CSBG DCL Performance Management Update
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Community Services
Division of State Assistance
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20447
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/programs/csbg
Community Services Block Grant
Dear Colleague Letter
Re: CSBG Performance Management Update
Date: December 19, 2014
Dear Colleagues:
In the coming weeks, the Office of Community Services (OCS) will be releasing important new information and guidance related to the implementation of the CSBG performance management framework. As part of an effort to ensure efficiency and effectiveness at all levels of the CSBG network, we will be releasing a final information memorandum on organizational standards for CSBG eligible entities as well as an information memorandum on State and Federal accountability measures. We will also be soliciting feedback on a revised and automated CSBG Model State Plan. The draft Model State Plan streamlines and automates the current Model State Plan content while also incorporating new information on State organizational standards and accountability measures.
OCS will be seeking feedback on the new model state plan through multiple channels. We will publish a notice of an official, 60-day comment period on the Model State Plan through the Federal Register, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. In addition, we will issue a Dear Colleague Letter directly to the CSBG Network to share the draft Model State Plan and describe opportunities for comment in more detail.
OCS will begin to review and address comments as soon as we receive them. At the end of the comment period, we will revise the Model State Plan for official clearance through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). As we progress, we will share additional information, including information about training and technical assistance to be provided by OCS and our technical assistance partners. Our goal is to have the new automated Model State Plan available for States to use for FY 2016 submission of their State Plans. We will describe expectations and timelines in greater detail in the upcoming guidance.
We are grateful for the collaboration and support of the entire CSBG Network over the several years it has taken to develop the best performance management strategies possible for CSBG. We also thank the group of State administrators for helping us refine the draft Model State Plan in recent weeks.
We have a lot of important work ahead. Never has it been so important that we initiate accountability and performance management across our Network. The new strategies and tools we will be sharing soon will ultimately generate stronger results for the low income people and communities we serve.
If you have questions, please contact an OCS CSBG program specialist. The list of OCS staff and contact information is posted on the OCS website at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/resource/csbg-staff-assignments-by-region.
Thank you,
Jeannie L. Chaffin Seth Hassett
Director Director, Division of State Assistance
Office of Community Services Office of Community Services