Center for IDEA Fiscal Reporting

Center for IDEA Fiscal Reporting

Indirect Cost/Cost Allocation Plan

Part C Fiscal 101 Modules: Federal Fiscal Requirements

The Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center developed 10 modules to help Part C lead agency staff understand the federal fiscal requirements associated with IDEA Part C funding as well as requirements that apply to all federal funding. Each module addresses a specific component of the fiscal requirements, providing an overview of each topic.

Module 4 covers use of funds, allowability and prior approval.

Module 5 covers the indirect cost requirements found in Subpart E of the Uniform Guidance and Sections III and IV of the state grant application.

Module 10 covers the MOE requirement, located in the supplement not supplant requirement under 34 CFR § 303.225(a)(2).

Understanding the IDEA Part C State Grant Funding Cycle and Different Fiscal Years

Developed by CIFR, this graphic-based resource explains the different stages of the Part C grant cycle: budget period, Tydings period, period of performance, and liquidation period. Part C coordinators and their fiscal staff will learn how these stages correspond with different state fiscal years. The resource may be useful for strategic planning, managing fiscal timelines, and communicating with state Interagency Coordinating Councils (ICCs), lead agency leadership, local early intervention programs, and other interested parties.

Quick Reference Guide on Restricted Indirect Costs and Cost Allocation Plans for IDEA Part C Grants

The guide provides an overview of the IDEA requirements for restricted indirect costs that a state may wish to charge to its Part C grant. The guide reviews terminology and key concepts for understanding the components of the IDEA no-supplanting provisions that require indirect costs to be charged on a restricted basis. It includes questions for states based on their lead agency type and suggestions for helpful resources.

Finance Glossary

This glossary contains terms relevant to finance for IDEA Part C and Part B Section 619 programs. The terms include those related to IDEA and other related federal fiscal requirements as well as those specific to billing public and private insurance for IDEA services.

Cost Allocation Guide for State and Local Governments

This comprehensive guide includes information on how to determine the allowability of indirect costs, how to calculate a restricted indirect cost rate, and answers to common questions about restricted indirect cost rates. Pages 27–30 describe the method to calculate restricted indirect cost rates and pages 85–92 have links to examples and more specific considerations for calculations. There is also information about how to distinguish between direct and indirect costs. This guide reviews common issues with calculating restricted indirect cost rates disclosed in ED reviews.

Letter to Gomm

This OSEP letter to the Part C lead agency in New Mexico explains the requirement for the lead agency to have an approved restricted indirect cost rate, as opposed to having a negotiated indirect cost rate. There are several citations and references to resources for how a restricted indirect cost rate may be calculated.

System Framework for Building High-Quality Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs: Finance Component

The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) and the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy) developed a System Framework that details six components of a high-quality IDEA early childhood program. Each component includes indicators of quality and the elements that need to be in place to achieve each indicator. This web page reviews the Finance Component, its sub-components, and quality indicators which address strategic planning and forecasting; access and use of fiscal data; securing funds and resources; and the allocation, use, disbursement, and monitoring of funds.

Restricted Indirect Cost Rate for Part C of IDEA

This OSEP memorandum includes background and guidance for lead agency directors on the restricted indirect cost rate. Restricted indirect cost rates are used under awards, such as IDEA Part C, that have supplement, non-supplant requirements. This guidance includes the formula for calculating the rate and definitions for what is allowable under each category of the formula (general management, fixed costs, and other expenditures). Although this document was released in 1999, it is still used as a relevant resource in OSEP’s annual IDEA Part C grant application materials.