[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 194 (Friday, October 6, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59117-59123]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-8536]


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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: Chapter KB, the Administration on Children, Youth and 
Families (ACYF), as last amended 71 FR 29649, May 23, 2006; Chapter KF, 
Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), as last amended 67 FR 8816-
02, February 26, 2002; Chapter KH, the Office of Family Assistance 
(OFA), as last amended 71 FR 29649, May 23, 2006; Chapter KP, Office of 
the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration (ODASA), as last 
amended 67 FR 54436-01, August 22, 2002; Chapter KU, Office of Head 
Start (OHS), as last amended 71 FR 29649, May 23, 2006; Chapter KJ, 
Office of Regional Operations (ORO) as last amended 62 FR 4295-01, 
January 29, 1997; and Chapter KD, Regions I-X as last amended 68 FR 
65291-01 November 19, 2003. This Notice completes the implementation of 
the

[[Page 59118]]

reorganization published in the Federal Register on May 23, 2006.
    This Notice establishes the substructure(s) of the Office of Family 
Assistance and the Office of Head Start. It also changes the existing 
structures and organization of the Regional Offices and realigns some 
of the regional staff to make them a part of and reporting to, various 
Central Office components. Additionally, the reorganization revises the 
functions of the Regional Administrators and places them under the 
Office of Regional Operations (KJ).
    The changes are as follows:

I. Under Chapter K, Administration for Children and Families, delete 
Chapter KDI-X in their entireties.

II. Under Chapter KJ, Office of Regional Operations, delete in its 
entirety and replace with the following:

    KJ.00 Mission. The Office of Regional Operations (ORO) advises the 
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on all strategic and 
operational activities related to implementation of the agency's 
national goals and priorities at the regional level. ORO oversees the 
performance of the Offices of the Regional Administrators (ORA) on all 
coordination of cross-cutting and special emphasis programs and 
initiatives, emergency preparedness, tribal government relations, 
State, and local ACF-related affairs, and administrative functions in 
Regions I-X, Offices of the Regional Administrators (ORA).
    The ORAs are located in the ten DHHS Regional Offices: Region I 
(Boston), Region II (New York), Region III (Philadelphia), Region IV 
(Atlanta), Region V (Chicago), Region VI (Dallas), Region VII (Kansas 
City), Region VIII (Denver), Region IX (San Francisco), and Region X 
(Seattle). Each ORA, through the Director, ORO, and in coordination 
with ACF Program Directors, represents ACF to States, counties, cities, 
or towns, Territories, and Tribal governments, grantees, and public and 
private local organizations. The ORA coordinates issues that may have 
significant regional or national impact. The ORA develops plans in 
conjunction with the Program Directors to meet ACF goals and objectives 
and initiatives and participates in regional activities to inform the 
public about ACF programs at the regional level in coordination with 
the ACF Office of Public Affairs. The ORA contributes to the 
development of ACF national policy based on knowledge of services in 
the region.
    KJ.10 Organization. The Office of Regional Operations (ORO) is 
headed by a Director who reports to the Assistant Secretary for 
Children and Families. The ORO is organized as follows: Office of the 
Director (KJA); Regional Operations Staff (KJB); Office of the Regional 
Administrators (KJDI-X).
    KJ.20 Functions.
    A. Office of the Director (KJA): The Office of the Director (OD) 
provides executive leadership and assistance on all strategic and 
operational activities related to implementation of the agency's 
national goals and priorities at the regional level. The Director is 
the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children and 
Families on regional matters involving special emphasis programs and 
initiatives, emergency preparedness, Tribal government relations, 
State, and local ACF partnership activities, and regional 
administrative functions. The Director represents the Assistant 
Secretary for Children and Families within DHHS and with other Federal 
agencies and task forces on regional activities.
    The OD: (1) Oversees the Regional Administrators in administering 
regional activities and implementing cross-cutting program initiatives; 
(2) serves as a focal point for operational and long-range planning; 
and (3) coordinates with the ACF Central Office components to ensure 
that the Regional Administrators can help coordinate certain national 
priorities and initiatives, State, and local partnership activities, 
special programs, and emergency preparedness and response operations.
    B. Regional Operations Staff (KJB): The Regional Operations Staff 
(ROS): (1) Develops and manages liaison processes between ACF Regional 
Offices and the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families; (2) 
supports the Offices of the Regional Administrators (ORA) of each 
region by implementing and overseeing the management systems and 
procedures for communication and workload that emanate from ACF 
national priorities and initiatives, special emphasis programs, 
emergency preparedness, tribal government relations, and State, and 
local ACF partnership activities; (3) monitors and evaluates ORA 
operations and makes plans for the utilization of regional resources to 
accomplish approved objectives; and (4) manages administrative and 
human resources functions; and salaries and expenses for the ORA.
    C. Offices of the Regional Administrators (KJDI-X): Each of the 
Offices of the Regional Administrators (ORA) is headed by a Regional 
Administrator who reports to the Assistant Secretary for Children and 
Families through the Director, ORO. Each Office: (1) Helps support 
ACF's key national goals and priorities; (2) communicates ACF's 
regional interests, concerns, and relationships within the Department 
and among other Federal agencies and focuses on State agency culture 
change, more effective partnerships, and improved customer service; (3) 
manages special and sensitive projects; (4) serves as a focal point for 
public affairs and contacts with the media, public awareness 
activities, information dissemination, and education campaigns in 
coordination with the ACF Office of Public Affairs and in conjunction 
with the DHHS Regional Director; (5) assists the ACF Regional 
Administrator in the management of cross-cutting initiatives and 
activities among the regional components; and (6) as appropriate, and 
in coordination with the ACF Central Office components, assists with 
activities relating to developmental disabilities, refugee 
resettlement, economic and community development, tribal and special 
initiative activities.
    The Regional Administrators: (1) Oversee the management of ACF 
regional staff in the ORA; (2) coordinate activities across regional 
programs; (3) ensure that goals and objectives are carried out; and (4) 
alert the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families through the 
Director, ORO, and/or Central Office ACF Program Directors to problems 
and issues that may have significant regional or national impact.
    As requested by the Director of Regional Operations or Central 
Office ACF Program Directors, the ORA represents ACF at the regional 
level in executive communications within ACF, with the DHHS Regional 
Director, other DHHS Operating Divisions, other Federal agencies, and 
public or private local organizations.
    Within the ORA, an administrative staff: (1) Develops regional work 
plans, in coordination with Central Office Program Directors, related 
to the overall ACF strategic plans, and tracks, monitors, and reports 
on regional progress in the attainment of ACF national goals and 
objectives; (2) coordinates routine budget, administrative, and human 
resource functions as required, including Executive Secretariat, ACF-
controlled space, computer and computer peripheral equipment, and 
health and safety for the ORA; (3) coordinates ACF programs during 
emergencies in the regions, including natural disasters, pandemic flu, 
or other disasters; (4) serves as ACF's focal point for COOP planning, 
implementation, and coordination; (5) coordinates regional

[[Page 59119]]

ACF deployments of human services assessments and action teams during 
State and/or Federally declared emergencies and disasters; and (6) 
coordinates resources for regional special emphasis activities with the 
DHHS Regional Director's office.

III. Under Chapter KP, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Administration, make the following changes:

    A. Under KP.00 Mission, add the following:
    KP.00 Mission. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration 
serves as principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children and 
Families on all aspects of personnel administration and management; 
information resource management; financial management activities; 
grants policy and overseeing the issuance of grants; procurement 
issues; staff development and training activities; organizational 
development and organizational analysis; administrative services; 
facilities management; and State systems policy. The Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Administration oversees the ACF Equal Employment 
Opportunity and Civil Rights program and all administrative special 
initiative activities for ACF.
    B. Under KP Organization, insert the following new component after 
Office of Grants Management (KPG): Grants Management Regional Units 
(KPGDI-X).
    C. Under KP.20 Functions, insert the following component, under the 
Office of Grants Management (KPG):
    Grants Management Regional Units (KPGDI-X): Each Grants Management 
Regional Unit (GMRU) is headed by a Regional Grants Management Officer 
who supports the Chief Grants Officer (CGO)/Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Administration in fulfilling ACF's CGO responsibilities. The GMRU 
serves as the principal office in the region for grant activities and 
is responsible for: (1) Ensuring the business and financial 
responsibilities of grants administration are carried out; (2) 
providing direct administration and management of ACF discretionary, 
formula, entitlement, and block grants in the regions; (3) directing 
all grants and cooperative agreements awarded; (4) ensuring compliance 
with applicable statutes, regulations, and policies and performing 
audit resolutions; (5) providing leadership and technical guidance to 
ACF programs on grant operations and grants management issues; (6) 
interpreting and implementing financial policies, regulations, 
legislation, and appropriations law as they relate to grant 
administration; (7) securing resolution of legal matters relating to 
grants administration and management; (8) reviewing cost-allocation 
plans; (9) making recommendations to the appropriate program office (a) 
to approve, defer, or disallow claims for Federal financial 
participation in ACF formula and entitlement programs and (b) to 
approve or disallow costs under ACF discretionary grant programs; and 
(10) as applicable, making recommendations on the clearance and closure 
of audits of State and grantee programs, paying particular attention to 
deficiencies that decrease the efficiency and effectiveness of ACF 
programs and taking steps to resolve deficiencies. The Regional Grants 
Management Officer assisting the CGO/Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Administration on grants management matters with the ACF Central 
Office, States, contractors, and grantees.

IV. Under Chapter KB, Administration on Children, Youth and Families 
(ACYF), make the following changes:

    A. Under KB.10 Organization, add the following component after the 
Children's Bureau (KBD): Children's Bureau Regional Program Units 
(KBDDI-X).
    B. Under KB.20 Functions, after the Children's Bureau (KBD), add 
the following new paragraph:
    Children's Bureau Regional Units (KBDDI-X): The Children's Bureau 
(CB), Regional Program Unit, is headed by a CB Regional Program Manager 
who reports to the Associate Commissioner, Children's Bureau, within 
ACYF. The CB Regional Program Manager, through subordinate regional 
staff, in collaboration with program components, is responsible for: 
(1) Providing program and technical administration of CB formula, 
entitlement, block and discretionary programs related to child welfare, 
including child abuse and neglect, child protective services, family 
preservation and support, adoption, foster care and independent living; 
(2) collaborating with the ACF Central Office, States, and grantees on 
all program matters for programs or issues that have significant 
implications for the programs; (3) providing technical assistance to 
entities responsible for administering CB programs to resolve 
identified problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate procedures and 
practices are adopted; (5) working with appropriate State and local 
officials to develop and implement outcome-based performance measures; 
and (6) monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency and 
effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities conform to Federal 
laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the programs.

V. Under Chapter KF, Paragraph A, Office of Child Support Enforcement 
(OCSE), make the following changes:

    A. Amend KF.10 Organization, by adding the following component: 
OCSE Regional Program Units (KFADI-X).
    B. Amend KF.20 Functions, Paragraph A, by adding the following new 
paragraph at the end of Paragraph A:
    OCSE Regional Program Units (KFADI-X): Each OCSE Regional Program 
Unit is headed by the OCSE Regional Program Manager who reports to the 
Deputy Director (also known as the Commissioner, OCSE). The OCSE 
Regional Program Manager, through subordinate regional staff, in 
collaboration with program components, is responsible for: (1) 
Providing program and technical administration of ACF entitlement and 
discretionary programs related to OCSE; (2) collaborating with the ACF 
Central Office, States, Tribes, and other grantees on all significant 
program and policy matters; (3) providing technical assistance to 
entities responsible for administering OCSE programs to resolve 
identified problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate procedures and 
practices are adopted; (5) working with appropriate State, Tribal, and 
local officials to develop and implement outcome-based performance 
measures; and (6) monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency 
and effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities conform to Federal 
laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the programs.

VI. Under Chapter KH, Office of Family Assistance, make the following 
changes:

    A. Delete KH.10 Organization in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    KH.10 Organization. The Office of Family Assistance 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 (KHA).
TANF Bureau (KHB).
Division of State and Territory TANF Management and Technical 
Assistance (KHB2).
Division of Data Collection and Analysis (KHB3).
Division of Tribal TANF Management (KHB4).
TANF Bureau Regional Program Units (KHBDI-X).
Child Care Bureau (KHJ).
Division of Technical Assistance (KHJ1).
Division of Program Operations (KHJ2).
Division of Policy (KHJ3).
Child Care Bureau Regional Program Units (KHJDI-X).


[[Page 59120]]


    B. Delete Paragraph, KH.20 functions in its entirety and replace 
with the following:
    KH.20 Functions.
    A. Office of the Director (KHA): The Office of the Director is 
directly responsible to the Assistant Secretary for Children and 
Families for carrying out OFA's mission and providing direction, 
leadership, guidance, and general supervision to the principal 
components of OFA. The Deputy director assists the director in carrying 
out the responsibilities for the Office. The Associate Director for the 
TANF Bureau and the Associate Director for the Child Care Bureau report 
to the OFA Director. The Office: (1) provides public information 
services by responding to inquiries from the public and private sectors 
from both domestic and international entities via written and 
electronic communication; (2) coordinates and organizes the printing 
and distribution of policy and guidance documents and responds to 
Freedom of Information Act requests; (3) manages the formulation and 
execution of the budgets for OFA programs and for Federal 
administration; (4) serves as the focal point for operational and long-
range planning; (5) functions as Executive Secretariat for OFA, 
including managing correspondence, correspondence systems, and 
electronic mail requests; and (6) provides management and 
administrative services and advice, by coordinating human resources 
activities, developing policy and procedures relating to these 
activities.
    B. TANF Bureau (KHB): The TANF Bureau is headed by the Associate 
Director for TANF and reports to the Director on issues regarding 
temporary assistance, self-sufficiency, Native Employment Works (NEW), 
healthy marriage, and responsible fatherhood. The Associate Director 
for TANF serves as the principal advisor to the Director on issues 
regarding TANF and related programs. The Bureau has primary 
responsibility for the administration of the programs authorized under 
titles IV-A and XVI of the Social Security Act: (1) Develops 
legislative, regulatory, and budgetary proposals; (2) presents 
operational planning objectives and initiatives related to welfare 
reform to the Director; (3) oversees the progress of approved 
activities; (4) provides leadership and coordination for welfare reform 
within ACF; and (5) provides leadership and linkages with other 
agencies on welfare reform issues, including agencies within DHHS, 
relevant agencies across the Federal, State, local, and Tribal 
governments, and non-governmental organizations at the Federal, State, 
local, and Tribal governments, ,and non-governmental organizations at 
the Federal, State, and local levels.
    1. Division of State TANF Policy (KHB1): The Division of State TANF 
Policy (DSTP): (1) Provides direction and guidance in the nationwide 
administration of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs, 
and the Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled program in Guam, Puerto 
Rico and the Virgin Islands, under titles IV-A and XVI of the Social 
Security Act; (2) ensures compliance with Federal laws and regulations; 
(3) proposes and reviews legislation and implements national policy, 
develops regulations to implement new laws and prepares policy 
interpretations; (4) provides guidance and direction, and analyzes, 
tracks, and disseminates information on State progress in achieving 
work participation goals; (5) shapes and facilitates communication 
between Federal, State, and local entities to coordinate cross-cutting 
welfare-to-work-related policies; (6) collaborates with the ACF and 
DHHS components on related programs, such as Head Start and programs 
related to child welfare; (7) develops State plan procedures and 
evaluates State TANF plans with internal and external collaboration to 
identify critical issues contained in the plans and amendments; (8) 
prepares Congressional materials, testimonies, and speeches; and (9) 
collaborates with and provides program guidance to the Office of the 
General Counsel on litigation.
    2. Division of State and Territory TANF Management and Technical 
Assistance (KHB2): The Division of State and Territory TANF Management 
and Technical Assistance (DSTMTA): (1) Provides technical assistance to 
States, Territories, localities, community groups, and healthy marriage 
and responsible fatherhood grantees; (2) assists in the assessment of 
State and Territorial performance in administering the TANF program and 
the Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled program in Guam, Puerto Rico 
and the Virgin Islands; (3) recommends and promotes improvements in 
outcomes for clients, and oversees and monitors the healthy marriage 
and responsible fatherhood grants; (4) develops and implements 
strategies to assist grantees in implementing and designing programs to 
meet TANF purposes; (5) develops and delivers technical assistance, 
focusing on innovative policy and program design approaches, to improve 
the well-being of children; (6) facilitates closer working 
relationships with State programs and program officials to help States 
improve their TANF programs; (7) promotes cross-program policy 
initiatives to self-sufficiency and family-focused services; (8) 
collaborates with ACF and DHHS components and other Federal agencies to 
deliver family-focused services; (9) promotes job development through 
agreements with other Federal agencies and corporations; (10) 
identifies best practices and shares information through conferences, 
publications, and other means; (11) establishes strong working 
partnerships with States, Tribes, and Territories to help them build 
management capacity and skills to improve the performance of the TANF 
programs; (12) compiles, analyzes, evaluates, and disseminates 
information on implementation and strategies in the TANF program and 
other related welfare programs in the United States, including 
information on pertinent statutes, regulations, program instructions, 
and guidance; (13) serves as a catalyst to connect other relevant 
national, Federal, State, and local organizations to operate more 
effectively, and to share resources and information relative to 
increasing the economic self-sufficiency of low-income families; and 
(14) is responsible for updating contracted web sites to provide easy 
access, targeting and focused useful information, and customer-friendly 
organization and search capabilities.
    3. Division of Data Collection and Analysis (KHB3): The Division of 
Data Collection and Analysis (DDCA): (1) Is responsible for all aspects 
of the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of 
statistical and financial data ont eh TANF program and the Aid to the 
Aged, Blind and Disabled programs in Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin 
islands; (2) develops regulations to implement data collection 
requirements; (3) designs, develops, implements, and maintains systems 
for the collection and analysis of data, including participation rate 
information, recipient characteristics, financial and administrative 
data, State expenditures on families, work activities of non-custodial 
parents, transitional services, and data used in the assessment of 
State performance; (4) provides leadership and coordinates with other 
ACF and DHHS offices and external organizations in the use of these 
data for policy and research purposes; and (5) develops and maintains 
statistical protocols and manuals for data collection purposes and 
provides technical assistance in the use of these materials.
    4. Division of Tribal TANF Management (KHB4): The Division of 
Tribal TANF Management (DTTM) is responsible for: (1) Assisting in

[[Page 59121]]

implementation and coordination of ongoing consultation with Tribal 
governments and, where appropriate, State and Federal agencies 
regarding issues relating to the TANF and the NEW program and related 
legislation; (2) developing regulations and guidelines for Tribal 
employment programs and for providing leadership, policy direction, 
technical assistance, and coordination of Tribal services programs; (3) 
performing inter- and intra-agency liaison functions to promote family 
stability, economic security, responsibility and self-support for 
Native Americans; (4) conducting program reviews to ensure compliance 
with the Social Security Act, regulations, and policy directives; and 
(5) carrying out activities related to Tribal data collection reporting 
requirements relating to the programs.
    5. TANF Bureau Regional Program Units (KHBDI-X): Each TANF Regional 
Program Unit is headed by a TANF Regional Program Manager who reports 
to the Associate Director, TANF, within OFA. The Regional Program 
Manager, through subordinate regional staff, in collaboration with 
program components, is responsible for: (1) Providing program and 
technical administration of the TANF block grant; (2) collaborating 
with the ACF Central Office, States, and other grantees on all 
significant policy matters; (3) providing technical assistance to 
entities responsible for administering ACF programs to resolve 
identified problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate procedures and 
practices are adopted; (5) working with appropriate State, Tribal, and 
local officials to develop and implement outcome-based performance 
measures; and (6) monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency 
and effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities conform to Federal 
laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the programs.
    C. Child Care Bureau (KHJ): The Child Care Bureau (CCB) is headed 
by the Associate Director for CCB who reports to the Director on issues 
regarding child care and early education programs, including the twin 
goals of improving support for working families and promoting the 
healthy development, school readiness, and school success for children 
in child care. The Associate Director for Child Care serves as the 
principal advisor to the Director on issues regarding child care 
programs. The CCB has primary responsibility for: (1) Overseeing the 
operation of child care programs authorized under the Child Care and 
Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act and section 418 of the Social 
Security Act; (2) developing legislative, regulatory, and budgetary 
proposals; (3) presenting operational planning objectives and 
initiatives related to child care to the Director, and oversees the 
progress of approved activities; (4) providing leadership and 
coordination for child care within ACF and linkages with other agencies 
on child care issues, including agencies within DHHS, relevant agencies 
across the Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments, and non-
governmental organizations at the Federal, State, and local levels; and 
(5) overseeing the leadership, planning, and management of the Bureau's 
mission and activities. The data gathering, analysis, and 
dissemination; preparation of reports; budget projection, planning, 
execution, and tracking; research development and communication of 
findings; identification and utilization of new technology in managing 
CCB's workload and communicating with the Department, Regional Program 
Units, States, Territories, Tribes, and the child care field; the 
Immediate Office also supports the unique program and planning needs of 
Tribal grantees.
    1. Division of Technical Assistance (KHJ1): The Division of 
Technical Assistance (DTA): (1) Provides technical assistance to 
Regional Program Units, States, Territories, and Tribes concerning the 
administration of the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF); (2) 
provides strategic leadership, coordination, and grant and contract 
oversight for technical assistance projects that comprise the Child 
Care Technical Assistance Network; (3) oversees technical assistance 
events, such as peer learning roundtables, forums, and conferences; (4) 
uses publications, multimedia tools, and comprehensive Internet 
resources to communicate with CCDF grantees, national, State, and local 
child care organizations, and the general public about the latest 
developments in the child care field; (5) works closely with State, 
Tribal and Territorial CCDF Lead Agencies to assess their technical 
assistance needs and tailor responses that reflect State, Tribal, and 
Territorial flexibility; (6) supports the ability of grantees to find 
innovative solutions and uses its contracts, events, and publications 
to recognize and promote replication of effective practices; (7) 
supports the use of research in CCDF implementation through links with 
the Child Care Bureau's Division of Policy and with State agencies; (8) 
forges partnerships with public and private organizations to improve 
the ability of child care systems to respond effectively to the needs 
of low-income working families; and (9) works in partnerships across 
programs to establish effective, diversified systems of care that meets 
the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers, preschool 
children, and school age children. Key partners include State early 
childhood programs, Head Start, and the U.S. Department of Education, 
which work together to coordinate early childhood programs and create a 
diversified system that promotes school readiness across all preschool 
settings.
    2. Division of Program Operations (KHJ2): The Division of Program 
Operations (DPO) is responsible for: (1) Regional liaison activities, 
including communicating on a regular basis with Regional Program Unit 
staff, including oversight of the review and approval process for the 
Biennial CCDF Plans of States, Territories, and Tribes, responding to 
questions on policy and other issues by consulting or referring to 
other staff; (2) tracking progress of grantee programs in coordination 
with the regions; (3) collecting and maintaining information related to 
grantee program implementation, management and accountability measures, 
and technical assistance efforts; (4) tracking program achievements, 
problems, and gaps; (5) identifying latest trends and activities of 
major significance; (6) preparing background material, fact sheets, and 
reports to provide information to the Regional Program Unites, 
grantees, and the general public; (7) tracking and supporting special 
initiatives; (8) establishing partnerships with public and private 
entities to improve access to quality child care; (9) coordinating 
program activities with other government and non-government agencies; 
and (10) managing and overseeing cooperative ventures with other 
entities.
    3. Division of Policy (KHJ3): The Division of Policy (DP): (1) 
Develops, interprets, and issues national policies and regulations 
governing CCDF programs (2) provides clarification of the statutes, 
regulations, and policies; (3) issues action transmittals and 
information memoranda; (4) recommends and drafts legislative and 
budgetary proposals; (5) prepares Congressional reports and briefing 
materials for hearings and testimony; (6) works with Division of 
Program Operations to update the Biennial Child Care Plan Preprints; 
(7) reviews and gives guidance to the Regional Program Units on CCDF 
plans and applications; (8) researches child care policy issues; (9) 
coordinates policies and procedures with other Federal agencies; (10) 
provides policy training, guidance, and

[[Page 59122]]

clarification to the Regional Program Units in carrying out policy 
functions; and (11) manages controlled correspondence.
    4. Child Care Bureau Regional Program Units (KHJDI-X): Each CCB 
Regional Program Units is headed by a CCB Regional Program Manager who 
reports to the Associate Director, CCB within OFA. The Regional Program 
Manager, through subordinate regional staff, in collaboration with 
program components, is responsible for: (1) Providing program and 
technical administration of ACF block and discretionary programs 
related to CCB; (2) collaborating with the ACF Central Office, States, 
and other grantees on all significant policy matters; (3) providing 
technical assistance to entities responsible for administering ACF 
programs to resolve identified problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate 
procedures and practices are adopted; (5) working with appropriate 
State, Tribal, and local officials to develop and implement outcome-
based performance measures; and (6) monitoring the programs to ensure 
their efficiency and effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities 
conform to Federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures 
governing the programs.

VII. Under Chapter, KU, Office of Head Start, Delete in Its Entirety 
and Replace With the Following

    KU.00 Mission. The Office of Head Start (OHS) advises the Assistant 
Secretary for Children and Families on issues regarding the Head Start 
program (including Early Heat Start). The Office develops legislative 
and budgetary proposals; identifies areas for research, demonstration 
and developmental activities; presents operational planning objectives 
and initiatives relating to Head Start to the Assistant Secretary for 
Children and Families; and oversees the progress of approved 
activities. It provides leadership and coordination for the activities 
of the Head Start program in the ACF Central Office including the Head 
Start Regional Program Units, The Office represents Head Start in 
inter-agency activities with other Federal and non-Federal 
organizations.
    KU.10 Organization. The Office of Head Start is headed by a 
Director who reports directly to the Assistant Secretary for Children 
and Families and consists of the following components:

Immediate Office of Head Start (KUA).
Program Operations Division (KUB).
Head Start Regional Program Units (KUBDI-X).
Educational Development and Partnership Division (KUC).
Quality Assurance Division (KUE).
Policy and Budget Division (KUF).

    KU.20 Functions.
    A. Immediate Office of Head Start (KUA): The Immediate Office of 
Head Start (KUA) serves as the principal advisor to the Assistant 
Secretary for Children and Families, the Secretary, and other officials 
within the Department on the administration of discretionary grant 
programs providing Head Start Services. The Deputy Director assists the 
Director in carrying out the responsibilities of the Office. Within the 
Office, the administrative staff supports the Director and Deputy 
Director in: (1) Managing the formulation and execution of the budgets 
for OHS programs and for Federal administration; (2) serving as the 
focal point for operational and long-range planning; (3) functioning as 
Executive Secretariat for OHS, including managing correspondence, 
correspondence systems, and electronic mail requests; (4) providing 
management and administrative services and advice, by coordinating 
human resources activities, providing guidance on financial management 
activities, including budget, and as appropriate developing policy and 
procedures relating to these activities.
    B. Program Operations Division (KUB): The Program Operations 
Division (POD) advises the Office of Head Start Director on all 
strategic and operational activities related to implementation of the 
agency's programs in both Central and Regional Offices. POD is 
responsible for: (1) The American Indian and Alaska Natives and Migrant 
and Seasonal farmworkers Head Start programs administered within 
Central Office which serve grantees, including Territories, Tribes, and 
public/private non-profit agencies, and is responsible for: (a) 
Managing the American Indian and Alaska Native and migrant and seasonal 
farm workers Head Start programs; (b) reviewing applications for 
programs serving American Indian and Alaska Native children and 
children of migratory and seasonal farmworkers; (c) monitoring and 
assessing the programs and assuring provision of training and technical 
assistance to all Head Start programs funded for the children of 
American Indian and Alaska Native and migrants and seasonal 
farmworkers; (d) analyzing and ensuring consideration of the needs of 
American Indian and Alaska Natives and migrant and seasonal 
farmworkers' children; and (e) coordinating with other agencies and 
organizations serving American Indian and Alaska Natives and migrant 
and seasonal farmworkers' children; and (2) the Head Start regional 
programs administered by the Head Start Regional Program Units.
    1. Head Start Regional Program Units (KUDBI-X): Each Head Start 
Regional Program Unit is headed by a Head Start Regional Program 
Manager who reports to the POD, in OHS.
    The Regional Program Manager, through subordinate regional staff, 
in collaboration with program components, is responsible for: (1) 
Providing program and technical administration of ACF discretionary 
programs related OHS; (2) collaborating with OHS States Collaboration 
Projects on all significant policy matters; (3) providing technical 
assistance to entities responsible for administering OHS programs to 
resolve identified problems; (4) ensuring that appropriate procedures 
and practices are adopted; (5) working with appropriate State and local 
officials to develop and implement outcome-based performance measures; 
and (6) monitoring the programs to ensure their efficiency and 
effectiveness, and ensuring that these entities conform to Federal 
laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the programs. The 
Head Start Regional Program Unit: (1) Guides the day-to-day management 
of Head Start programs in its jurisdictions; (2) provides technical 
assistance, resources, and information to the various entities 
responsible for administering these programs; and (3) represents Head 
Start to State, county, city, and Tribal governments, grantees, and 
public and private organizations.
    C. Educational Development and Partnership Division (KUC); The 
Educational Development and Partnership Division (EDPD): (1) Provides 
technical expertise in the areas of Head Start education from birth to 
age five, health (medical, dental, mental health, and nutrition), 
family and community partnerships, parent involvement, and disability 
services for Head Start program staff; (2) recommends and establishes 
policy in these areas; (3) recommends strategies for achieving quality 
services; (4) develops guidance, and other policy materials aimed at 
improving grantee performance; (5) develops areas for research and 
demonstration activities to improve the quality and levels of services 
provided to Head Start children; (6) manages discretionary projects; 
and (7) develops training and technical assistance strategies to 
improve the Head Start programs' performance in specific component 
areas.
    D. Quality Assurance Division (KUE): The Quality Assurance Division 
(QAD):

[[Page 59123]]

(1) Develops and coordinates program and administrative management 
regulations and policy for the Head Start program, provides guidance to 
the Head Start Regional Program Units in carrying out these policies 
and monitors their implementation; (2) designs and oversees a national 
system for program monitoring and quality improvement and manages 
discretionary projects that are designed to investigate and improve the 
operation and management of the Head Start program; (3) plans and 
manages training and technical assistance activities in Head Start; and 
(4) manages national data collection and analysis for the Head Start 
program.
    E. Policy and Budget Division (KUF): The Policy and Budget Division 
(PBD): (1) Provides leadership in the development of regulations, 
budget, and policy, ensuring consistency in these areas with ACF's and 
the Department's vision and goals; (2) is responsible for budget 
development and budget execution, policy development and interpretation 
of any legislation impacting the Head Start program and for the Office 
of Head Start's regulatory agenda; and (3) serves as the primary 
contact for ACF on all legislative, budget development and execution, 
and regulatory activities related to Head Start.

VIII. Continuation of Policy

    Except as inconsistent with this reorganization, all statements of 
policy and interpretations with respect to organizational components 
affected by this notice within the Administration for Children and 
Families, heretofore issued and in effect on this date of this 
reorganization are continued in full force and effect.

IX. Delegation of Authority

    All delegations and redelegations of authority made to officials 
and employees of affected organizational components will continue in 
them or their successors pending further redelegations, provided they 
are inconsistent with this reorganization.

X. Funds, Personnel, and Equipment

    Transfer of organizations and functions affected by this 
reorganization shall be accompanied in each instance by direct and 
support funds, positions, personnel, records, equipment, supplies, and 
other resources.
    This reorganization will be effective October 1, 2006.

    Dated: September 26, 2006.
Michael O. Leavitt,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 06-8536 Filed 10-5-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-M