The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Program Instruction (PI) (ACYF-CB-PI-11-08) is an Advanced Planning Document (APD) Waiver Process that provides guidance to states and tribes regarding changes in the APD waiver process.  The waiver process requires any requests to use commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software product for Title IV-E or IV-B child welfare programs and what must be included in the APD.  In order for states or tribes to use COTS, the waiver request must demonstrate a business case that describes how the software will result in more efficient, effective, and economical administration of child welfare programs.  Approval is required by ACF prior to implementation.