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Federal reporting entities get alternative valuation method

FASAB guidance responds to Department of Defense needs.

Please note: This item is from our archives and was published in 2016. It is provided for historical reference. The content may be out of date and links may no longer function.

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New guidance for federal government reporting entities is designed to assist with valuation for opening balances for inventory, operating materials and supplies, and stockpile materials.

The Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) issued the guidance, which is contained in Statement of Federal Financial Accounting Standards (SFFAS) No. 48, Opening Balances for Inventory, Operating Materials and Supplies, and Stockpile Materials.

Under the guidance, a reporting entity is allowed to apply an alternative valuation method, which is available only when presenting information following GAAP either:

  • For the first time; or
  • After a period during which existing systems could not provide the information necessary for GAAP-based financial statements.

A reporting entity is permitted to apply SFFAS No. 48 based on the second condition one time. FASAB Chairman Scott Showalter said in a news release that the standard is an effort to provide the Department of Defense with a cost-effective means to adopt GAAP.

SFFAS No. 48 will take effect for periods beginning after Sept. 30, 2016; early implementation is permitted.