NICRA Development Consultant

The Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) seeks to engage a qualified fiscal consultant to provide technical assistance and hands-on support in the preparation and submission of a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance). The goal is to develop a compliant, well-documented NICRA package suitable for submission to the United States Department of Agriculture or Department of Interior.

Objectives

The consultant will support MSI to:

• Develop a compliant indirect cost rate methodology.
• Prepare all required NICRA documentation and schedules.
• Strengthen internal understanding of indirect cost allocation.
• Successfully submit a complete NICRA proposal to the cognizant agency.

Scope of Services / Tasks

The consultant will perform the following tasks:

Task 1: Initial Assessment and Planning

• Review organizational structure, funding sources, chart of accounts, and financial policies.
• Confirm cognizant authority.
• Develop a NICRA work plan and timeline.

Task 2: Indirect Cost Methodology Development

• Analyze direct vs. indirect cost classification.
• Develop or refine the indirect cost allocation methodology in compliance with 2 CFR 200.
• Advise on treatment of shared costs, fringe benefits, and depreciation/use allowances (if applicable)

Task 3: Financial Analysis and Schedule Preparation

• Review audited financial statements and general ledger data.
• Prepare required NICRA schedules, which may include:
  • Statement of Total Costs
  • Statement of Indirect Costs
  • Allocation Base Calculation
  • Indirect Cost Rate Calculation
• Ensure consistency between financial statements, schedules, and narrative explanations.

Task 4: NICRA Narrative and Policy Support

• Review drafted NICRA narrative, including descriptions of:
  • Organizational structure
  • Accounting system and internal controls
  • Cost allocation practices
• Identify gaps in policies and recommend updates as needed (e.g., cost allocation plan, indirect cost policy).

Task 5: Review, Finalization, and Submission Support

• Incorporate organizational feedback into the final NICRA package.
• Conduct a final compliance review.
• Support responses to initial follow-up questions from the cognizant agency (if requested).

Deliverables

The consultant will provide:

• NICRA work plan and timeline.
• Draft and final NICRA schedules.
• Review of and comments on NICRA narrative.
• A complete, submission-ready NICRA package.

Roles and Responsibilities

Consultant Responsibilities

• Provide subject-matter expertise on NICRA and federal cost principles.
• Prepare all analytical work products and drafts.
• Communicate regularly with designated organizational staff.

Organization Responsibilities

• Provide timely access to financial records, policies, and staff.
• Review and provide feedback on drafts.
• Submit the NICRA package to the cognizant agency.

Timeline and Payment Structure

The consultant may propose a detailed timeline for completion as part of the workplan development. Application cover letter should include proposed hourly rate and estimated time to complete scope as advertised. The desired start date is February 2nd, 2026 with a duration not expected to exceed 16 weeks. It is noted that the NICRA application is a high priority for the organization.

Consultant Qualifications

The consultant should demonstrate:

• Prior experience developing and negotiating NICRAs and experience working with nonprofits or similar entities.
• Expertise in federal grants accounting and 2 CFR 200 compliance, including allowable cost determination and cost allocation principles.
• Proven experience calculating and documenting indirect cost rates (NICRA), with reconciliation to financial statements, payroll, and fringe benefit data.
• Ability to assess and align financial systems, internal controls, and documentation to meet federal review and cognizant agency requirements.