HHS - Office of Grants Management Audit Support Services - MRAS

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research to support the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). ACF plays a pivotal role in funding various programs designed to assist vulnerable populations, including low-income children, families, and at-risk youth. These programs are delivered through a network of state, local, tribal governments, and public and private organizations. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that these entities adhere to federal award requirements while maintaining program integrity and accountability.

The specific focus of this request for information (RFI) is on audit support for the Office of Head Start (OHS) within ACF. This involves providing assistance with the Single Audit process a critical mechanism that ensures non-federal entities comply with federal award requirements. The work includes resolving audit findings, managing dispute resolutions, and following up on delinquent audits for those receiving federal financial assistance under the OHS program. The contractor will play a crucial role in supplying qualified personnel to perform various tasks related to audit resolution.

By supporting the Single Audit process, the contractor will help enhance oversight over ACF's portfolio of audits related to Head Start programs. This includes identifying high-risk areas within an organization's financial operations and compliance practices which could impact funding decisions. The ultimate aim is to promote transparency, accountability, and effective stewardship of federal funds by ensuring recipients have robust internal controls in place.

This initiative aligns with OHS's commitment as outlined in the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007. It seeks not only to prepare low-income children for success in school but also to ensure recipients manage their resources effectively amidst complex regulatory environments. By strengthening recipient accountability for program outcomes and fiscal management, this effort will contribute significantly towards achieving OHS's overarching goals.