TRACKS Act

This bill aims to better track taxpayer dollars that end up with organizations in countries the U.S. considers a concern. It would make anyone who gets federal funds and then passes money to another group report it when the money goes to an entity in a “foreign country of concern” or a “foreign entity of concern.” These reports must be made the same way other subawards are already reported, and even small amounts count. The bill also says the “Director” must issue clear guidance within 90 days of the law taking effect to set consistent rules and data standards for agencies and recipients.

A “subaward” here means money like a grant or contract that an organization gives to another organization to carry out part of a federal award. It does not include payments to individual program beneficiaries. It also defines a “prime award recipient” as the group that directly receives the federal award in the first place.

Key points

• Who is affected: Federal agencies, organizations that directly receive federal funds, and any groups they fund in turn.
• What changes: Must report any subawards going to foreign countries/entities of concern; clear guidance and data standards will follow.
• When: Guidance must be issued within 90 days after the law is enacted.