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
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