AT-08-07, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems and Office Automation and consultations on the NPRM

ACTION TRANSMITTAL

AT-08-07

DATE: June 11, 2008

TO: Tribal IV-D and Start-up Program Directors; State IV-D Directors

SUBJECT: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems and Office Automation and consultations on the NPRM

ATTACHMENT: Attached is a NPRM, published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2008 (73 FR 33048), which addresses Tribal Systems requirements and further information on upcoming consultations on the NPRM.

SUMMARY: This proposed rule would enable Tribes and Tribal organizations currently operating a comprehensive Tribal Child Support Enforcement program under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act (the Act) to apply for and receive direct Federal funding for the costs of automated data processing. This proposed rule addresses the Secretary's commitment to provide instructions and guidance to Tribes and Tribal organizations on requirements for applying for, and upon approval, securing Federal Financial Participation (FFP) under Title IV-D of the Act in the costs of installing, operating, maintaining, and enhancing child support automated data processing systems.

COMMENTS: Send comments to: Office of Child Support Enforcement, Administration for Children and Families, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Director, Division of Policy. Comments will be available for public inspection Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the 4th floor of the Department's offices at the above address.

In addition, a copy of this regulation may be downloaded from www.regulations.gov. You may transmit written comments electronically via the internet. To transmit comments electronically, via the Internet go to http://regulations.acf.hhs.gov and follow the instructions provided.

As per Tribal Dear Colleague Letter (TDCL) 08-01, OCSE will be holding one informational meeting to introduce the NPRM and three Tribal consultation meetings to solicit public comments on this proposed regulation. The TDCL may be viewed at on our website at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/pol/TDCL/2008/tdcl-08-01.htm.

Individuals who wish to make an oral presentation on these proposed rules at any of the meetings are welcome to do so. Attendees must register and identifying information about prospective presenters will be recorded, such as name, organization (if any), address, and telephone number, so that presenters can be accurately identified and properly introduced at the consultations. Persons who registered will make their presentations first; then, as time allows, persons who did not register will make their presentations. Presentations must be about the proposed rule, should be specific, and should include specific recommendations for changes where appropriate. In fairness to other participants, presentations should be concise and will be limited to a maximum of 10 minutes each. To clarify the presentations, OCSE may ask questions.

At the meetings, OCSE cannot address participants' concerns regarding the proposed rules, or respond to questions about the proposed rules other than questions asking for clarification. It is expected that individuals attending these consultations will have read the NPRM. OCSE will consider comments and recommendations provided at the consultations and written comments and recommendations submitted as we prepare the final version of these regulations.

CONSULTATIONS

Dates: The informational meeting will be held June 11, 2008 in Cherokee, North Carolina and will begin promptly at 9:15 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. The consultations will be held June 27, 2008 in Seattle, Washington; July 8, 2008 in Catoosa, Oklahoma and July 9, 2008 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The consultation in Seattle, Washington will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. with an hour lunch break. The consultation in Catoosa, Oklahoma will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. with an hour lunch break. The consultation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. Please note that participants must arrange and pay for their own travel, lodging, meals and incidental expenses.

Addresses: The informational meeting, June 11, 2008, will be held at Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel, 777 Casino Drive, in Cherokee, North Carolina 28719. The telephone number for hotel reservations is (828) 497-7777. The first consultation, June 27, 2008, will be held at the ACF Region X Federal Facility, 2201 6th Avenue, Suites 204-205, in Seattle, Washington 98121. Participants may be required to present a government issued photo ID in order to enter the ACF Region X Federal Facility. The second consultation, July 8, 2008, will be held at the Cherokee Casino Resort Hotel, 777 West Cherokee Street in Catoosa, Oklahoma 74015. The telephone number for hotel reservations is (918) 266-6700. The third consultation, July 9, 2008, will be held at Potawatomi Bingo & Casino in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 74015. The telephone number for hotel reservations is (414) 389-1298. These are not toll-free numbers. All interested parties are invited to attend these public consultations. Seating may be limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Persons needing special assistance should contact the Division of Special Staffs, Office of Child Support Enforcement at the address listed below.

For further information concerning the consultations contact: Ms. Tanesha Canzater, Division of Special Staffs, Office of Child Support Enforcement, Fourth Floor East, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Washington, DC 20447 (telephone (202) 205-4992; or email tanesha.canzater@acf.hhs.gov) or Ms. Donna McBurnett, Division of Special Staffs, Office of Child Support Enforcement, Fourth Floor East, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Washington, DC 20447 (telephone (202) 401-5746; or email dmmcburnett@acf.hhs.gov). These are not toll-free numbers.

INQUIRIES TO: Regional Program Managers

Margot Bean
Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement