CSBG Annual Report Version 3.0 – 30-Day Comment Period
The Office of Community Services (OCS) has issued a Dear Colleague Letter to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Network, announcing the opportunity to submit final comments on the proposed revisions to the CSBG Annual Report Version 3.0.
OCS has posted the revised CSBG Annual Report Version 3.0 for a 30-day public comment period, offering the Community Action Network a critical chance to review and provide feedback on the changes. Version 3.0 is a significant update, scheduled to be optional for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 and required beginning in FFY 2027.
Sign on to the National Partner Letter
The National Community Action Partnership (NCAP), Community Action Program Legal Services (CAPLAW), National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP), and the Association of Nationally Certified ROMA Trainers and Implementers (ANCRT) invite organizations to sign on to a joint national letter that reflects our collective feedback.
Review prior comments submitted:
- NCAP Response to the 60-Day Public Comment Period (Versions 2.1 & 3.0)
- CAPLAW Response to the 60-Day Public Comment Period (Versions 2.1 & 3.0)
- NASCSP Response to the 60-Day Public Comment Period (Version 2.1 & 3.0)
- ANCRT Response to the 60-Day Public Comment Period (Versions 2.1 & 3.0)
- National Partner Joint Response to Version 2.1 30-Day Comment Period
Complete our brief form to add your organization’s support to the national sign-on letter. Please ensure you are authorized to sign on behalf of your organization prior to completing this form. The deadline for sign-on is October 31, 2024.
Key Points from the CSBG National Partners’ Comments on CSBG Annual Report Version 3.0
In our joint comments regarding CSBG Annual Report Version 3.0, NCAP, CAPLAW, and ANCRT emphasize the need for OCS to engage the Network collaboratively in developing the report to align with the real-world experiences and needs of the Community Action Network (including CAAs, State Associations, and State Offices). The recommendations focus on enhancing accountability, preserving our Network outcomes orientation, and ensuring that the reporting process minimize reporting burden while allowing for comprehensive data collection. Below are the key recommendations and central themes from the letter:
- Incorporate Necessary State Accountability Data Elements in Module 1: Ensure that information about state performance and accountability is collected, as required by the CSBG Act.
- Strengthen Outcomes Orientation in the Family National Performance Indicators (FNPIs): Refine FNPIs to accurately reflect outcomes achieved through services provided. Move FNPIs reflecting outputs to the services section or designate them clearly as process measures.
- Reinstate Key Outcomes Related to Community Action Mission: Ensure that key outcomes related to whole family approaches, child outcomes, and Weatherization are reinstated to capture the full scope of outcomes achieved in the CSBG Annual Report.
- Reintroduce Critical Services: Reintroduce services crucial to the Community Action story, including parenting supports, VITA, asset building, housing counseling, healthy homes, and disaster response.
- Collaborate with Network Data Experts: Engage with Network data experts to reduce the burden of data validation requirements and maintain data quality.
- Allocate Additional Resources for Network Support and Training and Technical Assistance: Allocate additional resources to ease the burden of transition on local CAAs and states and offer robust training and technical assistance for the Network.
- Establish Mechanisms for Continuous Engagement: Create mechanisms for continuous engagement with the Network, such as the CSBG Data Task Force, to co-develop future updates and address reporting burdens.
NCAP Review and Webinar
The National Community Action Partnership (NCAP) will host a webinar on October 24, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM PT to discuss the proposed changes to the CSBG Annual Report, our comments, and how to add your support and submit your feedback.
How to Submit Comments
Comments on the CSBG Annual Report Version 3.0 are due by November 8, 2024. Follow the instructions in the Federal Register notice to submit your feedback.
If you have specific feedback or need more information, please contact us at csbg@communityactionpartnership.com.
CSBG Annual Report OMB Clearance Process Past Updates
CSBG Annual Report Version 3.0 – Previous 60-Day Comment Period (2024)
During the initial 60-day comment period, NCAP and other CSBG National Partners provided feedback on Version 3.0, which proposed significant changes to the report to be implemented starting in FFY 2026. This prior review involved extensive input from the Community Action Network and emphasized the importance of addressing concerns around data validation, Module 3 updates, and reducing reporting burden.
NCAP’s comments from the 60-day period are available for review, summarizing feedback from the network and recommendations for Version 3.0.
Resources for Version 3.0, Previous 60-Day Comment Period:
QUESTIONS?
If you have specific feedback, need more information, or have any questions, please contact us at csbg@communityactionpartnership.com.
NCAP Comments on Proposed CSBG Annual Report Changes Version 3.0 (60-Day Public Comment Period) Now Available for Review
The 30-day comment period for Version 2.1, the Tribal CSBG Annual Report, and the Tribal Short Form is now closed. These revisions included minor changes to Version 2.1 and an expansion of the Tribal CSBG Annual Report. The National Community Action Partnership (NCAP) worked alongside other national partners to submit feedback and host a sign-on letter to support the clearance of Version 2.1. Thank you to all network members who contributed their feedback.
Resources for Version 2.1:
● CSBG Annual Report Version 2.1
● Version 2.1 National Partner Sign-On Letter