Proposed Information Collection Activity; Application Requirements for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Model Plan Application (Office of Management and Budget #0970-0075), 67760-67763 [2023-21663]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Administration for Children and Families

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 189 (Monday, October 2, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67760-67763]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-21663]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Proposed Information Collection Activity; Application 
Requirements for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 
Model Plan Application (Office of Management and Budget #0970-0075)

AGENCY: Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and 
Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

ACTION: Request for public comments.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Community Services (OCS), Administration for 
Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS), is requesting to extend the currently approved Low 
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Model Plan Application 
(OMB #0970-0075, expiration 12/31/2023) through August 31, 2024, and 
then making significant revisions to the FY 2025 application to be 
effective September 1, 2024. This notice outlines the proposed 
revisions for FY 2025.

DATES: Comments due within 60 days of publication. In compliance with 
the requirements of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995, ACF is soliciting public comment on the specific aspects 
of the information collection described above.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the proposed collection of information can be 
obtained and comments may be forwarded by emailing 
[email protected]. Identify all requests by the title of the 
information collection.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Description: States, including the District of Columbia, tribes, 
tribal organizations, and U.S. territories applying for LIHEAP block 
grant funds must, prior to receiving federal funds, submit an annual 
application (Model Plan) that meets the LIHEAP statutory and regulatory 
requirements. In addition to the Model Plan, grant recipients are also 
required to complete the Mandatory Grant Application, SF-424--
Mandatory, which is included as the first section of the Model Plan.
    The LIHEAP Model Plan is an electronic form and is submitted to 
ACF/OCS through the On-Line Data Collection (OLDC) system within 
GrantSolutions, which is currently being used by all LIHEAP grant 
recipients to submit other required LIHEAP reporting forms. To reduce 
the reporting burden, all data entries from each grant recipient's 
prior year's submission of the Model Plan in OLDC are saved and re-
populated into the form for the following fiscal year's application.
    OCS is requesting the current LIHEAP Model Plan form to be extended 
through August 31, 2024. The currently approved form and justification 
package can be reviewed here: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202009-0970-011).
    OCS proposes the following changes to the LIHEAP Model Plan form 
beginning with FY 2025 reporting effective September 1, 2024:

SF-424 Model Plan

     4a: Change from ``Federal Entity Identifier'' to ``Unique 
Entity Identifier (UEI).''
     7b and c: Remove UEI is requested in 4a.
     7f: Add after current language ``(This person will be 
listed on Notice of Funding Awards and on the U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services' LIHEAP contact list web page)''
    [cir] Remove Prefix, Suffix, Middle Name and Organizational 
Affiliation.
     8a: Remove the ``a'' after 8 ``Type of Applicant''
     Add: 8a Is the applicant a Tribal Consortium?
    [cir] Add: 8b If yes, please attach at least one the following 
documentation:
    [cir] (1) Current State-Tribe Agreement between their state and the 
Consortium, signed by the State Chief Executive Officer (such as a 
Governor or the delegate) and the Consortium President;
    [cir] (2) Consortium letter listing the Tribes and signed by the 
elected Tribal Chief or President of each Tribe in the Consortium and 
signed by the Consortium President;
    [cir] (3) A current resolution letter from each tribe in the 
Consortium, signed by the elected Tribal Chief or President of that 
Tribe. Each resolution letter needs to state that the Consortium has 
the Tribes' permission to apply for, and administer, LIHEAP on their 
behalf; needs to designate a time period for the permission or until 
rescinded or revoked.
     8b: Remove, not utilized.
     9: Remove ``Name of Federal Agency''--not used.
     13: Change to ``CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS OF APPLICANT''
    [cir] Eliminate 13a and b.--Already answered in #7; and Eliminate 
``Attach

[[Page 67761]]

an additional list of Program/Project Congressional Districts, if 
needed.''
     15 a and b: Remove.
     17: At the end of the question, change ``explanation'' to 
``If Yes, explain.''

Section 1--Program Components

    Introduction: Remove reference to grant recipient filing 
abbreviated plan. LIHEAP does not use abbreviated plans any longer.
     1.1 Crisis assistance: Create one question for ``Summer 
crisis assistance,'' one question for ``Winter crisis assistance,'' and 
one for ``Year-round assistance.'' We are receiving increase data 
request to understand the type of crisis programs provided.
     1.2:
    [cir] Add a data entry column and provide the breakdown of funding 
from the previous year's plan. This information is useful for the data 
dashboard.
    [cir] Add language for ``Tribal grant recipients: direct-grant 
tribes, tribal organizations, or territories with allotments of $20,000 
or less may use for planning and administration up to 20% of the funds 
payable. Grant recipients that are direct-grant tribes, tribal 
organizations, or territories with allotments over $20,000 may use for 
planning and administration purposes up to 20% of the first $20,000 (or 
$4,000) plus 10% of the funds payable that exceeds $20,000. Any 
administrative costs in excess of these limits must be paid from non-
Federal sources.''
    [cir] Change ``Crisis Assistance'' to ``Summer crisis assistance,'' 
one question for ``Winter crisis assistance,'' and one for ``Year-round 
assistance.''
     1.4:
    [cir] Remove Other and entire column. All allowable options are 
listed, other is not applicable.
    [cir] Insert ``at least'' before the word ``one'' in two places in 
this question. The edited question would be ``Do you consider 
households categorically eligible if at least one household member 
receives at least one of the following categories of benefits in the 
left column below?''
     1.4a--Add a text box ``Provide your definition of 
categorical eligibility. Please explain how households are 
categorically eligible (i.e., do all household members need to receive 
the benefits or just one member, is there a data exchange in place?) 
and how categorical eligibility streamlines the LIHEAP application 
process.'' This will ensure grant recipients understand categorical 
eligibility and answer the question appropriately.
     If 1.4 is answered no, do not allow the table to be 
completed. Caused data inconsistencies in the data dashboard and 
requires manual review.
     1.7:
    [cir] Hyperlink the word ``nominal'' to a description of the word: 
Nominal benefits are LIHEAP payments over $20 made to SNAP households 
with an energy burden that allow the household to claim the SNAP 
``heating/cooling standard utility allowance'' (SUA).
     1.8--Add ``Other--Describe.'' Grant recipients indicated 
there are exceptions and this box will allow those exceptions to be 
described and understood more clearly.
     1.9--Remove SNAP and WIC as they cannot be counted as 
income.
     Add: 1.10 Do you have an online application process (Yes/
No)?
     Add: 1.10a If yes, describe the type of online application 
(Select all boxes that apply).
    [cir] A PDF version of the application is available online and can 
be downloaded, filled out, and mailed in for processing.
    [cir] A state-wide online application that allows a customer to 
complete data entry and submit an application electronically for 
processing.
    [cir] One or more locally available online applications that allows 
a customer to complete data entry and submit an application 
electronically for processing.
    [cir] Online application that is also mobile friendly.
    [cir] Other, please describe.
    [cir] If any of the above boxes are checked, please include a link 
here:
     Add: 1.10b Can all program components be applied for 
online (Yes/No)? If no, explain which components can and cannot be 
applied for online.
     1.11 Do you have a process for conducting and completing 
applications by phone (Yes/No)?
     1.12 Do you or any of your subrecipients require in-person 
appointments in order to apply (Yes/No)? If yes, please provide more 
information.
     1.13 How can applicants submit documentation for 
verification? Select all that apply (in-person, mail, email, portal 
application, other-describe).

Section 2--Heating Assistance

     2.2--Correct the spelling of ``assistance''
     2.3--Change ``Elderly'' to ``Older Adults'' (60 years or 
older)
     2.3--Change ``Disabled'' to ``Individuals with a 
disability''
     2.4--Add space between ``to'' and ``vulnerable''
     2.6--Add the following sentence: ``Please note: the 
maximum and minimum benefits must be shown in the payment matrix.''

Section 3--Cooling Assistance

     3.3--Change ``Elderly'' to ``Older Adults''
     3.3--Change ``Disabled'' to ``Individuals with a 
disability''
     3.4--Add space between ``to'' and ``vulnerable''
     3.6--Add the following sentence: ``Please note: the 
maximum and minimum benefits must be shown in the payment matrix.''

Section 4--Crisis Assistance

     4.2--Add to narrative, ``If you administer multiple crisis 
assistance programs (winter, summer, and/or year-round), include all 
program definitions.''
     4.6-4.7 and 4.10-4.13--Modify so that it is no longer 
``yes or no'' but mirrors question 4.15 so they can select which 
program the response is applicable. If the component is not selected 
under 1.2, the boxes will be grayed out so they cannot select that 
option. Modify the instructions for the section to be ``Check 
appropriate boxes below to indicate type(s) of assistance provided''
     4.6--Remove all CAPS from Crisis Assistance
     4.7--Change ``Elderly'' to ``Older Adults''
     4.7--Change ``Disabled'' to ``Individuals with a 
disability''
     4.8--Modify ``Fast Track'' to ``Benefit Fast Track, no 
separate amount of crisis funds is issued. Rather benefits are issued 
to crisis customers within crisis response time frames''
     4.9--Add a box next to the question, ``Amount to resolve 
crisis, up to a maximum amount''
     4.11--Change ``Physically Disabled'' to ``Individuals with 
a disability''
     4.18--Add question that says, ``Do you intend to utilize 
LIHEAP crisis funds to address disaster related crisis situations? 
``Yes'' or ``No'' If yes, describe.'' Add hover over box that states 
``OCS' block grant funding has built in flexibility to support grant 
recipients in disaster response. Please visit https://ocs-emergency-assistance-hhs-acf.hub.arcgis.com/ for additional information'' (508 
compliant hyperlink).

Section 5--Weatherization

     5.3--Modify to ``If yes, name the agency and attach a copy 
of the Internal Agreement or Contract.''
     5.8--Change ``Elderly'' to ``Older Adults''
     5.8--Change ``Disabled'' to ``Individuals with a 
Disability''

[[Page 67762]]

     5.9--Add a 5.9a replace with current 5.10 ``If yes, what 
is the maximum''
     5.10--Change to ``Do you use an Average Cost per Unit 
(ACPU).''
    [cir] 5.10a If so, what is the ACPU amount?
     5.11--This section needs two boxes for roof top solar and 
community solar projects.

Section 6--Outreach

     6.1--This section needs to include other outreach 
including web posting, email, texting, events, and social media.

Section 7--Coordination

     7.1--This section needs to include data entry field next 
to the first two boxes.
     Joint application for multiple programs (indicate programs 
included)
     Intake referrals to/from other programs (indicate 
programs)

Section 8--Agency Designation

     8.1--
    [cir] Add ``Economic Development Agency''
    [cir] Change ``Welfare'' to ``State Department of Welfare 
(administers TANF, SNAP, and/or Medicaid)''
    [cir] Eliminate space between ``Energy'' and ``/'' and 
``Environment Agency''
     New Attachment: Include current list of subrecipient name, 
main office address (do not list P.O. Box), phone number, county(s) 
served, Congressional District, and UEI number. Used for Near hotline 
and OCS Service Provider Tool and clearinghouse.
     Add 8.10: ``If an agency is no longer providing LIHEAP, 
are you aware of prior-year LIHEAP funds being mismanaged or misspent? 
Yes or No''
     8.10a ``If yes, please explain.''
     8.10b ``Were other federal programs impacted such as CSBG, 
SSBG, Head Start, TANF, and Dept. of Energy Weatherization funding, 
etc.? Yes or No''
     8.10c ``If yes, please explain.''
    [cir] Questions added due to previous situations and questions 
needing a response to these specific items.

Section 9--Energy Suppliers

     Add option at the end of the section to attach a copy of 
the vendor agreement.

Section 10--Program, Fiscal Monitoring and Audit

     10.1--Revise the question as, ``How do you ensure proper 
fiscal accounting and tracking of funds?'' Add the following 
instructional sentence: ``Be specific about tracking of grant award, 
tracking of expenditures, tracking vendor (benefit) refunds, fiscal 
reporting process, and fiscal software system being used.'' 
Clarification for grant recipients.
     10.1a--New Question: ``Provide your definitions of the 
following:
    [cir] Obligation (insert explanation box)
    [cir] Expenditures (insert explanation box)
    [cir] Expenditure timeframe (insert explanation box)
    [cir] Administrative costs (insert explanation box)''
     10.2a--Add question: ``If yes, describe your auditor 
selection process.''
     10.3--Change wording to ``Describe any audit findings of 
the grant recipient (i.e., State/Tribe/Territory) rising to the level 
of material weakness or reportable condition cited in the single 
audits, inspector general reviews, or other government agency reviews 
from the most recently audited fiscal year.''
     10.5--Change question to ``Describe your monitoring 
process for compliance at each level below.''
    [cir] Change ``Grant recipient employees'' check box to state:
     Grant recipients have a policy in place for appropriate 
separation of duties and internal controls
     Other, describe
     10.7--Rewrite the question as ``Describe how you select 
local agencies for monitoring reviews. Attach a risk assessment if 
subrecipients are utilized.''
     10.8--Add boxes ``Annually,'' ``Bi-annually,'' ``Tri-
annually,'' and ``Other.'' Please attach a monitoring schedule if one 
has been developed.
     10.9 and 10.10--Remove.
     10.11--Revise the question to, ``How many local agencies 
are currently on corrective action plans?''
     10.12--Remove.

Section 11--Timely and Meaningful Public Participation

     11.1--Add explanation that Tribes do not need to hold a 
public hearing but must ensure participation through other means.
     11.2--Remove. Removing because question is duplicative of 
11.6.
     11.3--Insert an option to add rows for additional dates 
and locations that they held public hearings on the proposed use and 
distribution of their LIHEAP funds.
     11.6--Revise the question as follows: ``What changes did 
you make to your LIHEAP plan as a result of public participation and 
solicitation of input?''

Section 12--Fair Hearing

     12.4--Change question: ``Describe your fair hearing 
procedures for households whose applications are denied and/or not 
acted upon in a timely manner.''
     12.5--Remove.
     12.6--Remove.

Section 13--Reduction of Home Energy Needs

     13.3--Add the following instructional sentence: ``Impact 
can be measured in many different ways by using: logic model, data 
tracking system, process evaluation, impact evaluation, number of 
households served vs applied, and performance management, etc.''
     13.4--Add a space between ``of'' and ``direct''
     13.5--Remove.

Section 14--Leveraging Incentive Program

     14.3--Add a space between ``of'' and ``45''

Section 15--Training

     15.1a-c--Change question to be consistent with each entity 
type (grant recipient, local agency, vendor)
    [cir] Formal training provided virtually, on-site, and/or formal 
training conference
     Annually
     Biannually
     As needed
     Other, describe

Section 17--Program Integrity

     17.1b--Add ``Posted in local administering agencies 
offices.''
     17.4--Change ``aliens'' to ``qualified non-citizens'' in 
intro text. The second option in the question is phrased as ``legal 
residence'' but it needs to be changed to ``U.S. Citizen or Qualified 
Non-Citizen.'' The second box option should read ``Client's submission 
of certain Social Security Administration cards is accepted as proof of 
U.S. Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen.''
     17.4--Rewrite the question as ``What are your procedures 
for ensuring LIHEAP recipients are U.S. citizens or qualified non-
citizens who are eligible to receive LIHEAP benefits?''
     17.6--Should also include how electronic files are 
protected in a secure location.

Section 19--Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements

     19.1--Place of Performance: Add instructional sentence 
that this must be physical address. No PO Boxes allowed.

Section 21--New Change Assurances to Section 21

     21.1--Add the following acknowledgment statement and a 
check

[[Page 67763]]

box: ``By checking this box, the prospective primary participant is 
agreeing to the Assurances set out above.''

Section 22--Attachments

     Add optional attachment section for the following items: 
Policy Manual; Subrecipient Contract; Model Plan Participation Notes 
for Tribes.
    Respondents: States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, 
and tribal governments.

Annual Burden Estimates

    The estimated time per response for the FY 2025 Model Plan has been 
increased based on the revisions. The estimated time per response for 
the FY 2026 Model Plan will reduce back after revisions are in place 
and respondents can duplicate response in OLDC.

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                                                                   Total annual
                                                   Total annual      number of    Average burden   Annual burden
                   Instrument                        number of     responses per     hours per    hours for each
                                                    respondents     respondent       response          form
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LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan--FY24................             210               1              .5             105
LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan--FY25................             206               1               1             206
LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan FY26.................             206               1              .5             103
    Estimated Total Burden Hours:...............  ..............  ..............  ..............             414
    Average Annual Burden Hours:................  ..............  ..............  ..............             138
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    Comments: The Department specifically requests comments on (a) 
whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether 
the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the 
agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of 
information; (c) the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection 
of information on respondents, including through the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology. 
Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted 
within 60 days of this publication.
    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 8621.

Mary B. Jones,
ACF/OPRE Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023-21663 Filed 9-29-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-80-P