Management and Oversight
LSC is committed to improving fiscal, compliance and programmatic oversight of our grantees by making regular visits to grantees and offering extensive training and technical assistance.
LSC staff responsible for overseeing the operations of grantees continued to maintain rigorous standards throughout the year.
The Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCE) has the primary responsibility for monitoring grantee compliance with the LSC Act, regulations and funding restrictions. OCE also enforces LSC’s Financial Guide; conducts oversight reviews regarding compliance with the LSC Act and other LSC guidance, including fiscal-related regulations; initiates questioned-cost proceedings; and identifies required corrective actions and necessary follow-ups.
In 2023, OCE reviewed and approved approximately 70 requests to use LSC funds to support services contracts and purchase property contracts. Staff conducted 12 remote oversight reviews, two onsite oversight reviews, five hybrid oversight reviews, one hybrid oversight review in conjunction with the Office of Program Performance (OPP), one hybrid and one remote joint training with OPP and ten remote training sessions for grantees in Alabama, California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
OPP staff focus on grantee support by engaging in program assessment visits, technical assistance and other initiatives. OPP has primary responsibility for administering LSC’s competitive grants application and awards process for Basic Field–General, Basic Field– Agricultural Worker, Basic Field–Native American, Pro Bono Innovation Fund, Technology Initiative Grants, Disaster Grants and the Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
OPP also regularly promotes best practices to provide high-quality civil legal services and promote innovation. In 2023, OPP conducted 41 visits to grantees in Arizona, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
Delivering Technical Assistance and Training
LSC’s Office of Training and Technical Assistance (OTTA) delivers high-quality training to grantee staff and board members. OTTA staff share important tools and resources on providing and managing legal services, legal aid technology and strategic planning. OTTA was first launched in 2022 in response to the high demand for additional resources for training and technical assistance.