[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 9, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40586-40594]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-19570]



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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