CSBG DCL Update on State Plan Clearance and Launch

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Community Services
Division of Community Assistance
330 C Street, SW, 5th Floor
Mail Room 5425
Washington, D.C. 20201
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/programs/csbg

Community Services Block Grant
Dear Colleague Letter

Re: Update on CSBG State Plan Clearance and Launch

Date: June 29, 2018

Dear Colleagues:

The purpose of this message is to provide an update on the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) State Plan clearance process for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2019 submissions.

CSBG State Plan Launch Delayed

As you may be aware, the Office of Community Services (OCS) is currently completing an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance process, which allows us to modify information collection to improve the CSBG State Plan. We originally anticipated a release date for the updated online CSBG State Plan of July 2, 2018. Unfortunately, OCS has not yet received approval from OMB for the revised CSBG State Plan and as a result, we will postpone the launch of the plan until we have received approval.

Delayed Production on the CSBG State Plan

Pending completion of the OMB approval process, final release of an updated CSBG State Plan electronic form has been delayed. This includes implementing any additional final changes based on guidance from OMB and beta testing the online plan in the Online Data Collection (OLDC) system. These requirements will be conducted on the plan once OCS receives OMB approval.

Although final changes made to the CSBG State Plan as a result of your feedback have not yet been approved, OCS does not currently anticipate any significant modifications to the plan beyond those previously shared through Federal Register Notices and training. To assist States in preparation pending OMB clearance, we have attached the most recent version of the CSBG State Plan that was submitted to OMB. OCS recommends that you use this document as a template for your FFY 2019 state plan development.

OCS CSBG State Plan Rollout Process

Upon OMB approval, OCS will notify the states of the new launch date for the CSBG State Plan. We will also send out save-the-dates for the recently postponed webinars, Great! We Made It!, Submitting the Plan!, and Submitting the SF424M! The purpose of these webinars is to assist the states and ensure a seamless process with your state plan submission.

If you have any questions, please send them to your Program Specialist and CSBGStates@acf.hhs.gov. Thank you for your patience.

Sincerely,

J. Janelle George                               Seth Hassett
Acting Director                                    Director, Division of Community Assistance
Office of Community Services            Office of Community Services