Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Application Requirements for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Model Plan Application (Office of Management and Budget #0970-0075), 3664-3667 [2024-00965]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 13 / Friday, January 19, 2024 / Notices
Prevention and the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry.
Kalwant Smagh,
Director, Office of Strategic Business
Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating
Officer, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
[FR Doc. 2024–01014 Filed 1–18–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163–18–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and
Families
Submission for Office of Management
and Budget Review; Runaway and
Homeless Youth Prevention
Demonstration Prevention Plans (New
Collection)
Family and Youth Services
Bureau, Administration for Children
and Families, U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services.
ACTION: Request for public comments.
AGENCY:
The Family and Youth
Service Bureau (FYSB) is proposing to
collect comprehensive Prevention Plans
from grant recipients that have been
awarded funding for a new prevention
demonstration project to design and
implement prevention and intervention
services tailored to prevent at-risk youth
from experiencing homelessness.
DATES: Comments due within 30 days of
publication. OMB must decide about the
collection of information between 30
and 60 days after publication of this
SUMMARY:
of homelessness and their families. The
RHY–PDP has two phases with the first
phase serving as a 6-month timeline for
grant recipients to develop and submit
a comprehensive prevention plan to
prevent youth homelessness.
The Prevention Plans can include:
• Grantee definition of prevention
• Summary of risk and protective
factors for youth experiencing
homelessness
• How grantees will identify at risk
youth to include existing data to assist
in identification
• Referral strategies for youth
• Explanation of the process of how
youth with lived experience and
community partners co-designed the
prevention plan
• List of prevention interventions
• All related goals and performances
measures planned
• List of community partners and
their roles.
FYSB will utilize the Prevention
Plans to provide technical assistance to
grantees, as needed, and will post the
Prevention Plans to the FYSB website
for grantees’ peer-to-peer learning.
Respondents: All grant recipients that
receive an RHY–PDP grant for the
prevention demonstration.
Total Burden Estimates
FYSB awarded 11 grants in September
2023 and anticipates awarding a second
cohort next year. The number of
respondents reflects a potential second
cohort of grant recipients that would
also be required to submit the
Prevention Plan.
Instrument
Total number of
respondents
Total number of
responses per
respondent
Average burden
hours per
response
Total burden
hours
FYSB RHY–PDP Prevention Plan ...........................................
26
1
60
1,560
Authority: Section 343 of the
Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
authorizes the award of grants for
research, evaluation, demonstration,
and service projects (34 U.S.C. 11243).
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Mary B. Jones,
ACF/OPRE Certifying Officer.
Submission for Office of Management
and Budget Review; Application
Requirements for the Low Income
Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) Model Plan Application
(Office of Management and Budget
#0970–0075)
[FR Doc. 2024–00964 Filed 1–18–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4182–02–P
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
document in the Federal Register.
Therefore, a comment is best assured of
having its full effect if OMB receives it
within 30 days of publication.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent
within 30 days of publication of this
notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting
‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open
for Public Comments’’ or by using the
search function. You can also obtain
copies of the proposed collection of
information by emailing infocollection@
acf.hhs.gov. Identify all emailed
requests by the title of the information
collection.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Description: On September 29, 2023,
FYSB awarded funding for the first time
to Runaway and Homeless YouthPrevention Demonstration Program
(RHY–PDP) projects to design and
deliver community-based demonstration
initiatives to prevent youth from
experiencing homelessness. Through
the development and coordination of
partnerships with youth and young
adults, community organizations, and
private and public agencies, the RHY–
PDP grantees will: (1) design and
develop a comprehensive communitybased prevention plan to prevent youth
homelessness; (2) identify young people
at risk of experiencing homelessness;
and (3) implement robust, holistic
prevention services tailored for youth
and young adults to respond to the
diverse needs of youth who are at risk
Administration for Children and
Families
Office of Community Services,
Administration for Children and
Families, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
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Request for public comments.
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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 30 days of
publication. OMB must make a decision
about the collection of information
between 30 and 60 days after
publication of this document in the
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\19JAN1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 13 / Friday, January 19, 2024 / Notices
Federal Register. Therefore, a comment
is best assured of having its full effect
if OMB receives it within 30 days of
publication.
Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent
within 30 days of publication of this
notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting
‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open
for Public Comments’’ or by using the
search function. You can also obtain
copies of the proposed collection of
information by emailing infocollection@
acf.hhs.gov. Identify all emailed
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:
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
ADDRESSES:
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.
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18:42 Jan 18, 2024
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Department of Health and Human
Services’ LIHEAP contact list web
page)’’
Æ 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?
Æ Add: 8b If yes, please attach at least
one the following documentation:
Æ (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;
Æ (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;
Æ (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’’
Æ Eliminate 13a and b.—Already
answered in #7; and Eliminate ‘‘Attach
an additional list of Program/Project
Congressional Districts, if needed.’’
• 15a 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:
Æ 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.
Æ 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
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3665
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.’’
Æ Change ‘‘Crisis Assistance’’ to
‘‘Summer crisis assistance,’’ one
question for ‘‘Winter crisis assistance,’’
and one for ‘‘Year-round assistance.’’
• 1.4:
Æ Remove Other and entire column.
All allowable options are listed, other is
not applicable.
Æ 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:
Æ 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)
Æ A PDF version of the application is
available online and can be
downloaded, filled out, and mailed in
for processing.
Æ A state-wide online application that
allows a customer to complete data
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 13 / Friday, January 19, 2024 / Notices
entry and submit an application
electronically for processing.
Æ One or more locally available
online applications that allows a
customer to complete data entry and
submit an application electronically for
processing.
Æ Online application that is also
mobile friendly.
Æ Other, please describe.
Æ 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.’’
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Section 4—Crisis Assistance
• 4.2—Add to narrative, ‘‘If you
administer multiple crisis assistance
programs (winter, summer, and/or yearround), 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
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18:42 Jan 18, 2024
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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-assistancehhs-acf.hub.arcgis.com/ for additional
information’’ (508 compliant hyperlink).
Æ Change ‘‘Welfare’’ to ‘‘State
Department of Welfare (administers
TANF, SNAP, and/or Medicaid)’’
Æ 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.’’
Æ Questions added due to previous
situations and questions needing a
response to these specific items.
Section 5—Weatherization
Section 10—Program, Fiscal Monitoring
and Audit
• 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’’
• 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).’’
Æ 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 –
Æ Add ‘‘Economic Development
Agency’’
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Section 9—Energy Suppliers
• Add option at the end of the section
to attach a copy of the vendor
agreement.
• 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:
Æ Obligation (insert explanation box)
Æ Expenditures (insert explanation
box)
Æ Expenditure timeframe (insert
explanation box)
Æ 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.’’
Æ Change ‘‘Grant recipient
employees’’ check box to state:
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• 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,’’ ‘‘Biannually,’’ ‘‘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)
Æ 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
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
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.
Total annual
number of
respondents
Total annual
number of
responses per
respondent
Average
burden
hours per
response
LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan—FY24 ..............................................................
LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan—FY25 ..............................................................
LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan FY26 .................................................................
Estimated Total Burden Hours .................................................................
207
207
207
........................
1
1
1
........................
.5
1
.5
........................
Mary B. Jones,
ACF/OPRE Certifying Officer.
ACTION:
Food and Drug Administration
SUMMARY:
[Docket No. FDA–2023–N–5745]
BILLING CODE 4184–80–P
Medical Imaging Drugs Advisory
Committee; Notice of Meeting;
Establishment of a Public Docket;
Request for Comments
AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
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Annual burden
hours for
each form
103.5
207
103.5
414
Notice; establishment of a
public docket; request for comments.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
[FR Doc. 2024–00965 Filed 1–18–24; 8:45 am]
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
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.
Instrument
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 8621.
3667
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) announces a
forthcoming public advisory committee
meeting of the Medical Imaging Drugs
Advisory Committee (the Committee).
The general function of the Committee
is to provide advice and
recommendations to FDA on regulatory
issues. The meeting will be open to the
public. FDA is establishing a docket for
public comment on this document.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 13 (Friday, January 19, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3664-3667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-00965]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review;
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 30 days of publication. OMB must make a
decision about the collection of information between 30 and 60 days
after publication of this document in the
[[Page 3665]]
Federal Register. Therefore, a comment is best assured of having its
full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. You can
also obtain copies of the proposed collection of information by
emailing [email protected]. Identify all emailed 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 an additional list of Program/Project Congressional Districts,
if needed.''
15a 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
[[Page 3666]]
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''
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:
[[Page 3667]]
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 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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual
Total annual number of Average Annual burden
Instrument number of responses per burden hours hours for each
respondents respondent per response form
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan--FY24................ 207 1 .5 103.5
LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan--FY25................ 207 1 1 207
LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan FY26................. 207 1 .5 103.5
Estimated Total Burden Hours................ .............. .............. .............. 414
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 8621.
Mary B. Jones,
ACF/OPRE Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-00965 Filed 1-18-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-80-P
