The information being collected is required by the Secretary as a prerequisite to receipt of a grant award. The information submitted will be used by the Children's Bureau to ensure compliance with the program requirements and serve as a basis for the provision of training and technical assistance to the grantee. The application information is provided by a representative of the highest State court of appeal in each State. Annual program reports and financial reports are required. The reports provide updates and changes in goals and activities and indicate how the funds are being used.
Emergency processing of information collections contained in OMB number 0970-0307 is requested as the agency cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures because an unanticipated event has occurred. Very recent statutory change has been made, substantially altering the CIP application process. The statutory changes require the issuance of a new program instruction to guide State applications.
Facts:
Historically reauthorization has occurred with ample notice to incorporate changes prior to the application due date allowing grant awards to be timely made. Reauthorization often comes with statutory programmatic change. This year reauthorization occurred much later than anticipated with The Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act was signed into law on September 30, 2011 (public law 112-34). The Act amended the Social Security Act requiring substantial change to the CIP application process.
CIP grants were formerly governed by two distinct program instructions. The changes in statute necessitated the creation of a single, combined program instruction incorporating the statutorily mandated changes.
The creation of a new, consolidated PI was expedited following reauthorization. Internal clearance including review by general counsel was also expedited.
The original application date for CIP grants was August 30, 2011. As reauthorization did not occur until 9/30/2011, it was necessary to postpone the application due date. As a postponed application due date means a postponed grant award date, CB was concerned with the impact lack of funding would have on State CIP programming and work. To gauge the impact of a late award date the Federal Project Officer spoke with a number of State CIP Directors and reviewed budgets. Based on this review it was determined that most State CIPs would be able to continue functioning for the first quarter without the infusion of new funds. After the first quarter a significant number of States indicated that programming would be significantly impacted without the FY 2012 award.
Timeline:
o Original CIP application due date 8/30/11 (was delayed due to lack of reauthorization)
o Reauthorization occurred 9/30/11 (requiring a new PI and change in collection)
o CIP project period began 10/1/11
o Adjusted application due date to accommodate OMB clearance 1/20/12
o Anticipated award date 2/20/12 (4 months into project period)
To allow for a February award date, emergency processing by Jan 1, 2012 will be necessary.
Consequences to States:
Emergency processing of the new PI and collections contained therein are requested by no later than December 20, 2012. With an application due date of 1/20/12, States minimally need three weeks to review the PI and prepare a complete application. Absent expedited processing States will be unable to apply for grants and awards will be delayed, withholding critical funds to operated CIP programming and activities. Although States have indicated they can continue operations for 3-4 months without new funds, significant shortfalls and hardship will be likely after that time. The impact of not receiving grant awards by the end of February, 2012 include:
o Inability of State CIPs to meet contractual obligations;
o CIP staff layoffs; and
o Cessation of certain or all CIP activities
The application due date for CIP grants has already been delayed to the last possible date to avoid undue hardship. To avoid undue hardship we are requesting the use of emergency procedures to allow for a determination by December 20, 2011. The intent is to issue the Program Instruction soliciting applications by January 1, 2012.
A request was submitted to OMB November 30 under normal clearance procedures with the 60 day notice published June 30 and the 30 day notice published November 23,2011.
A new statute reduced the number of information collections and therefore reduced the overall burden.
$25,440
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Robert Sargis 2026907275
Reginfo record details
No
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.
SCIP Supp Statement 11 28 2011 (4).doc
Application