Maximize Grant Utilization
OnPoint Strategy Aims to Maximize Grant Utilization
Amid an influx of federal funds, local and state agencies face the risk of losses and even inaccessibility. Given the constant dilemma these face in their duty to maximize the utilization of grants, OnPoint Strategy (OPS) founder Carmen A. “Mely” Torres aimed to create a consulting firm that aims to eliminate mismanagement. Integrating the expertise of her multigenerational, multidisciplinary and bilingual team, OPS has empowered thousands of professionals and organizations with the tools and education needed to understand the complex nature of the Grant Lifecycle. OPS serves federal and state agencies as well as municipalities, nonprofit organizations, private clients and federal government prime contractors. “Our mission is to empower our clients by providing technical grant-management knowledge while creating a persistent knowledge seeking environment,” said Torres, who is a former manager of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Liaison Office program. “OPS has expanded its service offering, integrating all aspects of the financial wellbeing of a federal and national government project.” This mission is enhanced by the integration of Alina Rivera as chief executive officer. She is a CPA with more than 18 years’ experience in forensic accounting and investigations, litigation support and business valuations. Her passion has led her to a unique career experience, providing other advisory services such as internal audits, financial due diligence, capital raising and feasibility studies. “The integration of Alina as CEO, in the middle of the pandemic, is a declaration of our commitment to OnPoint’s vision: being the leading woman-owned 8(a) certified financial and grants management consulting firm in Puerto Rico exporting services,” said Torres. “When Mely approached me, my position was clear,” Rivera said. “OnPoint Strategy provides me with the platform to do good, make an impact and do what I love: Help organizations thrive.” OPS is the only Small Business Administration certified 8(a) Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) financial and grants management firm. Through its work, OPS has made an impact on more than one million lives and was selected as the recipient of the 2019 Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Entrepreneurial Award and the 2021 National Grants Management Association (NGMA) Private Sector Impact Award. Since its inception, OPS made the $1 million mark, establishing a strong and healthy beginning to build upon. In only five years, the firm has made $7 million in revenue and has the foundation to continue on a path of accelerated growth. “In part, OPS’s growth is due to the experience developed during Hurricane María, where the team used all the available tools and knowledge to help the country advance in the island’s emergency management and recovery efforts,” Torres recalled. Rivera explained that in 1977, the Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreement Act was passed to benefit the public as per the Constitution’s call to “promote the general Welfare.” An industry was created and ever since the companies and organizations that serve this segment have experienced constant change. Every year, new and more intricate compliance matters arise. “During the past five years we have seen a great deal of interest in the areas of risk identification, management and prevention,” Rivera pointed out. “This will continue to be a trend for everyone involved in the process of grant creation, awarding, management and reporting. Torres added that the goal is to design and document the process in such a way that clients comply with regulatory issues in an agile fashion. “We have rescued more than $100 million in funds that were at risk, and have grown our team to assure that we have the team of specialists needed for every situation,” said Torres, adding that OPS has a mix of accountants, engineers, lawyers and technical personnel. “This has allowed us to provide 360-degree solutions, effectively solving all the issues related to the management of funds.”
