Second Guidance for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

On April 3, the Office of Management and Budget issued the second installment of government-wide guidance for carrying out programs and activities enacted in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The 175-page memo reminds agency and department heads to: 1) develop transparent, merit-based selection criteria that will guide their available discretion in committing, obligating, or expending funds under the Recovery Act for grants and other forms of Federal financial assistance; 2) support projects that have, among other things and to the greatest extent, a demonstrated or potential ability to deliver programmatic results; optimize economic activity and the number of jobs created or saved in relation to the Federal dollars obligated; and achieve long-term public benefits by, for example, investing in technological advances in science and health to increase economic efficiency and improve quality of life; investing in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits; fostering energy independence; or improving educational quality; and 3) support projects that ensure compliance with equal opportunity laws and principles, support small businesses including disadvantaged business enterprises, engage in sound labor practices, promote local hiring, and engage with community-based organizations.