SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK Information Memorandum |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
Transmittal No. 04-2007
Date: June 15, 2007
TO: Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) State Officials and State Program Contacts
SUBJECT: Implementing a new performance measure to enhance efficiency
PURPOSE:To inform States about the SSBF Program's implementation of a new efficiency measure to decrease administrative costs
Under the authority of the President's Management Agenda, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implemented the Performance Assessment Rating Tool (PART). PART examines program design, purpose, strategic planning, goals, program management and results in order to assess program efficiency and effectiveness. Based on this performance measurement, program outcomes are linked to program budgets. A more detailed description of the PART measurement and ratings can be viewed at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/expectmore/about.html
In calendar year 2005, OMB conducted a PART review of the SSBG Program. The SSBG Program received a rating of "Result Not Demonstrated" due, in part, to its lack of a national performance measurement system. The PART assessment concluded that SSBG's evaluation of activities and programs do not necessarily measure the effectiveness of the program. Additional information on SSBG PART assessment can be viewed at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/expectmore/about.html
In response to the PART assessment, the SSBG Program is developing strategies, including annual long-term performance measures, to ensure that SSBG's funds are spent effectively and efficiently. Toward this goal, the SSBG Program is implementing an accountability measure that is designed to decrease the percentage of SSBG funds identified as "administrative costs" in the post-expenditure reports by States to nine percent. This nine percent of the total SSBG allotment would include any transfer from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The target date for this goal is September 30, 2008.
A review of expenditure reports indicates that States may be reporting in the category of "administrative costs" those activities that should be reported against a specific SSBG service category. In support of the States efforts to correctly report expenditures, the SSBG Program will increase the provision of technical assistance to the States to assist in a more accurate categorization of service expenditures. States are also encouraged to initiate more efficient management of the SSBG Program to decrease administrative costs by September 30, 2008.
Please address inquiries to:
Marsha Werner
Social Services Block Grant Program Manager
Office of Community Services
Administration for Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW
Washington, DC 20447
Telephone: (202) 401-5281
Fax: (202) 401-5718
Email:mwerner@acf.hhs.gov
_______________________
Josephine B. Robinson
Director
Office of Community Services