TANF Policy Academy for Innovative Employment Strategies (PAIES)

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) PAIES project will work with successful state TANF applicants to design, plan and refine components and strategies to improve employment outcomes for TANF program participants. Through the development of strategic action, implementation, and evaluation feasibility plans, successful applicants will focus on developing client coaching and/or career pathway approaches to improve employment outcomes and economic stability for TANF participants.

The TANF PAIES project works with state TANF agencies as they to design and refine components and strategies to improve employment outcomes for TANF program participants. Through the development of strategic action, implementation, and evaluation feasibility plans, grantees have focused on developing client coaching and/or career pathway approaches to improve employment outcomes and economic stability for TANF participants.

State (including the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) human services agencies are eligible to receive assistance. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible.

TANF recipients and TANF eligible individuals are the beneficiaries.

Assistance must be used in accordance with the following provisions of 413 (a), (c), and (h) of the Social Security Act as revised: Section 413(a) - The Secretary shall conduct research on the effect of state programs funded under this part and any other state programs funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i)) on employment, self-sufficiency, child well-being, unmarried births, marriage, poverty, economic mobility, and other factors as determined by the Secretary. Additionally, Section 413(c) states that the Secretary shall in consultation with the State receiving funds provided under this part, develop methods of disseminating information on any research, evaluation, or study conducted under this section. Specifically, for this round of funding, the TANF PAIES will assist states to develop strategic action, implementation, and evaluation feasibility plans. States will create client coaching and/or career pathway approaches to improve employment outcomes and economic stability for TANF participants.

The project and budget period is 18 months.

Applicants may find funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) at: https://www.grants.gov and at the ACF website https://ami.grantsolutions.gov/.

Criteria are stated in the FOA.

Each application will be screened to determine whether it meets any of the disqualifying factors: missing the application deadline, required electronic submission or waiver requested and approved, or exceeding the Award Ceiling. Disqualified applications are considered to be "non-responsive" and are excluded from the competitive review process. Applications competing for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated by objective review panels using only the criteria described in FOA. Each panel is composed of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review. Generally, review panels include three reviewers and one chairperson. Results of the competitive objective review are taken into consideration by ACF in the selection of projects for funding; however, objective review scores and rankings are not binding. Scores and rankings are only one element used in the award decision-making process. ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would indicate an inability to successfully complete the proposed project. ACF reserves the right to consider preferences to fund organizations serving emerging, unserved, or under-served populations, including those populations located in pockets of poverty. ACF will also consider the geographic distribution of federal funds in its award decisions. ACF will complete a review of risk posed by applicants as described in 45 CFR 75.205). Approved grant applications will receive an official notice of award, detailing the amount of funds awarded; the purpose, terms and conditions of the award; and the budget period for which support is given.

There is no appeal process for unsuccessful applicants. For existing recipients, appeals in regards to disputes may take place in accordance with 45 CFR Part 16, subject to the limitations of the Appendix A.