- The CDBG Administrators Manual can be found here
- The CDBG Administrators List can be found here
- CDBG Training Information can be found here
The State of Nebraska requires the certification of all persons administering Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects in Nebraska.
What does it mean to become a certified CDBG grant administrator?
The Oxford Dictionary defines "certify" in this way: "to declare by certificate that a person is qualified or competent." This definition, however, doesn't begin to address the responsibilities of a professionally-certified grant administrator.
According to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's (DED) Community and Rural Development Division (CRD), certified administrators are qualified to serve as professional stewards for their communities in the following ways:
- Handling complex administrative and financial procedures, backed by the guarantee that they have successfully met the high certification standards for CDBG grant administrators. Viewed another way, certification is an "insurance policy" which protects grantees from unnecessary monitoring findings due to inexperienced grant administrators
- Helping federal and local governments achieve a higher level of efficiency, which means the needs of constituents are more effectively met
- Using their knowledge and skills to build the capacity of all Nebraska communities to work together in creating stronger economies and in improving the overall quality of life in the state
What does it take to become a certified administrator?
You've taken the first step toward certification when you attend a certification workshop. These workshops are conducted by the Community and Rural Development Division and are scheduled to coincide with CDBG funding cycles.
Certification as a CDBG Administrator is achieved through attendance and successful completion of a CDBG Certification Workshop. The training covers:
- Knowledge of the federal Community Development Block Program, as it relates to the Department's CDBG program
- The ability to understand, interpret and apply federal regulations
- Administrative Requirements
- Environmental Review
- Contract Procurement
- Civil Rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Financial Management
- Labor Standards
You may attend the workshop even if you are not interested in becoming certified.
What does my registration fee cover?
Your registration (contact CRD for costs) includes workshop handouts and an administration manual, continental breakfasts, lunches and breaks.
What is included in the manual?
The manual describes how to document compliance with the program rules and regulations, according to each compliance area: e.g. labor, acquisition, finance procurement, civil rights and environment. CDBG staff continually update the manual to include modifications in any program rules and methods of compliance.
Who are the workshop presenters? What are their credentials?
All CDBG staff possess expertise in their assigned area of compliance and keep current with governing regulations. They are responsible for writing the manual chapters and presenting the workshop sessions that correlate with their area of compliance. They provide technical assistance and serve as a contact person for their program area.
I panic at the thought of testing. . . what can I do about this?
Relax. The intent of the program is to help you increase your understanding in all areas of the CDBG program.
The purpose of the evaluations and case studies are to encourage you to use the manual as the reference for understanding CDBG requirements as they relate to actual projects.
You can expect to receive a response on the outcome of your certification evaluation within 45 days following the workshop. If you successfully complete the workshop, you are certified for a two-year period.
How will communities know I am certified?
Following the workshop, the Community and Rural Development Division assembles a list of certified grant administrators. The list is available here.
How do I recertify?
The initial certification is effective for two years. The continuance of the certification beyond two years requires completion of any mandatory training courses offered during the time between certification and recertification through the CDBG Certified Administrators Training Program. Recertification occurs following attendance and successful completion of a CDBG Recertification Workshop during the year in which certification expires. Upon recertification, certification becomes effective for three-year periods with the requirements of attending mandatory training courses offered during the period and then a CDBG Recertification Workshop and passing the administered exam at the Recertification Workshop for renewal. Find information and registration forms on upcoming workshops at the Department’s website.
Those who doe not pass the exam at the Recertification training will be put on probation until the next Full Certification. The person on probation may continue with current agreements; however, the person will not be eligible to enter into new agreements. In order to be removed from probation and regain status as a CDBG Certified Administrator, the person will need to attend the Full Certification and pass the written exam given at the next scheduled Full Certification training. Failure to attend the next Full Certification results in being decertified.
The due date for recertification is noted on the Certification Certificate. Note that certification expiration and renewal is based upon a specific calendar date and not based on the CDBG program year. Certified Administrators may need to be recertified during an ongoing project.
Could I ever lose my certification?
Yes, a Certified Administrator may be decertified if these following actions are documented and verified by Department staff. These actions include but are not limited to:
- Consistently bypassing federal or state policy and regulations.
- Actions that result in the de-obligation or refund of grant awards.
- Two or more complaints are lodged against an individual by the grantee, agent, elected official or other individual in the implementation of federal grants.
- Poor performance by the grantee, as evidenced by consistent grant modifications, and project delays.
- Improper procurement of contractors.
- Blatant conflicts of interest, which, if disclosed would result in the loss of the contract.
- Inability to attend the mandatory trainings and pass the exam administered at the Recertification training.
A decertified administrator, who fails to attend the required trainings, will need to wait one year before attending the Full Certification training (see Section 3 in the Administrative Overview Chapter of the Certified Administrator’s Manual). The Department reserves the right, with cause, to add to this list any action detrimental to the efficient conduct and timely execution of a grant award that is attributable to the performance of a Certified Grant Administrator. No action will be taken without due process.
The Community and Rural Development Division will follow established procedures for decertifying CDBG Administrators. The Division will enforce the policies set forth in the manual's administrative requirements chapter to ensure the appropriate administration of grants and preservation of Nebraska communities' use of CDBG funds.
|
Build/Improve Facilities 
