[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 1 (Friday, January 2, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 81-87]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-34217]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority
This Notice amends Part K of the Statement of Organization,
Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
as follows: K, Administration for Children and Families (62 FR 4295),
as last amended, January 29, 1997; KA, the Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families (62 FR 4295), as last amended,
January 29, 1997; Chapter KL, the Office of Staff Development and
Organizational Resources (OSDOR), (62 FR 4295), as last amended,
January 29, 1997; Chapter KM, the Office of Planning, Research and
Evaluation (OPRE), (62 FR 7787), as last amended, February 20, 1997;
Chapter KN, the Office of Public Affairs (OPA), (60 FR 40586) as last
amended, August 9, 1995; Chapter KP, the Office of Program Support
(OPS), (62 FR 4295), as last amended, January 29, 1997; Chapter KS,
Equal Employment Opportunities/Civil Rights and Special Initiatives
Staff (EEO/CR&SI), (60 FR 58628), as last amended, November 28, 1995;
Chapter KT, Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget (OLAB), (62 FR
4295), as last amended, January 29, 1997; Chapter KU, Office of Human
Resource Management (OHRM), (62 FR 4295), as last amended, January 29,
1997; and Chapter KV, Office of Administrative Services and Facilities
Management (OASFM), (62 FR 4295), as last amended, January 29, 1997.
This realignment of staff offices will combine the fiscal and support
functions under the purview of a newly created position of Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Administration (formerly the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Program Operations) and establish the Office of
Intergovernmental Affairs under the Office of the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Policy and External Affairs.
These Chapters are amended as follows:
I. Chapter K.10 Organization. Delete K.10 Organization in its
entirety and replace with the following:
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 to the Assistant Secretary, the
Administration consists of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration, 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)
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and
External Affairs (KL)
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration
(KP)
Administration on Children, Youth and Families (KB)
Administration on Developmental Disabilities (KC)
Regional Offices 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 (KJ)
Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (KM)
Office of Public Affairs (KN)
Office of Refugee Resettlement (KR)
Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget (KT)
II. Chapter KA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families.
A. Amend KA.10 Organization. Delete Executive Secretariat Office
(KAB).
B. Delete KA.20 Functions, Paragraph A, in its entirety and
replace with the following:
KA.20 Functions. A. The Office of the Assistant Secretary is
responsible to the Secretary for carrying out ACF'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 Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary serves as alter ego
to the Assistant Secretary on program matters and acts in the absence
of the Assistant Secretary.
III. Delete Chapter KL, ``The Office of Staff Development and
Organizational Resources,'' retitle it as the ``Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Policy and External Affairs'' and replace with the
following:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs
KL.00 Mission
KL.10 Organization
KL.20 Functions
KL.00 Mission. 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 and intergovernmental affairs.
KL.10 Organization. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and
External Affairs reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families. The Office is organized as follows:
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and
External Affairs (KLA)
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (KLB)
KL.20 Functions A. The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Policy and External Affairs. 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, and intergovernmental affairs. 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 represents
the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on intergovernmental
matters, and in contacts and negotiations with Congressional members
and staff and executives of agencies and
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organizations. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External
Affairs provides executive leadership and direction to the Office of
Legislative Affairs and Budget and Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
B. The Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (OIA) serves as the
focal point for intergovernmental coordination activities with other
federal agencies, state and local officials, special interest groups,
professional and business organizations, and private and voluntary
groups. It tracks plans, proposals, legislative positions, conferences
and other activities of outside groups that influence or affect ACF's
programs and policies. It responds to requests for information from
outside groups on ACF's programs and positions. It plans, organizes and
coordinates conferences, workshops and other events to promote ACF's
programs and priorities, and it coordinates ACF's participation at
meetings and conferences sponsored by outside groups. It manages the
speaker request system. It provides advance planning and preparation
for trips by the Assistant Secretary, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary, and Deputy Assistant Secretaries for ACF including speaking
engagements. The Office serves as a focal point for ACF's international
activities and provides policy advice and staff support to the
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on international issues
concerned with human services; coordinates ACF's participation in
special international initiatives; prepares or coordinates preparation
of position papers for U.S. delegations to international organizations
(e.g. United Nations (UN), UNICEF, Organization of American States
(OAS), and the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research);
arranges professional development programs for foreign visitors;
develops and manages international research and comparative studies;
and manages international travel by ACF staff.
IV. Delete Chapter KM, ``The Office of Planning, Research and
Evaluation,'' in its entirety and replace with the following:
Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation
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 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 is also
responsible for the collection, compilation, analysis, and
dissemination of data.
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 Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families. The Office is organized as
follows:
Office of the Director (KMA)
Division of Economic Independence (KMB)
Division of Child and Family Development (KMC)
Division of Data Collection and Analysis (KMD)
KM.20 Functions. A. The Office of the Director provides direction
and executive leadership to OPRE in administering its responsibilities.
It serves as principal advisor to 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; collection,
analysis, and dissemination of data; and public/private partnership
initiatives of concern to the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families. It represents the Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families at various planning, research, evaluation and data collection
and analysis 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; demonstration testing
and model development; synthesis and
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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 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.
D. The Division of Data Collection and Analysis is responsible for
all aspects of the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination
of data on selected ACF programs.
The Division develops regulations to implement data collection
requirements; designs, develops, implements, and maintains systems for
the collection and analysis of data including: Participation rate
information, recipient characteristics, administrative data, State
expenditures on families, work activities of non-custodial parents,
transitional services, and data used in the assessment of State
performance.
The Division provides leadership in and coordinates with other ACF
and HHS offices and external organizations in the dissemination and use
of these data for policy and research purposes. The Division also
develops and maintains statistical protocols and manuals for data
collection purposes and provides technical assistance in the use of
these materials.
V. Delete Chapter KN, ``The Office of Public Affairs,'' in its
entirety and replace with the following:
Office of Public Affairs
KN.00 Mission
KN.10 Organization
KN.20 Functions
KN.00 Mission. The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) develops,
directs and coordinates public affairs and communication services for
ACF. 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.
KN.10 Organization. The Office of Public Affairs 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 (KNA)
Division of Public Information (KNB)
Division of Publications Services (KNC)
KN.20 Functions. A. Office of Director provides leadership and
direction to OPA in administering its responsibilities. The Office
provides direction and leadership in the areas of public relations
policy and communications services. It serves as advisor to the
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families in the areas of public
affairs; provides advice on strategies and approaches to be used to
improve public understanding of and access to ACF programs and
policies; and coordinates and serves as ACF liaison with the Assistant
Secretary for Public Affairs. The Office serves as Regional Liaison on
public affairs issues. The Deputy Director assists the Director in
carrying out the responsibilities of the Office.
B. Division of Public Information develops and implements public
affairs strategies to achieve ACF program objectives in coordination
with other ACF components. It coordinates news media relations
strategy; responds to all media inquiries concerning ACF programs and
related issues; develops fact sheets, news releases, feature articles
for magazines and other publications on ACF programs and initiatives;
and manages preparation and clearance of speeches and official
statements on ACF programs. It coordinates regional public affairs
policies and public affairs activities pertaining to ACF programs and
initiatives.
C. 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.
VI. Delete Chapter KT, ``The Office of Legislative Affairs and
Budget,'' in its entirety and replace with the following:
Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget
KT.00 Mission
KT.10 Organization
KT.20 Functions
KT.00 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 ACF 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, budget execution 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 Assistant Secretary for
Children and Families.
KT.20 Functions. The Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget
serves as the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children
and Families on all policy and programmatic matters which substantially
impact on legislative affairs, budget development, budget execution and
the regulatory agenda; and represents 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 and budget execution
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
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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 Branch; and reviews other policy
significant documents to ensure consistency with statutory and
congressional intent and the agency legislative agenda.
Facilitates the preparation of comprehensive administrative
(salaries and expenses) budget for ACF; and designs and develops budget
estimating modes and procedures.
VII. Delete Chapter KP, ``The Office of Program Support,'' retitle
it as the ``Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Administration'' and replace with the following:
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration
KP.00 Mission
KP.10 Organization
KP.20 Functions
KP.00 Mission. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration
serves as principal advisor and counsel to the Assistant Secretary for
Children and Families on all aspects of personnel administration and
management, information resource, financial, grants and procurement
issues, staff development and training activities, organizational
development and organizational analysis, administrative services and
facilities management and state systems. Oversees the Executive
Secretariat Office, the ACF Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil
Rights program and all special initiatives activities for ACF.
KP.10 Organization. The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Administration is headed by the Deputy Assistant Secretary who
reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families. The
Office is organized as follows:
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration
(KPA)
Office of Information Services (KPB)
Office of Financial Services (KPC)
Office of Management Services (KPD)
Office of Customer Service and Administration (KPE)
Office of State Systems (KPF)
Executive Secretariat Office (KPG)
Equal Employment Opportunity/Civil Rights and Special
Initiatives Staff (KPH)
Office of Human Resource Management (KPJ)
Office of Staff Development and Organizational Resources (KPK)
Office of Administrative Services and Facilities Management
(KPL)
KP.20 Functions. A. Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Administration directs and coordinates all administrative activities
for the Administration for Children and Families. The Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Administration serves as ACF's Chief Financial Officer
(CFO); ACF's Chief Grants Management Officer; Federal Manager's
Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) Management Control Officer; Principal
Information Resource Management Official serving as ACF's Chief
Information Officer responsible for implementing the Information
Technology Management Reform Act; and Reports Clearance Officer. The
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration serves as the ACF liaison
to the General Counsel and, as appropriate, initiates action in
securing resolution of legal matters relating to management of the
agency, and represents the Assistant Secretary on all administrative
litigation matters. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration
provides day-to-day executive leadership and direction to the Equal
Employment Opportunity/Civil Rights and Special Initiatives Staff,
Office of Staff Development and Organizational Resources, Office of
Human Resource Management, Office of Administrative Services and
Facilities Management, the Executive Secretariat Office, Office of
Information Services, Office of Financial Services, Office of
Management Services, Office of Customer Services and Administration and
Office of State Systems. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Administration 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.
B. The 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; serves as
the Deputy Chief Information Officer supporting ACF's responsibilities
under the Information Technology Management Reform Act; 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 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; 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. The Office of Financial Services (OFS) supports the Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Administration 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 Federal
Manager's Financial Integrity Act
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(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. It 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. OFS also develops and delivers grants management training to
ACF program and financial staff.
D. The Office of Management Services (OMS) provides centralized
management and administration of acquisitions for ACF headquarters and
regional 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,
circulares 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 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. The Office of Customer Service and Administration (OCSA)
develops and maintains a customer service plan for the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Administration (DASA) and conducts customer surveys for
DASA; facilitates and assists in developing and writing standard
operating procedures for all components within DASA; assists in office-
specific training of DASA staff; assists DASA components with the
provision of office-specific and functional training to program and
regional offices; coordinates permanent and temporary teams formed
within DASA; develops and maintains DASA staff directory and users'
guide for DASA services.
OCSA is responsible for overseeing DASA's salaries and expenses
budget. Provides direction to meet the human resource management needs
within DASA; coordinates with the office which handles ACF's human
resources activities and the Department to provide DASA staff with
personnel services 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 Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration and, as
appropriate, the Directors of offices within DASA informed about the
status of personnel actions, current full-time equivalency usage and
salaries and expenses resources, and employee programs and benefits.
All DASA personnel related issues, performance management activities
and other administrative functions within DASA are handled within this
office.
F. The Office of State Systems (OSS) oversees the Department's
responsibilities for Federal financial participation in the funding of
State automated systems. 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.
The Office 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. The Office 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.
The Office reviews, analyzes, and approves/disapproves State
requests for Federal financial participation for automated systems
development activities which support the 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.
G. The Executive Secretariat Office (ExecSec) 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
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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.
H. The Equal Employment Opportunity/Civil Rights and Special
Initiatives Staff (EEOCR&SI) serves as the principal advisor to the
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration on all aspects of the
Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights program. Serves as the
liaison between ACF and the HHS Office for Civil Rights. Provides
leadership for all special initiative activities for ACF; participates
in pilot projects; and represents ACF on committees which relate to the
functions of the Staff. Manages and coordinates honor awards programs
for ACF.
The Staff 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.
J. The Office of Human Resource Management (OHRM) directs and
manages the personnel operations and services for the Administration
for Children and Families (ACF). Provides advice and assistance to ACF
managers in their personnel management activities including workforce
planning, recruitment, selection, position management, performance
management, and incentive awards. Provides a variety of services to ACF
employees, including provision of employee assistance services and
career, retirement and benefits counseling. Serves as ACF liaison to
the Department on all payroll matters. Provides the following personnel
administrative services: the exercise of appointing authority, position
classification, awards authorization, personnel management evaluation,
personnel action processing and recordkeeping. Manages the merit
promotion, special hiring and placement programs.
Provides leadership, oversight, and coordination for the planning,
analysis, and development of human resource policies and programs.
Serves as liaison between ACF, the Department, and the Office of
Personnel Management. Provides technical advice and assistance on
policy, legal and regulatory matters. Formulates and interprets
policies pertaining to all areas related to personnel administration
and management. Formulates and interprets new human resource programs
and strategies.
Formulates and oversees the implementation of ACF-wide policies,
regulations and procedures concerning all aspects of the Senior
Executive Service (SES), and SES equivalent recruitment, staffing,
position establishment, compensation, award, performance management and
other related personnel areas. Manages the performance recognition
systems and the responsibilities of the Executive Resources Board (ERB)
and the Performance Review Board (PRB). Coordinates the Schedule C and
Executive personnel activity with the Office of the Secretary. Is the
focal point for data, reports, and analyses relating to SES, Schedule C
and other executive personnel, such as those in Executive Level
positions.
Provides management advisory service on all labor management and
employee relations issues. 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, disciplinary and adverse action
regulations, and appeals. 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. Provides
leadership in assuring the integrity, effectiveness and impartiality of
ACF's alternative dispute resolution programs, grievances, and merit
systems program. Participates in the formulation and implementation of
policies, practices and matters affecting bargaining unit employees'
working conditions by assuring management's compliance with the Federal
Labor Relations Program (5 U.S.C. Chapter 71).
Administers ACF's personnel security responsibilities and ethics
program. Coordinates the ethics program with the Department's Office of
Special Counsel for Ethics.
K. The Office of Staff Development and Organizational Resources
(OSDOR) provides leadership in directing and managing agency-wide staff
development and training activities for ACF. The Office is responsible
for the functional management of all program, common needs and
management training in the agency, including policy development,
guidance, and technical assistance and evaluation of all aspects of
program, career, employee, supervisory, management, executive and
organizational development. Provides leadership in implementing the
recommendations of the Staff Development and Training Team by managing/
overseeing and monitoring the ACF Training Resource Center and
institutionalizing long-term developmental training for ACF employees.
Support the daily work and special projects of ACF employees by
managing the Information Resource Center (library).
The Office serves as the principal source of advice through the
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration 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 through the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Administration 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
[[Page 87]]
reorganization proposals. Acts as liaison with the HHS Office of 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.
L. The Office of Administrative Services and Facilities Management
(OASFM) directs and manages ACF's administrative support services,
facilities management programs and activities.
Provides agency-wide guidance on administrative issues; prepares,
coordinates and disseminates information, policy, and/or procedural
guidance on administrative and facilities management issues. Directs
and/or coordinates management initiatives to improve ACF administrative
and facilities management services with the goal of continually
improving services while reducing costs.
Maintains budgetary controls on administrative services accounts,
reconciling accounting reports and invoices, and monitoring all
spending. Controls OASFM Visa credit card for small purchases.
Establishes and manages contracts and/or blanket purchase agreements
(BPAs) for administrative support and facilities management services,
including space design, building alteration and repair,
telecommunications, reprographics, physical security, moving, labor,
records and property management and inventory, systems furniture
acquisitions and assembly, fleet management, and the Information
Resource Center (library).
Provides management and oversight of ACF mail delivery services and
activities, including Federal and contractor postal services
nationwide, covering all classes of U.S. Postal Service mail, priority
and express mail services, and courier services, etc.
Directs all activities associated with the ACF Master Housing Plan,
including coordination and development of the agency long-range space
budget; planning, budgeting, identification, solicitation, acceptance
and utilization of office and special purpose space, repairs, and
alterations; principal liaison with General Services Administration
(GSA) and other Federal agencies, building managers and facilities
engineers, architects and commercial representatives, for space
acquisition, negotiation of lease terms, dealing with sensitive issues
such as handicapped barriers, space shortages, and security. Develops
and maintains space floor plans and inventories, directory boards, and
locator signs. OASFM serves as the lead for ACF in coordination and
liaison with Departmental, GSA, Federal Protective Service, and other
Federal agencies on implementation of Federal security directives.
Responsible for planning and executing the Agency's environmental
health, safety, and physical security programs, ensuring that
appropriate occupational health and safety and occupant emergency
evacuation plans are in place. Serves as principal liaison with private
and/or Federal building managers for all administrative services and
facilities management activities. Responsible for issuing, and managing
and controlling badge and cardkey systems to control access to agency
space for security purposes.
Develops and/or implements agency telecommunications management
policy in accordance with Federal regulations and procedures. Reviews
and directs payment of all agency telephone invoices. Recommends and
advises on the design and function of telecommunications systems, based
on user needs, costs and technological availability. Communicates
directly with private industry service providers to coordinate the
acquisition, installation and maintenance of voice/data
telecommunications equipment and systems. Responsible for other sources
of communications capability such as pagers, cellular phone service,
cable TV service, and audio conferencing equipment and service.
Coordinates the implementation of personal video and video
conferencing. Updates and maintains the ACF LAN-based telephone
directory, handles the distribution of all commercial directories, and
updates and maintains the databases for telephone lines, and equipment
inventories.
Plans, manages/operates employee transportation programs, including
shuttle service and fleet management, employee and visitor parking, and
commuter services and programs including transit subsidies and
ridesharing. Develops and implements ACF travel policies and procedures
consistent with Federal requirements. Provides technical assistance and
oversight; coordinates ACF use of the Travel Management System; manages
employee participation in the American Express Credit Card program for
travel.
Purchases and tracks common use supplies, stationery and
publications; manages equipment repair services and reprographics
management activities; controls and maintains equipment and personal
property inventories; develops and coordinates records (paper) and
forms management, and real property activities.
VIII. Within Chapter K, replace the term ``Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Program Operations'' with ``Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Administration.''
Dated: December 24, 1997.
Olivia A. Golden,
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.
[FR Doc. 97-34217 Filed 12-31-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P