Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement Consultant

Position Overview

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., TFG specializes in representing public and private entities that share our passion for building strong and vibrant communities. TFG has a proven track record of developing and advancing improvements to policy and legislation while assisting our clients in securing highly sought-after funding. Since 2015, TFG has helped our clients secure over $6 billion in federal funding.   

Our knowledge and experience provide our clients with an unmatched advantage. We are seeking talented, experienced grant administration professionals to join our network of grant consultants. TFG Grant Consultants work remotely and have the flexibility to accept grant project assignments aligned with their areas of expertise, interests, and availability. Candidates should have significant experience in all aspects of the grant administration process and strong foundational knowledge of grantmaking entities, especially federal grant programs. Our Grant Consultants will work closely with TFG staff and clients to provide expert guidance to local governments and organizations seeking to develop, submit, negotiate, and maintain a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) with a federal cognizant agency. This role ensures indirect cost recovery is maximized, compliant, defensible, and aligned with organizational strategy—strengthening long-term financial sustainability and federal funding readiness.

Responsibilities

NICRA Development & Submission

• Assess organizational financial systems, cost structures, and funding portfolios to determine NICRA readiness and optimal indirect cost rate strategy.
• Develop compliant indirect cost rate proposals in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance).
• Identify and classify allowable direct and indirect costs; design and document a compliant cost allocation plan.
• Prepare complete NICRA submission packages, including narratives, rate calculations, schedules, and required financial documentation.
• Support and advise on initial NICRA applications, provisional rates, final negotiated rates, and rate extensions or renewals.

Federal Negotiation & Agency Liaison

• Serve as the primary technical liaison with federal cognizant agencies (e.g., DOI, HHS, DoD).
• Lead or support negotiations with agency rate negotiators, responding to technical questions and requests for clarification.
• Revise proposals as needed in response to agency feedback while protecting the organization's financial interests.
• Advise client leadership on negotiation strategy, risk tolerance, and tradeoffs.

Compliance, Audit & Risk Management

• Ensure indirect cost methodologies comply with Uniform Guidance, agency-specific requirements, and audit standards.
• Review historical financial data, audits, and internal controls to identify compliance gaps or risk areas.
• Support organizations during audits or desk reviews related to indirect cost recovery.
• Develop documentation and defensibility strategies to withstand future reviews.

Financial Strategy & Capacity Building

• Analyze the financial impact of indirect cost rates on grants, contracts, and overall sustainability.
• Advise on rate selection strategies (e.g., de minimis vs. negotiated rate).
• Provide recommendations for improving cost recovery, internal controls, and financial systems.
• Train finance, grants, and program staff on indirect cost concepts, compliance, and ongoing rate management.
• Develop internal tools, templates, and SOPs to support long-term NICRA maintenance.

Ongoing Rate Management (as assigned)

• Support annual updates, carryforward calculations, and rate renewals.
• Advise on organizational changes (growth, restructuring, new funding types) that may impact indirect cost rates.
• Provide ad hoc technical assistance as new federal funding opportunities arise.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Demonstrated experience developing and negotiating NICRAs with U.S. federal agencies.
• Deep knowledge of 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and federal cost principles.
• Strong background in nonprofit, governmental, or higher-education finance.
• Experience working with audits (Single Audit / Uniform Guidance audits preferred).

Technical Skills

• Advanced financial analysis and cost allocation expertise.
• Ability to translate complex federal regulations into clear, actionable guidance.
• Strong Excel and financial modeling skills.
• Familiarity with federal grant and contract environments.

Consulting Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage confidential financial information.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including working with executive leadership and federal officials.
• Strategic thinker with a practical, solutions-oriented approach.