Assets for Independence (AFI) Program Evaluation

OMB Control No: 0970-0414	ICR Reference No: 201205-0970-002
Status: Historical Active	Previous ICR Reference No:
Agency/Subagency: HHS/ACF	Agency Tracking No:
Title: Assets for Independence (AFI) Program Evaluation
Type of Information Collection: New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular
OIRA Conclusion Action: Approved with change	Conclusion Date: 10/11/2012
Retrieve Notice of Action (NOA)	Date Received in OIRA: 05/08/2012
Terms of Clearance: This information collection request is approved as revised with the following term of clearance. ACF will continue to work with OMB on the issue applicability of the Privacy Act to this collection and will not field the survey until it is resolved.

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	10/31/2015	36 Months From Approved
Responses	689	0	0
Time Burden (Hours)	350	0	0
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0

---

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is conducting an experimental evaluation of the Assets for Independence (AFI) Program. This evaluation--the first experimental evaluation of IDA projects operating under the Assets for Independence Act--will contribute importantly to understanding the effects of Individual Development Account (IDA) projects and IDA project features on participants. IDA programs provide matching funds to participants when the savings are withdrawn to spend on qualified asset purchases, most commonly homeownership, business-related expenses, or education. This study will build on the prior quasi-experimental AFI evaluation, as well as studies of other non-AFI funded Individual Development Account (IDA) projects. This submission seeks OMB approval for three data collection instruments relating to surveys of the enrolled study sample at baseline (i.e., intake to the programs studied) and 12 months following baseline, and relating to interviews to be conducted with program administrators, staff, and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of the evaluation

---

Authorizing Statute(s): PL: Pub.L. 105 - 285 414 Name of Law: Assets for Independence Act

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

---

Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

---

Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	77 FR 10752	02/23/2012
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	77 FR 26764	05/07/2012
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

---

Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 3

IC Title Form No. Form Name AFI Baseline Questionnaire: AFI-eligible participants AFI Follow-up Questionnaire: AFI-eligible participants AFI Implementation Interview Instrument: Administrators and staff

---

ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Approved	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	689	0	0	689	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	350	0	0	350	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Increase Due to: Miscellaneous Actions

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: This is a new information collection request.

---

Annual Cost to Federal Government: $138,504

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? Yes Part B of Supporting Statement

Is the Supporting Statement intended to be a Privacy Impact Assessment required by the E-Government Act of 2002? No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? Uncollected

Agency Contact: Steve Hanmer 202 401-5651 [email protected]

---

Common Form ICR:  No

---

On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
		(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;
		(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;
		(c) It reduces burden on small entities;
		(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;
		(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;
		(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;
		(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:
			(i) Why the information is being collected;
			(ii) Use of information;
			(iii) Burden estimate;
			(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
			(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
			(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
		(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.
		(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and
		(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Certification Date: 05/08/2012

---