Peer ExchangeGrantee NOW Project

OfficerGrants Technical Assistance Workshop

October 12-13, 2010Kendra Williams, MPA

Project OfficerUS Department of Health and Human Services

(HHS)Health Resources and Services Administration

(HRSA)

Objectives• Encourage Grantees to develop a strong working

relationship with their Project Officer.

• Provide insight on communicating with your Project Officer.

• Create an environment for exchange.

What is the difference?Grantee

Organization, university, hospital, non-profit etc. granted funds in a competitive process to

provide a service to the public.

Project Officer

Federal employee with the responsibility of working with grantees to understand policies

while adhering to federal legislation and program expectations associated with the

grant.

Project Officer Misconceptions/ThoughtsGrantee should know this alreadyWhy do they keep asking the same questionsGrantee should be able to submit on timeAll grantees have the same technology and resourcesNot all grantees are trouble granteesGrantees should provide maximum services with a limited amount of funding.

Grantee Misconceptions/Thoughts

Fancy Buildings/Fancy OfficesFederal Jargon/LanguageReporting RequirementsWhy can’t we get more money?Why is my GMS & PO two different people?They don’t understand what we do hereThey just want to take our money awayCALL ME BACK/ANSWER MY EMAILDoes my PO have my best interest in mind?

Former grantee now Project Officer

Promote and navigate at the Federal LevelClear understanding of the budget processAppreciation for reporting & being on timeAccountabilityRespect for granteesUnderstand the chain of command

Word for the Day!

“COMMUNICATION”

Building Relationships

Project Officer & Grants Management SpecialistPrepare for your Conference CallsEmail or Phone callAsk questionsUnderstand the legislative requirements and program expectation associated with your grant award.

Case Study

Jane is Program Coordinator for the ABC program in Norlina, Georgia. She has a conference call with her Project Officer today at 2:30 p.m. She missed the last conference call and never returns any emails sent by her Project Officer. The organization is looking to expand the new clinic and is interested in applying for new funds; however, Project Officer will not review her application. Her GMS is not familiar with her program and Jane does not know who she is. What can Jane do to improve her relationship with her Project Officer and Grants Management Specialist? What can the Project Officer do to support the grantee?

Questions

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

Kendra N. Williams, MPA301-443-0643

kwilliams2@hrsa.gov