If you are undecided about attending the April 29-May 2 NAVREF workshop in Denver, please be aware that just three seats remain available. Because there is little interest in a repeat session, we will not schedule a second workshop in the near future. So if your NPC is - or is contemplating - accepting federal grants, administers federal sub-awards from universities or you just want an understanding of what managing federal funds entail, do not delay registering. For details, accommodations and to register, go to www.regonline.com/NAVREF0408_63341_604450M

We are starting to see some consequences of the IG report on their audit of five NPCs even though the report itself is confidential until the VHA response has been incorporated. During a conference call on March 27, Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management William Feeley instructed each network director to conduct an “audit” of the NPCs within their VISN before the end of calendar year 2008. As far as we are aware, there is no guidance on how to perform such an audit. NPCs may wish to use the NAVREF NPC Self Assessment Tool (S.A.T.) to conduct a quick internal review in advance of any VISN level audit. The S.A.T is posted at http://www.navref.org/bestpractices/om_main.htm in fillable and PDF formats.

When submitting CRADAs to Regional Counsel for review, a completed “Research Financial Conflict of Interest Statement” must be part of the package. A fillable copy of the new VA COI form is posted on the NAVREF web site at http://navref.org/library/pdf/VA-RESEARCH_FINANCIAL_COI_STATEMENT-ORDV_2-11-08-FINAL.pdf For future reference, the form is also linked from the bottom of the TTP Model Agreements page -http://www.research.va.gov/programs/tech_transfer/model_agreements/default.cfm

You may note that the form has XXXX where there should be a form number. This is because the new form has not yet been approved by OMB. However, while OGC awaits OMB approval, the designated VA agency ethics official has determined that the new form should be used. VA investigators are responsible for completing this form and obtaining any necessary reviews.

Questions about this form should be directed to the local Regional Counsel or OGC Group III.

The IRS Form 990 instructions for Part II, Line 43 require nonprofits to report travel reimbursements paid to government officials – including VA investigators - whose total government compensation exceeds a specific threshold. After this requirement was first imposed in the 2006 Form 990, the IRS was asked to modify the wording to focus on government officials in positions where conflicts of interest could arise. However, the IRS has declined to modify the original terms and nonprofits are expected to comply fully. For additional details that you can share with your accountant and auditor, please go to http://navref.org/library/IRS_Form_990_Travel_Reimb_Paid_to_Govt_Officials.htm

MAGI’s 2008 Clinical Trial Agreements, Budgets and Regulatory Conference – East; May 18-21 in Arlington, Virginia; http://www.iibig.com/conferences/P0804/overview.html. Although NPCs may no longer enter into clinical trial agreements, this conference offers useful sessions on a variety of topics related to administration of clinical trials as well as opportunities to network with the pharmaceutical company and CRO attorneys who typically attend. Amy Centanni and Jeff Moore will conduct a session on VA CRADAs on May 20. Organized by Norman Goldfarb, managing director of First Clinical and a 2006 NAVREF Annual Conference speaker, this conference is always lively and information-packed.

AICPA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference; June 18-20 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center on the Potomac, National Harbor (just south of DC), MD; http://www.cpa2biz.com/AST/AICPA_CPA2BIZ_Specials/Featured/Featured_Conferences/PRDOVR~PC-NOT/PC-NOT.jsp. This conference may be of particular interest to larger NPCs with accounting staff. It provides training on the latest accounting, auditing, tax and financial management issues affecting nonprofits. IRS officials, Federal Accounting Standards Board (FASB) members and others with nonprofit oversight responsibilities are usually featured speakers.