[Federal Register: July 21, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 139)]
[Notices]
[Page 43120-43126]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21jy03-78]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
[Program Announcement No. ACYF/HS-2003-16]
Fiscal Year 2003 Discretionary Announcement for Head Start--
Higher Education Hispanic/Latino Service Partnerships: Availability of
Funds and Request for Applications
AGENCY: Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF),
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), DHHS.
ACTION: Announcement of the availability of funds and request for
applications for professional development and training grants for
institutions of higher education in partnership with Head Start and
Early Head Start programs to improve services to Hispanic/Latino
children and their families.
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CFDA #: The catalog of Federal 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 institutions of higher
education with experience and capability in educating and preparing
professionals to work effectively with Hispanic/Latino young children
and families, in partnership with Head Start and Early Head Start
programs. The purpose is to improve the quality and long-term
effectiveness of Head Start and Early Head Start program services to
Hispanic/Latino children and their families by developing academic and
other training models and forming partnerships between institutions of
higher education and Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
DATES: The closing date and time for receipt of application is 4:30
p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), August 18, 2003. Applications received
after the closing date and time will be classified as late.
ADDRESSES: Mailed and hand-carried applications will be received at the
following address: ACYF Operations Center, Head Start-Higher Education
Hispanic/Latino Service Partnerships (HS-HEHLSPs), 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'Higher Education Hispanic/Latino Service Partnerships (HS-
HEHLSPs).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Head Start Discretionary Grant
Support Team (1-800-351-2293--ACYF) is available to answer questions
concerning application requirements. You may e-mail your questions to:
HSB@esilsg.org. When contacting ACYF directly with programmatic
questions send to William Wilson, Grants Officer, 330 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20447, (202) 205-8913, wwilson@acf.hhs.gov. If you are interested in submitting an application please send a
post card or call at least two weeks prior to the submission deadline
with the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax
numbers, and e-mail address of the principle investigator and the name
of the institution. This information will be used to determine the
number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. Send the
declaration of interest information to: ACYF Operations Center, Head
Start-Higher Education Hispanic/Latino Service Partnerships (HS-
HEHLSPs), 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC
20036, Telephone: 1-800-351-2293. E-mail: HSB@esilsg.org. 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 2003 Discretionary Announcement for Head Start--Higher
Education Hispanic/Latino Service Partnerships
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 (5) years to support Head Start ``Higher Education
Hispanic/Latino Service Partnerships (HS-HEHLSPs), which will be
awarded through a competitive process. The HS-HEHLSPs initiative was
developed in response to the White House Initiative on Hispanic
Education. The purpose of HS-HEHLSPs is to improve the quality and long
term effectiveness of Head Start and Early Head Start programs by
developing academic and other training models through partnerships
between institutions of higher education and Head Start/Migrant Head
Start/Early Head Start agencies. The institutions of higher education
that will be funded under this initiative, together with currently
funded HS-HEHLSPs, will form a consortium to share methods, approaches,
experiences, and lessons learned. The consortium is a partner of the
Head Start National Training and Technical Assistance (T&TA) network in
providing assistance to Head Start/Migrant Head Start/Early Head Start
grantees. Proposed partnership agreements are expected to be designed
to benefit both the institutions of higher education and the
participating Head Start/Migrant Head Start/Early Head Start grantees.
Moreover, proposed partnerships are expected to reflect the unique
training needs of participating Head Start grantees, including the
provision of training that is accessible and responsive to trainees.
B. Background
The overall goal of Head Start is to enhance the healthy
development and school readiness of children from low-income families.
In order to accomplish this goal, Head Start provides comprehensive
services to low-income children and their families. Head Start enhances
children's physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development.
It supports parents in their efforts to fulfill their parental roles
and provides for their involvement in implementing the Head Start
program.
In an attempt to ensure quality services to low-income 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. Head Start also implemented the Head Start Partnerships with
Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the Head Start
Partnerships with Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and
Universities (TCUs), and other innovative training and staff
development projects.
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
[[Page 43121]]
monitoring to incorporate evidence of progress on outcome-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
nationwide must have an AA, BA, or advanced degree in Early Childhood
Education (ECE), or in a related field with pre-school teaching
experience. A degree in a field related to early childhood education
means a program of study that includes six or more courses in early
childhood education and/or child development. Teachers who have degrees
in related fields must also have experience teaching pre-school
children.
The Head Start Bureau is providing a variety of forms of assistance
to local Head Start programs to implement these new legislative
mandates. For example, to support increasing the numbers of teachers
with degrees in early childhood education, grantees received
$43,000,000 in funding in Fiscal Year 2000 to increase teacher salaries
and expand access to higher education courses and degree programs.
Additionally, all Head Start grantees are allowed to use a portion of
program funds awarded to provide staff development training to all Head
Start staff.
In addition to these efforts, Head Start-State Collaboration
Offices and training and technical assistance providers will help Head
Start programs work with institutions of higher education 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 standards. 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 through researched methods
that create a better learning environment and improve 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.
Under this announcement, HEHLSPs must form a partnership with one
or more Head Start/Migrant Head Start/Early Head Start grantees or
delegate agencies, to develop age-appropriate and culturally
appropriate curriculums and provide education and/or training to Head
Start staff. The partnership agreements must be beneficial to both the
HEHLSPs and the participating Head Start grantees.
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 in enhancing
language development, early literacy, and social-emotional development,
as well as assessing child outcomes. The area of early literacy
includes supporting non-English speaking children in making progress in
both the home language and English.
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
Institutions, including faith-based institutions, of higher
education with experience and capability in educating and preparing
professionals to work effectively with Hispanic/Latino young children
and families are eligible to apply. Institutions that are currently
funded under the Head Start-Higher Education Hispanic/Latino Service
Partnerships are not eligible to apply under this announcement. These
institutions are listed in Appendix A. Faith-based institutions
planning to compete under this announcement must meet the same
eligibility criteria as other applicants. Private, non-profit
institutions are encouraged to submit with their applications the
optional survey located under ``Grant Manuals & Forms'' at
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
C. Project Duration
This announcement is soliciting applications for project periods of
up to five (5) years. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one
(1) year budget period. Applications for continuation grants funded
under these awards beyond the one-year budget, but within the five-year
project period, will be reviewed in subsequent years on a non-
competitive basis subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory
performance by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding
would be 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.
F. Matching Requirement
There are no matching funds requirements, however 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
[[Page 43122]]
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 each reference.
Introduction
Applicant shall prepare the project description statement in
accordance with the following instructions and the specified evaluation
criteria. The instructions give a broad overview of what your project
description should include 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 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 proportion of data collection expected to be completed.
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 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 who will work on the
project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or
contribution.
C. Additional Information
Following are requests for additional information that need to be
included in the application:
a. Staff and Position Data
Provide a job description for each key position and a biographical
sketch for each key person. A biographical sketch 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.
Private-non-profit institutions are encouraged to submit with their
application the optional survey located under ``Grant Manuals and
Forms'' at http://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
[[Page 43123]]
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 that 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 (non-contractual), 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 IV. Evaluation Criteria
A. Review 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 (40 points)
(a) The extent to which the application outlines a sound and
realistic plan of action pertaining to the scope of the project which
details how the proposed work will be accomplished, including a
timeline; lists of each organization, consultants, including the
evaluator, or other key individuals who will work on the project along
with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution;
and assures the adequacy of time devoted to the project by key staff;
(b) The extent to which the project approach, if successfully
carried out, is likely to achieve the proposed project objectives; and
(c) The applicant's ability to 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 Head Start/Migrant Head Start/Early Head Start and the
HS-HEHLPSs.
Information provided in response to Part III, Section B. of this
announcement will be used to evaluate applicants on this criterion.
The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following
aspects of the applications:
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 Head Start staff will be recruited and selected to
participate in the program, including staff from other child care
organizations that are collaborating with Head Start grantees and
delegate agencies and meet Head Start performance standards within a
given community.
3. Describe how the training and coursework will be contextually
and culturally relevant to the Head Start,
[[Page 43124]]
Migrant Head Start and the Early Head Start environment and how it will
contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of teachers, staff, program
quality and outcomes for Head Start children and families.
4. Describe efforts by the institutions and Head Start partners to
make training and/or coursework accessible to Head Start participants
and to support their successful completion of courses, training, and
degrees. Include a discussion of issues such as the timing, scheduling,
and location of classes or training; support to enhance the literacy
and study skills of participants; and approaches to integrate HS-
HEHLSPs training in the working environment of the Head Start program.
5. Describe efforts to complement the Federal funds requested in
this application with other resources to maximize the benefits to Head
Start and HS-HEHLSPs participants. 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. In addition, describe any proposed
contributions of funds from local Head Start programs to the
partnership. Provide assurance that trainees will not be required to
bear any costs of participating in training.
6. In case of academic training, describe how previous CDA training
and certification of Head Start staff, as well as previous coursework,
credits or AA degrees from 2-year institutions, will be linked to
academic credits and course sequences leading to BA degrees.
7. Describe the organizational structure that will support the
project objectives. Indicate how joint planning and assessment with the
Head Start, Migrant 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.
8. Describe the activities that will continue after the completion
of this project that will ensure that the institutions will continue to
participate in providing educational opportunities for Head Start,
Migrant Head Start and Early Head Start staff.
9. Include support letters that document consultation and support
from the proposed grantee or delegate agency partners, the Head Start
State Collaboration Office, and any existing state level early
childhood career development initiative.
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 HS-HEHLSPs and Head Start/Migrant Head Start/
Early Head Start partners.
Information provided in response to Part III, Section B. of this
announcement will be used to evaluate applicants on this criterion.
The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following
aspects of the applications:
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 grantee(s) and the institution.
Describe how the trainees benefit from the project.
2. Identify both qualitative and quantitative data the applicant
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. To propose academic training, provide a projection of the
estimated number of trainees, by category, who will earn degrees over
the five year duration of the project based on an analysis of the
current levels of credits/courses earned by participants and a proposed
sequence of courses.
4. Propose new teaching methods for Head Start teachers and staff
for teaching early literacy in the classrooms and enhancing parental
skills to encourage children to read and succeed in school.
Criterion 3. Staff and Position Data (20 points)
Key staff should be qualified and knowledgeable of Head Start,
Migrant Head Start and Early Head Start. The extent of the demonstrated
capacity of the applicant organization, key leaders, managers, and
project personnel to:
(1) Provide high quality, relevant, and responsive training to Head
Start staff;
(2) Assure participating project staff are competent to plan and
deliver appropriate course material to Head Start trainees that is
culturally relevant;
(3) Manage the implementation of the training grant in an effective
and timely manner; and
(4) Manage successful partnerships that involve sharing resources,
staffing, and facilities.
Information provided in response to Part III, Section C. will be
used to evaluate applicants on the above criterion.
Criterion 4. Objectives and Need for Assistance (10 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; and states the principal
and subordinate objectives of the project consistent with the purposes
of the program announcement.
Information provided in response to Part III, Section A. of this
announcement will be used to evaluate applicants on this criterion.
The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following
aspects of the applications:
1. State the specific training objectives for the program. Indicate
how these objectives are based on an assessment of staff training and
program improvement needs of participant Head Start and Early Head
Start agencies; how they related to Head Start goals, outcomes and
policy priorities, and how they will enhance the quality of Head Start
services to Hispanic/Latino children and their families.
2. Describe the process used to assess the needs for the proposed
program design. Specifically identify the population to be served in
terms of numbers and types of staff to be trained and the proposed
areas of training, courses, and/or degrees to be awarded.
3. Describe the development of the HS-HEHLSPs agreement and 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 care and education
programs.
Criterion 5. Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
The extent to which the project's costs are reasonable and
appropriate in view of the activities to be carried out and the
anticipated outcomes. Provide a line item detail for the costs of
attendance of project staff to attend ACF-sponsored conferences in
Washington, D.C. It is the expectation that applicants should limit
budget projections to those costs necessary to build institutional
capacity for and execute training and career development partnerships
with participating Head Start grantees.
Information provided in response to Part III, Section D. of this
announcement will be used to evaluate applicants on this criterion.
[[Page 43125]]
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 State 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 must provide status of budget expenditures, as well as
identifying any projected savings or shortages.
B. The 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 IV
of this announcement to review and score the applications. The results
of this review are a primary factor in making funding decisions.
Part V. The Application Process
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 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 that 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 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 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, starting with page 1 as
described above and including appendices and resumes, should not exceed
65 pages; 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 vitae using
``Biographical Sketch'' forms used by some government agencies.
Please note that applicants that do not comply with 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 (SF424, Rev, 4-92).
(2) Budget information-non-construction programs (SF424, A&B).
(3) Budget Justification, including subcontract agency budgets.
(4) Letter(s) from the Head Start, Migrant Head Start or Early Head
Start Program certifying that the program is a partner of the
institution.
(5) Application Narrative and Appendices.
(6) Assurances Non-Construction Program.
(7) Certification Regarding Lobbying.
(8) Where appropriate, a completed Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
certification with the date of SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1
of the SF424, REV. 4-92.
(9) Certification of Protection of Human Subjects.
[[Page 43126]]
D. Due Date for the Receipt of Applications
1. Deadline: The closing date for the receipt of applications is
4:30 p.m. (EDT) August 20, 2003 at: ACYF Operations Center, 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-Higher
Education Hispanic/Latino Service Partnerships (HS-HEHLSPs). Applicants
will receive a confirmation postcard upon receipt of their application
package.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by
overnight/express mail couriers shall be delivered between the hours of
8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) at the address
above. (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services
do not always deliver as agreed.) ACF cannot accommodate transmission
of applications by fax or e-mail. Therefore, applications faxed or e-
mailed to ACF will not be accepted.
2. 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.
3. Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend an application deadline
for applicants affected by acts of God such as floods and hurricanes,
or where there is widespread disruption of the mail. 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 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, 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
that may trigger the accommodation or explain rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: William Wilson, Head Start Bureau, 330 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20447, Attn: Head Start-Higher Education Hispanic/Latino
Service Partnerships. A list of the Single Points of Contact (SPOCs)
for each State and Territory can be found on the following Web site:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
Dated: July 10, 2003.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
Appendix A--List of Current Head Start--Higher Education Hispanic/
Latino Service Partnerships
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2000 Institutions
(expiring 2004)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Aims Community College.................. Colorado.
2. CSU--Bakersfield........................ California.
3. CSU--Northridge......................... California.
4. CSU--San Marcos......................... California.
5. Fresno City College..................... California.
6. Portland Community College.............. Oregon.
7. University of Texas-Pan American........ Texas.
--------------------------------------------
FY 2001 Institutions
(expiring 2005)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Bronx Community College................. New York.
2. Hartnell Community College.............. California.
3. Michigan State University............... Michigan.
4. The University of Texas-San Antonio..... Texas.
5. Yosemite Community College District/ California.
Modesto Junior College.
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[FR Doc. 03-18166 Filed 7-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P