CSBG-DCL-2021-12 Virtual Monitoring Schedule FY 2021

Community Services Block Grant

Dear Colleague Letter

DCL#: CSBG-DCL-2021-12

DATE: April 15, 2021

TO: CSBG Network

SUBJECT: FY 2021 CSBG Virtual Monitoring Schedule  

ATTACHMENT(S): N/A

Each year, the Division of Community Assistance (DCA), within the Office of Community Services (OCS) conducts standard Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) State Assessment reviews as required under Section 678B(c) of the CSBG Act. In December 2020, DCA piloted virtual State Assessments in two states. Given the lessons learned from the virtual State Assessments and the ongoing public health crisis caused by the Coronavirus, this year, all CSBG State Assessments will be conducted virtually. Below is the FY 2021 schedule, which includes the two states monitored during the pilot. The State Assessment Schedule is published for federal and state planning purposes.

Fiscal Year 2021 — State Assessment Schedule

Fiscal Year 2022 — State Assessment Schedule

*NOTE: Tentative Subject to FY 2022 Prioritization Tool

State Assessments will follow a standard monitoring protocol addressing administrative, programmatic, and fiscal compliance with CSBG Act requirements. Prior to the scheduled State Assessments, OCS staff will request documentation and provide information regarding the scope and objective of the assessment.

In addition to the state monitoring activities scheduled, OCS will conduct monitoring of CSBG Discretionary awards.

State Assessment Selection Process

As in previous years, the FY 2021 State Assessment selection process is based on criteria, which assess and prioritize data and information from the state and eligible entities to determine which states would receive the most benefit from an assessment review. Within each of the criteria are factors specific to statutory and federal requirements governing the administration and accountability of CSBG funds.

The following criteria were considered:

• Criteria 1: States where a significant time has elapsed since the state was last reviewed.  States that have never been reviewed are given a high priority score.
• Criteria 2: Analysis of routinely available program monitoring information. These may include unresolved findings noted in previous State Assessment reports, turnover in state CSBG staff, negative OIG findings for the state or its eligible entities, revocation of federal funding for other programs at eligible entities, and complaints received by OCS/DCA. This criterion also includes an analysis of the rates at which CSBG funds are drawn by states.
• Criteria 3: CSBG funding allocation amount per state. 
• Criteria 4: Analysis of past findings as reported in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 single audit requirements. This includes a trend analysis of all CSBG findings reported in the state, eligible entities, and sub-recipients if applicable.

If you have questions regarding the schedule, please contact David Barrie, Branch Chief, Financial Operations and Accountability Branch, Division of Community Assistance, at (202) 205-3589 or David.Barrie@acf.hhs.gov.

Thank you for your attention to these matters. OCS looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality services to OCS grantees.

/s/
Charisse Johnson
Director, Division of Community Assistance
Office of Community Services