I think A-110 is definitive.  It addresses "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations."

From Subpart B Pre-Award Requirements, .11 Pre-Award Policies, (a) Use of Grants and Cooperative Agreements, and Contracts:

"In each instance, the Federal awarding agency shall decide on the appropriate award instrument (i.e., grant, cooperative agreement, or contract). The Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act (31 U.S.C. 6301-08) governs the use of grants, cooperative agreements and contracts. A grant or cooperative agreement shall be used only when the principal purpose of a transaction is to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal statute. The statutory criterion for choosing between grants and cooperative agreements is that for the latter, "substantial involvement is expected between the executive agency and the State, local government, or other recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated in the agreement." Contracts shall be used when the principal purpose is acquisition of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government."

Several others have shared this information earlier but this is the source document.  I suppose 31 U.S.C. 6301-08 qualifies as the absolute authority.

Glen

MY Question of the day - Is it a GRANT or is it a CONTRACT?

I'm looking for a definitive way to classify Federal Awards (and federal subawards) as either a Grant or a Contract. 

Can the presence or absence of a CFDA classification be a deciding factor?  Outside auditors say that there are Federal Grants that don't have CFDA #s so I shouldn't use that as a standard.  What method do you use to make that determination? 

I am looking to the Teaming Millions in ResAdmin Land to help me see the light!