New Policies and Procedural Requirements for Electronic Submission of State Plans, and Program and Financial Reporting Forms, for Mandatory Grant Programs, 38989-38991 [2013-15465]

Download as PDF tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 125 / Friday, June 28, 2013 / Notices 13. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Part C Medicare Advantage Reporting Requirements and Supporting Regulations; Use: There are a number of information users of Part C reporting, including central and regional office staff that use this information to monitor health plans and to hold them accountable for their performance. Other government agencies such as the Government Accountability Office have inquired about this information. Health plans can use this information to measure and benchmark their performance. CMS intends to make some of these data available for public reporting as ‘‘display measures’’ in 2013. Form Number: CMS–10305 (OCN: 0938–1115); Frequency: Yearly and semi-annually; Affected Public: Business or other for-profits; Number of Respondents: 588; Total Annual Responses: 6,715; Total Annual Hours: 200,918. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Terry Lied at 410–786–8973.) 14. Type of Information Collection Request: New Collection (Request for a new OMB control number; Title of Information Collection: Enrollee Satisfaction Survey Data Collection; Use: Section 1311(c)(4) of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop an enrollee satisfaction survey system that assesses consumer experience with qualified health plans (QHPs) offered through an Exchange. It also requires public display of enrollee satisfaction information by the Exchange to allow individuals to easily compare enrollee satisfaction levels between comparable plans. HHS intends to establish an enrollee satisfaction survey system that assesses consumer experience with the Marketplaces and the qualified health plans (QHPs) offered through the Marketplaces. The surveys will include topics to assess consumer experience with the Marketplace such as enrollment and customer service, as well as experience with the health care system such as communication skills of providers and ease of access to health care services. We are considering using the Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) principles (https:// www.cahps.ahrq.gov/about.htm) for developing the surveys. We are also considering an application and approval process for enrollee satisfaction survey vendors who want to participate in collecting ESS data. The application form for survey vendors includes information regarding organization VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Jun 27, 2013 Jkt 229001 name and contact(s) as well as minimum business requirements such as relevant survey experience, organizational survey capacity, and quality control procedures. The Marketplace Survey will provide (1) actionable information that the Marketplaces can use to improve performance, (2) information that we and state regulatory organizations can use for oversight, and (3) a longitudinal database for future Marketplace research. The CAHPS® family of instruments does not have a survey that assesses entities similar to Marketplaces, so the Marketplace survey items were generated by the project team. The QHP survey will (1) help consumers choose among competing health plans, (2) provide actionable information that the QHPs can use to improve performance, (3) provide information that regulatory and accreditation organizations can use to regulate and accredit plans, and (4) provide a longitudinal database for consumer research. CMS plans to base the QHP survey on the CAHPS® Health Plan Survey. We are planning for two rounds of developmental testing for the Marketplace and QHP surveys. The 2014 survey field tests will help determine psychometric properties and provide an initial measure of performance for Marketplaces and QHPs to use for quality improvement. Based on field test results, there will be further refinement of the questionnaires and sampling designs to conduct the 2015 beta test of each survey. We plan to request clearance for two additional rounds of national implementation with public reporting of scores for each survey in the future. A summary of findings from the testing rounds will be included when requesting clearance for the additional two rounds of national implementation with public reporting, which will take place in 2016 and 2017. Form Number: CMS–10488 (OCN: 0938–NEW); Frequency: Annually; Affected Public: Individuals and Households, Business or other forprofits and Not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 251,671; Total Annual Responses: 251,671; Total Annual Hours: 86,014. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Kathleen Jack at 410–786–7214.) Dated: June 25, 2013. Martique Jones, Deputy Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs. [FR Doc. 2013–15558 Filed 6–27–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 38989 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Administration for Children and Families New Policies and Procedural Requirements for Electronic Submission of State Plans, and Program and Financial Reporting Forms, for Mandatory Grant Programs Office of Administration (OA), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS). ACTION: Notice for public comment of new policies and procedural requirements for the electronic submission of State plans, and program and financial reporting forms, for mandatory grant programs. AGENCY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), an Operating Division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces the opportunity for public comment on our plan to implement required electronic submission of State plans, which includes applications as applicable; and programmatic and financial reporting forms, for mandatory grant programs. In accordance with the e-Government initiatives mandated by the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999, ACF officially acknowledges that electronically generated and/or stored documents are recognized equivalents of an official paper grant file. Recognizing the equivalency of such documents eliminates duplicative effort and administrative burden for Federal grant applicants, recipients, and the awarding agency, by facilitating the submission and storage of official grant files. ACF has previously afforded recipients of mandatory State grant programs the option of submitting State plans, and programmatic and financial reporting forms, in both electronic and paper formats. This notice announces that recipients of mandatory State grant programs will now be required to submit State plans, and programmatic and financial reporting forms, electronically. The electronic portal used to support this effort is the ACF On-Line Data Collection (OLDC) system, which is available to State applicants and grantees at https:// extranet.acf.hhs.gov/oldcdocs/ materials.html. SUMMARY: Submit written or electronic comments on the policies and procedures announced in this Notice, on or before August 27, 2013. DATES: E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1 38990 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 125 / Friday, June 28, 2013 / Notices The public may submit written or electronic comments concerning this notice to Karen Shields, Grants Policy Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of Grants Policy, 370 L’Enfant Promenade SW., Aerospace Building, 6th Floor East, Washington, DC 20447. Email address: karen.shields@acf.hhs.gov. Delays may occur in mail delivery to Federal offices; therefore, a copy of submitted comments may also be faxed to (202) 205–4270. Received comments will be available for inspection by members of the public at the Office of Administration, Aerospace Building, Division of Grants ADDRESSES: Policy, 901 D Street SW., 6th Floor East, Washington, DC 20447. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Shields, Grants Policy Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, OA/Division of Grants Policy, 370 L’Enfant Promenade SW., Aerospace Building, 6th Floor East, Washington, DC 20447. Email: karen.shields@acf.hhs.gov. Fax: (202) 205–4270. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Submission of Mandatory Program State Plans In previous fiscal years, recipients of mandatory State grant programs had the option of submitting State plans in a format of their choosing. Effective October 1, 2013, ACF will require the use of the Standard Form SF–424M Mandatory Form when preparing State plans. The form is available to applicants and grantees within the OLDC system at https:// extranet.acf.hhs.gov/oldcdocs/ materials.html. Electronic Submission of Program Progress and Financial Reporting Forms Beginning with the effective date of October 1, 2013, the following reporting forms for mandatory State grant programs must be submitted electronically through the OLDC at https: //extranet.acf.hhs.gov/oldcdocs/ materials.html. Program name Form title. Abstinence Education Grant Program ...................................................... Abstinence Education Grant Program ...................................................... Adoption Assistance ................................................................................. Adoption Incentive Payments ................................................................... Chafee (formerly ILP) ............................................................................... Chafee Ed & Training Vouchers State Grants ......................................... Child Abuse and Neglect State Grant Part 1 ........................................... Child Care and Development Fund Mandatory & Matching .................... AEGP Performance Progress Report (PPR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form CB–496: Title IV–E Programs Quarterly Financial Report. Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form ACF–696T: Child Care and Development Fund Annual Financial Report for Tribes. Form ACF–402: Improper Authorizations. Form ACF–696: Child Care and Development Fund Financial Report for States and Territories. Form OCSE34A: Child Support Enforcement Program Quarterly Collection Report. Form OCSE–396A: Child Support Enforcement Program Quarterly Financial Report. Form OCSE 157: Child Support Enforcement Annual Data Report. Form OCSE–75: Tribal Child Support Enforcement Annual Data Report. Form OCSE34A: Child Support Enforcement Program Quarterly Collection Report. Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Child Care and Development Fund Mandatory & Matching .................... Child Care and Development Fund Mandatory & Matching .................... Child Support Enforcement—States ........................................................ Child Support Enforcement—States ........................................................ Child Support Enforcement—States ........................................................ Child Support Enforcement—Tribes ......................................................... tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Child Support Enforcement—Tribes ......................................................... Child Support Enforcement—Tribes ......................................................... Child Welfare Social Services .................................................................. Children’s Justice Act ............................................................................... Community Services Block Grant ............................................................ Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (formerly Community-Based Family Resource and Support). Family Violence Prevention & Services State Grants .............................. Family Violence Prevention & Services Tribal Grants ............................. Family Violence Prevention & Services State Grants .............................. Foster Care ............................................................................................... Guardianship Assistance .......................................................................... Healthy Marriages/Healthy Relationships Demo ...................................... Leveraging (LIHEAP) ................................................................................ Low Income Home Energy Assistance .................................................... Native Employment Works Program ........................................................ Promoting Safe and Stable Families Caseworker Visitation ................... Personal Responsibility Education Program ............................................ Personal Responsibility Education Program ............................................ Promoting Safe and Stable Families ........................................................ Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance ................................................... Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance ................................................... Refugee Social Services .......................................................................... Refugee Targeted Assistance .................................................................. Residential Energy Assistance Challenge Options Program ................... Social Services Block Grant ..................................................................... Social Services Emergency Disaster Relief ............................................. State Access and Visitation ...................................................................... State Court Improvement—Basic Program .............................................. State Court Improvement—Data Program ............................................... State Court Improvement—Training Program .......................................... Statewide Domestic Violence Coalition .................................................... VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Jun 27, 2013 Jkt 229001 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 FVPS Performance Progress Report (PPR)—(State). FVPS Performance Progress Report (PPR)—(Tribal). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form CB–496: Title IV–E Programs Quarterly Financial Report. Form CB–496: Title IV–E Programs Quarterly Financial Report. Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). PREP Performance Progress Report (PPR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form ORR–1: Cash and Medical Assistance Program Estimates. Form ORR–2: Quarterly Report on Expenditures and Obligations. Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 125 / Friday, June 28, 2013 / Notices Program name Form title. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Temporary Assistance for Needy Families .............................................. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families .............................................. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families .............................................. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families .............................................. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families .............................................. Tribal Construction ................................................................................... Exemptions From the Electronic Submission Requirement ACF recognizes that some of the recipient community may have limited or no Internet access, and/or limited computer capacity, which may prohibit uploading large files to the Internet through the OLDC system. To accommodate such recipients, ACF is instituting an exemption procedure, on a case-by-case basis, that will allow such recipients to submit hard copy, paper State plans and reporting forms by the United States Postal Service, hand-delivery, recipient courier, overnight/express mail couriers, or other representatives of the recipient. Additionally, on a case-by-case basis, we will consider requests to accept hard copy, paper submissions of State plans and reporting forms when circumstances such as natural disasters occur (floods, hurricanes, etc.); or when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases that would prevent electronic submission of the documents. Recipients will be required to submit a written statement to ACF that the recipient qualifies for an exemption under one of these grounds: lack of Internet access; or limited computer capacity that prevents the uploading of large files to the Internet; the occurrence of natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, etc.); or when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases that would prevent electronic submission of the documents. Exemption requests will be reviewed and the recipient will be notified of a decision to approve or deny the request. The written statement must be sent to the cognizant ACF Program Official and to ACF’s Grants Management Office point of contact shown in funding opportunity announcements (if applicable) or in a previously received Notices of Award. Exemption requests may be submitted by regular mail or by email. In all cases, the decision to allow an exemption to accept submission of hard copy, paper State plans and reporting forms will rest with the cognizant ACF Program Office. Exemptions are applicable only to the Federal fiscal year in which they are received and approved. If an exemption is necessary VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:17 Jun 27, 2013 Jkt 229001 38991 Form ACF–196T: Tribal TANF Financial Report. ACF–196T: TANF ARRA Financial Report. Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). ACF–204. Form ACF–196: TANF Quarterly Financial Report. Form SF–425: Federal Financial Report (FFR). for a future Federal fiscal year, a request must be submitted during each Federal fiscal year for which an exemption is necessary. entitlement, and block grant programs. A DUNS number may be acquired at no cost online at https://fedgov.dnb.com/ webform. Records Retention System for Award Management The HHS regulations pertaining to the retrieval, retention, disposition, and destruction of official grant files, 45 CFR 92.42, remains in effect for electronically submitted documents. Future Implementation This guidance represents the initial phase of ACF’s transition to required electronic submission of official grant documents for recipients of mandatory State grant programs. ACF will continue to communicate transition plans as they evolve, and will provide the recipient communities and the general public with sufficient notice of implementation details. In general, notices will be published in the Federal Register at least 60 days before the implementation becomes effective. Universal Identifier (DUNS) and SAM Registration ACF is prohibited from making an award until an applicant has complied with the following requirements: All applicants must have a DUNS number (www.dnb.com) and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, www.sam.gov). DUNS Number Requirement The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number is the ninedigit, or thirteen-digit (DUNS + 4), number established and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to uniquely identify business entities. All applicants and sub-recipients must have a DUNS number at the time of submission of the State plan in order to be considered for an award under a mandatory program. A DUNS number is required whether an applicant is submitting a hard copy, paper State plan or using the OLDC system. Exemption procedures for submitting hard copy, paper State plans in lieu of electronic submission are discussed in an earlier section of this Notice. DUNS numbers are required for every State plan for a new award, including State plans under formula, PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration until the State plan submission process is complete and throughout the life of the award. Applicants should finalize a new, or renew an existing, registration at least two weeks before the State plan submission deadline. This action should allow sufficient time to resolve any issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the inability to submit a State plan or receive an award. Maintain documentation (with dates) of efforts made to register or renew a registration at least two weeks before the deadline. Please see the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at: www.sam.gov/sam/ transcript/SAM_Quick_Guide_ Grants_Registrations-v1.6.pdf. Applicants are strongly encouraged to register at SAM.gov well in advance of the State plan submission due date. Registration at SAM.gov must be updated annually. Note: It can take 24 hours or more for updates to registrations at SAM.gov to take effect. An entity’s registration will become active after 3–5 days. Therefore, check for active registration well before the State plan submission due date and deadline. Recipients can view the registration status by visiting https://www.bpn.gov/CCRSearch/ Search.aspx and searching by the organization’s DUNS number. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at https:// www.sam.gov/sam/transcript/SAM_Quick_ Guide_Grants_Registrations-v1.6.pdf. Statutory Authority: Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999, Pub. L. 106–107. Robert Noonan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration, Administration for Children and Families. [FR Doc. 2013–15465 Filed 6–27–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4184–01–P E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 125 (Friday, June 28, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38989-38991]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-15465]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


New Policies and Procedural Requirements for Electronic 
Submission of State Plans, and Program and Financial Reporting Forms, 
for Mandatory Grant Programs

AGENCY: Office of Administration (OA), Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF), Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS).

ACTION: Notice for public comment of new policies and procedural 
requirements for the electronic submission of State plans, and program 
and financial reporting forms, for mandatory grant programs.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), an 
Operating Division of the Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS), announces the opportunity for public comment on our plan to 
implement required electronic submission of State plans, which includes 
applications as applicable; and programmatic and financial reporting 
forms, for mandatory grant programs. In accordance with the e-
Government initiatives mandated by the Federal Financial Assistance 
Management Improvement Act of 1999, ACF officially acknowledges that 
electronically generated and/or stored documents are recognized 
equivalents of an official paper grant file. Recognizing the 
equivalency of such documents eliminates duplicative effort and 
administrative burden for Federal grant applicants, recipients, and the 
awarding agency, by facilitating the submission and storage of official 
grant files. ACF has previously afforded recipients of mandatory State 
grant programs the option of submitting State plans, and programmatic 
and financial reporting forms, in both electronic and paper formats. 
This notice announces that recipients of mandatory State grant programs 
will now be required to submit State plans, and programmatic and 
financial reporting forms, electronically. The electronic portal used 
to support this effort is the ACF On-Line Data Collection (OLDC) 
system, which is available to State applicants and grantees at https://
extranet.acf.hhs.gov/oldcdocs/materials.html.

DATES: Submit written or electronic comments on the policies and 
procedures announced in this Notice, on or before August 27, 2013.

[[Page 38990]]


ADDRESSES: The public may submit written or electronic comments 
concerning this notice to Karen Shields, Grants Policy Specialist, 
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children 
and Families, Division of Grants Policy, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 
Aerospace Building, 6th Floor East, Washington, DC 20447. Email 
address: karen.shields@acf.hhs.gov. Delays may occur in mail delivery 
to Federal offices; therefore, a copy of submitted comments may also be 
faxed to (202) 205-4270.
    Received comments will be available for inspection by members of 
the public at the Office of Administration, Aerospace Building, 
Division of Grants Policy, 901 D Street SW., 6th Floor East, 
Washington, DC 20447.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Shields, Grants Policy 
Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for 
Children and Families, OA/Division of Grants Policy, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade SW., Aerospace Building, 6th Floor East, Washington, DC 
20447. Email: karen.shields@acf.hhs.gov. Fax: (202) 205-4270.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Submission of Mandatory Program State Plans

    In previous fiscal years, recipients of mandatory State grant 
programs had the option of submitting State plans in a format of their 
choosing. Effective October 1, 2013, ACF will require the use of the 
Standard Form SF-424M Mandatory Form when preparing State plans. The 
form is available to applicants and grantees within the OLDC system at 
https://extranet.acf.hhs.gov/oldcdocs/materials.html.
    Electronic Submission of Program Progress and Financial Reporting 
Forms Beginning with the effective date of October 1, 2013, the 
following reporting forms for mandatory State grant programs must be 
submitted electronically through the OLDC at https: //
extranet.acf.hhs.gov/oldcdocs/materials.html.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Program name                         Form title.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstinence Education Grant Program.....  AEGP Performance Progress
                                          Report (PPR).
Abstinence Education Grant Program.....  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Adoption Assistance....................  Form CB-496: Title IV-E
                                          Programs Quarterly Financial
                                          Report.
Adoption Incentive Payments............  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Chafee (formerly ILP)..................  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Chafee Ed & Training Vouchers State      Form SF-425: Federal Financial
 Grants.                                  Report (FFR).
Child Abuse and Neglect State Grant      Form SF-425: Federal Financial
 Part 1.                                  Report (FFR).
Child Care and Development Fund          Form ACF-696T: Child Care and
 Mandatory & Matching.                    Development Fund Annual
                                          Financial Report for Tribes.
Child Care and Development Fund          Form ACF-402: Improper
 Mandatory & Matching.                    Authorizations.
Child Care and Development Fund          Form ACF-696: Child Care and
 Mandatory & Matching.                    Development Fund Financial
                                          Report for States and
                                          Territories.
Child Support Enforcement--States......  Form OCSE34A: Child Support
                                          Enforcement Program Quarterly
                                          Collection Report.
Child Support Enforcement--States......  Form OCSE-396A: Child Support
                                          Enforcement Program Quarterly
                                          Financial Report.
Child Support Enforcement--States......  Form OCSE 157: Child Support
                                          Enforcement Annual Data
                                          Report.
Child Support Enforcement--Tribes......  Form OCSE-75: Tribal Child
                                          Support Enforcement Annual
                                          Data Report.
Child Support Enforcement--Tribes......  Form OCSE34A: Child Support
                                          Enforcement Program Quarterly
                                          Collection Report.
Child Support Enforcement--Tribes......  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Child Welfare Social Services..........  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Children's Justice Act.................  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Community Services Block Grant.........  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention   Form SF-425: Federal Financial
 (formerly Community-Based Family         Report (FFR).
 Resource and Support).
Family Violence Prevention & Services    FVPS Performance Progress
 State Grants.                            Report (PPR)--(State).
Family Violence Prevention & Services    FVPS Performance Progress
 Tribal Grants.                           Report (PPR)--(Tribal).
Family Violence Prevention & Services    Form SF-425: Federal Financial
 State Grants.                            Report (FFR).
Foster Care............................  Form CB-496: Title IV-E
                                          Programs Quarterly Financial
                                          Report.
Guardianship Assistance................  Form CB-496: Title IV-E
                                          Programs Quarterly Financial
                                          Report.
Healthy Marriages/Healthy Relationships  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
 Demo.                                    Report (FFR).
Leveraging (LIHEAP)....................  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Low Income Home Energy Assistance......  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Native Employment Works Program........  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Promoting Safe and Stable Families       Form SF-425: Federal Financial
 Caseworker Visitation.                   Report (FFR).
Personal Responsibility Education        PREP Performance Progress
 Program.                                 Report (PPR).
Personal Responsibility Education        Form SF-425: Federal Financial
 Program.                                 Report (FFR).
Promoting Safe and Stable Families.....  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance....  Form ORR-1: Cash and Medical
                                          Assistance Program Estimates.
Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance....  Form ORR-2: Quarterly Report on
                                          Expenditures and Obligations.
Refugee Social Services................  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Refugee Targeted Assistance............  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Residential Energy Assistance Challenge  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
 Options Program.                         Report (FFR).
Social Services Block Grant............  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Social Services Emergency Disaster       Form SF-425: Federal Financial
 Relief.                                  Report (FFR).
State Access and Visitation............  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
State Court Improvement--Basic Program.  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
State Court Improvement--Data Program..  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
State Court Improvement--Training        Form SF-425: Federal Financial
 Program.                                 Report (FFR).
Statewide Domestic Violence Coalition..  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).

[[Page 38991]]

 
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families  Form ACF-196T: Tribal TANF
                                          Financial Report.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families  ACF-196T: TANF ARRA Financial
                                          Report.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families  ACF-204.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families  Form ACF-196: TANF Quarterly
                                          Financial Report.
Tribal Construction....................  Form SF-425: Federal Financial
                                          Report (FFR).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exemptions From the Electronic Submission Requirement

    ACF recognizes that some of the recipient community may have 
limited or no Internet access, and/or limited computer capacity, which 
may prohibit uploading large files to the Internet through the OLDC 
system. To accommodate such recipients, ACF is instituting an exemption 
procedure, on a case-by-case basis, that will allow such recipients to 
submit hard copy, paper State plans and reporting forms by the United 
States Postal Service, hand-delivery, recipient courier, overnight/
express mail couriers, or other representatives of the recipient.
    Additionally, on a case-by-case basis, we will consider requests to 
accept hard copy, paper submissions of State plans and reporting forms 
when circumstances such as natural disasters occur (floods, hurricanes, 
etc.); or when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in 
other rare cases that would prevent electronic submission of the 
documents.
    Recipients will be required to submit a written statement to ACF 
that the recipient qualifies for an exemption under one of these 
grounds: lack of Internet access; or limited computer capacity that 
prevents the uploading of large files to the Internet; the occurrence 
of natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, etc.); or when there are 
widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases that 
would prevent electronic submission of the documents.
    Exemption requests will be reviewed and the recipient will be 
notified of a decision to approve or deny the request. The written 
statement must be sent to the cognizant ACF Program Official and to 
ACF's Grants Management Office point of contact shown in funding 
opportunity announcements (if applicable) or in a previously received 
Notices of Award. Exemption requests may be submitted by regular mail 
or by email.
    In all cases, the decision to allow an exemption to accept 
submission of hard copy, paper State plans and reporting forms will 
rest with the cognizant ACF Program Office. Exemptions are applicable 
only to the Federal fiscal year in which they are received and 
approved. If an exemption is necessary for a future Federal fiscal 
year, a request must be submitted during each Federal fiscal year for 
which an exemption is necessary.

Records Retention

    The HHS regulations pertaining to the retrieval, retention, 
disposition, and destruction of official grant files, 45 CFR 92.42, 
remains in effect for electronically submitted documents.

Future Implementation

    This guidance represents the initial phase of ACF's transition to 
required electronic submission of official grant documents for 
recipients of mandatory State grant programs. ACF will continue to 
communicate transition plans as they evolve, and will provide the 
recipient communities and the general public with sufficient notice of 
implementation details. In general, notices will be published in the 
Federal Register at least 60 days before the implementation becomes 
effective.

Universal Identifier (DUNS) and SAM Registration

    ACF is prohibited from making an award until an applicant has 
complied with the following requirements:
    All applicants must have a DUNS number (www.dnb.com) and be 
registered with the System for Award Management (SAM, www.sam.gov).

DUNS Number Requirement

    The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number is the nine-
digit, or thirteen-digit (DUNS + 4), number established and assigned by 
Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to uniquely identify business entities.
    All applicants and sub-recipients must have a DUNS number at the 
time of submission of the State plan in order to be considered for an 
award under a mandatory program.
    A DUNS number is required whether an applicant is submitting a hard 
copy, paper State plan or using the OLDC system. Exemption procedures 
for submitting hard copy, paper State plans in lieu of electronic 
submission are discussed in an earlier section of this Notice. DUNS 
numbers are required for every State plan for a new award, including 
State plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs. A 
DUNS number may be acquired at no cost online at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

System for Award Management

    Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration until the State 
plan submission process is complete and throughout the life of the 
award. Applicants should finalize a new, or renew an existing, 
registration at least two weeks before the State plan submission 
deadline. This action should allow sufficient time to resolve any 
issues that may arise. Failure to comply with these requirements may 
result in the inability to submit a State plan or receive an award. 
Maintain documentation (with dates) of efforts made to register or 
renew a registration at least two weeks before the deadline. Please see 
the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at: www.sam.gov/sam/transcript/SAM_Quick_Guide_Grants_Registrations-v1.6.pdf.
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to register at SAM.gov well in 
advance of the State plan submission due date. Registration at SAM.gov 
must be updated annually.

    Note: It can take 24 hours or more for updates to registrations 
at SAM.gov to take effect. An entity's registration will become 
active after 3-5 days. Therefore, check for active registration well 
before the State plan submission due date and deadline. Recipients 
can view the registration status by visiting https://www.bpn.gov/CCRSearch/Search.aspx and searching by the organization's DUNS 
number. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at https://www.sam.gov/sam/transcript/SAM_Quick_Guide_Grants_Registrations-v1.6.pdf.


    Statutory Authority: Financial Assistance Management Improvement 
Act of 1999, Pub. L. 106-107.

Robert Noonan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration, Administration for 
Children and Families.
[FR Doc. 2013-15465 Filed 6-27-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P
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