Administration for Children and Families Uniform Project Description (UPD)

The Uniform Project Description (UPD) includes standard language and sections available for use by Administration for Children and Families (ACF) program offices to solicit the required project description and project budget information from applicants for specific funding opportunities. Applications are required for project grants and cooperative agreements as prescribed by HHS regulations 2 CFR 200.204. The UPD provides a selection of text options for the program offices to choose from, which are used to communicate the application requirements for a specific grant or cooperative agreement notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), as required by 2 CFR 200.204, and Appendix I to 2 CFR 200 – Full Text of Notice of Funding Opportunity. The UPD is fundamental to ACF’s competitive award process. It ensures the provision of adequate information to support award decisions. The ability to select the appropriate standard language for a given NOFO reduces the burden of application preparation, by eliminating unnecessary portions of the application for a given announcement. In addition, it provides for consistency and objectivity in the application and review processes required by 2 CFR 200.205. Attachment A includes relevant excerpts from 2 CFR 200. Since 2023, there have been two versions of the UPD: the traditional version and the streamlined version (SimplerNOFOs). ACF began piloting the SimplerNOFOs version of the UPD, as approved under this OMB number. SimplerNOFOs streamline the process for applicants and has been well received by programs and applicants. ACF has expanded use of the simplified version as a result. At this time ACF is requesting to transition completely to the SimplerNOFOs UPD but will retain two sets of instructions for now due to the way NOFOs are currently developed. The distinction is made in the instructions with the labels “SimplerNOFO” v. “Traditional NOFO”. Additionally, the following changes have been made: - Minor revisions for clarification and plain language purposes - Updated burden estimates to only include the SimplerNOFOs UPD. This current request is to extend OMB approval for one year while a larger revision effort is in process. A full revision request and a request for three years of approval will be submitted within the next year, which will be accompanied by two public comment periods.

The latest form for Administration for Children and Families Uniform Project Description (UPD) expires 2029-04-30 and can be found here.

Uniform Project Description (UPD)

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Community and Social Services - Social Services

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