Assets for Independence (AFI) Program Evaluation

OMB Control No: 0970-0414	ICR Reference No: 201509-0970-001
Status: Historical Active	Previous ICR Reference No: 201410-0970-020
Agency/Subagency: HHS/ACF	Agency Tracking No: 19692
Title: Assets for Independence (AFI) Program Evaluation
Type of Information Collection: Revision of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular
OIRA Conclusion Action: Approved without change	Conclusion Date: 11/06/2015
Retrieve Notice of Action (NOA)	Date Received in OIRA: 09/09/2015
Terms of Clearance:

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	11/30/2018	36 Months From Approved	11/30/2015
Responses	271	0	689
Time Burden (Hours)	271	0	350
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0

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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. Launched in fall 2011, 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 IDA programs provide matching funds to participants when the savings are withdrawn to spend on qualified asset purchases, most commonly homeownership, business-related expenses, or education. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of participation in AFI-funded individual IDA projects on the savings, asset purchases, and economic well-being of low-income individuals and families. This follow-up study will be an impact study to assess the impacts of program participation on intermediate outcomes of interest. The data collection instrument contained in this request is central to the successful execution of both components of the study. The evaluation is currently underway in two AFI grantee sites. Each site has randomly assigned approximately 800 sample members to one of two groups: a control group and a treatment group receiving conventional AFI services. This information collection request is to collect survey data from all study participants (i.e., members of both treatment groups and the control group) at 36 months following random assignment. The 36-month questionnaire has been updated to reflect the change in time period, but otherwise remains the same as the previously approved 12-month follow-up survey.

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

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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

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Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	80 FR 32957	06/10/2015
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	80 FR 53517	09/04/2015
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 1

IC Title Form No. Form Name AFI Implementation Interview Instrument: Administrators and staff AFI 36-Month Follow-up Questionnaire: AFI-eligible participants AFI Follow-up Questionnaire: AFI-eligible participants AFI Baseline Questionnaire: AFI-eligible participants

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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	271	689	0	-418	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	271	350	0	-79	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: Yes

Burden Reduction Due to: Miscellaneous Actions

Short Statement: This is an additional information collection request under OMB # 0970-0414. Previously approved data collection under this OMB are complete.

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $393,442

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: Molly Buck 202 205-4724 [email protected]

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Common Form ICR:  No

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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: 09/09/2015

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