Data Collection Instructions

This document provides instructions for implementing the required error rate methodology for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and successfully submitting the State Improper Authorizations for Payment Report to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These submissions will assist HHS in complying with the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (IPIA). The IPIA requires Federal agencies to review annually programs and activities they administer, identify those that may be susceptible to significant improper payments, and submit a report on actions taken to reduce improper payments. Per the IPIA, agencies must adhere to guidance prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The provisions in this document comply with OMB Circular A-123, Appendix C, that provides guidance for implementing the IPIA. These instructions also comply with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 45—Public Welfare—Parts 98 and 99, the official regulations for the Child Care and Development Fund. Error Rate Reporting, found at 45 CFR 98 Subpart K—Error Rate Reporting—requires States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (hereafter included in States) to measure, calculate, and report improper payments, as well as identify strategies for reducing future improper payments.

This instruction package provides:

• An overview of the improper authorizations for payment review methodology;
• Instructions for completing each State component of the review methodology;
• A glossary of terms used in the instruction package (Appendix A);
• A required Record Review Worksheet (ACF-400), with instructions (Attachment 1);
• A Data Entry Form (ACF-401), with instructions (Attachment 2); and
• A required State Improper Authorizations for Payment Report (ACF-402), with instructions (Attachment 3).