72 FR 218 pgs. 63913-63914 - Proposed Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Type: NOTICEVolume: 72Number: 218Pages: 63913 - 63914
FR document: [FR Doc. 07-5612 Filed 11-9-07; 8:45 am]
Agency: Health and Human Services Department
Sub Agency: Administration for Children and Families
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Proposed Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Proposed Projects
Title: Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Post-expenditureReport.
OMB No.: 0970-0234.
Description: The purpose of this information collection is to(1) extend the collection of post-expenditure data using thecurrent OMB approved reporting form (OMB No. 0970-0234) past thecurrent expiration date of May 31, 2008; and (2) request thatStates voluntarily use the post-expenditure report format toestimate expenditures and recipients, by service category, aspart of the required annual intended use plan.
The Social Services Block Grant program (SSBG) providesfunds to assist States in delivering critical services tovulnerable older adults, persons with disabilities, at-riskadolescents and young adults, and children and families in theState.Funds are allocated to the States in proportion to theirpopulations.States have substantial discretion in their use offunds and may determine what services will be provided, who willbe eligible, and how funds will be distributed among the variousservices.State or local SSBG agencies (i.e., county, city,regional offices) may provide the services or may purchase themfrom qualified agencies, organizations or individuals.Statesreport as recipients of SSBG-funded services any individuals whoreceive a service funded in whole or in part by SSBG.
States are required to report their annual SSBG expenditureson a standard post-expenditure report.This request seeksapproval to continue the use of the current form with nochanges.This standard post-expenditure report form includes ayearly total of adults and children served and annualexpenditures in each of 29 service categories.The annualreport is to be submitted within six months of the end of theperiod covered by the report, and must address:(1) The number of individuals (as well as the number of children and the numberof adults) who receive services paid for, in whole or in part,with Federal funds under the SSBG;(2) the amount of SSBG fundsspent in providing each service;(3) the total amount ofFederal, State, and local funds spent in providing each service,including SSBG funds; and (4) the method(s) by which eachservice is provided, showing separately the services provided bypublic and private agencies.These reporting requirements canbe found at 45 CFR 96.74.
Information collected on the post-expenditure report isanalyzed and described in an annual report on SSBG expendituresand recipients produced by the Office of Community Services(OCS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF).Theinformation contained in this report is used for program planningand management.The data establish how SSBG funding is used forthe provision of services in each State to each of many specificpopulations of needy individuals.
Federal regulation and reporting requirements for the SSBGalso require each State to develop and submit an annual intendeduse plan that describes how the State plans to administer itsSSBG funds for the coming year.This report is to be submitted30 days prior to the start of the fiscal year (June 1 if theState operates on a July-June fiscal year, or September 1 ifthe State operates on a Federal fiscal year).
No specific format is required for the intended use plan.The intended use of SSBG funds, including the types of activitiesto be supported and the categories and characteristics ofindividuals to be served, must be provided.States vary greatlyin the information they provide and the structure of the report.States are required to submit a revised intended use plan if theplanned use of SSBG funds changes during the year.
In order to provide a more accurate analysis of the extentto which funds are spent "in a manner consistent" with each ofthe States' plan for their use, as required by 42 USC 1397e(a),ACF is requesting that States voluntarily use the format of thepost-expenditure report form to provide estimates of the amountof expenditures and the number of recipients by servicecategory, that the State plans to use SSBG funds to support aspart of the intended use plan.Many states are already using theformat of the post-expenditure report form as part of their pre-expenditure report.
Respondents: States.
| Instrument | Number of respondents | Number of responses per respondent | Average burden hours per response | Total burden hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Expenditure Report | 56 | 1 | 110 | 6,160 |
| Use of Post-Expenditure Report Form as Part of the Intended Use Plan | 56 | 1 | 2 | 112 |
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 6,272.
In compliance with the requirements of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Administration for Children and Families is soliciting public comment on the specific aspects of the information collection described above. Copies of the proposed collection of information can be obtained and comments may be forwarded by writing to the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Administration, Office of Information Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Attn: ACF Reports Clearance Officer. E-mail address: infocollection@acf.hhs.gov. All requests should be identified by the title of the information collection.
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.
Dated: November 6, 2007
Robert Sargis,
Reports Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 07-5612 Filed 11-9-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-M