[Federal Register: November 19, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 223)]
[Notices]
[Page 65291-65303]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19no03-99]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of
Authority for Regional Offices
This Notice amends Part K of the Statement of Organization,
Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) as
follows: Chapter KD, the Regional Offices of the Administration for
Children and Families for: Region I, as last amended (61 FR 50029-30)
September 24, 1996; Region II, as last amended (61 FR 18147-49) April
24, 1996, and (60 FR 21211-12) May 1, 1995; Region III, as last amended
(61 FR 68045) April 26, 1996; Region IV, as last amended (62 FR 15897-
99) April 3, 1997; Region V, as last amended (65 FR 8173-74) February
17, 2000; Region VI, as last amended (61 FR 18147-49) April 24, 1996,
and (60 FR 27315-16) May 23, 1995; Region VII, as last amended (61 FR
3937-38) February 2, 1996; Region VIII, as last amended (61 FR 52565-
66) October 8, 1997; Region IX, as last amended (62 FR 31610-11) June
10, 1997; and Region X, as last amended (61 FR 68045-47) December 26,
1996.
This Notice reflects the elimination of the five-region ``Hub''
structure and the re-establishment of a ten-region organizational
structure.
Each Regional Office is headed by a Regional Administrator who
serves as the principal senior official for the Administration for
Children and Families (ACF) in providing executive leadership,
direction and coordination of ACF programs, goals and priorities in the
ten Regional Offices.
I. Chapter KD Is Amended as Follows
A. Delete KD.00 Mission in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KD.00 Mission. The Regional Offices of the Administration for
Children and Families (ACF) operate with ten Regional Offices and are
located as follows: Region I Boston, MA; Region II New York, NY; Region
III Philadelphia, PA; Region IV Atlanta, GA; Region V Chicago, IL;
Region VI Dallas, TX; Region VII Kansas City, MO; Region VIII Denver,
CO; Region IX San Francisco, CA; and Region X Seattle, WA.
Each Regional Office in its respective region represents ACF to
state, county, city or town, territories, and tribal governments,
grantees, and public and private local organizations in the
administration of programs that assist vulnerable and dependent
children and families in achieving independence, stability, and self-
reliance. These programs include: Child Support Enforcement (CSE),
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Foster Care and
Adoption Assistance, Head Start, Early Head Start, Child Welfare, Child
Care and Development Fund, Child Abuse and Neglect, Runaway and
Homeless Youth, and Developmental Disabilities.
The ACF Regional Offices oversee the programmatic and financial
management and coordination of the ACF programs in the regions and
provide guidance and assistance to the various entities responsible for
administering these programs. They monitor the programs to ensure
compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and adherence to
program and fiscal policies and procedures. They contribute to the
development of ACF national policy based on knowledge of implementation
and services in the region. The ACF Regional Offices review and approve
state plans and, if warranted, submit recommendations to the Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families for state plan disapproval. They
issue grant awards directly for certain programs, and make
recommendations to approve and/or disapprove grant awards for other
programs. They advise the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families
of problems and issues that may have significant regional or national
impact. The ACF Regional Offices act as liaison with the entities
responsible for administering the programs, other Federal agencies, and
public and private local organizations serving children and families.
They develop plans to meet ACF goals and objectives and HHS
initiatives. They participate in regional activities to inform the
public about ACF programs in coordination with the ACF Office of Public
Affairs and the Office of the Secretary at the regional level.
II. Region I, Boston Office of ACF
A. Delete KD1.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KD1.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families,
Region I, Boston Office has a goal-driven structure and is organized as
follows:
Office of the Regional Administrator (KD1A)
Goal1--Family Self Sufficiency
Goal2--Healthy Children, Families and Communities
Goal3--Financial Management
B. Delete KD1.20 Functions, Paragraph A, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
KD1.20 Functions. A. The Regional Office is headed by a Regional
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families through the Director, Office of Regional Operations. In
addition, the Office of the Regional Administrator has a Deputy
Regional Administrator. The Office provides executive leadership to
state, county, city, territorial and tribal governments, as well as
public and private local grantees to ensure effective, efficient,
results-oriented program and financial management. In addition, the
Regional Administrator is responsible for alerting the Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families through the Director, Office of
Regional Operations to issues that may have significant regional and/or
national impact. ACF's primary goal is to assist vulnerable and
dependent children and families to achieve economic independence,
stability and self-reliance. The Office is responsible for providing
centralized management and technical administration of ACF formula,
block, entitlement and discretionary grant programs which are designed
to assist families achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency,
and to ensure that children have safe, healthy and permanent
environments in which to grow. It oversees ACF operations and the
management of ACF regional staff, coordinates activities across
regional programs; and assures that goals and objectives are met and
departmental and agency initiatives are carried out.
In order to ensure that agency goals are accomplished, the Office
of the Regional Administrator provides leadership to grantees through a
staff organized around and focused on ACF goals and priorities. ACF
programs and functions are grouped within offices according to ACF
goals and priorities. Each group reports to a goal leader charged with
achieving measurable progress towards ACF goals and priorities, through
its work with state and local grantees, the public, other Federal
agencies and internally within the Department. The Regional goal
structure is designed to allow ACF to respond quickly in a dynamic and
changing environment to emphasize,
[[Page 65292]]
focus on and achieve ACF and HHS goals and priorities.
The Office takes action to approve certain state plans and submits
recommendations to the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families
concerning state plan disapproval. The Office contributes to the
development of national policy based on regional perspectives on all
ACF programs.
The Office provides policy guidance to state, county, city or town
and tribal governments and public and private organizations to assure
consistent and uniform adherence to federal requirements governing ACF
programs. The Office provides technical assistance to entities
responsible for administering ACF programs to resolve identified
problems, ensures that appropriate procedures and practices are
adopted, works with appropriate state and local officials to develop
and implement outcome-based performance measures and monitors the
programs to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness. It ensures that
these entities conform to federal laws, regulations, policies and
procedures governing the programs, and exercises all delegated
authorities and responsibilities for oversight of the programs. The
Office also reviews cost estimates and reports for ACF grant programs
and recommends funding levels. The Office performs systematic fiscal
reviews and makes recommendations to the Regional Administrator to
approve or disallow costs under ACF grant programs and to approve,
defer or disallow claims for federal financial participation in ACF
formula and entitlement grant programs. As applicable, recommendations
are made on the clearance and closure of audits of state and local
grantee programs, paying particular attention to financial management
deficiencies that decrease the efficiency and effectiveness of the ACF
programs and taking steps to monitor the resolution of such
deficiencies. The Office issues certain grant awards based on a review
of project objectives, budget projections, and proposed funding levels.
The Office establishes regional financial management priorities and
reviews cost allocation plans, and assists in the review of office
automation systems in the region and state systems projects for ACF
programs.
The Office provides leadership in forming results-oriented,
customer-focused partnerships with administrators of ACF programs. The
Office is also responsible for providing administration and management
support for the Regional Office. The Office is responsible for day-to-
day operational management of regional administrative functions,
including budget, performance management, procurement, property
management, employee relations, human resource development activities
and communications.
The Office represents ACF at the regional level in executive
communications within ACF, with the HHS Regional Director, other HHS
operating divisions, other Federal agencies, and public or private
local organizations representing children and families.
III. Region II, New York Office of ACF
A. Delete KD2.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KD2.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families,
Region II, New York Office is organized as follows:
Office of the Regional Administrator (KD2A)
Office of Management and Data Services (KD2B)
Office of State and Youth Programs (KD2C)
Office of Early Childhood Programs (KD2D)
B. Delete KD2.20 Functions, Paragraph A, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
KD2.20 Functions. A. The Regional Office is headed by a Regional
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families through the Director, Office of Regional Operations. The
Office is responsible for the Administration for Children and Families'
key national goals and priorities. It represents ACF's regional
interests, concerns, and relationships within the Department and among
other Federal agencies and focuses on state agency culture change, more
effective partnerships, and improved customer service. The Office
provides executive leadership and direction to state, county, city,
territorial and tribal governments, as well as public and private local
grantees to ensure effective and efficient program and financial
management. It ensures that these entities conform to federal laws,
regulations, policies and procedures governing the programs, and
exercises all delegated authorities and responsibilities for oversight
of the programs. The Office takes action to approve certain state plans
and submits its recommendations to the Assistant Secretary for Children
and Families concerning state plan disapproval. The Office contributes
to the development of national policy based on regional perspectives
for all ACF programs. It oversees ACF operations and the management of
ACF regional staff; coordinates activities across regional programs;
and assures that goals and objectives are carried out. The Office
alerts the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families to problems
and issues that may have significant regional or national impact. It
represents ACF at the regional level in executive communications within
ACF, with the HHS Regional Director, other HHS operating divisions,
other Federal agencies, and public or private local organizations
representing children and families.
Within the Office of the Regional Administrator, an administrative
staff directs the development of regional work plans related to the
overall ACF strategic plan; tracks, monitors and reports on regional
progress in the attainment of ACF national goals and objectives; and
manages special and sensitive projects. It serves as the focal point
for public affairs and contacts with the media, public awareness
activities, information dissemination and education campaigns in
accordance with the ACF Office of Public Affairs and in conjunction
with the HHS Regional Director; and assists the Regional Administrator
in the management of cross-cutting initiatives and activities among the
regional components.
C. Delete KD2.20 Functions, Paragraph B in its entirety and replace
with the following:
B. The Office of Management and Data Services is headed by an
Assistant Regional Administrator for Operations who reports to the
Regional Administrator. The Office provides day-to-day support for
regional administrative and grants management functions, and provides
data management and statistical analysis support to all Regional Office
components. Administrative functions include budget planning and
execution, facility management, employee relations, and human resources
development. The Assistant Regional Administrator, acting in the
capacity of Financial/Grants Management Officer, and staff provide
expertise in business and other non-programmatic areas of grants
administration and help ensure that grantees fulfill requirements of
laws, regulations, and administrative policies. The Office establishes
regional financial management priorities; reviews cost allocation
plans; and makes recommendations to the Regional Administrator to (1)
approve, defer or disallow claims for federal financial participation
in ACF formula and entitlement programs and (2) approve or disallow
costs under ACF discretionary
[[Page 65293]]
grant programs. As applicable, it makes recommendations on the
clearance and closure of audits of state and grantee programs, paying
particular attention to deficiencies that decrease the efficiency and
effectiveness of ACF programs and taking steps to resolve such
deficiencies.
The Office represents the Regional Administrator on administrative
and grants management matters with ACF central office, states,
contractors and grantees. It alerts the Regional Administrator to
problems or issues that have significant implications for functional
areas under its jurisdiction.
D. Delete KD2.20 Functions, Paragraph C, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
C. The Office of State and Youth Programs is headed by an Assistant
Regional Administrator who reports to the Regional Administrator and
consists of: Child Support Enforcement Division; Self-Sufficiency
Programs Division; and Youth and Family Services Division.
The Office is responsible for providing centralized program,
financial management and technical administration of certain ACF
formula, entitlement, block and discretionary programs, such as
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Child Care Development
Fund, Child Support Enforcement, Child Welfare Services, Family
Preservation and Support, Foster Care and Adoption Assistance, Child
Abuse and Neglect, and Runaway and Homeless Youth.
The Office represents the Regional Administrator in dealing with
ACF central office, states and grantees on all program and financial
management policy matters for programs under its jurisdiction. It
alerts the Regional Administrator to problems or issues that have
significant implications for the programs.
E. Delete KD2.20 Functions, Paragraph D, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
D. The Office of Early Childhood Programs is headed by an Assistant
Regional Administrator who reports to the Regional Administrator and
consists of: New Jersey and Caribbean Division; and New York State
Division.
The Office is responsible for providing a centralized program,
financial management and technical administration of certain ACF
formula, entitlement, and discretionary programs, such as Head Start
and Early Head Start Programs, and Developmental Disabilities.
The Office represents the Regional Administrator in dealing with
ACF central office, states and grantees on all program and financial
management policy matters for programs under its jurisdiction. It
alerts the Regional Administrator to problems or issues that have
significant implications for the programs.
IV. Region III, Philadelphia Office of ACF
A. Delete KD3.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KD3.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families,
Region III, Philadelphia Office, is organized as follows:
Office of the Regional Administrator (KD3A)
Office of Program and Administrative Support (KD3B)
Office of Family Services (KD3C)
Office of Child Development and Developmental Disabilities (KD3D)
B. Delete KD3.20 Functions, Paragraph A, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
KD3.20 Functions. A. The Regional Office is headed by a Regional
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families through the Director, Office of Regional Operations. The
Office provides executive leadership and directives to state, county,
city, territorial and tribal governments, as well as public and private
local grantees to ensure effective and efficient program and financial
management. It ensures that these entities conform to federal laws,
regulations, policies and procedures governing the programs, and
exercises all delegated authorities and responsibilities for oversight
of the programs.
The Office, through its Grants Officer, establishes regional
financial management priorities. The Office provides cost allocation
and financial support to the Office of Family Services and the Office
of Child Development and Developmental Disabilities. The Office takes
action to approve certain state plans and submits recommendations to
the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families concerning state plan
disapproval, where applicable. The Office contributes to the
development of national policy based on regional perspectives on all
ACF programs. It oversees ACF operations and the management of ACF
regional staff; coordinates activities across regional programs; and
assures that goals and objectives are met and departmental and agency
initiatives are carried out. The Office alerts the Assistant Secretary
for Children and Families to problems and issues that may have
significant regional or national impact. The Office provides executive
representation for ACF in regional external communications and serves
as ACF liaison with the HHS Regional Director, other HHS operating
divisions, other federal agencies, and public or private local
organizations representing children and families.
C. Delete KD3.20 Functions, Paragraph B, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
B. The Office of Program and Administrative Support is headed by an
Assistant Regional Administrator who reports to the Regional
Administrator. The Office assists the Regional Administrator in
providing day-to-day support for regional administrative functions,
including budget, performance management, procurement, property
management, financial management, external and internal systems,
statistical analyses, employee relations and human resource development
activities.
The Office oversees the management and coordination of automated
systems in the region, and provides data management and statistical
analysis support to all Regional Office components. Data management
responsibilities include the development of automated system
applications to support and enhance program, fiscal, administrative and
quality control operations, and the compilation and analysis of data on
demographic and service trends that assist in monitoring and oversight
responsibilities. Statistical analysis functions include the review of
state and federal sampling procedures. The Office is also responsible
for the development and maintenance of internal software applications
to support the operation of the region's other components and provides
backup to the OIS on-site Systems Administrator. The Office represents
the Regional Administrator on administrative matters and on internal
and state systems matters with ACF central office, states, contractors
and grantees. It alerts the Regional Administrator to problems or
issues that have significant implications for functional areas under
its jurisdiction.
D. Delete KD3.20 Functions, Paragraph C, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
C. The Office of Family Services is headed by an Assistant Regional
Administrator who reports to the Regional Administrator.
The Office is responsible for providing centralized management,
financial management services, and technical administration of ACF
formula, block and entitlement programs such as TANF (Temporary
Assistance to Needy Families), Child
[[Page 65294]]
Care, Child Support Enforcement (CSE), Foster Care and Adoption
Assistance, Child Welfare, Child Abuse and Neglect and the
discretionary Runaway and Homeless Youth Program.
The Office provides policy guidance to state, county, city or town
and tribal governments and public and private organizations to assure
consistent and uniform adherence to federal requirements governing
formula and entitlement programs. State plans are reviewed and
recommendations concerning state plan approval or disapproval are made
to the Regional Administrator. The Office provides technical assistance
to entities responsible for administering these programs to resolve
identified problems, ensures that appropriate procedures and practices
are adopted, monitors the programs to ensure their efficiency and
effectiveness, establishes regional financial management priorities and
reviews cost allocation plans, and monitors state systems projects for
the CSE, TANF, Child Care, and Child Welfare programs. The Office
provides financial management services for ACF formula and entitlement
grants in the region as well as for the Runaway and Homeless Youth
Program, which is a discretionary grant. The Office issues
discretionary grant awards based on a review of project objectives,
budget projections, and proposed funding levels. The Office also
reviews cost estimates and reports for ACF entitlement and formula
grant programs and recommends funding levels. The Office performs
systematic fiscal reviews and makes recommendations to the Regional
Administrator to approve, defer or disallow claims for federal
financial participation in ACF formula and entitlement grant programs.
As applicable, recommendations are made on the clearance and closure of
audits, paying particular attention to financial management
deficiencies that decrease the efficiency and effectiveness of the ACF
programs and taking steps to monitor the resolution of such
deficiencies. The Office represents the Regional Administrator in
dealing with the ACF program offices on all program and financial
policy matters under its jurisdiction. Alerts or early warnings are
provided to the Regional Administrator regarding problems or issues
that may have significant implications for the programs.
E. Delete KD3.20 Functions, Paragraph D, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
D. The Office of Child Development and Developmental Disabilities
is headed by an Assistant Regional Administrator who reports to the
Regional Administrator. The Office is responsible for providing
centralized management, financial management services, and technical
administration of ACF grant programs such as Head Start, Early Head
Start, and Developmental Disabilities programs.
In that regard, the Office provides policy guidance to state,
county, city or town and tribal governments and public and private
organizations to assure consistent and uniform adherence to federal
requirements. The Office provides technical assistance to entities
responsible for administering these programs to ensure that appropriate
procedures and practices are adopted, and monitors the programs to
ensure their efficiency and effectiveness. The Office performs
systematic fiscal reviews; makes recommendations to the Regional
Administrator to approve or disallow costs under ACF discretionary
grant programs; and makes recommendations to the Regional Administrator
concerning state plan approval or disapproval, as applicable. The
Office issues discretionary grant awards based on a review of project
objectives, budget projections, and proposed funding levels. As
applicable, recommendations are made on the clearance and closure of
audits of grantee programs, paying particular attention to financial
management deficiencies that decrease the efficiency and effectiveness
of the ACF programs and taking steps to monitor the resolution of such
deficiencies.
The Office represents the Regional Administrator in dealing with
ACF program offices on all program policy and financial matters under
its jurisdiction. Alerts or early warnings are provided to the Regional
Administrator regarding problems or issues that may have significant
implications on the programs.
V. Region IV, Atlanta Office of ACF
A. Delete KD4.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KD 4.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families,
Region IV, Atlanta Office is organized as follows:
Office of the Regional Administrator (KD4A)
Office of the Deputy Regional Administrator (KD4B)
Division of Community Programs (KD4B1)
Division of State Programs (KD4B2)
B. Delete KD4.20 Functions, Paragraph A, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
KD4.20 Functions. A. The Regional Office is headed by a Regional
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families through the Director, Office of Regional Operations. The
Office is responsible for administration and oversight of the
Administration for Children and Families' (ACF) programs and key
national goals and priorities. It represents ACF's regional interests,
concerns, and relationships within the Department and among other
Federal agencies and focuses on state agency culture change, more
effective partnerships, and improved customer service and results-
oriented performance measurement. The Office provides executive
leadership and direction to state, county, city, and tribal
governments, as well as public and private local grantees to ensure
effective and efficient program and financial management. It ensures
that these entities conform to federal laws, regulations, policies and
procedures governing the programs, and exercises all delegated
authorities and responsibilities for oversight of the programs.
The Office takes action to approve certain state plans and submits
recommendations to the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families
concerning state plan disapproval, where applicable. The Office
contributes to the development of national policy based on regional
perspectives on all ACF programs. It oversees ACF operations and the
management of ACF regional staff; coordinates activities across
regional programs; and assures that ACF goals are met and departmental
and agency initiatives are carried out. The Office alerts the Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families to problems and issues that may
have significant regional or national impact. The Office provides
executive representation for ACF in regional external communications,
and serves as ACF liaison with the HHS Regional Director, other HHS
operating divisions, other federal agencies, and public or private
local organizations representing children and families.
Within the Office of the Regional Administrator are a Special
Initiatives Staff and an Administrative Staff. The Special Initiatives
staff is responsible for providing leadership, direction, coordination
and implementation of Administration, HHS, and ACF priorities and
initiatives in the Region. The staff assists the Regional Administrator
in the promotion and establishment of collaborative partnerships of the
priorities and initiatives in every program area. Additionally, it
serves as focal point for media inquiries and public affairs
[[Page 65295]]
activities and liaison with the Office of Community Services relative
to the development of partnerships and collaborations around the
Community Services/Action Agencies activities. The Administrative staff
manages the regional administrative functions, budget planning and
execution process, human resource and staff development activities, and
technology.
C. Delete KD4.20 Functions, Paragraph B, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
B. The Office of the Deputy Regional Administrator consists of the
Deputy and the Grants Officers. The Deputy Regional Administrator
serves as the full deputy or ``alter ego'' to the Regional
Administrator, Administration for Children and Families. The Deputy
assists the Regional Administrator with responsibility for providing
executive direction, leadership and coordination to all ACF programs,
financial operations and related activities in the Region. The Deputy
has primary responsibility for overseeing day-to-day program
operations. In the absence of the Regional Administrator, the Deputy
Regional Administrator acts on all matters within the jurisdiction of
the Regional Administrator, with full authority.
The Grants Officers, functioning independently of all program
offices, provide program staff with expertise in the technical and
other non-programmatic areas of grants administration, and provide
appropriate internal control and checks and balances to ensure
financial integrity in all phases of the grants process.
D. Delete KD4.20 Functions, Paragraph C, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
C. The Division of Community Programs is headed by a Director who
reports to the Deputy Regional Administrator. The Division consists of
three branches with responsibility for ACF oversight and technical
administration of the Head Start and discretionary grants funded
directly from ACF to community-based grantees in the eight states. The
Division provides policy guidance to county, city, town or tribal
governments and public and private organizations to assure consistent
compliance with federal requirements and the adoption of appropriate
policies and procedures. The Division performs systematic on-site
reviews of grantees to determine compliance with applicable federal
requirements, requiring correction of identified deficiencies and,
where necessary, adverse actions including defunding of dysfunctional
grantees. The Division performs systematic fiscal reviews, makes
recommendations to the Deputy Regional Administrator and Regional
Administrator to approve or disallow costs under the ACF discretionary
grant regulations, and makes recommendations regarding grant approval
and disapproval. The Division issues discretionary grant awards based
on a review of project objectives, budget projections, and proposed
funding levels. The Division makes recommendations on the clearance and
closure of grantee audits, paying particular attention to financial
management deficiencies that decrease the efficiency and effectiveness
of program service delivery to customers, and taking steps to monitor
the resolution of such deficiencies. The Division oversees the
management and coordination of the Head Start automation systems such
as the Grant Application and Budget Instrument (GABI) for budget
analysis on Head Start refunding applications, and to monitor grantee
systems projects such as the Head Start Program Information Report
(PIR) and the Head Start Management Tracking System. The Division
represents the Regional Administrator in dealing with grantees on all
matters of program policy and financial matters under its jurisdiction,
providing early warnings on problems or issues that may have
significant implications for ACF programs operated by local grantees.
E. Delete KD4.20 Functions, Paragraph D, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
D. The Division of State Programs is headed by a Director who
reports to the Deputy Regional Administrator. The Division consists of
three branches responsible for providing centralized management,
financial management services, and technical administration of ACF
formula, block and entitlement programs including Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families (TANF), Child Care, Child Support Enforcement,
Foster Care and Adoption Assistance, Child Welfare, Family Preservation
and Support Services, Child Abuse and Neglect and Developmental
Disabilities.
The Division provides policy guidance to state, county, city, town
or tribal governments and public and private organizations to assure
consistent and uniform adherence to federal requirements governing ACF
grants. State plans are reviewed and recommendations made to the
Regional Administrator concerning state plan approvals or disapprovals.
The Division provides technical assistance to entities responsible for
administering ACF grants, resolving identified problems and ensuring
adoption of appropriate procedures and practices that promote policy
compliance and program efficiency and effectiveness. The Division
provides financial management oversight for ACF grants under its
jurisdiction; reviews cost allocation plans, program objectives, budget
projections, cost estimates, and reports. The Division performs
systematic fiscal reviews and makes recommendations to the Regional
Administrator to approve, defer, or disallow claims for financial
participation in ACF grants. As applicable, the Division makes
recommendations regarding the clearance and closure of audits, paying
particular attention to financial management deficiencies that decrease
the efficiency and effectiveness of ACF programs and closely monitors
the resolution of such deficiencies.
The Division represents the Regional Administrator in dealing with
entities receiving ACF funding on all matters under its jurisdiction,
and in providing early warnings of problems or issues that may have
significant implications for ACF programs. Additionally, the Division
provides oversight of state systems projects for ACF programs and is
focal point for technical assistance to states on the development and
enhancement of automated systems.
VI. Region V, Chicago Regional Office of ACF
A. Delete KD5.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KD5.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families,
Region V, Chicago Office, is organized as follows:
Office of the Regional Administrator (KD5A)
Office of Family Self-Sufficiency Programs (KD5C)
Office of Family and Child Development Programs (KD5D)
B. Delete KD5.20 Functions, Paragraph A, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
KD5.20 Functions. A. The Regional Office is headed by a Regional
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families through the Director, Office of Regional Operations. In
addition, the Office of the Regional Administrator has a Deputy
Regional Administrator. The Office is responsible for the
Administration for Children and Families' key national goals and
priorities. It represents ACF's regional interests, concerns, and
relationships within the Department and among other Federal agencies,
and focuses on State agency culture change, more effective
partnerships, collaborative relationships
[[Page 65296]]
and improved customer service. The Office provides executive leadership
and direction to state, county, city, and tribal governments, as well
as public and private local grantees to ensure effective and efficient
program and financial management. It ensures that these entities
conform to federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing
the programs, and exercises all delegated authorities and
responsibilities for oversight of the programs. The Office takes action
to approve certain state plans and submits its recommendations to the
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families concerning state plan
disapproval. The Office contributes to the development of national
policy based on regional perspectives for all ACF programs. It oversees
ACF operations and the management of ACF regional staff and coordinates
the regional continuity of operations plan (COOP) in conjunction with
the Regional Director, Regional Health Administrator and GSA. Also, the
Office coordinates activities across regional programs; coordinates
regional initiatives and operations; and assures that goals and
objectives are carried out. The Office alerts the Assistant Secretary
for Children and Families to problems and issues that may have
significant regional or national impact. It represents ACF at the
regional level in executive communications within ACF, with the HHS
Regional Director, other HHS operating divisions, other federal
agencies, and public or private local organizations representing
children and families. The Deputy Regional Administrator serves as the
full deputy or ``alter ego'' to the Regional Administrator,
Administration for Children and Families. The Deputy assists the
Regional Administrator with responsibility for providing executive
direction, leadership and coordination to all ACF programs, financial
operations and related activities in the Region. The Deputy has primary
responsibility for managing the day-to-day operations. In the absence
of the Regional Administrator, the Deputy acts on all matters within
the jurisdiction of the Regional Administrator with full authority.
Within the Office of the Regional Administrator, are the Management and
Administration, and Fiscal Integrity Teams along with the Grants
Officer. The Deputy supervises and directs the activities of these
teams, focusing on regional administrative functions, including budget
planning and execution, procurement, facility and property management,
financial management, employee relations, human resources development,
performance management, media inquiries and public affairs activities.
1. The Management and Administration Team directs and facilitates
the development of regional work plans related to the overall ACF
strategic plan; tracks, monitors and reports on regional progress in
the attainment of ACF national goals and objectives; and coordinates
and manages special and sensitive projects. Additionally it manages
administrative functions, budget planning and execution and human
resource development. It serves as the focal point for public affairs,
in accordance with the ACF Office of Public Affairs and in conjunction
with the HHS Regional Director; and assists the Regional Administrator
in the management of cross-cutting initiatives and activities among
regional components.
2. The Fiscal Integrity Team is responsible for providing
centralized financial management and technical administration of
certain ACF formula, discretionary, entitlement and block grant
programs. These programs include Temporary Assistance to Needy
Families, Child Support, Child Welfare Services, Foster Care and
Adoption Assistance, Child Abuse and Neglect, Developmental
Disabilities and Runaway and Homeless Youth. It provides expert grants
management technical support to the Office of Family Self-Sufficiency
and the Office of Family and Child Development to resolve complex
problems in such areas as cost allocation, accounting principles,
audit, deferrals and disallowances. It provides data management support
to all Regional Office components.
3. The Grants Officer, functioning independently of all program
offices, provides program staff with expertise in the technical and
other non-programmatic areas of grants administration, and provides
appropriate internal controls and checks and balances to ensure
financial discretionary grants integrity in all phases of the grants
process. The Grants Officer, in conjunction with the Fiscal Integrity
Team, provides guidance to program offices on more complex financial
management issues. The Grants Officer approves and signs all
discretionary grants.
C. Delete KD5.20 Functions, Paragraph B, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
B. The Office of Family Self-Sufficiency Programs is headed by a
Director who reports to the Deputy Regional Administrator. The Office
of Family Self-Sufficiency represents the Regional Administrator in
dealing with ACF central office, states and grantees on all program and
financial management policy matters for programs under its
jurisdiction. It provides guidance and direction to States and grantees
to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ACF programs. It alerts
the Deputy Regional Administrator to problems or issues that have
significant implications for the programs. The Office consists of two
branches operating collaboratively within a Tri-State team environment
to administer Child Support Enforcement, Child Welfare Services, Foster
Care and Adoption Assistance, Child Abuse and Neglect, Temporary
Assistance to Needy Families and Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs
for assigned states. The two branches provide policy guidance to states
to assure consistent and uniform adherence to federal requirements
governing formula, entitlement, block and discretionary grant programs.
The two Branches are the Illinois, Indiana, Michigan Branch and the
Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin Branch. The Office also consists of the
Program Integration and Collaboration Team. The Program Integration and
Collaboration Team provides administrative support, training, and
facilitation of cross-cutting program initiatives and projects.
D. Delete KD5.20 Functions, Paragraph C, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
C. The Office of Family and Child Development is headed by a
Director who reports to the Deputy Regional Administrator. The Office
is responsible for providing centralized program, financial management
and technical administration of certain ACF discretionary, formula and
block grant programs, such as Head Start, Early Head Start,
Developmental Disabilities and the Child Care and Development Fund. The
Office of Family and Child Development represents the Regional
Administrator in dealing with ACF central office, states and grantees
on all program and financial management policy matters for programs
under its jurisdiction. It alerts the Deputy Regional Administrator to
problems or issues that have significant implications for the programs.
The Office consists of three branches operating collaboratively
within a Bi-State team environment to administer Head Start, Early Head
Start and Child Care programs and a Program Integration and
Collaboration Team. The Program Integration and Collaboration Team
provides administrative support, training and facilitation of cross-
cutting program initiatives and projects in addition to administering
the
[[Page 65297]]
Developmental Disabilities Program. The Head Start and Child Care
branches provide guidance to states and grantees to assure consistent
and uniform adherence to federal requirements governing discretionary
and block grant programs. It provides guidance and direction to States
and grantees to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ACF
programs. A Financial Management Officer is located in each branch of
the Office of Family and Child Development to provide expertise in
business and other non-programmatic areas of grants administration and
to help ensure that grantees fulfill requirements of law, regulations
and administrative policies. The Office establishes regional financial
management priorities; reviews cost allocation plans, and makes
recommendations to the Regional Administrator to disallow costs under
ACF discretionary, formula and block grant programs. The Office issues
grant awards based on a review of project objectives, budget
projections and proposed funding levels. As applicable, it makes
recommendations on the clearance and closure of audits of state and
grantee programs, paying particular attention to deficiencies that
decrease the efficiency and effectiveness of ACF programs and taking
steps to resolve such deficiencies.
VII. Region VI, Dallas Office of ACF
A. Delete KD6.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KD6.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families,
Region VI, Dallas Office, is organized as follows:
Office of the Regional Administrator (KD6A)
Office of State and Tribal Programs (KD6E)
Office of Community Programs (KD6F)
B. Delete KD6.20 Functions, Paragraph A, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
KD6.20 Functions. A. The Regional Office is headed by a Regional
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families through the Director, Office of Regional Operations. In
addition, the Office of the Regional Administrator has a Deputy
Regional Administrator and an Associate Regional Administrator. The
Office is responsible for the Administration for Children and Families'
key national goals and priorities. It represents ACF's regional
interests, concerns, and relationships within the Department and among
other Federal agencies, and focuses on State agency culture change,
more effective partnerships, collaborative relationships for outcomes/
results, and improved, quality customer service. The Office provides
executive leadership and direction to state, county, city, territorial
and tribal governments, as well as to other public and private local
grantees to ensure effective and efficient program and financial
management. The Office ensures that these entities conform to federal
laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing the programs, and
exercises all delegated authorities and responsibilities for oversight
of the programs.
The Office takes action to approve certain state and tribal plans,
and submits its recommendations to the Assistant Secretary for Children
and Families concerning state plan disapproval. The Office contributes
to the development of national policy based on regional perspectives
for all ACF programs. It oversees ACF operations and the management of
ACF regional staff; coordinates activities across regional programs;
coordinates regional initiatives and operations; and assures that goals
and objectives are carried out. The Office alerts the Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families to problems and issues that may
have significant regional or national impact. It represents ACF at the
regional level in executive communications within ACF, with the HHS
Regional Director, other HHS operating divisions, other federal
agencies, and public or private local organizations representing
children and families.
The Deputy Regional Administrator serves as the full deputy or
``alter ego'' to the Regional Administrator, Administration for
Children and Families. The Deputy assists the Regional Administrator
with responsibility for providing executive direction, leadership and
coordination to all ACF programs, financial operations and related
activities in the Region. The Deputy has primary responsibility for
managing the day-to-day operations. In the absence of the Regional
Administrator, the Deputy acts on all matters within the jurisdiction
of the Regional Administrator with full authority.
Within the Office of the Regional Administrator are the Grants
Officer, Grants Advisor, the Financial Management Resource Team, and
Special Initiatives operations which are under the supervision and
direction of the Deputy. The Grants Officer and Grants Advisor,
functioning independently of all program offices, provide program staff
with expertise in the business and other non-programmatic areas of
grant award and administration, and provide appropriate internal
controls and checks and balances to ensure financial integrity in all
phases of the grants process. The Grants Officer, who serves as the
team leader of the Financial Management Resource Team, and the Grants
Advisor provide guidance to program offices on more complex financial
management issues. The Grants Officer approves and signs all
discretionary grants. The Grants Advisor has the full delegated grant
authority and serves in that capacity in the absence of the Grants
Officer.
The Financial Management Resource Team is responsible for providing
centralized financial management and technical administration of
certain ACF discretionary, entitlement, and block grant programs. These
programs include Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Child Care
Programs, Child Support Enforcement, Child Welfare Services, Foster
Care and Adoption Assistance, Child Abuse and Neglect, Developmental
Disabilities, Head Start, Early Head Start and Runaway and Homeless
Youth. It is responsible for ensuring that, for grants under their
cognizance, both federal staff and grantees fulfill applicable
statutory, regulatory, and administrative policy requirements. It
provides expert grants management technical support to the Office of
State and Tribal Programs and Office of Community Programs to resolve
complex problems in such areas as cost allocation, accounting
principles, audit, deferrals and disallowances.
The Associate Regional Administrator shares in the responsibility
for executive direction, leadership and coordination to all ACF
programs, financial operations and related activities in the Region.
The Associate Regional Administrator has primary responsibility for
regional administrative operations and management of the region's
technology programs and operations. The Associate Regional
Administrator supervises administrative staff, assisting the Regional
Administrator in providing day-to-day support for regional
administrative functions, including coordination of the development of
regional work plans related to the overall ACF strategic plan; tracks,
monitors and reports on regional progress in the attainment of ACF
national goals and objectives; coordinates and manages special and
sensitive projects; budget planning and execution, facilities
management programs and human resource development; focal point for
public
[[Page 65298]]
affairs, in accordance with the ACF Office of Public Affairs and in
conjunction with the HHS Regional Director; manages cross-cutting
initiatives and activities among the Regional components; and provides
telecommunications and data management support to all Regional office
components, including the development of automated applications to
support and enhance program, fiscal and administrative operations.
C. Delete KD6.20 Functions, Paragraph B, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
B. The Office of State and Tribal Programs is headed by a Director
who reports to the Regional Administrator. The Office is responsible
for providing centralized management, financial management services,
and technical administration of certain ACF formula, block and
entitlement programs such as Child Support Enforcement (CSE), Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Child Care Programs, Child
Welfare Services, Foster Care and Adoption Assistance, Child Abuse and
Neglect, Developmental Disabilities and Tribal Programs. The Office
provides policy guidance to state, county, city or town and tribal
governments, grantees and public and private organizations to assure
consistent and uniform adherence to federal requirements governing
formula and entitlement programs. It provides guidance and direction to
states, local and tribal governments and grantees to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of ACF programs. State plans, Tribal plans
and Tribal construction plans are reviewed and recommendations
concerning state plan approval or disapproval are made to the Regional
Administrator. The Office provides technical assistance to entities
responsible for administering these programs to resolve identified
problems, ensuring that appropriate procedures and practices are
adopted, monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency and
effectiveness and establishing regional financial management priorities
and reviewing cost allocation plans. The Office provides financial
management services for ACF entitlement grants in the region. It also
reviews costs estimates and reports for ACF entitlement grant programs
and recommends funding levels. The Office performs systematic fiscal
reviews and makes recommendations to the Regional Administrator to
approve, defer or disallow claims for federal financial participation
in ACF entitlement grant programs. As applicable, recommendations are
made on the clearance and closure of audits of state programs, paying
particular attention to financial management deficiencies that decrease
the efficiency and effectiveness of the ACF programs and taking steps
to monitor the resolution of such deficiencies. The Office represents
the Regional Administrator in dealing with ACF program offices on all
program policy and financial matters for programs under its
jurisdiction. Alerts or early warnings are provided to the Regional
Administrator regarding problems or issues that have significant
implications for the programs.
D. Delete KD6.20 Functions, Paragraph C, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
C. The Office of Community Programs is headed by a Director who
reports to the Regional Administrator. The Office is responsible for
providing centralized program, financial management and technical
administration of ACF discretionary grant programs such as Head Start,
Early Head Start, and Runaway and Homeless Youth programs. The Office
provides policy guidance to state, county, city or town and tribal
governments and public and private organizations to assure consistent
and uniform adherence to federal requirements. The Office provides
technical assistance to entities responsible for administering these
programs to ensure that the appropriate procedures and practices are
adopted, and monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency and
effectiveness. The Office performs systematic fiscal reviews and makes
recommendations to the Regional Administrator to approve or disallow
costs under ACF discretionary grant programs. The Office issues certain
discretionary grant awards based on a review of project objectives,
budget projects, and proposed funding levels. As applicable,
recommendations are made on the clearance and closure of audits of
grantee programs, paying particular attention to financial management
deficiencies that decrease the efficiency and effectiveness of the ACF
programs and taking steps to monitor the resolution of such
deficiencies. The Office represents the Regional Administrator in
dealing with ACF program offices on all program policy and financial
matters for programs under its jurisdiction. Alerts or early warnings
are provided to the Regional Administrator regarding problems or issues
that have significant implications for the programs.
VII. Region VII, Kansas City Office of ACF
A. Delete KD7.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KD7.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families,
Region VII, Kansas City Office, is organized as follows:
Office of the Regional Administrator (KD7A)
Office of State and Tribal Operations (KD7E)
Office of Community Operations (KD7F)
Office of Program Support (KD7G)
B. Delete KD7.20 Functions, Paragraph A, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
KD7.20 Functions. A. The Regional Office is headed by a Regional
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families through the Director, Office of Regional Operations. In
addition, the Office of the Regional Administrator has a Deputy
Regional Administrator who reports to the Regional Administrator. The
Office provides executive leadership and directives to state, county,
city, territorial and tribal governments, as well as public and private
local grantees to ensure effective and efficient program and financial
management. It ensures that these entities conform to federal laws,
regulations, policies and procedures governing the programs, and
exercises all delegated authorities and responsibilities for oversight
of the programs. The Office takes action to approve certain state plans
and submits recommendations to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families concerning state plan disapproval. The Office contributes to
the development of national policy based on regional perspectives on
all ACF programs. It oversees ACF operations, the management of ACF
regional staff; coordinates activities across regional programs; and
assures that goals and objectives are met and departmental and agency
initiatives are carried out. The Office alerts the Assistant Secretary
for Children and Families to problems and issues that may have
significant regional or national impact. The Office represents ACF at
the regional level in executive communications within ACF, with the HHS
Regional Director, other HHS operating divisions, other federal
agencies, and public or private local organizations representing
children and families.
Within the Office of the Regional Administrator, administrative
staff assists the Regional Administrator and Deputy Regional
Administrator in providing day-to-day support for regional
administrative functions, including budget, performance management,
procurement, property
[[Page 65299]]
management, employee relations and human resource development
activities.
C. Delete KD7.20 Functions, Paragraph B, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
B. The Office of State and Tribal Operations is headed by a
Director who reports to the Regional Administrator. The Office is
responsible for providing centralized management, financial management
services, and technical administration of ACF formula, block and
entitlement programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF), Child Support Enforcement (CSE), Child Care, Foster Care and
Adoption Assistance, Child Welfare, Child Abuse and Neglect and
Developmental Disabilities. The Office provides policy guidance to
state, county, city or town and tribal governments and public and
private organizations to assure consistent and uniform adherence to
federal requirements governing formula and entitlement programs. State
plans are reviewed and recommendations concerning state plan approval
or disapproval are made to the Regional Administrator. The Office
provides technical assistance to entities responsible for administering
these programs to resolve identified problems, ensures that appropriate
procedures and practices are adopted, monitors the programs to ensure
their efficiency and effectiveness and establishes regional financial
management priorities and reviews cost allocation plans. The Office
provides financial management services for ACF formula and entitlement
grants in the region. The Office reviews cost estimates and reports for
ACF entitlement and formula grant programs and recommends funding
levels. The Office performs systematic fiscal reviews and makes
recommendations to the Regional Administrator to approve, defer or
disallow claims for federal financial participation in ACF formula and
entitlement grant programs. As applicable, recommendations are made on
the clearance and closure of audits of state programs. The Office
represents the Regional Administrator in dealing with the ACF program
offices on all program and financial policy matters under its
jurisdiction. Alerts or early warnings are provided to the Regional
Administrator regarding problems or issues that may have significant
implications for the programs.
D. Delete KD7.20 Functions, Paragraph C, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
C. The Office of Community Operations is headed by a Director who
reports to the Regional Administrator. The Office is responsible for
providing centralized management, financial management services, and
technical administration of ACF discretionary grant programs such as
Head Start and Youth Programs. The Office provides policy guidance to
state, county, city or town and tribal governments and public and
private organizations to assure consistent and uniform adherence to
federal requirements. The Office provides technical assistance to
entities responsible for administering these programs to ensure that
appropriate procedures and practices are adopted, and monitors the
programs to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness. The Office
performs systematic fiscal reviews; and makes recommendations to the
Regional Administrator to approve or disallow costs under ACF
discretionary grant programs. The Office issues certain discretionary
grant awards based on a review of project objectives, budget
projections, and proposed funding levels. As applicable,
recommendations are made on the clearance and closure of audits of
grantee programs. The Office oversees the management and coordination
of office automation systems in the region such as the Grants
Application Budget Instrument (GABI) and the Grants Administration
Tracking System (GATES) and monitors grantee systems projects such as
the Head Start Program Information Report and the Head Start Management
Tracking System. The Office represents the Regional Administrator in
dealing with ACF program offices on all program policy and financial
matters under its jurisdiction. Alerts or early warnings are provided
to the Regional Administrator regarding problems or issues that may
have significant implications on the programs.
E. Delete KD7.20 Functions, Paragraph D, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
D. The Office of Program Support is headed by a Director who
reports to the Regional Administrator. The Grants Officer function is
located in the office and is responsible for providing centralized
financial management services for all programs administered by the
Regional Office. The Office provides cost allocation and audit support
to the Office of State and Tribal Operations and the Office of
Community Operations. The Office conducts analyses of state
developments related to ACF programs and assists with tracking progress
of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) outcomes. The
Office provides technical support to the Office of State and Tribal
Operations and the Office of Community Operations on special projects
and initiatives. The Office represents the Regional Administrator in
dealing with ACF offices on all program and financial policy matters
under its jurisdiction. Alerts or early warnings are provided to the
Regional Administrator regarding problems or issues that may have
significant implications for the programs.
IX. Region VIII, Denver Office of ACF
A. Delete KD8.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KD8.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families,
Region VIII, Denver Office is organized as follows:
Office of the Regional Administrator (KD8A)
Office of Early Childhood Programs (KD8B)
Office of State and Tribal Programs (KD8C)
B. Delete KD8.20 Functions, Paragraph A, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
KD8.20 Functions A. The Regional Office is headed by a Regional
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families through the Director, Regional Operations. The Office is
responsible for the Administration for Children and Families' key
national goals and priorities. It represents ACF's regional interests,
concerns, and relationships within the Department and among other
Federal agencies, and focuses on State agency culture change, more
effective partnerships, collaborative relationships which focus on
outcomes/results, and improved, quality customer service. The Office
provides executive leadership and direction to state, county, city,
territorial and tribal governments, as well as to other public and
private local grantees to ensure effective and efficient program and
financial management. The Office ensures that these entities conform to
federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing the
programs, and exercises all delegated authorities and responsibilities
for oversight of the programs.
The Office takes action to approve certain state and tribal plans
and tribal construction plans and submits its recommendations to the
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families concerning state plan
disapproval. The Office contributes to the development of national
policy based on regional perspectives for all ACF programs. It oversees
ACF operations and the management of ACF regional staff; coordinates
activities across regional programs; and assures that goals and
[[Page 65300]]
objectives are carried out. The Office alerts the Assistant Secretary
for Children and Families to problems and issues that may have
significant regional or national impact. It represents ACF at the
regional level in executive communications within ACF, with the HHS
Regional Director, other HHS operating divisions, other federal
agencies, and public or private local organizations representing
children and families.
An administrative and program support team, under the leadership of
the Regional Administrator, directs and facilitates development of
regional work plans related to the overall ACF strategic plan, tracks,
monitors and reports on regional progress in the attainment of ACF
national goals and objectives, and coordinates and manages special and
sensitive projects. Additionally, it manages regional administrative
functions, budget planning and execution, facilities management, and
human resource development. This team serves as the focal point for
regional public affairs and assists the Regional Administrator in the
management of crosscutting initiatives and activities among the
regional components. In addition, the Team provides internal systems,
telecommunications, and data management support to regional office
components.
Within the Office of the Regional Administrator, the Grants
Officer, functioning independently of all program offices, provides
program staff with expertise in the business and other non-programmatic
areas of grant award and administration, and provides appropriate
internal controls and checks and balances to ensure financial integrity
in all phases of the grants process. The Grants Officer approves and
signs all grants and provides guidance to program offices on more
complex financial management issues. The grants staff is responsible
for providing centralized financial management and technical
administration of certain ACF discretionary, entitlement, and block
grant programs. These programs include Temporary Assistance to Needy
Families, Child Care Programs, Child Support Enforcement, Child Welfare
Services, Foster Care Youth Development Programs, and Adoption
Assistance, Child Abuse and Neglect, Runaway and Homeless Youth,
Developmental Disabilities, Head Start and Early Head Start. It is
responsible for ensuring that, for grants under their cognizance, both
federal staff and grantees fulfill applicable statutory, regulatory,
and administrative policy requirements. It provides expert grants
management technical support to the Office of Early Childhood Programs
and the Office of State and Tribal Programs to resolve complex problems
in such areas as cost allocation, accounting principles, audit,
deferrals and disallowances.
C. Delete KD8.20 Functions, Paragraph B, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
B. The Office of Early Childhood Programs is headed by a Deputy
Regional Administrator who reports to the Regional Administrator. The
Office is responsible for providing centralized program, financial
management and technical administration of certain ACF discretionary
and block grant programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, Runaway
and Homeless Youth, Developmental Disabilities, and Child Care
Programs. The Office of Early Childhood Programs represents the
Regional Administrator in dealing with ACF program offices and grantees
on all program and financial management policy matters for programs
under its jurisdiction. It alerts the Regional Administrator to
problems or issues that have significant implications for the programs.
The Office administers the Head Start, Early Head Start, Runaway
and Homeless Youth, Developmental Disabilities, and Child Care Programs
and is responsible for providing centralized program, financial
management and technical administration of these programs. The Office
provides policy guidance to state, county, city or town and tribal
governments and public and private organizations to assure consistent
and uniform adherence to federal requirements. State and Tribal plans
are reviewed and recommendations concerning state plan approval or
disapproval are made to the Regional Administrator. The Office provides
technical assistance to entities responsible for administering these
programs to resolve identified problems, ensuring that appropriate
procedures and practices are adopted, monitoring the programs to ensure
their efficiency and effectiveness and establishing regional financial
management priorities and reviewing cost allocation plans. The Office
provides financial management services for ACF entitlement grants in
the region. It also reviews costs estimates and reports for ACF
entitlement and formula grant programs and recommends funding levels.
The Office performs systematic fiscal reviews and makes recommendations
to the Regional Administrator to approve or disallow costs under ACF
discretionary, entitlement and block grant programs. The Office issues
grant awards based on a review of project objectives, budget
projections, and proposed funding levels. As applicable,
recommendations are made on the clearance and closure of audits of
grantee programs, paying particular attention to financial management
deficiencies that decrease the efficiency and effectiveness of the ACF
programs and taking steps to monitor the resolution of such
deficiencies.
D. Delete KD8.20 Functions, Paragraph C, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
C. The Office of State and Tribal Programs is headed by a Deputy
Regional Administrator who reports to the Regional Administrator. The
Office is responsible for providing centralized management, financial
management services, and technical administration of certain ACF block
and entitlement programs. The Office represents the Regional
Administrator in dealing with ACF program offices on all program policy
and financial matters for programs under its jurisdiction. It alerts
the Regional Administrator to problems or issues that have significant
implications for the programs.
The Office administers the Child Support Enforcement (CSE),
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Child Welfare Services,
Foster Care and Adoption Assistance, Youth Development, and Child Abuse
and Neglect programs and is responsible for providing centralized
program, financial management and technical administration of these
programs. The Office provides policy guidance to state, county, city or
town and tribal governments, grantees and public and private
organizations to assure consistent and uniform adherence to federal
requirements governing formula and entitlement programs. It provides
guidance and direction to states, local and tribal governments and
grantees to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ACF programs.
State and tribal plans are reviewed and recommendations concerning
state plan approval or disapproval are made to the Regional
Administrator. The Office provides technical assistance to entities
responsible for administering these programs to resolve identified
problems, ensuring that appropriate procedures and practices are
adopted, monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency and
effectiveness and establishing regional financial management priorities
and reviewing cost allocation plans. The Office provides financial
management services for ACF entitlement grants in the region. It also
reviews costs
[[Page 65301]]
estimates and reports for ACF entitlement grant programs and recommends
funding levels. The Office performs systematic fiscal reviews and makes
recommendations to the Regional Administrator to approve, defer or
disallow claims for federal financial participation in ACF entitlement
grant programs. As applicable, recommendations are made on the
clearance and closure of audits of state programs, paying particular
attention to financial management deficiencies that decrease the
efficiency and effectiveness of the ACF programs and taking steps to
monitor the resolution of such deficiencies.
X. Region IX, San Francisco Office of ACF
A. Delete KD9.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KD9.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families,
Region IX, San Francisco Office is organized as follows:
Office of the Regional Administrator (KD9A)
Program Support Unit (KD9B)
Self-Sufficiency Unit (KD9C)
Children and Youth Development Unit (KD9D)
B. Delete KD9.20 Functions, Paragraph. A, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
KD9.20 Functions. A. The Regional Office is headed by a Regional
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families through the Director, Office of Regional Operations. The
Office is responsible for the Administration for Children and Families'
(ACF) key national goals and priorities. It represents ACF's regional
interests, concerns, and relationships within the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) and among other Federal agencies, and focuses
on State agency culture change, effective partnerships which focus on
outcomes/results, and quality customer service. It provides executive
leadership and direction to state, county, city, territorial and tribal
governments, as well as to other public and private local grantees to
ensure effective and efficient program and financial management. The
Office ensures that these entities conform to federal laws,
regulations, policies and procedures governing the programs, and
exercises all delegated authorities and responsibilities for oversight
of the programs.
The Office is responsible for approval of certain state plans and
submission of recommendations to the Assistant Secretary for Children
and Families for state plan disapproval. The Office contributes to the
development of national policy based on regional perspectives on all
ACF programs. It oversees ACF regional operations and the management of
regional staff; coordinates activities across regional programs; and
assures that goals and objectives are met and departmental and agency
initiatives are carried out. The Office alerts the Assistant Secretary
for Children and Families to problems and issues that may have
significant regional or national impact. The Office represents ACF at
the regional level in executive communications within ACF, with the HHS
Regional Director, other HHS operating divisions, other federal
agencies, and public or private organizations representing children and
families.
C. Delete KD9.20 Functions, Paragraph B, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
B. The Program Support Unit is headed by a manager who reports to
the Regional Administrator. It supports the Office of the Regional
Administrator and the Self-Sufficiency and Children and Youth
Development Units and their grantees in the areas of quality concepts
and performance measurement, including the reengineering of work
processes and the development of computer applications, customer
surveys, statistical applications, and performance measurement models.
The Unit directs the development of regional work plans related to the
overall ACF strategic plan and tracks, monitors and reports on regional
progress in the attainment of ACF national goals and objectives. It
manages and/or coordinates special, sensitive and/or cross-cutting
projects and initiatives. The Unit serves as the focal point for public
affairs and contacts with the media, public awareness activities,
information dissemination and education campaigns in conjunction with
the ACF Office of Public Affairs and the HHS Regional Director.
The Unit provides day-to-day support for regional administrative
functions, oversees the management and coordination of internal
automated systems in the region, and provides data management support
to all Regional Office components. Administrative functions include
budget formulation and execution, facility and space management,
procurement, and human resources development and training. Data
management responsibilities include the development of automated
systems applications to support and enhance program, fiscal and
administrative operations, and the compilation of data on demographic
and service trends that assist in program monitoring and technical
assistance responsibilities.
The Unit performs Grants Officer functions, including grants and
fiscal oversight to ensure consistent policy application across the
Regional Office units. The Unit assures that audit clearance and other
financial management processes are implemented consistently and timely
throughout the Regional Office. The Unit provides expert grants
management technical support to the Self-Sufficiency and Children and
Youth Development Units to resolve complex problems in such areas as
cost allocation, accounting principles, audit, deferrals and
disallowances. As Grants Officer, the Unit approves and signs all
discretionary grants.
The Unit represents the Regional Administrator in dealing with ACF
offices on all program and financial policy matters under its
jurisdiction. Early alerts are provided to the Regional Administrator
regarding problems or issues that may have significant implications for
the programs.
D. Delete KD9.20 Functions, Paragraph C, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
C. The Self-Sufficiency Unit is headed by a manager who reports to
the Regional Administrator. The Unit is responsible for providing
program and financial management services, and for technical
administration of ACF formula, block and entitlement grant programs
such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Child Support
Enforcement (CSE), Child Care and Development Fund, Foster Care and
Adoption Assistance, Child Welfare, Child Abuse and Neglect and
Developmental Disabilities. The Unit provides policy guidance to state,
county, city, territorial and tribal governments, as well as to other
public and private organizations to assure consistent and uniform
adherence to federal requirements governing formula, block and
entitlement grant programs. State plans are reviewed and
recommendations concerning state plan approval or disapproval are made
to the Regional Administrator. The Unit provides technical assistance
to entities responsible for administering these programs to resolve
identified problems; ensures that appropriate procedures and practices
are adopted; monitors the programs to ensure their efficiency and
effectiveness; establishes regional financial management priorities;
reviews cost allocation plans; and provides technical assistance to and
monitors state systems projects for designated ACF programs.
[[Page 65302]]
The Unit provides financial management services for ACF formula,
entitlement, and block grants in the region. It also reviews cost
estimates and reports for these grant programs and recommends funding
levels. The Unit performs systematic fiscal reviews and makes
recommendations to approve, defer or disallow claims for federal
financial participation in ACF formula, entitlement and block grant
programs. As applicable, recommendations are made on the clearance and
closure of audits of state programs, paying particular attention to
financial management deficiencies that decrease the efficiency and
effectiveness of ACF programs and to monitoring the resolution of such
deficiencies. The Unit represents the Regional Administrator in dealing
with the ACF program offices on all program and financial policy
matters under its jurisdiction. Early alerts are provided to the
Regional Administrator regarding problems or issues that may have
significant implications for the programs.
E. Delete KD9.20 Functions, Paragraph D, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
D. The Children and Youth Development Unit is headed by a manager
who reports to the Regional Administrator. The Unit is responsible for
providing program and financial management services, and for technical
administration of ACF discretionary grant programs such as Head Start
(HS), Early Head Start (EHS), and Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY). In
that regard, the Unit provides policy guidance to public and private
organizations, as well as to state, county, city, territorial and
tribal governments to assure consistent and uniform adherence to
federal requirements. The Unit provides technical assistance to and
coordinates various training activities for entities responsible for
administering these programs to ensure that appropriate procedures and
practices are adopted, and monitors the programs to ensure their
efficiency and effectiveness. The Unit administers a system of fiscal
reviews; reviews costs for allowability; and makes recommendations to
disallow costs under ACF discretionary grant programs. It issues
certain discretionary grant awards based on a review of project
objectives, budget projections, and proposed funding levels. As
applicable, recommendations are made on the clearance and closure of
audits of grantee programs, paying particular attention to financial
management deficiencies that decrease the efficiency and effectiveness
of the ACF programs and to monitoring the resolution of such
deficiencies.
The Unit represents the Regional Administrator in dealing with ACF
program offices on all program policy and financial matters under its
jurisdiction. Early alerts are provided to the Regional Administrator
regarding problems or issues that may have significant implications for
the programs.
XI. Region X, Seattle Office of ACF
A. Delete KD10.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the
following:
KD10.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families,
Region X, Seattle Office, is organized as follows:
Management Team (KDXA)
Service Delivery Teams (KDXE)
Support Teams (KDXF)
B. Delete KD10.20 Functions, Paragraph A, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
KD10.20 Functions. A. The Management Team is headed by the Regional
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families through the Director, Office of Regional Operations. Also, the
team has two Associate Regional Administrators who report directly to
the Regional Administrator. In addition to being a team member, the
Regional Administrator is responsible for alerting the Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families to problems and issues that may
have significant regional or national impact.
The Team provides executive leadership to state, county, city, and
tribal governments, as well as public and private local grantees to
ensure effective, efficient, results-oriented program and financial
management. ACF's primary goal is to assist vulnerable and dependent
children and families to achieve economic independence, stability, and
self-reliance. The Team partners with state, local, and tribal
organizations to promote adherence to federal laws, regulations,
policies and procedures governing the programs, and exercises all
delegated authorities and responsibilities for oversight of the
programs. The Team takes action to approve certain state and tribal
plans and submits recommendations to the Assistant Secretary for
Children and Families concerning plan disapproval. The Team contributes
to the development of national policy based on regional perspectives on
all ACF programs. It oversees ACF operations; manages ACF regional
staff; coordinates activities across regional programs; and assures
that goals and objectives are met and departmental and agency
initiatives are carried out.
The Team represents ACF at the regional level in executive
communications within ACF, the HHS Regional Director, other HHS
operating divisions, other federal agencies, Tribal and Native American
Organizations, and public or private local organizations representing
children and families.
In order to ensure that agency goals are accomplished, the
Management Team provides leadership to grantees through a staff
organized in Service Delivery Teams. ACF programs and functions are
grouped within teams according to current ACF programs and/or
initiatives. Each team is charged with achieving measurable progress
towards ACF goals through their work with state, local, and tribal
grantees, the public, other federal agencies and internally within the
Department. The regional team structure is designed to allow ACF to
respond quickly in a dynamic and changing environment to achieve ACF
and HHS goals.
C. Delete KD10.20 Functions, Paragraph B, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
B. The Service Delivery Teams (SDTs) report directly to the
Management Team. The SDTs are responsible for providing centralized
management and technical administration of ACF formula, block,
discretionary, and entitlement grants and programs to assist families
achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency, and to promote
safe, healthy, and permanent environments in which children can grow.
The SDTs review and recommend approval or disapproval of state and
tribal plans to the Management Team. SDTs recommend issuance of certain
grant awards based on a review of project objectives, budget
projections, and proposed funding levels.
The SDTs provide policy guidance to state, local, and tribal
governments, and public and private organizations to foster consistent
and uniform adherence to federal requirements governing formula, block,
and entitlement programs. The SDTs provide technical assistance to
states, grantees, and tribes to resolve identified problems; ensure
that appropriate procedures and practices are adopted; develop and
implement outcome-based performance measures; and to monitor the
programs to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness.
The SDTs represent the Management Team in dealing with the ACF
program offices on all program and policy matters under their
jurisdiction. Alerts or early warnings are provided to the
[[Page 65303]]
Management Team regarding problems or issues that may have significant
implications for the programs.
D. Delete KD10.20 Functions, Paragraph C, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
C. The Support Teams provide administrative and management support
to the Regional Administrator and Management Team. Members of the
Support Teams report directly to the Regional Administrator or a member
of the Management Team. Functions within the Team include day-to-day
operational management of regional administrative functions such as,
budget, performance management, procurement, property management,
employee relations, human resource development activities, planning and
coordination, and office automation systems.
The Team includes experts in cash assistance and supportive
services programs who serve as resources to all teams on issues which
cross-cut the organization, such as legislative policy updates,
partnership agreements, result measurements, policy guidance, and
monitoring state systems projects for ACF programs.
Team members also provide leadership in regional financial
management matters to the Service Delivery Teams and the Management
Team, including reviewing cost estimates and reports for ACF grant
programs, recommending funding levels, and performing systematic fiscal
reviews. The Team approves grant awards based on a review of project
objectives, budget projections, and approved funding plans. It provides
funds accounting for discretionary grant programs. It establishes
regional financial management priorities and reviews cost allocation
plans.
Dated: November 7, 2003.
Wade F. Horn,
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.
[FR Doc. 03-28915 Filed 11-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P