VA Form 40-0895-9: Certification Regarding Lobbying – VA Form 40-0895-9 is the official Certification Regarding Lobbying required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for applicants seeking State Veterans Cemetery Grants. This one-page form ensures compliance with federal lobbying restrictions under Public Law 101-121 (Section 319) and 31 U.S.C. § 1352.
It applies primarily to state, tribal, or eligible county governments applying for grants to establish, expand, or improve veterans cemeteries. The form certifies that no federal appropriated funds have been or will be used for lobbying activities in connection with the grant.
Download the latest version here: VA Form 40-0895-9 (PDF) Download VA Form 40-0895-9 (Revised September 2023, OMB No. 2900-0559, expires Oct. 31, 2026).
Why is VA Form 40-0895-9 Required?
Federal law prohibits the use of federal funds to influence or attempt to influence federal officials or members of Congress in connection with the awarding of grants, contracts, loans, or cooperative agreements. This form serves as a material representation of fact that the applicant has not and will not use federal money for such purposes.
Failure to submit this certification or providing false information can result in civil penalties of $10,000 to $100,000 per violation. It is a prerequisite for grant approval in the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP).
The form is part of a larger package of required documents for pre-applications and applications under 38 CFR Part 39.
Who Needs to Complete VA Form 40-0895-9?
- State governments
- Tribal governments
- Eligible county governments
Specifically, the certifying official (typically a high-level government representative) must sign on behalf of the applicant entity for State Veterans Cemetery construction or improvement grants.
Key Provisions of the Certification
The undersigned certifies, to the best of their knowledge and belief, that:
- No Federal Funds Used for Lobbying: No federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the grant.
- Disclosure Requirement: If any non-federal funds have been or will be paid for lobbying activities related to this grant, the applicant must complete and submit Standard Form-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities).
- Flow-Down Requirement: The certification language must be included in all subawards at every tier, and subrecipients must also certify and disclose accordingly.
The form includes fields for:
- Name of the state, tribal, or eligible county government
- Title of certifying official
- Project FAI (Federal Application Identifier) Number
- Signature and date
- Name and address of the government agency
How to Complete VA Form 40-0895-9?
- Review the Form — Download the official PDF from the VA website.
- Provide Applicant Information — Fill in the government entity name, certifying official’s title, project identifier, and agency address.
- Sign and Date — The authorized certifying official must sign and date the form (mm/dd/yyyy).
- Attach if Needed — Submit Standard Form-LLL if applicable for non-federal lobbying expenditures.
- Submit with Application — Include this form as part of your Veterans Cemetery Grant application package, typically via the pre-application or full application process outlined on the VA’s cemetery grants website.
Public reporting burden is estimated at 15 minutes. Response is required to obtain the grant benefit.
Common Questions About VA Form 40-0895-9
Is this form only for veterans cemetery grants?
Primarily yes, within the VA context. Similar certifications exist for other federal programs, but VA Form 40-0895-9 is specific to VA State Cemetery Grants.
What if no lobbying occurred?
You still must complete and submit the certification affirming compliance.
Where to find more information?
Visit the official VA Veterans Cemetery Grants Program page or contact the VA State Cemetery Grants Service for guidance.
Importance for Grant Applicants
Submitting a complete and accurate VA Form 40-0895-9 demonstrates compliance with federal transparency and anti-corruption standards. It helps ensure your grant application proceeds without delays related to lobbying compliance issues. Always use the most current version from the official VA forms library.
For the full application process, checklists, and other required forms (such as VA Form 40-0895-14 or 40-0895-15), refer to the VA’s official resources.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult official VA guidance or a qualified professional for your specific situation.