American Rescue Plan Act.pdf

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) provides funding for critical resources to address the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. The Act includes funding for community vaccination sites, testing and tracing, treatments, and healthcare disparities. It also provides relief to workers and families, and support to struggling communities and industries.

To ensure public trust, the Federal Government must implement ARP programs and distribute funding with accountability and transparency. The Administration will work with the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee and agency Inspector Generals to minimize waste, fraud, and abuse.

Agencies must apply the requirements of 2 CFR to Federal financial assistance funded through the ARP, including registration at SAM.gov and application of provisions to grants and cooperative agreements. New programs authorized by the ARP require submission of implementation plans to OMB for approval.

Agencies should also apply flexibilities for recipients, including those identified in Appendix 2, and consider the impact of ARP funding on disadvantaged communities and climate crisis. They must establish detailed and accurate award descriptions, providing specificity about award purpose, activities, deliverables, and intended beneficiaries.

Key requirements include:

Applying 2 CFR requirements to ARP-funded financial assistance
Submitting implementation plans for new programs to OMB
Applying flexibilities for recipients and considering climate crisis impact
Establishing detailed and accurate award descriptions
* Validating award descriptions within 30 days of issuance of guidance

The Administration aims to deliver effective and equitable relief, while implementing sound financial management and minimizing waste, fraud, and abuse.