§ 3015.1 - Purpose and scope of this part.

(a)(1) This part specifies the set of principles for determining allowable costs under USDA grants and cooperative agreements to State and local governments, universities, non-profit and for-profit organizations as set forth in OMB Circulars A-87, A-21, A-122, and 48 CFR 31.2, respectively. This part also contains the general provisions that apply to all grants and cooperative agreements made by USDA.

(2) Additionally, this part establishes intergovernmental review provisions required by Executive Order 12372 for any programs listed in the Federal Register as covered, and policy on competition in awarding discretionary grants and cooperative agreements.

(3) Rules for grants and cooperative agreements to State and local governments are found in part 3016 of this chapter.

(4) Rules for grants and cooperative agreements to institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations are found in part 3019 of this chapter.

(b) These rules supersede and take precedence over any individual USDA agency regulations and directives dealing with the administration of grants and cooperative agreements to the extent such regulations and directives are inconsistent with this part, unless such inconsistency is based on a statutory provision or an exception has been obtained from OMB. (See § 3015.3.) Definitions for the terms used in this part are set forth in Appendix A. Definitions for the implementation of standard audit requirements for State and local governments and Indian Tribal governments are contained in Subpart I—Audits.

(c) The purpose of this part is to simplify, standardize, and improve the administration of USDA grants and cooperative agreements.

(d) Responsibility for developing and interpreting the material for this part and in keeping it up-to-date is delegated to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.