Notice2024-00965
Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Application Requirements for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Model Plan Application (Office of Management and Budget #0970-0075)
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Published
January 19, 2024
Issuing agencies
Health and Human Services DepartmentChildren and Families Administration
Abstract
The Office of Community Services (OCS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is requesting to extend the currently approved Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Model Plan Application (OMB #0970-0075, expiration 12/31/2023) through August 31, 2024, and then making significant revisions to the FY 2025 application to be effective September 1, 2024. This notice outlines the proposed revisions for FY 2025.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 13 (Friday, January 19, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 13 (Friday, January 19, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3664-3667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-00965]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review;
Application Requirements for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP) Model Plan Application (Office of Management and
Budget #0970-0075)
AGENCY: Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and
Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
ACTION: Request for public comments.
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SUMMARY: The Office of Community Services (OCS), Administration for
Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), is requesting to extend the currently approved Low
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Model Plan Application
(OMB #0970-0075, expiration 12/31/2023) through August 31, 2024, and
then making significant revisions to the FY 2025 application to be
effective September 1, 2024. This notice outlines the proposed
revisions for FY 2025.
DATES: Comments due within 30 days of publication. OMB must make a
decision about the collection of information between 30 and 60 days
after publication of this document in the
[[Page 3665]]
Federal Register. Therefore, a comment is best assured of having its
full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Find this particular
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. You can
also obtain copies of the proposed collection of information by
emailing <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fe979098919d9192929b9d8a979190be9f9d98d096968dd0999188"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e980878f868a8685858c8a9d808687a9888a8fc781819ac78e869f">[email protected]</span></a>. Identify all emailed requests by
the title of the information collection.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Description: States, including the District of Columbia, tribes,
tribal organizations, and U.S. territories applying for LIHEAP block
grant funds must, prior to receiving federal funds, submit an annual
application (Model Plan) that meets the LIHEAP statutory and regulatory
requirements. In addition to the Model Plan, grant recipients are also
required to complete the Mandatory Grant Application, SF-424--
Mandatory, which is included as the first section of the Model Plan.
The LIHEAP Model Plan is an electronic form and is submitted to
ACF/OCS through the On-Line Data Collection (OLDC) system within
GrantSolutions, which is currently being used by all LIHEAP grant
recipients to submit other required LIHEAP reporting forms. To reduce
the reporting burden, all data entries from each grant recipient's
prior year's submission of the Model Plan in OLDC are saved and re-
populated into the form for the following fiscal year's application.
OCS is requesting the current LIHEAP Model Plan form to be extended
through August 31, 2024. The currently approved form and justification
package can be reviewed here: <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202009-0970-011">https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202009-0970-011</a>.
OCS proposes the following changes to the LIHEAP Model Plan form
beginning with FY 2025 reporting effective September 1, 2024:
SF-424 Model Plan
<bullet> 4a: Change from ``Federal Entity Identifier to ``Unique
Entity Identifier (UEI).''
<bullet> 7b and c: Remove UEI is requested in 4a.
<bullet> 7f: Add after current language ``(This person will be
listed on Notice of Funding Awards and on the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services' LIHEAP contact list web page)''
[cir] Remove Prefix, Suffix, Middle Name and Organizational
Affiliation.
<bullet> 8a: Remove the ``a'' after 8 ``Type of Applicant''
<bullet> Add: 8a Is the applicant a Tribal Consortium?
[cir] Add: 8b If yes, please attach at least one the following
documentation:
[cir] (1) Current State-Tribe Agreement between their state and the
Consortium, signed by the State Chief Executive Officer (such as a
Governor or the delegate) and the Consortium President;
[cir] (2) Consortium letter listing the Tribes and signed by the
elected Tribal Chief or President of each Tribe in the Consortium and
signed by the Consortium President;
[cir] (3) A current resolution letter from each tribe in the
Consortium, signed by the elected Tribal Chief or President of that
Tribe. Each resolution letter needs to state that the Consortium has
the Tribes' permission to apply for, and administer, LIHEAP on their
behalf; needs to designate a time period for the permission or until
rescinded or revoked.
<bullet> 8b: Remove, not utilized.
<bullet> 9: Remove ``Name of Federal Agency''--not used.
<bullet> 13: Change to ``CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS OF APPLICANT''
[cir] Eliminate 13a and b.--Already answered in #7; and Eliminate
``Attach an additional list of Program/Project Congressional Districts,
if needed.''
<bullet> 15a and b: Remove.
<bullet> 17: At the end of the question, change ``explanation'' to
``If Yes, explain.''
Section 1--Program Components
Introduction: Remove reference to grant recipient filing
abbreviated plan. LIHEAP does not use abbreviated plans any longer.
<bullet> 1.1 Crisis assistance: Create one question for ``Summer
crisis assistance,'' one question for ``Winter crisis assistance,'' and
one for ``Year-round assistance.'' We are receiving increase data
request to understand the type of crisis programs provided.
<bullet> 1.2:
[cir] Add a data entry column and provide the breakdown of funding
from the previous year's plan. This information is useful for the data
dashboard.
[cir] Add language for ``Tribal grant recipients: direct-grant
tribes, tribal organizations, or territories with allotments of $20,000
or less may use for planning and administration up to 20% of the funds
payable. Grant recipients that are direct-grant tribes, tribal
organizations, or territories with allotments over $20,000 may use for
planning and administration purposes up to 20% of the first $20,000 (or
$4,000) plus 10% of the funds payable that exceeds $20,000. Any
administrative costs in excess of these limits must be paid from non-
Federal sources.''
[cir] Change ``Crisis Assistance'' to ``Summer crisis assistance,''
one question for ``Winter crisis assistance,'' and one for ``Year-round
assistance.''
<bullet> 1.4:
[cir] Remove Other and entire column. All allowable options are
listed, other is not applicable.
[cir] Insert ``at least'' before the word ``one'' in two places in
this question. The edited question would be ``Do you consider
households categorically eligible if at least one household member
receives at least one of the following categories of benefits in the
left column below?''
<bullet> 1.4a--Add a text box ``Provide your definition of
categorical eligibility. Please explain how households are
categorically eligible (i.e., do all household members need to receive
the benefits or just one member, is there a data exchange in place?)
and how categorical eligibility streamlines the LIHEAP application
process.'' This will ensure grant recipients understand categorical
eligibility and answer the question appropriately.
<bullet> If 1.4 is answered no, do not allow the table to be
completed. Caused data inconsistencies in the data dashboard and
requires manual review.
<bullet> 1.7:
[cir] Hyperlink the word ``nominal'' to a description of the word:
Nominal benefits are LIHEAP payments over $20 made to SNAP households
with an energy burden that allow the household to claim the SNAP
``heating/cooling standard utility allowance'' (SUA).
<bullet> 1.8--Add ``Other--Describe.'' Grant recipients indicated
there are exceptions and this box will allow those exceptions to be
described and understood more clearly.
<bullet> 1.9--Remove SNAP and WIC as they cannot be counted as
income.
<bullet> Add: 1.10 Do you have an online application process (Yes/
No)?
<bullet> Add: 1.10a If yes, describe the type of online application
(Select all boxes that apply)
[cir] A PDF version of the application is available online and can
be downloaded, filled out, and mailed in for processing.
[cir] A state-wide online application that allows a customer to
complete data
[[Page 3666]]
entry and submit an application electronically for processing.
[cir] One or more locally available online applications that allows
a customer to complete data entry and submit an application
electronically for processing.
[cir] Online application that is also mobile friendly.
[cir] Other, please describe.
[cir] If any of the above boxes are checked, please include a link
here:
<bullet> Add: 1.10b Can all program components be applied for
online (Yes/No)? If no, explain which components can and cannot be
applied for online.
<bullet> 1.11 Do you have a process for conducting and completing
applications by phone (Yes/No)?
<bullet> 1.12 Do you or any of your subrecipients require in person
appointments in order to apply (Yes/No)? If yes, please provide more
information.
<bullet> 1.13 How can applicants submit documentation for
verification? Select all that apply (in-person, mail, email, portal
application, other-describe).
Section 2--Heating Assistance
<bullet> 2.2--Correct the spelling of ``assistance''
<bullet> 2.3--Change ``Elderly'' to ``Older Adults'' (60 years or
older)
<bullet> 2.3--Change ``Disabled'' to ``Individuals with a
disability''
<bullet> 2.4--Add space between ``to'' and ``vulnerable''
<bullet> 2.6--Add the following sentence: ``Please note: the
maximum and minimum benefits must be shown in the payment matrix.''
Section 3--Cooling Assistance
<bullet> 3.3--Change ``Elderly'' to ``Older Adults''
<bullet> 3.3--Change ``Disabled'' to ``Individuals with a
disability''
<bullet> 3.4--Add space between ``to'' and ``vulnerable''
<bullet> 3.6--Add the following sentence: ``Please note: the
maximum and minimum benefits must be shown in the payment matrix.''
Section 4--Crisis Assistance
<bullet> 4.2--Add to narrative, ``If you administer multiple crisis
assistance programs (winter, summer, and/or year-round), Include all
program definitions.''
<bullet> 4.6-4.7 and 4.10-4.13--Modify so that it is no longer
``yes or no'' but mirrors question 4.15 so they can select which
program the response is applicable. If the component is not selected
under 1.2, the boxes will be grayed out so they cannot select that
option. Modify the instructions for the section to be ``Check
appropriate boxes below to indicate type(s) of assistance provided''
<bullet> 4.6--Remove all CAPS from Crisis Assistance
<bullet> 4.7--Change ``Elderly'' to ``Older Adults''
<bullet> 4.7--Change ``Disabled'' to ``Individuals with a
disability''
<bullet> 4.8--Modify ``Fast Track'' to ``Benefit Fast Track, no
separate amount of crisis funds is issued. Rather benefits are issued
to crisis customers within crisis response time frames''
<bullet> 4.9--Add a box next to the question, ``Amount to resolve
crisis, up to a maximum amount''
<bullet> 4.11--Change ``Physically Disabled'' to ``Individuals with
a disability''
<bullet> 4.18--Add question that says, ``Do you intend to utilize
LIHEAP crisis funds to address disaster related crisis situations?
``Yes'' or ``No'' If yes, describe.'' Add hover over box that states
``OCS' block grant funding has built in flexibility to support grant
recipients in disaster response. Please visit <a href="https://ocs-emergency-assistance-hhs-acf.hub.arcgis.com/">https://ocs-emergency-assistance-hhs-acf.hub.arcgis.com/</a> for additional information'' (508
compliant hyperlink).
Section 5--Weatherization
<bullet> 5.3--Modify to ``If yes, name the agency and attach a copy
of the Internal Agreement or Contract.''
<bullet> 5.8--Change ``Elderly'' to ``Older Adults''
<bullet> 5.8--Change ``Disabled'' to ``Individuals with a
Disability''
<bullet> 5.9--Add a 5.9a replace with current 5.10 ``If yes, what
is the maximum''
<bullet> 5.10--Change to ``Do you use an Average Cost per Unit
(ACPU).''
[cir] 5.10a If so, what is the ACPU amount?
<bullet> 5.11--This section needs two boxes for roof top solar and
community solar projects.
Section 6--Outreach
<bullet> 6.1--This section needs to include other outreach
including web posting, email, texting, events, and social media.
Section 7--Coordination
<bullet> 7.1--This section needs to include data entry field next
to the first two boxes.
<bullet> Joint application for multiple programs (indicate programs
included)
<bullet> Intake referrals to/from other programs (indicate
programs)
Section 8--Agency Designation
<bullet> 8.1 -
[cir] Add ``Economic Development Agency''
[cir] Change ``Welfare'' to ``State Department of Welfare
(administers TANF, SNAP, and/or Medicaid)''
[cir] Eliminate space between ``Energy'' and ``/'' and
``Environment Agency''
<bullet> New Attachment: Include current list of subrecipient name,
main office address (do not list P.O. Box), phone number, county(s)
served, Congressional District, and UEI number. Used for Near hotline
and OCS Service Provider Tool and clearinghouse.
<bullet> Add 8.10: ``If an agency is no longer providing LIHEAP,
are you aware of prior-year LIHEAP funds being mismanaged or misspent?
Yes or No''
<bullet> 8.10a ``If yes, please explain.''
<bullet> 8.10b ``Were other federal programs impacted such as CSBG,
SSBG, Head Start, TANF, and Dept. of Energy Weatherization funding,
etc.? Yes or No''
<bullet> 8.10c ``If yes, please explain.''
[cir] Questions added due to previous situations and questions
needing a response to these specific items.
Section 9--Energy Suppliers
<bullet> Add option at the end of the section to attach a copy of
the vendor agreement.
Section 10--Program, Fiscal Monitoring and Audit
<bullet> 10.1--Revise the question as, ``How do you ensure proper
fiscal accounting and tracking of funds?'' Add the following
instructional sentence: ``Be specific about tracking of grant award,
tracking of expenditures, tracking vendor (benefit) refunds, fiscal
reporting process, and fiscal software system being used.''
Clarification for grant recipients.
<bullet> 10.1a--New Question: ``Provide your definitions of the
following:
[cir] Obligation (insert explanation box)
[cir] Expenditures (insert explanation box)
[cir] Expenditure timeframe (insert explanation box)
[cir] Administrative costs (insert explanation box)''
<bullet> 10.2a--Add question: ``If yes, describe your auditor
selection process.''
<bullet> 10.3--Change wording to ``Describe any audit findings of
the grant recipient (i.e., State/Tribe/Territory) rising to the level
of material weakness or reportable condition cited in the single
audits, inspector general reviews, or other government agency reviews
from the most recently audited fiscal year.''
<bullet> 10.5--Change question to ``Describe your monitoring
process for compliance at each level below.''
[cir] Change ``Grant recipient employees'' check box to state:
[[Page 3667]]
<bullet> Grant recipients have a policy in place for appropriate
separation of duties and internal controls
<bullet> Other, describe
<bullet> 10.7--Rewrite the question as ``Describe how you select
local agencies for monitoring reviews. Attach a risk assessment if
subrecipients are utilized.''
<bullet> 10.8--Add boxes ``Annually,'' ``Bi-annually,'' ``Tri-
annually,'' and ``Other.'' Please attach a monitoring schedule if one
has been developed.
<bullet> 10.9 and 10.10--Remove.
<bullet> 10.11--Revise the question to ``How many local agencies
are currently on corrective action plans?''
<bullet> 10.12--Remove.
Section 11--Timely and Meaningful Public Participation
<bullet> 11.1--Add explanation that Tribes do not need to hold a
public hearing but must ensure participation through other means.
<bullet> 11.2--Remove. Removing because question is duplicative of
11.6.
<bullet> 11.3--Insert an option to add rows for additional dates
and locations that they held public hearings on the proposed use and
distribution of their LIHEAP funds.
<bullet> 11.6--Revise the question as follows: ``What changes did
you make to your LIHEAP plan as a result of public participation and
solicitation of input?''
Section 12--Fair Hearing
<bullet> 12.4--Change question: ``Describe your fair hearing
procedures for households whose applications are denied and/or not
acted upon in a timely manner.''
<bullet> 12.5--Remove.
<bullet> 12.6--Remove.
Section 13--Reduction of Home Energy Needs
<bullet> 13.3--Add the following instructional sentence: ``Impact
can be measured in many different ways by using: logic model, data
tracking system, process evaluation, impact evaluation, number of
households served vs applied, and performance management, etc.''
<bullet> 13.4--Add a space between ``of'' and ``direct''
<bullet> 13.5--Remove.
Section 14--Leveraging Incentive Program
<bullet> 14.3--Add a space between ``of'' and ``45''
Section 15--Training
<bullet> 15.1a-c--Change question to be consistent with each entity
type (grant recipient, local agency, vendor)
[cir] Formal training provided virtually, on-site, and/or formal
training conference
<bullet> Annually
<bullet> Biannually
<bullet> As needed
<bullet> Other, describe.
Section 17--Program Integrity
<bullet> 17.1b--Add ``Posted in local administering agencies
offices.''
<bullet> 17.4--Change ``aliens'' to ``qualified non-citizens'' in
intro text. The second option in the question is phrased as ``legal
residence'' but it needs to be changed to ``U.S. Citizen or Qualified
Non-Citizen.'' The second box option should read ``Client's submission
of certain Social Security Administration cards is accepted as proof of
U.S. Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen.''
<bullet> 17.4--Rewrite the question as ``What are your procedures
for ensuring LIHEAP recipients are U.S. citizens or qualified non-
citizens who are eligible to receive LIHEAP benefits?''
<bullet> 17.6--Should also include how electronic files are
protected in a secure location.
Section 19--Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements
<bullet> 19.1--Place of Performance: Add instructional sentence
that this must be physical address. No PO Boxes allowed.
Section 21--New Change Assurances to Section 21
<bullet> 21.1--Add the following acknowledgment statement and a
check box: ``By checking this box, the prospective primary participant
is agreeing to the Assurances set out above.''
Section 22--Attachments
Add optional attachment section for the following items: Policy
Manual; Subrecipient Contract; Model Plan Participation Notes for
Tribes.
Respondents: States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories,
and tribal governments.
Annual Burden Estimates
The estimated time per response for the FY 2025 Model Plan has been
increased based on the revisions. The estimated time per response for
the FY 2026 Model Plan will reduce back after revisions are in place
and respondents can duplicate response in OLDC.
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Total annual
Total annual number of Average Annual burden
Instrument number of responses per burden hours hours for each
respondents respondent per response form
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LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan--FY24................ 207 1 .5 103.5
LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan--FY25................ 207 1 1 207
LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan FY26................. 207 1 .5 103.5
Estimated Total Burden Hours................ .............. .............. .............. 414
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Authority: 42 U.S.C. 8621.
Mary B. Jones,
ACF/OPRE Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-00965 Filed 1-18-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-80-P
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