Skip to content

Rural Utility Cooperative Law Blog

Home » Rural Utility Cooperative Posts » RUS Seeks Comment on Audit Rules

RUS Seeks Comment on Audit Rules

The Rural Utilities Service requested comments on a final rule, which will be effective May 8, 2023. The rule concerns audit procedures and other requirements. Here is a summary from RUS:

An update to this policy occurred on May 7, 2018 (83 FR 19905), to incorporate 2011 revisions to the Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards issued by the Government Accountability Office, the clarified audit standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in 2011, and Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, in 2 CFR part 200, subpart F, Audit Requirements, issued by the Office of Management and Budget on December 26, 2013, and adopted by USDA on December 26, 2014. The update also expanded and clarified its regulations to include grant recipients, amend its peer review requirements, amend its reporting requirements, expand the options for the electronic filing of audits, and clarify several existing audit requirements.

The present rulemaking will update regulations, clarify audit policy, and streamline procedures. The uniformity and consistency for all awardees should benefit both the awardees and Agency. Professional standards and guidance provide a framework for conducting high quality audits. To implement these changes, the Agency will publish this as a final rule with comment.

88 F.R. 7557-01 (Feb. 6, 2023).