Updates on Proposed UGG Changes
Guidance on PROPOSED UGG Changes Related to Conferences
At this time, the proposed changes to the Uniform Grant Guidance (UGG) have not been finalized and are not currently in effect. In addition, the continuing resolution (CR) passed by Congress was signed by the President on September 2, 2026, the passed CR includes language that prevents the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from implementing these changes before December 11, 2026.
As it relates to professional development opportunities this fall, including, GCACon, TEA-sponsored trainings, Virtual ACET Academies and other trainings, and ESC-hosted events, there are no current federal regulations that prohibit subgrantees from registering for or attending these activities.
Texas Education Agency (TEA) subgrantees should rely on official guidance issued by TEA’s Department of Grant Compliance and Administration (GCA) when making grant compliance determinations. As additional information becomes available, GCA will communicate applicable guidance statewide to TEA subgrantees and incorporate any necessary updates into future training and technical assistance.
GCACon 2026 Registration Fee Guidance
GCACon is TEA's high-quality grants convening for continuous improvement and connection, bringing together various federal grant programs, Parent and Family Engagement (PFE), and grants administration and implementation into a single professional learning experience. By consolidating multiple professional development opportunities and trainings into one event, GCACon provides a coordinated approach to program, fiscal, and compliance support while helping subgrantees maximize their grant resources as a major part of ongoing professional development to assist subgrants in implementation and compliance with federal grant programs.
Designed for both programmatic and fiscal staff, GCACon encourages cross-functional collaboration and equips attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage federal grant programs. Through integrated learning opportunities and technical training workshops, participants will gain practical guidance that supports compliance, strengthens program implementation, and improves outcomes for the students and communities they serve.
To support planning and budgeting for attendance, subgrantees should be aware of the federal requirements governing the use of grant funds for professional development registration fees. To comply with the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), 34 CFR §76.707, subgrantees using federal funds for professional development or training registration fees must follow the federal obligation of funds requirements. The timing of the obligation depends on how registration fees are classified under local policy and must be applied consistently across all federal programs.
Registration fees may be treated in one of two ways:
Personal Services (6200): Funds are obligated on the date the registration is submitted.
Travel Costs (6400): Funds are obligated on the first day of the professional development or training event.
Regardless of classification, subgrantees should maintain a clear local policy that defines how registration fees are treated and ensures consistent application.
Classifying registration fees as Personal Services (6200) may allow subgrantees to take advantage of lower early-registration rates. For continuing formula grants, the benefit of the expenditure may be received during the grant period or the 90-day liquidation period following the grant's end. For grants that do not continue into the following year, the professional development or training must occur before the grant end date identified on the Notice of Grant Award (NOGA).
If registration fees are classified as Travel Costs (6400), subgrantees may initially pay the cost with local, non-federal funds and later charge the expense to the federal grant after the professional development or training begins. As with all registration costs, subgrantees should have a written local policy that documents and consistently applies this treatment.
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