This ICR is approved on the understanding that: 1) This is a one-time data collection which ACF anticipates completing by the end of FY 2007; when the ICR expires, ACF will submit a revision request if it wishes to continue using this IC and if it is making any substantive changes to the survey instruments or study design (e.g. new questions, different populations, etc.). 2) These ICs will be used to evaluate CED and JOLI (and not RF). 3) The supporting statement will be revised to clarify that the 1.5 hour burden estimate is based on an anticipated 1 hour for the survey instrument and 30 minutes for reading the instructions and collecting pertinent data. 4) The supporting statement and instruments will be revised to clarify that respondents should take as much time as needed to complete the survey instrument, that they should keep track of how long it takes them to complete the instrument, and to solicit comment on how long it takes to complete this survey. ACF will take these responses and report the average burden when this ICR is next submitted to OMB. 5) Because it is unclear whether ACF has the statutory authority to provide assurances of confidentiality for this ICR, ACF will not use the term "confidential" in its correspondence with respondents and will use other appropriate language (such as "kept private to the extent permitted by law") as necessary. 6) ACF will account for non-response bias in its analysis and reporting of results. Specifically, ACF will stratify results according to where the grantees fall in their grant cycles, if necessary; ACF will conduct secondary analysis of non-responders based on semi-annual reports submitted by grantees and based on the administrative data ACF already has for each grantee, as necessary. ACF will also include a discussion of study limitations when it reports results from this study. 7) ACF will take special effort in following up with grantees with multiple grant awards (i.e. those respondents who will be completing multiple survey instruments), to ensure that they understand what is being asked of them, and to encourage their participation in this evaluation to reduce non-response bias. 8) ACF will develop separate cover letters for grantees in the CED program and the JOLI program and revise them to include Lynda PerezÂs signature, as new director of OCS. 9) ACF will submit these revised ICs, supporting statement, and cover letters to OMB before fielding them and within 30 days of receiving this approval.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
02/29/2008
36 Months From Approved
172
0
0
259
0
0
6,230
0
0
The questionnaires are part of a contract that addresses an evaluation of grantees that oversee programs administered by OCS: Community Economic Development (CED) and Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI). The Legislative requirement for the CED program, is in Title IV of the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act (COATS Human Services Reauthorization Act) of Oct. 27, 1998, Pub. L. 105-285, section 680(b) as amended. This legislative directive states that "The Secretary shall require all activities receiving assistance under this section to be evaluated for their effectiveness. Funding for such evaluations shall be provided as a stated percentage of the assistance or through a separate grant awarded by the Secretary specifically for the purpose of evaluation of a particular activity or group of activities."
OCS has chosen to evaluate the programs through a separate contract awarded by the Secretary using the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Performance Assessment Rating Tool (PART) in order to critically review the overall design and effectiveness of each program in its totality. The evaluation initiative contract provides the central office with the mechanism to ensure that all programs evaluated will have consistent data that is in agreement with the direction of OMB and provides the Secretary with information on program efficiency and effectiveness.
The evaluation questionnaire's primary purpose is to document and systematically evaluate the program performance of two OCS discretionary grant programs in qualitative and quantitative terms. Each of the two OCS discretionary grant programs CED and JOLI--will be assessed using qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods that capture key information about program and grantee-level performance in four general areas: (1) Program purpose and design; (2) strategic planning; (3) program management; and (4) program results-PART-(specific areas).
The evaluation activities will build on the option year 1 findings and methods, with the goal of expanding data collection and analysis to improve the validity and generalizability of findings.
The questionnaire will be administered online or by US mail distribution if the grantees undergo technological challenges that prevent them from submitting online.
PL:
Pub.L. 104 - 193 505
Name of Law: Modications to the Job Opportunities for Certain Low-Income Individuals Program
PL:
Pub.L. 105 - 285 680(b)
Name of Law: Urban and Rural Community Economic Development Program
The CED program evaluation has legislative authority, which is Title IV of the Community Opportunities, Accountability, Training and Educational Services (COATS) Human Services Reauthorization Act of October 27, 1998, (Public Law 105-285, section 680 (b) as amended. This legislative directive states that "the Secretary shall require all activities receiving assistance under this section to be evaluated for their effectiveness." The JOLI program evaluation and assessment will evaluate program effectiveness to measures project performance and to establish program policy, that is currently needed for OCS/JOLI management and decision-making on the program.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Final OMB Supporting Statement Oct 6 2006.rtf
Final_Cover Letter_Sup Statement-Attachmt D for Part I__ Oct 6 2006.doc
OCS Evaluation Initiative: Job Opportunities for Low-Income (JOLI) Individuals