dcl9511.htm

Resuming OCSE Program Results/Performance Measurements Audits

February 13, 1995 DC-94-11

TO ALL STATE IV-D DIRECTORS

Dear Colleague:

In January 1994, we temporarily suspended all new Program Results/Performance Measurements (PR/PM) audits. During this period, OCSE auditors have continued to provide assistance and valuable information to States on the accuracy, completeness and reliability of their collection, statistical, and expenditure reporting systems.

We are now resuming the PR/PM audits. The Audit Regulations published in the Federal Register on December 23, 1994 will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of States' Child Support Enforcement programs. However, the first round of audits will be conducted for management information purposes since the effective date of these regulations is for audit periods beginning on or after December 23. Subsequent PR/PM audits of these same States may be conducted in contiguous periods for penalty purposes if the initial results demonstrate poor performance in carrying out Federal requirements. We believe that it is more advantageous to utilize the new audit regulations for management purposes because (1) they incorporate the Family Support Act of 1988 and Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 requirements, and (2) they represent an important step towards the audits becoming more results-oriented.

To fulfill these requirements and to produce the most meaningful and timely reports, the audit period will be, wherever possible, the 12-month period preceding the initiation of fieldwork. We will audit those States where the greatest time has elapsed since a full-scope PR/PM audit or corresponding Follow-up Review was carried out first.

The Division of Audit will begin within the next few days to contact individual States to arrange for the preparation of necessary case listings and other aspects of resuming PR/PM audits. We look forward to providing current information on the effectiveness and efficiency of the program in your State.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Keith E. Bassett, Director, Division of Audit at 202-401-9387. Thank you for your continued cooperation in the audit process and your efforts on behalf of America's children.

Sincerely,

David Gray Ross

Deputy Director

Office of Child Support Enforcement

cc: State Umbrella Heads

ACF Regional Administrators

Child Support Program Managers, ACF

Area Audit Office Supervisors, OCSE