Is OMB Circular A-133 Still in Effect?

What Was OMB Circular A-133?

OMB Circular A-133 established Single Audit requirements for organizations that received and expended federal funds. It applied to:

• Nonprofit organizations
• State and local governments
• Educational institutions

Under A-133, entities that expended $500,000 or more in federal awards within a fiscal year were required to undergo an independent audit to ensure compliance with federal grant regulations.

What Changed with the Uniform Guidance?

The Uniform Guidance replaced A-133 to simplify compliance and improve accountability in federal grant management. Key changes included:

1. Increased the Single Audit threshold – Entities must now undergo an audit if they expend $750,000 or more in federal funds within a fiscal year.
2. Standardized grant regulations – Combined multiple circulars (A-133, A-87, and A-122) into one set of guidelines.
3. Emphasized risk-based auditing – Lower-risk entities face fewer audit requirements, reducing administrative burdens.
4. Strengthened internal controls – Encourages organizations to implement better financial management systems.

Current Single Audit Requirements

Under the Uniform Guidance, entities that meet the $750,000 expenditure threshold must:

• Conduct a Single Audit following Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS).
• Prepare a Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA).
• Submit the audit report to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) within nine months of the fiscal year-end.
   

Conclusion

OMB Circular A-133 is no longer in effect, as it was fully replaced by the Uniform Guidance in 2014. Organizations that receive federal funding should ensure compliance with the current Single Audit requirements to maintain eligibility for future grants.