The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of State and Local Grant Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP), Office of Grant Operations (OGO) holding several two day conferences for recipients and sub-recipients of Homeland Security Grants.

According to the Responder Knowledge Base (RKB), a non-profit organization providing free information first First Responders, states on their website that the purpose of the conference is to provide recipients and sub-recipients training and guidance in the financial management of SLGCP funded grants, as well as an opportunity to meet with the new Office of Grant Operations (OGO) staff and exchange ideas.

Conference Highlights include how to apply for DHS/SLGCP grants, the financial management requirements tied to these grants, grantee financial reporting requirements, monitoring and audit information and guidance, and audit requirements from the OGO. Federal regulations and requirements governing the recording/expenditure of program funds, OMB circulars, resources available, and other information will be shared as well.

These conferences are a great opportunity for your organization as a recipient of these Federal awards to become better familiar with the associated rules and requirements. The OGO will also be asking for input and advice from conference attendees on how to improve the grant award and management process from the Federal level. So, bring your ideas with you.

Registration for the conferences is free, however attendees are responsible for all costs associated with their participation in the seminar, including transportation, lodging, and meals. According to the RKB website (www.http://rkb.mipt.org/), grantees can use management and administration funds from SLGCP grant programs to pay for costs associated with attending this training class; however, you may want to confirm this with State guidance and requirements before booking flights.

Tentative conference locations and dates are listed below.

" February 2006 Los Angeles, CA
" April 2006 Washington, DC
" May/June 2006 Chicago, IL or St. Louis, MO
" July/August 2006 New York, New York
" September/October 2006 Washington, DC
" November 2006 Nashville or Memphis, TN

Additional information can be found by visiting the According to the RKB website at www.http://rkb.mipt.org/.