DOE O 520.1B Chg 2 (LtdChg), Financial Management and Chief Financial Officer Responsibilities
Establish policies and responsibilities for Department of Energy (DOE) financial and accounting management officials in accordance with the Chief Financial Officer Act of 1990 (the Chief Financial Officers Act, Public Law (Pub. L.) 101-576) and other requirements. DOE is one of 24 statutorily designated Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act agencies. Establish internal controls and financial management oversight requirements based on the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97-255), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) policy, and internal control standards.
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Superseded By:
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Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: INITIATED BY:
www.directives.doe.gov Office of the Chief Financial Officer
U.S. Department of Energy ORDER
Washington, DC
Approved: 1-7-2021
Chg 1 (LtdChg): 11-11-2022
Chg 2 (LtdChg): 12-18-2024
SUBJECT: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. PURPOSE.
a. Establish policies and responsibilities for Department of Energy (DOE) financial
and accounting management officials in accordance with the Chief Financial
Officer Act of 1990 (the Chief Financial Officers Act, Public Law (Pub. L.) 101-
576) and other requirements. DOE is one of 24 statutorily designated Chief
Financial Officers (CFO) Act agencies.
b. Establish internal controls and financial management oversight requirements
based on the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97-
255), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) policy, and internal control
standards.
2. CANCELS/SUPERSEDES. DOE O 520.1B, Financial Management and Chief Financial
Officer Responsibilities, dated 1-7-21.
Cancellation of a directive does not, by itself, modify or otherwise affect any contractual
or regulatory obligation to comply with the directive. Contractor Requirements
Documents (CRDs) that have been incorporated into a contract remain in effect
throughout the term of the contract unless and until the contract or regulatory
commitment is modified to either eliminate requirements that are no longer applicable or
substitute a new set of requirements.
Changes in federal law and regulation supersede this document.
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. Departmental Applicability.
(1) The provisions of this Order apply to every Departmental Element.
(2) The Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration
(NNSA) shall assure that NNSA employees comply with their respective
responsibilities under this directive. Nothing in this directive shall be
construed to interfere with the NNSA Administrator’s authority under
section 3212(d) of Public Law (Pub. L.) 106-65 to establish
Administration-specific policies, unless disapproved by the Secretary.
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b. DOE Contractors. Except for the equivalencies/exemptions in paragraph 3.c., the
CRD, Attachment 1, sets forth requirements of this Order that will apply to
contracts that include the CRD or its requirements. The CRD must be included in
Management and Operating (M&O) contracts, non-M&O contracts with
integrated accounting (those that include the Department of Energy Acquisition
Regulation (DEAR) clause 970.5232-8, Integrated Accounting, or successor
clause), contracts that represent improper payment reporting sites (those that
include DEAR clause 970.5232.2-2, Payments and Advances), and any other
contract identified by the cognizant Designated Financial Officer.
The CRD shall be incorporated into M&O contracts consistent with Department
of Energy Acquisition Regulation clause 970.5204-2, “Laws, regulations, and
DOE Directives,” or successor clause.
c. Financial Assistance. This Directive applies to the Federal management of
financial assistance programs, including the administration, oversight, or
awarding of financial assistance agreements. This Directive does not apply
directly to recipients of financial assistance.
d. Equivalencies/Exemptions for DOE O 520.1B.
Section 2
(1) Equivalency. Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. In
accordance with the responsibilities and authorities assigned by Executive
Order 12344, codified at 50 U.S.C. sections 2406 and 2511, and to ensure
consistency throughout the joint Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear Propulsion
Program, the Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors will implement
and oversee requirements and practices pertaining to this directive for
activities under the Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors’ cognizance,
as deemed appropriate.
(2) Equivalency. Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs). The
requirements and responsibilities of this Order apply to the Bonneville
Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, the
Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Area Power
Administration to the extent compatible with the PMA unique business
operations and organic statutes.
The PMAs manage unique business operations through the use of financial
information reported according to guidance promulgated by the Financial
Accounting Standards Board and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC). The PMAs are also part of the DOE Financial Reporting entity.
PMA financial information is consolidated along with other parts of the
reporting entity, consistent with Federal accounting standards promulgated
by the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board and any clarifying
guidance provided by the DOE Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The CFO
and each PMA Chief Financial Officer shall work collaboratively on
application of this Order to address both PMA-specific and broader
Departmental requirements.
DOE O 520.1B 3
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(3) Equivalency. Bonneville Power Administration. The Bonneville Power
Administration is governed by provisions of the Government Corporation
Control Act and is exempt from the DOE Financial Management
Handbook and internal control provisions of this Order.
(4) Equivalency. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The Federal
Regulatory Commission is part of the DOE Financial Reporting entity and
follows applicable guidance in the DOE Financial Management
Handbook.
4. REQUIREMENTS.
a. Financial Management Oversight.
(1) The CFO Act requires that a CFO position be established to “direct,
manage, and provide policy guidance and oversight of agency financial
management personnel, activities, and operations.”
(2) The DOE Financial Management Handbook sets forth financial,
accounting, and budgetary policies and operational requirements to
implement this Order and other applicable Departmental policies and
directives.
(3) Financial and accounting management guidance or procedures developed
by the Departmental Elements must be consistent with the financial
policies, procedures, and guidance provided by the CFO.
(4) Financial and accounting management processes developed by
Departmental Elements must consider internal control requirements,
including requirements for fraud risk management and payment integrity.
(5) Financial and accounting management oversight activities of a contractor
must consider applicable financial contract clauses and be coordinated
with the cognizant contracting authorities.
b. Financial Management Systems.
(1) Financial management systems must conform to mandatory accounting
and financial management guidance received from OMB, U.S.
Department of the Treasury (Treasury), Federal Accounting Standards
Advisory Board, and applicable laws and regulations.
Section 3
(2) Financial information and data must be accurate, timely, and consistent to
meet the Department’s reporting requirements.
(3) Proper internal controls must be part of financial management systems to
protect the integrity of financial data; detect fraud, waste, and abuse; and
prevent improper payments.
4 DOE O 520.1B
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(4) Financial management system nonconformance must be corrected in a
timely and effective manner. A financial management system
nonconformance could include findings by the Department, the
Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Office of Inspector
General, and material weaknesses and deficiencies identified by internal
control assessments.
(5) Financial systems must be automated to minimize manual processes to the
extent it is cost beneficial to the Department.
c. Internal Controls.
(1) The Internal Control program must be conducted in accordance with this
directive, OMB policy, and applicable laws and regulations. Consistent
with the requirements of OMB Circular No. A-123, the Internal Controls
Program must be integrated with and supportive of the Department’s
Enterprise Risk Management efforts.
(2) Internal Control activities must be consistent with the policies, procedures,
and guidance issued by the CFO.
(3) Appropriate internal controls must be in place for effective and efficient
operations; reliable reporting; compliance with applicable laws and
regulations; to detect fraud, waste, and abuse; and prevent improper
payments. Internal control significant deficiencies, material weakness, and
other deficiencies must be reported to the appropriate management
official; the Office of the CFO; and must be corrected in a timely and
effective manner. Reporting to the Office of Inspector General shall be
consistent with DOE Order 221.1, Reporting Fraud, Waste and Abuse to
the Office of Inspector General, current version.
(4) DOE applies Federal internal controls requirements to integrated DOE
contracts, consistent with applicable contract provisions, the CRD for this
Order, and annual CFO implementing guidance for internal controls.
Guidance and policy relating to Contractor Assurance Systems will be
coordinated with Internal Controls guidance to promote appropriate
coordination between internal controls and contractor assurance programs.
(5) The Departmental Internal Control and Assessment Review Council
(DICARC).
(a) Functions. The DICARC provides oversight of the Departmental
internal control program and promotes collaborative efforts to
evaluate risk as appropriate. The DICARC constitutes the Senior
Management Council for Internal Controls, as described in OMB
Circular No. A-123. The DICARC also constitutes the DOE
Senior Risk Management Council, which serves the function of the
DOE O 520.1B 5
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Risk Management Council recommended by OMB Circular No. A-
123 and GAO.
(b) Membership. The DICARC is chaired by the CFO. The DICARC
charter is approved by the Secretary and details membership,
including voting and non-voting members.
d. Financial Management Organizations outside the Office of the CFO.
(1) Key activities necessary to support the DOE financial management are
performed by financial management organizations that are not part of the
DOE Office of the CFO. The financial management functions of these
offices will be coordinated with the Office of the CFO, consistent with the
statutory responsibilities of the CFO.
Section 4
(2) Each financial management organization will be led by a Designated
Financial Officer. The financial management functions, responsibilities,
and authorities of Designated Financial Officers are detailed in this Order.
Other authorities may be delegated by the CFO.
(3) Designated Financial Officers are assigned by the Heads of Departmental
Elements in consultation with the CFO. The Chief Financial Officers of
the PMAs and the National Energy Technology Laboratory perform the
applicable functions of the Designated Financial Officer for the PMAs and
the National Energy Technology Laboratory.
(4) Designated Financial Officers must demonstrate financial management
knowledge and experience to perform the functions specified in this
Order, including applicable contractor oversight functions.
(5) The CFO maintains the current list of Designated Financial Officers, the
associated financial management office(s), and the Federal offices and
major contractors supported by each financial management office.
5. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Chief Financial Officer.
(1) Advises the Secretary, Departmental Senior Leadership, DOE councils,
and DOE officials on financial management activities, and the strategic
use of financial resources.
(2) Leads financial management activities related to DOE programs and
operations under the CFO Act, [Pub. L. 101-576, relevant sections
codified in 31 U.SC. 902(a)(2)], and performs other responsibilities
delegated by the Secretary.
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(3) Establishes financial management policies, procedures, and guidance for
Departmental Elements and, as appropriate, for contractors. Financial
management policies, procedures, and guidance includes:
(a) The DOE Financial Management Handbook to set forth
Departmental policy on financial and accounting standards and
operational requirements in accordance with the Equivalencies and
Exemptions section of DOE Order 251.1, Departmental Directives
Program, current version. The joint Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear
Propulsion Program is part of the DOE Financial Reporting entity
and follows all applicable guidance in the DOE Financial
Management Handbook.
(b) Detailed annual budgetary, accounting and reporting, internal
control, fraud risk management, and improper payment guidance
and procedures to execute financial management processes.
(c) Policy memoranda and guidance documents when necessary to
provide interpretations and analysis of OMB policy, Treasury
guidance, applicable accounting standards, and other external
guidance or requirements relating to financial matters.
1 CFO memoranda providing clarification, policy, and
guidance on financial topics will include a sunset date.
Valid CFO policy memoranda are posted on the CFO
Financial Policy internal webpage.
2 CFO will work to incorporate the relevant content from
policy and guidance memoranda into the appropriate
permanent policy document.
(4) Leads activities throughout DOE to evaluate the adequacy of established
policies, procedures, and standards governing accounting and related
reporting functions; evaluates the performance of such functions; and
initiates necessary corrective and follow up actions.
(5) Directs, manages, and provides policy guidance and oversight of DOE
financial management personnel, activities, and operations, consistent with
requirements of the CFO Act (Pub. L. 101-576).
(a) Makes recommendations to the Secretary on candidates for the
Department’s Deputy CFO, consistent with the qualification
standards established by OMB, as required by section 202 of the
CFO Act (Pub. L. 101-576).
Section 5
(b) Consults with the heads of Departmental Elements or the
appropriate hiring official on the selection of Designated Financial
Officers.
DOE O 520.1B 7
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(c) Consults with the heads of Departmental Elements on
reorganizations affecting the structure, functions, staffing levels,
and responsibilities of designated financial officer organizations.
(d) Maintains a Financial Management Council to provide
collaborative leadership of the Department’s financial management
activities. The Council will consist of officials from the Office of
the CFO, a Designated Financial Officer for each represented
Departmental Element, and others designated by the CFO.
(6) Serves as liaison with the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board
(FASAB), GAO, OMB, Treasury, the General Services Administration,
State and local governments, and other organizations outside the
Department in the areas for which the CFO is responsible.
(7) Oversees the design, implementation, and maintenance of the
Department’s financial management systems and oversees, in coordination
with the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Department’s systems that
provide data used in financial statements and cost accounting and
performance management reports.
(a) Advises and provides recommendations to the CIO and other
Departmental officials regarding the acquisition, development, or
implementation of systems that interface with DOE corporate
business systems under the CFO’s control.
(b) Approves (in consultation with the CIO, as necessary) the design
of other systems that provide, in whole or in part, financial and
program performance data used in financial statements and cost
accounting and performance management reports.
(c) Approves Departmental financial management systems and
processes and coordinates with the cognizant Designated Financial
Officer regarding the review and recommended approval of
financial systems for integrated DOE contractors.
(d) Approves implementation of DOE asset management systems,
including systems for cash management, credit management, debt
collection, and property and inventory control.
(e) Verifies proper internal controls are in place for official DOE
financial management systems to protect the integrity of financial
data; detect fraud, waste, and abuse; and prevent improper
payments.
(8) Supports the review, collection, and reporting of accurate financial
information and data.
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(a) Reports on the financial status of DOE and the results of
operations, including, as prescribed by law and OMB, the
preparation and submission to the Congress and the Director of
OMB, an audited Annual Financial Report for the preceding fiscal
year, covering all accounts and associated activities of each office
of the Department; the Performance and Accountability Report,
and other Financial Reporting.
(b) Accesses all records, reports, audits, reviews, documents, papers,
recommendations, and other material that are DOE property (or are
available to the Department) and are related to programs and
operations for which the CFO has responsibility.
(c) Coordinates with the GAO, Office of Inspector General, and other
auditors to improve DOE financial reporting and provides financial
reports and supporting documentation as required to support audit
activities.
(d) Collects and analyzes financial information for data driven
decisions, evaluations, and assessments on the strategic use of
financial resources to support DOE programs and mission,
consistent with requirements in the Foundations for Evidence-
Based Policymaking Act of 2018, (Pub. L. 115-435).
Section 6
(e) Advises DOE officials on Federal costs and benefit estimates as
appropriate for major legislation, programmatic proposals, and, if
requested, requirements for major procurements.
(f) Reviews and approves or disapproves (or for NNSA, reviews)
financial reports and correspondence for transmittal to the
Secretary, OMB, the President, Congress, or other external entities.
NOTE: Concurrence or consultation typically would not be
required for routine discussions with or presentations to local
groups.
(9) Leads the DOE Internal Controls Program.
(a) Chairs DICARC.
(b) Collaborates with Departmental Elements so that the Internal
Control Program is conducted in accordance with applicable DOE
policies, OMB guidance, and statutory requirements.
(c) Prepares and issues detailed annual guidance for conducting the
internal control reviews to identify risks and control deficiencies.
(d) Reviews the results of internal control evaluations performed by
Departmental Elements to identify potential significant
DOE O 520.1B 9
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deficiencies or material weaknesses and to evaluate whether
internal controls reporting requirements in this Order are followed.
(e) Prepares and presents to DICARC for review and concurrence an
executive summary for the Secretary’s approval on the status of the
Department’s internal controls and those governing financial
reporting. Pub. L. 97-255, Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity
Act of 1982 requires an assurance statement from the head of the
agency.
(f) Seeks corrective actions as needed in response to findings of
inappropriate financial management practices. Takes appropriate
action to address the potential for or actual reported instances of
improper financial management.
(g) As appropriate, integrates the Internal Controls Program with DOE
Enterprise Risk Management Efforts and utilizes the results of
internal controls assessments to inform budget formulation and
performance management.
(10) Reviews and concurs or non-concurs (or for NNSA, advises) with requests
for deviations from the standard DEAR financial management clauses in
solicitations and contracts.
(11) Performs payment and certain accounting functions as detailed in the DOE
Financial Management Handbook. The Director, CFO Office of Finance
and Accounting, performs the applicable functions of the Designated
Financial Officer for Departmental Elements and offices without a
Designated Financial Officer.
(12) For the DOE Payment Integrity Program:
(a) Leads the DOE Payment Integrity Program consistent with the
requirements of the current version of OMB Circular No. A-123,
Appendix C, and applicable statutory requirements, including the
Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019.
(b) Issues annual Payment Integrity Guidance.
(13) Leads DOE efforts to manage fraud risk, including appropriate
implementation of the GAO Fraud Risk Framework, consistent with the
OMB and statutory requirements.
(14) Leads DOE efforts to promote timely closeout of financial assistance
awards to promote efficient use of resources and meet relevant OMB and
statutory requirements.
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(15) Serves as or designates the Senior Accountable Official for the Digital
Accountability and Transparency Act.
b. Heads of Departmental Elements.
(1) Appoint, in consultation with CFO, Designated Financial Officers with
primary management responsibility for each financial management
organization.
Section 7
(2) Establish and maintain designated financial officer organizations under the
Designated Financial Officer with sufficient staffing, resources, and
authorities to perform required financial management functions, the
requirements of this Order, and other Departmental financial management
policies.
(3) Consult with the CFO prior to significant changes to the structure,
functions, staffing levels, and responsibilities of designated financial
officer organizations.
(4) For financial management systems, obtains:
(a) The concurrence of the CFO regarding the development of new
systems that provide, in whole or in part, financial and program
performance data used in financial statements and cost accounting
and performance management reports.
(b) The concurrence (in consultation with the CIO, as necessary) of
the CFO for new and major upgrades to systems that interface with
corporate business systems under the CFO’s control.
(5) Support and implement the DOE internal controls program, consistent
with CFO guidance, by:
(a) Designating an Internal Control Action Officer to coordinate the
Departmental Element’s Internal Controls Program, including the
designation of individual assessment units for internal controls
within the Departmental Element.
(b) Providing assurance on the Departmental Element’s compliance
with internal control requirements consistent with annual DOE
Internal Control Guidance.
(c) Maintaining stewardship of Federal resources and promote
efficient and effective use to achieve intended program results.
(d) Maintaining cost-effective and appropriate internal controls in
accordance with guidance issued by the CFO, and relevant external
requirements.
DOE O 520.1B 11
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(e) Reporting financial management issues and concerns to the CFO
and address deficiencies and inappropriate practices in a timely
manner.
(f) Participating in DICARC, as assigned.
(g) As appropriate and consistent with CFO internal controls guidance,
integrating internal control efforts with DOE Enterprise Risk
Management Efforts.
(6) Support Designated Financial Officer financial management
responsibilities.
(7) Support DOE financial, performance, and other evaluations, including
financial audits, consistent with CFO guidance. When audits relevant to
the Department’s consolidated financial statements are performed
separately from the Department’s overall financial statement audit:
(a) Coordinate the performance of any audits relied upon as part of the
Department’s annual financial statement audit with the Office of
the CFO, including any specific audit procedures performed to
review accounting reports generated specifically for consolidation
with DOE financial statements.
(b) Develop documented procedures to coordinate audit activities as
appropriate and obtain Office of the CFO review and concurrence
on any documented procedures.
(8) Support the DOE Payment Integrity Program, consistent with annual CFO
Payment Integrity Guidance.
(9) Support efforts to manage fraud risk, consistent with CFO implementation
of OMB and statutory fraud risk reduction requirements, including OMB
Circular No. A-123.
(10) Notifies the CFO and the Senior Procurement Executive when designating
an official other than the Designated Financial Officer to serve as the
Cognizant Federal Agency Official (CFAO) for Cost Accounting
Standards Administration, to perform duties of the CFAO specified in the
Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), including FAR part 30, and the
FAR supplement at 48 CFR 9903.
Section 8
c. Designated Financial Officer.
(1) Leads financial management activities for cognizant Departmental
Element(s) consistent with requirements and DOE policy.
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(2) Maintains accounting records in compliance with the DOE Financial
Management Handbook and other applicable policies and requirements.
(3) Supports all Departmental financial reporting activities, including the
preparation and audit of the Agency Financial Report, and leads financial
reporting activities for designated federal offices and assigned integrated
contractors. Meets established timelines for providing information to
support required financial audits and reviews information for accuracy and
responsiveness.
(4) Provides financial information and reports as required to support mission
execution.
(5) Exercises CFO Act (Pub. L. 101-576) authorities to access, as needed, all
records, reports, audits, reviews, documents, papers, recommendations, or
other material which are the property of DOE or available to DOE and that
relate to assigned financial management responsibilities. Such access is
subject to the limitations in the law established for Office of Inspector
General (OIG) material [31 U.S.C. 902(b)(2)].
(6) Performs financial management review and oversight activities consistent
with identified risks and supports the analysis and review activities of the
CFO.
(7) Develops guidance and procedures as necessary to implement and
interpret DOE financial management policies and instructions for assigned
federal offices and assigned contractors.
(8) Supports the DOE Internal Controls program.
(9) Supports the DOE Improper Payments risk assessment and reporting
program.
(10) Supports the CFO in the development and revision of financial policy and
provides timely comments on proposed policy changes.
(11) Supports CFO in the implementation of financial management
requirements established by OMB, Treasury, applicable accounting
standards, or other government-wide policy offices.
(12) Serves as lead manager for a designated federal office on financial
management matters, including proposed financial policy changes.
(13) Advises the CFO of financial management issues or concerns, including
crosscutting financial management issues and concerns regarding access to
information, systems, and records.
DOE O 520.1B 13
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(14) Reports incidents of apparent Antideficiency Act violations or other
appropriations law violations to the CFO. Reporting to the Office of
Inspector General shall be consistent with DOE Order 221.1, current
version.
(15) For Financial Systems:
(a) Consults with CFO on existing and planned DOE financial system
capabilities before acquiring new financial management systems or
performing major upgrades to existing systems.
(b) Obtains the approval of CFO for any systems planned to provide
financial and program performance data used in financial
statements and cost accounting and performance management
reports.
(16) Contractor Management and Oversight.
(a) General.
1 In consultation with the Head of Contracting Activity,
identifies the contracts into which the CRD of DOE O
520.1B must be included and informs the Contracting
Officers responsible for those contracts. For nonintegrated
contracts, describes reporting requirements of the
contractor and relevant provisions of the DOE Financial
Management Handbook. Provides guidance to Contracting
Officers on which financial management clauses and
financial-management related CRDs should be included in
acquisition plans, requests for proposal, or contracts.
Section 9
2 Provides a recommendation to the CFO for any deviations
from standard financial management contract clauses that
have been referred to CFO consistent with the provisions of
paragraph 5.a.(10) of this policy, including the use of
DEAR 970 financial clauses for non-M&O contracts.
(b) Leads oversight and monitoring of contractor financial and
accounting operations. (Applies to all M&O contracts and non-
M&O contracts with integrated accounting.)
(c) Serves as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for
financial management issues. Designated Financial Officers
serving as CORs are designated consistent with the requirements in
DOE Order 541.1C (or successor policy). Designated Financial
Officers will meet the relevant Federal Acquisition Certification
for Contracting Officer's Representatives (FAC-COR)
requirements referenced in DOE Order 361.1C (or successor
14 DOE O 520.1B
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policy). (Applies to all M&O contracts and non-M&O contracts
with integrated accounting.)
(d) Serves as the Cognizant Federal Agency Official (CFAO) for Cost
Accounting Standards Administration, unless another official is
designated as the CFAO by the Head of the Departmental Element.
Performs duties of the CFAO specified in the FAR, including FAR
part 30, and the FAR supplement at 48 CFR 9903. Maintains
oversight and review functional staff as necessary to perform the
functions of the CFAO, when designated. If not designated the
CFAO, provides subject matter expertise to support the CFAO in
performance of the duties specified in the FAR, including FAR
part 30, and the FAR supplement at 48 CFR 9903. (Applies to all
M&O contracts; also applies to contracts with the DEAR clause
970.5232-3, Accounts, records, and inspection, or successor
clause, or 970.5216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment, or successor
clause.)
(e) Monitors contractors’ cost accounting, including indirect rates and
cost allocations, for: (Applies to all M&O contracts and contracts
with the DEAR clause 970.5232-3, Accounts, records, and
inspection, or successor clause, or 970.5216-7 Allowable Cost and
Payment, or successor clause.)
1 Adherence to Cost Accounting Standards and the
contractors’ Cost Accounting Standards Disclosure
Statements.
2 Incorrect allocation of costs to benefitting programs and
projects which results in inaccurate reporting of costs. Cost
Accounting Standards compliance is required to accurately
accumulate and report the cost of discretely appropriated
DOE contract activities, reimbursable work projects,
Laboratory Directed Research and Development activities,
and other major projects.
3 Active management of indirect cost rates to minimize end-
of-year variances.
(f) Considers the results of audits and reviews performed by the
Office of Inspector General or other auditor and coordinates as
necessary with the Office of Inspector General on the performance
of audits and reviews required by the FAR, including the
requirements of FAR 30.202-7.
(g) Reviews the internal audit implementation design, the annual audit
plan and annual audit report and provides a recommendation on
approval or disapproval to the Contracting Officer. (Applies to all
DOE O 520.1B 15
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M&O contracts and contracts with the DEAR clause 970.5232-3,
Accounts, records, and inspection, or successor clause.)
(h) Provides a recommendation to the Contracting Officer on the
selection of the contractor’s Internal Audit Director, when the
contract terms require DOE approval for the Internal Audit
Director position. (Applies to all M&O contracts and contracts
with the DEAR clause 970.5232-3, Accounts, records, and
inspection, or successor clause.)
Section 10
(i) Monitors the contractors’ internal controls programs for
compliance with DOE internal controls guidance. (Applies to
M&O contracts and all non-M&O contracts with integrated
accounting.)
(j) Reviews contractor financial systems and changes to those systems
for compliance with contract terms, applicable acquisition
regulations, and DOE financial reporting and accounting
requirements as required to recommend acceptance or rejection of
those systems or changes to the Contracting Officer. As
appropriate, coordinates with the Contracting Officer to request
audits or reviews of the contractor’s financial systems from the
Office of Inspector General and considers the results of relevant
Inspector General reviews or audits. (Applies to all M&O contracts
and non-M&O contracts with integrated accounting.)
(k) Assess contractor financial performance consistent with contractor
Performance Evaluation Measurement Plans and make
recommendations to the Award Fee Determining Official. (Applies
to all M&O contracts and contracts with the DEAR clause
970.5232-3, Accounts, records, and inspection, or successor
clause.)
(l) Reviews and certifies reporting on Laboratory Directed Research
and Development, as applicable. (Applies to all M&O contracts.)
(m) Coordinates with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) on
incurred cost submission templates used for DOE contracts.
(Applies to M&O contracts and contracts with the DEAR clause
970.5232-3, Accounts, records, and inspection, or successor clause
or 970.5216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment, or successor clause.)
16 DOE O 520.1B
1-7-2021
d. Head of Contracting Activities.
(1) Confirms Designated Financial Officers are designated by Contracting
Officers as Contracting Officer’s Representatives or equivalents for the
administration of financial matters for applicable M&O and non-M&O
contracts with integrated accounting, including cost accounting matters.
Designated Financial Officers must meet all applicable requirements
specified in DOE Orders 541.1C and 361.1C for designation as a
Contracting Officer’s Representative.
(2) Verifies that a determination of adequacy and compliance of Cost
Accounting Standards Disclosure Statements is made by the CFAO.
(3) Verifies that, after the Designated Financial Officer identified the
contracts into which the CRD of DOE O 520.1B must be included and
informed the responsible Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer
incorporated the CRD into the contracts.
(4) Assists in resolving contractor financial management issues.
(5) Obtains concurrence from the CFO on any deviations from standard
financial management contract clauses, including the use of DEAR 970
financial clauses for non-M&O contracts.
(6) Verifies that the Contracting Officer obtains review and concurrence from
the cognizant Designated Financial Officer prior to the approval of
contractor financial systems, for M&O and non-M&O contracts with
integrated accounting.
(7) Verifies that the Contracting Officer, after being informed by the
Designated Financial Officer of updates to the DOE Financial
Management Handbook, provides notice to the contractor consistent with
the provisions of the laws, regulations, and DOE directives clause of the
contract and the CRD of DOE O 520.1B.
6. INVOKED STANDARDS. This Order does not invoke any DOE technical standards or
industry standards as required methods. Any technical standard or industry standard that
is mentioned in or referenced by this Order is not invoked by this Order. Note: DOE O
251.1D, Appendix J provides a definition for “invoked technical standard.”
Section 11
7. REFERENCES.
a. Public Law 101-576, Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990, which establishes the
authority and functions of CFOs
b. Public Law 106-531, Reports Consolidation Act of 2000, which authorizes the
consolidation of key financial and performance management report required of
federal agencies.
DOE O 520.1B 17
1-7-2021
c. Public Law 97-255, Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982, which
requires internal management controls to be established in accordance with GAO
standards.
d. Public Law 103-62, Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, which
requires the establishment of strategic planning and performance measures.
e. Public Law 103-356, Government Management Reform Act of 1994, which
requires CFO Act agencies to provide an audited annual financial statement.
f. Public Law 81-784, Title I, Part II, as amended, Accounting and Auditing Act of
1950, which requires federal agencies to maintain effective systems of internal
controls.
g. Public Law 104-208, Title VIII, Federal Financial Management Improvement
Act of 1996, which provides requirements for federal financial management
systems.
h. Public Law 116-117, Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019, which codified
and updated existing federal improper payment laws.
i. Public Law 113-101, Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014,
which establishes government-wide data standards.
j. Public Law 115-435, Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of
2018, which establishes processes for agencies to improve data management
practices to make evidence based policy decisions.
k. Public Law 100-679, Cost Accounting Standards Amendments to the Office of
Federal Procurement Policy Act Amendments of 1988, which amends the
requirements for a cost accounting standards board and standards.
l. Public Law 106-65, Title XXXII, as amended, the National Nuclear Security
Administration Act, which established a separately organized sub-agency within
DOE.
m. 31 U.S.C.1341-1342, 1349-1351, and 1511-1519, the Antideficiency Act, which
prohibits agencies from obligating or expending federal funds in advance or in
excess of an appropriation, and from accepting voluntary services
n. Title 48, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Chapter 9, the Department of
Energy Acquisition Regulation, which establishes DOE acquisition regulations
including financial management clauses.
o. Title 48, CFR, Chapter 99, Subchapter B, Part 9904, Cost Accounting Standards,
which prescribes cost accounting standards.
18 DOE O 520.1B
1-7-2021
p. GAO-14-704G, Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government, dated
September 2014, which prescribes GAO’s internal control standards.
q. OMB Circular No. A-123, Management’s Responsibility for Enterprise Risk
Management and Internal Control, which establishes OMB policies for
enterprise risk management and internal controls
r. DOE Order 221.1, Reporting Fraud, Waste and Abuse to the Office of Inspector
General, current version.
s. DOE Order 251.1, Departmental Directives Program, current version, which
establishes the primary means of developing and setting DOE policies, including
an exception for the DOE Financial Management Handbook.
t. DOE Acquisition Guide, Chapter 70.4, or successor guidance document, which
provides guidance on CFO and Contracting Officer responsibilities for the
approval of contractor financial systems.
8. CONTACT. Address questions concerning this Order to the Office of the Chief Financial
Officer.
Section 12
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY:
DAVID M. TURK
Deputy Secretary
DOE O 520.1B Attachment 1 – CRD, Contractors Only
1-7-2021 Page 1-1
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT (CRD)
DOE O 520.1B, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
RESPONSIBILITIES
Regardless of the performer of the work, the contractor is responsible for complying with the
requirements of this CRD. The contractor is responsible for flowing down the requirements of
this CRD to subcontractors at any tier to the extent necessary to ensure the contractor’s
compliance with the requirements.
1. Integrated Contractors.
a. As an integrated contractor of the Department of Energy (DOE), a separate set of
accounts and records for recording and reporting all business transactions under
the contract must be maintained. An Integrated Contractor’s books of account
must be integrated with those of the Department through the use of reciprocal
accounts, consistent with contract requirements, including the clause at 48 CFR
970.5232-8. An Integrated Contractor’s system of accounts must conform with
generally accepted accounting principles for the Federal Government and
produce accurate results. The system of accounts must not conflict with DOE O
520.1B or the DOE Financial Management Handbook (versions in effect as of
the date of contract award or contract modification).
b. Integrated contractors must follow the applicable provisions of the DOE
Financial Management Handbook. Integrated contractors must comply with
subsequent revisions to the DOE Financial Management Handbook when
notified under the “Laws, regulations, and DOE directives” clause of the
contract.
c. Integrated contractors must provide the cognizant Designated Financial Officer
access to contractor financial systems when required by the Designated Financial
Officer.
d. Integrated contractors must obtain the approval of the cognizant Designated
Financial Officer for financial systems that integrate with the Department’s
accounting system, consistent with contract requirements.
e. Integrated contractors shall actively manage indirect cost rates by adjusting rates
as needed during the course of the year to minimize end-of-year variances. Final
indirect cost rates will be determined in accordance with contract and regulatory
requirements.
2. Nonintegrated Contractors. Nonintegrated Contractors must provide financial information
to DOE as required to support DOE accounting and financial reporting, including, as
applicable, information on pensions and benefits, environmental liabilities, and DOE-
owned assets. Information provided will be compliant with applicable financial reporting
and accounting requirements specified by the cognizant Designated Financial Officer.
Attachment 1 – CRD, Contractors Only DOE O 520.1B
Page 1-2 1-7-2021
3. Internal Control and Enterprise Risk Management. When identified by Office of the
Chief Financial Officer as a DOE internal controls assessable unit, the contractor must
assist DOE in meeting obligations imposed on DOE by Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-123 (version in effect as of the date of contract award or
contract modification), including: Management’s Responsibility for Enterprise Risk
Management and Internal Control, Management’s Responsibility for Internal Control,
and Appendices. Contractor activity is to be performed in accordance with annual
guidance provided by the Department's Chief Financial Officer.
Section 13
4. Payment Integrity. When identified by the Office of Chief Financial Officer as a DOE
payment integrity reporting site, the contractor must assist DOE in meeting payment
integrity obligations imposed by OMB Circular No. A-123, Appendix C, Requirements
for Payment Integrity Improvement, and other relevant policies and statutes. Contractor
activity is to be performed in accordance with annual guidance provided by the
Department's Chief Financial Officer.
1. PURPOSE.
a. Establish policies and responsibilities for Department of Energy (DOE) financial and accounting management officials in accordance with the Chief Financial Officer Act of 1990 (the Chief Financial Officers Act, Public Law (Pub. L.) 101-576) and oth...
b. Establish internal controls and financial management oversight requirements based on the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97-255), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) policy, and internal control standards.
2. CANCELS/SUPERSEDES. DOE O 520.1B, Financial Management and Chief Financial Officer Responsibilities, dated 1-7-21.
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. Departmental Applicability.
(1) The provisions of this Order apply to every Departmental Element.
(2) The Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) shall assure that NNSA employees comply with their respective responsibilities under this directive. Nothing in this directive shall be construed to interfere with the NNSA A...
b. DOE Contractors. Except for the equivalencies/exemptions in paragraph 3.c., the CRD, Attachment 1, sets forth requirements of this Order that will apply to contracts that include the CRD or its requirements. The CRD must be included in Management a...
The CRD shall be incorporated into M&O contracts consistent with Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation clause 970.5204-2, “Laws, regulations, and DOE Directives,” or successor clause.
c. Financial Assistance. This Directive applies to the Federal management of financial assistance programs, including the administration, oversight, or awarding of financial assistance agreements. This Directive does not apply directly to recipients o...
d. Equivalencies/Exemptions for DOE O 520.1B.
(1) Equivalency. Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. In accordance with the responsibilities and authorities assigned by Executive Order 12344, codified at 50 U.S.C. sections 2406 and 2511, and to ensure consistency throughout the joint Navy/DO...
(2) Equivalency. Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs). The requirements and responsibilities of this Order apply to the Bonneville Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Ar...
(3) Equivalency. Bonneville Power Administration. The Bonneville Power Administration is governed by provisions of the Government Corporation Control Act and is exempt from the DOE Financial Management Handbook and internal control provisions of this ...
(4) Equivalency. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The Federal Regulatory Commission is part of the DOE Financial Reporting entity and follows applicable guidance in the DOE Financial Management Handbook.
Section 14
4. REQUIREMENTS.
a. Financial Management Oversight.
(1) The CFO Act requires that a CFO position be established to “direct, manage, and provide policy guidance and oversight of agency financial management personnel, activities, and operations.”
(2) The DOE Financial Management Handbook sets forth financial, accounting, and budgetary policies and operational requirements to implement this Order and other applicable Departmental policies and directives.
(3) Financial and accounting management guidance or procedures developed by the Departmental Elements must be consistent with the financial policies, procedures, and guidance provided by the CFO.
(4) Financial and accounting management processes developed by Departmental Elements must consider internal control requirements, including requirements for fraud risk management and payment integrity.
(5) Financial and accounting management oversight activities of a contractor must consider applicable financial contract clauses and be coordinated with the cognizant contracting authorities.
b. Financial Management Systems.
(1) Financial management systems must conform to mandatory accounting and financial management guidance received from OMB, U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury), Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board, and applicable laws and regulations.
(2) Financial information and data must be accurate, timely, and consistent to meet the Department’s reporting requirements.
(3) Proper internal controls must be part of financial management systems to protect the integrity of financial data; detect fraud, waste, and abuse; and prevent improper payments.
(4) Financial management system nonconformance must be corrected in a timely and effective manner. A financial management system nonconformance could include findings by the Department, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Office of Inspect...
(5) Financial systems must be automated to minimize manual processes to the extent it is cost beneficial to the Department.
c. Internal Controls.
(1) The Internal Control program must be conducted in accordance with this directive, OMB policy, and applicable laws and regulations. Consistent with the requirements of OMB Circular No. A-123, the Internal Controls Program must be integrated with an...
(2) Internal Control activities must be consistent with the policies, procedures, and guidance issued by the CFO.
(3) Appropriate internal controls must be in place for effective and efficient operations; reliable reporting; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; to detect fraud, waste, and abuse; and prevent improper payments. Internal control signific...
(4) DOE applies Federal internal controls requirements to integrated DOE contracts, consistent with applicable contract provisions, the CRD for this Order, and annual CFO implementing guidance for internal controls. Guidance and policy relating to Con...
(5) The Departmental Internal Control and Assessment Review Council (DICARC).
(a) Functions. The DICARC provides oversight of the Departmental internal control program and promotes collaborative efforts to evaluate risk as appropriate. The DICARC constitutes the Senior Management Council for Internal Controls, as described in O...
(b) Membership. The DICARC is chaired by the CFO. The DICARC charter is approved by the Secretary and details membership, including voting and non-voting members.
Section 15
d. Financial Management Organizations outside the Office of the CFO.
(1) Key activities necessary to support the DOE financial management are performed by financial management organizations that are not part of the DOE Office of the CFO. The financial management functions of these offices will be coordinated with the O...
(2) Each financial management organization will be led by a Designated Financial Officer. The financial management functions, responsibilities, and authorities of Designated Financial Officers are detailed in this Order. Other authorities may be deleg...
(3) Designated Financial Officers are assigned by the Heads of Departmental Elements in consultation with the CFO. The Chief Financial Officers of the PMAs and the National Energy Technology Laboratory perform the applicable functions of the Designate...
(4) Designated Financial Officers must demonstrate financial management knowledge and experience to perform the functions specified in this Order, including applicable contractor oversight functions.
(5) The CFO maintains the current list of Designated Financial Officers, the associated financial management office(s), and the Federal offices and major contractors supported by each financial management office.
5. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Chief Financial Officer.
(1) Advises the Secretary, Departmental Senior Leadership, DOE councils, and DOE officials on financial management activities, and the strategic use of financial resources.
(2) Leads financial management activities related to DOE programs and operations under the CFO Act, [Pub. L. 101-576, relevant sections codified in 31 U.SC. 902(a)(2)], and performs other responsibilities delegated by the Secretary.
(3) Establishes financial management policies, procedures, and guidance for Departmental Elements and, as appropriate, for contractors. Financial management policies, procedures, and guidance includes:
(a) The DOE Financial Management Handbook to set forth Departmental policy on financial and accounting standards and operational requirements in accordance with the Equivalencies and Exemptions section of DOE Order 251.1, Departmental Directives Progr...
(b) Detailed annual budgetary, accounting and reporting, internal control, fraud risk management, and improper payment guidance and procedures to execute financial management processes.
(c) Policy memoranda and guidance documents when necessary to provide interpretations and analysis of OMB policy, Treasury guidance, applicable accounting standards, and other external guidance or requirements relating to financial matters.
1 CFO memoranda providing clarification, policy, and guidance on financial topics will include a sunset date. Valid CFO policy memoranda are posted on the CFO Financial Policy internal webpage.
2 CFO will work to incorporate the relevant content from policy and guidance memoranda into the appropriate permanent policy document.
Section 16
(4) Leads activities throughout DOE to evaluate the adequacy of established policies, procedures, and standards governing accounting and related reporting functions; evaluates the performance of such functions; and initiates necessary corrective and f...
(5) Directs, manages, and provides policy guidance and oversight of DOE financial management personnel, activities, and operations, consistent with requirements of the CFO Act (Pub. L. 101-576).
(a) Makes recommendations to the Secretary on candidates for the Department’s Deputy CFO, consistent with the qualification standards established by OMB, as required by section 202 of the CFO Act (Pub. L. 101-576).
(b) Consults with the heads of Departmental Elements or the appropriate hiring official on the selection of Designated Financial Officers.
(c) Consults with the heads of Departmental Elements on reorganizations affecting the structure, functions, staffing levels, and responsibilities of designated financial officer organizations.
(d) Maintains a Financial Management Council to provide collaborative leadership of the Department’s financial management activities. The Council will consist of officials from the Office of the CFO, a Designated Financial Officer for each represented...
(6) Serves as liaison with the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), GAO, OMB, Treasury, the General Services Administration, State and local governments, and other organizations outside the Department in the areas for which the CFO is ...
(7) Oversees the design, implementation, and maintenance of the Department’s financial management systems and oversees, in coordination with the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Department’s systems that provide data used in financial statements a...
(a) Advises and provides recommendations to the CIO and other Departmental officials regarding the acquisition, development, or implementation of systems that interface with DOE corporate business systems under the CFO’s control.
(b) Approves (in consultation with the CIO, as necessary) the design of other systems that provide, in whole or in part, financial and program performance data used in financial statements and cost accounting and performance management reports.
(c) Approves Departmental financial management systems and processes and coordinates with the cognizant Designated Financial Officer regarding the review and recommended approval of financial systems for integrated DOE contractors.
(d) Approves implementation of DOE asset management systems, including systems for cash management, credit management, debt collection, and property and inventory control.
(e) Verifies proper internal controls are in place for official DOE financial management systems to protect the integrity of financial data; detect fraud, waste, and abuse; and prevent improper payments.
Section 17
(8) Supports the review, collection, and reporting of accurate financial information and data.
(a) Reports on the financial status of DOE and the results of operations, including, as prescribed by law and OMB, the preparation and submission to the Congress and the Director of OMB, an audited Annual Financial Report for the preceding fiscal year...
(b) Accesses all records, reports, audits, reviews, documents, papers, recommendations, and other material that are DOE property (or are available to the Department) and are related to programs and operations for which the CFO has responsibility.
(c) Coordinates with the GAO, Office of Inspector General, and other auditors to improve DOE financial reporting and provides financial reports and supporting documentation as required to support audit activities.
(d) Collects and analyzes financial information for data driven decisions, evaluations, and assessments on the strategic use of financial resources to support DOE programs and mission, consistent with requirements in the Foundations for Evidence-Based...
(e) Advises DOE officials on Federal costs and benefit estimates as appropriate for major legislation, programmatic proposals, and, if requested, requirements for major procurements.
(f) Reviews and approves or disapproves (or for NNSA, reviews) financial reports and correspondence for transmittal to the Secretary, OMB, the President, Congress, or other external entities. NOTE: Concurrence or consultation typically would not be re...
(9) Leads the DOE Internal Controls Program.
(a) Chairs DICARC.
(b) Collaborates with Departmental Elements so that the Internal Control Program is conducted in accordance with applicable DOE policies, OMB guidance, and statutory requirements.
(c) Prepares and issues detailed annual guidance for conducting the internal control reviews to identify risks and control deficiencies.
(d) Reviews the results of internal control evaluations performed by Departmental Elements to identify potential significant deficiencies or material weaknesses and to evaluate whether internal controls reporting requirements in this Order are followed.
(e) Prepares and presents to DICARC for review and concurrence an executive summary for the Secretary’s approval on the status of the Department’s internal controls and those governing financial reporting. Pub. L. 97-255, Federal Managers’ Financial I...
(f) Seeks corrective actions as needed in response to findings of inappropriate financial management practices. Takes appropriate action to address the potential for or actual reported instances of improper financial management.
(g) As appropriate, integrates the Internal Controls Program with DOE Enterprise Risk Management Efforts and utilizes the results of internal controls assessments to inform budget formulation and performance management.
(10) Reviews and concurs or non-concurs (or for NNSA, advises) with requests for deviations from the standard DEAR financial management clauses in solicitations and contracts.
(11) Performs payment and certain accounting functions as detailed in the DOE Financial Management Handbook. The Director, CFO Office of Finance and Accounting, performs the applicable functions of the Designated Financial Officer for Departmental Ele...
(12) For the DOE Payment Integrity Program:
(a) Leads the DOE Payment Integrity Program consistent with the requirements of the current version of OMB Circular No. A-123, Appendix C, and applicable statutory requirements, including the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019.
(b) Issues annual Payment Integrity Guidance.
Section 18
(13) Leads DOE efforts to manage fraud risk, including appropriate implementation of the GAO Fraud Risk Framework, consistent with the OMB and statutory requirements.
(14) Leads DOE efforts to promote timely closeout of financial assistance awards to promote efficient use of resources and meet relevant OMB and statutory requirements.
(15) Serves as or designates the Senior Accountable Official for the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act.
b. Heads of Departmental Elements.
(1) Appoint, in consultation with CFO, Designated Financial Officers with primary management responsibility for each financial management organization.
(2) Establish and maintain designated financial officer organizations under the Designated Financial Officer with sufficient staffing, resources, and authorities to perform required financial management functions, the requirements of this Order, and o...
(3) Consult with the CFO prior to significant changes to the structure, functions, staffing levels, and responsibilities of designated financial officer organizations.
(4) For financial management systems, obtains:
(a) The concurrence of the CFO regarding the development of new systems that provide, in whole or in part, financial and program performance data used in financial statements and cost accounting and performance management reports.
(b) The concurrence (in consultation with the CIO, as necessary) of the CFO for new and major upgrades to systems that interface with corporate business systems under the CFO’s control.
(5) Support and implement the DOE internal controls program, consistent with CFO guidance, by:
(a) Designating an Internal Control Action Officer to coordinate the Departmental Element’s Internal Controls Program, including the designation of individual assessment units for internal controls within the Departmental Element.
(b) Providing assurance on the Departmental Element’s compliance with internal control requirements consistent with annual DOE Internal Control Guidance.
(c) Maintaining stewardship of Federal resources and promote efficient and effective use to achieve intended program results.
(d) Maintaining cost-effective and appropriate internal controls in accordance with guidance issued by the CFO, and relevant external requirements.
(e) Reporting financial management issues and concerns to the CFO and address deficiencies and inappropriate practices in a timely manner.
(f) Participating in DICARC, as assigned.
(g) As appropriate and consistent with CFO internal controls guidance, integrating internal control efforts with DOE Enterprise Risk Management Efforts.
(6) Support Designated Financial Officer financial management responsibilities.
(7) Support DOE financial, performance, and other evaluations, including financial audits, consistent with CFO guidance. When audits relevant to the Department’s consolidated financial statements are performed separately from the Department’s overall ...
(a) Coordinate the performance of any audits relied upon as part of the Department’s annual financial statement audit with the Office of the CFO, including any specific audit procedures performed to review accounting reports generated specifically for...
(b) Develop documented procedures to coordinate audit activities as appropriate and obtain Office of the CFO review and concurrence on any documented procedures.
Section 19
(8) Support the DOE Payment Integrity Program, consistent with annual CFO Payment Integrity Guidance.
(9) Support efforts to manage fraud risk, consistent with CFO implementation of OMB and statutory fraud risk reduction requirements, including OMB Circular No. A-123.
(10) Notifies the CFO and the Senior Procurement Executive when designating an official other than the Designated Financial Officer to serve as the Cognizant Federal Agency Official (CFAO) for Cost Accounting Standards Administration, to perform dutie...
c. Designated Financial Officer.
(1) Leads financial management activities for cognizant Departmental Element(s) consistent with requirements and DOE policy.
(2) Maintains accounting records in compliance with the DOE Financial Management Handbook and other applicable policies and requirements.
(3) Supports all Departmental financial reporting activities, including the preparation and audit of the Agency Financial Report, and leads financial reporting activities for designated federal offices and assigned integrated contractors. Meets establ...
(4) Provides financial information and reports as required to support mission execution.
(5) Exercises CFO Act (Pub. L. 101-576) authorities to access, as needed, all records, reports, audits, reviews, documents, papers, recommendations, or other material which are the property of DOE or available to DOE and that relate to assigned financ...
(6) Performs financial management review and oversight activities consistent with identified risks and supports the analysis and review activities of the CFO.
(7) Develops guidance and procedures as necessary to implement and interpret DOE financial management policies and instructions for assigned federal offices and assigned contractors.
(8) Supports the DOE Internal Controls program.
(9) Supports the DOE Improper Payments risk assessment and reporting program.
(10) Supports the CFO in the development and revision of financial policy and provides timely comments on proposed policy changes.
(11) Supports CFO in the implementation of financial management requirements established by OMB, Treasury, applicable accounting standards, or other government-wide policy offices.
(12) Serves as lead manager for a designated federal office on financial management matters, including proposed financial policy changes.
(13) Advises the CFO of financial management issues or concerns, including crosscutting financial management issues and concerns regarding access to information, systems, and records.
(14) Reports incidents of apparent Antideficiency Act violations or other appropriations law violations to the CFO. Reporting to the Office of Inspector General shall be consistent with DOE Order 221.1, current version.
(15) For Financial Systems:
(a) Consults with CFO on existing and planned DOE financial system capabilities before acquiring new financial management systems or performing major upgrades to existing systems.
(b) Obtains the approval of CFO for any systems planned to provide financial and program performance data used in financial statements and cost accounting and performance management reports.
(16) Contractor Management and Oversight.
(a) General.
1 In consultation with the Head of Contracting Activity, identifies the contracts into which the CRD of DOE O 520.1B must be included and informs the Contracting Officers responsible for those contracts. For nonintegrated contracts, describes reportin...
2 Provides a recommendation to the CFO for any deviations from standard financial management contract clauses that have been referred to CFO consistent with the provisions of paragraph 5.a.(10) of this policy, including the use of DEAR 970 financial c...
Section 20
(b) Leads oversight and monitoring of contractor financial and accounting operations. (Applies to all M&O contracts and non-M&O contracts with integrated accounting.)
(c) Serves as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for financial management issues. Designated Financial Officers serving as CORs are designated consistent with the requirements in DOE Order 541.1C (or successor policy). Designated Financial O...
(d) Serves as the Cognizant Federal Agency Official (CFAO) for Cost Accounting Standards Administration, unless another official is designated as the CFAO by the Head of the Departmental Element. Performs duties of the CFAO specified in the FAR, inclu...
(e) Monitors contractors’ cost accounting, including indirect rates and cost allocations, for: (Applies to all M&O contracts and contracts with the DEAR clause 970.5232-3, Accounts, records, and inspection, or successor clause, or 970.5216-7 Allowable...
1 Adherence to Cost Accounting Standards and the contractors’ Cost Accounting Standards Disclosure Statements.
2 Incorrect allocation of costs to benefitting programs and projects which results in inaccurate reporting of costs. Cost Accounting Standards compliance is required to accurately accumulate and report the cost of discretely appropriated DOE contract ...
3 Active management of indirect cost rates to minimize end-of-year variances.
(f) Considers the results of audits and reviews performed by the Office of Inspector General or other auditor and coordinates as necessary with the Office of Inspector General on the performance of audits and reviews required by the FAR, including the...
(g) Reviews the internal audit implementation design, the annual audit plan and annual audit report and provides a recommendation on approval or disapproval to the Contracting Officer. (Applies to all M&O contracts and contracts with the DEAR clause 9...
(h) Provides a recommendation to the Contracting Officer on the selection of the contractor’s Internal Audit Director, when the contract terms require DOE approval for the Internal Audit Director position. (Applies to all M&O contracts and contracts w...
(i) Monitors the contractors’ internal controls programs for compliance with DOE internal controls guidance. (Applies to M&O contracts and all non-M&O contracts with integrated accounting.)
(j) Reviews contractor financial systems and changes to those systems for compliance with contract terms, applicable acquisition regulations, and DOE financial reporting and accounting requirements as required to recommend acceptance or rejection of t...
(k) Assess contractor financial performance consistent with contractor Performance Evaluation Measurement Plans and make recommendations to the Award Fee Determining Official. (Applies to all M&O contracts and contracts with the DEAR clause 970.5232-3...
(l) Reviews and certifies reporting on Laboratory Directed Research and Development, as applicable. (Applies to all M&O contracts.)
(m) Coordinates with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) on incurred cost submission templates used for DOE contracts. (Applies to M&O contracts and contracts with the DEAR clause 970.5232-3, Accounts, records, and inspection, or successor clause or...
(n)
Section 21
d. Head of Contracting Activities.
(1) Confirms Designated Financial Officers are designated by Contracting Officers as Contracting Officer’s Representatives or equivalents for the administration of financial matters for applicable M&O and non-M&O contracts with integrated accounting, ...
(2) Verifies that a determination of adequacy and compliance of Cost Accounting Standards Disclosure Statements is made by the CFAO.
(3) Verifies that, after the Designated Financial Officer identified the contracts into which the CRD of DOE O 520.1B must be included and informed the responsible Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer incorporated the CRD into the contracts.
(4) Assists in resolving contractor financial management issues.
(5) Obtains concurrence from the CFO on any deviations from standard financial management contract clauses, including the use of DEAR 970 financial clauses for non-M&O contracts.
(6) Verifies that the Contracting Officer obtains review and concurrence from the cognizant Designated Financial Officer prior to the approval of contractor financial systems, for M&O and non-M&O contracts with integrated accounting.
(7) Verifies that the Contracting Officer, after being informed by the Designated Financial Officer of updates to the DOE Financial Management Handbook, provides notice to the contractor consistent with the provisions of the laws, regulations, and DOE...
6. INVOKED STANDARDS. This Order does not invoke any DOE technical standards or industry standards as required methods. Any technical standard or industry standard that is mentioned in or referenced by this Order is not invoked by this Order. Note: DO...
7. REFERENCES.
a. Public Law 101-576, Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990, which establishes the authority and functions of CFOs
b. Public Law 106-531, Reports Consolidation Act of 2000, which authorizes the consolidation of key financial and performance management report required of federal agencies.
c. Public Law 97-255, Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982, which requires internal management controls to be established in accordance with GAO standards.
d. Public Law 103-62, Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, which requires the establishment of strategic planning and performance measures.
e. Public Law 103-356, Government Management Reform Act of 1994, which requires CFO Act agencies to provide an audited annual financial statement.
f. Public Law 81-784, Title I, Part II, as amended, Accounting and Auditing Act of 1950, which requires federal agencies to maintain effective systems of internal controls.
g. Public Law 104-208, Title VIII, Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996, which provides requirements for federal financial management systems.
h. Public Law 116-117, Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019, which codified and updated existing federal improper payment laws.
i. Public Law 113-101, Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014, which establishes government-wide data standards.
j. Public Law 115-435, Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, which establishes processes for agencies to improve data management practices to make evidence based policy decisions.
k. Public Law 100-679, Cost Accounting Standards Amendments to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act Amendments of 1988, which amends the requirements for a cost accounting standards board and standards.
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l. Public Law 106-65, Title XXXII, as amended, the National Nuclear Security Administration Act, which established a separately organized sub-agency within DOE.
m. 31 U.S.C.1341-1342, 1349-1351, and 1511-1519, the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits agencies from obligating or expending federal funds in advance or in excess of an appropriation, and from accepting voluntary services
n. Title 48, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Chapter 9, the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation, which establishes DOE acquisition regulations including financial management clauses.
o. Title 48, CFR, Chapter 99, Subchapter B, Part 9904, Cost Accounting Standards, which prescribes cost accounting standards.
p. GAO-14-704G, Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government, dated September 2014, which prescribes GAO’s internal control standards.
q. OMB Circular No. A-123, Management’s Responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Control, which establishes OMB policies for enterprise risk management and internal controls
r. DOE Order 221.1, Reporting Fraud, Waste and Abuse to the Office of Inspector General, current version.
s. DOE Order 251.1, Departmental Directives Program, current version, which establishes the primary means of developing and setting DOE policies, including an exception for the DOE Financial Management Handbook.
t. DOE Acquisition Guide, Chapter 70.4, or successor guidance document, which provides guidance on CFO and Contracting Officer responsibilities for the approval of contractor financial systems.
8. CONTACT. Address questions concerning this Order to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
1. Integrated Contractors.
a. As an integrated contractor of the Department of Energy (DOE), a separate set of accounts and records for recording and reporting all business transactions under the contract must be maintained. An Integrated Contractor’s books of account must be i...
b. Integrated contractors must follow the applicable provisions of the DOE Financial Management Handbook. Integrated contractors must comply with subsequent revisions to the DOE Financial Management Handbook when notified under the “Laws, regulations,...
c. Integrated contractors must provide the cognizant Designated Financial Officer access to contractor financial systems when required by the Designated Financial Officer.
d. Integrated contractors must obtain the approval of the cognizant Designated Financial Officer for financial systems that integrate with the Department’s accounting system, consistent with contract requirements.
e. Integrated contractors shall actively manage indirect cost rates by adjusting rates as needed during the course of the year to minimize end-of-year variances. Final indirect cost rates will be determined in accordance with contract and regulatory r...
2. Nonintegrated Contractors. Nonintegrated Contractors must provide financial information to DOE as required to support DOE accounting and financial reporting, including, as applicable, information on pensions and benefits, environmental liabilities,...
3. Internal Control and Enterprise Risk Management. When identified by Office of the Chief Financial Officer as a DOE internal controls assessable unit, the contractor must assist DOE in meeting obligations imposed on DOE by Office of Management and B...
4. Payment Integrity. When identified by the Office of Chief Financial Officer as a DOE payment integrity reporting site, the contractor must assist DOE in meeting payment integrity obligations imposed by OMB Circular No. A-123, Appendix C, Requiremen...