FR Doc 04-10087

[Federal Register: May 4, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 86)]
[Notices]
[Page 24616-24622]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04my04-58]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availability

Federal Agency Contact Name: Administration for Children and
Families, Office of Community Services.
Funding Opportunity: The Community Services Block Grant Training
and Technical Assistance Program--Homeland Security.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-ET-0011.
CFDA Number: 93.570.
Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications
is June 3, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Sections 674(b)(2) and 678A(a)(1)(A) of the Community Services
Block Grant (CSBG) Act of 1981, (Pub. L. 97-35) as amended by the
Community Opportunities, Accountability, Training and Education
Services (COATES) Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285), authorizes the
Secretary of Health and Human Services to use a percentage of
appropriated funds for training, technical assistance, planning,
evaluation, performance measurement, monitoring, to assist States in
carrying out corrective actions and to correct programmatic
deficiencies of eligible entities, and for reporting and data
collection activities related to programs or projects carried out under
the CSBG Act. The Secretary may administer these activities through
grants, contracts or cooperative agreements with appropriate entities.

Definitions of Terms

The following definitions apply:
Community Action Agency (CAA)--refers to local-level organizations
that are Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Eligible Entities. They
provide a number of types of assistance with the goals of reducing
poverty and enabling low-income families to become economically self-
sufficient.
Community Services Network--refers to the various organizations
involved in planning and implementing programs funded through the CSBG
or providing training, technical assistance or support to them. The
network includes local CAAs and other eligible entities; State CSBG
offices and their national association; CAA State, regional and
national associations; and related organizations that collaborate and
participate with CAAs and other eligible entities in their efforts on
behalf of low-income people.
Eligible Entities--[Section 673(1)(A)]--the term ``eligible
entity'' means an entity that is an eligible entity described in
section 673(1) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of
the COATES Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998) as of the day
before such date of enactment or is designated by the process described
in section 676A (including an organization serving migrant or seasonal
farmworkers that is so described or designated); and has a tripartite
board or other mechanism described in the Act. Special Note: Under the
Act, CAAs are eligible entities, however not all eligible entities are
CAAs. Throughout this announcement, the reference is to organizations
defined in section 673(1)(A) of the CSBG Act whenever CAAs are
mentioned.
Nationwide--refers to the scope of the technical assistance,
training, data collection, or other capacity-building projects to be
undertaken with grant funds. Nationwide projects must provide for the
implementation of technical assistance, training or data collection for
all or a significant number of States, and the CAAs and other local
service providers who administer CSBG funds.
Non-profit Organization--refers to an organization, including
faith-based and community-based, which meets the requirement for proof
of non-profit status in the ``Additional Information on Eligibility''
section of this announcement and has demonstrated experience in
providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of
effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and
communities.
Outcome Measures--are indicators that focus on the direct results
one wants to have on customers and on communities.
Performance Measurement--is a tool used to assess how a program is
accomplishing its mission through the delivery of products, services
and activities.
Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) System--ROMA
is a system which provides a framework for focusing on results for
local agencies funded by the CSBG Program. It involves setting goals
and strategies and developing plans and techniques that focus on a
result-oriented performance based model for management.
State--means all of the 50 States and the District of Columbia.
Except where specifically noted, for purposes of this program
announcement, it also includes Territories as defined below.
Technical assistance--is an activity, generally utilizing the
services of an expert (often a peer), aimed at enhancing capacity,
improving programs and systems, or solving specific problems. Such
services may be provided proactively to improve systems or as an
intervention to solve specific problems.
Territories--refers to Guam, American Samoa, the United States
Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Training--is an educational activity or event that is designed to
impart knowledge, understanding or increase the development of skills.
Such training activities may be in the form of assembled events such as
workshops, seminars, conferences or programs of self-instructional
activities.

[[Page 24617]]

Priority Area

Training and technical assistance for Community Action Agencies
(CAAs) and other eligible entities concerning national security and
anti-terrorism planning, response and communications.

Program Purpose, Scope and Focus

The purpose of this priority area is to improve the capacity of
CAAs and other eligible entities to plan, administer and evaluate
effective security and anti-terrorism community advocacy and
communications strategies in urban and rural areas.
The grant will support four important component activities. The
first is to provide training and technical assistance to CAA and other
eligible entities staff and members of agency Boards of Directors for
planning, administering and evaluating community strategies concerning
national security and anti-terrorism planning. This will include
providing training on a number of issues such as developing local
communications centers and volunteer teams that will be vital for
effective local-based security and anti-terrorism planning and
communications in low-income communities.
The second is to provide training and technical assistance and
other aid to help CAAs identify and mobilize human, financial and other
resources for the benefit of low-income individuals, families and
communities on issues concerning national security and anti-terrorism
response.
The third component is to develop and produce manuals, publications
and other informational and marketing materials on the topic of why it
is vital for CAAs and other organizations that serve low-income
communities to be part of local security and anti-terrorism planning
and response.
Finally, the fourth component is to provide necessary equipment and
staff to enable at least ten CAAs in urban and rural areas throughout
the nation to develop a team of volunteers to mobilize the community
concerning national security and anti-terrorism response.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $200,000 in FY2004.
Anticipated Number of Awards: One.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $200,000 per Budget Period.
An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range
specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and will be returned to
the applicant without further review.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: $200,000 per Budget Period.
Project Period for Award: This announcement is soliciting
applications for project periods of up to two years. The initial grant
award, on a competitive basis, will be for a 12-month budget period.
The award of continuation funding beyond the first budget period will
be subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the
grantee and a determination that continued funding would be in the best
interests of the government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education. Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c)
(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
For-profit organizations other than small businesses. Faith-based and
Community-based Organizations.
Additional Information on Eligibility: As prescribed by the
Community Services Block Grant Act (Public Law 105-285, Section
678(c)(2), eligible applicants are eligible entities (see definitions),
organizations, or associations with demonstrated expertise in providing
training to individuals and organizations on methods of effectively
addressing the needs of low income families and communities.
Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
(a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS code.
(b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
(c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General,
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
(d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
(e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
Private non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants''
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. Responding to this

survey will have no effect upon receiving a grant award.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

None.

3. Other

On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal
grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to
provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required

for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an
award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and
block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

Margaret Washnitzer, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services
Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington,
Virginia 22209, E-mail: http://www.Grants.gov, Telephone: (800) 281-9519.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Application Content
Each application must include the following components:

1. Table of Contents
2. Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed 250
words, that would be suitable for use in an announcement that the
application has been selected for a grant award and which identifies
the type of project, the target population and the major elements of
the work plan.

[[Page 24618]]

3. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an official
of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to
obligate the organization legally.
4. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non-Construction
Programs.
5. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
6. Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
2. Application Format
Each application should include one signed original application and
two additional copies of the same application.
Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper only.
Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional
materials, slides, films, clips, etc.
The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins must
be at least one inch on all sides.
Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package,
beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one.
Please present application materials either in loose-leaf notebooks
or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center and
fastened separately with a slide paper fastener.
3. Page Limitation
The application package including sections for the Table of
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives and Business
Plan must not exceed 65 pages. The page limitation does not include the
following attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances,
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this
announcement.
4. Required Standard Forms
Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-construction
project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs with their applications.
Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying. Prior
to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish
an executed copy of the lobbying certification. Applicants must sign
and return the certification with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back a certification form.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as
outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back a certification form.
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the
http://www.Grants.gov site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to

download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grant.gov:
Electronic submission is voluntary.
When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about
submitting an application electronically through the site, as well as
the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you do not wait
until the application deadline date to begin the application process
through Grants.gov.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS Number
to register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow
a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you submit a
grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you
submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary
assurance and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements
described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will receive
an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov
tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will
retrieve your application from Grant.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a
later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program on
http://www.Grants.gov.

You must search for the downloadable application package by the
CFDA number.
Electronic Copy Address Submission: http://www.Grants.Gov.

3. Submission Date and Times

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time (EST) on June 3, 2004. Mailed or hand carried
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be
classified as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date at the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations
Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209
Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson. Applicants are responsible for
mailing applications well in advance, when using all mail services, to
ensure that the applications are received on or before the deadline
time and date.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services
Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington,
Virginia 22209 Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson. This address must
appear on the envelope/package containing the application. Applicants
are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always
deliver as agreed.
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.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail services. Determinations
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants
Management Officer.

[[Page 24619]]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents............... As described above. Consistent with By application due date.
guidance in
``Application
Format'' section
of this
announcement.
Abstract of Proposed Project.... Brief abstract that Consistent with By application due date.
identifies the guidance in
type of project, ``Application
the target Format'' section
population and the of this
major elements of announcement.
the proposed
project.
Completed Standard Form......... As described above May be found on By application due date.
and per required http://form.
www.acf.hhs.gov/

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Completed Standard Form......... As described above May be found on By application due date.
and per required http://form.
www.acf.hhs.gov/

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Narrative Budget Justification.. As described above. Consistent with By application due date.
guidance in
``Application
Format'' section
of this
announcement.
Project Narrative............... A narrative that Consistent with By application due date.
addresses issues guidance in
described in the ``Application
``Application Format'' section
Review of this
Information'' and announcement.
the ``Review and
Selection
Criteria''
sections of this
announcement.
Certification regarding lobbying As described above May be found on By application due date.
and per required http://form.
www.acf.hhs.gov/

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Certification regarding As described above May be found on By application due date.
environmental tobacco smoke. and per required http://form.
www.acf.hhs.gov/

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs. As of October 1, 2003, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action
in regard to E.O. 12372:
All States and Territories except Arkansas, California, Delaware,
District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky,
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri,
Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode
Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American
Samoa, Guam, North Mariana, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands have
elected not to participate in the Executive Order process and have
established Single Points of Contact (SPOCs). Applicants from these
thirty-one jurisdictions need take no action.
Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. 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. Applicants must
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447.
A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory
is included with the application materials for this announcement.

5. Funding Restrictions

Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects
OCS will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is
primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than
the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the
implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This
prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting
for specific services or activities needed to conduct the project.
Number of Projects in Application
Each application may include only one proposed project.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-13): Under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13, the Department is
required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for
review and approval of any reporting and record keeping requirements in
regulations including program announcements. This program announcement
does not contain information collection requirements

[[Page 24620]]

beyond those approved for ACF grant applications under the Program
Narrative Statement by OMB Approval Number 0970-0139.
Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average
25 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection
of information.
The project description is approved under OMB control
0970-0139.
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.
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.
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description 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 expands and clarifies more
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. Explain how the
project will reach the targeted population and how it will benefit
participants or the community.
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, for
example, such terms as the ``number of people served.'' When
accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them
in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and
their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Evaluation
Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and
the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project.
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's
effectiveness.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports, documentation of professional accreditation,
information on compliance with Federal/State/local government
standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other
pertinent information.
A 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 bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or
association is domiciled.
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.
Evaluation Criterion I: Approach (Maximum: 35 Points)
Factors:
(1) The work program is results-oriented, approximately related to
the legislative mandate and specifically related to the priority area
under which funds are being requested. Application addresses the
following: specific outcomes to be achieved; performance targets that
the project is committed to achieving, including a discussion of and

[[Page 24621]]

how the project will verify the achievement of these targets; critical
milestones which must be achieved if results are to be gained;
organizational support, the level of support from the applicant
organization; past performance in similar work; and specific resources
contributed to the project that are critical to success.
(2) The application defines the comprehensive nature of the project
and methods that will be used to ensure that the results can be used to
address a statewide or nationwide project as defined by the description
of the particular priority area.
Evaluation Criterion II: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 25 Points)
Factors:
(1) The application demonstrates that it has experience and a
successful record of accomplishment relevant to the specific activities
it proposes to accomplish.
(2) The application details the necessary abilities to provide the
training and technical assistance on a nationwide basis. Information
provided by the applicant should address related achievements and
competence of each cooperating or sponsoring organization.
(3) The application fully describes, for example in a resume, the
experience and skills of the proposed project director and primary
staff showing specific qualifications and professional experiences
relevant to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
(4) The application describes how it will involve partners in the
Community Services Network in its activities. Where appropriate,
application describes how it will interface with other related
organizations.
(5) If subcontracts are proposed, the application documents the
willingness and capacity of the subcontracting organization(s) to
participate as described.
Evaluation Criterion III: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum:
20 Points)
Factors:
(1) The application documents that the proposed project addresses
vital needs related to the program purposes and provides statistics and
other data and information in support of its contention.
(2) The application provides current supporting documentation or
other testimonies regarding needs from State CSBG Directors, CAAs and
local service providers and/or State and Regional organizations of CAAs
and other local service providers.
Evaluation Criterion IV: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 15
Points)
Factors:
(1) The application describes how the project will assure long-term
program and management improvements for State CSBG offices, CAA State
and/or regional associations, CAAs and/or other local providers of CSBG
services and activities.
(2) The application indicates the types and amounts of public and/
or private resources it will mobilize, how those resources will
directly benefit the project, and how the project will ultimately
benefit low-income individuals and families.
(3) If the applicant proposes a project with a training and
technical assistance focus, the application indicates the number of
organizations and/or staff that will benefit from those services.
(4) If the applicant proposes a project with a data collection
focus, the application describes the mechanism it will use to collect
data, how it can assure collections from a significant number of
States, and the number of States willing to submit data to the
applicant.
(5) If the applicant proposes to develop a symposium series or
other policy-related project(s), the application identifies the number
and types of beneficiaries.
(6) The application describes methods of securing participant
feedback and evaluations of activities.
Criterion V: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 5 Points)
Factors:
(1) The resources requested are reasonable and adequate to
accomplish the project.
(2) Total costs are reasonable and consistent with anticipated
results.

2. Review and Selection Process

Initial OCS Screening
Each application submitted to OCS will be screened to determine
whether it was received by the closing date and time.
Applications received by the closing date and time will be screened
for completeness and conformity with the following requirements. Only
complete applications that meet the requirements listed below will be
reviewed and evaluated competitively. Other applications will be
returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable
and will not be reviewed.
All applications must comply with the following requirements except
as noted:
(a) The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424
Application for Federal Assistance, a Standard Form 424-A Budget
Information and Standard Form 424B Assurance--Non-Construction Programs
completed according to instructions provided in this Program
Announcement. The forms SF-424 and the SF-424B must be signed by an
official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority
to obligate the organization legally. The applicant's legal name as
required on the SF-424 (Item 5) must match that listed as corresponding
to the Employer Identification Number (Item 6);
(b) The application must include a project narrative that meets
requirements set forth in this announcement.
(c) The application must contain documentation of the applicant's
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Additional Information on
Eligibility'' section of this announcement.
OCS Evaluation of Applications
Applications that pass the initial OCS screening will be reviewed
and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review criteria
presented in relevant sections of this program announcement.
The review criteria are designed to enable the review panel to
assess the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood
of its success. The criteria are closely related to each other and are
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.
The review panel awards points only to applications that are responsive
to the program elements and relevant review criteria within the context
of this program announcement.
The OCS Director and program staff use the reviewer scores when
considering competing applications. Reviewer scores will weigh heavily
in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered.
Applications generally will be considered in order of the average
scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important factors
are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not
guaranteed funding. These other considerations include, for example:
the timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded
with OCS funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of
reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; amount
and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's
consistency and harmony with OCS goals and policy; geographic
distribution of applications; previous program performance of
applicants; compliance with grant terms

[[Page 24622]]

under previous HHS grants, including the actual dedication to a program
of mobilized resources as set forth in project applications; audit
reports; investigative reports; and applicant's progress in resolving
any final audit disallowance on previous OCS or other Federal agency
grants.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the
results of this grant competition within 90 days after the due date for
receipt of applications. Following approval of the application selected
for funding, ACF will mail a written notice of project approval and
authority to draw down project funds. The official award document is
the Financial Assistance Award that specifies the amount of Federal
funds approved for use in the project, the project and budget period
for which support is provided and the terms and conditions of the
award. The notice of grant award signed by the Grants Officer is the
authorizing document.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

45 CFR Part 74.

3. Reporting Requirements

Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually with a final report due 90 days
from project end date.
Financial Reports: Semi-annually with a final report due 90 days
from project end date.

4. Special Reporting Requirements

None.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact

Grants Management Office Contact

Barbara Ziegler-Johnson, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services
Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington,
Virginia 22209, E-mail: bziegler-johns1@acf.hhs.gov, Telephone: (202)
401-4646.

VIII. Other Information

Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies
(not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers. The
copies may include summary salary information.
Electronic Link to Full Announcement: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs
.

Dated: April 27, 2004.
Clarence Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 04-10087 Filed 5-3-04; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184-01-P