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Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Request for public comments.
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) proposes to extend approval of the existing overarching generic clearance for Financial Reports used for ACF Mandatory Grant Programs (OMB #0970–0510) as well as all information collections currently approved under the overarching generic. There are no changes to the proposed types of information collection or uses of data as described in the overarching generic, and there are no changes proposed to currently approved information collections for which we are requesting an extension. Burden estimates for the next 3 years have been adjusted based on use to date.
Comments due within 60 days of publication. In compliance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ACF is soliciting public comment on the specific aspects of the information collection described above.
You can obtain copies of the proposed collection of information and submit comments by emailing infocollection@acf.hhs.gov. Identify all requests by the title of the information collection.
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Description: ACF programs require detailed financial information from their grantees that allows ACF to monitor various specialized cost categories within each program, to closely manage program activities, and to have sufficient financial information to enable periodic thorough and detailed audits.
The information included on the standard Federal Financial Report Form (SF–425; OMB #4040–0014) provides only minimal, bare-bones, non-program specific financial information insufficient for these purposes. This generic clearance allows ACF programs to efficiently develop and receive approval for financial reports that are tailored to specific funding recipients and the associated needs of the program. This umbrella generic is a mechanism that is available to all ACF mandatory grant programs to use to obtain OMB approval of financial forms. Currently only a small number of ACF's mandatory grant program financial forms are covered under this umbrella; it does not cover all ACF mandatory grant program financial forms. Program offices use the information collected under this generic information collection to:
- Monitor program operations and prepare technical assistance and guidance as needed
- Assess the effect of program changes and make informed decision
- Assist in the computation of the grant awards issued to each program's grantees
- Assist in the computation of the Child Support Services program's annual incentive payments
- Determine that child support collections are being properly distributed (Child Support Services Program only)
- Ensure funding recipients are meeting funding requirements established by Congress
- Produce annual financial and statistical reports as may be required by Congress and respond to periodic detailed inquiries from Congress
ACF may require an information collection approved under this generic from funding recipients to obtain or retain benefits.
Prior to a new form being submitted for review under this umbrella generic, ACF will publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing the agency's intention to request an OMB review of the form and providing a 14-day period for public comment on that specific request. ACF will review any comments received and address them as appropriate. ACF will provide a copy of any comments received and will provide a description of how comments were considered in the submission form along with the request package for the individual collection. ACF will then follow standard OMB requirements for a generic information collection and submit a generic information collection request for each individual data collection activity under this generic clearance. Each request will include the individual form(s) and instructions, a summary of any comments received, and a short overview of the proposed purpose and use of the data collected. OMB should review requests within 10 days of submission.
Respondents: ACF-funded mandatory grant programs.
Annual Burden Estimates
Find currently approved information collections here: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAICList?ref_nbr=202308-0970-008. The request to OMB will include an extension request for approved information collections that are planned to continue beyond spring 2024. The current list of ongoing collections follows, but more collections may be approved prior to submission of the extension request to OMB. We will update the list in the subsequent Federal Register notice, if needed.
Burden Estimates—Ongoing Requests
| Study | Number of respondents | Number of responses per respondent | Average burden hours per response | Burden hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACF–196P, TANF Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund (PEAF) Financial Report for States, Territories and Tribes | 137 | 1 | 6 | 822 |
| Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) ACF–696 Financial Report for States and Territories | 56 | 4 | 5 | 1,120 |
| Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) ACF–696T Financial Report for Tribal Grantees | 221 | 1 | 7 | 1,547 |
| Child Support Services Program Financial Reporting Forms (OCSE–34 and OCSE–396) | 168 | 4 | 14 | 9,408 |
| Form CB–496: Title IV–E Programs Quarterly Financial Report | 67 | 4 | 25 | 6,700 |
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| Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance Federal Financial Report (ORR–2) Supplemental Data Collection | 66 | 1 | 1.67 | 110 |
| Refugee Support Services Federal Financial Report (SF–425) Supplemental Data Collection | 53 | 4 | 4 | 848 |
| Totals | 768 | Avg: 2.7 | Avg: 8.9 | 20,555 |
Burden Estimates—New Requests
Based on use of this generic, we have revised burden estimates for the next 3 years.
| Instrument | Number of respondents | Number of responses per respondent | Average burden hours per response | Burden hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Grant Financial Reports | 1,200 | 3 | 9 | 32,400 |
Comments: The Department specifically requests comments on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted within 60 days of this publication.
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Mary B. Jones,
ACF/OPRE Certifying Officer.
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[FR Doc. 2024–01206 Filed 1–22–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184–88–P
As a seasoned expert in the realm of government administration and compliance, particularly within the purview of financial reporting for federal grant programs, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to dissect the nuances embedded in the provided article. Having extensively navigated the intricacies of government regulations and financial oversight, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts and procedures mentioned.
The article, emanating from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, revolves around a request for public comments on the extension of approval for an existing overarching generic clearance for Financial Reports used for ACF Mandatory Grant Programs (OMB #0970–0510). Let's break down the key concepts:
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Financial Reports for ACF Mandatory Grant Programs:
- The ACF mandates detailed financial information from grantees to monitor specialized cost categories, manage program activities, and facilitate thorough audits.
- The standard Federal Financial Report Form (SF–425; OMB #4040–0014) provides basic financial information, but this generic clearance allows tailored financial reports for specific funding recipients and program needs.
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Purpose and Uses of the Generic Clearance:
- The generic clearance streamlines the development and approval of financial reports for ACF programs.
- It covers a range of functions, including monitoring program operations, assessing program changes, computing grant awards, ensuring proper distribution of child support collections, and meeting funding requirements established by Congress.
- ACF utilizes this information for producing annual financial and statistical reports as required by Congress and responding to detailed inquiries.
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Process for Information Collection:
- Before a new form is submitted for review, ACF publishes a notice in the Federal Register, allowing a 14-day public comment period.
- The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reviews requests within 10 days of submission for each individual data collection activity under the generic clearance.
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Respondents and Burden Estimates:
- ACF-funded mandatory grant programs are the respondents.
- The article provides annual burden estimates for ongoing and new requests, including specific information collections like TANF Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund Financial Report, Child Care and Development Fund Financial Reports, and Refugee Support Services Federal Financial Report.
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Request for Public Comments:
- The Department requests public comments on the necessity, accuracy, quality, and ways to minimize the burden of the proposed collection of information.
- The comments should be submitted within 60 days of the publication of the article.
In conclusion, this article reflects the meticulous governance surrounding financial reporting for ACF Mandatory Grant Programs, demonstrating a commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective program management.
