Att F

From:
To:
Subject:
Date:

InfoCollection (ACF)
Lohmann, Jessica (ACF)
FW: State Access and Visitation Grant Application
Thursday, March 03, 2016 9:47:54 AM

fyi

From: Schintz, Kathleen [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, February 29, 2016 8:01 AM
To: InfoCollection (ACF)
Subject: State Access and Visitation Grant Application

Please see Pennsylvania Bureau of Child Support Enforcement’s comments to the proposed changes
to the State Access and Visitation Grant Application below:

Section 1- Cover Letter: the first bulleted paragraph states “10 percent.” However, the math
formula used does not match ten percent. Ten percent of $100,000 = $10,000. The formula used in
the proposed application is actually over 11 percent.
Section 5- Administrative Structure: is a new section. This section asks for a description of staff
qualifications for the program coordinator, which is beyond practical utility.   
Terms and Conditions: Reporting Financial Status:  section b. example should be FY 2017 and not
2011.

Overall, the proposed new application process is more detailed and more burdensome.
Pennsylvania predicts 40 hours plus, for collection of the proposed detailed data. Some sections ask
for copies of MOUs and copies of evaluation reports and findings for the last three years. Most of
our Grant Agreements are 200+ pages. Although the proposed application provides more clarity, it
does not minimize the burden of collecting the data, but rather, increases the burden to state,
county, and sub-grantee staff. In addition, this proposed application would be better served using an
electronic fillable format.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Kathy

Kathy Schintz | Human Services Program Specialist Supervisor
Department of Human Services
Bureau of Child Support Enforcement
P.O. Box 8018 | Harrisburg, PA 17105
Phone: 717.772.4923 | Fax: 717.772.4936
www.dhs.pa.gov

From:
To:
Subject:
Date:

InfoCollection (ACF)
Lohmann, Jessica (ACF)
FW: State Access and Visitation Grant Application Comments
Wednesday, March 09, 2016 11:08:46 AM

fyi

From: Jenicek, Kirsten (DSHS/DCS) [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2016 12:11 PM
To: InfoCollection (ACF)
Subject: State Access and Visitation Grant Application Comments

The instructions for this application process look very thorough and comprehensive. 
The process looks straightforward and appears to align well with the purpose and
intent of the grant. 

I have a just a couple of comments on this.  One is a suggestion to clarify whether it
would be acceptable to have the AV Program Coordinators have the ability to sign the
cover letter.  As written, it states that the cover letter must be signed by a senior level
official in the state administering the AV program.  I’m not clear what exactly would
meet the definition of senior level official, but I’m thinking that would likely be the IVD Director level. I am both the Grants Manager and the AOR for the agency, and
prepare and sign these letters myself for other grants that I submit to OCSE.  I also
administer the AV Grant Program.  Having to route the letter up a level for signature
would add a step to the process.  A suggestion would be to add something to the effect
of “Cover letter from senior level official in the state agency administering the grant
funds, or their designee”.  Or “Cover letter from senior level official or AV Program
Coordinator in the state agency administering the grant funds”.

The other thing is regarding the state point of contact, on page 4.  It is noted that the
annual notice of grant award letter will be mailed to that person, and that an e-copy of
the letter will be sent to the state AV Program Coordinator.  In most instances that will
be the same person.  I would prefer to have both directed to me with a copy to our IVD Director.  Last year I missed receiving the award letter because it was sent to the
Director’s Office and the staff person processing it did not make the connection to
forward it on to me.  I didn’t receive it until several weeks after the fact.

We appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on this and look forward to
submitting our application for FYs 2017-2019.

Kirsten Jenicek
Department of Social and Health Services
DCS Grants Manager
Division of Child Support
Budget, Planning and Project Management Office

(360) 397-9803
[email protected]