Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Performance Management, Data Collection, and Compliance Support

The Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services, Division of Community Assistance is offering the Community Services Block Grant Performance Management, Data Collection, and Compliance Support funding opportunity. Opportunity number HHS-2026-ACF-OCS-ET-0031 is a federal cooperative agreement under Assistance Listing 93.569. The Office of Community Services administers programs intended to reduce the causes of poverty, increase opportunity and economic security for individuals and families, and revitalize communities. This opportunity is designed to strengthen the Community Services Block Grant network by improving data collection, reporting, performance management, outcome measurement, and compliance support. One cooperative agreement is expected to be awarded for a 36-month project period consisting of three one-year budget periods, with an expected project start date of September 30, 2026. The recipient will provide specialized, year-round training and technical assistance to Community Services Block Grant states, territories, tribes, and eligible entities. The work is intended to move data collection and annual reporting beyond a compliance exercise and make data a practical tool for continuous improvement, program management, and demonstration of measurable impact. Required work includes improving adherence to performance standards, data analysis, outcome measurement, data verification, reporting capacity, and alignment with the Community Services Block Grant Annual Report and information supporting the Report to Congress. The recipient will collaborate with federal partners on emerging data needs, develop performance management and outcome resources, assist with drafting the Community Services Block Grant Report to Congress, and support post-monitoring compliance planning through peer assistance, templates, checklists, and draft policies and procedures. The 36-month project is divided into two phases. Phase One covers approximately months one through four and focuses on planning and preparation. The recipient must develop a work plan addressing goals, measures, outcomes, milestones, technical assistance delivery, subject matter expert involvement, planned and ad hoc requests, and deliverables. Additional Phase One deliverables include a draft outline of technical assistance tools, an updated logic model, an updated Program Performance Evaluation Plan as needed, an engagement plan for territories and directly funded tribes and tribal organizations, and a dissemination plan. Phase Two covers the remainder of the project period and focuses on implementation and evaluation. Activities may include webinars, training modules, podcasts, presentations, toolkits, and other learning resources. The recipient must conduct ongoing evaluation, submit semiannual Performance Progress Reports and a final report, and track technical assistance through the required Office of Community Services tracking form with quarterly reporting. Expected total program funding is 650000, with one expected award. The minimum and maximum award amounts for the first budget period are both 650000. Continued support beyond the first budget period depends on appropriations, satisfactory progress, and a determination that continued funding is in the federal government's best interest. There is no required cost sharing or matching contribution. Prohibited costs include construction, purchase of real property, major renovation, and pre-award costs. The recipient must maintain a substantive role if subawards are used. Indirect costs may be charged using an approved negotiated rate or, when applicable, a de minimis rate of up to 15 percent of modified total direct costs. The applicable salary rate limitation also applies to subawards, contracts, and subcontracts. Other restrictions and federal cost principles identified in the notice apply. Eligible applicants are Community Services Block Grant eligible entities, or statewide or local organizations or associations, with demonstrated expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and communities. Individuals, including sole proprietorships, federal entities, and foreign entities are not eligible. Faith-based and community organizations that satisfy the eligibility requirements may apply. Applicants must have active SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations and a Unique Entity Identifier. Applications are submitted through Grants.gov unless an exemption for paper submission has been approved. The application consists of two files plus required standard forms. File one contains the table of contents, one-page project summary, project narrative, and line-item budget and budget narrative. File two contains applicable attachments such as the ACF Priorities Alignment Attestation, indirect cost agreement, legal status documentation, organizational capacity materials, and third-party agreements. The combined page limit for files one and two is 75 pages. Applications are evaluated through an initial responsiveness review followed by merit review. The scoring framework provides 5 points for purpose and need, 30 points for response, 30 points for impact, 25 points for resources and capabilities, 10 points for budget and budget narrative, and 10 points for alignment with ACF priorities, plus a possible 5 bonus points for addressing the A Home for Every Child Initiative. Reviewers emphasize a well-conceived implementation approach, high-quality data and actionable insights, training and education procedures, compliance planning, federal collaboration, a strong logic model, innovative technical assistance, continuous quality improvement, organizational capacity, qualified personnel and subject matter experts, appropriate federal award oversight, and a detailed and reasonable budget. Final selection may also consider past performance, geographic distribution, underserved populations, risk, and alignment with agency priorities. Applications are due Monday, August 24, 2026. Electronic applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time through Grants.gov. An approved paper submission is due by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The expected project start date is September 30, 2026. No recurring annual or other future application cycle is stated in the notice. Program questions may be directed to Cheryl Zuni at CSBGNOFOS@acf.hhs.gov or 202-401-9333. Grants management questions may be directed to Janice Realeza at Janice.Realeza@acf.hhs.gov or 215-861-4007. Successful applicants receive an official Notice of Award, and the Notice of Award is the controlling award document. After award, performance and financial reports are required semiannually, and the Community Services Block Grant Training and Technical Assistance Tracking Form is required quarterly.

Directly align the narrative with the scored review criteria and show measurable connections between activities and outcomes. Present a clear methodology for improving data quality, verification, analysis, and reporting and translating data into actionable insights. Explain proactive year-round technical assistance and post-monitoring compliance support. Provide a strong logic model and continuous quality improvement evaluation plan. Document organizational capacity, qualified key staff and subject matter experts, defined responsibilities, and federal award oversight. Present a SMART budget with detailed calculations and justification for subject matter experts, strategic partnerships, and subawards.