[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

[[Page 83]]

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

[[Page 84]]

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

[[Page 85]]

(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

[[Page 86]]

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

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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