OCS webinar walks states through CSBG FY26 state plan sections 8–15; plans due Sept. 1, 2025

Mitch Navetta, a CSBG program specialist with the Division of Community Assistance, opened a federal webinar saying the Office of Community Services would take attendees on a ‘‘deeper dive’’ into sections 8–15 of the FY26 CSBG State Plan and reminded states that all FY26 plans are due on 09/01/2025.

The webinar framed the state plan as both an eligibility requirement and a program-management tool. "The state plan serves as an application for CSBG funding and a road map detailing how each state will administer CSBG funds," Navetta said, urging lead agencies to align performance targets and outcomes with community needs and to use ACSI survey results, organizational standards, and TNTA feedback to inform evaluations.

On section 8, Navetta told attendees to describe state-level training and technical assistance (TNTA) schedules and budgets, noting those plans feed into the CSBG Annual Report. He cited national cooperative agreements that support TNTA, including Regional Performance and Innovation Consortia (RPICs), the Collaborative on Economic Mobility with the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP), NASCSP, and CAPLaw, which recently provided guidance related to HHS uniform guidance.

Renee Brooks, a program specialist with the Division of Community Assistance, led sections 10–15. On monitoring and fiscal controls (section 10) she reviewed required monitoring calendars and corrective-action procedures and reminded states that the CSBG Act requires on-site reviews at least once every three years and prompt follow-up where entities fail to meet state standards. In a poll illustrating appeal timelines, Brooks cited 45 CFR 96.92 and said, "the entity may request a review in writing within 30 days of notification by the state of its final decision to terminate funding."

Brooks reviewed tripartite board rules (section 11), reiterating statutory composition requirements: one-third elected public officials or their representatives, at least one-third low-income representatives from the community served, and the remainder community stakeholders. She encouraged states to demonstrate compliance through board rosters, monitoring notes, or attendance records.

On income eligibility (section 12), Brooks said states must decide which multiple of the federal poverty guidelines they will use and noted statutory limits: states may set a threshold up to 125% of the federal poverty line under the CSBG Act, while a temporary 200% option has been available through congressional action since federal fiscal year 2020. She recommended drafting plan language that preserves flexibility if congressional authority changes.

Section 13 covers performance-management assurances. Brooks instructed states to commit to ROMA or an alternative system that meets statutory requirements for outcome measurement and continuous improvement, and to describe how they will support eligible entities in using the chosen system.

Sections 14 and 15 require assurances and federal certifications that CSBG funds will be used for authorized activities and that authorized officials will certify compliance with lobbying, debarment, drug-free workplace, and other requirements.

Brooks closed with submission logistics: use the Online Data Collection System (OLDC) to complete and submit the state plan; at least two staff typically need OLDC access (the preparer and the authorized official); and states should copy their assigned program specialist and data-and-evaluation specialist on help requests. The webinar materials and action transmittal were shared in the chat for reference.

The Office of Community Services asked lead agencies to submit complete plans (eligible entity list, SF-424M, sections 1–15, designation letter, and federal certifications) by 09/01/2025 and to contact assigned program specialists with questions or for technical assistance.