Child Support Services Research

To fund experimental projects that assist in promoting the objectives of Section 1115, Part D of Title IV of the Social Security Act.

This program provides federal funds for experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects that are likely to assist in promoting the objectives of Section 1115, Part D of Title IV of the Social Security Act, which stipulates that "the project - 1) must be designed to improve the financial well-being of children or otherwise improve the operation of the child support program; 2) may not permit modifications in the child support program which would have the effect of disadvantaging children in need of support; and 3) must not result in increased cost to the federal government under Part A of such title. Any responsibility to the federal government is a condition for receiving the grant, but not a principal purpose."

Section 1115 grants may be made only to State or Tribal Child Support Enforcement agencies or their umbrella agencies.

Families and children served by state and tribal Title IV-D child support agencies.

Funds can be only used for purposes described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity issued for this Federal Assistance number each fiscal year.

Funds can be only used for purposes described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity issued for this Federal Assistance number each fiscal year.

The project duration is specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. For multi- year projects, non-competing continuations will be issued annually.

An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

The criteria for selecting proposals will be published in the NOFO.

Each application is reviewed against four factors: eligibility, the application deadline, required electronic submission or waiver requested and approved, and the Award Ceiling. If the application does not meet all these factors, then it is disqualified from the merit review process. After the initial review, applications are reviewed and evaluated by merit review panels using only the criteria described in the Application Review section of the NOFO. Each panel is composed of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review. Generally, review panels include three reviewers and one chairperson. While merit review scores and their ranking are not binding, ACF does consider them when selecting projects for funding. Scores and rankings are only one element used in the award decision-making process. Other criteria are explained in the Program Description section and in the Application Review section of the NOFO. ACF reserves the right to evaluate applications in the larger context of the overall portfolio by considering the geographic distribution of federal funds (e.g., ensuring coverage of states, counties, or service areas) in its pre-award decisions. ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would indicate an inability to successfully complete the proposed project. In addition, ACF may elect to not allow a prime recipient to subaward if there is any indication that they are unable to properly monitor and manage subrecipients. Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Successful applicants may be funded at an amount lower than requested.

Please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for information on deadlines.

From 60 to 120 days.

Non-competing continuations will be issued based on availability of funds, satisfactory progress, compliance with award terms and conditions and a determination that continuation funding is in the best interest of the federal government.

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