LIHEAP DCL Grantee National Grantee Training Meeting FY 2015
LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY Dear Colleague Letter |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
Date: February 11, 2015 |
Dear Colleagues:
The Office of Community Services (OCS) is pleased to announce that we will convene a National Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Grantee Training Meeting June 17-19, 2015, in Baltimore, Maryland at the University of Baltimore. This is a unique training opportunity and we strongly encourage all directly funded LIHEAP grantees to participate. It is expected that each LIHEAP grantee will send at least one representative, though staff in addition to the LIHEAP coordinator are welcome to attend (such as a budget officer).
The National LIHEAP Grantee Training Meeting is a closed training event for directly funded LIHEAP grantees only. There is no registration fee for this training. Grantees may use federal LIHEAP funds within their administrative cost cap for travel expenses related to this training.
This will be an opportunity for State, Tribal, and Territory LIHEAP coordinators to hear directly from OCS regarding important changes to LIHEAP policies and procedures and receive training in key areas of program administration. The entire first day of the meeting (June 17th) will be dedicated to an introductory training for new LIHEAP coordinators. Other topics to be covered include, but are not limited to:
- LIHEAP performance measures (required of all states in FY 2016);
- creating subgrantee quality improvement plans and risk assessments to comply with the requirements of the OMB Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards;
- sessions dedicated specifically to tribal grantees on creating a benefits matrix and creating a LIHEAP policy manual; and
- programmatic decisions related to administering weatherization under LIHEAP rules vs. DOE rules.
The training will also provide an opportunity for State staff to engage in discussions with other LIHEAP coordinators, Federal OCS staff, and partners to share ideas, coordinate, and develop a network of resources. Additionally, OCS staff will be available upon request for one-on-one consultations with LIHEAP grantees.
Future communication regarding conference registration, agenda, and hotel information will be disseminated directly by Capital Consulting Corporation, which is managing the meeting logistics under contract to OCS.
In addition, we believe the annual National Energy and Utility Affordability Conference (NEUAC) is an important training opportunity and encourage participation among LIHEAP administrators and staff. NEUAC will also be held in Baltimore, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront from June 22-24, 2015. It covers a broader array of home energy topics and is widely attended by hundreds of people representing LIHEAP programs, local intake centers, utility companies, and advocacy organizations. OCS scheduled its training to coincide with the NEUAC to facilitate LIHEAP grantees’ participation at both training opportunities. You can learn more about NEUAC and register online at: www.neuac.org .
We also strongly encourage grantees to attend the Winter and Summer Meetings held by the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA). OCS staff will be presenting at the NEADA meeting and providing important program updates and information. The Winter Meeting will be held in Washington, D.C. from March 23-24, 2015. You can view the draft agenda for this meeting and register online at www.neada.org . The Summer Meeting will be held from June 21-22, 2015, also in Baltimore. We are very pleased that we are also able to coordinate the 2015 LIHEAP Grantee Training Meeting to coincide with NEADA’s Summer Meeting.
We recognize grantee budget challenges around the country are forcing difficult decisions regarding training investments. We specifically designed the LIHEAP Training Conference to be held in conjunction with NEUAC and the NEADA Summer Meeting, so that attendees can save on travel costs and still gain the benefit of attending all three events. Please note that staff costs related to training is an allowable LIHEAP administrative expense and may be paid with Federal funds so long as it is within the applicable administrative cost cap. OCS expects grantees will utilize administrative funds to support and maintain strong administration of the LIHEAP block grant.
Please contact your OCS liaison for your region if you have questions. We look forward to seeing you this spring and summer.
Sincerely,
/s/ /s/
Jeannie L. Chaffin Lauren Christopher
Director Director
Office of Community Services Division of Energy Assistance
Office of Community Services