[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 9, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40586-40594]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-19570]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Office of the Secretary
Administration for Children and Families; Statement of
Organization, Functions and Delegates of Authority
This Notice amends Part K of the Statement of Organization,
Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and
Human Service (DHHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) as
follows: Chapter K, Administration for Children and families (56 FR
42332), as last amended, August 27, 1991; KA, the Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families (59 FR 13969), as last
amended, March 24, 1994; Chapter KP, the Office of Program Support (56
FR 42344), as last amended, August 27, 1991; Chapter KJ, the Office of
Information Systems Management (OISM)/Child Support Information Systems
(CSIS) (58 FR 40432), as last amended, July 28, 1993; KK, the Office of
Financial Management (OFM) (59 FR 23730) as last amended May 6, 1995;
KL, the Office of Management (OM) (58 FR 40432), as last amended July
28, 1993; Chapter KM, the Office of Policy and Evaluation (OPE) (56 FR
42348), as last amended, August 27, 1991; Chapter KN, the Office of
Public Affairs (OPA) (56 FR 42349), as last amended, August 27, 1991.
This reorganization of the ACF staff offices will achieve several
important objectives and create a high performance team with highly
permeable borders across organizational lines to focus on stewardship,
partnership, results and service to the customers both internally and
externally.
[[Page 40587]]
These Chapters are amended as follows:
I. Delete Chapter K, ``The Administration for Children and
Families'' in its entirety and replace with the following:
K.00 Mission
K.10 Organizations
K.20 Functions
K.00 Mission. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
provides national leadership and direction to plan, manage and
coordinate the nationwide administration of comprehensive and
supportive programs for vulnerable children and families. The
Administration oversees and finances a broad range of programs for
children and families, including Native Americans, persons with
developmental disabilities, refugees, and legalized aliens, to help
them develop and grow toward a more independent, self-reliant life.
These programs, carried out by state, county, city, and tribal
governments, and public and private local agencies, are designed to
promote stability, economic security, responsibility and self-
sufficiency.
The Administration coordinates development and implementation of
family-centered strategies, policies, and linkages among its programs,
and with other federal and state programs serving children and
families. The Administration's programs assist families in financial
crisis, emphasizing short-term financial assistance, and education,
training and employment for the long term. Its programs for children
and youth focus on those children and youth with special problems,
including children of low-income families, abused and neglected
children, those in institutions or requiring adoption or foster family
services, runaway youth, children with disabilities, migrant children,
and Native American children. The Administration promotes the
development of comprehensive and integrated community and home-based
modes of service delivery where possible.
The Administration provides national leadership to develop and
coordinate public and private programs and serves as a focal point for
states in the provision of financial assistance and intervention
programs which promote and support permanence for children and family
stability. The Administration advises the Secretary on issues
pertaining to children and families, including Native Americans, people
with developmental disabilities, refugees and legalized aliens.
K.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families
(ACF) is a principal operating division of the Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS). The Administration is headed by the Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families, who reports directly to the
Secretary. The Assistant Secretary also serves as the Director of Child
Support Enforcement. In addition the Assistant Secretary, the
Administration consists of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program
Operations, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External
Affairs, and Staff and Program Offices. ACF is organized as follows:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families (KA)
Administration on Children, Youth and Families (KB)
Administration on Developmental Disabilities (KC)
Regional Office for Children and Families (KD 1-X)
Administration for Native Americans (KE)
Office of Child Support Enforcement (KF)--(which will
remain as a separate organizational unit)
Office of Community Services (KG)
Office of Family Assistance (KH)
Office of Regional Operations and State Systems (KJ)
Office of Staff Development and Employee Relations (KL)
Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (KM)
Office of Public Affairs (KN)
Office of Program Support (KP)
Office of Refugee Resettlement (KR)
Office of Human Resources and Equal Employment
Opportunity/Civil Rights (KS)
Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget (KT)
K.30 Functions. The Administration develops, recommends and issues
policies, procedures and interpretations to provide direction to the
programs it administers. It directs reviews, provides consultation and
conducts negotiations to achieve adherence to federal law and
regulations for administration of its programs. It designs and
administers systems and directs reviews of the programs to ensure cost-
effectiveness, efficiency, quality, and financial integrity. The
Administration provides technical assistance, conducts research and
evaluation, and promotes information sharing for its programs. It also
provides departmental leadership and guidance in the development and
implementation of policies and standards applicable to state data
systems development, information systems sharing, financial integrity,
and quality assurance activities. The functions of the organizational
elements of ACF are described in detail in successful chapters.
II. Delete Chapter KA, ``The Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Children and Families'' in its entirety and replace as follows:
KA.00 Mission
KA.10 Organization
KA.20 Functions
KA.00 Mission. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Children
and Families provides executive direction, leadership, and guidance for
all ACF programs. The Office provides national leadership to develop
and coordinate public and private initiatives for carrying out programs
which promote permanency placement planning, family stability and self-
sufficiency. The Office advises the Secretary on issues affecting
America's children and families, including Native Americans, persons
with developmental disabilities, refugees and legalized aliens.
KA.10 Organization. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Children and Families is headed by the Assistant Secretary who reports
directly to the Secretary and consists of:
The Office of the Assistant Secretary (KA)
Executive Secretariat Office (KAB)
President's Committee on Mental Retardation Staff (KAD)
U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect Staff (KAE)
U.S. Commission on Child and Family Welfare Staff (KAF)
KA.20 Functions. A. The Office of the Assistant Secretary is
responsible to the Secretary for carrying out AFC's mission and
provides executive supervision to the major components of ACF.
These responsibilities include providing executive leadership and
direction to plan and coordinate ACF program activities to assure their
effectiveness, approving instructions, policies, publications, and
grant awards issued by ACF, and representing ACF in relationships with
governmental and non-governmental organizations. The Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families also serves as the Director of the
Office of Child Support Enforcement, and signs official Child Support
Enforcement documents as the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families.
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program Operations serves as
principal advisor and counsel to the Assistant Secretary for Children
and Families on all aspects of strategic and operation management
issues. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program Operations serves as
ACF liaison to the General Counsel and, as appropriate, initiates
action in securing resolution of
[[Page 40588]]
legal matters relating to management of the agency, and represents the
Assistant Secretary on all administrative litigation matters. The
Deputy Assistant Secretary provides day-to-day executive leadership and
direction for the Office of Human Resources and Equal Employment
Opportunity/Civil Rights, Office of Staff Development and Employee
Relations and the Executive Secretariat Office. The Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Program Operations represents the Assistant Secretary in
HHS and with other Federal agencies and task forces in defining
objectives and priorities, and in coordinating activities associated
with reinvention and continuous improvement initiatives.
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs
serves as the principal advisor and counsel to the Assistant Secretary
for Children and Families on all aspects of legislation, policy,
strategic planning, performance measures and demonstration testing,
research, evaluation, intergovernmental affairs, budget formulation and
media. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs
develops broad policy strategies and concepts pertaining to on-going
and anticipated program issues and recommends legislation relevant to
ACF programs. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External
Affairs formulates and presents ACF's program budgets; represents the
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families in budget negotiations
with the Department and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); and
assists in planning for and presenting the budget before the OMB and
Congress. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External
Affairs represents the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on
intergovernmental matters, media affairs, and in contacts and
negotiations with Congressional members and staff and executives of
agencies and organizations. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy
and External Affairs provides executive leadership and direction to the
Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget, the Office of Planning,
Research and Evaluation and the Office of Public Affairs. The Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs also provides
oversight for agency commissions and advisory committees, including the
U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, the U.S. Commission on
Child and Family Welfare and the President's Committee on Mental
Retardation.
B. The Executive Secretariat Office ensures that issues requiring
the attention of the Assistant Secretary, Deputy Assistant Secretaries
and/or executive staff are addressed on a timely and coordinated basis;
facilitates decisions on matters requiring immediate action including
White House, congressional and secretarial assignments. It serves as
the ACF liaison with the HHS Executive Secretariat. It receives,
assesses and controls incoming correspondence and assignments to the
appropriate ACF component(s) for response and action; provides
assistance and advice to ACF staff on the development of responses to
correspondence and on the controlled correspondence system; coordinates
and/or prepares congressional correspondence; and tracks development of
periodic reports and facilitates departmental clearance. The Director
of the Executive Secretariat Office serves as the Freedom of
Information Act Officer for ACF and coordinates hot line calls received
by the Office of Inspector General and the General Accounting Office on
ACF operations and personnel.
C. The President's Committee on Mental Retardation Staff (PCMR)
provides general staff support for a Presidential-level advisory body,
the President's Committee on Mental Retardation. It coordinates all
meetings and congressional hearing arrangements; provides such advice
and assistance in the areas of mental retardation as the President or
Secretary may request; prepares and issues an annual report to the
President concerning mental retardation and such additional reports or
recommendations as the President may require or as PCMR may deem
appropriate; and evaluates the national effort to prevent and
ameliorate mental retardation. It works with other federal, state, and
local governments and private sector organizations to achieve
Presidential goals in mental retardation; develops and disseminates
information to increase public awareness of mental retardation, to
reduce its incidence, and to alleviate its effects. The Staff that
supports the Committee reports to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Policy and External Affairs.
D. The National Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect Staff
Provides support and information pertaining to studies, research, or
analyses of various matters affecting child abuse and neglect for the
Board to use in its deliberations and recommendations. The Staff
assists the Board in preparing and submitting to the Secretary and
appropriate Committees of Congress an annual report with
recommendations on ways in which the purposes of the Child Abuse
Prevention and Treatment Act can effectively be achieved. The Staff
makes arrangements for all meetings and hearings of the Board. The
staff reports to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External
Affairs.
E. The U.S. Commission on Child And Family Welfare Staff provides
support pertaining to studies, research and analyses of various matters
affecting families and children. The Commission's initial focus is on
custody and visitation with an interest in keeping both parents
involved in the emotional and financial support of their children. The
staff assists the Commission by scheduling public hearings and forming
panels of experts in family law, child welfare, child support and
parents' and children's advocacy groups. The Staff assists the
Commission in preparing an interim and final report to the Congress.
The staff that supports the Commission reports to the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Policy and External Affairs.
III. Retitle Chapter KJ. ``The Office of Information Systems
Management/Child Support Information Systems'' as the ``Office of
Regional Operations and Systems,'' and replace with the following:
KJ.00 Mission
KJ.10 Organization
KJ.20 Functions
KJ.00 Mission. The Office of Regional Operations and State Systems
(OROSS) recommends to and advises the Assistant Secretary on all
strategic and operational activities related to implementation of the
agency's programs at the regional level. It oversees the performance
and operation of all Regional Offices, and coordinates with program
offices on strategies and implementation of program initiatives. It
serves as the focal point for State automated systems funded with
Federal financial participation for the Department. It coordinates
ACF's development and implementation of strategies and policies related
to payment integrity, electronic benefits transfer, welfare systems
integration, and related initiatives and programs. It directs state
systems activities on partnership, collaborative efforts, and technical
assistance activities.
KJ.10 Organization. The Office of Regional Operations and State
Systems is headed by a Director who reports to the Assistant Secretary
for Children and Families. The Office is organized as follows:
Office of the Director (KJA)
Regional Operations Staff (KJB)
Office of State Systems/Child Support Information Systems
(KJC)
[[Page 40589]]
KJ.20 Functions. A. Office of the Director provides executive
leadership for administering the agency's programs and initiatives at
the regional level. The Director provides direction to the Regional
Operations Staff and the Office of State Systems. The Director also
serves as the Associate Deputy Director of Child Support Enforcement
Systems and reports directly to the Director, Child Support
Enforcement, on matters related to child support information systems.
The Director is the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for
Children and Families on region-related and State systems matters.
The Director supervises and supports the Regional Administrators in
administering Regional Office activities and establishing and
implementing cross-cutting program initiatives. The Director
establishes coordinative arrangements with program and staff office
directors to assure that the Regional Administrators can oversee
operations, fulfill program responsibilities, and have access to needed
information. The Director advises the Assistant Secretary of problems
that could prevent the Regional Offices from carrying out the mission
of ACF and the Department.
The Director represents the Assistant Secretary in HHS and with
other Federal agencies and task forces on Region-related and State
systems activities.
In conjunction with Program and Regional Offices, the Director
provides the leadership of ACF's partnership and monitoring activities.
The Director is jointly responsible with the Office of Planning,
Research and Evaluation for implementing performance measures for ACF's
goals and objectives.
Within the Office of the Director, administrative staff assist the
Director in managing the administrative, personnel, and salaries and
expenses activities for the Office of Regional Operations and State
Systems.
B. The Regional Operations Staff develops and manages processes for
liaison between ACF Regional Offices and the Assistant Secretary and
program and staff offices in headquarters. The Staff supports Regional
Offices by implementing and overseeing systems and procedures for
communicating with and managing the workload emanating from the varied
and diverse ACF Program Offices. The Staff monitors and evaluates
Regional Office operations and makes plans for the utilization of
regional resources to accomplish approved objectives. The Staff works
with program offices to develop strategies for delivery of services to
States and grantees.
C. The Office of State Systems/Child Support Information Systems
oversees the Department's responsibilities for Federal financial
participation in the funding of State automated systems for ACF
programs. It coordinates ACF's development and implementation of
strategies and policies related to payment integrity, electronic
benefits transfer, welfare systems integration, and related initiatives
and programs. It directs State systems activities on partnership,
collaborative efforts, and technical assistance activities. It is
headed by a Director who reports to the Director, Office of Regional
Operations and State Systems. The Office consists of:
Office of the Director (KJC1)
State Systems Policy Staff (KJC2)
Division of State Systems Approvals (KJC3)
Division of Child Support Information Systems (KJC4)
1. The Office of the Director provides leadership for provision of
technical assistance to States on information systems projects; and
advances the use of computer technology in the administration of
welfare and social services programs by States.
2. The State Systems Policy Staff is responsible for developing
departmental policies and procedures under which States obtain Federal
financial participation in the cost of automated systems development to
support programs funded under the Social Security Act. It serves as the
departmental focal point for the development and implementation of
strategies and policies related to payment integrity, welfare systems
integration and related initiatives and programs; and provides
leadership and guidance to interagency work groups in these areas for
the Department.
3. The Division of State Systems Approvals reviews, analyzes, and
approves/disapproves State requests for Federal financial participation
for automated systems development activities which support the AFDC,
JOBS, Child Care, Head Start, Child Welfare, Foster Care, Social
Services, and Refugee Resettlement programs. It provides assistance to
States in developing or modifying automation plans to conform to
Federal requirements. It monitors approved State systems development
activities; conducts periodic reviews to assure State compliance with
regulatory requirements applicable to automated systems supported by
Federal financial participation. It provides guidance to States on
functional requirements for these automated information systems. It
promotes interstate transfer of existing automated systems and provides
assistance and guidance to improve ACF's programs through the use of
automated systems.
4. The Division of Child Support Information Systems is a separate
organizational unit which reports to the Associate Deputy Director for
Child Support Enforcement, who reports to the Director of Child Support
Enforcement. The Division reviews, analyzes, and approves/disapproves
State requests for Federal financial participation for automated
systems development activities which support the Child Support program.
It provides assistance to States in developing or modifying automation
plans to conform to Federal requirements. It monitors approved State
systems development activities; conducts periodic reviews to assure
State compliance with regulatory requirements applicable to automated
systems supported by Federal financial participation. It provides
guidance to States on functional requirements for these automated
information systems. It promotes interstate transfer of existing
automated systems and provides assistance and guidance to improve ACF's
programs through the use of automated systems.
V. Delete Chapter KL. ``The Office of Management,'' retitle it as
the ``Office of Staff Development and Employee Relations'' and replace
with the following:
The Office of Staff Development and Employee Relations
KL.00 Mission
KL.10 Organization
KL.20 Functions
KL.00 Mission. The Office of Staff Development and Employee
Relations (OSDER) serves as principal advisor to the Assistant
Secretary and provides consultation, policy development, technical
assistance and related services to all ACF components in the areas of
training, staff development, organizational analysis, labor relations
and employee relations.
KL.10 Organization. The Office of Staff Development and Employee
Relations is headed by a Director who reports to the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Program Operations.
KL.20 Functions. The Office of Staff Development and Employee
Relations provides leadership in directing and managing agency-wide
staff development and training activities for ACF. The Office is
responsible for the functional management of training and development
in the agency, including policy development, guidance, and technical
assistance and evaluation of all aspects of career, employee,
[[Page 40590]]
supervisory, management, executive and organization development.
Provides leadership in implementing the recommendations of the Staff
Development and Training Team, by creating, managing/overseeing and
monitoring an ACF training resource center and institutionalizing long-
term developmental training for ACF employees.
The Office serves as the principal source of advice through the
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program Operations to the Assistant
Secretary on organizational design by collaborating with staff to
develop high-leverage, tailored solutions to achieve measurable
outcomes and to transform the agency to a quality organization that
supports ACF's vision, values and goals. The Office advises the
Assistant Secretary on all aspects of ACF organizational analysis
including: Planning for new organizational elements; and planning,
organizing and performing studies, analysis and evaluations related to
structural, functional and organizational issues, problems and policies
to ensure organizational effectiveness. Conducts the review process for
ACF reorganization proposals. Acts as liaison with the Assistant
Secretary for Management and Budget to coordinate organizational
proposals requiring Secretarial approval; prepares functional
statements and official organizational charts. Administers ACF's system
for review, approval, and documentation of delegations of authority and
maintains the guidelines related to the delegations of authority.
Provides management advisory service on all labor management
relations issues, including coordination and liaison with the
Department. Plans and coordinates ACF-wide employee relations and labor
relations activities including the application and interpretation of
the Federal Labor-Management Relations Program, collective bargaining
agreements and regulations. Pursues human relations innovations such as
alternative dispute resolutions and serves as the focal point on all
issues pertaining to the Labor-Management Partnership Council.
VI. Delete Chapter KM. ``The Office of Policy and Evaluation'' in
its entirety, retitle it as the ``Office of Planning, Research and
Evaluation,'' and replace it with the following:
KM.00 Mission
KM.10 Organization
KM.20 Functions
KM.00 Mission. The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation
(OPRE) is the principal advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Policy and External Affairs and the Assistant Secretary for Children
and Families on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of programs
designed to make measurable improvements in the economic and social
well-being of children and families.
The Office provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance, and
oversight to ACF programs and across programs in the agency on:
Strategic planning aimed at measurable results; performance
measurement; research and evaluation methodologies; demonstration
testing and model development; statistical, policy and program
analysis; synthesis and dissemination of research and demonstration
findings; and application of emerging technologies to improve the
effectiveness of programs and service delivery.
The Office oversees and manages the section 1110 and section 1115
social service research programs, including: Priority setting and
analysis; processing waivers for welfare reform demonstrations;
managing and coordinating major cross-cutting, leading-edge studies and
special initiatives; collaborating with states, communities,
foundations, professional organizations and others to promote the
development of children, family focused services, parental
responsibility, employment, and economic independence; and providing
coordination and leadership in implementing the Government Performance
and Results Act (GPRA).
KM.10 Organization. The Office of Planning, Research and
Evaluation is headed by a Director who reports to the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Policy and External Affairs. The Office is organized as
follows:
Office of the Director (KMA)
Division of Economic Independence (KBM)
Division of Child and Family Development (KMC)
KM.20 Functions A. The Office of the Director provides direction
and executive leadership to OPRE in administering its responsibilities.
It services as principal advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Policy and External Affairs and the Assistant Secretary for Children
and Families on all matters pertaining to: Improving the effectiveness
and efficiency of ACF programs; strategic planning; performance
measurement; program and policy evaluation; research and
demonstrations; state and local innovations and progress; and public/
private partnership initiatives of concern to the Assistant Secretary
for Children and Families. It represents the Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Policy and External Affairs and the Assistant Secretary for
Children and Families at various planning, research, and evaluation
forums and carries out special Departmental and Administration
initiatives.
B. The Division of Economic Independence, in cooperation with ACF
income support programs and others, works with Federal counterparts,
states, community agencies, and the private sector to understand and
overcome barriers to economic independence; promote parental
responsibility; and assist in improving the effectiveness of programs
that further economic independence.
The Division provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance and
oversight in ACF on: Strategic planning and performance measurement for
economic independence; statistical, policy and program analysis;
surveys, research, and evaluation methodologies; demonstration testing
and model development; synthesis and dissemination of research and
demonstration findings; and application of emerging technologies to
programs which promote employment, parental responsibility, and
economic independence.
The Division analyzes, processes and coordinates Federal review and
decision-making for all section 1115 state welfare reform waiver
demonstration requests; develops policy-relevant priorities; conducts,
manages and coordinates major cross-program, leading-edge research,
demonstrations, and evaluation studies; manages and conducts
statistical, policy and program analyses on trends in employment, child
support payments, and other income supports; and works in partnership
with states, communities, and the private sector to promote employment,
parental responsibility, and family economic independence.
C. The Division of Child and Family Development, in cooperation
with ACF programs and others, works with Federal counterparts, states,
community agencies, and the private sector to: Improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of programs; assure the protection of
children and other vulnerable populations; strengthen and promote
family stability; and foster sound growth and development of children
and their families.
The Division provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance and
oversight in ACF on: Strategic planning and performance measurement for
child and family development; statistical, policy and program analysis;
surveys, research and evaluation methodologies;
[[Page 40591]]
demonstration testing and model development; synthesis and
dissemination of research and demonstration findings; and application
of emerging technologies to improve the effectiveness of programs and
service delivery.
The Division manages the section 1110 social service research
budget; develops policy-relevant priorities; conducts, manages and
coordinates statistical analyses on social trends and progress on major
cross-program, leading-edge research, demonstration, and evaluation
studies; manages and conducts statistical, policy and program analyses
on social trends and behaviors which impact child and family well-
being; and works in partnership with states, local communities, and the
private sector to promote the well-being of children and families.
VII. Amend ``Chapter KN, Office of Public Affairs,'' as follows:
A. Under paragraph ``KN.00 Mission.'' delete in its entirety and
replace with the following:
Mission. The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) develops, directs and
coordinates public affairs and communication services for ACF. In
concert with the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External
Affairs, it provides leadership, direction and oversight in promoting
ACF's public affairs policies, programs and initiatives. The Office of
Public Affairs also provides printing and distribution services for
ACF.
B. Under ``KN.20 Functions, paragraph C, Division of Publication
Services,'' delete in its entirety and replace with the following:
Division of Publication Services in its entirety and replace with
the following: Division of Publications Services directs the audio-
visual, publication and printing management systems for ACF. It manages
preparation and clearance of all ACF audio-visual product,
publications, and graphic designs, including planning, budget oversight
and technical support. It provides centralized graphics design services
to ACF. It reviews requests for proposals for contracts and grants
which involve publications, audio-visual materials and/or public
information and education activity.
The Division also provides technical leadership and services in
public information, printing, and mail distribution. Recommends
approaches for meeting internal and external communications needs of
the ACF. Acts as focal point for clearance of all publications and
audio-visual projects whether produced in-house or by contract or
grant.
VIII. Delete Chapter KP. ``The Office of Program Support'' in its
entirety and replace with the following:
KP.00 Mission
KP.10 Organization
KP.20 Functions
KP.00 Mission. The Office of Program Support (OPS) advises the
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on information resource,
financial, grants, procurement and materiel resource management
activities, both internal and external to ACF. The Office develops,
administers and coordinates financial, operational and budgetary
policies, processes, and controls necessary to administer ACF programs
and financial resources; directs discretionary and mandatory grant
activities; oversees the utilization of information resources
throughout ACF; directs ACF's information systems, computer centers and
communications network activities; oversees telecommunications
management; and, administers and coordinates ACF's internal control
activities.
KP.10 Organization. The Office of Program Support (OPS) is headed
by a Director who reports directly to the Assistant Secretary for
Children and Families. The Office is organized as follows:
Office of the Director (KPA)
Office of Information Services (KPB)
Office of Financial Services (KPC)
Office of Management Services (KPD)
Office of Customer Service and Administration (KPE)
KP.20 Functions. A. Office of the Director directs and coordinates
all activities of the Office of Program Support. The Director serves as
ACF's: Chief Financial Officer (CFO); ACF's Chief Grants Management
Officer; Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) Management
Control Officer; Principal Information Resource Management Official;
and, Reports Clearance Officer. The Director serves as the AFC liaison
with the Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget, the General
Accounting Office, the Office of the Inspector General, and the Office
of Management and Budget for areas under OPS' purview. The Office of
Program Support (OPS) advises the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families on information resource, financial, grants, procurement and
materiel resource management activities, both internal and external to
ACF. The Office develops, administers and coordinates financial,
operational and budgetary policies, processes, and controls necessary
to administer ACF programs and financial resources; directs
discretionary and mandatory grant activities; oversees the utilization
of information resources throughout ACF; directs ACF's information
systems, computer centers and communications network activities;
oversees telecommunications management; and, administers and
coordinates ACF's internal control activities.
B. Office of Information Services (OIS) provides centralized
information technology policy, procedures, standards and guidelines;
develops long-range information resource management (IRM) plans;
develops IRM policy, procurement plans and budget for OIS, develops and
implements procurement strategies for ADP support services; reviews and
analyzes all ADP acquisition documentation for compliance with
applicable laws and regulations as well as for procurement strategy;
coordinates technical assistance provided to program offices on ADP
support services procurement; represents ACF on the Department's IRM
Advisory Council; provides liaison and manages major interdepartmental
IRM initiatives; conducts major information system reviews of ADP
systems as required by the Department; directs and coordinates ACF's
systems security and privacy responsibilities; maintains an ACF-wide
program data inventory; coordinates mandated OMB approvals required
under the Paperwork Reduction Act; and plans, directs and maintains ACF
electronic records management system.
OIS manages the National Computer Center facility which provides
services to ACF components and authorized state and country computer
users for programs administered by ACF; plans, manages, maintains and
operates ACF's local area networks (LANs), national wide-area network
(WAN) and personal computers; provides for equipment and software
acquisition, maintenance and user support for end-user computing;
manages and maintains a Help Desk for ACF users and provides
information technology and software training in coordination with ACF
components, develops plans and places orders for data communications
services; provides liaison with HHS, GSA and private firms on data
telecommunications matters; and, provides assistance to ACF components
to identify needs for and use of data telecommunications equipment and
systems.
OIS designs, develops, implements and maintains application systems
to support ACF administrative, budget and program systems; provides
technical assistance to ACF program offices procuring system support
services;
[[Page 40592]]
provides technical assistance on automated systems to state and local
agencies who are users of ACF's Computer Center; and develops software
policy, procedures, standards and guidelines.
C. Office of Financial Services (OFS) supports the Director, OPS in
fulfilling ACF's Chief Financial Officer, Management Control Officer,
and Chief Grants Officer responsibilities including preparation of the
CFO 5 Year Plan; performs audit oversight and liaison activities,
including preparing reports to Congress, Office of the General Counsel
and the Office of the Inspector General. OFS writes/interprets
financial policy and researches appropriation law issues; oversees and
coordinates ACF's FMFIA activities; performs debt management functions
and, develops and administers quality assurance, training and
certification programs for grants management; and responsible for the
annual preparation and audit of ACF's financial statement requirements.
OFS designs and develops budget estimating models and procedures,
projects the five-year federal costs for ACF entitlement programs and
analyzes the impact on ACF programs and customers of proposed changes
to ACF entitlement programs. The Office provides requested updates of
the projected cost estimates of the Office of Refugee Resettlement's
(ORR) Cash and Medical Assistance Program and develops the means of
making efficient use of related data collected by ACF. OFS facilitates
the preparation of comprehensive administrative (salaries and expenses)
budget for ACF; represents ACF in budget negotiations and other
finance-related dealings with the Department; prepares apportionment
requests and issues allotments and allowances; oversees reconciliation
of accounting reports and monitors agency spending; develops and
maintains budgetary controls and procedures to ensure observance of
established ceilings on both funds and personnel; develops/interprets
internal policies and procedures for OFS components; and, coordinates
the management of ACF's interagency agreement activities.
OFS provides agency-wide guidance to program and regional office
staff on grant related issues; including developing and interpreting
financial and grants policy, coordinating strategic grants planning,
facilitating policy advisory groups, and assuring consistent grant
program announcements. OFS prepares, coordinates and disseminates
action transmittals, information memoranda, and other policy guidance
on financial and grants management issues; provides financial and
grants administration training and technical assistance to ACF staff
and grantees; and, in coordination with the Office of Management
Services, directs and/or coordinates management initiatives to improve
financial administration of ACF mandatory and discretionary grant
programs.
D. Office of Management Services (OMS) provides centralized
management and administration of acquisitions for ACF headquarters
components; assures that all contracts awarded conform to applicable
statutes, regulations and policies; develops ACF policies, procedures
and instructions for the award and administration of all ACF
acquisitions; reviews and interprets proposed HHS and OMB regulations,
circulars and directives pertaining to acquisition management;
solicits, negotiates, awards, modifies, terminates and closes all
acquisitions issued by ACF; conducts the Small and Disadvantaged
Business Utilization Program; and provides training and technical
assistance to program and staff components on significant acquisition
policies and procedures. OMS serves as the lead for ACF in coordination
and liaison within ACF and with the Department, OMB, GSA and other
federal agencies on procurement management issues and activities.
OMS develops and implements ACF's facilities management programs
and activities, including preparation and implementation of a budget
for space acquisitions and changes; maintains space inventories;
provides mail, records (paper), fleet, real property, personal property
and reprographics management, occupational health and safety, and
physical security programs and messenger and labor services; principal
liaison with private and/or federal building managers for all
facilities management activities; coordinates and/or develops
telecommunications plans and provides assistance to ACF components to
identify needs for and use of voice telecommunications equipment and
systems; operates/coordinates parking and commuter services and
programs including transit subsidies and ridesharing; provides travel
policy and management; functions as payroll liaison; manages the
automated timekeeping systems; controls/maintains equipment, supplies,
and personal property inventories; manages equipment repair services;
reviews, controls, monitors and tracks all small purchases of common
use supplies, stationery and publications; oversees the Information
Resource Center (library); manages contracts for facilities management
services, including space design, building alteration and repair,
telecommunications, physical security, moving, systems furniture
acquisitions and assembly, library, property inventory; and updates and
maintains databases for telephone directories, directory boards, signs
and security identification systems. OMS serves as the lead for ACF in
coordination and liaison with the Department, GSA and other federal
agencies on facilities, telecommunications, property management, travel
and automated timekeeping issues and activities.
OMS provides management and technical administration of ACF
discretionary, formula, entitlement and block grants; assures that all
grants awarded by ACF conform with applicable statutes, regulations,
and policies; computes grantee allocations, prepares grant awards,
ensures incorporation of necessary grant terms and conditions, and
monitors grantee expenditures; analyzes financial needs under grant
programs; provides data in support of apportionment requests; prepares
reports and analyses on the grantee's use of funds; maintains liaison
and coordination with appropriate ACF and HHS organizations to ensure
consistency between ACF grant systems and the Department's grant
payment systems; and, provides technical assistance to ACF program and
regional components on grant operations and technical grants management
issues; and performs audit resolution activities for ACF grant
programs. OMS serves as the lead for ACF in coordination and liaison
with the Department and other federal agencies on grants management and
administration operational issues and activities.
E. Office of Customer Service and Administration (OCSA) develops
and maintains a customer service plan for the OPS and conducts customer
surveys for OPS; facilitates and assists in developing and writing
standard operating procedures for all components within OPS; assists in
office-specific training of OPS staff; assists OPS components with the
provision of office-specific and functional training to program and
regional offices; coordinates permanent and temporary teams formed
within OPS; develops and maintains OPS staff directory and users' guide
for OPS services.
OCSA is responsible for overseeing OPS' salaries and expenses
budget. Provides direction to meet the human resource management needs
within OPS; coordinates with the office which handles ACF's human
resources activities and the Department to provide OPS staff with
personnel services
[[Page 40593]]
including position management, staffing, recruitment, employee and
labor relations, employee assistance, payroll, staff development and
training, and special hiring and placement programs; and, maintains
systems to track personnel actions to keep the Director of OPS and, as
appropriate, the Directors of offices within OPS informed about the
status of personnel actions, current full-time equivalency usage and
salaries and expenses resources, and employee programs and benefits.
All OPS personnel related issues, performance management activities and
other administrative functions within OPS are handled within this
office.
IX. Establish a new ``Chapter KS,'' as follows:
The Office of Human Resources and Equal Employment Opportunity/
Civil Rights.
KS.00 Mission
KS.10 Organization
KS.20 Functions
KS.00 Mission. The Office of Human Resources and Equal Employment
Opportunity/Civil Rights (OHREEO/CR) provides oversight and direction
to meet the human resource management needs of ACF components. The
Office directs and manages the ACF Equal Employment Opportunity and
Civil Rights program.
KS.10 Organization. The Office of Human Resources and Equal
Employment Opportunity/Civil Rights is headed by a Director who reports
to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program Operations.
KS.20 Functions. The Office of Human Resources and Equal
Employment Opportunity serves as the principal advisor to the Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families on all aspects of human resource
management and the Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights
program. Provides leadership, oversight and coordination for the
planning, analysis, and development of human resource policies and
programs. Serves as the liaison between ACF, the Office of Assistant
Secretary for Personnel Administration, and the HHS Office for Civil
Rights. Formulates and interprets new human service programs and
strategies. Plans, develops and interprets ACF human resource policies,
procedures and manuals/systems. Performs employee utilization and
assessment evaluations. Participates in pilot projects and represents
ACF on committees which relate to the functions of the office. Manages
the performance recognition systems and the responsibilities of the
Executive Resources Board (ERB), the Performance Review Board (PRB),
and the Performance Standards Review Board. Manages and coordinates all
awards programs for ACF. Manages special hiring and placement programs.
Administers ACF's Personnel Security responsibilities and ACF's ethics
program. Coordinates the ethics program with the Department's Office of
Special Counsel for Ethics. Supports the implementation of ACF's
streamlining efforts.
OHREEO/CR directs and manages the ACF Equal Employment Opportunity
and Civil Rights program in accordance with Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations and HHS guidelines. Immediate
oversight is provided by a staff under the direction of the ACF EEO
Officer. Plans, develops, and evaluates programs and procedures
designed to identify and eliminate discrimination in employment,
training, incentive awards, promotion and career opportunities.
Responsible for implementing and evaluating a cost-effective, timely,
and impartial system for processing individual complaints of
discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
amended. Provides information, guidance, advice, and technical
assistance to ACF supervisors and managers on Affirmative Employment
planning and other means of achieving parity and promoting work force
diversity. Responsible for ensuring that ACF-conducted programs do not
discriminate against recipients on the basis of race, color, national
origin, age or disability. Monitors and implements civil rights
compliance actions under Title VI, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, as amended, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as
amended. Implements the applicable provisions of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990.
X. Establish a new ``Chapter KT,'' as follows:
Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget
KT.00 Mission
KT.10 Organization
KT.20 Functions
KT.100 Mission. The Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget
(OLAB) provides leadership in the development of legislation, budget,
and policy, ensuring consistency in these areas among ACR program and
staff offices, and with ACF and the Department's vision and goals. It
advises the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on all policy
and programmatic matters which substantially impact the agency's
legislative program, budget development process, and regulatory agenda.
The Office serves as the primary ACF contact, for the Department, the
Executive Branch, and the Congress on all legislative, budget
development and regulatory activities.
KT.10 Organization. The Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget
is headed by a Director, who reports to the Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Policy and External Affairs.
KT.20 Functions. The Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget
serves as the principal advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Policy and External Affairs and the Assistant Secretary for Children
and Families on all policies and programmatic matters which
substantially impact on legislative affairs, budget development, and
the regulatory agenda; and represents the Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Policy and External Affairs and the Assistant Secretary on budget,
policy and legislative materials and activities.
Serves as the primary ACF contact for the Department, the Executive
Branch, and Congress on all budget development activities; manages the
development and presentation of ACF's budget; provides guidance to ACF
program and staff components in preparing material in support of budget
development.
Manages the ACF regulatory development process; negotiates
regulatory policy positions with the Department and the Executive
Branch; provides guidance to ACF programs and staff components on
policy and programmatic matters which substantially impact the budget
and regulatory development process; and reviews and analyzes other
policy significant documents to ensure consistency with ACF's budget,
vision and goals.
Serves as the focal point for congressional liaison in ACF and for
the Office of Assistant Secretary for Legislation; counsels and advises
the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families and senior ACF staff
on congressional activities and relations; manages the preparation of
testimony and briefings; negotiates clearance of testimony; monitors
hearings and other congressional activities which affect ACF; and
manages congressional inquiries.
Manages the ACF legislative planning cycle and the development of
Reports to Congress; reviews and analyzes a wide range of Congressional
policy documents, including legislative proposals, pending legislation,
and bill reports; solicits and synthesizes internal ACF comments on
such documents; negotiates legislative policy positions with the
Department and the Executive
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Branch; and reviews other policy significant documents to ensure
consistency with statutory and congressional intent and the agency
legislative agenda.
Dated: August 1, 1995.
Donna E. Shalala,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 95-19570 Filed 8-8-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-M
