Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Commission reports pilot success with Smartsheet; moves toward new grants-management system
Loading...
Summary
Staff reported improved post-award processing after piloting Smartsheet and said the commission has budgeted for a new grants-management contract. Commissioners urged rapid selection, testing with grantees and clear milestones.
Staff for the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities told the executive committee Jan. 22 that a Smartsheet pilot improved post-award grant processing and that the agency has budgeted for a new grants-management contract.
David (last name not specified), who works with grants and resource allocation, said the commission piloted Smartsheet for general operating support and saw a marked increase in issuing purchase orders. "Last year, by December, we had issued 20% of the GOS purchase orders. Whereas this year ... we issued 76% of the purchase orders," David said, adding that the current cycle covered 34 additional GOS grantees compared with the prior year.
Executive Director Aaron Myers said the commission narrowed options for a replacement grant-management system to three providers and paused to get awards out the door before resuming vendor review. "We have budgeted for ... creating a new contract," Myers said. He emphasized that any new system must not slow grantees' receipt of funds and that pilot testing with users and grantees will be essential.
Commissioners pushed for clear deadlines, pilot cohorts, and user testing. Vice Chair Gretchen Wharton and other members said a selection and testing process has been discussed for several years and urged staff to pick a system, test it with a cohort of grantees and users, and return with milestones so the commission can monitor progress.
No contract award was finalized on Jan. 22; staff said they expect to return with firmer timelines and pilot details at the next meeting.
