The Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) serves as the central repository for audits of federal awards. Recently, the FAC has undergone significant updates aimed at enhancing its functionality and accessibility.

The FAC transitioned from the U.S. Census Bureau (Census) to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) on October 2, 2023. All Data Collection Form (DCF) submissions must be made through the new FAC hosted by GSA at https://www.fac.gov.

Key Changes to the new GSA Federal Audit Clearinghouse:

  • GSA users must first create an account including an email address, password, and an authentication method.
  • An auditee must have a Unique Entity Identifier to complete the DCF.
  • The GSA FAC includes a test environment in which users can practice and familiarize themselves with the updated system.
  • The GSA FAC is maintained in a checklist format. A checkmark will be displayed once the checklist item is fulfilled.
  • The checklist includes eight steps and five workbook templates.
  • Each workbook must be completed and individually submitted. Unlike the old format, users are no longer able to input awards directly into the FAC, instead the workbook templates must be utilized.
  • Workbook instructions are available for each of the five workbooks.
  • A workbook previously submitted can be downloaded, edited, and reuploaded.
  • The GSA FAC no longer sends email notifications when a new audit has been initiated, is ready for certification, or has been successfully submitted. Thus, in order to ensure timely submission of the DCF, all parties must verify that the proper steps have been completed.
  • Precertification validation is available to check workbooks for errors.
  • Auditor must certify the DCF prior to auditee certification.
  • There is currently no capability to delete incomplete submissions, however, GSA is working on creating a delete option.

All previously submitted audits via the old Census site can be searched and retrieved from the new GSA FAC. The Office of Management & Budget has waived the 30-day submission requirement following audit report issuance for fiscal years ends between 01/01/2023 and 09/30/2023.

Like any system transition, the new FAC process is not seamless. The GSA is continuously updating and improving the FAC. Regular updates are posted at fac.gov/info/updates.

As always, KT’s dedicated team of experts is available to assist you with the ever-changing federal awards environment.