Proposed Information Collection Activity; Comment Request

Proposed Projects:

Title: ACF Grantee Survey of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

OMB No.: 0970-0076.

Description: The LIHEAP Grantee Survey is an annual data collection activity, which is sent to grantees of the 50 states and the District of Columbia administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The survey is mandatory in order that national estimates of the sources and uses of LIHEAP funds can be calculated in a timely manner; a range can be calculated of State average LIHEAP benefits; and maximum income cutoffs for four-person households can be obtained for estimating the number of low-income households that are income eligible for LIHEAP under the State income standards. The need for the above information is to provide the Administration and Congress with fiscal estimates in time for hearings about LIHEAP appropriations and program performance. The information also is included in the Departments annual LIHEAP Report to Congress. Survey information also will be posted on the Office of Community Services LIHEAP Web site for access by grantees and other interested parties.

Respondents: 50 States and the District of Columbia.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 178.50.

In compliance with the requirements of Section 506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Administration for Children and Families is soliciting public comment on the specific aspects of the information collection described above. Copies of the proposed collection of information can be obtained and comments may be forwarded by writing to the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Administration, Office of Information Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Attn: ACF Reports Clearance Officer. E-mail address: infocollection@acf.hhs.gov. All requests should be identified by the title of the information collection. The Department specifically requests comments on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted within 60 days of this publication.