The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is calling for public input on a proposed new reporting requirement designed to track the use of federal disaster relief funds. Specifically, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Community Services (OCS) seeks approval for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Disaster Supplemental Annual Report. This new information collection activity will monitor the allocation and impact of $25 million appropriated by Congress to assist communities recovering from Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, which devastated parts of the Caribbean and southeastern United States in 2022. The formal request for comments, published in the Federal Register on May 14, 2026, sets a deadline of July 13, 2026, for stakeholders to provide feedback on this crucial accountability measure.
Background on Disaster Funding
Hurricanes Fiona and Ian struck in September 2022, prompting President Trump to declare major disasters in the affected regions. Hurricane Fiona significantly impacted the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage in Florida and South Carolina. In response to these events, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328), signed into law on December 29, 2022, allocated an additional $25 million to OCS. These funds were designated for necessary expenses directly related to the consequences of these hurricanes. OCS subsequently distributed these funds to grant recipients based on assessed needs. These recipients then issued sub-grants to CSBG eligible entities, enabling them to support disaster recovery activities specifically targeting low-income individuals and families. The funding supported a diverse range of locally identified services and strategies, consistent with the general goals of CSBG and the specific appropriation guidance, focusing on ongoing community recovery efforts beyond immediate emergency response.
The Proposed Reporting Mechanism
The core of the Federal Register notice concerns the establishment of a new, distinct reporting mechanism. While a version of this report was previously approved under OMB #0970-0492 alongside the standard CSBG Annual Report, OCS is now requesting approval for this CSBG Disaster Supplemental Annual Report under a unique OMB number. This separation is deemed necessary due to the 'unique funding stream' associated with disaster appropriations. The proposed report is directly modeled on the existing CSBG Annual Report framework but is meticulously tailored to address disaster funding specifics. It comprises three distinct modules to capture a comprehensive overview of how these critical funds are utilized. Module 1, 'State Administration,' is to be completed by state CSBG Administrators. It focuses on how states manage CSBG funding, including distribution to eligible entities, use of administrative and discretionary funds for training and technical assistance, and progress on organizational standards and accountability measures. Module 2, 'Eligible Entity Administration,' is completed by the eligible entities themselves and provides information on funds spent on direct service delivery, capacity development, and administrative costs at the local level. Finally, Module 3, 'Individual and Family Level,' also completed by eligible entities, details the services provided to individuals and families, the demographic characteristics of those served, and the outcomes of these services. All three modules are subject to review, evaluation, and analysis by state CSBG Lead Agencies, ensuring thorough oversight.
Legal Mandates and Rationale
The requirement for such detailed reporting is rooted in federal statute. Section 678E of the CSBG Act mandates that states, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories, annually prepare and submit a report on the measured performance of both the state and its eligible entities. This includes an accounting of all funds expended through the CSBG program, differentiating between administrative costs at the state and eligible entity levels, and funds spent on the direct delivery of local services. Furthermore, states must report on the number and characteristics of clients served, based on data collected from eligible entities, and summarize training and technical assistance offered. Beyond the CSBG Act, the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 also plays a role. Section 3(b) of this Act requires OCS, as an office under HHS, to collect performance information for CSBG. The decision to seek a unique OMB number for the disaster supplemental report underscores the federal government's commitment to distinct accountability for emergency appropriations, ensuring that these specific funds are tracked transparently and effectively.
Burden on Respondents
The proposed information collection activity imposes specific reporting burdens on state governments, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and CSBG eligible entities. OCS estimates that a total of 2 grant recipients (states) and 31 sub-grant recipients (eligible entities) will complete this report annually. The estimated average time to complete the request is approximately 110 hours per state each year. For eligible entities, the burden is higher, estimated at 235 hours per entity each year. Grant recipients are responsible for completing Module 1 only, which covers state administration. Sub-grant recipients, conversely, complete Modules 2 and 3, focusing on eligible entity administration and individual/family level data. The total estimated annual burden across all respondents for this specific disaster supplemental report is calculated to be 7,505 hours, reflecting the significant data collection and reporting efforts required to ensure comprehensive accountability for these vital recovery funds.
Call for Public Comment
In adherence to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ACF is actively soliciting public comments on several critical aspects of this proposed information collection. Interested parties are encouraged to submit feedback by July 13, 2026. The Department specifically seeks comments on: (a) whether the proposed collection of information is truly necessary for the proper performance of the agency's functions and if it possesses practical utility; (b) the accuracy of OCS's estimates regarding the burden of the proposed collection; (c) the overall quality, utility, and clarity of the information intended to be collected; and (d) innovative ways to minimize the burden on respondents, potentially through the adoption of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. This public comment period is a crucial opportunity for states, eligible entities, and other stakeholders to shape the final form and implementation of this important accountability tool.
