to:
- Outline institutional approaches to direct and indirect costing practices.
- Interpret current federal costing guidance, regulatory positions, and proposed policy changes affecting grant management.
- Apply insights from expert discussion to strengthen institutional stewardship, compliance, and cost recovery practices.
Speakers
- Mark Davis, Managing Partner and Research Lead, Attain Partners
- Gil Tran, Senior Specialist Leader and OMB Emeritus, Attain Partners
- Cindy Hope, Director, Costing and Financial Compliance, COGR
- Barbara Cevallos, Associate Vice President and Systemwide Controller, University of California System

Research Services
We provide world-class expertise navigating the complex and dynamic regulatory environment, implementing industry best practices, and optimizing performance.

Indirect Cost Rate Policy Updates and Guidance
Explore resources and strategic guidance to helps your institution manage financial risk, strengthen advocacy efforts, and prepare for the future.

Thought Leadership
Explore timely insights from experts.

