H.R.519 - Federal Subaward Reporting System Modernization and Expansion Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 519, the Federal Subaward Reporting System Modernization and Expansion Act, aims to improve the accuracy, completeness, and accessibility of federal subaward data. The bill mandates the Inspector General of the General Services Administration to submit a report on the current subaward reporting system, identifying problems and recommending improvements. It also requires the Administrator of General Services to develop and implement a plan to update the FFATA subaward reporting system, including expanding reporting to the first two tiers of subawards.
Expected Effects
The bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in federal spending by providing more comprehensive information on how federal funds are distributed and used at the subaward level. This includes standardizing reporting requirements across federal agencies and reducing the burden on federal award recipients. Ultimately, the Act aims to improve oversight and ensure compliance with reporting requirements under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced transparency in federal spending through improved subaward reporting.
- Increased accountability of federal award recipients and subrecipients.
- Standardized reporting requirements across federal agencies, reducing confusion and improving data quality.
- Reduced burden on federal award recipients through streamlined reporting processes.
- Improved accessibility of subaward data for the public and stakeholders, facilitating better oversight and analysis.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased administrative burden on federal agencies to implement the new reporting requirements.
- Possible costs associated with updating and maintaining the FFATA subaward reporting system.
- Risk of delays in implementation due to the complexity of the reporting requirements and coordination among agencies.
- Potential for incomplete or inaccurate data despite the improvements, if enforcement mechanisms are not effective.
- Concerns about data privacy and security with the expanded collection of subaward information.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principle of transparency and accountability in government spending, which is implicitly supported by the Constitution's emphasis on the public good and the role of Congress in overseeing government operations (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which requires a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money). The requirement for reporting and oversight can be seen as a means to ensure that government funds are used effectively and efficiently, promoting the general welfare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).