70 FR 85 pgs. 23188-23198 - Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau; Grants to Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Migrant Programs for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Programs
Type: NOTICEVolume: 70Number: 85Pages: 23188 - 23198
FR document: [FR Doc. 05-8897 Filed 5-3-05; 8:45 am]
Agency: Health and Human Services Department
Sub Agency: Administration for Children and Families
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau; Grants to Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Migrant Programs for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Programs
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-CA-0061.
CFDA Number: 93.590.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due July 5, 2005.
Executive Summary: The primary purpose of this funding announcement is to provide financial support to selected tribes, tribal organizations, and migrant programs for child abuse prevention programs and activities that are consistent with the goals outlined by Title II of CAPTA. The goal of the programs and activities supported by these funds is to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of abuse or neglect within the tribal and migrant populations. The funds must support more effective and comprehensive child abuse prevention activities and family support services, including an emphasis on strengthening marriages and reaching out to include fathers, that will enhance the lives and ensure the safety and well-being of migrant and Native American children and their families. Some examples of programs that may be funded include, but are not limited to, voluntary home visiting, respite care, parenting education, mutual support, family resource centers, marriage education, and other family support services. The funds must also be used to support an evaluation of the programs and services funded by the grant. Finally, programs funded should develop stronger linkages with the Community-based Child Abuse Prevention Program (CBCAP) State Lead Agency funded under Title II of CAPTA.
It is anticipated that three grants (one each to a tribe, a tribal organization, and a migrant program) will be funded under this announcement for $143,000 per grantee for FY 2005. This amount reflects the maximum Federal share of this project not exceeding one-third ( 1⁄3 ) of one percent (1%) of the Federal appropriation for Title II for each 12-month budget period.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The primary purpose of this funding announcement is to provide financial support to selected tribes, tribal organizations, and migrant programs for child abuse prevention programs and activities that are consistent with the goals outlined by Title II of CAPTA. The goal of the programs and activities supported by these funds is to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of abuse or neglect within the tribal and migrant populations. The funds must support more effective and comprehensive child abuse prevention activities and family support services, including an emphasis on strengthening marriages and reaching out to include fathers, that will enhance the lives and ensure the safety and well-being of migrant and Native American children and their families. Some examples of the programs funded may include, but are not limited to, voluntary home visiting, respite care, parenting education, mutual support, family resource centers, marriage education, and other family support services. The funds must also be used to support an evaluation of the programs and services funded by the grant. Finally, programs funded should develop stronger linkages with the Community-based Child Abuse Prevention Program (CBCAP) State Lead Agency funded under Title II of CAPTA.
It is anticipated that three grants (one each to a tribe, a tribal organization, and a migrant program) will be funded under this announcement for $143,000 per grantee for FY 2005. This amount reflects the maximum Federal share of this project not exceeding one-third ( 1⁄3 ) of one percent (1%) of the Federal appropriation for Title II for each 12-month budget period.
1. Priority Area 1-Grants to Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Migrant Programs for Community-based Child Abuse Prevention Programs
1. Description
The primary purpose of this funding announcement is to provide financial support to selected tribes, tribal organizations, and migrant programs for child abuse prevention programs and activities that are consistent with the goals outlined by Title II of CAPTA. The goal of the programs and activities supported by these funds is to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of abuse or neglect within the tribal and migrant populations. The funds must support more effective and comprehensive child abuse prevention activities and family support services, including an emphasis on strengthening marriages and reaching out to include fathers, that will enhance the lives and ensure the safety and well-being of migrant and Native American children and their families. Some examples of programs that may be funded include, but are not limited to, voluntary home visiting, respite care, parenting education, mutual support, family resource centers, marriage education, and other family support services. The funds must also be used to support an evaluation of the programs and services funded by the grant. Finally, programs funded should develop stronger linkages with the Community-based Child Abuse Prevention Program (CBCAP) State Lead Agency funded under Title II of CAPTA.
It is anticipated that three grants (one each to a tribe, a tribal organization, and a migrant program) will be funded under this announcement for $143,000 per grantee for FY 2005. This amount reflects the maximum Federal share of this project not exceeding one-third ( 1⁄3 ) of one percent (1%) of the Federal appropriation for Title II for each 12-month budget period.
Background Information
The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) administers national programs for children and youth; works with States and local communities to develop services which support and strengthen family life; seeks joint ventures with the private sector to enhance the lives of children and their families; and provides information and other assistance to parents. The concerns of ACYF extend to all children from pre-natal through adolescence. Many of the programs administered by the agency focus on children from low-income families; abused and neglected children; children and youth in need of foster care, independent living, adoption or other child welfare services; preschool children; children with disabilities; runaway and homeless youth; and children from Native American and migrant families.
Within ACYF, the Children's Bureau plans, manages, coordinates, and supports child abuse and neglect prevention and child welfare services programs. The Children's Bureau programs are designed to promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of all children, including those in foster care, available for adoption, recently adopted, abused, neglected, dependent, disabled, or homeless and to prevent neglect and abuse of children. The programs also encourage strengthening the family unit to help prevent the unnecessary separation of children from their families and reunifying families, when appropriate, when separation has occurred. The Children's Bureau also supports programs and services that encourage healthy marriage; promote family stability; support relationship building for parenting couples; reach out to and provide assistance to fathers; and emphasize the role of fathers in ensuring the well-being of their children.
The Children's Bureau is the agency within the Federal Government that has primary responsibility for assisting State child welfare systems to promote continuous improvement in the delivery of child welfare services. State child welfare systems are designed to protect children who have suffered maltreatment, who are at risk for maltreatment, or who are under the care and placement responsibility of the State because their families are unable to care for them. These systems also focus on securing permanent living arrangements through foster care and adoption for children who are unable to return home.
The Children's Bureau fulfills this mission by providing leadership and conducting activities designed to assist and enhance national, State, and community efforts to prevent, assess, identify, and treat child abuse and neglect. These activities include undertaking data collection and analysis; research and demonstration programs regarding and making grants to States for: developing comprehensive child-centered and family-focused child protective services systems; providing training and technical assistance to develop the necessary resources to implement successful comprehensive child and family protection strategies; gathering, processing, and housing high quality data sets through a National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect; and gathering, storing, and disseminating child maltreatment information through a National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and a National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
Federal programs administered by the Bureau include the Foster Care and Adoption Assistance Programs, the Child Welfare Services State Grants Program, Child Welfare Services Training Program, the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, the Adoption Opportunities Program, the Abandoned Infants Assistance Program, the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, the Court Improvement Program, and several State and discretionary grant programs authorized by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). For more information about Children's Bureau programs, visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb.
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). Since its enactment in 1974, CAPTA [42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq. ,] has sought to increase national attention to the problem of child abuse and neglect and to improve the Nation's ability to prevent and respond to the maltreatment of children. Through its several reauthorizations over the years, the law has worked to strengthen the entire child protective services system. Under CAPTA, programs have been implemented for the prevention of child maltreatment, the identification of child abuse and neglect, initial response, assessment and investigation of suspected child abuse reports, and prosecution of caregivers found to be the perpetrators of the abuse.
Title I of CAPTA authorizes research and demonstration grants, data collection and information dissemination activities and two State grant programs: the Basic State Grant and the Children's Justice Act Grant. The Basic State Grant provides States with funds and basic Federal guidelines to strengthen and maintain their child protective services (CPS) systems. The Children's Justice Act provides funds to assist States in developing, establishing and operating programs which are designed to improve the handling of child abuse and neglect cases to reduce trauma to the child victim; the handling of cases of suspected child abuse or neglect related fatalities; and the investigation and prosecution of cases on child abuse or neglect.
Title II of CAPTA authorizes the Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. This program assists States to develop and implement, or expand and enhance, a comprehensive statewide system of community-based family resource and support services to prevent child maltreatment.
Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Program
In 2003, the Congress passed legislation reauthorizing CAPTA's programs for an additional five years. Among the provisions in the legislation was a section reauthorizing, amending and re-naming the program previously known as the Community-Based Family Resource and Support (CBFRS) Grants program. The program is now known as the Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect or, for the sake of brevity, the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) program. This formula grant program specifically supports community-based efforts to develop, operate, expand, enhance, and, where appropriate, to network, initiatives aimed at the prevention of child abuse and neglect, to support networks of coordinated resources and activities to better strengthen and support families to reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect, and to foster an understanding, appreciation, and knowledge of diverse populations in order to be effective in preventing and treating child abuse and neglect. One percent of the funding for this program is earmarked to support child abuse prevention programs and activities specifically targeting the tribal and migrant populations. Tribal and migrant programs funded in previous years have included parenting education and support, voluntary home visiting programs, outreach and case management services for the specified target population.
All States, the District of Columbia, and the territories receive funding under the formula grant program. In every State, the Governor designates a Lead Agency to receive these funds. The Lead Agencies provide grants to local agencies to fund child abuse prevention and family support services and activities. Some States may choose to fund tribal and migrant programs from their formula grant. Many States fund core services such as parent education, parent mutual support, home visiting programs, early childhood programs, respite and crisis care, family resource centers, and other family support services. In addition, the Lead Agencies provide leadership and support for the child abuse prevention network in the State and offered training and technical assistance to their funded programs. It is expected that the tribal and migrant programs funded by this announcement will be actively engaged in the Statewide CBCAP network. Moreover, the tribal and migrant programs are encouraged to provide their input and expertise with the Lead Agencies regarding the needs and issues facing their target populations.
For more information on the CBCAP Program and Lead Agencies, visit the website for the FRIENDS National Resource Center for CBCAP Programs at: http://www.friendsnrc.org.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $429,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 0 to 3.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards per budget period: $143,000.
Average Projected Award Amount: $143,000.
Length of Project Periods: 36 month project with three 12 month budget periods.
In the first budget period, the maximum Federal share of each project is not to exceed $143,000. The projects awarded will be for a project period of 36 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation beyond each 12-month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized).
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments).
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
Additional Information on Eligibility
Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and migrant programs with the capacity to establish, maintain and evaluate community-based programs for the prevention of child abuse and neglect may apply.
Applicants should specify if they are applying as a "Tribe" or "Tribal Organization" or "Migrant Program."
Organizations should foster strong linkages with the State Lead Agency for the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Programs funded by Title II of CAPTA.
Collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts are acceptable, but applications should identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the grant.
Faith-based and community organizations that meet all other eligibility requirements are eligible to apply.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
No.
3. Other
All applicants must have a Dun Bradstreet number. On June 27, 2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal ( www.Grants.gov ). A DUNS number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status.
Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
• A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code.
• A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
• A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
• A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.
• Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under "Grant Related Documents and Forms," "Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants," titled, "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants," at: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this announcement.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date will not be considered for competition.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau,118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Each application must contain the following items in the order listed:
Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424). Follow the instructions below and those that accompany the form.
In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS number in "Organizational DUNS:" box.
In Item 5 of Form 424, include name, phone number, and, if available, email and fax numbers of the contact person.
In Item 8 of Form 424, check 'New.'
In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for which funds are being requested as stated in this funding opportunity announcement.
In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single funding opportunity the application addresses.
In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the specific geographic area to be served.
In Item 14 of Form 424, identify Congressional districts of both the applicant and project.
Budget Information Non-Construction Programs. (Form 424A) and Budget Justification.
Follow the instructions provided here and those in Section V. Application Review Information. Note that Federal funds provided to States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds may not be used to match project grants.
Certifications/Assurances. Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-construction projects must file the Standard Form 424B, 'Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.' Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must provide a certification regarding lobbying when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their applications.
Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application, the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the applications.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
By signing the "Signature of Authorized Representative" on the SF 424, the applicant is providing a certification and need not mail assurances for completing the following grant and cooperative agreement requirements:
(1) The applicant will have the project fully functioning within 90 days of the notification of the grant award.
(2) The applicant will participate if the Children's Bureau chooses to do a national evaluation or a technical assistance contract that relates to this priority area.
(3) All performance indicator data, program and financial reports will be submitted in a timely manner, in recommended format (to be provided), and the final report will also be submitted on disk or electronically using a standard word-processing program.
(4) Within 90 days of project end date, the applicant will submit a copy of the final report and any program products to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 330 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20447. This is in addition to the standard requirement that the final program and evaluation report must also be submitted to the Grants Management Specialist and the Federal Project Officer.
(5) Allocate sufficient funds in the budget to:
(a) Provide for the project director and the evaluator to attend an annual 3-day grantees' meeting in Washington, DC.
(b) Provide for the project director and the evaluator to attend an early kick-off meeting in Washington, DC, in the first year only, within 90 days of the notification of the grant award.
(c) Provide for 10-15 percent of the proposed budget to project evaluation.
In implementing their projects, grantees are expected to comply with all applicable administrative regulations regarding extent or types of costs. Applicable HHS regulations can be found in 45 CFR Part 74 or 92.
Project Abstract/Summary (one page maximum, double spaced). Clearly mark this page with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the Form 424, identify the competitive grant funding opportunity and the title of the proposed project as shown in item 11 and the service area as shown in item 12 of the Form 424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words.
Care should be taken to produce an abstract/summary that accurately and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the results or benefits expected.
Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: (1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; (2) Approach; (3) Organizational Profiles; (4) Budget and Budget Justification.
Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs, provide documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.
Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their role, detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded.
The application limit is 60 pages total including all forms and attachments. Pages over this page limit will be removed from the application and will not be reviewed.
To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award.
To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed original and two additional copies of the application, including all forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in the section titled Deadline at the beginning of the announcement. The original copy of the application must have original signatures.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one side, with at least 1⁄2 inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the top and bottom, using standard 12 point fonts (such as Times New Roman or Courier). Pages must be numbered.
All copies of an application must be submitted in a single package, and a separate package must be submitted for each funding opportunity. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific funding opportunity it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including supporting documentation; however, each complete copy must be stapled securely in the upper left corner. Applicants are advised that the copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the Federal government for review.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application. It is essential that applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before preparing an application and include all of the required application forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough understanding of the purpose and objectives of the applicable legislation. Reviewers expect applicants to understand the goals of the legislation and the Children's Bureau's interest in each topic. A "responsive application" is one that addresses all of the evaluation criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding. Applications that are considered to be "unresponsive" generally receive very low scores and are rarely funded.
The Children's Bureau's Web site ( http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb ) provides a wide range of information and links to other relevant Web sites. Before you begin preparing an application, we suggest that you learn more about the mission and programs of the Children's Bureau by exploring the Web site.
Organizing Your Application. The specific evaluation criteria in Section V of this funding announcement will be used to review and evaluate each application. The applicant should address each of these specific evaluation criteria in the project description. Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: (1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; (2) Approach; (3) Organizational Profiles; (4) Budget and Budget Justification and should use the same headings as these criteria, so that reviewers can readily find information that directly addresses each of the specific review criteria.
Project Evaluation Plan. Project evaluations are very important. If you do not have the in-house capacity to conduct an objective, comprehensive evaluation of the project, then the Children's Bureau advises that you propose contracting with a third-party evaluator specializing in social science or evaluation, or a university or college, to conduct the evaluation. A skilled evaluator can assist you in designing a data collection strategy that is appropriate for the evaluation of your proposed project. Additional assistance may be found in a document titled "Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation." A copy of this document can be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/other_resrch/pm_guide_eval/reports/pmguide/pmguide_toc.html.
Logic Model. A logic model is a tool that presents the conceptual framework for a proposed project and explains the linkages among program elements. While there are many versions of the logic model, they generally summarize the logical connections among the needs that are the focus of the project, project goals and objectives, the target population, project inputs (resources), the proposed activities/processes/outputs directed toward the target population, the expected short- and long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve, and the evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which proposed processes and outcomes actually occur. Information on the development of logic models is available on the Internet at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/ or http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cyfar/capbuilding/outcome/outcome_logicmdir.html.
Use of Human Subjects. If your evaluation plan includes gathering data from or about clients, there are specific procedures which must be followed in order to protect their privacy and ensure the confidentiality of the information about them. Applicants planning to gather such data are asked to describe their plans regarding an Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. If applicable, applicants must include a completed Form 310, Protection of Human Subjects. For more information about use of human subjects and IRB's you can visit these Web sites: http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2 and http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm.
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper format.
To submit an application electronically, please use the www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile transmission.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application electronically via Grants.gov.
• Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.
• When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov.
• To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
• You will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
• You may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.
• Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
• We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a later date.
• You may access the electronic application for this program on www.Grants.gov .
• You must search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA number.
Originals, copies and signatures. If submitting your application in paper format, an original and two copies of the complete application are required. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under "Grant Related Documents and Forms," "Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants," titled, "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants," at: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Standard Forms and Certifications: The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section V Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms required for making applications for awards under this announcement.
Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs; SF-424B, Assurances-Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application.
Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information.
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the full project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Explanation of Due Dates: The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on the date noted above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.
Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date.
Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via Grants.gov.
Late Applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date will not be considered for competition.
Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
Checklist: You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
| What to submit | Required content | Required form or format | When to submit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Abstract | See Section IV | Section IV | By application due date. |
| Project Narrative | See Section IV, V | Section IV, V | By application due date. |
| SF424 | See Section IV | Section IV | By application due date. |
| SF424A | See Section IV | Section IV | By application due date. |
| Assurances and Certifications | See Section IV | Section IV | By application due date. |
| Letters of commitment from partners (if applicable) | See Section IV | Section IV | By application due date. |
| Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) | See Section IV | Section IV | By application due date. |
Additional Forms: Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under "Grant Related Documents and Forms," "Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants," titled, "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants," at: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm .
| What to submit | Required content | Location | When to submit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants | See form | May be found on www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs.
As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).
A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th floor, Washington, DC 20447.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html .
5. Funding Restrictions
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this solicitation.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3. for an explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be delivered to:
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov . Please see section IV. 2 Content and Form of Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically.
V. Application Review Information
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information.
The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
1. Criteria
General Instructions
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the "project summary/abstract" and "full project description" sections of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).
ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included for easy reference.
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement.
Approach
Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished.
When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF."
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit status in its application.
The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate; (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status; (e) any of the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs.
General
Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed and justified in the budget and narrative justification. "Federal resources" refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. "Non-Federal resources" are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories; second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column, total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.
Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project (as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: "Equipment" means an article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the capitalization level established by the organization for the financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. ( Note: Acquisition cost means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the equipment definition.
Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports the amount requested.
Contractual
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant.
Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).
Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.
Note:
Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency title, along with the required supporting information referred to in these instructions.
Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food, medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use, training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs, and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Evaluation Criteria: The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information ( e.g. from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).
In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria:
Approach (50 Points)
In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be considered: (50 points)
(1) The extent to which there is a sound timeline for effectively implementing the proposed project, including major milestones and target dates. The extent to which the proposed project would complete the development and implementation of a child abuse prevention program in a timely manner and conduct a thorough evaluation of its effectiveness within the three-year project time frame.
(2) The extent to which the proposed project would improve the safety and well-being of tribal, Native American or migrant families being served by the program. The extent to which specific measurable outcomes will occur as a result of the proposed child abuse prevention program. The extent to which there will be a strong relationship between the proposed child abuse prevention or family support program and improved outcomes for tribal, Native American or migrant children and families.
(3) The extent to which there will be an effective administrative and organizational interface between the applicant and CBCAP State Lead Agencies. The extent to which there are appropriate letters of commitment from any partner organizations, if applicable.
(4) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough understanding of the challenges of improving the approaches to providing family support and child abuse prevention services to the target population. The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough understanding of the challenges that the proposed project will have in planning and implementing the proposed project with these underserved groups. The extent to which the applicant provides a sound plan explaining how the project would successfully overcome these challenges.
(5) The extent to which the proposed project will effectively provide culturally competent services to the tribal, Native American or migrant population.
(6) The extent to which the design of the proposed project reflects up-to-date knowledge from child welfare prevention research and literature. The extent to which the proposed project is innovative and involves service delivery strategies that build on, or are an alternative to, existing strategies.
(7) The extent to which the project's evaluation plan would measure achievement of project objectives, customer satisfaction, acquisition of competencies, effectiveness of program services and project strategies, the efficiency of the implementation process, and the impact of the project. The extent to which the methods of evaluation would provide performance feedback, support periodic assessment of program progress and provide a sound basis for program adjustments. The extent to which the proposed evaluation plan would be likely to yield useful findings or results about effective strategies, and contribute to and promote evaluation research and evidence-based practices that could be used to guide replication or testing in other settings. The extent to which applicants that do not have the in-house capacity to conduct an objective, comprehensive evaluation of the project present a sound plan for contracting with a third-party evaluator specializing in social science or evaluation, or a university or college to conduct the evaluation.
(8) The extent to which there is a sound plan for documenting project activities and results, including the development of a data collection infrastructure that is sufficient to support a methodologically sound and rigorous evaluation. The extent to which appropriate data sources are identified and relevant data would be collected. The extent to which there is a sound plan for collecting and analyzing these data, securing informed consent and implementing an Institutional Review Board (IRB) review, and Tribal review, if applicable.
(9) The extent to which there is a sound plan for developing useful products during the proposed project and a reasonable schedule for developing these products. The extent to which the intended audience ( e.g. , researchers, policymakers, and practitioners) for product dissemination is comprehensive and appropriate. The extent to which the dissemination plan includes appropriate mechanisms and forums that would effectively convey the information and support successful replication by other interested agencies.
(10) The extent to which there is a sound plan for continuing this project beyond the period of Federal funding.
Organizational Profiles (20 Points)
In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the application evidences sufficient experience and expertise in child abuse prevention or family support, especially in the area of service delivery involving tribal, Native American, or migrant populations; in collaboration with child and family agencies serving the target population; in culturally competent service delivery; and in administration, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of similar projects. The extent to which each participating organization (including partners and/or subcontractors) possesses the organizational capability to fulfill their assigned roles and functions effectively (if the application involves partnering and/or subcontracting with other agencies/organizations) in serving tribal, Native American or migrant populations.
(2) The extent to which the proposed project director and key project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and complexity effectively ( e.g. resume). The extent to which the role, responsibilities and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project with respect to serving tribal, Native American or migrant populations.
(3) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with Federal assistance by the applicant.
Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)
In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, the following factors will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the application demonstrates an understanding of the requirements of Title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, and the extent to which the proposed project will contribute to meeting those requirements. The extent to which the application demonstrates a clear understanding of issues related to the prevention of child abuse and neglect for the tribal, Native American or migrant population.
(2) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough understanding of the need for family support and child abuse prevention services for the tribal, Native American or migrant population.
(3) The extent to which the application presents a clear vision for the proposed child abuse prevention project to be developed and implemented. The extent to which the applicant makes a clear statement of the goals (end products of an effective project) and objectives (measurable steps for reaching these goals) of the proposed project. The extent to which these goals and objectives closely relate to the family support needs of tribes, Native Americans, or the migrant population in the target community.
(4) The extent to which the application presents a thorough review of the relevant literature that reflects a clear understanding of the research on best practices and promising approaches as it relates to the proposed project. The extent to which the review of the literature sets a sound context and rationale for the project. The extent to which it provides evidence that the proposed project is innovative and, if successfully implemented and evaluated, likely to contribute to the knowledge base on the prevention of child abuse and neglect and the promotion of family support for tribes, Native Americans, or the migrant population.
(5) The extent to which the lessons learned through the proposed project would benefit policy, practice and theory development in addressing the family support needs of tribes, Native Americans, or the migrant population in the target community.
Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following factors will be considered: (10 points)
(1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are reasonable and appropriate, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected results and benefits.
(2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this program announcement.
2. Review and Selection Process
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application.
When the Operations Center receives your application it will be screened to confirm that your application was received by the deadline. Federal staff will verify that you are an eligible applicant and that the application contains all the essential elements. Applications received after the deadline will be withdrawn from further consideration.
A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside the Federal government) will use the evaluation criteria described in this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide comments about the strengths and weaknesses and give each application a numerical score.
All applications will be reviewed and evaluated using four major criteria: (1) Objectives and need for assistance, (2) approach, (3) organizational profiles, and (4) budget and budget justification. Each criterion has been assigned a point value. The point values (summing up to 100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion may be given in the review and evaluation process.
Reviewers also are evaluating the project products and materials that you propose. They will be interested in your plans for sustaining your project without Federal funds if the evaluation findings are supportive. Reviewers will be looking to see that the total budget you propose and the way you have apportioned that budget are appropriate and reasonable for the project you have described. Remember that the reviewers only have the information that you give them, so it needs to be clear, complete, and concise.
The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF reserves the option of discussing applications with other funding sources when this is in the best interest of the Federal government. ACYF may also solicit and consider comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions. ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds for the proposed project; or the potential for high benefit from low Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants having known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other problems which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective services or effectively complete the proposed activity.
With the results of the peer review and the information from Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding decisions. The Commissioner may give special consideration to applications proposing services of special interest to the Government and to achieve geographic distributions of grant awards. Applications of special interest may include, but are not limited to, applications focusing on unserved or inadequately served clients or service areas and programs addressing diverse ethnic populations.
Available Funds
Applicants should note that grants to be awarded under this program announcement are subject to the availability of funds.
Approved But Unfunded Applications
In cases where more applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding consideration in a later competition of the same program. These applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed in rank order along with other applications in later competition.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Applications will be reviewed during the Summer 2005. Grant awards will have a start date no later than September 30, 2005.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).
3. Reporting Requirements
Programmatic Reports: Semi-Annually.
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.
Programmatic Reports and Financial Reports are required semi-annually. All required reports will be submitted in a timely manner, in recommended formats (to be provided), and the final report will also be submitted on disk or electronically using a standard word-processing program.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact
Melissa Brodowski, Children's Bureau, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-205-2629. E-mail: mbrodowski@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact
Peter Thompson, Grants Officer, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau, 330 C Street, SW., Room 2070, Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-401-4608. E-mail: pathompson@acf.hhs.gov.
VIII. Other Information
Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the Federal Register . Beginning October 1, 2005 applicants will be able to find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically for opportunities via: www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF Web site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.
Direct federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this program. Regulations pertaining to the prohibition of Federal funds for inherently religious activities can be found on the HHS Web site at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.
Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located on the following Web sites: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/.
For general information regarding this announcement please contact: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. Telephone: 866-796-1591.
Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received applications.
Dated: April 27, 2005.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 05-8897 Filed 5-3-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P