Information that payees need for program operation, as well as guidelines for grants and contracts paid through the Grant Administration and Payment System (GAPS), is provided in this guide. The guide is intended to help users understand their responsibilities in expediting payments, in completing forms and reports, and in controlling federal cash received through GAPS. The text is divided into eight chapters and begins with an overview of identification numbers, such as the D-U-N-S number issued to payees for institutions by Dun and Bradstreet, and a Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals. Chapter 2 focuses on how the Department of Education (DED) makes payments, covering such topics as award periods and receiving education funds. Ways to modify payment requests and procedures for reporting expenditures are discussed in chapters 3 and 4, and how to control payee's funds and how to return federal funds are detailed in chapters 5 and 6, respectively. Some of the other grant programs under auspices of ED are outlined in chapter 7. The manual closes with a review of governing authorities, related processes, and legislation. The appendixes, comprising half of the document, include: (1) GAPS External Access User's Guide; (2) Service Bureau Payment Request Procedures; (3) Four sets of instructions and covering request for advance or reimbursement, direct deposit federal cash award certification statement and federal cash quality confirmation statement; (4) excess funds notification letter and (5) remitting payments by check or FEDWIRE. A glossary of acronyms is also included. (RJM)