[Federal Register: July 21, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 139)]
[Notices]
[Page 43113-43120]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21jy03-77]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
[Notice of Program Announcement No. ACYF/HS-2003-15]
Fiscal Year 2003 Discretionary Announcement for Head Start
Partnerships With Historically Black Colleges and Universities;
Availability of Funds and Request for Applications
AGENCY: Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF),
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS).
ACTION: Announcement of the availability of funds and request for
applications for professional development and training grants for
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in partnership
with Head Start and Early Head Start programs to improve services to
Head Start and Early Head Start children and families.
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The Catalog of Domestic Assistance Number is 93.600.
SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF),
Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) announces the
availability of up to $1,500,000 in funds for Head Start training
grants in partnerships with (HBCUs). The purpose is to improve the
quality and long-term effectiveness of Head Start and Early Head Start
grantees and delegate agencies by forming partnerships between the
HBCUs and Head Start and Early Head Start to develop and implement
academic and other training models in support of early literacy for
Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
CLOSING DATE: The closing date for receipt of applications under this
announcement is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) August 20, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Mailed and hand-carried applications will be received at the
following address: ACYF Operations Center, Historically Black Colleges
and Universities, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington,
DC 20036, Telephone: 1-800-351-2293, E-mail: HSB@esilsg.org. All packages should be clearly labeled as follows: Application for
Head Start Partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs). Applicants will receive a confirmation postcard
upon receipt of their application package.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Head Start Discretionary Grant
Support Team (1-800-351-2293) is available to answer questions
concerning application requirements and to refer you to the appropriate
contact person in ACYF for programmatic questions. You may e-mail your
questions to: HSB@esilsg.org. When contacting ACYF directly with
programmatic questions send to William F. Wilson, Grants Officer, 330 C
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, (202) 205-8913, wwilson@acf.hhs.gov. In order to determine the number of expert reviewers that will be
necessary, if you plan to submit an application, you are requested to
send a post card or call with the following information: the name,
address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the college/
university at least four weeks prior to the submission deadline date
to: ACYF Operations Center, Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC
20036, Telephone: 1-800-351-2293, E-mail: HSB@esilsg.org. An application kit including copies of the program announcement,
necessary application forms and appendices can be obtained by
contacting the above address, and/or visiting the ACYF Web site at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/grant/fundingopportunities/fundopport.htm
.
Fiscal Year 2002 Discretionary Announcement for Head Start Partnerships
With Historically Black Colleges and Universities
A. Table of Contents
This program announcement is divided into five sections:
[sbull] Part I contains general information, the history and
background for the Whitehouse Initiative on Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCUs), including the principles and program
description that will guide the development, implementation, operation,
and evaluation of the projects.
[sbull] Part II contains key program information including a
description of competitive categories, description of eligible
applicants, project periods, and applicable Head Start regulations.
[sbull] Part III contains the requirements for information that
must be included in each application.
[sbull] Part IV presents the criteria upon which applications will
be reviewed and evaluated.
[sbull] Part V contains a discussion of the application process.
Part I. Purpose and Background
A. Purpose
Through this announcement, the Administration on Children, Youth
and Families (ACYF) is making available up to $1,500,000 annually for
each of five years to support Head Start-HBCU Partnerships, which will
be awarded through a competitive process this year. These partnerships
will be designed to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees by developing academic and
other training models in support of early literacy and forming
partnerships between the HBCUs and Head Start and Early Head Start
grantees and delegate agencies. The institutions of higher education
that will be funded under this announcement, together with those HBCUs
currently funded under this initiative, will form a consortium to share
methods, approaches, experiences, and lessons learned.
B. Background
The overall goal of Head Start is to ensure that children of low-
income families who are nearing the end of the preschool period and
entering school are ready for school success. In order to accomplish
this goal, Head Start provides comprehensive services to these children
and their families. Head Start enhances children's physical,
intellectual, social, and emotional development. It supports parents in
[[Page 43114]]
their efforts to fulfill their parental roles and provides for their
involvement in implementing the Head Start program. Another goal of
Head Start is to strengthen community supports for families with young
children while they are working towards employment and self-
sufficiency.
In an attempt to ensure high quality services to children and their
families, Head Start has conducted many demonstration projects,
provided grantees with training and technical assistance, and given
grantees funds to implement their own training efforts. For example,
Head Start supported the creation of the Child Development Associate
(CDA) credential designed for early childhood development teaching
staff, implemented the Head Start Teaching Centers, and developed other
innovative projects.
Head Start-HBCU partnerships is closely aligned with the Head Start
tradition of creating innovative programs of working with low-income
children and their families. Since 1990, Head Start has worked with a
number of HBCUs. In 1990, Alabama A & M and LeMoyne-Owen were funded.
The University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, North Carolina Central
University, Jackson State University, and Texas Southern University
were funded in 1992. Thirty-two HBCUs were funded by the partnership
grant between FY1997 and FY2001. (See Appendix A for a listing of these
HBCUs).
In the 1998 reauthorization of the Head Start Act, a key priority
of Congress and the Administration was to continue to improve Head
Start program quality and accountability. A number of provisions were
included in the new law to achieve these goals, including new education
performance standards and measures, expansion of program monitoring to
incorporate evidence of progress on outcomes-based measures, expanded
funding to upgrade program quality and staff compensation, and higher
education standards for Head Start teachers. Among these provisions is
the requirement that, by September 30, 2003, at least half of all Head
Start teachers in center-based programs must have an AA, BA or advanced
degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or in a related field with
preschool teaching experience.
The Head Start Bureau is providing a variety of forms of assistance
to local Head Start programs to implement these legislative mandates.
For example, to enhance the numbers of teachers with degrees in early
childhood education, grantees received $43,000,000 in funding in 1999
and an additional $43,000,000 in 2000 to increase teacher salaries and
expand access to higher education courses and degree programs.
Currently, Head Start-State Collaboration Offices and training and
technical assistance providers help Head Start programs work with
higher education institutions on challenges such as linking training
obtained in conjunction with the Child Development Associate credential
with academic credit and courses leading to AA and BA degrees in early
childhood education.
In January 2001, the President signed into law the ``No Child Left
Behind Act'' to make the education of every child in America one of the
country's top priorities. The Act seeks to ensure that public schools
teach children what they need to know to be successful in life and that
they also set high education standards in the classroom. In his 2002
State of the Union address, the President indicated the need to prepare
our children to read and succeed in school, including the improvement
of Head Start and early childhood development programs. In response to
these goals, the White House has developed an early childhood
initiative, which is built on raising the bar for Head Start Education
methods that create a better learning environment and improved outcomes
for children. In his announcement of the Good Start, Grow Smart Early
Childhood Initiative in April 2002, the President identified children's
early literacy as a key focus for Head Start program improvement. In
this initiative, the President presented three areas of focus for Head
Start: (1) Strengthening Head Start programs; (2) partnering with
states to improve early childhood education, and (3) providing
information to teachers, caregivers, and parents. The Head Start Bureau
quickly responded to the President's mandate by developing the
Strategic Teacher Education Project (STEP) in June 2002. The purpose of
Project STEP is to ensure that all Head Start teachers engage in
research-based strategies to support children's early literacy and
positive social and emotional development, which, in turn, will lead to
positive child outcomes and school readiness.
All project applications must address one of the following priority
areas:
1. Partnerships to increase the number of center-based teachers
with two-year and four-year degrees in early childhood education and
2. Partnerships to increase the competency of Head Start staff in
building quality Head Start programs, particularly enhancing language
development and social-emotional development, as well as early literacy
and assessing child outcomes.
Part II. Program Information and Requirements
A. Statutory Authority
The Head Start Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9801 et seq.
B. Eligible Applicants
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as defined in
the amended version of the Higher Education Act of 1965, codified at 20
U.S.C. 1061(2), are institutions established prior to 1964 whose
principle mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans, and
must satisfy section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as
amended. Institutions which meet the definition of ``Part B
institution'' in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as
amended, 20 U.S.C. 1061(2), shall be eligible for assistance under this
announcement. Faith-based institutions planning to compete under this
announcement must also meet the same eligibility criteria as other
applicants. HBCUs that are currently funded under the Head Start
Partnership with HBCUs and whose funding will end after 2003 (i.e.,
2004 and 2005) are not eligible to apply under this announcement. These
institutions are listed in Appendix A.
Faith-based institutions are encouraged to submit with their
applications the optional survey located under ``Grant Manuals and
Forms'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
C. Project Duration
Awards will be made on a competitive basis and will be for a one-
year budget period. The total project period will be for five years.
Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond
the one-year budget period, but within the five-year project period,
will be considered on a noncompetitive basis subject to the
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a
determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the
Government.
D. Federal Share of Project Costs
It is anticipated that up to $1,500,000 in ACF funds will be
available annually. The maximum Federal share for each project is not
to exceed $150,000 per year per project.
E. Number of Projects To Be Funded
It is anticipated that up to 10 projects will be funded.
[[Page 43115]]
F. Matching Requirement
Although there are no matching requirements, applicants are
encouraged to provide non-Federal contributions to the project.
Part III. Application Requirements
The following Uniform Project Description (UPD) has been approved
by OMB under control number 0970-0139.
A. Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation
criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application.
B. General Instructions
ACF is particularly interested in specific factual information and
statements of measurable goals in quantitative terms. Project
descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, not length.
Extensive exhibits are not required. 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 are required to submit a full project description and
shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The
instructions give a broad overview while the evaluation criteria expand
and clarify more program-specific information that is needed.
a. Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
b. Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and or 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.
c. Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, using
a comprehensive review of the current literature, justify how the
research questions and the findings will add new knowledge to the field
or how it will improve services for children and families.
d. Approach
Outline a plan of action, which 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, which 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 proportion of data collection expected to be completed.
When activity or function cannot quantify accomplishments, list them in
chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their
target dates.
If any data are 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 whom will work on the
project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or
contribution.
C. Additional Information
Following is a description of additional information that should be
placed in the appendix to the application:
a. Staff and Position Data
Provide a biographical sketch for each key person appointed and a
job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch
with acceptable credentials will also be required for new key staff as
appointed.
b. 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. Any
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission. The
non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the
applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent
list of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the
IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or
association is domiciled or a statement from a State taxing body, State
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying the
applicant organization has a non-profit status and none of the net
earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals or any of
the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or
national organization and a statement signed by the parent organization
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate. Faith-
based institutions are encouraged to submit with their application the
optional
[[Page 43116]]
survey located under ``Grant Manuals and Forms'' at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
.
c. Dissemination Plan
Provide a plan for distributing reports and other project outputs
to colleagues and the public. Applicants must provide a description of
the kind, volume and timing of distribution.
d. Budget and Budget Justification
Provide 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. The detailed budget must 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.
D. General Budget Information
The following guidelines are for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. For purposes
of preparing the budget and budget 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.
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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 conferences should be detailed in the budget.
d. Equipment
Description: Costs of tangible, nonexpendable, personal property,
having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of
$5,000 or more per unit.
However, an applicant may use its own definition of equipment
provided that such equipment would at least include all equipment
defined above.
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.
e. 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 that supports
the amount requested.
f. 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.
g. 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, it should immediately upon notification that an
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the
principles set forth in 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. It should be noted that 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.
h. Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total Project Costs
Self-explanatory.
Part III. Evaluation Criteria and Review Process
A. Evaluation Criteria
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:
Criterion 1. Approach: (50 points)
The extent to which the application, having met the minimum
requirements, designs an acceptable plan of action pertaining to the
scope of the project which details how the proposed work will be
accomplished. Include a timeline; lists of each organization,
consultants, including key individuals who will work on the project
along with a short description of the nature of their effort or
contribution. Assure the adequacy of time devoted to the project by key
staff. The key staff should be
[[Page 43117]]
qualified and knowledgeable of Head Start. The applicant must fully
describe the approach and/or methodology and delineate the relationship
of each task to the accomplishment of the proposed objectives. There
should be evidence that the planned approach reflects sufficient input
from and partnership with the Head Start partners.
The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following:
1. Describe the planning the applicant will conduct during the
start-up period to prepare for implementation of the program. Provide
assurance that no more than six months will be devoted to planning
activities.
2. Indicate how staff will be recruited and selected to participate
in the program, including staff from childcare organizations that are
collaborating with Head Start grantees and delegate agencies.
3. Clearly describe how the training and coursework will be
contextually and culturally relevant to the Head Start and Early Head
Start environment and how it will contribute to enhancing the
effectiveness of teachers, program quality, and outcomes for Head Start
children and families.
4. For academic training proposals, describe efforts by the
institution and Head Start partners to make training and coursework
accessible to Head Start participants and to support their successful
completion of courses, training, and degrees. Include discussion of
issues such as timing, scheduling, and location of classes or training;
support to enhance the literacy and study skills of participants, and
approaches to integrate training in the working environment of the Head
Start program. Provide assurance that training/courses are offered at
no cost to trainees.
5. For academic training proposals, describe efforts to complement
the Federal funds requested in this proposal with other sources to
maximize the benefits to Head Start the institution. Include any
efforts or plans to assist Head Start staff in accessing sources of
financial assistance or to make use of other funding for training and
career development of early childhood program staff.
6. Document that the institution currently offers credit courses,
and proposes to offer credit courses, particularly in the area of Early
Childhood Development/Education.
7. For academic training proposals, describe how CDA training and
certification of Head Start and Early Head Start staff, as appropriate,
as well as previous coursework and credits will be linked to academic
credits and course sequences leading to AA/BA degrees. Applicant should
indicate how many Head Start and Early Head Start staff members will be
included in this effort.
8. Describe the organizational structure that will support the
project objectives. Indicate how joint planning and assessment with the
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees will be implemented with
timelines and clear lines of responsibility. Indicate how staff
positions are assigned and describe their major functions and
responsibilities.
9. Describe the role the institution will play in the consortium of
HBCUs funded under this initiative.
10. Describe the activities that will continue after the completion
of this project that will ensure that the institution will continue to
participate in providing educational opportunities for Head Start and
Early Head Start staff.
Criterion 2. Results or Benefits Expected: (20 points)
The extent to which the application identifies the results and
benefits to be derived; describes the anticipated contribution to
policy, practice, theory and/or research; specific benefits should be
described for both the institution and the Head Start program.
The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following:
1. Based on the stated program objectives, identify the results and
benefits to be derived. Identify the specific results or benefits that
could be expected for the Head Start grantees and the institution.
Describe how Head Start children benefit from the project.
2. Identify both qualitative and quantitative data the program will
collect to measure progress towards the stated results or benefits.
Identify how the program will determine the extent to which it has
achieved its stated objectives.
3. For academic training proposals, provide a projection of the
estimated number of teachers that will earn degrees over the duration
of the project based on an analysis of the current levels of credits/
courses earned by participants and a proposed sequence of courses.
Criterion 3. Objectives and Need for Assistance: (15 Points)
The extent to which the application identifies relevant physical,
economic, social, financial, institutional or other problems requiring
a grant; demonstrates the need for assistance; states the principal and
subordinate objectives of the project; provides supporting
documentation or other testimonies from concerned interests other than
the applicant.
The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following:
1. State the objectives for the program. Indicate how these
objectives are based on an assessment of community needs and how they
relate to Head Start goals. Describe the process used to assess the
need for the proposed program including the total number of staff
needing training, including preschool and infant/toddler teachers. If
an assessment already exists, the applicant should describe the process
used and explain any additional consultation as it relates to the
development of the proposed program.
2. Specifically identify the population to be served. Indicate the
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees that are proposed as
participating partners, the numbers and types of staff to be trained,
and the proposed areas of training, courses, and/or degrees to be
awarded, as appropriate.
3. Describe the development of agreement of the institution and
Head Start partnerships and any other consultation related to the
development of the proposed initiative. Describe any efforts to frame
the proposed initiative within broader state or community efforts to
enhance professional and career development for staff in all forms of
early childhood and child care programs. Include support letters that
document consultation and support from the proposed grantee or delegate
agency partners, such as the Regional Head Start Quality Improvement
Center (QICs), the Head Start State Collaboration Office, and any
existing state level early childhood career development initiative.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification: (15 Points)
The extent to which the project's costs are reasonable in view of
the activities to be carried out and the anticipated outcomes.
Applicable Administrative Regulations
Applicable administrative regulations include 45 CFR part 74,
Administration of Grants, for profit agencies, and 45 CFR part 92,
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative
Agreements to States and local Governments.
Post-Award Reporting Requirements
Post-Award Reporting Requirements include submission of quarterly
programmatic and budget reports. Program reports must clearly outline
status on the accomplishment of stated goals and objectives. Financial
reports
[[Page 43118]]
must provide status of budget expenditures, as well as identifying any
projected savings or shortages.
B. Review Process
Applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the
Federal government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in Part III
of this announcement to review and score the applications. The results
of this review are a primary factor in making funding decisions. ACYF
may also solicit comments from ACF Regional Office staff and other
Federal agencies.
Part IV. Instructions for Submitting Applications
A. Required Forms
Eligible applicants interested in applying for funds must submit a
complete application including the required forms included at the end
of this program announcement in Appendix A. In order to be considered
for a grant under this announcement, an application must be submitted
on the Standard Form 424 (approved by the Office of Management and
Budget under Control Number 0348-0043). A copy has been provided. Each
application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the
applicant and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by
the terms and conditions of the grant award. Applicants requesting
financial assistance for non-construction projects must file the
Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-Construction Programs (approved by
the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0040).
Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their
application. Applicants must provide a certification concerning
lobbying. Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants
shall furnish an executed copy of the lobbying certification (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 provide a Uniform Project Description
(approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number
0970-0139, which expires 12/31/03).
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. 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 that they are
not presently debarred, suspended or otherwise ineligible for award. By
signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification with the
application.
Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Part C
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as The Pro-Children's Act of
1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice, which implements the
smoking prohibition, is included with the forms. By signing and
submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification
and need not mail back the certification with the application.
All applicants for research projects must provide a Protection of
Human Subjects Assurance as specified in the policy described on the
HHS Form 596 (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under
control number 0925-0418) in Appendix A. If there is a question
regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the Office for
Protection from Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at
(301)-496-7041. Those applying for or currently conducting research
projects are further advised of the availability of a Certificate of
Confidentiality through the National Institute of Mental Health of the
Department of Health and Human Services. To obtain more information and
to apply for a Certificate of Confidentiality, contact the Division of
Extramural Activities of the National Institute of Mental Health at
(301) 443-4673.
B. Application Limits
The narrative of the application should be double-spaced and
single-sided on 8 \1/2\'' x 11'' plain white paper, with 1'' margins on
all sides. Use only a standard size font no smaller than 12 pitch
throughout the proposal. All pages of the narrative of the application
(including appendices, resumes, charts, references/footnotes, tables,
maps and exhibits) must be sequentially numbered, beginning on the
first page after the budget justification, the principal investigator
contact information and the Table of Contents. The length of the
application, including the narrative, and excluding the appendices and
resumes must not exceed 65 pages. Anything over 65 pages will be
removed and not considered by the reviewers. The project summary should
not be counted in the 65 pages. Applicants are requested not to send
pamphlets, brochures, or other printed material along with their
applications as these pose copying difficulties. These materials, if
submitted, will not be included in the review process. In addition,
applicants must not submit any additional letters of endorsement beyond
any that may be required. Applicants may omit 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.
Applicants are encouraged to submit curriculum resumes using
``Biographical Sketch'' forms used by some government agencies.
Please note that applicants that do not meet the requirements in
the section on ``Eligible Applicants'' will not be included in the
review process.
C. Checklist for a Complete Application
The checklist below is for your use to ensure that the application
package has been properly prepared.
--One original, signed and dated application plus two copies.
--Attachments/Appendices, when included, should be used only to provide
supporting documentation such as resumes, and letters of agreement/
support.
Front Matter
[sbull] Cover Letter.
[sbull] Table of Contents.
[sbull] Project Abstract.
(1) Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV. 4-92);
(2) Budget information--Non-Construction Programs (SF424A&B REV. 4-
92);
(3) Budget Justification, including subcontract agency budgets;
(4) Letter from the Head Start programs certifying that the program
is a partner of the institution;
(5) Application Narrative, excluding Appendices and resumes (not to
exceed 65 pages);
(6) Proof that the organization is an HBCU;
(7) Assurances Non-Construction Programs;
(8) Certification Regarding Lobbying;
(9) Where appropriate, a completed SPOC certification with the date
of SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424, REV. 4-92;
(10) Certification of Protection of Human Subjects.
D. Due Date for the Receipt of Applications
Deadlines: The closing date for the submission of applications is
4:30 p.m.
[[Page 43119]]
(EDT) on September 19, 2003. Applications received after the closing
date will be classified as late and not considered for funding.
Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations Center, Historically
Black Colleges and Universities, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite
1100, Washington, DC 20036, Telephone: 1-800-351-2293, E-mail:
HSB@esilsg.org. Application for Head Start Discretionary Grants: Head Start
Partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Applications received after the closing date and time will be
classified as late. Applicants will receive a confirmation postcard
upon receipt of their application package.
Applications hand carried by applicants, courier services, or by
overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting the
announced deadline only if they are received on or before the deadline
date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at the ACYF Operations
Center, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC
between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). (Applicants are
cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as
agreed.)
ACYF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to
ACYF electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time of
submission and time of receipt.
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.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend an application deadline for
applicants affected by acts of God such as floods, hurricanes, or when
there is widespread disruption of the mails, or when it is anticipated
that many applications will come from rural or remote areas. A
determination to waive or extend deadline requirements rests with the
Chief Grants Management Officer.
E. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the
Department is required to submit to OMB for review and approval any
reporting and record keeping requirements in regulations including
program announcements. All information collections within this program
announcement are approved under the following current valid OMB control
number 0970-0139 which expires 12/31/2003.
Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average
10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection
of information.
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.
F. Required Notification of the State Single Point of Contact
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
Program and Activities. Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona,
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, and Palau have elected to participate in
the Executive Order process and have established Single Points of
Contact (SPOCs). Applicants from these twenty-six jurisdictions need
take no action regarding E.O. 12372. Applicants for projects to be
administered by Federally recognized Indian Tribes are also exempt from
the requirements of E.O. 12372.
All remaining jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order
process and have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating
jurisdictions should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert
them of the prospective applications and receive instructions. The
applicant must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and
indicate the date of the 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. Applicants
must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so
that the Federal program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as
part of the award process. A listing of the SPOC for each participating
state and territory with contact and address information is available
at http://whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
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: William Wilson, ACYF/Office of Grants Management, 330 C
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Attn: Head Start Partnerships with
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities. A list of the
Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory can be found on
the Web site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
Dated: July 14, 2003.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
Appendix A--HBCUs That Have Received Partnerships Grants
1997 Institutions (Expired 2001)
South Carolina State University
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Texas Southern University
North Carolina Central University
Kentucky State University
Howard University
Tennessee State University
Jackson State University
1998 Institutions (Expiring 2003)
Delaware State University
The University of the District of Columbia
University of Maryland--Eastern Shore
Florida A & M University
Shaw University
Norfolk State University
Hampton University
1999 Institutions (Expiring 2003)
Howard University
Southern University and A&M College
Council Trenholm State Technical College
Kentucky State University
Dillard University
Bluefield State College
2000 Institutions (Expiring 2004)
Harris-Stowe State College
Kentucky State University
North Carolina Central University
Southern University and A&M College
Texas Southern University
The University of the District of Columbia
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Bluefield State University
2001 Institutions (Expiring 2005)
Spelman College
[[Page 43120]]
Albany State University
Alabama A&M University
[FR Doc. 03-18165 Filed 7-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P