Online Class Highlights Benefits and Pitfalls of FHwA’s “Safe Harbor” Indirect Cost Rate Policy, November 26

ACEC News / Education

November 12, 2019

Online Class Highlights Benefits and Pitfalls of FHwA’s “Safe Harbor” Indirect Cost Rate Policy, November 26

A new Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) policy enables new, small, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms to compete for work while they break into the transportation market.

In the November 26 online class “FHWA “Safe Harbor” Indirect Cost Rate Policy: Benefits and Pitfalls for New and Small Firms” Wayne Owens and Tony Machi will discuss the FHWA guidance that allows firms that have not developed an overhead rate that complies with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) to voluntarily use a “safe harbor” indirect cost rate when contracting with DOTs on federally funded projects.

The Safe Harbor policy is voluntary and designed to enable new, small, and DBE firms to compete for work while they develop a cost history and adequate accounting systems to develop a FAR-compliant rate. It also allows DOTs to allocate limited audit resources to more complex, higher risk contracts.

The presenters will explore the 10-state pilot program that led to the development of the policy, outline the parameters of the final FHWA guidance and State DOT implementation, and document how a Safe Harbor rate could benefit or hurt your new or small firm.

Click here for more information and to register.

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