# Antideficiency Act Course Canonical URL: ## Overview This one-day course explores the Antideficiency Act (ADA) in depth. It uses the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Principles of Federal Appropriations Law (Red Book), Chapter 6, as the textbook, along with case studies based on actual ADA violation reports. OMB Circular A-11, Section 145 (reporting requirements), is also provided. Participants learn the history of the ADA, applicable sections of the U.S. Code, and how they apply to agency operations. The relationship between purpose or time violations and ADA violations is thoroughly discussed. Investigation and reporting requirements are presented, as well as penalties that may be imposed on violators. Several methods for violations of the ADA are suggested. An analysis of all ADA violations reported from 2005 through 2016 is presented that summarizes violations by agency, type of violation, and discipline taken against responsible individuals. ## What you'll learn - Assess and evaluate the propriety of administrative decisions. - Understand the appropriations process and terms associated with the ADA. - Know exceptions to the ADA. - Understand reporting and investigation requirements. - Assess agency vulnerability to ADA violations. - Avoid ADA violations. ## Prerequisites Students should have prior experience working with federal appropriations or budget execution processes, familiarity with relevant laws and regulations such as the U.S. Code and OMB Circular A-11, and a basic understanding of internal controls for the legal use of appropriated funds. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Participant and Course Introductions - Meet the instructor, fellow participants, and understand course expectations. - Review the objectives, learning outcomes, and daily schedule. - Understand class guidelines and participation requirements. #### Module 2: Antideficiency Act Case Studies - Analyze real-world ADA violations drawn from GAO and agency reports. - Apply statutory requirements to complex funding scenarios. - Evaluate the circumstances, responsible parties, and corrective actions in each case. - Explore distinctions between purpose, time, and amount violations. #### Module 3: OMB Circular A-11, Section 145 - Understand official reporting requirements for ADA violations. - Review the process for preparing reports to the President, Congress, and GAO. - Identify the types of violations that must be reported under federal law. - Learn procedures for coordination between agencies when violations involve multiple entities. #### Module 4: Examples from GAO’s ADA Database - Review recent ADA violation reports submitted to GAO by federal agencies. - Analyze trends, common causes, and frequent violation categories. - Understand remedial actions taken by agencies to prevent recurrence. #### Module 5: PowerPoint Charts - Study key ADA provisions, statutory requirements, and GAO interpretations. - Review major components of appropriations law, including lump sum vs. line item funding and earmarks. - Examine the relationship between appropriations law and ADA enforcement. - Understand penalties, investigation procedures, and preventive measures for ADA compliance. ## Schedule - Sep 11, 2026 9:00am–5:00pm — Live Online - Dec 10, 2026 9:00am–5:00pm — Live Online ## Instructors ### Alan B. Robinson — Instructor Mr. Robinson is a seasoned legal and federal employment expert with over two decades of experience. He recently retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, where he spent 11 years as Deputy Director/Director for the Office of Outreach, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity (ODEO) and 8 years as Chief of Employee and Labor Relations. In these roles, he provided extensive guidance on federal employment matters, showcasing his deep expertise in labor relations and diversity initiatives. A graduate of the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Government, Mr. Robinson earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Before his federal service, he built a robust legal career, starting as a law clerk for the Baltimore City Orphan’s Court, followed by 10 years as a civil defense litigator with a D.C. law firm, and later operating his own solo practice for 5 years. His private practice focused on representing federal agencies, employees, municipalities, and private entities in employment-related cases before the EEOC, Merit Systems Protection Board, and various courts. Currently, Mr. Robinson shares his wealth of knowledge as an adjunct instructor with the Graduate School USA and serves as a registered arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). His extensive background in law, federal employment, and diversity makes him a valuable resource in his field. ### Alan McCain — Curriculum Program Manager Alan McCain is a retired combat veteran who served as both an Air Force enlisted member and a Navy officer. He brings over 30 years of experience spanning federal and commercial budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, global logistics support, supply chain and inventory management, as well as major IT acquisition. He possesses extensive, hands-on budget and audit experience across Federal, State, and Local government operations, including work within the Executive Office of the President and the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, as well as the Office of the Mayor of Washington, D.C., among others. Alan’s consulting background includes strategic planning and business development with the District of Columbia government, multiple federal agencies, Lockheed Martin, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a Certified Government/Defense Financial Manager (CGFM/DFM), holds a Teaching Certification from Harvard University’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, and earned an Executive MBA in International Business from The George Washington University. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $579