Federal Register #2026-11882

Information Collection for Head Start State Collaboration Office Grant Application

This opportunity involves the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), seeking public comment on a proposed information collection for the Head Start State Collaboration Office (HSCO) Grant Application. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Administration for Children and Families (ACF) - Office of Head Start (OHS) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is a grant application and information collection process. - Products/Services Requested: - Collection of application materials from all states and territories receiving HSCO grants - States must submit narrative and structured responses describing plans for coordination, systems integration, and program implementation - Estimated 52 respondents (states and territories) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Application instructions are designed to align HSCO activities with updated federal and state priorities, including child welfare, family support, service delivery, and early childhood education - The information collection supports grant administration, oversight, and alignment with federal priorities - No product line items, part numbers, or commercial goods/services are being procured - Related Data Collection Activities (for context): - TANF Pilot Evaluation (surveys, interviews, workbooks) - Annual Report on Households Assisted by LIHEAP (data collection on energy assistance) - The period of performance includes an extension of existing HSCO grants, with new 5-year grant awards to follow approval

Description

The Office of Head Start (OHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is proposing a new information collection activity for the Head Start State Collaboration Office (HSCO) Grant Application. HSCO grants support coordination between Head Start agencies and state systems serving young children and families. The new application instructions align HSCO grant activities with state and federal priorities such as improving child welfare outcomes, strengthening family formation, supporting effective service delivery, and enhancing early childhood education. This collection is necessary to ensure consistent implementation of program objectives and alignment across all states. Existing HSCO grants will be extended through February 28, 2027, to allow time for approval and transition to new grant awards.

View original listing