Child Support Enforcement Demonstrations and Special Projects

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Program Accomplishments

6 new grants were awarded in FY 07. An estimated 8 new grants will be awarded in FY 08 and 7 in FY 09.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Grants are awarded for creative special improvement projects and demonstrations that improve the effectiveness of the child support enforcement program on the regional and national levels.

These activities must be consistent with the goals of the national child support mission to ensure all children receive financial and medical support from both parents and strengthen the ability of the nation's child support programs to collect support on behalf of children and families.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Funds authorized under section 452(j)(42 USC 652(j))of the Social Security Act are available to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals.

Beneficiary Eligibility

State/local agencies, Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations and other organizations involved in child support enforcement will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation

When appropriate, applicants should present written evidence of other agencies' willingness to cooperate when the project involves their cooperation or the utilization of their facilities or service. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments and federally- recognized tribal governments. For other grantees, costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions, OMB Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit organizations, and any amendments to the aforementioned.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Program strategy for each fiscal year is publicized through central and regional office meetings, Dear Colleague, ACF/OCSE websites, GRANTS.gov and other appropriate means.

This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No.

A-102.

The Standard application forms, as furnished by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and required by OMB Circular No.

A-102, must be used for this program.

This program is subject to E.O.

12372.

This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.

12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Program." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for Review.

Application Procedures

This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular Nos. A-102 and No. A-110, as appropriate. The standard application forms, as furnished by DHHS and required by OMB Circular No. A-102, must be used for this program. Application forms and supplemental descriptive information on the priority projects are available from: Administration for Children and Families, Child Support Enforcement Program, 4th floor, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447. The application shall be executed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to assume for the agency or organization the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant. The application must clearly indicate whether the application submitted is in response to a program announcement (e.g. CFDA 93.601) and must reference the priority area for which the application is to compete. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by a review panel of not less than three knowledgeable people. Written assessment of each application is made.

Award Procedures

Official notice of approved grant applications is made through issuance of a Notice of Grant Award. This provides the amount of funds awarded, the purpose of the award, the term and conditions of the award, the budget period for which support is given, the total project period for which support is contemplated, and the total grantee participation.

Deadlines

Closing dates are established and published in the program announcement. Unsolicited applications, may be submitted any time, but must be so unique that they cannot fit under a general announcement.

Authorization

Social Security Act, Section 452(j), 42 U.S.C. 652(j); Public Laws 104-193 and 105-33; Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 60 to 120 days. Generally, solicited grants will be acted upon within 90 days.

Appeals

There are no formal appeals procedures. If an application is disapproved, the reasons for disapproval will be fully stated. In the case of unsolicited proposals, applicants are free to resubmit applications with attention to the changes suggested by the reasons for disapproval. In the case of solicited proposals, reworking time may be allowed to prepare addenda which clarify various aspects of projects. If an applicant is not awarded a grant, the applicant can request a written response that will address: (1) Weak and deficient areas of the proposal; (2) impact of weaknesses or deficiencies in not being selected; and (3) factors that were the basis of the selection of the successful grantee.

Renewals

Generally, project and budget periods vary according to priority area (up to three years). Projects of a longer duration will be considered if unique circumstances warrant. If projects are approved for a period longer than 12 months, funding will be provided in discrete 12-month increments, or "budget periods." Funding beyond the first 12- month budget period is not guaranteed. Future funding will depend on the grantee's satisfactory performance and the availability of future appropriations.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

This program has no statutory formula.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Generally, project and budget periods vary according to the priority area (up to three years). If projects are approved for a period longer than 12 months, funding will be provided in discrete 12-month increments, or "budget period".

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Quarterly narrative reports and semi-annual reports of expenditures are required on all grant projects.

Comprehensive final reports are due on or before termination dates of the projects and not later than 90 days after termination for grants.

Audits

All fiscal transactions identifiable to Federal financial assistance are subject to audit by the HHS audit agency, and other Federal officials. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal Awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for the year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records

Proper accounting records, identifiable by grant or contract number and including all receipts and expenditures, must be maintained for 3 years in accordance with 45 CFR 74 or 92. Records must be maintained until all questions are resolved, or at the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later.

Financial Information

Account Identification

75-1553-0-1-609.

Obigations

FY 07 $1,556,856; FY 08 $1,500,000; and FY 09 est $1,500,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$100,000 to $200,000; $100,000.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

"Grants Administration Policies," and application kits may be obtained from the ACF, Office of Child Support Enforcement, 4th Floor, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Contact Regional Administrators. (See Appendix IV of the Catalog for Regional Offices).

Headquarters Office

Susan Greenblatt, Deputy Director, Division of State, Tribal, and Local Assistance, Office of Child Support Enforcement, Department of Health and Human Services, 4th Floor, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Telephone: (202) 401-4849.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

(1) Objectives and need for assistance; (2) approach; (project management and staffing plan); (3) evaluation and how success will be measured; (4) reasonableness of project costs; and (5) cooperation of CSE agency.