Event
Event Details
Where:
San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
When:
March 17 - 19, 2025
March 17 - 19, 2025
Attain Partners is a proud sponsor of NCURA’s 26th Annual Financial Research Administration (NCURA FRA) Conference, taking place March 17 – 18 in San Diego, CA.
Are you attending? Add these informative sessions to your conference agenda—or stop by Attain Partners Booths #11 and #12 to talk with our experts one-on-one. We’d love to discuss solutions for any current issues your institution may be facing. Contact us today.
Monday, March 17
Building a High-Performing Research Administration Team in a Competitive Job Market
Monday, March 17 | 10:15a – 11:30a
Location: Aqua BC, Level 3
The Great Resignation has significantly impacted higher education, particularly research administration. High turnover rates, coupled with a shortage of experienced professionals, have created challenges for institutions seeking to build and maintain effective sponsored programs offices. This session will explore strategies for effectively recruiting, onboarding, and developing research administrators to foster a high-performing workforce and increasing employee engagement.
Learning Objectives
- Identify key factors contributing to high turnover rates in research administration and develop strategies to mitigate these challenges.
- Learn practical tips for attracting, hiring, and retaining qualified research administrators in a competitive job market.
- Explore effective onboarding and training programs to accelerate new hire productivity and enhance employee engagement.
Speakers
- Kathleen Halley-Octa, Manager, Attain Partners
- Darren May, Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, Auburn University
Differences Between F&A Regulations and Maximizing Reimbursement for Universities, Research Hospitals, and Research Institutes – Including the New HHS Salary Rate Limit Regulations
Monday, March 17 | 10:15a – 11:30a
Location: Indigo B, Level 2
This session will provide the attendee with the differences in the Regulations relating to F&A relating to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Research Institutes. Institutional representatives will present their experiences and provide insight into maximizing F&A rate calculations and therefore costing reimbursement.
Learning Objectives
- Attendees will learn how F&A regulations vary between different entity types and how to construct a F&A proposal to best maximize the F&A rate.
Speakers
- Robert Cohen, Managing Director, Attain Partners
- Rosemary Madnick, Vice President, Research Administration, Office of Research Administration, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation
- Karen Renaud, Director, Research Finance, Boston Children’s Hospital
RACC Certifications: I’m a Research Administrator – What Now?
Monday, March 17 | 10:15a – 11:30a
Location: Cobalt 501 AB, Level 5
Have you ever thought of sitting for the CRA or CFRA exam but didn’t know where to start? Why get certified? Is there a difference between the two certifications? Is there a benefit for obtaining multiple certifications? Join us as we delve into the why’s and how’s of studying, sitting for and passing the exam(s) as well as the opportunities certification brings to your career path.
Speakers
- Georgetta Dennis, Senior Associate, Attain Partners
- Denise Rouleau, Director, Research Administration, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
Effortlessly Certified: Navigating, Maintaining, and Complying in the Maze of Effort Requirements
Monday, March 17 | 1p – 2:15p
Location: Indigo A, Level 2
Effort certification policies can vary significantly between institutions, with some operating on a 9-month academic year and others on a 12-month basis. It’s crucial to understand your sponsor regulations, as well as your institution’s specific policies, as schools and divisions may have different approaches. These policies often navigate away from a rigid 100% effort allocation, accounting for teaching duties and administrative tasks. In this session, we’ll delve into the importance and complexities of researcher effort, why it is important (especially for federal awards), and how the research administrator can comply with the continually evolving world of effort requirements.
Learning Objectives
- Understand different institutional approaches to 9-month and 12-month appointments.
- Discuss and appreciate why we need to certify effort and where the rules come from.
- Share examples of how institutions certify effort.
- Discuss the implications of 100% effort.
- Takeaway best practices and recommendations for dealing with allocation and certification of effort.
Speakers
- Jeff Derr, Principal Consultant, Attain Partners
- Jessica McDonough, Subaward Compliance Officer, Office of Research Administration, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation
Do’s and Dont’s: Best Practices When Transitioning to New Financial System
Monday, March 17 | 2:45p – 3:45p
Location: Sapphire P, Level 4
Is your institution looking to transition to a new financial system or has done so recently? We will discuss the Do’s and Dont’s when transitioning to a new financial system. We will discuss the pain points, and the specific hits to the sponsored research world from both a pre and post award perspective (NCE’s, creating new awards, financial oversight of an award, reporting, billing, etc.) as well as a costing perspective (impact on F&A and benefit rate).
Learning Objectives
- Pre- and Post-Award Structure
- Accounting compliance implications (closeouts, etc.) and how to resolve said issue
- How to create policies and procedures to be compliant moving forward
Speakers
- Liliana Keany, Manager, Attain Partners
- Erika Wilson, Senior Director Health Sciences Sponsored Project Pre-Award Office & Research Service Core, University of California – San Diego
OMG the OIG is Watching! Why OIG is Auditing Organizations, What OIG is Finding, and How Can You Prepare Yourself?
Monday, March 17 | 2:45p – 3:45p
Location: Indigo A, Level 2
Recent results from OIG audits at several research organizations have given us insight as to what OIG is testing and looking for. Many organizations discuss audits and stress the importance of complying with them, but what are those auditors looking for? In this session, the presenters will provide a background on OIG audits, cover several recent case studies (good and bad!), and discuss how your organization can prepare for and comply if you are selected next!
Learning Objectives
- We will briefly discuss why OIG audits are happening and what they look for.
- We will dive into recent OIG audit results and discuss findings.
- Attendees will take away a knowledge of how to proactively manage research so as to adhere to OIG.
Speakers
- Jeff Derr, Principal Consultant, Attain Partners
- Kim Melville-Smith, Director of Post Award, Colorado State University
IDC Uniform Guidance Changes and Other Emerging Issues
Monday, March 17 | 2:45p – 3:45p
Location: Cobalt 501 C, Level 5
This session is going to cover relevant Indirect Cost issues resulting from the recent Uniform Guidance changes as well as other emerging IDC issues that matter. This discussion will be of interest to individuals who work or manage the IDC development and negotiation function.
Speakers
- Wallace Davis, Partner, Attain Partners
- Robert Cohen, Managing Director, Attain Partners
Building a High-Performing Research Administration Team in a Competitive Job Market – Follow-up Discussion Group
Monday, March 17 | 4p – 5p
Location: Cobalt 501 C, Level 5
The Great Resignation has significantly impacted higher education, particularly research administration. High turnover rates, coupled with a shortage of experienced professionals, have created challenges for institutions seeking to build and maintain effective sponsored programs offices. This session will explore strategies for effectively recruiting, onboarding, and developing research administrators to foster a high-performing workforce and increasing employee engagement.
Speakers
- Kathleen Halley-Octa, Manager, Attain Partners
- Darren May, Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, Auburn University
Tuesday, March 18
Fitness Trifecta – A Non De-Minimus Workout
Tuesday, March 18 | 6:15a – 7a
Location: Aqua 314, Level 3
Join Gil Tran and leaders from NCURA and Huron for a fitness trifecta!
- 6:15a | Warm up – All
- 6:20a – 6:35a | Zumba with Gil Tran, Attain Partners
- 6:35a – 6:50a | Kickboxing
- 6:50a – 7a | Cool Down Yoga Stretching
Whether this is your first Zumba/Kick Boxing experience, or you are an expert, this workout is for you. And our yoga stretching at the end is also for everyone.
Join the fun—the early bird gets the endorphins!
Advanced Strategies for Grant Closeouts
Tuesday, March 18 | 8:15a – 9:45a
Location: Cobalt 500, Level 5
Closing out a grant can be as complex as securing one, especially when dealing with large, multi-year, or multi-institutional projects. This advanced-level discussion group is designed for seasoned research administrators who want to delve deeper into the intricacies of the grant closeout process. Participants will share best practices, common challenges, and innovative solutions for ensuring compliance, financial accuracy, and timely reporting. The discussion will also explore strategies for navigating audits, handling unspent funds, and closing out subawards. This is an interactive session where participants can exchange experiences, ask questions, and develop new approaches to streamline and optimize the grant closeout process.
Speakers
- Benjamin Garvin, Senior Associate, Attain Partners
- Elena Glatman, Executive Director, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Breaking News – The NIH’s Flat Rate – Impact and Implementation
Tuesday, March 18 | 1p – 2:15p
Location: Indigo EF, Level 2
Speakers
- Gilbert Tran, Senior Specialist Leader, Attain Partners, and OMB Emeritus
- Mark Davis, Managing Partner and Attain Research Lead, Attain Partners
- Cynthia Hope, Director, Costing and Financial Compliance, Council on Governmental Relations (COGR)
- Caroline Beeman, Director, Maximus Higher Education, Inc.
- Roseann Luongo, Senior Director, Huron
- Wendy Meister, Senior Director, Huron
NIH’s Flat Rate for Research Overhead
With decades of experience in the research ecosystem, Attain Partners is ready to help your institution navigate these changes.
Clinical Trials Post-Award Management
Tuesday, March 18 | 1p – 2:15p
Location: Aqua D, Level 3
Managing clinical trial funding presents unique challenges that require a deep understanding of compliance, financial stewardship, and collaboration between research administrators and principal investigators. This session will explore key post-award considerations.
Participants will gain insights into best practices for financial monitoring, cost allowability, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure successful trial management while maintaining compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements. Whether you are new to clinical trials or looking to enhance your expertise, this session will provide practical tools and real-world examples to strengthen your post-award management skills.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will have a clearer understanding of the critical components of clinical trial post-award management. Attendees will learn how to effectively monitor budgets, manage invoicing and payments, and ensure compliance with federal and industry sponsor requirements.
Speakers
- Emily Njus, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners
- Randi Wasik, Sr Director Research Administration, University of Louisville
Are Your Policies and Procedures Aligned with Uniform Guidance?
Tuesday, March 18 | 1p – 2:15p
Location: Sapphire P, Level 4
Join us as we dive into the process of creating internal policies and procedures at your institution, what steps it involves, the timelines surrounding it, and the best approach to ensure they align with Uniform Guidance.
Learning Objectives
- Building policies procedures to ensure proper internal compliance controls
Speakers
- Liliana Keany, Manager, Attain Partners
- John Blandino, Senior Director of Post Award, Howard University
2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance Revisions, the Sequel – Where are we in the Implementation: the Trial, the Roadblocks, and the Results?
Tuesday, March 18 | 2:45p – 3:45p
Location: Sapphire P, Level 4
On April 04, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the publication of the final revisions to the OMB’s Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR. It proclaimed that “these changes will allow agencies and recipients of Federal funds to focus more time and money on delivering meaningful results for the American people.” The COFFA issued supplementary information to assist agencies with implementation on August 15, 2024, and corrections were published on October 1, 2024, and included in the final version effective October 1, 2024. See links below.
The “extreme makeover” of the Uniform Guidance results in revisions of 69 out of 191 sections (or 36 percent) from its 2020 edition. With the effective date of October 1, 2024, some of the revisions have become effective but most of the administrative and accounting revisions become effective on July 1, 2025, for most research institutions (the first fiscal year starting after October 1, 2024).
On January 20, 2025, a new Administration made its start in the Nation’s Capital and issued 26 Executive Orders (E.Os) to reshape the Nation’s landscape. The first E.O. rescinded many previous policies. We will explore any impacts of the E.O.s on the Uniform Guidance revisions and overall grant management.
This session will discuss the significant revisions to Title 2 (Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance), its impacts on research institutions, and how institutions are implementing. It will highlight any impact of the Executive Orders on the Uniform Guidance.
- The Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Guidance to Make Grants More Accessible and Transparent for Families, Communities, and Small Businesses | OMB | The White House
- FY 2024 Revisions to 2 CFR: Federal Agency Implementation
- Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance; Corrections
- Title 2 Grants and Agreements
Learning Objectives
- The major revisions by the six subparts and twelve Appendices of the 2 CFR 200 and when they are effective.
- How will the revisions impact the administration of research assistance agreements?
- Potential challenges, strategies, and timelines for implementation.
- Impacts of the New Administration policies on the Uniform Guidance.
Speaker
- Gilbert Tran, Senior Specialist Leader, Attain Partners
Wednesday, March 19 – Workshops
WS06: The Uniform Guidance: Revisions and Implementation
Wednesday, March 19 | 8:15a – 11:45a
On April 04, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the publication of the final revisions to the OMB’s Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR. It proclaimed that “these changes will allow agencies and recipients of Federal funds to focus more time and money on delivering meaningful results for the American people.” The COFFA issued supplementary information to assist agencies with implementation on August 15, 2024 and corrections were published October 1st ,2024 and included in the final version effective October 1, 2024. See links below.
The “extreme makeover” of the Uniform Guidance results in revisions of 69 out of 191 sections (or 36 percent) from its 2020 edition. With the effective date of October 1, 2024, some of the revisions have become effective but most of the administrative and accounting revisions become effective on July 1, 2025 for most research institutions (the first fiscal year starting after October 1, 2024).
Workshop faculty with extensive financial research administration experience, including with the OMB, HHS Cost Allocation Services, Institutions of Higher Education, and organizations supporting research institutions, will discuss the significant revisions to Title 2 (Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance), impacts on research institutions, and how institutions are implementing. Participants will have an opportunity to share and to ask questions of the presenters and other participants.
- The Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Guidance to Make Grants More Accessible and Transparent for Families, Communities, and Small Businesses | OMB | The White House
- FY 2024 Revisions to 2 CFR: Federal Agency Implementation
- Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance; Corrections
- Title 2 Grants and Agreements
Learning Objectives
- The major revisions by the six subparts and twelve Appendices of the 2 CFR 200 and when they are effective.
- How the revisions will impact the administration of research assistance agreements.
- Potential challenges, strategies and timelines for implementation.
Speakers
- Gilbert Tran, Senior Specialist Leader, Attain Partners
- Cynthia Hope, Director, Costing and Financial Compliance, Council on Governmental Relations (COGR)
WS14: Effective Negotiations and Mediation in Research Administration: Focusing on the Soft Skills
Wednesday, March 19 | 1p – 4:30p
Successful negotiation consists of understanding the nuances of the language, effective negotiation and mediation strategies, and strong communication. Because research administration negotiators are often the go-between among the sponsor, legal counsel, senior management and the principal investigator, it is imperative to develop effective negotiation and communication skills. This workshop will focus on using general principles of research agreement mediation and negotiation, including understanding the negotiation cycle, how to successfully get to a mutually beneficial executed agreement, and explore major issues that often arise in negotiations and learn tactics to handle these situations. This workshop will help participants improve negotiations with internal and external stakeholders and delivering better outcomes for all involved.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the negotiation cycle and learn how to apply negotiation principles to get to a mutually beneficial executed agreement successfully.
- Learn best practices and resources for improved negotiation strategies.
- Engage in experiential learning activities focused on negotiation strategies.
- Enhance internal and external communication strategies to deliver better outcomes.
- Explore major issues that may increase risk of a dispute and tactics to handle these situations.
Speakers
- Emily Njus, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners
- Mindy Solivan, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners
- Jessica Frisch-Daiello, Contracts Officer III, University of Central Florida
WS15: Assessing Organizational Efficiency and Effectiveness
Wednesday, March 19 | 1p – 4:30p
Research administration has been through a remarkable few years of transformation. For research administration units, efficiency and effectiveness is paramount to our ability to provide added value in our service to our research constituents. The pandemic created an imperative for effective processes, electronic systems and training. For many institutions, this led to the implementation or upgrade of grants management and/or enterprise resource planning systems that require careful planning for smooth transitions to new ways of conducting our work. Those overhauls coupled with the everchanging regulatory requirements, goals for increasing research funding and a hyper-competitive job market have stressed even the most resilient offices. For many, engaging external consultants can bring a set of fresh eyes to critically examine people, processes, and systems. Planning for the engagement of external consultants in such assessments begins with articulating the issues to be addressed, drafting a request for proposal, and creating an environment where all stakeholders from staff to researchers are empowered to provide honest and constructive insights. Senior administrators and consultants will share insights on how their external assessments have provided actionable recommendations.
Learning Objectives
- Identify strategies for formulating a plan for an external assessment.
- Recognize how to engage and empower frontline employees in the process of organizational transformation.
Speakers
- Shacey Temperly, Principal, Attain Partners
- Susan Sedwick, Senior Consulting Specialist, Attain Partners
- Lamar Oglesby, Executive Director, Research Financial Services, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Don’t miss our sessions during NCURA PRA 2025
