The Older Americans Act programs are implemented through the Aging Service Network which is comprised of State Units on Aging (SUA), Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and Local Service Providers (LSP). The Administration on Aging (AoA) collects annual program data at the state level and has sponsored studies to collect information regarding the AAAs. The third component of the Aging Network, the Local Service Providers, are poorly understood and characterized. AoA recognizes that information on their characteristics and understanding of their relationship with AAAs is an important knowledge gap that is in need of filling. A qualitative study that involves a pre-interview questionnaire followed by interviews with AAA directors and staff and focus groups with provider organizations was deemed to be the most appropriate method at this stage of research on LSPs. A total of 10 states have been selected for study and within each of those states three AAAs will be selected with the help of the SUA to represent a range of AAA and LSP characteristics. A focus group will be conducted with LSPs for each AAA. The primary purpose of the study is to better understand the complexity of the LSP network and the interactions with the AAAs to inform planning, policy and implementation of the OAA reauthorization provisions.
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.