Administration for Children and Families; Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegates of Authority

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Secretary

Administration for Children and Families; Statement of

Organization, Functions and Delegates of Authority

This Notice amends Part K of the Statement of Organization,

Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and

Human Service (DHHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) as

follows: Chapter K, Administration for Children and families (56 FR

42332), as last amended, August 27, 1991; KA, the Office of the

Assistant Secretary for Children and Families (59 FR 13969), as last

amended, March 24, 1994; Chapter KP, the Office of Program Support (56

FR 42344), as last amended, August 27, 1991; Chapter KJ, the Office of

Information Systems Management (OISM)/Child Support Information Systems

(CSIS) (58 FR 40432), as last amended, July 28, 1993; KK, the Office of

Financial Management (OFM) (59 FR 23730) as last amended May 6, 1995;

KL, the Office of Management (OM) (58 FR 40432), as last amended July

28, 1993; Chapter KM, the Office of Policy and Evaluation (OPE) (56 FR

42348), as last amended, August 27, 1991; Chapter KN, the Office of

Public Affairs (OPA) (56 FR 42349), as last amended, August 27, 1991.

This reorganization of the ACF staff offices will achieve several

important objectives and create a high performance team with highly

permeable borders across organizational lines to focus on stewardship,

partnership, results and service to the customers both internally and

externally.

[[Page 40587]]

These Chapters are amended as follows:

I. Delete Chapter K, ``The Administration for Children and

Families'' in its entirety and replace with the following:

K.00 Mission

K.10 Organizations

K.20 Functions

K.00 Mission. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

provides national leadership and direction to plan, manage and

coordinate the nationwide administration of comprehensive and

supportive programs for vulnerable children and families. The

Administration oversees and finances a broad range of programs for

children and families, including Native Americans, persons with

developmental disabilities, refugees, and legalized aliens, to help

them develop and grow toward a more independent, self-reliant life.

These programs, carried out by state, county, city, and tribal

governments, and public and private local agencies, are designed to

promote stability, economic security, responsibility and self-

sufficiency.

The Administration coordinates development and implementation of

family-centered strategies, policies, and linkages among its programs,

and with other federal and state programs serving children and

families. The Administration's programs assist families in financial

crisis, emphasizing short-term financial assistance, and education,

training and employment for the long term. Its programs for children

and youth focus on those children and youth with special problems,

including children of low-income families, abused and neglected

children, those in institutions or requiring adoption or foster family

services, runaway youth, children with disabilities, migrant children,

and Native American children. The Administration promotes the

development of comprehensive and integrated community and home-based

modes of service delivery where possible.

The Administration provides national leadership to develop and

coordinate public and private programs and serves as a focal point for

states in the provision of financial assistance and intervention

programs which promote and support permanence for children and family

stability. The Administration advises the Secretary on issues

pertaining to children and families, including Native Americans, people

with developmental disabilities, refugees and legalized aliens.

K.10 Organization. The Administration for Children and Families

(ACF) is a principal operating division of the Department of Health and

Human Services (DHHS). The Administration is headed by the Assistant

Secretary for Children and Families, who reports directly to the

Secretary. The Assistant Secretary also serves as the Director of Child

Support Enforcement. In addition the Assistant Secretary, the

Administration consists of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program

Operations, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External

Affairs, and Staff and Program Offices. ACF is organized as follows:

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Children and

Families (KA)

Administration on Children, Youth and Families (KB)

Administration on Developmental Disabilities (KC)

Regional Office for Children and Families (KD 1-X)

Administration for Native Americans (KE)

Office of Child Support Enforcement (KF)--(which will

remain as a separate organizational unit)

Office of Community Services (KG)

Office of Family Assistance (KH)

Office of Regional Operations and State Systems (KJ)

Office of Staff Development and Employee Relations (KL)

Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (KM)

Office of Public Affairs (KN)

Office of Program Support (KP)

Office of Refugee Resettlement (KR)

Office of Human Resources and Equal Employment

Opportunity/Civil Rights (KS)

Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget (KT)

K.30 Functions. The Administration develops, recommends and issues

policies, procedures and interpretations to provide direction to the

programs it administers. It directs reviews, provides consultation and

conducts negotiations to achieve adherence to federal law and

regulations for administration of its programs. It designs and

administers systems and directs reviews of the programs to ensure cost-

effectiveness, efficiency, quality, and financial integrity. The

Administration provides technical assistance, conducts research and

evaluation, and promotes information sharing for its programs. It also

provides departmental leadership and guidance in the development and

implementation of policies and standards applicable to state data

systems development, information systems sharing, financial integrity,

and quality assurance activities. The functions of the organizational

elements of ACF are described in detail in successful chapters.

II. Delete Chapter KA, ``The Office of the Assistant Secretary for

Children and Families'' in its entirety and replace as follows:

KA.00 Mission

KA.10 Organization

KA.20 Functions

KA.00 Mission. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Children

and Families provides executive direction, leadership, and guidance for

all ACF programs. The Office provides national leadership to develop

and coordinate public and private initiatives for carrying out programs

which promote permanency placement planning, family stability and self-

sufficiency. The Office advises the Secretary on issues affecting

America's children and families, including Native Americans, persons

with developmental disabilities, refugees and legalized aliens.

KA.10 Organization. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for

Children and Families is headed by the Assistant Secretary who reports

directly to the Secretary and consists of:

The Office of the Assistant Secretary (KA)

Executive Secretariat Office (KAB)

President's Committee on Mental Retardation Staff (KAD)

U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect Staff (KAE)

U.S. Commission on Child and Family Welfare Staff (KAF)

KA.20 Functions. A. The Office of the Assistant Secretary is

responsible to the Secretary for carrying out AFC's mission and

provides executive supervision to the major components of ACF.

These responsibilities include providing executive leadership and

direction to plan and coordinate ACF program activities to assure their

effectiveness, approving instructions, policies, publications, and

grant awards issued by ACF, and representing ACF in relationships with

governmental and non-governmental organizations. The Assistant

Secretary for Children and Families also serves as the Director of the

Office of Child Support Enforcement, and signs official Child Support

Enforcement documents as the Assistant Secretary for Children and

Families.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program Operations serves as

principal advisor and counsel to the Assistant Secretary for Children

and Families on all aspects of strategic and operation management

issues. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program Operations serves as

ACF liaison to the General Counsel and, as appropriate, initiates

action in securing resolution of

[[Page 40588]]

legal matters relating to management of the agency, and represents the

Assistant Secretary on all administrative litigation matters. The

Deputy Assistant Secretary provides day-to-day executive leadership and

direction for the Office of Human Resources and Equal Employment

Opportunity/Civil Rights, Office of Staff Development and Employee

Relations and the Executive Secretariat Office. The Deputy Assistant

Secretary for Program Operations represents the Assistant Secretary in

HHS and with other Federal agencies and task forces in defining

objectives and priorities, and in coordinating activities associated

with reinvention and continuous improvement initiatives.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs

serves as the principal advisor and counsel to the Assistant Secretary

for Children and Families on all aspects of legislation, policy,

strategic planning, performance measures and demonstration testing,

research, evaluation, intergovernmental affairs, budget formulation and

media. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs

develops broad policy strategies and concepts pertaining to on-going

and anticipated program issues and recommends legislation relevant to

ACF programs. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External

Affairs formulates and presents ACF's program budgets; represents the

Assistant Secretary for Children and Families in budget negotiations

with the Department and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); and

assists in planning for and presenting the budget before the OMB and

Congress. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External

Affairs represents the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on

intergovernmental matters, media affairs, and in contacts and

negotiations with Congressional members and staff and executives of

agencies and organizations. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy

and External Affairs provides executive leadership and direction to the

Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget, the Office of Planning,

Research and Evaluation and the Office of Public Affairs. The Deputy

Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs also provides

oversight for agency commissions and advisory committees, including the

U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, the U.S. Commission on

Child and Family Welfare and the President's Committee on Mental

Retardation.

B. The Executive Secretariat Office ensures that issues requiring

the attention of the Assistant Secretary, Deputy Assistant Secretaries

and/or executive staff are addressed on a timely and coordinated basis;

facilitates decisions on matters requiring immediate action including

White House, congressional and secretarial assignments. It serves as

the ACF liaison with the HHS Executive Secretariat. It receives,

assesses and controls incoming correspondence and assignments to the

appropriate ACF component(s) for response and action; provides

assistance and advice to ACF staff on the development of responses to

correspondence and on the controlled correspondence system; coordinates

and/or prepares congressional correspondence; and tracks development of

periodic reports and facilitates departmental clearance. The Director

of the Executive Secretariat Office serves as the Freedom of

Information Act Officer for ACF and coordinates hot line calls received

by the Office of Inspector General and the General Accounting Office on

ACF operations and personnel.

C. The President's Committee on Mental Retardation Staff (PCMR)

provides general staff support for a Presidential-level advisory body,

the President's Committee on Mental Retardation. It coordinates all

meetings and congressional hearing arrangements; provides such advice

and assistance in the areas of mental retardation as the President or

Secretary may request; prepares and issues an annual report to the

President concerning mental retardation and such additional reports or

recommendations as the President may require or as PCMR may deem

appropriate; and evaluates the national effort to prevent and

ameliorate mental retardation. It works with other federal, state, and

local governments and private sector organizations to achieve

Presidential goals in mental retardation; develops and disseminates

information to increase public awareness of mental retardation, to

reduce its incidence, and to alleviate its effects. The Staff that

supports the Committee reports to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for

Policy and External Affairs.

D. The National Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect Staff

Provides support and information pertaining to studies, research, or

analyses of various matters affecting child abuse and neglect for the

Board to use in its deliberations and recommendations. The Staff

assists the Board in preparing and submitting to the Secretary and

appropriate Committees of Congress an annual report with

recommendations on ways in which the purposes of the Child Abuse

Prevention and Treatment Act can effectively be achieved. The Staff

makes arrangements for all meetings and hearings of the Board. The

staff reports to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External

Affairs.

E. The U.S. Commission on Child And Family Welfare Staff provides

support pertaining to studies, research and analyses of various matters

affecting families and children. The Commission's initial focus is on

custody and visitation with an interest in keeping both parents

involved in the emotional and financial support of their children. The

staff assists the Commission by scheduling public hearings and forming

panels of experts in family law, child welfare, child support and

parents' and children's advocacy groups. The Staff assists the

Commission in preparing an interim and final report to the Congress.

The staff that supports the Commission reports to the Deputy Assistant

Secretary for Policy and External Affairs.

III. Retitle Chapter KJ. ``The Office of Information Systems

Management/Child Support Information Systems'' as the ``Office of

Regional Operations and Systems,'' and replace with the following:

KJ.00 Mission

KJ.10 Organization

KJ.20 Functions

KJ.00 Mission. The Office of Regional Operations and State Systems

(OROSS) recommends to and advises the Assistant Secretary on all

strategic and operational activities related to implementation of the

agency's programs at the regional level. It oversees the performance

and operation of all Regional Offices, and coordinates with program

offices on strategies and implementation of program initiatives. It

serves as the focal point for State automated systems funded with

Federal financial participation for the Department. It coordinates

ACF's development and implementation of strategies and policies related

to payment integrity, electronic benefits transfer, welfare systems

integration, and related initiatives and programs. It directs state

systems activities on partnership, collaborative efforts, and technical

assistance activities.

KJ.10 Organization. The Office of Regional Operations and State

Systems is headed by a Director who reports to the Assistant Secretary

for Children and Families. The Office is organized as follows:

Office of the Director (KJA)

Regional Operations Staff (KJB)

Office of State Systems/Child Support Information Systems

(KJC)

[[Page 40589]]

KJ.20 Functions. A. Office of the Director provides executive

leadership for administering the agency's programs and initiatives at

the regional level. The Director provides direction to the Regional

Operations Staff and the Office of State Systems. The Director also

serves as the Associate Deputy Director of Child Support Enforcement

Systems and reports directly to the Director, Child Support

Enforcement, on matters related to child support information systems.

The Director is the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for

Children and Families on region-related and State systems matters.

The Director supervises and supports the Regional Administrators in

administering Regional Office activities and establishing and

implementing cross-cutting program initiatives. The Director

establishes coordinative arrangements with program and staff office

directors to assure that the Regional Administrators can oversee

operations, fulfill program responsibilities, and have access to needed

information. The Director advises the Assistant Secretary of problems

that could prevent the Regional Offices from carrying out the mission

of ACF and the Department.

The Director represents the Assistant Secretary in HHS and with

other Federal agencies and task forces on Region-related and State

systems activities.

In conjunction with Program and Regional Offices, the Director

provides the leadership of ACF's partnership and monitoring activities.

The Director is jointly responsible with the Office of Planning,

Research and Evaluation for implementing performance measures for ACF's

goals and objectives.

Within the Office of the Director, administrative staff assist the

Director in managing the administrative, personnel, and salaries and

expenses activities for the Office of Regional Operations and State

Systems.

B. The Regional Operations Staff develops and manages processes for

liaison between ACF Regional Offices and the Assistant Secretary and

program and staff offices in headquarters. The Staff supports Regional

Offices by implementing and overseeing systems and procedures for

communicating with and managing the workload emanating from the varied

and diverse ACF Program Offices. The Staff monitors and evaluates

Regional Office operations and makes plans for the utilization of

regional resources to accomplish approved objectives. The Staff works

with program offices to develop strategies for delivery of services to

States and grantees.

C. The Office of State Systems/Child Support Information Systems

oversees the Department's responsibilities for Federal financial

participation in the funding of State automated systems for ACF

programs. It coordinates ACF's development and implementation of

strategies and policies related to payment integrity, electronic

benefits transfer, welfare systems integration, and related initiatives

and programs. It directs State systems activities on partnership,

collaborative efforts, and technical assistance activities. It is

headed by a Director who reports to the Director, Office of Regional

Operations and State Systems. The Office consists of:

Office of the Director (KJC1)

State Systems Policy Staff (KJC2)

Division of State Systems Approvals (KJC3)

Division of Child Support Information Systems (KJC4)

1. The Office of the Director provides leadership for provision of

technical assistance to States on information systems projects; and

advances the use of computer technology in the administration of

welfare and social services programs by States.

2. The State Systems Policy Staff is responsible for developing

departmental policies and procedures under which States obtain Federal

financial participation in the cost of automated systems development to

support programs funded under the Social Security Act. It serves as the

departmental focal point for the development and implementation of

strategies and policies related to payment integrity, welfare systems

integration and related initiatives and programs; and provides

leadership and guidance to interagency work groups in these areas for

the Department.

3. The Division of State Systems Approvals reviews, analyzes, and

approves/disapproves State requests for Federal financial participation

for automated systems development activities which support the AFDC,

JOBS, Child Care, Head Start, Child Welfare, Foster Care, Social

Services, and Refugee Resettlement programs. It provides assistance to

States in developing or modifying automation plans to conform to

Federal requirements. It monitors approved State systems development

activities; conducts periodic reviews to assure State compliance with

regulatory requirements applicable to automated systems supported by

Federal financial participation. It provides guidance to States on

functional requirements for these automated information systems. It

promotes interstate transfer of existing automated systems and provides

assistance and guidance to improve ACF's programs through the use of

automated systems.

4. The Division of Child Support Information Systems is a separate

organizational unit which reports to the Associate Deputy Director for

Child Support Enforcement, who reports to the Director of Child Support

Enforcement. The Division reviews, analyzes, and approves/disapproves

State requests for Federal financial participation for automated

systems development activities which support the Child Support program.

It provides assistance to States in developing or modifying automation

plans to conform to Federal requirements. It monitors approved State

systems development activities; conducts periodic reviews to assure

State compliance with regulatory requirements applicable to automated

systems supported by Federal financial participation. It provides

guidance to States on functional requirements for these automated

information systems. It promotes interstate transfer of existing

automated systems and provides assistance and guidance to improve ACF's

programs through the use of automated systems.

V. Delete Chapter KL. ``The Office of Management,'' retitle it as

the ``Office of Staff Development and Employee Relations'' and replace

with the following:

The Office of Staff Development and Employee Relations

KL.00 Mission

KL.10 Organization

KL.20 Functions

KL.00 Mission. The Office of Staff Development and Employee

Relations (OSDER) serves as principal advisor to the Assistant

Secretary and provides consultation, policy development, technical

assistance and related services to all ACF components in the areas of

training, staff development, organizational analysis, labor relations

and employee relations.

KL.10 Organization. The Office of Staff Development and Employee

Relations is headed by a Director who reports to the Deputy Assistant

Secretary for Program Operations.

KL.20 Functions. The Office of Staff Development and Employee

Relations provides leadership in directing and managing agency-wide

staff development and training activities for ACF. The Office is

responsible for the functional management of training and development

in the agency, including policy development, guidance, and technical

assistance and evaluation of all aspects of career, employee,

[[Page 40590]]

supervisory, management, executive and organization development.

Provides leadership in implementing the recommendations of the Staff

Development and Training Team, by creating, managing/overseeing and

monitoring an ACF training resource center and institutionalizing long-

term developmental training for ACF employees.

The Office serves as the principal source of advice through the

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program Operations to the Assistant

Secretary on organizational design by collaborating with staff to

develop high-leverage, tailored solutions to achieve measurable

outcomes and to transform the agency to a quality organization that

supports ACF's vision, values and goals. The Office advises the

Assistant Secretary on all aspects of ACF organizational analysis

including: Planning for new organizational elements; and planning,

organizing and performing studies, analysis and evaluations related to

structural, functional and organizational issues, problems and policies

to ensure organizational effectiveness. Conducts the review process for

ACF reorganization proposals. Acts as liaison with the Assistant

Secretary for Management and Budget to coordinate organizational

proposals requiring Secretarial approval; prepares functional

statements and official organizational charts. Administers ACF's system

for review, approval, and documentation of delegations of authority and

maintains the guidelines related to the delegations of authority.

Provides management advisory service on all labor management

relations issues, including coordination and liaison with the

Department. Plans and coordinates ACF-wide employee relations and labor

relations activities including the application and interpretation of

the Federal Labor-Management Relations Program, collective bargaining

agreements and regulations. Pursues human relations innovations such as

alternative dispute resolutions and serves as the focal point on all

issues pertaining to the Labor-Management Partnership Council.

VI. Delete Chapter KM. ``The Office of Policy and Evaluation'' in

its entirety, retitle it as the ``Office of Planning, Research and

Evaluation,'' and replace it with the following:

KM.00 Mission

KM.10 Organization

KM.20 Functions

KM.00 Mission. The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation

(OPRE) is the principal advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for

Policy and External Affairs and the Assistant Secretary for Children

and Families on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of programs

designed to make measurable improvements in the economic and social

well-being of children and families.

The Office provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance, and

oversight to ACF programs and across programs in the agency on:

Strategic planning aimed at measurable results; performance

measurement; research and evaluation methodologies; demonstration

testing and model development; statistical, policy and program

analysis; synthesis and dissemination of research and demonstration

findings; and application of emerging technologies to improve the

effectiveness of programs and service delivery.

The Office oversees and manages the section 1110 and section 1115

social service research programs, including: Priority setting and

analysis; processing waivers for welfare reform demonstrations;

managing and coordinating major cross-cutting, leading-edge studies and

special initiatives; collaborating with states, communities,

foundations, professional organizations and others to promote the

development of children, family focused services, parental

responsibility, employment, and economic independence; and providing

coordination and leadership in implementing the Government Performance

and Results Act (GPRA).

KM.10 Organization. The Office of Planning, Research and

Evaluation is headed by a Director who reports to the Deputy Assistant

Secretary for Policy and External Affairs. The Office is organized as

follows:

Office of the Director (KMA)

Division of Economic Independence (KBM)

Division of Child and Family Development (KMC)

KM.20 Functions A. The Office of the Director provides direction

and executive leadership to OPRE in administering its responsibilities.

It services as principal advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for

Policy and External Affairs and the Assistant Secretary for Children

and Families on all matters pertaining to: Improving the effectiveness

and efficiency of ACF programs; strategic planning; performance

measurement; program and policy evaluation; research and

demonstrations; state and local innovations and progress; and public/

private partnership initiatives of concern to the Assistant Secretary

for Children and Families. It represents the Deputy Assistant Secretary

for Policy and External Affairs and the Assistant Secretary for

Children and Families at various planning, research, and evaluation

forums and carries out special Departmental and Administration

initiatives.

B. The Division of Economic Independence, in cooperation with ACF

income support programs and others, works with Federal counterparts,

states, community agencies, and the private sector to understand and

overcome barriers to economic independence; promote parental

responsibility; and assist in improving the effectiveness of programs

that further economic independence.

The Division provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance and

oversight in ACF on: Strategic planning and performance measurement for

economic independence; statistical, policy and program analysis;

surveys, research, and evaluation methodologies; demonstration testing

and model development; synthesis and dissemination of research and

demonstration findings; and application of emerging technologies to

programs which promote employment, parental responsibility, and

economic independence.

The Division analyzes, processes and coordinates Federal review and

decision-making for all section 1115 state welfare reform waiver

demonstration requests; develops policy-relevant priorities; conducts,

manages and coordinates major cross-program, leading-edge research,

demonstrations, and evaluation studies; manages and conducts

statistical, policy and program analyses on trends in employment, child

support payments, and other income supports; and works in partnership

with states, communities, and the private sector to promote employment,

parental responsibility, and family economic independence.

C. The Division of Child and Family Development, in cooperation

with ACF programs and others, works with Federal counterparts, states,

community agencies, and the private sector to: Improve the

effectiveness and efficiency of programs; assure the protection of

children and other vulnerable populations; strengthen and promote

family stability; and foster sound growth and development of children

and their families.

The Division provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance and

oversight in ACF on: Strategic planning and performance measurement for

child and family development; statistical, policy and program analysis;

surveys, research and evaluation methodologies;

[[Page 40591]]

demonstration testing and model development; synthesis and

dissemination of research and demonstration findings; and application

of emerging technologies to improve the effectiveness of programs and

service delivery.

The Division manages the section 1110 social service research

budget; develops policy-relevant priorities; conducts, manages and

coordinates statistical analyses on social trends and progress on major

cross-program, leading-edge research, demonstration, and evaluation

studies; manages and conducts statistical, policy and program analyses

on social trends and behaviors which impact child and family well-

being; and works in partnership with states, local communities, and the

private sector to promote the well-being of children and families.

VII. Amend ``Chapter KN, Office of Public Affairs,'' as follows:

A. Under paragraph ``KN.00 Mission.'' delete in its entirety and

replace with the following:

Mission. The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) develops, directs and

coordinates public affairs and communication services for ACF. In

concert with the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External

Affairs, it provides leadership, direction and oversight in promoting

ACF's public affairs policies, programs and initiatives. The Office of

Public Affairs also provides printing and distribution services for

ACF.

B. Under ``KN.20 Functions, paragraph C, Division of Publication

Services,'' delete in its entirety and replace with the following:

Division of Publication Services in its entirety and replace with

the following: Division of Publications Services directs the audio-

visual, publication and printing management systems for ACF. It manages

preparation and clearance of all ACF audio-visual product,

publications, and graphic designs, including planning, budget oversight

and technical support. It provides centralized graphics design services

to ACF. It reviews requests for proposals for contracts and grants

which involve publications, audio-visual materials and/or public

information and education activity.

The Division also provides technical leadership and services in

public information, printing, and mail distribution. Recommends

approaches for meeting internal and external communications needs of

the ACF. Acts as focal point for clearance of all publications and

audio-visual projects whether produced in-house or by contract or

grant.

VIII. Delete Chapter KP. ``The Office of Program Support'' in its

entirety and replace with the following:

KP.00 Mission

KP.10 Organization

KP.20 Functions

KP.00 Mission. The Office of Program Support (OPS) advises the

Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on information resource,

financial, grants, procurement and materiel resource management

activities, both internal and external to ACF. The Office develops,

administers and coordinates financial, operational and budgetary

policies, processes, and controls necessary to administer ACF programs

and financial resources; directs discretionary and mandatory grant

activities; oversees the utilization of information resources

throughout ACF; directs ACF's information systems, computer centers and

communications network activities; oversees telecommunications

management; and, administers and coordinates ACF's internal control

activities.

KP.10 Organization. The Office of Program Support (OPS) is headed

by a Director who reports directly to the Assistant Secretary for

Children and Families. The Office is organized as follows:

Office of the Director (KPA)

Office of Information Services (KPB)

Office of Financial Services (KPC)

Office of Management Services (KPD)

Office of Customer Service and Administration (KPE)

KP.20 Functions. A. Office of the Director directs and coordinates

all activities of the Office of Program Support. The Director serves as

ACF's: Chief Financial Officer (CFO); ACF's Chief Grants Management

Officer; Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) Management

Control Officer; Principal Information Resource Management Official;

and, Reports Clearance Officer. The Director serves as the AFC liaison

with the Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget, the General

Accounting Office, the Office of the Inspector General, and the Office

of Management and Budget for areas under OPS' purview. The Office of

Program Support (OPS) advises the Assistant Secretary for Children and

Families on information resource, financial, grants, procurement and

materiel resource management activities, both internal and external to

ACF. The Office develops, administers and coordinates financial,

operational and budgetary policies, processes, and controls necessary

to administer ACF programs and financial resources; directs

discretionary and mandatory grant activities; oversees the utilization

of information resources throughout ACF; directs ACF's information

systems, computer centers and communications network activities;

oversees telecommunications management; and, administers and

coordinates ACF's internal control activities.

B. Office of Information Services (OIS) provides centralized

information technology policy, procedures, standards and guidelines;

develops long-range information resource management (IRM) plans;

develops IRM policy, procurement plans and budget for OIS, develops and

implements procurement strategies for ADP support services; reviews and

analyzes all ADP acquisition documentation for compliance with

applicable laws and regulations as well as for procurement strategy;

coordinates technical assistance provided to program offices on ADP

support services procurement; represents ACF on the Department's IRM

Advisory Council; provides liaison and manages major interdepartmental

IRM initiatives; conducts major information system reviews of ADP

systems as required by the Department; directs and coordinates ACF's

systems security and privacy responsibilities; maintains an ACF-wide

program data inventory; coordinates mandated OMB approvals required

under the Paperwork Reduction Act; and plans, directs and maintains ACF

electronic records management system.

OIS manages the National Computer Center facility which provides

services to ACF components and authorized state and country computer

users for programs administered by ACF; plans, manages, maintains and

operates ACF's local area networks (LANs), national wide-area network

(WAN) and personal computers; provides for equipment and software

acquisition, maintenance and user support for end-user computing;

manages and maintains a Help Desk for ACF users and provides

information technology and software training in coordination with ACF

components, develops plans and places orders for data communications

services; provides liaison with HHS, GSA and private firms on data

telecommunications matters; and, provides assistance to ACF components

to identify needs for and use of data telecommunications equipment and

systems.

OIS designs, develops, implements and maintains application systems

to support ACF administrative, budget and program systems; provides

technical assistance to ACF program offices procuring system support

services;

[[Page 40592]]

provides technical assistance on automated systems to state and local

agencies who are users of ACF's Computer Center; and develops software

policy, procedures, standards and guidelines.

C. Office of Financial Services (OFS) supports the Director, OPS in

fulfilling ACF's Chief Financial Officer, Management Control Officer,

and Chief Grants Officer responsibilities including preparation of the

CFO 5 Year Plan; performs audit oversight and liaison activities,

including preparing reports to Congress, Office of the General Counsel

and the Office of the Inspector General. OFS writes/interprets

financial policy and researches appropriation law issues; oversees and

coordinates ACF's FMFIA activities; performs debt management functions

and, develops and administers quality assurance, training and

certification programs for grants management; and responsible for the

annual preparation and audit of ACF's financial statement requirements.

OFS designs and develops budget estimating models and procedures,

projects the five-year federal costs for ACF entitlement programs and

analyzes the impact on ACF programs and customers of proposed changes

to ACF entitlement programs. The Office provides requested updates of

the projected cost estimates of the Office of Refugee Resettlement's

(ORR) Cash and Medical Assistance Program and develops the means of

making efficient use of related data collected by ACF. OFS facilitates

the preparation of comprehensive administrative (salaries and expenses)

budget for ACF; represents ACF in budget negotiations and other

finance-related dealings with the Department; prepares apportionment

requests and issues allotments and allowances; oversees reconciliation

of accounting reports and monitors agency spending; develops and

maintains budgetary controls and procedures to ensure observance of

established ceilings on both funds and personnel; develops/interprets

internal policies and procedures for OFS components; and, coordinates

the management of ACF's interagency agreement activities.

OFS provides agency-wide guidance to program and regional office

staff on grant related issues; including developing and interpreting

financial and grants policy, coordinating strategic grants planning,

facilitating policy advisory groups, and assuring consistent grant

program announcements. OFS prepares, coordinates and disseminates

action transmittals, information memoranda, and other policy guidance

on financial and grants management issues; provides financial and

grants administration training and technical assistance to ACF staff

and grantees; and, in coordination with the Office of Management

Services, directs and/or coordinates management initiatives to improve

financial administration of ACF mandatory and discretionary grant

programs.

D. Office of Management Services (OMS) provides centralized

management and administration of acquisitions for ACF headquarters

components; assures that all contracts awarded conform to applicable

statutes, regulations and policies; develops ACF policies, procedures

and instructions for the award and administration of all ACF

acquisitions; reviews and interprets proposed HHS and OMB regulations,

circulars and directives pertaining to acquisition management;

solicits, negotiates, awards, modifies, terminates and closes all

acquisitions issued by ACF; conducts the Small and Disadvantaged

Business Utilization Program; and provides training and technical

assistance to program and staff components on significant acquisition

policies and procedures. OMS serves as the lead for ACF in coordination

and liaison within ACF and with the Department, OMB, GSA and other

federal agencies on procurement management issues and activities.

OMS develops and implements ACF's facilities management programs

and activities, including preparation and implementation of a budget

for space acquisitions and changes; maintains space inventories;

provides mail, records (paper), fleet, real property, personal property

and reprographics management, occupational health and safety, and

physical security programs and messenger and labor services; principal

liaison with private and/or federal building managers for all

facilities management activities; coordinates and/or develops

telecommunications plans and provides assistance to ACF components to

identify needs for and use of voice telecommunications equipment and

systems; operates/coordinates parking and commuter services and

programs including transit subsidies and ridesharing; provides travel

policy and management; functions as payroll liaison; manages the

automated timekeeping systems; controls/maintains equipment, supplies,

and personal property inventories; manages equipment repair services;

reviews, controls, monitors and tracks all small purchases of common

use supplies, stationery and publications; oversees the Information

Resource Center (library); manages contracts for facilities management

services, including space design, building alteration and repair,

telecommunications, physical security, moving, systems furniture

acquisitions and assembly, library, property inventory; and updates and

maintains databases for telephone directories, directory boards, signs

and security identification systems. OMS serves as the lead for ACF in

coordination and liaison with the Department, GSA and other federal

agencies on facilities, telecommunications, property management, travel

and automated timekeeping issues and activities.

OMS provides management and technical administration of ACF

discretionary, formula, entitlement and block grants; assures that all

grants awarded by ACF conform with applicable statutes, regulations,

and policies; computes grantee allocations, prepares grant awards,

ensures incorporation of necessary grant terms and conditions, and

monitors grantee expenditures; analyzes financial needs under grant

programs; provides data in support of apportionment requests; prepares

reports and analyses on the grantee's use of funds; maintains liaison

and coordination with appropriate ACF and HHS organizations to ensure

consistency between ACF grant systems and the Department's grant

payment systems; and, provides technical assistance to ACF program and

regional components on grant operations and technical grants management

issues; and performs audit resolution activities for ACF grant

programs. OMS serves as the lead for ACF in coordination and liaison

with the Department and other federal agencies on grants management and

administration operational issues and activities.

E. Office of Customer Service and Administration (OCSA) develops

and maintains a customer service plan for the OPS and conducts customer

surveys for OPS; facilitates and assists in developing and writing

standard operating procedures for all components within OPS; assists in

office-specific training of OPS staff; assists OPS components with the

provision of office-specific and functional training to program and

regional offices; coordinates permanent and temporary teams formed

within OPS; develops and maintains OPS staff directory and users' guide

for OPS services.

OCSA is responsible for overseeing OPS' salaries and expenses

budget. Provides direction to meet the human resource management needs

within OPS; coordinates with the office which handles ACF's human

resources activities and the Department to provide OPS staff with

personnel services

[[Page 40593]]

including position management, staffing, recruitment, employee and

labor relations, employee assistance, payroll, staff development and

training, and special hiring and placement programs; and, maintains

systems to track personnel actions to keep the Director of OPS and, as

appropriate, the Directors of offices within OPS informed about the

status of personnel actions, current full-time equivalency usage and

salaries and expenses resources, and employee programs and benefits.

All OPS personnel related issues, performance management activities and

other administrative functions within OPS are handled within this

office.

IX. Establish a new ``Chapter KS,'' as follows:

The Office of Human Resources and Equal Employment Opportunity/

Civil Rights.

KS.00 Mission

KS.10 Organization

KS.20 Functions

KS.00 Mission. The Office of Human Resources and Equal Employment

Opportunity/Civil Rights (OHREEO/CR) provides oversight and direction

to meet the human resource management needs of ACF components. The

Office directs and manages the ACF Equal Employment Opportunity and

Civil Rights program.

KS.10 Organization. The Office of Human Resources and Equal

Employment Opportunity/Civil Rights is headed by a Director who reports

to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program Operations.

KS.20 Functions. The Office of Human Resources and Equal

Employment Opportunity serves as the principal advisor to the Assistant

Secretary for Children and Families on all aspects of human resource

management and the Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights

program. Provides leadership, oversight and coordination for the

planning, analysis, and development of human resource policies and

programs. Serves as the liaison between ACF, the Office of Assistant

Secretary for Personnel Administration, and the HHS Office for Civil

Rights. Formulates and interprets new human service programs and

strategies. Plans, develops and interprets ACF human resource policies,

procedures and manuals/systems. Performs employee utilization and

assessment evaluations. Participates in pilot projects and represents

ACF on committees which relate to the functions of the office. Manages

the performance recognition systems and the responsibilities of the

Executive Resources Board (ERB), the Performance Review Board (PRB),

and the Performance Standards Review Board. Manages and coordinates all

awards programs for ACF. Manages special hiring and placement programs.

Administers ACF's Personnel Security responsibilities and ACF's ethics

program. Coordinates the ethics program with the Department's Office of

Special Counsel for Ethics. Supports the implementation of ACF's

streamlining efforts.

OHREEO/CR directs and manages the ACF Equal Employment Opportunity

and Civil Rights program in accordance with Equal Employment

Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations and HHS guidelines. Immediate

oversight is provided by a staff under the direction of the ACF EEO

Officer. Plans, develops, and evaluates programs and procedures

designed to identify and eliminate discrimination in employment,

training, incentive awards, promotion and career opportunities.

Responsible for implementing and evaluating a cost-effective, timely,

and impartial system for processing individual complaints of

discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as

amended. Provides information, guidance, advice, and technical

assistance to ACF supervisors and managers on Affirmative Employment

planning and other means of achieving parity and promoting work force

diversity. Responsible for ensuring that ACF-conducted programs do not

discriminate against recipients on the basis of race, color, national

origin, age or disability. Monitors and implements civil rights

compliance actions under Title VI, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation

Act of 1973, as amended, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as

amended. Implements the applicable provisions of the Americans with

Disabilities Act of 1990.

X. Establish a new ``Chapter KT,'' as follows:

Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget

KT.00 Mission

KT.10 Organization

KT.20 Functions

KT.100 Mission. The Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget

(OLAB) provides leadership in the development of legislation, budget,

and policy, ensuring consistency in these areas among ACR program and

staff offices, and with ACF and the Department's vision and goals. It

advises the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on all policy

and programmatic matters which substantially impact the agency's

legislative program, budget development process, and regulatory agenda.

The Office serves as the primary ACF contact, for the Department, the

Executive Branch, and the Congress on all legislative, budget

development and regulatory activities.

KT.10 Organization. The Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget

is headed by a Director, who reports to the Deputy Assistant Secretary

for Policy and External Affairs.

KT.20 Functions. The Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget

serves as the principal advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for

Policy and External Affairs and the Assistant Secretary for Children

and Families on all policies and programmatic matters which

substantially impact on legislative affairs, budget development, and

the regulatory agenda; and represents the Deputy Assistant Secretary

for Policy and External Affairs and the Assistant Secretary on budget,

policy and legislative materials and activities.

Serves as the primary ACF contact for the Department, the Executive

Branch, and Congress on all budget development activities; manages the

development and presentation of ACF's budget; provides guidance to ACF

program and staff components in preparing material in support of budget

development.

Manages the ACF regulatory development process; negotiates

regulatory policy positions with the Department and the Executive

Branch; provides guidance to ACF programs and staff components on

policy and programmatic matters which substantially impact the budget

and regulatory development process; and reviews and analyzes other

policy significant documents to ensure consistency with ACF's budget,

vision and goals.

Serves as the focal point for congressional liaison in ACF and for

the Office of Assistant Secretary for Legislation; counsels and advises

the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families and senior ACF staff

on congressional activities and relations; manages the preparation of

testimony and briefings; negotiates clearance of testimony; monitors

hearings and other congressional activities which affect ACF; and

manages congressional inquiries.

Manages the ACF legislative planning cycle and the development of

Reports to Congress; reviews and analyzes a wide range of Congressional

policy documents, including legislative proposals, pending legislation,

and bill reports; solicits and synthesizes internal ACF comments on

such documents; negotiates legislative policy positions with the

Department and the Executive

[[Page 40594]]

Branch; and reviews other policy significant documents to ensure

consistency with statutory and congressional intent and the agency

legislative agenda.

Dated: August 1, 1995.

Donna E. Shalala,

Secretary.

[FR Doc. 95-19570 Filed 8-8-95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184-01-M