NPCs will recall that the recent IG report on five NPCs and VHA oversight included the finding that “NPCs inappropriately received reimbursements for services from VA medical centers” pursuant to Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignments.  As a result, NPCs are asking whether they may continue to participate in IPA assignments that involve reimbursement to NPCs using VA-appropriated funds.  In response to this question, Renée Szybala, Associate General Counsel, Professional Staff Group III, replied:

We are aware of the issue and of the need for a clarifying opinion out of this office.  While this OIG audit was ongoing, we assisted the NPCs in providing documents to the OIG on the guidance out of OGC on this issue, and it became clear that there was no specific guidance either way.  We have agreed to provide an opinion to VHA.  In the meantime, we are not suggesting that the practice of VAMC reimbursement of the NPC for personnel detailed under the IPA authority be stopped.

NPCs should also be aware that in order to resolve any uncertainty about the allowability of such IPA reimbursements going forward, NAVREF included specific authority for them in S. 2926, the bill proposed to update and clarify NPC authorities.  It states:

`(2) A Department medical center may reimburse the corporation for all or a portion of the pay, benefits, or both of an employee of the corporation who is assigned to the Department medical center if the assignment is carried out pursuant to subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5.

NAVREF remains cautiously optimistic that Congress will enact this legislation during the current legislative session thereby obviating the need for an OGC opinion.  As always, NAVREF urges NPCs to ensure that each IPA assignment fulfills all the requirements of the IPA authority.  For guidance go to http://www.navref.org/library/IPA_main_page.htm

In 2009 the IRS will begin requiring many nonprofits to use the new, completely re-designed IRS Form 990.  The form itself has been available on the IRS web site since December 2007 (see http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=181089,00.html) and the IRS expects to publish the final instructions shortly.

All NPCs should take the time now to get to know the new form, which is significantly different from the old form in format and content, and should discuss it with their accountants.  Clark Nuber, the Seattle-based CPA and consulting firm, has graciously allowed NAVREF to make available to its members two excellent articles about the new 990. These are posted at:http://navref.org/newsletter/pdf/Clark_Nuber_Spring_2008_NFP_Newsletter.pdfhttp://navref.org/newsletter/pdf/Clark_Nuber_Winter_2007-8_NPF_Newsletter.pdf

Many thanks to all who replied to the recent NAVREF survey conducted to assess interest in training on indirect cost negotiations and the best timing.  The level of interest exceeded our expectations so this training definitely will be offered in conjunction with the 2008 Annual Conference.  Also, the responses were overwhelmingly in favor of holding the training mid-week, after the regular Annual Conference program ends.

Plans for the conference are beginning to firm up.  Please watch for future emails, but for those eager to make their travel plans, the general program is provided below.