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March 2026
THIS MONTH FROM
WITT O’BRIEN’S CENTER FOR GRANTS EXCELLENCE
Financial Management Shared Services: Progress and Identified Challenges
The GAO’s recent report, Financial Management Shared Services: Progress and Identified Challenges, highlights continued progress - and challenges - in the federal government’s move toward shared financial management services. Although the report focuses on federal financial operations, its findings have direct relevance for grant management professionals across all levels of government. Shared services models offer significant potential benefits for grant administration, including improved pre-award coordination, stronger subrecipient oversight, enhanced internal controls, and greater audit readiness.
As federal expectations continue to expand—particularly around risk-based monitoring, performance reporting, and data transparency—integrated systems and standardized governance structures can help organizations meet those requirements more consistently. However, as GAO noted, Agencies continue to face challenges coordinating across functional areas, including grants, finance, procurement, and program operations, while also managing organizational change and stakeholder adoption. The bottom line is that shared services are moving from futuristic idea to operational norm. Those that align early with shared grant platforms and governance models will be better positioned for compliance and resilience as the federal grant landscape continues to change.
As federal expectations continue to expand—particularly around risk-based monitoring, performance reporting, and data transparency—integrated systems and standardized governance structures can help organizations meet those requirements more consistently. However, as GAO noted, Agencies continue to face challenges coordinating across functional areas, including grants, finance, procurement, and program operations, while also managing organizational change and stakeholder adoption. The bottom line is that shared services are moving from futuristic idea to operational norm. Those that align early with shared grant platforms and governance models will be better positioned for compliance and resilience as the federal grant landscape continues to change.
Streamlining Federal Grants Act
Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and James Lankford (R-OK) have reintroduced the Streamlining Federal Grants Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at simplifying and modernizing the federal grant application process - an effort that could significantly benefit cities, counties, and states. The bill would require federal agencies, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), t to improve the clarity of funding opportunities, modernize grant systems, adopt common data standards, and designate senior officials to oversee grant process improvements. For state and local governments, the proposal could reduce administrative burden, lower application costs, and improve access to funding—particularly for smaller or rural jurisdictions with limited staffing capacity. If enacted, the legislation would further ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, standardization, and efficiency across the federal grants landscape. National organizations, including the National League of Cities (NLC) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), support the proposal to cut red tape and ensure more equitable access to federal resources. If enacted, the legislation would mark a meaningful step toward a more transparent, efficient, and accessible federal grant system.
Whistleblower Portal
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has launched a whistleblower portal that allows individuals to confidentially report fraud, money laundering, sanctions violations, and misuse of funds, potentially with financial rewards. For cities, counties, and states managing federal grants, this significantly raises oversight risk. Insiders, contractors, and vendors can now report suspected financial misconduct directly to federal authorities, increasing the likelihood of investigations tied to grant spending and subrecipient activities. For grant managers, the takeaway is clear: strong internal controls, thorough documentation, transparent procurement, and active monitoring are essential. As enforcement tools expand, jurisdictions with robust compliance practices will be best positioned to protect funding, respond to allegations, and maintain public trust.
Conference Alert
Witt O’Brien’s is headed to Washington, D.C. for the National Grants Management Association 2026 Annual Grants Training (AGT) — and we’re bringing practical, audit and grant readiness strategies with us.
🎤 Our Breakout Sessions
Turning Policy into Practice: Creating a Grants Management Manual that Delivers
Presented by Jason Mistlebauer & Megan Butler
Learn how to build a grants management manual that stands up to scrutiny and supports real-world, day-to-day operations.
From Findings to Fixes: Strengthening Audit Readiness, Cost Compliance, and Allowability in Federal Grants
Presented by Matthew Hanson, CGMS, GPC & Anna Valdez, CGMS
Explore common compliance gaps, audit findings, and actionable strategies to strengthen cost allowability and oversight.
🤝 Attending AGT?
Join us at our sessions and stop by Booth #3 to connect with our team. We look forward to seeing you in D.C.!
Additional Resources
Comprehensive Guide to Federal Grants
Navigate the complex Federal grants landscape with our guide covering application strategies, compliance requirements, and best practices for successful grant management.
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