November 2025
Warm regards to you all,
I'm delighted to share the November edition of the Grants Management Newsletter, detailing the progression of the Oklahoma State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program.
November is a natural time to pause, look around at what’s been accomplished and say thank you. At the OMES Grants Management Office, we’re especially grateful for the partnership and teamwork we’ve built with each of you. They way you and your teams have shown up – sharing ideas, tackling challenges and never losing sight of the people of Oklahoma – has all served to make Oklahoma's ARPA-SLFRF projects successful.
The impact of these projects can be seen in every corner of the state. From new opportunities in workforce training, to investments that strengthen local health care, to community programs that bring people together through arts and culture, it is your efforts that are shaping a stronger Oklahoma, and we believe that is worth a sincere Thank You.
As the projects overseen by your agencies approach closeout, it's important to review the program guidance and to continue communicating with the OMES GMO team.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury continues to update its guidance but has not yet released comprehensive program closeout guidance. You will find a summary of recent changes and the updated materials linked in the Guidance section of this newsletter.
As always, if you have questions or need support, don't hesitate to reach out to me or my team.
Sincerely,
Parker Wise
Director of OMES Grants Management Office
Grants management metrics
Note: These metrics reflect data as of Nov. 3. Please visit the ARPA-SLFRF Program Tracker for the most up-to-date information.
- $1.12 billion, or 59.8%, of total funds disbursed.
- $30.5 million disbursed in October 2025.
- 24 initiatives fully disbursed to date.
- $78 million disbursed in Q3.
Guidance updates
Federal guidance
In October, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released two updated guidance documents, the SLFRF Compliance and Reporting Guidance and the SLFRF Project and Expenditure Report User Guide.
Additionally, the Compliance and Reporting Guidance was updated to reflect revisions to the collection timeline for Recovery Plans (Page 48).
The Project and Expenditure Report User Guide includes four notable additions:
- Update to FAC and ACEE language.
- Program Income Breakout fields.
- Addition of Original Allocation Amount.
- New Broadband “Void” or “Display” fields.
State guidance
During performance of the ARPA-SLFRF award, a need for clarity about the program or federal financial assistance may arise. OMES GMO is here to help. If you would like our team to submit an inquiry for additional guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury or if you have questions concerning your program, please complete this ARPA-SLFRF Guidance Request form.
Training
- Grant Ethics in Practice: Why I Don’t Say Yes to Everyone.
- Managing Burnout: Rethinking the Way We Refill Our Tank.
- Sealing the Deal: Closing the Loop for Your Application Stakeholders.
- Funding Interrupted: Navigating Grant Terminations in a Shifting Federal Landscape.
- The HHS 4th Revision: What It Means for Smaller Organizations.
- Federal Grantmaking in Transition: What Executive Order 14117 Means for Grants and Financial Management Professionals.
Resources
Select the icon to view the ARPA-SLFRF Program Tracker.
Select the icon to view the Subrecipient guidance webpage.
Select the icon to view the Newsletter Archive.
Collaboration corner
Final call for submissions: Opportunity to have your agency highlighted for national recognition
As agencies begin to close out State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds projects, the U.S. Department of the Treasury would like to highlight programs/projects implemented with ARPA-SLFRF funds.
These impact stories capture how the state has used this one-time, direct funding to create lasting change in our communities. Moreover, these stories showcase how federal financial assistance enabled Oklahomans to mitigate the pandemic's effects and how our massive efforts will continue to impact communities long after the program ends.
Subrecipient Spotlight
State leaders, students and staff celebrate the grand opening with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
This month, we are highlighting our partners at the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) for their efforts to expand training opportunities for the manufacturing industry.
Oklahoma’s new Manufacturing Skills Academy (MSA) officially opened its doors in October, launching an education program designed to connect Oklahomans with high-demand careers in the manufacturing industry. This first-of-its-kind program aims to help fill a growing workforce gap by blending technical instruction with work-based learning and real job opportunities.
The 74,000-square-foot facility, located northwest of the State Capitol, operates as a full-production environment. Over a six-month cohort, 25 participants will receive paid training in key trade skills while earning certifications and building connections with potential employers.
The academy is backed by an $8.1 million investment from the Oklahoma Legislature through the ARPA-SLFRF.
