Specifications include, but are not limited to: Prior to the delivery of services to any entity, the respondent will meet and consult with the Department Fiscal, Training, and Monitoring staff to have an understanding of the Department’s operations, reporting, compliance processes, and cost allocation challenges faced by entities. Upon referral of a specific entity to the respondent from the Department, delivery of an acceptable schedule and timeline for conducting the in-depth assessment, assessment report, action plan, implementation of action plan, and delivery of final assessment report. In-depth assessment is expected to begin within 30 days from referral. Written and verbal updates, as requested by the Department, on the progress of each phase (e.g., schedule, assessment, assessment report, development of action plan, provision of technical assistance, and the development of final reports). Assessment of Fiscal Operations with a general assessment of fiscal operations and a more in-depth evaluation focused on cost allocation systems. Delivery to the Department of an assessment report which will include a full description of the assessment and any conclusions and/or findings of deficiency and shortcomings, as well as recommendations of what will be required to achieve improvement of the fiscal operations and cost allocation systems. Financial Management and Operations areas assessed, with limited room for negotiation, should include, at a minimum: Risk Management Application of Office of Management and Budget 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards Financial Systems Organization-wide budgets Cost Allocation Audits Separation of Duties Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS) Compliance with Federal and State Rules and Requirements