RSA Corner – AIVRTTAC+TVR Institute

Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Corner

RSA shares the following updates and information that may assist in programmatic, administrative, and financial management. If you have questions regarding any updates or information shared by RSA, please contact your RSA Program Officer.

The RSA AIVRS Program Officers, in the strongest of terms, convey our appreciation for the work you contribute toward helping American Indians with disabilities achieve self-sufficiency through competitive, integrated employment while maintaining or fostering cultural identity. You make a difference, and we are proud of the work that you do!

9/19/2025

The RSA AIVRS Program Officers offer you the deepest and heartfelt thanks and gratitude for all the work you have accomplished this year. Although we often get caught up in the statutory and regulatory requirements of this program, we recognize the work you are doing has a direct positive impact on Tribal members with disabilities. Your contribution to the health and welfare of your communities is not forgotten or taken lightly. Thank you for all your hard work, your sacrifices, your dedication, and your commitment to the Tribal members you serve and the communities you improve.
The RSA AIVRS Project Directors Conference Call is currently scheduled for September 25, 2025, from 2 PM to 3 PM EDT. The agenda and Annual Performance Report (APR) documents were sent on September 18, 2025. RSA will conduct a quick training on the APR requirements. A link to this call will be sent by AIVRTTAC and the call will be recorded and made available on the AIVRTTAC website.
RSA Program Officers will provide a Q&A session in November (exact date TBD) for grantees who need technical assistance regarding the APR due December 30, 2025.
RSA Program Officers will provide a Final Performance Report training for grantees who are completing their no-cost extension of an 84.250M grant. The date and time are still to be determined but will be sent soon.

Reminder: Please remember to discuss regular drawdowns with your finance office, ensure the Tribe has a current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, and the Tribe has completed the Single Audit (if the Tribe meets the threshold).

8/22/2025

RSA is pleased to announce the FY 2025 84.250R grant competition funded 8 grants with 2 of the 8 grants being brand new. Please join us in welcoming and congratulating the following grantees:

Shoshone Paiute Tribes (NV)
Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe (WA) *New*
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde (OR)
Fort Belknap Indian Community (MT)
The Klamath Tribes (OR)
Pit River Tribe (CA) *New*
Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation (CA)
The Hoopa Valley Tribe (CA)

All 84.250N, 84.250P, and 84.250Q grants received continuation awards.

Some grantees had specific conditions attached to their Grant Award Notification (GAN), so please read the GAN carefully. Please contact your Program Officer with any questions or concerns regarding the GAN,

As of October 1, 2025:

Grantees funded in FY 2022 (84.250P) are in their 4th year.
Grantees funded in FY 2024 (84.250Q) are in their 2nd year.

Letters requesting the annual performance report will be emailed to all AIVRS grantees in October of 2025.

Finally, please remember to discuss regular drawdowns with your finance office, ensure the Tribe has a current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, and the Tribe has completed the Single Audit (if the Tribe meets the threshold).

7/11/2025

Now that we are in the final quarter of this budget period, it is especially important to focus on the areas we have encouraged Project Directors to address throughout the year. These include reviewing the Tribe’s available balance in G5 and working with Tribal administration to ensure Single Audits and Indirect Cost Rate Agreements are current. These factors are critical for RSA Program Officers when assessing substantial progress and determining funding levels for each grantee. As we move through the remainder of this budget period, we continue to urge you to prioritize these key areas of project management.

On another note, for the next several RSA Corners, we will be providing you with quotes from RSA Program Officers regarding their work with grantees. We hope these quotes will be encouraging and convey our appreciation for working with all of you. Today’s RSA Corner quote comes from August Martin:

It has been my honor and pleasure working with AIVRS grantees. It takes a special kind of heart to prioritize helping our indigenous peoples with disabilities achieve self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life. Many of our AIVRS staff go without recognition of their work. I recognize the work you do, and I am grateful for the difference you are making!

6/27/2025

AIVRS Funding: The RSA AIVRS Program Officers have recognized a certain level of anxiety from some AIVRS Project Directors regarding the continued funding of the AIVRS program. Please be assured the funding for the AIVRS program is secure due to how the program receives its funding allocation from Congress. The AIVRS funding is allocated directly from the funds appropriated to the State VR program. That means as long as the State VR program is receiving funding, the AIVRS program will receive funding. Since the State VR and AIVRS programs are authorized under Section 110 and 121 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, it would take an act of Congress to eliminate this statutorily authorized program.

“As a Program Officer, I have a deep appreciation for my grantees ability to grow their internal capacity related to statutory and regulatory requirements. I have witnessed knowledge sharing with neighboring grantees. It truly takes a village, and it does not go unseen. We will get there, together. Gracias por todo.”

Adrienne Rodriguez

6/13/2025

Large Available Balance (LAB): A reminder: RSA encourages you to speak with your finance/business office to ensure drawdowns for project expenditures are up to date. RSA Program Officers will contact you if the Tribe’s G5 account reflects a 70% or more balance of the amount awarded for this budget period.

To better understand how your AIVRS project is spending grant funds, it would be helpful if you could share your accounting records of how grant funds were spent for the current budget period. Some Project Directors keep their own personal records (which is a recommended best practice) of grant spending and what is spent isn’t always reflected accurately in G5. We at RSA want to ensure we don’t take adverse action against a grantee due to how much is reflected in G5.
If your G5 account reflects a balance of 70% or more of the amount awarded for this budget period, your RSA program officer will request expenditures/ encumbrances (not yet drawn down in G5) for the remainder of this budget period (through 9.30.2025) and a budget with justification for the next budget period if there is carryover.
Although the threshold for a LAB is 70% we need this information from all grantees with carryover from FY 2024.
Federal Payment (2 CFR Part 200.305): Payments for recipients and subrecipients other than States.For recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means.

5/25/2025

A message from August: On this Memorial Day weekend, it is important to remember that American Indians and Alaska Natives served in the military five times the national average despite facing discrimination and attempts to eliminate their cultures and languages. Additionally, there were/are higher concentrations of women service members than all other groups. The RSA AIVRS Team expresses our deepest gratitude for all our Indigenous brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice for their peoples. Their sacrifice demonstrated the courage and dedication that has been a part of our peoples since time immemorial. They did not fight for our freedom only, but for our very existence. Gunal’cheesh (thank you) to all our brave Indigenous who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. You are remembered!
Large Available Balance: A reminder to encourage you to speak with your finance/business office to ensure drawdowns for project expenditures are up to date. RSA Program Officers will contact you if the Tribe’s G5 account reflects a 70% or more balance of the amount awarded for this budget period.
Single Audit: A reminder that grantees that meets the threshold for federal expenditures as described in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.501 must engage in a Single Audit. The Single Audit must be completed on an annual basis. Grantees that have late or missing Single Audits will be contacted by the RSA Program Officers.
Indirect Cost Rate Agreements (IDCA): A reminder that if a Tribe charges indirect costs against the grant, an IDCA must be in place and current for the year indirect is being charged. You are encouraged to discuss the IDCA with your Tribal finance/business office or the Tribal Administration.

Changes: A reminder that certain changes to the approved grant application or project personnel require RSA prior approval. Changes that require prior approval are, 1) changes in Key Personnel, 2) change in Project Director, 3) Substantial changes to the budget, and 4) changes to scope of services as described in the approved grant application. Any other changes, such as Authorized//Certifying Representative, pending changes (resignations/new hires), does not require approval, but does require notifying the funding agency of such changes. When in doubt, please consult with the RSA Program officer.

4/25/2025

250Q Grantees: A reminder that the six-month performance report is due on May 15, 2025.
Large Available Balance: A reminder to encourage you to speak with your finance/business office to ensure drawdowns for project expenditures are up to date. RSA Program Officers will contact you if the Tribe’s G5 account reflects a 70% or more balance of the amount awarded for this budget period.
Single Audit: A reminder that grantees that meets the threshold for federal expenditures as described in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.501 must engage in a Single Audit. The Single Audit must be completed on an annual basis. Grantees that have late or missing Single Audits will be contacted by the RSA Program Officers.
Indirect Cost Rate Agreements (IDCA): A reminder that if a Tribe charges indirect costs against the grant, an IDCA must be in place and current for the year indirect is being charged. You are encouraged to discuss the IDCA with your Tribal finance/business office or the Tribal Administration.
Changes: A reminder that certain changes to the approved grant application or project personnel require RSA prior approval. Changes that require prior approval are, 1) changes in Key Personnel, 2) change in Project Director, 3) Substantial changes to the budget, and 4) changes to scope of services as described in the approved grant application. Any other changes, such as Authorized//Certifying Representative, pending changes (resignations/new hires), does not require approval, but does require notifying the funding agency of such changes. When in doubt, please consult with the RSA Program officer.

4/18/2025

250Q Grantees: Grantees who were funded 10/01/2024 under the 84.250Q grant competition are now in their third quarter. In order for RSA to fund a continuation award to 250Q grantees for their second year, a six-month report must be submitted to your AIVRS program officer. A letter requesting the six-month performance report was sent through G5 that includes the necessary information to complete the report. The due date for the six-month performance report is May 15, 2025 and the report must be submitted to your RSA Program Officer through the email.
On April 17, 2025, RSA completed a one-hour training and question and answer (Q&A) session on the six-month performance report to grantees who were newly funded on October 1, 2024, under the 84.250Q grant competition cohort. The training and Q&A session was recorded and will soon be made available on the AIVRTTAC website for those who were not able to join the training and Q&A session.
Large Available Balance: As we approach the end of the second quarter of this budget period, please speak with your finance/business office to ensure drawdowns for project expenditures are up to date. RSA Program Officers will be in contact with you if the Tribe’s G5 account reflects a 70% or more balance of the amount awarded for this budget period.
Single Audit: Every grantee that meets the threshold for federal expenditures as described in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.501 must engage in a Single Audit. The Single Audit must be completed on an annual basis. Grantees that have late or missing Single Audits are identified in an Entity Risk Review (ERR) report and RSA is required to take corrective action, such as specific conditions, to assist grantees back into compliance to regulatory requirements. RSA Program Officers will be in contact with the Tribes that have a late or missing Single Audit.
Indirect Cost Rate Agreements (IDCA): As you know, if the Tribe charges indirect costs against the grant, then an IDCA must be in place and current for the year indirect costs are being charged. You are encouraged to discuss the IDCA with your Tribal finance/business office or the Tribal Administration. For more information regarding the IDC, please refer to the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.412-415. Any questions or concerns may be directed to your RSA Program Officer.
Changes: There are certain changes that require RSA prior approval. Changes that require prior approval are, 1) changes in Key Personnel, 2) change in Project Director, 3) Substantial changes to the budget, and 4) changes to scope of services as described in the approved grant application. Any other changes, such as Authorized//Certifying Representative, pending changes (resignations/new hires), does not require approval, but does require notifying the funding agency of such changes. When in doubt, please consult with the RSA Program officer.

4/11/2025

84.250Q Grantees: Grantees who were funded 10/01/2024 under the 84.250Q grant competition are approaching the end of their second quarter. In order for RSA to fund a continuation award to 250Q grantees for their second year, a six-month report must be submitted to your AIVRS program officer. A letter requesting the six-month performance report was sent through G5 on April 2, 2025, that includes the necessary information to complete the report. The due date for the six-month performance report is May 15, 2025.
RSA is offering a one-hour training and question and answer (Q&A) session on the six-month performance report to grantees who were newly funded on October 1, 2024, under the 84.250Q grant competition cohort. This training and Q&A session will walk participants through the required components necessary for a complete six-month performance report. Any individual responsible for completing a portion of or the full six-month performance report is encouraged to join us on April 17, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT.
Large Available Balance: As we begin the third quarter of the budget period, please speak with your finance/business office to ensure drawdowns for program expenditures are up to date. RSA program officers will be in contact with you if the Tribe’s G5 account reflects a 70% or more balance of the amount awarded for this budget period.

4/4/2025

Reminders

84.250Q Grantees: Grantees who were funded 10/01/2024 under the 84.250Q grant competition are approaching the end of their second quarter. In order for RSA to fund a continuation award to 250Q grantees for their second year, a six-month report must be submitted in G5. A letter requesting the six-month performance report will be sent soon that includes the necessary information to complete the report in G5. Additionally, the RSA Program Office will offer a training on how to complete a performance report, a date and time to be determined soon. The due date for the six-month performance report is May 15, 2025.
84.250R Grant Competition: Due Date April 7, 2025 (in 10 calendar days) (https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/356997). Please refer to the link for specifics regarding this grant competition.
Large Available Balance: As we approach the end of the second quarter of this budget period, please speak with your finance/business office to ensure drawdowns for program expenditures are up to date. RSA Program Officers will be in contact with you if the Tribe’s G5 account reflects a 75% or more balance of the amount awarded for this budget period.
Single Audit: Every grantee that meets the threshold for federal expenditures as described in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.501 must engage in a Single Audit. The Single Audit must be completed on an annual basis. Grantees that have late or missing Single Audits are identified in an Entity Risk Review (ERR) report and RSA is required to take corrective action, such as specific conditions, to assist grantees back into compliance to regulatory requirements. RSA Program Officers will be in contact with the Tribes that have a late or missing Single Audit.
Indirect Cost Rate Agreements (IDCA): As you know, if the Tribe charges indirect costs against the grant, then an IDCA must be in place and current for the year indirect costs are being charged. You are encouraged to discuss the IDCA with your Tribal finance/business office or the Tribal Administration. For more information regarding the IDC, please refer to the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.412-415. Any questions or concerns may be directed to your RSA Program Officer.

Changes: There are certain changes that require RSA prior approval. Changes that require prior approval are, 1) changes in Key Personnel, 2) change in Project Director, 3) Substantial changes to the budget, and 4) changes to scope of services as described in the approved grant application. Any other changes, such as Authorized//Certifying Representative, pending changes (resignations/new hires), does not require approval, but does require notifying the funding agency of such changes. When in doubt, please consult with the RSA Program officer.

3/28/2025

Reminders

84.250Q Grantees:
Grantees who were funded 10/01/2024 under the 84.250Q grant competition are approaching the end of their second quarter. In order for RSA to fund a continuation award to 250Q grantees for their second year, a six-month report must be submitted in G5. A letter requesting the six-month performance report will be sent soon
that includes the necessary information to complete the report in G5. Additionally, the RSA Program Office will offer a training on how to complete a performance report, a date and time to be determined soon. The due date for the six-month performance report is May 15, 2025.
84.250R Grant Competition: Due Date April 7, 2025 (in 10 calendar days) (https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/356997). Please refer to the link for specifics regarding this grant competition.
Large Available Balance: As we approach the end of the second quarter of this budget period, please speak with your finance/business office to ensure drawdowns for program expenditures are up to date. RSA Program Officers will be in contact with you if the Tribe’s G5 account reflects a 75% or more balance of the amount awarded for this budget period.
Single Audit: Every grantee that meets the threshold for federal expenditures as described in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.501 must engage in a Single Audit. The Single Audit must be completed on an annual basis. Grantees that have late or missing Single Audits are identified in an Entity Risk Review (ERR) report and RSA is required to take corrective action, such as specific conditions, to assist grantees back into compliance to regulatory requirements. RSA Program Officers will be in contact with the Tribes that have a late or missing Single Audit.
Indirect Cost Rate Agreements (IDCA): As you know, if the Tribe charges indirect
costs against the grant, then an IDCA must be in place and current for the year indirect costs are being charged. You are encouraged to discuss the IDCA with your Tribal finance/business office or the Tribal Administration. For more information regarding the IDC, please refer to the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.412-415. Any
questions or concerns may be directed to your RSA Program Officer.
Changes: There are certain changes that require RSA prior approval. Changes that require prior approval are, 1) changes in Key Personnel, 2) change in Project Director, 3) Substantial changes to the budget, and 4) changes to scope of services as described in the approved grant application. Any other changes, such as Authorized//Certifying Representative, pending changes (resignations/new hires), does not require approval,
but does require notifying the funding agency of such changes. When
in doubt, please consult with the RSA Program officer.

3/21/2025

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is pleased the AIVRTTAC has agreed to include the RSA Corner in its Weekly Update email. RSA will share updates and information that may assist in programmatic, administrative, and financial management. If you have any questions regarding any updates or information shared by RSA, please contact your RSA Program Officer.

Thank you for your Annual and Final Performance Report submission and for addressing revisions, if needed.

84.250R Grant Competition: due to changes prescribed by the current administration, the Notice Inviting Application that was published in the Federal Register on Number 11, 2024 (https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/356997) with a closing date of March 7, 2025 has been republished reflecting the changes in the selection criteria and with a new closing date of April 7, 2025. Please refer to the link above for specifics regarding this grant competition.
Annual Performance Report: The report covering the 10/01/2023 – 09/30/2024 performance period was due on December 30, 2024. If you were granted an extension or have not yet submitted the report, please do so as soon as you can. Continuation funding cannot be awarded if reports are not submitted, reviewed, and determined to demonstrate substantial progress.
Final Performance Report: Grantees funded under the 84.250M (H250M1900##) grant competition in FY 2019 have completed their final year of their grant. Final reports are due 120 days after the end of the budget period (09/30/2024). The due date for the final performance report was due on January 30, 2025. If you have not submitted the final performance report and were not approved for a No-cost Extension or an extension to the due date, the delinquent report must be taken into consideration when applying for a new grant. Please ensure the final performance report is submitted as soon as possible.
Single Audit: Every grantee that meets the threshold for federal expenditures as described in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.501 must engage in a Single Audit. The Single Audit must be completed on an annual basis. Grantees that have late or missing Single Audits are identified in an Entity Risk Review (ERR) report and RSA is required to take corrective action, such as specific conditions, to assist grantees back into compliance to regulatory requirements. RSA Program Officers will be in contact with the Tribes that have a late or missing Single Audit.
Changes: There are certain changes that require RSA prior approval. Changes that require prior approval are, 1) changes in Key Personnel, 2) change in Project Director, 3) Substantial changes to the budget, and 4) changes to scope of services as described in the approved grant application. Any other changes, such as Authorized//Certifying Representative, pending changes (resignations/new hires), does not require approval, but does require notifying the funding agency of such changes. When in doubt, please consult with the RSA Program officer.
Ticket to Work: Discussions with the Social Security Administration regarding AIVRS inclusion in the Ticket to Work program is currently paused. We hope discussions will continue in the near future