DECODED®

Grants Monitoring 201 – Risk Assessment
2026-07-08 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Session Snapshot
Course Length & Format: 2-hour live, interactive online training (Group Internet Based)
CPE Credits: 2.0 CPE (Specialized Knowledge)
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Prerequisites: None
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Advance Preparation: None
Target Audience: Grant managers and administrators; Monitoring and compliance staff; Finance and program personnel; and Internal auditors.
Attendance and CPE Credit Requirements: To receive CPE credit, participants must attend the full session, respond to all required attendance monitoring prompts, and complete any required evaluation or attendance verification steps communicated during the program.
Click Here to Register Now!

Event Details
Date: July 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Central Time
Location: Live, Online, via Zoom
Cost: $295 (registration required)

Session Description
This course is part of the DECODED® Grants Monitoring Series, a practical training program designed to help public sector professionals build, implement, and sustain effective subrecipient monitoring programs grounded in 2 CFR Part 200.
This course focuses on developing a risk-based approach to monitoring that is both practical and defensible. Participants will learn how to identify, evaluate, and score risk across subrecipients, and how those risk decisions drive monitoring frequency and depth.
The session emphasizes usability—avoiding overly complex models while ensuring decisions are well-supported and documented.

Participants Will Gain Practical Tools To

Apply monitoring concepts to real grant oversight environments.
Strengthen documentation, consistency, and accountability in monitoring work.
Build skills that support defensible monitoring decisions across the grant lifecycle.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will identify key risk factors impacting monitoring.
Attendees will develop a structured risk scoring methodology.
Attendees will document risk assessments in a defensible manner.
Attendees will align monitoring activities with risk levels.

Course Topics

Understanding Risk in Grants
Financial, programmatic, and compliance risk
Risk Factors and Data Sources
Prior findings, funding size, complexity
Building a Risk Model
Scoring approaches
Weighting factors
Applying Risk to Monitoring
Frequency and scope decisions
Documentation expectations

Presented By
National speakers and experts in federal fiscal compliance, indirect cost rates, 2 CFR 200, monitoring, internal controls, and public-sector compliance implementation.

Mara Ash, CIA, CGFM, CICA, CRMA, CGAP
CEO, BFS Strategic Partners
Mara Ash is the CEO of BFS Strategic Partners and a nationally recognized public-sector compliance and accountability professional with more than 28 years of experience in financial management, audit, internal controls, federal assistance compliance, and grants management. Her work focuses on helping public-sector organizations translate complex requirements into practical, defensible systems that strengthen accountability, transparency, and operational performance.
Mara develops and delivers professional education for external public-sector, grants management, audit, and compliance audiences through BFS Strategic Partners and DECODED®. She is the author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series and founder of DECODED® Academy.

Cindy Watson, CICA
Managing Director, BFS Strategic Partners
Cindy Watson is the Managing Director of BFS Strategic Partners and a senior compliance and financial management professional with more than 25 years of experience in accounting, federal and state grant compliance, internal controls, audit readiness, monitoring, and corrective action. She helps organizations build practical processes, improve documentation, and prepare for state and federal oversight.
Cindy’s expertise includes 2 CFR Part 200, EDGAR, subrecipient monitoring, program and fiscal testing, indirect cost rates, cost allowability, procurement compliance, maintenance of effort, excess cost, audit procedures, policy analysis, automated reporting, and corrective action implementation. She is the co-author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series.

Call to Action
Click Here to Register Now!
Advance registration is required.

CPE Statement
This program is designed to support continuing professional education for government accountability and technical training purposes. Participants should confirm acceptance with their licensing body, employer, or audit organization.
This class is designed to meet 2.0 hours of the 24-hour governmental CPE requirement under Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book), in most cases.

Policies

Refund Policy
DECODED® offers both free and paid Group Internet Based programs. For paid live Group Internet Based programs, cancellations made at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the scheduled program are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made three (3) to six (6) calendar days prior to the scheduled program may incur a 30% cancellation fee. Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled program may incur a 50% cancellation fee.
For free Group Internet Based programs, no refund applies.
To request a refund or ask questions about a registration, please contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.

Program Cancellation Policy
If DECODED® cancels a Group Internet Based program, registered participants will be notified by email no later than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled program start time, unless an emergency or other unforeseen circumstance requires shorter notice.
When applicable, DECODED® will provide additional information regarding rescheduling options or refunds for paid registrations.

Complaint Resolution Policy
DECODED® is committed to addressing participant concerns in a timely and professional manner. Participants who wish to report a complaint or concern regarding a Group Internet Based program should contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.
Complaints will be reviewed by the appropriate DECODED® representative, and DECODED® will make a reasonable effort to respond in a timely manner.

Policy Implementation Gaps That Lead to Findings: What Mature Organizations Still Get Wrong
2026-07-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Session Snapshot
Course Length & Format: 1-hour live, interactive online training (Group Internet Based)
CPE Credits: 1.0 CPE (Specialized Knowledge)
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Prerequisites: None
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Advance Preparation: None
Target Audience: Experienced grant professionals, finance and compliance teams, and internal audit functions seeking to strengthen mature control environments.
Attendance and CPE Credit Requirements: To receive CPE credit, participants must attend the full session, respond to all required attendance monitoring prompts, and complete any required evaluation or attendance verification steps communicated during the program.
Click Here to Register Now!

Event Details
Date: July 1, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Central Time
Location: Live, Online, via Zoom
Cost: $99 (registration required)

Session Description
Compliance failures often result from implementation gaps — where written policies appear compliant, but day-to-day execution diverges.
This session examines recurring breakdown points in mature organizations, including cost allowability, internal control documentation, and oversight practices. It focuses on identifying vulnerabilities before they result in repeat findings.

Participants Will Gain Practical Tools To

Spot implementation gaps that can hide inside otherwise mature systems.
Strengthen documentation around allowability and internal control decisions.
Prioritize practical fixes that reduce repeat-findings risk.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will identify high-risk implementation gaps in mature organizations.
Attendees will analyze disconnects between written policy and operational practice.
Attendees will evaluate allowability determinations for documentation sufficiency.
Attendees will assess internal control effectiveness in real-world execution.
Attendees will develop strategies to reduce recurring compliance breakdowns.

Presented By
National speakers and experts in federal fiscal compliance, indirect cost rates, 2 CFR 200, monitoring, internal controls, and public-sector compliance implementation.

Mara Ash, CIA, CGFM, CICA, CRMA, CGAP
CEO, BFS Strategic Partners
Mara Ash is the CEO of BFS Strategic Partners and a nationally recognized public-sector compliance and accountability professional with more than 28 years of experience in financial management, audit, internal controls, federal assistance compliance, and grants management. Her work focuses on helping public-sector organizations translate complex requirements into practical, defensible systems that strengthen accountability, transparency, and operational performance.
Mara develops and delivers professional education for external public-sector, grants management, audit, and compliance audiences through BFS Strategic Partners and DECODED®. She is the author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series and founder of DECODED® Academy.

Cindy Watson, CICA
Managing Director, BFS Strategic Partners
Cindy Watson is the Managing Director of BFS Strategic Partners and a senior compliance and financial management professional with more than 25 years of experience in accounting, federal and state grant compliance, internal controls, audit readiness, monitoring, and corrective action. She helps organizations build practical processes, improve documentation, and prepare for state and federal oversight.
Cindy’s expertise includes 2 CFR Part 200, EDGAR, subrecipient monitoring, program and fiscal testing, indirect cost rates, cost allowability, procurement compliance, maintenance of effort, excess cost, audit procedures, policy analysis, automated reporting, and corrective action implementation. She is the co-author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series.

Call to Action
Click Here to Register Now!
Advance registration is required.

CPE Statement
This program is designed to support continuing professional education for government accountability and technical training purposes. Participants should confirm acceptance with their licensing body, employer, or audit organization.
This class is designed to meet 1.0 hours of the 24-hour governmental CPE requirement under Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book), in most cases.

Policies

Refund Policy
DECODED® offers both free and paid Group Internet Based programs. For paid live Group Internet Based programs, cancellations made at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the scheduled program are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made three (3) to six (6) calendar days prior to the scheduled program may incur a 30% cancellation fee. Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled program may incur a 50% cancellation fee.
For free Group Internet Based programs, no refund applies.
To request a refund or ask questions about a registration, please contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.

Program Cancellation Policy
If DECODED® cancels a Group Internet Based program, registered participants will be notified by email no later than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled program start time, unless an emergency or other unforeseen circumstance requires shorter notice.
When applicable, DECODED® will provide additional information regarding rescheduling options or refunds for paid registrations.

Complaint Resolution Policy
DECODED® is committed to addressing participant concerns in a timely and professional manner. Participants who wish to report a complaint or concern regarding a Group Internet Based program should contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.
Complaints will be reviewed by the appropriate DECODED® representative, and DECODED® will make a reasonable effort to respond in a timely manner.

Grants Monitoring 101 – Basics
2026-06-24 10:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Session Snapshot
Course Length & Format: 2-hour live, interactive online training (Group Internet Based)
CPE Credits: 2.0 CPE (Specialized Knowledge)
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Prerequisites: None
Knowledge Level: Basic
Advance Preparation: None
Target Audience: Grant managers and administrators; Monitoring and compliance staff; Finance and program personnel; and Internal auditors.
Attendance and CPE Credit Requirements: To receive CPE credit, participants must attend the full session, respond to all required attendance monitoring prompts, and complete any required evaluation or attendance verification steps communicated during the program.
Click Here to Register Now!

Event Details
Date: June 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Central Time
Location: Live, Online, via Zoom
Cost: $295 (registration required)

Session Description
This course is part of the DECODED® Grants Monitoring Series, a practical training program designed to help public sector professionals build, implement, and sustain effective subrecipient monitoring programs grounded in 2 CFR Part 200.
This course provides a clear, practical introduction to subrecipient monitoring under 2 CFR Part 200. Participants will learn what monitoring is, why it matters, and how it fits into the overall grant lifecycle. The session focuses on translating regulatory requirements into real-world expectations, helping participants understand how monitoring operates within their organization.
Common misconceptions, roles and responsibilities, and the foundational components of an effective monitoring framework are addressed, giving participants a strong starting point for building or improving their approach.

Participants Will Gain Practical Tools To

Apply monitoring concepts to real grant oversight environments.
Strengthen documentation, consistency, and accountability in monitoring work.
Build skills that support defensible monitoring decisions across the grant lifecycle.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will understand the purpose and requirements of subrecipient monitoring.
Attendees will identify roles and responsibilities of pass-through entities and subrecipients.
Attendees will recognize key components of an effective monitoring framework.
Attendees will distinguish between different types of monitoring activities.
Attendees will identify common monitoring pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Course Topics

Introduction to Grants Monitoring
Purpose and regulatory foundation
Monitoring vs. oversight vs. audit
Roles and Responsibilities
Pass-through entity responsibilities
Subrecipient expectations
Types of Monitoring
Desk reviews
Site visits
Ongoing monitoring
Common Challenges and Pitfalls
Inconsistent application
Documentation gaps
Over/under monitoring

Presented By
National speakers and experts in federal fiscal compliance, indirect cost rates, 2 CFR 200, monitoring, internal controls, and public-sector compliance implementation.

Mara Ash, CIA, CGFM, CICA, CRMA, CGAP
CEO, BFS Strategic Partners
Mara Ash is the CEO of BFS Strategic Partners and a nationally recognized public-sector compliance and accountability professional with more than 28 years of experience in financial management, audit, internal controls, federal assistance compliance, and grants management. Her work focuses on helping public-sector organizations translate complex requirements into practical, defensible systems that strengthen accountability, transparency, and operational performance.
Mara develops and delivers professional education for external public-sector, grants management, audit, and compliance audiences through BFS Strategic Partners and DECODED®. She is the author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series and founder of DECODED® Academy.

Cindy Watson, CICA
Managing Director, BFS Strategic Partners
Cindy Watson is the Managing Director of BFS Strategic Partners and a senior compliance and financial management professional with more than 25 years of experience in accounting, federal and state grant compliance, internal controls, audit readiness, monitoring, and corrective action. She helps organizations build practical processes, improve documentation, and prepare for state and federal oversight.
Cindy’s expertise includes 2 CFR Part 200, EDGAR, subrecipient monitoring, program and fiscal testing, indirect cost rates, cost allowability, procurement compliance, maintenance of effort, excess cost, audit procedures, policy analysis, automated reporting, and corrective action implementation. She is the co-author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series.

Call to Action
Click Here to Register Now!
Advance registration is required.

CPE Statement
This program is designed to support continuing professional education for government accountability and technical training purposes. Participants should confirm acceptance with their licensing body, employer, or audit organization.
This class is designed to meet 2.0 hours of the 24-hour governmental CPE requirement under Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book), in most cases.

Policies

Refund Policy
DECODED® offers both free and paid Group Internet Based programs. For paid live Group Internet Based programs, cancellations made at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the scheduled program are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made three (3) to six (6) calendar days prior to the scheduled program may incur a 30% cancellation fee. Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled program may incur a 50% cancellation fee.
For free Group Internet Based programs, no refund applies.
To request a refund or ask questions about a registration, please contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.

Program Cancellation Policy
If DECODED® cancels a Group Internet Based program, registered participants will be notified by email no later than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled program start time, unless an emergency or other unforeseen circumstance requires shorter notice.
When applicable, DECODED® will provide additional information regarding rescheduling options or refunds for paid registrations.

Complaint Resolution Policy
DECODED® is committed to addressing participant concerns in a timely and professional manner. Participants who wish to report a complaint or concern regarding a Group Internet Based program should contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.
Complaints will be reviewed by the appropriate DECODED® representative, and DECODED® will make a reasonable effort to respond in a timely manner.

Aligning Written Policies with What Staff Actually Do
2026-06-17 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Session Snapshot
Course Length & Format: 90-minute live, interactive online training (Group Internet Based)
CPE Credits: 1.5 CPE (Specialized Knowledge)
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Prerequisites: None
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Advance Preparation: None
Target Audience: Compliance officers, internal control professionals, finance leaders, program managers, and executive leadership seeking to strengthen governance without over-engineering processes.
Attendance and CPE Credit Requirements: To receive CPE credit, participants must attend the full session, respond to all required attendance monitoring prompts, and complete any required evaluation or attendance verification steps communicated during the program.
Click Here to Register Now!

Event Details
Date: June 17, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Central Time
Location: Live, Online, via Zoom
Cost: $199 (registration required)

Session Description
Well-written policies do not guarantee compliant operations. When procedures diverge from real workflows, organizations accumulate risk while believing they are compliant.
This session focuses on diagnosing misalignment between policy and practice, identifying root causes of procedural drift, and redesigning guidance that reflects operational realities. It emphasizes documentation discipline and defensible decision-making without sacrificing flexibility.

Participants Will Gain Practical Tools To

Identify where policies look compliant but fail in execution.
Distinguish needed flexibility from undocumented exceptions.
Develop practical documentation habits that support defensible operations.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will assess gaps between documented policies and operational workflows.
Attendees will analyze root causes of procedural drift.
Attendees will redesign procedural guidance to reflect realistic execution.
Attendees will document discretionary decisions and deviations defensibly.
Attendees will strengthen internal control consistency across teams.

Presented By
National speakers and experts in federal fiscal compliance, indirect cost rates, 2 CFR 200, monitoring, internal controls, and public-sector compliance implementation.

Mara Ash, CIA, CGFM, CICA, CRMA, CGAP
CEO, BFS Strategic Partners
Mara Ash is the CEO of BFS Strategic Partners and a nationally recognized public-sector compliance and accountability professional with more than 28 years of experience in financial management, audit, internal controls, federal assistance compliance, and grants management. Her work focuses on helping public-sector organizations translate complex requirements into practical, defensible systems that strengthen accountability, transparency, and operational performance.
Mara develops and delivers professional education for external public-sector, grants management, audit, and compliance audiences through BFS Strategic Partners and DECODED®. She is the author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series and founder of DECODED® Academy.

Cindy Watson, CICA
Managing Director, BFS Strategic Partners
Cindy Watson is the Managing Director of BFS Strategic Partners and a senior compliance and financial management professional with more than 25 years of experience in accounting, federal and state grant compliance, internal controls, audit readiness, monitoring, and corrective action. She helps organizations build practical processes, improve documentation, and prepare for state and federal oversight.
Cindy’s expertise includes 2 CFR Part 200, EDGAR, subrecipient monitoring, program and fiscal testing, indirect cost rates, cost allowability, procurement compliance, maintenance of effort, excess cost, audit procedures, policy analysis, automated reporting, and corrective action implementation. She is the co-author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series.

Call to Action
Click Here to Register Now!
Advance registration is required.

CPE Statement
This program is designed to support continuing professional education for government accountability and technical training purposes. Participants should confirm acceptance with their licensing body, employer, or audit organization.
This class is designed to meet 2.5 hours of the 24-hour governmental CPE requirement under Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book), in most cases.

Policies

Refund Policy
DECODED® offers both free and paid Group Internet Based programs. For paid live Group Internet Based programs, cancellations made at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the scheduled program are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made three (3) to six (6) calendar days prior to the scheduled program may incur a 30% cancellation fee. Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled program may incur a 50% cancellation fee.
For free Group Internet Based programs, no refund applies.
To request a refund or ask questions about a registration, please contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.

Program Cancellation Policy
If DECODED® cancels a Group Internet Based program, registered participants will be notified by email no later than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled program start time, unless an emergency or other unforeseen circumstance requires shorter notice.
When applicable, DECODED® will provide additional information regarding rescheduling options or refunds for paid registrations.

Complaint Resolution Policy
DECODED® is committed to addressing participant concerns in a timely and professional manner. Participants who wish to report a complaint or concern regarding a Group Internet Based program should contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.
Complaints will be reviewed by the appropriate DECODED® representative, and DECODED® will make a reasonable effort to respond in a timely manner.

Grants Monitoring 101 – Basics
2026-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Session Snapshot
Course Length & Format: 2-hour live, interactive online training (Group Internet Based)
CPE Credits: 2.0 CPE (Specialized Knowledge)
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Prerequisites: None
Knowledge Level: Basic
Advance Preparation: None
Target Audience: Grant managers and administrators; Monitoring and compliance staff; Finance and program personnel; and Internal auditors.
Attendance and CPE Credit Requirements: To receive CPE credit, participants must attend the full session, respond to all required attendance monitoring prompts, and complete any required evaluation or attendance verification steps communicated during the program.
Click Here to Register Now!

Event Details
Date: June 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Central Time
Location: Live, Online, via Zoom
Cost: $295 (registration required)

Session Description
This course is part of the DECODED® Grants Monitoring Series, a practical training program designed to help public sector professionals build, implement, and sustain effective subrecipient monitoring programs grounded in 2 CFR Part 200.
This course provides a clear, practical introduction to subrecipient monitoring under 2 CFR Part 200. Participants will learn what monitoring is, why it matters, and how it fits into the overall grant lifecycle. The session focuses on translating regulatory requirements into real-world expectations, helping participants understand how monitoring operates within their organization.
Common misconceptions, roles and responsibilities, and the foundational components of an effective monitoring framework are addressed, giving participants a strong starting point for building or improving their approach.

Participants Will Gain Practical Tools To

Apply monitoring concepts to real grant oversight environments.
Strengthen documentation, consistency, and accountability in monitoring work.
Build skills that support defensible monitoring decisions across the grant lifecycle.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will understand the purpose and requirements of subrecipient monitoring.
Attendees will identify roles and responsibilities of pass-through entities and subrecipients.
Attendees will recognize key components of an effective monitoring framework.
Attendees will distinguish between different types of monitoring activities.
Attendees will identify common monitoring pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Course Topics

Introduction to Grants Monitoring
Purpose and regulatory foundation
Monitoring vs. oversight vs. audit
Roles and Responsibilities
Pass-through entity responsibilities
Subrecipient expectations
Types of Monitoring
Desk reviews
Site visits
Ongoing monitoring
Common Challenges and Pitfalls
Inconsistent application
Documentation gaps
Over/under monitoring

Presented By
National speakers and experts in federal fiscal compliance, indirect cost rates, 2 CFR 200, monitoring, internal controls, and public-sector compliance implementation.

Mara Ash, CIA, CGFM, CICA, CRMA, CGAP
CEO, BFS Strategic Partners
Mara Ash is the CEO of BFS Strategic Partners and a nationally recognized public-sector compliance and accountability professional with more than 28 years of experience in financial management, audit, internal controls, federal assistance compliance, and grants management. Her work focuses on helping public-sector organizations translate complex requirements into practical, defensible systems that strengthen accountability, transparency, and operational performance.
Mara develops and delivers professional education for external public-sector, grants management, audit, and compliance audiences through BFS Strategic Partners and DECODED®. She is the author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series and founder of DECODED® Academy.

Cindy Watson, CICA
Managing Director, BFS Strategic Partners
Cindy Watson is the Managing Director of BFS Strategic Partners and a senior compliance and financial management professional with more than 25 years of experience in accounting, federal and state grant compliance, internal controls, audit readiness, monitoring, and corrective action. She helps organizations build practical processes, improve documentation, and prepare for state and federal oversight.
Cindy’s expertise includes 2 CFR Part 200, EDGAR, subrecipient monitoring, program and fiscal testing, indirect cost rates, cost allowability, procurement compliance, maintenance of effort, excess cost, audit procedures, policy analysis, automated reporting, and corrective action implementation. She is the co-author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series.

Call to Action
Click Here to Register Now!
Advance registration is required.

CPE Statement
This program is designed to support continuing professional education for government accountability and technical training purposes. Participants should confirm acceptance with their licensing body, employer, or audit organization.
This class is designed to meet 2.0 hours of the 24-hour governmental CPE requirement under Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book), in most cases.

Policies

Refund Policy
DECODED® offers both free and paid Group Internet Based programs. For paid live Group Internet Based programs, cancellations made at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the scheduled program are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made three (3) to six (6) calendar days prior to the scheduled program may incur a 30% cancellation fee. Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled program may incur a 50% cancellation fee.
For free Group Internet Based programs, no refund applies.
To request a refund or ask questions about a registration, please contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.

Program Cancellation Policy
If DECODED® cancels a Group Internet Based program, registered participants will be notified by email no later than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled program start time, unless an emergency or other unforeseen circumstance requires shorter notice.
When applicable, DECODED® will provide additional information regarding rescheduling options or refunds for paid registrations.

Complaint Resolution Policy
DECODED® is committed to addressing participant concerns in a timely and professional manner. Participants who wish to report a complaint or concern regarding a Group Internet Based program should contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.
Complaints will be reviewed by the appropriate DECODED® representative, and DECODED® will make a reasonable effort to respond in a timely manner.

The Compliance Feedback Loop: Monitor, Correct, Verify
2026-05-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Session Snapshot
Course Length & Format: 1-hour live, interactive online training (Group Internet Based)
CPE Credits: 1.0 CPE (Specialized Knowledge)
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Prerequisites: None
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Advance Preparation: None
Target Audience: Grant monitoring teams, pass-through entities, compliance officers, internal auditors, and leadership overseeing subrecipients or high-risk funding environments.
Attendance and CPE Credit Requirements: To receive CPE credit, participants must attend the full session, respond to all required attendance monitoring prompts, and complete any required evaluation or attendance verification steps communicated during the program.
Click Here to Register Now!

Event Details
Date: May 20, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Central Time
Location: Live, Online, via Zoom
Cost: $99 (registration required)

Session Description
Sustainable compliance requires more than issuing findings. It requires a structured feedback loop that ensures corrective actions are implemented, verified, and sustained.
This session introduces a practical monitoring framework built around three stages: Monitor, Correct, and Verify. It explores how weak follow-up drives repeat findings, how oversight can stall between stages, and how structured tracking improves accountability across funding portfolios.

Participants Will Gain Practical Tools To

Use the Monitor, Correct, Verify model to strengthen oversight.
Identify where follow-up breaks down after findings are issued.
Improve tracking and verification practices across funding portfolios.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will explain the three stages of the compliance feedback loop.
Attendees will evaluate how inadequate follow-up increases repeat findings.
Attendees will integrate corrective action oversight into monitoring structures.
Attendees will assess accountability mechanisms across decentralized programs.
Attendees will strengthen verification practices to ensure implementation.

Presented By
National speakers and experts in federal fiscal compliance, indirect cost rates, 2 CFR 200, monitoring, internal controls, and public-sector compliance implementation.

Mara Ash, CIA, CGFM, CICA, CRMA, CGAP
CEO, BFS Strategic Partners
Mara Ash is the CEO of BFS Strategic Partners and a nationally recognized public-sector compliance and accountability professional with more than 28 years of experience in financial management, audit, internal controls, federal assistance compliance, and grants management. Her work focuses on helping public-sector organizations translate complex requirements into practical, defensible systems that strengthen accountability, transparency, and operational performance.
Mara develops and delivers professional education for external public-sector, grants management, audit, and compliance audiences through BFS Strategic Partners and DECODED®. She is the author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series and founder of DECODED® Academy.

Cindy Watson, CICA
Managing Director, BFS Strategic Partners
Cindy Watson is the Managing Director of BFS Strategic Partners and a senior compliance and financial management professional with more than 25 years of experience in accounting, federal and state grant compliance, internal controls, audit readiness, monitoring, and corrective action. She helps organizations build practical processes, improve documentation, and prepare for state and federal oversight.
Cindy’s expertise includes 2 CFR Part 200, EDGAR, subrecipient monitoring, program and fiscal testing, indirect cost rates, cost allowability, procurement compliance, maintenance of effort, excess cost, audit procedures, policy analysis, automated reporting, and corrective action implementation. She is the co-author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series.

Call to Action
Click Here to Register Now!
Advance registration is required.

CPE Statement
This program is designed to support continuing professional education for government accountability and technical training purposes. Participants should confirm acceptance with their licensing body, employer, or audit organization.
This class is designed to meet 1.0 hours of the 24-hour governmental CPE requirement under Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book), in most cases.

Policies

Refund Policy
DECODED® offers both free and paid Group Internet Based programs. For paid live Group Internet Based programs, cancellations made at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the scheduled program are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made three (3) to six (6) calendar days prior to the scheduled program may incur a 30% cancellation fee. Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled program may incur a 50% cancellation fee.
For free Group Internet Based programs, no refund applies.
To request a refund or ask questions about a registration, please contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.

Program Cancellation Policy
If DECODED® cancels a Group Internet Based program, registered participants will be notified by email no later than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled program start time, unless an emergency or other unforeseen circumstance requires shorter notice.
When applicable, DECODED® will provide additional information regarding rescheduling options or refunds for paid registrations.

Complaint Resolution Policy
DECODED® is committed to addressing participant concerns in a timely and professional manner. Participants who wish to report a complaint or concern regarding a Group Internet Based program should contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.
Complaints will be reviewed by the appropriate DECODED® representative, and DECODED® will make a reasonable effort to respond in a timely manner.

Managing Up When the Stakes Are High: What Leadership Needs to Hear (and How to Say It)
2026-05-13 11:30 - 12:30 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Session Snapshot
Course Length & Format: 1-hour live, interactive online training (Group Internet Based)
CPE Credits: 1.0 CPE (Communications and Marketing)
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Field of Study: Communications and Marketing
Prerequisites: None
Knowledge Level: Basic
Advance Preparation: None
Target Audience: Grants managers, compliance officers, grant auditors, and program administrators at all levels.
Attendance and CPE Credit Requirements: To receive CPE credit, participants must attend the full session, respond to all required attendance monitoring prompts, and complete any required evaluation or attendance verification steps communicated during the program.
Click here to Register Now!

Event Details
Date: May 13, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Central Time
Location: Live, Online, via Zoom
Cost: Free (registration required)

Session Description
This course is designed for grants managers, compliance officers, auditors, and other professionals responsible for ensuring grant compliance. Effective compliance communication is not only about meeting requirements — it is about building trust, demonstrating transparency, and aligning stakeholders at every level of the organization.
Participants will learn how to clearly convey the importance of compliance to diverse audiences, from executives and board members to program staff, recipients, community partners, and the public. The session explores practical communication frameworks and stakeholder-specific messaging strategies that help compliance professionals prepare for difficult conversations before problems escalate.

Participants Will Gain Practical Tools To

Deliver compliance messages that inspire confidence and action.
Foster a proactive compliance mindset across the organization.
Use dashboards, templates, FAQs, and other tools to support consistency and clarity.
Navigate challenging conversations while maintaining professionalism and credibility.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will describe the importance of compliance communication.
Attendees will identify potential stakeholders and their perspectives and concerns.
Attendees will select communication methods that strengthen trust and support transparency.
Attendees will evaluate proactive approaches to better prepare for potential future funding challenges.

Presented By
National speakers and experts in federal fiscal compliance, indirect cost rates, 2 CFR 200, monitoring, internal controls, and public-sector compliance implementation.

Mara Ash, CIA, CGFM, CICA, CRMA, CGAP
CEO, BFS Strategic Partners
Mara Ash is the CEO of BFS Strategic Partners and a nationally recognized public-sector compliance and accountability professional with more than 28 years of experience in financial management, audit, internal controls, federal assistance compliance, and grants management. Her work focuses on helping public-sector organizations translate complex requirements into practical, defensible systems that strengthen accountability, transparency, and operational performance.
Mara develops and delivers professional education for external public-sector, grants management, audit, and compliance audiences through BFS Strategic Partners and DECODED®. She is the author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series and founder of DECODED® Academy.

Cindy Watson, CICA
Managing Director, BFS Strategic Partners
Cindy Watson is the Managing Director of BFS Strategic Partners and a senior compliance and financial management professional with more than 25 years of experience in accounting, federal and state grant compliance, internal controls, audit readiness, monitoring, and corrective action. She helps organizations build practical processes, improve documentation, and prepare for state and federal oversight.
Cindy’s expertise includes 2 CFR Part 200, EDGAR, subrecipient monitoring, program and fiscal testing, indirect cost rates, cost allowability, procurement compliance, maintenance of effort, excess cost, audit procedures, policy analysis, automated reporting, and corrective action implementation. She is the co-author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series.

Call to Action
Click here to Register Now!
Advance registration is required.

CPE Statement
This program is designed to support continuing professional education for government accountability and technical training purposes. Participants should confirm acceptance with their licensing body, employer, or audit organization.
This class is designed to meet 1.0 hours of the 24-hour governmental CPE requirement under Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book), in most cases.

Policies

Refund Policy
DECODED® offers both free and paid Group Internet Based programs. For paid live Group Internet Based programs, cancellations made at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the scheduled program are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made three (3) to six (6) calendar days prior to the scheduled program may incur a 30% cancellation fee. Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled program may incur a 50% cancellation fee.
For free Group Internet Based programs, no refund applies.
To request a refund or ask questions about a registration, please contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.

Program Cancellation Policy
If DECODED® cancels a Group Internet Based program, registered participants will be notified by email no later than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled program start time, unless an emergency or other unforeseen circumstance requires shorter notice.
When applicable, DECODED® will provide additional information regarding rescheduling options or refunds for paid registrations.

Complaint Resolution Policy
DECODED® is committed to addressing participant concerns in a timely and professional manner. Participants who wish to report a complaint or concern regarding a Group Internet Based program should contact Cindy Watson, Managing Director, at stickguys@decoded.expert or 512-945-0144.
Complaints will be reviewed by the appropriate DECODED® representative, and DECODED® will make a reasonable effort to respond in a timely manner.

So You Got an Audit Finding...Now What? Understanding Findings, Impacts, and Next Steps for Grantees
2026-03-25 08:00 - 09:00 | Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
NGMA AGT Breakout Session
Session Description: Ever wondered what an audit finding really means for your organization? It can feel like a four-alarm fire — but most of the time, it’s a wake-up call, not a crisis. This session breaks down what an audit finding really means for grantees, how to interpret the language, and what to do next. Using real examples pulled from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) Single Audit database, we’ll explore the difference between material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, and compliance findings — and how each affects your organization, funding, and future audits.
Participants will learn how to respond effectively, develop corrective action plans that actually work, and turn audit feedback into operational improvements. Because knowing what a finding means is the first step to fixing it — and staying out of the next one.
Learning Objectives:
This session uses real examples from the FAC database to explain what findings signal, what to do about them, and how to turn audit results into stronger grant performance. By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Decode common audit finding terminology — including material weaknesses, questioned costs, and compliance findings — and understand what each means for grantees.
Assess the potential impact of different types of findings on funding, internal controls, and future audits.
Develop a practical response strategy, including effective Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and timely communication with grantors.
Interpret real-world examples from the FAC Single Audit database to identify red flags and best practices.
Transform audit findings into opportunities for improving compliance, accountability, and performance.

Format: Case Study 60min
Course Level: Beginner. If the words “audit finding” make your pulse quicken, this session is for you. Perfect for new grants managers, fiscal staff, or program leads who want to understand what those findings really mean — and what to do when they show up. No audit experience required, just curiosity and a desire to stay compliant (and calm).
Presenter Information:
Name: Mara Ash, CIA, CICA, CGFM, CMRA, CGAP
Title: CEO, BFS and North American Representative Institute of Internal Auditors, Public Sector Advisory Board

The Compliance Carousel
2026-03-24 09:15 - 10:15 | Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
NGMA AGT Breakout Session
Session Description: The Compliance Feedback Loop is a continuous cycle that ensures subrecipients not only receive oversight but also take timely corrective action — and that those corrective actions are fully implemented. This loop builds accountability, reduces repeat findings, and creates a culture of compliance.
It moves through three repeating stages:

Monitor: Identify issues through site visits, desk reviews, or audits. Issue audit report(s) with findings.
Correct: Review findings, issue corrective action requests, and support grantees in resolving them.
Verify: Follow up to confirm corrective actions are implemented. If not, continue monitoring until corrective actions are implemented. Once verified as complete, standard monitoring resumes.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Explain the three stages of the Compliance Feedback Loop.
Identify how the Corrective Action follow-up framework (AGA CAROI) fits into the monitoring cycle.
Recognize the importance of closing out Corrective Actions in reducing repeat findings.
Apply the loop to their own monitoring processes to strengthen accountability.

Format: Lecture (60min)
Course Level: Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level session designed for participants with a foundation in subrecipient monitoring. A working knowledge of basic audits principles is essential to participating in discussions.
Presenter Information:
Name: Mara Ash, CIA, CICA, CGFM, CMRA, CGAP
Title: CEO, BFS and North American Representative Institute of Internal Auditors, Public Sector Advisory Board

DECODED® at the 2026 NGMA Annual Grants Training - Booth 22
2026-03-23 - 2026-03-26 | Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
Join us at the 2026 NGMA Annual Grants Training (AGT) in Washington, D.C.! As the largest grants-focused training event in the country, AGT offers an unmatched opportunity to connect with peers, learn from national experts, and deepen your grants management expertise.
Stop by the DECODED® booth to explore our full library of compliance publications, practical tools, and in-depth trainings. Whether you’re navigating Uniform Guidance, building a grants team, or leading subrecipient monitoring, DECODED® makes complex requirements clear and actionable.
Whether you’re new to grants or a seasoned pro, we’d love to meet you and learn more about your journey. Let’s simplify compliance—and turn it into opportunity.

DECODED® Subrecipient Monitoring: Managing Compliance Amid Regulatory Uncertainty
2025-12-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
This extended 3-hour training is designed for grant recipients and pass-through entities seeking to deepen their understanding of subrecipient monitoring in a time of evolving federal priorities and oversight expectations. Participants will explore practical strategies to ensure compliance, adapt to shifting regulations, and strengthen internal controls. The session includes real-world scenarios, tools for proactive oversight, and guidance for navigating risk in uncertain environments.

Lunch and Learn: Navigating Federal Grant Compliance Amid Executive Order Changes
2025-12-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Join us and the New Jersey Treasurer’s Grants Management Office for a 1-hour Lunch & Learn focused on the evolving compliance landscape shaped by recent Executive Orders. Learn how these directives impact federal grant recipients and what steps your organization can take to ensure continued compliance. This session will spotlight the implications and provide proactive strategies for the grant’s community.

DECODED® Managing & Reporting Grants in the Age of AI
2025-12-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Discover how AI is reshaping the way public sector professionals manage and report on grants. This free session highlights real-life applications, key benefits, and important considerations for integrating AI into your grants management workflows.

Lunch and Learn: Budgeting for the Fiscal Cliff
2025-11-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Join the New Jersey Treasurer’s Grants Management Office for a 1-hour Lunch & Learn exploring strategic budgeting in the face of tightening funds. From foundational budget principles to navigating today’s financial uncertainties, this session aims to help grant professionals, finance staff, and agency leaders align budgeting practices with long-term sustainability, transparency, and performance.

DECODED® Building a Career in Grants: What You Need to Know
2025-11-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Whether you’re new to grants or ready to level up, this session explores key career paths in grants management—from Grants Manager to Grants Auditor. Learn the essential skills, training, and certifications needed to grow your career, and gain practical guidance for building a successful future in the field.

DECODED® Navigating Federal Grant Compliance Amid Executive Order Changes
2025-11-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Join us for a free 1-hour training that breaks down how recent Executive Orders impact federal grant compliance. This session highlights key changes, what recipients need to know, and how to adapt your internal processes accordingly.

DECODED® Managing Up When the Stakes Are High: What Leadership Needs to Hear (and How to Say It)
2025-10-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Free 1-Hour Training | Live
Learn practical strategies for communicating up the chain of command—especially when it counts. This fast-paced session offers frameworks and tools to help you say what matters, in a way that leadership will actually hear.

Lunch and Learn: Managing & Reporting Grants in the Age of AI
2025-10-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Join us for this free Lunch & Learn session hosted by the New Jersey Treasurer’s Grants Management Office. Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming grant management and reporting, including real-world use cases and practical considerations for public sector entities.

DECODED®| BFS Strategic Partners AGT Presentation: Building a Career in Grants
2025-03-12 - 2025-03-14 | Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
Join BFS Strategic Partners at the Annual Grants Training (AGT)
Don’t miss the chance to join BFS Strategic Partners at the nation’s largest gathering of grants management professionals, the National Grant Management Association’s Annual Grants Training (AGT). This three-day, in-person event is packed with opportunities to grow your expertise, connect with peers, and stay ahead of the latest developments in grants management. With keynote speakers, plenary panels, and 50+ breakout sessions, AGT is the premier destination for federal, tribal, and state grants management professionals at all career levels.
BFS Strategic Partners will be presenting an engaging breakout session designed to help professionals build rewarding careers in grants management.
Session Title: Building a Career in Grants: What You Need to Know
Session Description:
Whether you’re just starting your journey or seeking to advance in grants management, this session is for you! We’ll explore the diverse career paths in the field—from Grants Manager to Grants Auditor—and break down the key skills, certifications, and experience required to excel in these roles. Gain practical insights into federal and state case studies, helping you map your path to success while learning how to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities within grants management.
Session Highlights:

Discover the different career paths available in grants management, including Grants Manager and Grants Auditor.
Learn about the essential skills and certifications needed for success at every stage of your career.
Explore real-world case studies showcasing how to apply these skills in federal, tribal, and state environments.

Why Attend AGT?
AGT is more than a conference—it’s a career-building opportunity! Connect with experts, gain practical knowledge, and stay updated on industry best practices. Registration is still open, so don’t wait to secure your spot. Visit the AGT Registration Page today to join us at this must-attend event.
We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Grants Training and helping you take the next step in your grants management career!

DECODED® at the 2025 NGMA Annual Grants Training
2025-03-12 - 2025-03-14 | Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
Join us at the 2025 NGMA Annual Grants Training (AGT) in Washington, D.C. As the largest grants-focused training event in the nation, AGT offers unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and grow in the grants management field.
Visit the DECODED® booth to explore our suite of compliance resources, including our 2 CFR 200 Quick Reference Guide and tailored workshops. Designed to simplify complex requirements and empower grants professionals, our publications and training sessions are trusted tools for fostering compliance, transparency, and operational success.
Whether you’re a seasoned grants manager or new to the field, stop by to learn how DECODED® can support your organization’s grants management journey. We can’t wait to meet you and help turn compliance into opportunity!

BFS Strategic Partners at Wolters Kluwer Audit Knowledge Café: Key Changes to IIA Global Standards and Public Sector Impacts
2024-12-11 12:30 - 16:00 | Virtual Event, Your Computer
Wolters Kluwer Audit Knowledge Café
Key Changes to IIA Global Standards and Public Sector Impacts
BFS’s CEO, Mara Ash, CIA, CGAP, CGFM, CRMA, CICA, will co-present at Wolters Kluwer’s upcoming Audit Knowledge Café for a one-hour session. This session offers an overview of the significant changes to the IIA Global Standards, with a particular focus on their impact on the U.S. Public Sector.
Mara Ash brings over 25 years of expertise in financial management, compliance, audit, and consulting, serving government and nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about supporting public sector professionals and improving service delivery, transparency, and compliance.
Key Session Highlights:

Overview of Changes to the IIA Global Standards: Emphasis on U.S. Public Sector implications.
Practical Tools for Alignment: Felicia Best, Solution Consultant Manager with TeamMate, will demonstrate how TeamMate+ helps teams align with the new standards.

This one-hour session includes interactive polling questions and a Q&A segment, providing participants with insights into navigating these changes effectively.

DECODED® ROPC 2024 Pre-Conference Presentation: Navigating OMB 2 CFR 200 Updates on Procurement
2024-12-04 14:45 - 15:45 | Harlingen Convention Center, 701 Harlingen Heights Dr., Harlingen, 78552, United States
Navigating the 2024 OMB 2 CFR 200 Updates: Procurement Standards Simplified
Join DECODED® at the Region One Purchasing Cooperative Product Show where we’ll be presenting an engaging and informative session on the latest updates to OMB 2 CFR 200, Subpart D – Procurement Standards. These updates, effective October 1, 2024, are designed to enhance transparency, sustainability, and compliance in federal procurement processes.
This session will provide charter schools and school districts with clear guidance on key changes, including expanded conflict of interest policies, terminology changes, domestic preference requirements, and the integration of sustainable procurement practices. You’ll gain practical insights into procurement fundamentals, helping your district navigate layered federal, state, and local regulations while promoting ethical and efficient use of federal funds.
Whether you’re new to procurement or looking to deepen your understanding, this session is tailored to meet the unique needs of educators and administrators. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge of compliance during the Region One Purchasing Cooperative Product Show!

DECODED® at the Region One Purchasing Cooperative Product Show
2024-12-04 - 2024-12-05 | Harlingen Convention Center, 701 Harlingen Heights Dr., Harlingen, 78552, United States
Join us at the DECODED® booth (#306) during the Region One Purchasing Cooperative Product Show for an exclusive opportunity to explore our must-have resources!
We’ll be showcasing the DECODED® 2 CFR 200 Quick Reference Guide and its portable Pocket Companion, expertly crafted to simplify the complexities of federal compliance. These indispensable tools provide purchasing directors, administrators, and personnel with the clear, concise guidance they need to navigate procurement standards with ease and confidence. Additionally, discover our innovative LEA compliance tools, designed to streamline processes and empower your agency to achieve operational excellence.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your compliance knowledge or streamline your processes, stop by our booth to learn how DECODED® can empower your agency. Let’s bridge the gap between knowledge and action together!
We can’t wait to meet you and share how our resources can help transform compliance into an opportunity for growth.
