Event
Event Details
Where:
San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
When:
March 19 - 21, 2025
March 19 - 21, 2025
Attain Partners is a proud sponsor of NCURA’s 19th Annual Pre-Award Research Administration (PRA) Conference, taking place March 20 – 21 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.
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 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 front line 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
Thursday, March 20
2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance Revisions, the Sequel – Where are We in the Implementation: the Trial, the Roadblocks, and the Results?
Thursday, March 20 | 10:15a – 11:30a
Speakers
- Gilbert Tran, Senior Specialist Leader, Attain Partners
How to Manage Competing Priorities in the Proposal World
Thursday, March 20 | 1p – 2:15p
Research administrators are often caught in a whirlwind of competing priorities: navigating last-minute proposals alongside timely submissions, securing internal approvals, balancing subawards, and managing pre- and post-award portfolios. We will discuss effective communication strategies that ensure transparency, manage expectations, and maintain efficiency when juggling these challenges. Key topics include: Strategies for balancing late vs. on-time proposals while aligning with upper leadership expectations. Streamlining internal approval processes, such as cost-sharing and PI status. Adapting to varying PI experience levels to tailor support. Efficient resource management—when to create your own versus leveraging shared tools. Managing priorities in real-time when plans change. Organizational systems to track tasks and handle shifting deadlines. Communicating priorities effectively to non-grants professionals and leadership. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to navigate their hierarchy of needs, balance competing demands, and improve communication workflows in research administration.
Speakers
- Kathleen Halley-Octa, Manager, Attain Partners
- Carol Bitzinger, Senior Grants & Contracts Specialist, The Ohio State University
Effective Negotiation and Mediation in Research Administration
Thursday, March 20 | 2:45p – 3:45p
Negotiation occur in all aspects of our daily lives, especially our professional lives. Negotiations are not limited to formal contract negotiations, they occur throughout interactions with others. As a research administrator, using effective negotiation and mediation skills throughout interactions with principal investigators, sponsors, and other departments can facilitate productive interactions and correspondence. This session will focus on the negotiation cycle, negotiation strategies, and mediation methods and how these principles can be applied in a variety of communications, from emails to complex award negotiations.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the negotiation cycle and learn how to apply negotiation principles to a wide range of situations
- Learn effective mediation strategies for difficult negotiations
- Explore major issues that arise in negotiations and learn how to more effectively navigate them
Speakers
- Emily Njus, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners
- Mike Hewitt, Manager, Pre-Award, The University of Akron
F&A – UG Changes and Strategies for Maximizing Indirect Recovery
Thursday, March 20 | 2:45p – 3:45p
Speakers
- Wallace Davis, Partner, Attain Partners
Friday, March 21
Building a High-Performing Research Administration Team in a Competitive Job Market
Friday, March 21 | 10:15a – 11:30a
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.
Speaker
- Kathleen Halley-Octa, Manager, Attain Partners
RACC Certifications: I’m a Research Administrator – What Now?
Friday, March 21 | 1p – 2:15p
Join us as we answer all your questions around the CRA and CPRA certifications from studying to what the exam is like to what happens after you pass.
Learning Objectives
- Learn the difference between the CRA and CPRA certifications.
- Learn why one may want to get both certifications.
- Learn how it can assist in one’s career path.
Speakers
- Georgetta Dennis, Senior Associate, Attain Partners
- Denise Rouleau, Director, Research Administration, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
Pre- & Post-Award are a Symbiotic Relationship: Who’s Driving you Crazy?
Friday, March 21 | 1p – 2:15p
Symbiosis is defined as a close, prolonged association between two or more different biological species. This relationship can be symbiotic (mutualistic), where both parties involved benefit from the interaction, or it can be parasitic, where one party benefits while the other is harmed. In this context, we will explore how the concept of symbiosis—where both parties benefit from collaboration—can be applied to enhance the relationship between Pre-Award and Post-Award management teams. Many times, we hear complaints and frustrations from one side of the proposal/award lifecycle or between departments and central offices. This discussion group aims to foster open and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders in the proposal/award lifecycle. Participants will identify key areas of concern, share perspectives, and collaboratively develop strategies for mutual improvement and effective collaboration.
By participating, attendees will gain insights into the challenges faced by their counterparts, learn best practices for improving collaboration, and contribute to a more harmonious and efficient research administration environment.
Learning Objectives
- Identify Common Areas of Friction: Participants will be able to identify and describe common areas of friction and dissatisfaction between Pre-Award and Post-Award teams, and between departments and central offices.
- Detail: Discuss specific issues such as communication breakdowns, conflicting priorities, or misunderstandings, and how these can impact the research administration process.
- Facilitate Constructive Dialogue: Participants will be able to engage in and facilitate constructive dialogue to address concerns and frustrations from different sides of the proposal/award lifecycle.
- Detail: Provide strategies for effective communication and conflict resolution, encouraging open discussion and understanding of different perspectives.
- Explore Opportunities for Mutual Growth: Participants will be able to identify and discuss opportunities for mutual growth and adaptation that can improve collaboration and reduce issues between Pre-Award and Post-Award teams.
- Detail: Highlight potential improvements such as better alignment of goals, enhanced training, and shared resources or tools.
Speakers
- Benjamin Garvin, Senior Associate, Attain Partners
- Jerod Kersey, Director, Lead Proposal Coordinator, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
