2026-27 Grants Updates (11.04.26)-1 - Grant Updates & Reporting Reminders

1 - Grant Updates & Reporting Reminders

Pdf Summary

The November 4, 2026 WASBO update covered EGMS, upcoming federal allocations, proposed Uniform Grant Guidance changes, and time-and-effort (T&E) requirements.

<strong>EGMS:</strong> An upgraded system is expected in May 2027, with faster performance, a modernized interface, and global search; functionality will remain the same. User training is planned for April 2027 and will be recorded. Resources, guides, and twice-weekly office hours are available online. Program contacts handle grant-specific questions, while EGMS Support assists with access and technical issues.

<strong>Federal allocations:</strong> Congress has not yet approved education funding for 2027–28. Awards are expected to be similar to 2026–27 but may change. Preliminary Consolidated Grant Application allocations are anticipated in May and final allocations in August; other grants generally launch in EGMS between May and August.

<strong>Proposed UGG changes:</strong> Possible restrictions affect federal spending on conferences, recruitment advertising, professional memberships, lobbying and advocacy, and publication or printing. Some costs may remain allowable with statutory authorization or prior federal approval. The proposals are not final, could change or face legal challenges, and are expected to be finalized after December 11. Changes would apply to next year’s awards.

<strong>Time and effort:</strong> Salaries charged to federal awards must be supported by records accurately reflecting work performed. Local education agencies must maintain and annually review written policies, train staff, ensure timely and accurate reporting, and reconcile budgeted salary estimates to actual costs by year-end. Differences exceeding 5% must be adjusted.

OSPI allows agencies to follow either the newer, more flexible federal guidance or the former approach of semiannual certifications for single-cost-objective employees and monthly personnel activity reports (PARs) for employees working across multiple objectives. OSPI still requires employee signatures under the new approach and recommends supervisor signatures. Certain program combinations and approved substitute systems may qualify for simplified reporting; substitute systems require prior OSPI approval. Auditors and program reviewers will assess compliance with the agency’s written policies.

Keywords

EGMS

federal allocations

Uniform Grant Guidance

time and effort

Consolidated Grant Application

education funding

grant application

federal awards

personnel activity reports

OSPI