FR Doc 04-14170

[Federal Register: June 25, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 122)]
[Notices]
[Page 35859-35918]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25jn04-159]

[[Page 35859]]

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Part IV

Department of Health and Human Services

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Administration for Children and Families

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National Child Welfare Resource Centers Cooperative Agreements; Notice

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

National Child Welfare Resource Centers Cooperative Agreements

Federal Agency Contact Name: Administration for Children and
Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's
Bureau.
Funding Opportunity Title: Seven National Child Welfare Resource
Centers.
Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreements-Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CZ-0026.
CFDA Number: 93.556.
Due Date for Applications: August 24, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

General Information: The Seven National Child Welfare Resource Centers

In order to more fully meet the promise, potential and challenges
of the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) and other legislation that
are transforming the child welfare field, the Administration on
Children, Youth and Families proposes to establish a coordinated
national technical assistance network that can address the range of
challenges State child welfare systems confront in delivering effective
services to children, youth and families. To accomplish this, seven new
cooperative agreements will be awarded to establish National Resource
Centers for Child Welfare Programs.
It is critically important that these national resource centers:
(1) Function systematically as a network; (2) have the ability to work
effectively in a rapidly changing environment; (3) deliver technical
assistance in ways that best meet the needs of child welfare agencies;
(4) document use of funds and the effectiveness of the services they
deliver; and (5) use technology to support service delivery and
knowledge management.
For over a decade, the Children's Bureau (CB) has been funding a
network of National Resource Centers, Clearinghouses, and other
national centers with expertise in specific topic areas related to
child maltreatment and child welfare. Through this network the
Children's Bureau provides training and technical assistance (T/TA) to
the States to support and enhance States' service delivery systems. For
more information on this network, see http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov/pubs/reslist/cbttan/index.cfm
.

Additionally, Section 1123A of the Social Security Act requires the
Secretary to make technical assistance available to States, to the
extent feasible, to enable them to develop and implement program
improvement plans stemming from the Child and Family Service Reviews
(CFSRs). Findings from the first round of CFSRs have demonstrated the
need for a more integrated and coordinated technical assistance
approach to assist States in meeting the goals of their program
improvement plans (PIPs) and other child welfare systems change
objectives.
Over the last four years, the Children's Bureau has worked closely
with its entire network of National Resource Centers and Clearinghouses
to begin to develop a more coordinated strategy and approach for
working with the States. The changes started in the last four years
have greatly increased the collaboration and coordination across the
entire T/TA network. To this end, the Children's Bureau is committed to
planning and implementing a stronger, more formalized, coordinated
training and technical assistance strategy across the network of T/TA
providers to support the States in the planning and implementation of
the CFSRs and other child welfare systems change efforts.
One of the most immediate changes has been to direct the Children's
Bureau network of T/TA Resource Centers to give priority to issues
identified by the Children's Bureau as areas of greatest need. As a
result, the focus of the majority of T/TA has been responding to State
needs related to Federal reviews and implementation of program
improvement plans. The Children's Bureau envisions that this new
network of T/TA providers will need to be flexible and responsive to
the issues that may arise over the next five years. Resource Centers
funded by the Children's Bureau must have the capacity to adjust and
refine their T/TA approaches based on ever changing needs and
priorities from legislation and the field.
In this context, the Children's Bureau has modified the overall
management of the National Resource Center programs in four significant
ways: developing a single point of entry, coordination through the
Training and Technical Assistance Coordination Committee, close
coordination with other technical assistance providers and an
identified evaluator of technical assistance efforts. The following
section on Coordination of the Seven National Resource Centers provides
details on these management strategies.
The current atmosphere of systems change and reform has brought a
number of Child Protective Service (CPS) issues to the forefront.
Effective T/TA strategy should not only analyze and respond to
expressed needs, but also provide leadership to the field of child
welfare through knowledge building and seeking out and disseminating
evidenced-based practices. Given the limited resources available, this
T/TA strategy must include a commitment to working with other Federal,
State, and local resources and providers to maximize the T/TA available
for States and insure positive outcomes for children, youth and
families.
The National Resource Centers play a pivotal role in assisting
States as they transform their service delivery systems to achieve
safety and permanency for children and youth. Integrated into the role
of every National Resource Center will be the responsibility of
assisting States to improve performance in the areas of safety,
permanency and well-being. These concepts must be integrally linked at
each stage of service delivery to provide effective services to
families, youth and children.
The purpose of these National Resource Centers is to build the
capacity of State, local, Tribal, and other publicly administered or
publicly supported child welfare agencies, and family and juvenile
courts, through the provision of training, technical assistance and
consultation on the full array of Federal requirements administered by
the Children's Bureau. Special attention will be given to assisting
States in improving conformity with the outcomes and systemic factors
defined in the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) and the results
of other monitoring reviews conducted by the Children's Bureau (such as
title IV-E, AFCARS and SACWIS). These efforts will focus on the
development, expansion, strengthening and/or improvement of the quality
and effectiveness of child welfare services to children, youth and
families and on the information management systems used to record case
activity. The National Resource Centers will focus efforts on
strengthening the capacity of agencies to integrate policy and practice
and to improve the delivery of services and the outcomes for children.
A primary focus of all National Resource Centers will be to assist
States in the planning and implementing of systemic change as defined
in the States' program improvement plans (PIPs) related to all
monitoring reviews.
In order to provide T/TA relevant to the monitoring reviews and
related corrective action plans, and to meet

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other legislative requirements and agency priorities, cooperative
agreements to establish seven National Resource Centers for Child
Welfare Programs will be awarded to organizations with expertise in the
following topical areas:
Organizational Improvement. Improving management and
operations, bolstering organizational capacity and promoting service
integration in order to improve outcomes for children, youth and
families.
Child Protective Services. Developing and integrating
policies and practices that improve the prevention, reporting,
assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
Family-Centered Practice and Permanency Planning.
Institutionalizing a safety-focused, family-centered, and community-
based approach to meet the multiple and complex needs of children,
youth and families, developing, supporting and maintaining a range of
services to safely maintain children in the home when appropriate;
providing quality care for children and youth in the care and custody
of the State; and moving children from foster care to safe permanent
home placements effectively.
Data and Technology. Supporting and enhancing State child
welfare case management information systems and the collection and
utilization of data and information that improve outcomes for children
and their families and support informed decisions about policies,
programs, and practices.
Legal and Judicial Issues. Improving legal representation
of agencies, children, youth and parents and supporting court
improvement to establish processes that achieve timely and appropriate
permanency for children and youth, and result in informed judicial
decision making.
Special Needs Adoption. Developing, supporting and
maintaining a range of services to increase the number of children who
are adopted from foster care and improving the effectiveness and
quality of adoption and post-adoption services.
Youth Development. Developing, supporting and maintaining
a range of services and supports to assist youth in making a smooth
transition to adulthood, achieving permanency, and reducing the
likelihood of dependency on the adult social welfare system.
Recent shifts in the delivery of child welfare services have
focused on family-centered, community-based and individually focused
approaches. The National Resource Centers' services are expected to
support such approaches in providing training and technical assistance
on the delivery of State services.
Family-centered practice is designed to strengthen and empower
families to protect and nurture their children; safely preserve family
relationships and connections when appropriate; recognize the strong
influence social systems have on individual behavior; enhance family
autonomy; respect the rights, values and cultures of families; and
focus on an entire family rather than selected individuals within a
family.
Community-based practice is designed to support the needs of
children within the context of their families and communities;
emphasize prevention-oriented services and support; and provide local
communities a role in identifying, designing, implementing and
overseeing services within the community.
Individualized services are designed to tailor interventions to
meet the specific needs of children, youth and families served;
recognize that children, youth and families are affected by both
individual and environmental factors; recognize that children, youth,
families and the environments in which they operate are unique; and
offer children, youth and families opportunities to provide input into
their strengths, needs, and goals and the means to achieve those goals.

Coordination of the Seven National Child Welfare Resource Centers

The first round of CFS reviews has demonstrated the need for a more
integrated and coordinated technical assistance approach to assist
States to meet PIP objectives, especially since States that fail to
meet objectives face penalties. In this context, the Children's Bureau
has modified the overall management of the National Child Welfare
Resource Center programs in four significant ways:
(1) The Children's Bureau is establishing a single point of entry
for States and Tribes to request onsite training and technical
assistance from National Child Welfare Resource Centers and
AdoptUSKids. The National Child Welfare Resource Center on
Organizational Improvement (NCWRCOI) will operate as this single point
of entry. The other six national resource centers funded to provide T/
TA to State child welfare agencies will need to work collaboratively
with the NCWRCOI to ensure a coordinated and immediate response to on-
site T/TA requests from the States, ACF Regional Offices, and the
Children's Bureau.
(2) All National Resource Centers funded by the Children's Bureau
will work with the Training and Technical Assistance Coordination
Committee, which will be composed of Federal staff from the Children's
Bureau and Regional Offices, and will provide direction to the
strategic development of the training and technical assistance network.
(3) All National Resource Centers will work collaboratively with
AdoptUSKids, the Children's Bureau Clearinghouses, and other members of
the training and technical assistance network funded by the Children's
Bureau, particularly as it relates to the Child and Family Service
Reviews and other issues of priority identified by the Children's
Bureau.
(4) The NCWRCOI will evaluate the results and benefits of the
technical assistance provided by all seven National Child Welfare
Resource Centers. The National Child Welfare Resource Centers will
provide evaluation data to the NCWRCOI. The purpose of this evaluation
is to track and coordinate activities in order to improve services and
build knowledge. The evaluation will not be used to determine
compliance or merit and the results of the evaluation will not be used
to judge, award or penalize NRC performance.
Recent experience with the National Child Welfare Resource Centers
has highlighted the importance of the centers working together to
assist States in strategies towards systemic change. The need for
integrating technical assistance from multiple National Child Welfare
Resource Centers is clear. The combined knowledge and energies of the
National Resource centers have been required in a number of projects
and this trend is expected to continue. To assist with these issues,
the Children's Bureau will create a Training and Technical Assistance
Coordination Committee to work with the National Child Welfare Resource
Center network. The Training and Technical Assistance Committee will be
made up of Federal staff, including Federal Project Officers, CFSR
National Review Team members, Regional Office and other Federal staff.
It will coordinate with other training and technical assistance
initiatives of the Children's Bureau and work with the seven National
Child Welfare Resource Centers and AdoptUSKids to establish training
and technical assistance priorities.
These resource centers will each serve as a primary contributor to
a national repository of expertise and resources in the field of child
welfare. They will engage in a process of knowledge building and
knowledge transfer that takes place within and across resource

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centers. In coordination with the Children's Bureau, these resource
centers will identify promising practices and approaches that reflect
the state of the art and contribute to improved outcomes for children,
youth and families in the child welfare system. All training and
technical assistance will be provided in the comprehensive context of
child welfare services and will be integrated to assist States in
meeting the legislative requirements and agency priorities of the
Children's Bureau.
The National Child Welfare Resource Center network must have a
commitment to working collaboratively with other Children's Bureau
partners, including public/private, State, regional, and Federal
partnerships in implementing their training and technical assistance
efforts.

Programs of ACYF and the Children's Bureau

The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF)
administers national programs for children and youth; works with States
and local communities to develop services which support and strengthen
family life; seeks joint ventures with the private sector to enhance
the lives of children and their families; and provides information and
other assistance to parents. The concerns of ACYF extend to all
children from birth through adolescence. Many of the programs
administered by the agency focus on children from low-income families;
abused and neglected children; children and youth in need of foster
care, independent living, adoption or other child welfare services;
preschool children; children with disabilities; children of prisoners;
runaway and homeless youth; and children from Native American and
migrant families.
Within ACYF, the Children's Bureau plans, manages, coordinates, and
supports child abuse and neglect prevention and child welfare services
programs, and promotes continuous improvement in the delivery of child
welfare services. Children's Bureau programs are designed to prevent
neglect and abuse of children and to promote the safety, permanency,
and well-being of all children, including those in foster care,
available for adoption, recently adopted, abused, neglected, dependent,
disabled, or homeless children and youth. The programs encourage
strengthening the family unit to help prevent the unnecessary
separation of children from their families, and support reunification
of families when separation has occurred, as appropriate. The
Children's Bureau also supports programs and services that encourage
healthy marriage; promote family stability; support relationship
building for parenting couples; reach out to and provide assistance to
fathers; and emphasize the role of fathers in ensuring the well-being
of their children.
State child welfare systems are designed to protect children who
have suffered maltreatment, who are at risk for maltreatment, or who
are under the care and placement responsibility of the State because
their families are unable to care for them. These systems also focus on
securing permanent living arrangements through foster care and adoption
for children who are unable to return home.
The Children's Bureau fulfills its mission by providing leadership
and conducting activities designed to assist and enhance national,
State, and community efforts to prevent, assess, identify, and treat
child abuse and neglect. These activities include data collection and
analysis; research and demonstration programs, and grants to States
for: Developing comprehensive, child-centered and family-focused child
protective services systems; providing training and technical
assistance to develop the necessary resources to implement successful,
comprehensive, child and family protection strategies; developing
comprehensive case-management information systems; and gathering,
processing, and housing high-quality data.
Federal programs administered by the Bureau include the Foster Care
and Adoption Assistance Programs, the Child and Family Services State
Grants Program, Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment State Grant, Child
Welfare Services Training Program, the Chafee Foster Care Independence
Program and Education and Training Voucher Program, the Adoption
Opportunities Program, the Abandoned Infants Assistance Program, the
Court Improvement Program, the Infant Adoption Awareness Training
Program, the Children's Justice Act Grants Program, Community-Based
Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and several
discretionary grant programs authorized by the Child Abuse Prevention
and Treatment Act (CAPTA). For more information about Children's Bureau
programs, visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb.

Legislation Governing ACYF and Children's Bureau Programs

This section provides a summary of key legislation governing and
providing critical guidance to all of the National Child Welfare
Resource Centers. During the past ten years, policymakers and the
public have become increasingly concerned over the fate of children who
come into contact with the child welfare system. Fortunately, the level
of concern over children in child welfare has generated a productive
climate of reform, evidenced by the passage of major pieces of Federal
legislation listed and described below. For instance, ASFA, passed in
1997, requires a focus on results and accountability and makes it clear
that child welfare services must lead to positive outcomes for
children. This legislation provided the Federal government and its
partners at the State and local levels with an important opportunity to
reform and revitalize child welfare services.
The following table indicates the specific legislation which
authorizes and/or provides funding for each of the individual National
Child Welfare Resource Centers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funding source/authorizing
Priority area legislation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. National Child Welfare Resource Adoption Opportunities, Child
Center for Organizational Improvement. Abuse Prevention and Treatment
Act, Promoting Safe and Stable
Families.
2. National Child Welfare Resource Child Abuse Prevention and
Center for Child Protective Services. Treatment Act.
3. National Resource Center for Family- Adoption Opportunities,
Centered Practice and Permanency Promoting Safe and Stable
Planning. Families.
4. National Resource Center for Child Title IV-E.
Welfare Data and Technology.
5. National Child Welfare Resource Adoption Opportunities, Child
Center on Legal and Judicial Issues. Abuse Prevention and Treatment
Act, Promoting Safe and Stable
Families.
6. National Resource Center for Special Adoption Opportunities.
Needs Adoption.
7. National Resource Center for Youth Adoption Opportunities,
Development. Chaffee, Promoting Safe and
Stable Families.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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With the passage of Public Law 96-272, the Adoption Assistance and
Child Welfare Act of 1980, the Federal government established a clear
focus on the need for permanency for children in foster care and the
importance of permanency planning and timely decision-making for these
children. At that time, the law increased protections for children in
foster care by requiring case plans that included goals, a description
of the placement and its appropriateness, required periodic
administrative reviews and judicial permanency placement
determinations.
In 1986, Congress amended Title IV-E of the Social Security Act
(the Act) by adding section 479, which requires the Federal government
to institute a foster care and adoption data collection system (known
as AFCARS). The AFCARS collects case level information on all children
in foster care for whom the State child welfare agency has
responsibility for placement, care or supervision and on children who
are adopted under the auspices of the State's public child welfare
agency.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1993 provided
States with the opportunity to obtain 75 percent enhanced funding
through the Title IV-E program of the Social Security Act to plan,
design, develop, and implement a Statewide Automated Child Welfare
Information System (SACWIS) (Federal fiscal years 1993-1996). Title V,
Section 502 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
Reconciliation Act of 1996 extended the SACWIS enhanced funding through
Federal fiscal year 1997. Additionally, the legislation provided an
enhanced SACWIS cost allocation to States so that Title IV-E would
absorb all SACWIS costs for foster and adopted children, without regard
to their Title IV-E eligibility. A SACWIS is expected to be a
comprehensive, automated, case-management tool that supports social
workers' foster care and adoption assistance case-management practice.
Additionally, the systems may contain functionality that supports child
protective and family preservation services, thereby providing a
unified automated tool to support all child welfare services. By law, a
SACWIS is required to support the reporting of data to Adoption and
Foster Care Automated Reporting System (AFCARS) and the National Child
Abuse and Neglect Data System.
The Multi-Ethnic Placement Act of 1994, as amended, prohibits the
delay or denial of any adoption or placement in foster care due to the
race, color or national origin of the child or the foster or adoptive
parents and requires States to provide for diligent recruitment of
potential foster and adoptive families that reflect the ethnic and
racial diversity of children for whom homes are needed. Section 1808 of
Public Law 104-188 affirms the prohibition against delaying or denying
the placement of a child for adoption or foster care on the basis of
race, color, or national origin of the foster or adoptive parents or
the child involved [42 U.S.C. 1996b].
The Adoption Promotion Act of 2003 encourages States to focus
greater effort on finding adoptive families for children ages nine and
older. Under the legislation the Adoption Incentive Program will now
include a targeted bonus for States successful in increasing the number
of older children adopted from foster care, and continue to recognize
overall progress in increasing adoptions from foster care.
States must implement the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) [25
U.S.C. 1901 et seq.] which governs the jurisdiction, placement,
termination of parental rights, and adoption of Native American
children. This Act, passed in 1978, provided key standards that must be
met by States when working with Tribal children, including notice to
Tribes of State custody; standards for placement of Indian children in
foster homes and termination of parental rights; active efforts to
provide rehabilitative services; transfer of jurisdiction to Tribal
courts and preferred placement of Indian children with extended
families and other Indian families; and the Tribal right to intervene
in State custody proceedings.
The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) recently
reauthorized as part of the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of
2003 (Pub. L. 108-36) [42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 5116 et seq.]
is one of the key pieces of legislation that guides child protection.
The reauthorization provides a number of amendments to the eligibility
requirements for the CAPTA State grant including: policies and
procedures that address the needs of drug-exposed infants; triage
procedures for referral of children not at imminent risk of harm to
community or preventative services; notification of an individual who
is the subject of an investigation about allegations made against them;
training for CPS workers on their legal duties and parents' rights;
provisions to refer children under age three who are involved in a
substantiated case to early intervention services under IDEA Part C.
The 2003 Act amends other provisions of CAPTA including the authority
for the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect, research and
technical assistance, grants for demonstration programs and projects,
Children's Justice Act grants, and Community-Based Grants for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (formerly known as the Community-
Based Family Resource and Support Grants), and gives flexibility for
States to determine open court policies in cases of child abuse and
neglect.
In November 1997, the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997
(ASFA), Pub. L. 105-89 amended titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social
Security Act. This law impacts the State child welfare system in two
ways. It focuses on moving children who are languishing in the system
into adoption or other permanent placements, and it seeks to change the
experience of children entering the system to increase the timeliness
of securing permanency. ASFA embodies five key principles:
1. The safety of children is the paramount concern that must guide
all child welfare services.
2. Foster care is a temporary setting and not a place for children
to grow up.
3. Permanency planning efforts for children should begin as soon as
a child enters foster care and should be expedited by the provision of
services to families.
4. The child welfare system must focus on results and
accountability.
5. Innovative approaches are needed to achieve the goals of safety,
permanency, and well-being.
To implement these principles, the law requires that child safety
be the paramount concern in making service provision, placement, and
permanency planning decisions. It reaffirms the importance of making
reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify families, but also specifies
that States are not required to make efforts to keep children with
their parents when doing so places a child's safety in jeopardy. To
ensure that the system respects a child's developmental needs, the law
includes provisions that shorten the time frame for making permanency
planning decisions, and that establish a time frame for initiating
proceedings to terminate parental rights.
The law also calls for the Children's Bureau to focus on results,
which has been at the heart of this reform effort. To this end, the
Child and Family Services (CFS) review process was published in a final
rule in the Federal Register (65 FR 40-4093) on January 25, 2000.
Unlike previous review systems, the CFS reviews require States to
demonstrate that children and families served by the child welfare
system are experiencing positive results. By June

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2004 all States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will have
completed CFS reviews. Thirty-two States have developed Program
Improvement Plans (PIPs) to build on strengths and address areas
needing improvement that were noted in the review process, with special
attention to improving State capacity to create positive outcomes for
children and families.
In 1999, the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP) was
enacted under the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999, section 477 of
the Social Security Act, as amended. This Act expanded the purposes and
resources of the Federal Independent Living Program (ILP) originally
enacted in 1986 under Public Law 96-272. CFCIP offers assistance to
help current and former foster care youths achieve self-sufficiency.
Grants are offered to States who submit a plan to assist youth in a
wide variety of areas designed to support a successful transition to
adulthood. Activities and programs include, but are not limited to help
with education, employment, financial management, housing, emotional
support and assured connections to caring adults for older youth in
foster care as well as youth 18-21 who have aged out of the foster care
system. A reporting system for States and a program evaluation
component will be used to attain more knowledge about the outcomes of
youth transitioning to adulthood.
Under Title II of the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments
(PSSF Amendments) of 2001, Public Law 107-133 is the Education and
Training Vouchers for Youths Aging Out of Foster Care Program (ETV). It
amends section 477 of Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, adding a
new purpose to CFCIP specifically targeting additional resources to
meet the education and training needs of youth aging out of foster
care. The law authorizes payments to States for post secondary
educational and training vouchers for youth that have aged out of
foster care; or are otherwise eligible for services under the State
program under this section. The full text of the above applicable laws
enacted since 1996 can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws/index.htm
.

The Title IV-B, subpart 2, Promoting Safe and Stable Families
program provides funds to states to provide family support, family
preservation, time-limited family reunification services, and services
to promote and support adoptions. These services are primarily aimed at
preventing the risk of abuse and promoting nurturing families,
assisting families at risk of having a child removed from their home,
promoting the timely return of a child to his/her home, and if
returning home is not an option, placement of a child in a permanent
setting with services that support the family. As part of this program,
the Court Improvement Program provides grants to help State courts
improve their handling of proceedings relating to foster care and
adoption. After an initial assessment of court practices and policies,
States use these funds for improvements and reform activities. Typical
activities include development of mediation programs, joint agency-
court training, automated docketing and case tracking, linked agency-
court data systems, one judge/one family models, time-specific
docketing, formalized relationships with the child welfare agency, and
legislative change.

Other General Information

Available Funds: Applicants should note that cooperative agreements
to be awarded under this program announcement are subject to the
availability of funds.
Assurances: By signing the ``Signature of Authorized
Representative'' on the SF 424, the applicant is providing a
certification for completing the cooperative agreement requirements
that are listed under ``assurances'' in each of the individual NRC
program descriptions.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application: It is essential that
applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before
preparing an application and include all of the required application
forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough
understanding of the purpose and objectives of the Children's Bureau
priority-area initiatives. Reviewers expect applicants to understand
the goals of the legislation and the Children's Bureau's interest in
each topic. A ``responsive application'' is one that addresses all of
the evaluation criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding.
Applications that are considered to be ``unresponsive'' generally
receive very low scores and are rarely funded.
The Children's Bureau's Web site (http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb
) provides a wide range of information and links to other relevant

Web sites. Before you begin preparing an application, we suggest that
you learn more about the mission and programs of the Children's Bureau
by exploring the Web site.
Organizing Your Application: The specific evaluation criteria in
Section V of each priority area will be used to review and evaluate
each application. The applicant should address each of these specific
evaluation criteria in the project description. It is strongly
recommended that applicants organize their proposals in the same
sequence and using the same headings as these criteria, so that
reviewers can readily find information that directly addresses each of
the specific review criteria.

Table of Contents

General Information: The Seven National Child Welfare Resource
Centers
Priority Area 1 Organizational Improvement
Priority Area 2 Child Protective Services
Priority Area 3 Family-Centered Practice and Permanency Planning
Priority Area 4 Data and Technology
Priority Area 5 Legal and Judicial Issues
Priority Area 6 Special Needs Adoption
Priority Area 7 Youth Development
Award Administration Information for all 7 priority areas
Agency Contacts for all 7 priority areas
Other Information for all 7 priority areas

Summary Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
Description of Federal Substantial Involvement With Cooperative
Agreement: Each National Child Welfare Resource Center will operate
under a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is a specific
method of awarding Federal assistance in which substantial Federal
involvement is anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the
respective responsibilities of the Children's Bureau and the grantee
prior to the award. The Children's Bureau anticipates that agency
involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient
otherwise unavailable to them for carrying out the project. The
involvement and collaboration includes Children's Bureau review and
approval of planning stages of the activities before implementation
phases may begin; Children's Bureau involvement in the establishment of
policies and procedures that maximize open competition, and rigorous
and impartial development, review and funding of sub-grant or sub-grant
activities, if applicable; and Children's Bureau and recipient joint
collaboration in the performance of key programmatic activities (i.e.,
strategic planning, implementation, information technology
enhancements, training and technical assistance, publications or
products, and evaluation). Close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of
the requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational
structure

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and management processes, coupled with close Children's Bureau
monitoring during performance may, in order to ensure compliance with
the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal stewardship
responsibilities customary for grant activities.
Anticipated Total Funding: $6,700,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: Seven.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: Individual priority areas
vary from $800,000 to $1,400,000 in the first budget period of the
project.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: Individual priority areas vary from
$800,000 to $1,400,000 in the first budget period of the project.
Project Periods for Awards: 60 months.

Priority Area 1--National Child Welfare Resource Center for
Organizational Improvement

Purpose: The purpose of this Cooperative Agreement is to provide
financial support for training and technical assistance to build the
organizational capacity of State, local, Tribal and other publicly
supported child welfare agencies in order to improve the outcomes of
child welfare activities and to achieve the Adoption and Safe Families
Act of 1997 (ASFA) goals of safety, permanency and well-being of
children. This purpose will be accomplished by providing technical
assistance, training, and consultation to child welfare agencies to
strengthen, enhance, and focus their efforts to develop agency
management structures and systems that improve the ability to
administer titles IV-B and IV-E child welfare programs, including the
development of program improvement plans in response to Child and
Family Services Reviews.
The National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational
Improvement is expected to provide these additional training and
technical assistance management functions under this Cooperative
Agreement:
The first round of CFS reviews demonstrated the need for a
more integrated and coordinated approach to assist States in meeting
Program Improvement Plan objectives. In this context, the Children's
Bureau is establishing a single point of entry for States and Tribes to
request on-site training and technical assistance from the Children's
Bureau's seven National Child Welfare Resource Centers and AdoptUSKids.
The NCWRCOI is expected to serve this function.
The National Child Welfare Resource Center on
Organizational Improvement (NCWRCOI) will evaluate the results and
benefits of the technical assistance provided by all seven National
Child Welfare Resource Centers. The National Child Welfare Resource
Centers will provide evaluation data to the NCWRCOI.
Activities to be conducted by the Resource Center for
Organizational Improvement will include, but are not limited to:
(1) Identifying the organizational improvement needs of child
welfare agencies and developing a national technical assistance and
training strategy for organizational improvement that takes into
consideration development of State Child and Family Services Plans and
Program Improvement Plans, as well as CAPTA, Chafee and IV-B
requirements;
(2) Providing technical assistance, training and consultation
directly on-site as well as through state-of-the-art communication and
technology-based methods to State, local, Tribal, and child welfare and
child protective services agencies on issues of organizational
improvement;
(3) Identifying and disseminating exemplary and innovative
organizational improvement practices in such areas as strategic
planning; team building; cross-program and cross-system coordination in
the areas of mental health, health, education, substance abuse and
domestic violence; quality assurance strategies; worker safety;
caseloads and child welfare staffing, staff retention and training;
(4) Demonstrating a commitment to meaningful stakeholder
involvement by involving courts, youth, Tribes and other relevant
stakeholders in program planning, implementation and evaluation and
other systems change initiatives;
(5) Coordinating with the Children's Bureau, ACF Regional Offices
and State and Tribal agencies in the development of the annual
technical assistance and training strategy;
(6) Providing specific training to States and their relevant
stakeholders about strategic planning, program improvement plan
development, implementation and monitoring, and integration of the
program improvement plan into the Child and Family Services Plan;
(7) Providing a single point of entry for States and Tribes to
request onsite T/TA from NRCs and AdoptUSKids. For each on-site T/TA
request the NCWRCOI will involve the Regional Office Staff, the
appropriate NRCs or AdoptUSKids, and Children's Bureau staff as needed,
as well as any other critical stakeholder to facilitate an assessment
of T/TA needs and a coordinated and immediate response that avoids
delays or duplication of effort;
(8) Building the capacity of child welfare agencies and courts by
coordinating twice-a-year team meetings of the Training and Technical
Assistance Network funded by the Children's Bureau, and the Training
and Technical Assistance Coordination Committee;
(9) Collaborating with other ACYF Resource Centers, other agencies
in the Department of Health and Human Services and other agents of the
Children's Bureau to strengthen TA efforts, avoid duplication and to
manage resources effectively;
(10) Building the capacity of child welfare agencies and courts by
managing, maintaining and updating to improve functionality, when
needed, the web-based tracking system for training and technical
assistance requests developed to track NRC's responses to all T/TA
requests from State, local, Tribal and other publicly supported child
welfare agencies;
(11) Evaluating the results and benefits of the technical
assistance provided by all seven National Resource Centers in order to
build knowledge and improve services;
(12) Supporting States and localities in developing and
implementing their Program Improvement Plans resulting from Child and
Family Service Reviews; and
(13) Building the capacity of child welfare agencies and courts by
providing logistical arrangements and meeting planning for the annual
national Child and Family Services Review conference.
Expected outcomes include the enhanced capacity of each State
agency to:
(1) Develop, support, and maintain a range of services and supports
which can be individualized to enhance positive outcomes in safety,
permanency and well-being for children and families;
(2) Build interagency systems to expand and maintain required
services;
(3) Coordinate the delivery of child welfare, health, mental
health, substance abuse, domestic violence and educational services to
children and families in the child welfare system;
(4) Develop and maintain effective training systems supporting
family-centered, community-based practice;
(5) Promote the meaningful participation of stakeholders, including

[[Page 35866]]

courts, in the design, implementation and evaluation of funded
services;
(6) Implement quality assurance systems that include a peer review
component, effective data utilization and other evaluation
methodologies to enhance positive outcomes for children and families in
the areas of safety, permanency and well-being; and
(7) Build on and benefit from their State's Child and Family
Services Review/ Program Improvement Planning processes.
The aim of the Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational
Improvement is to strengthen State, local and Tribal child welfare
administrative and management systems that are critical to achieving
child safety, permanency and well-being by guiding them in planning and
implementing systemic change, especially in response to Child and
Family Services Reviews. This Resource Center is expected to train and
assist State, local, Tribal and other publicly supported child welfare
agencies to establish effective interagency cooperation and
collaboration that involves all stakeholders, and promotes public-
private partnerships in the coordination of child welfare services.
Training and technical assistance needs will be identified by NRC staff
in collaboration with States, the CB T/TA Coordinating Committee and
coordinated with other ongoing national training and technical
assistance efforts. The Resource Center will also be actively involved
with identifying other training and technical assistance needs based on
their work with other child welfare organizations. Training outcomes
should be achieved through a combination of strategies, including on-
site training, on and off-site technical assistance, and consultation
with all appropriate stakeholder groups. Additionally, this resource
center will act as the single point of entry for technical assistance
requests to all NRCs and AdoptUSKids, evaluation of T/TA provided by
NRCs and will provide logistical assistance with the annual Child and
Family Services Review conference.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.
Description of Federal Substantial Involvement With Cooperative
Agreement: Each National Child Welfare Resource Center will operate
under a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is a specific
method of awarding Federal assistance in which substantial Federal
involvement is anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the
respective responsibilities of the Children's Bureau and the grantee
prior to the award. The Children's Bureau anticipates that agency
involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient
otherwise unavailable to them for carrying out the project. The
involvement and collaboration includes Children's Bureau review and
approval of planning stages of the activities before implementation
phases may begin; Children's Bureau involvement in the establishment of
policies and procedures that maximize open competition, and rigorous
and impartial development, review and funding of sub-grant or sub-grant
activities, if applicable; and Children's Bureau and recipient joint
collaboration in the performance of key programmatic activities (i.e.,
strategic planning, implementation, information technology
enhancements, training and technical assistance, publications or
products, and evaluation). Close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of
the requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational
structure and management processes, coupled with close Children's
Bureau monitoring during performance may, in order to ensure compliance
with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal stewardship
responsibilities customary for grant activities.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total for the
award under this priority area in FY2004 is $1,400,000 in the first
year of the project. It is anticipated that the award will increase to
$1,750,000 in the remaining years of the project.
Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that one project
will be funded.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The grant amount will not
exceed $1,400,000 in the first budget period of the project and
$1,750,000 per budget period in the remaining years of the project. An
application received that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range
specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the
applicant without further review.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $1,400,000 in the first budget
period of the project and $1,750,000 per budget period in the remaining
years of the project.
Project Periods for Awards: This grant will be awarded for a
project period of 60 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-
month budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-
month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds,
satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination
that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Additional Information on Eligibility Collaborative efforts and
interdisciplinary approaches are acceptable. Applications from
collaborations must identify a primary applicant responsible for
administering the grants.
Non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community
organizations are elgible to apply. 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.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The grantee must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost is the sum of the Federal
share and the non-

[[Page 35867]]

Federal share. Therefore, a project requesting $1,400,000 for the first
year must include a match of at least $155,555 for that budget period.
Applicants should provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual
amount of the non-Federal share of project costs.
The following example shows how to calculate the required 10% match
amount for a $1,400,000 grant:

$1,400,000 (Federal share)
divided by .90 (100%-10%)
equals $1,555,555 (total project cost including match)
minus $1,400,000 (Federal share)
equals $155,555 (required 10% match)

The non-Federal share may be cash or in-kind contributions,
although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements
through cash contributions. If approved for funding, grantees will be
held accountable for the commitment of non-Federal resources and
failure to provide the required amount will result in a disallowance of
unmatched Federal funds.

3. Other (If Applicable)

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
online at http://www.dnb.com.

Applications that exceed the $1,400,000 ceiling in the first year
of the project and $1,750,000 per budget period ceiling in the
remaining years of the project will be considered non-responsive and
will not be eligible for funding under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, (866) 796-1591.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

You may submit your application to us either in electronic or paper
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the
http://www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov you will be able to

download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. 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 Grants.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 and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF424 and all necessary
assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.Grants.gov.

[[Page 35868]]

Assurances: By signing the ``Signature of Authorized
Representative'' on the SF 424, the applicant is providing a
certification and need not mail assurances for completing the following
cooperative agreement requirements:
The applicant will have the project fully functioning
within 90 days of the notification of the award.
The applicant will participate in any evaluation or
technical assistance effort supported by ACYF.
The applicant will submit all required semi-annual and
final Financial Status Reports (SF269) and Program Performance Reports
in a timely manner, in hard-copy and electronic formats (preferably MS
WORD and PDF) as negotiated with the Federal Project Officer.
The Resource Center Project Director or one key staff
member will attend the following meetings in Washington, DC. A meeting
with the Federal Project Officer and other ACYF staff within 60 days of
receiving the award; two meetings annually, for one to two days each,
with Children's Bureau staff and other training and technical
assistance partners to plan a national training and technical
assistance strategy; one meeting annually to participate in a
Children's Bureau grantee meeting with the purpose of disseminating
knowledge gained from work with State agencies and courts around child
welfare issues.
In situations where the applicant's organizational
position on a particular policy and/or practice might differ from the
Federal position, the Federal position will be used to guide the
Resource Center activity and will be reflected in all public statements
and publications of the Resource Center.
The applicant will enter into a Cooperative Agreement with
the Children's Bureau.
The Resource Center will work in partnership with the
Children's Bureau and the ACF Regional Offices by providing technical
assistance to States that have needs identified through one of ACF's
review processes.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the
other six National Resource Centers and AdoptUSKids and will serve as a
single point of entry for States and Tribes to request onsite training
and technical assistance to ensure a coordinated and immediate
response.
The Resource Center will work with the Training and
Technical Assistance Coordination Committee, which will be composed of
Federal staff from the Children's Bureau and Regional Offices and will
provide direction to the strategic development of the training and
technical assistance network.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the CB
Clearinghouses and other members of the training and technical
assistance network funded by the Children's Bureau in providing
training and technical assistance.
The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services provides Web site information and policy
guidance on the Federal regulations pertaining to protection of human
subjects (45 CFR part 46), informed consent, informed consent
checklists, confidentiality of personal identification information,
data collection procedures, and internal review boards: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/polasur.htm
.

If applicable, applicants must include a completed Form 310,
Protection of Human Subjects.
In implementing their projects, grantees are expected to comply
with all applicable administrative regulations regarding extent or
types of costs. Applicable HHS regulations can be found in 45 CFR part
74 or 92.
4. Project Abstract/Summary (one page maximum). Clearly mark this
page with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the Form 424,
identify the competitive priority area and the title of the proposed
project as shown in item 11 and the service area as shown in item 12 of
the Form 424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words.
Care should be taken to produce an abstract/summary that accurately
and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the
objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the results or
benefits expected.
5. Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize
their project description according to the Evaluation Criteria
described in this priority area announcement providing information that
addresses all the components.
6. Proof of non-profit status (if applicable). Any non-profit
organization submitting an application must submit proof of its non-
profit status in its application at the time of submission. Any of the
following constitutes acceptable proof of such status:
a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Services' (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
c. A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
e. Any of the items immediately above for a State or national
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs,
provide documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost
rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
8. Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If
applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of
Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their
role, detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing
commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded.
9. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of
the non-Federal share of project costs.
10. The application limit is 85 pages total including all forms and
attachments. Submit one original and two copies.
To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted
with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this
announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following
the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual
authorized to act for the applicant organization and to assume
responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions
of the grant award.
To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the application, including all
forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in
the section titled Deadline. The original copy of the application must
have original signatures, signed in black ink.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least 1/2 inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the top
and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
Pages over the page limit stated within this priority area
announcement will be removed from the application

[[Page 35869]]

and will not be reviewed. All copies of an application must be
submitted in a single package, and a separate package must be submitted
for each priority area. The package must be clearly labeled for the
specific priority area it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps,
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the
Federal government for review. Each copy must be stapled securely in
the upper left corner.
Applicants have the option of omitting from application copies (not
originals) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified
in the application budget. The copies may include summary salary
information.
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.''
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
project summary/abstract and the full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
eastern standard time (e.s.t.) on August 24, 2004. Mailed or
handcarried 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 following address: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The
Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20002-2132.
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, or by
other representatives of the applicant 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., e.s.t., at ACYF
Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau,
118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, between Monday and Friday
(excluding Federal holidays). This address must appear on the envelope/
package containing the application with the note ``ATTN: Children's
Bureau.'' Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services
do not always deliver as agreed. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of
applications by fax.
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 service. Determinations
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants
Management Officer.

Required Forms

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SF424......................... Per required form... May be found at See application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

2. SF424A........................ Per required form... May be found at See application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

3.a. SF424B...................... Per requiredform.... May be found at See application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

3.b. Certification regarding Per required form... May be found at See application due date.
lobbying. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

3.c. Disclosure of Lobbying Per required form... May be found at See application due date.
Activities (SF-LLL). http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

4. Project Summary/Abstract...... Summary of See instructions in See application due date.
application request. this funding
announcement.
5. Project Description........... Responsiveness to See instructions in See application due date.
evaluation criteria. this funding
announcement.
6. Proof of non-profit status.... See above........... See above.......... See application due date.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement.. See above........... See above.......... See application due date.
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs... See above........... See above.......... See application due date.
9. Non-Federal share letter...... See above........... See above.......... See application due date.
Total application............ See above........... Application limit See application due date.
85 pages total
including all
forms and
attachments.
Submit one
original and two
copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Forms
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the additional survey located under ``Grant Related
Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant
Applicants.''

[[Page 35870]]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Per required form... May be found on By application due date.
Grant Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 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 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, 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: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
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 differentiate clearly 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., Washington, DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this
solicitation.
Federal funds received as a result of this announcement cannot be
paid as profit to grantees or sub-grantees, i.e., any amount in excess
of allowable direct and indirect costs of the recipient (45 CFR 74.81).

6. Other Submission Requirements

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the
address below by 4:30 p.m, eastern standard time on or before the
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations, The
Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC
20002-2132.
For Hand Delivery: Applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m. eastern standard time on or before the closing date. Applications
that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to:
ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. It is strongly recommended that
applicants obtain documentation that the application was hand delivered
on or before the closing date. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV.2. Content and Form of
Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting
applications electronically.
Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted:
http://www.Grants.gov.

Address Where Hard Copy Applications Will Be Accepted: Children's
Bureau Grant Receipt Point, ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132
ACYF will not acknowledge receipt of hard copy application
submissions.

V. Application Review Information

The following Paperwork Reduction Act information and General
Instruction for Preparing Full Project Description apply to all seven
Priority Areas under this funding announcement. The Specific Evaluation
Criteria in this section apply to this Priority Area only.

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information. The project description is
approved under OMB control number 0970-0139 which expires 4/30/2007. An
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently
valid OMB control number.
Instruction
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.

[[Page 35871]]

1. Criteria
General Instruction for Preparing Full Project Description
Objectives and Need for Assistance. Clearly identify the physical,
economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s)
requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and
the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly
stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and
testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be
included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be
included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate
demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In
developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be
requested to provide information on the total range of projects
currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of
which may be outside the scope of the program announcement.
Approach. Outline a plan of action 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 number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Organizational Profiles. Provide information on the applicant
organization(s) and cooperating partners such as organizational charts,
financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed
Public Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond
carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses
and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on
compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation
of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. 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 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.
Personnel. Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits. Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits
unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel. Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees
of the applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant
travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment. Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of
nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more
than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the
lesser of (a) the capitalization level established by the organization
for the financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition
cost means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment,
including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, or
auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for
which it is acquired. Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty,
protective in-transit insurance, freight, and installation shall be
included in or excluded from acquisition cost in accordance with the
organization's regular written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies. Description: Costs of all tangible personal property
other than that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Contractual. Description: Costs of all contracts for services and
goods except for those which belong under other categories such as
equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation
contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient
organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or
businesses to be financed by the applicant, should be included under
this category.
Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a
manner to provide, to the maximum

[[Page 35872]]

extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and sub-
recipients, other than States that are required to use Part 92
procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is
expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11). Recipients might be
required to make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement
documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids,
independent cost estimates, etc.

Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in
these instructions.

Other. Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where
applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to
insurance, food, medical and dental costs (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.
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.

Specific Evaluation Criteria

[[Page 35873]]

Services Review conference and the two meetings for the Children's
Bureau funded NRCs, the Children's Bureau and its Training and
Technical Assistance Coordination Committee. The extent to which the
plan includes collaboration with the Children's Bureau in setting
dates, agendas and specific presentations.
(10) The extent to which the Resource Center's services, program
activities, and materials will be developed and provided in a manner
that is racially and culturally sensitive to the population(s) being
served.
(11) The extent to which the applicant proposes a sound strategy
for evaluating the training and technical assistance provided by the
seven national resource centers in order to build knowledge and improve
services. The extent to which this plan includes sound methods and
criteria to evaluate the results and benefits of the technical
assistance provided.
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles (20 points)
In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors
will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the applicant organization and any
partnering organizations collectively have sufficient experience and
expertise (including experience on the national level) in: (1)
Identifying the training and technical assistance needs of an agency or
organization; (2) developing or participating in the development of a
plan to meet those needs; (3) designing, developing and delivering
training and technical assistance including recruiting, assigning, and
deploying staff with appropriate experience; (4) coordinating with
other National Resource Centers to identify services from those
resource centers to meet the requested technical assistance needs; (5)
developing evaluation strategies and providing technical assistance on
evaluation methodologies, (6) designing, developing, delivering and
evaluating training materials, (7) establishing effective working
partnerships with other agencies and organizations; (8) managing,
maintaining and updating functionality, as needed, of the web-based
tracking system for training and technical assistance requests; and (9)
the administration, development, implementation, management, and
evaluation of similar projects. The extent to which each participating
organization (including partners and/or subcontractors) possesses the
organizational capability to fulfill their assigned roles and functions
effectively (if the application involves partnering and/or
subcontracting with other agencies/organizations).
(2) The extent to which the applicant's project director and key
project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and
capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and
complexity effectively. The extent to which the role, responsibilities
and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including
consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and
appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
The extent to which the author of this proposal will be closely
involved throughout the implementation of the proposed project.
(3) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within
budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The
extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any
partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent
to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the
proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with
Federal assistance by the applicant.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification (10 points)
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following
factors will be considered: (10 points)
(1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are
reasonable, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected
results and benefits.
(2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this
program announcement.

2. Review and Selection Process

When the Operations Center receives your application it will be
screened to confirm that your application was received by the deadline.
Federal staff will verify that you are an eligible applicant and that
the application contains all the essential elements. Applications
received from ineligible organizations and applications received after
the deadline will be withdrawn from further consideration.
A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside
the Federal government) will use the evaluation criteria described in
this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will
determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide
comments about the strengths and weaknesses and give each application a
numerical score.
All applications will be reviewed and evaluated using four major
criteria: (1) Objectives and need for assistance, (2) approach, (3)
organizational profiles, and (4) budget and budget justification. Each
criterion has been assigned a point value. The point values (summing up
to 100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion may be
given in the review and evaluation process.
Reviewers also are evaluating the project products and materials
that you propose. Reviewers will be looking to see that the total
budget you propose and the way you have apportioned that budget are
appropriate and reasonable for the project you have described. Remember
that the reviewers only have the information that you give them--it
needs to be clear, complete, and concise.
The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in
making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts
administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results
of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to
the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF reserves the option of discussing
applications with other funding sources when this is in the best
interest of the Federal government. ACYF may also solicit and consider
comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions.
ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or
programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community
foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds
for the proposed project; or the potential for high benefit from low
Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants having
known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other problems
which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective
services or effectively complete the proposed activity.
With the results of the peer review and the information from
Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding
decisions.
Available Funds: Applicants should note that grants to be awarded
under this program announcement are subject to the availability of
funds. The size of

[[Page 35874]]

the actual awards will vary. In cases where more applications are
approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money available, the
Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of approval until
funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of carrying over the
approved applications up to a year for funding consideration in a later
competition of the same program. These applications need not be
reviewed and scored again if the program's evaluation criteria have not
changed. However, they must then be placed in rank order along with
other applications in later competitions.

Priority Area 2--National Child Welfare Resource Center for Child
Protective Services

Purpose: The purpose of the National Resource Center for Child
Protective Services (NRCCPS) is to build the capacity of State, local,
Tribal, and other publicly administered or publicly supported child
welfare agencies to achieve safety, permanency and well-being for
children and families; to provide effective child abuse and neglect
prevention, investigation, comprehensive assessment, intervention, and
treatment services to families using a family-centered approach; to
implement the requirements of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment
Act (CAPTA), as amended by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act
of 2003; and to achieve the goals of other related legislation
administered by the Children's Bureau including ASFA and ICWA.
The National Resource Center for Child Protective Services will
work with State, Tribal, and local agencies to integrate research and
policy into the development and implementation of programs that support
quality practice in preventing, reporting, assessing and treating child
abuse and neglect. The National Resource Center for Child Protective
Services will also engage in ancillary activities which support the
delivery of training and technical assistance congruent with Federal
priorities.
Training and technical assistance activities to be conducted by the
NRCCPS will include, but are not limited to:
(1) Conducting regular and ongoing interagency needs assessments of
State, Tribal, and local child protective services needs, incorporating
applicable findings from other statewide needs assessments processes
such as the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR);
(2) Assisting States in improving the delivery of prevention,
investigation, comprehensive assessment, intervention and treatment
services to at-risk, abused or neglected children and their families;
(3) Supporting States in their Program Improvement Plans regarding
child abuse and neglect related issues identified through the CFSR;
(4) Fostering an understanding, appreciation and knowledge of
family-centered practices including healthy marriage, community
collaboration strategies, individualized services and how substance
abuse and domestic violence impact on child maltreatment and on
intervention strategies;
(5) Providing technical assistance, training and consultation
directly on-site as well as through state-of-the-art communication and
technology-based methods to State, local, Tribal, and child welfare and
child protective services agencies;
(6) Identifying and disseminating promising and innovative
practices that address emerging child welfare issues related to child
abuse and neglect prevention, investigation, assessment, intervention,
and treatment using a family-centered approach;
(7) Building the capacity of child welfare agencies and courts by
developing and disseminating materials, including curricula, guidelines
and training materials;
(8) Coordinating with the Children's Bureau, ACF Regional Offices
and State and Tribal agencies in the development of the annual
technical assistance and training strategy;
(9) Processing all on-site T/TA requests through the single point
of entry established by the NCWRCOI, which will involve the Regional
Office staff, the appropriate NRCs or AdoptUSKids, and Children's
Bureau staff as needed, as well as any other critical stakeholder to
facilitate an assessment of T/TA needs and a coordinated and immediate
response that avoids delays or duplication of effort;
(10) Participating in twice-a-year team meetings of the Training
and Technical Assistance Network funded by the Children's Bureau, and
the Training and Technical Assistance Coordination Committee;
(11) Collaborating with other ACYF Resource Centers, other agencies
in the Department of Health and Human Services and other agents of the
Children's Bureau to strengthen TA efforts, avoid duplication and
manage resources effectively;
(12) Building the capacity of child welfare agencies and courts by
providing information and cooperation needed by the NCWRCOI as it
manages, maintains and updates to improve functionality, when needed,
the web-based tracking system for training and technical assistance
requests developed to track NRC's responses to T/TA requests from
State, local, Tribal and other publicly supported child welfare
agencies; and
(13) Providing data needed by the NCWRCOI to evaluate the results
and benefits of the technical assistance provided by the National
Resource Center.

II. Award Information

[[Page 35875]]

Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that one project
will be funded.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The grant amount will not
exceed $900,000 in the first budget period. An application received
that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range specified will be
considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without
further review.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $900,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: This grant will be awarded for a
project period of 60 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-
month budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-
month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds,
satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination
that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Additional Information on Eligibility: Collaborative efforts and
interdisciplinary approaches are acceptable. Applications from
collaborations must identify a primary applicant responsible for
administering the grants.
Non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community
organizations are elgible to apply. 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.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The grantee must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost is the sum of the Federal
share and the non-Federal share. Therefore, a project requesting
$900,000 per budget period must include a match of at least $100,000
per budget period. Applicants should provide a letter of commitment
verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs.
The following example shows how to calculate the required 10% match
amount for a $900,000 grant:

$900,000 (Federal share)
divided by .90 (100%-10%)
equals $1,000,000 (total project cost including match)
minus $900,000 (Federal share)
equals $100,000 (required 10% match)

3. Other (If Applicable)

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
online at http://www.dnb.com.

Applications that exceed the $900,000 per budget period ceiling
will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding
under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, (866) 796-1591.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

[[Page 35876]]

tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will
retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.Grants.gov.

In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS number in ``Organizational DUNS:'' box.

In Item 5 of Form 424, include name, phone number, and, if
available, e-mail and fax numbers of the contact person.

In Item 8 of Form 424, check `New.'

In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for
which funds are being requested as stated in the funding opportunity
announcement.
In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single priority area the
application addresses.

In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the specific geographic area to be
served.

In Item 14 of Form 424, identify Congressional districts of both
the applicant and project.
2. Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and
Budget Justification.
Follow the instructions provided. Note that Federal funds provided
to States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds
may not be used to match project grants.
3. Certifications/Assurances. Applicants requesting financial
assistance for nonconstruction projects must file the Standard Form
424B, `Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.' Applicants must sign and
return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must
provide a certification regarding lobbying when applying for an award
in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the
certification with their applications.
Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form
LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who
have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with
receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding
environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application,
the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the
certification with the application.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC
contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
Assurances: By signing the ``Signature of Authorized
Representative'' on the SF 424, the applicant is providing a
certification and need not mail assurances for completing the following
cooperative agreement requirements:
The applicant will have the project fully functioning
within 90 days of the notification of the award.
The applicant will participate in any evaluation or
technical assistance effort supported by ACYF.
The applicant will submit all required semi-annual and
final Financial Status Reports (SF269) and Program Performance Reports
in a timely manner, in hard-copy and electronic formats (preferably MS
WORD and PDF) as negotiated with the Federal Project Officer.
The Resource Center Project Director or one key staff
member will attend the following meetings in Washington, DC: A meeting
with the Federal Project Officer and other ACYF staff within 60 days of
receiving the award; two meetings annually, for one to two days each,
with Children's Bureau staff and other training and technical
assistance partners to plan a national training and technical
assistance strategy; one meeting annually to participate in a
Children's Bureau grantee meeting with the purpose of disseminating
knowledge gained from work with State agencies and courts around child
welfare issues.
In situations where the applicant's organizational
position on a particular policy and/or practice might differ from the
Federal position, the Federal position will be used to guide the
Resource Center activity and will be reflected in all public statements
and publications of the Resource Center.
The applicant will enter into a Cooperative Agreement with
the Children's Bureau.
The Resource Center will work in partnership with the
Children's Bureau and the ACF Regional Offices by providing technical
assistance to States that have needs identified through one of ACF's
review processes.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the
other six National Resource Centers and AdoptUSKids.
The Resource Center will work with the Training and
Technical Assistance Coordination Committee, which will be composed of
Federal staff from the Children's Bureau and Regional Offices and which
will provide direction to the strategic development of the training and
technical assistance network.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the CB
Clearinghouses and other members of the training and technical
assistance network funded by the Children's Bureau in providing
training and technical assistance.
The Resource Center will work directly with the National
Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement (NCWRCOI),
which will serve as a single point of entry for States and Tribes to
request onsite training and technical assistance to ensure a
coordinated and immediate response.
The Resource Center will provide evaluation data to the
NCWRCOI that addresses both process and outcomes to evaluate the
results and benefits of the technical assistance provided.
The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services provides Web site information and policy
guidance on the Federal regulations pertaining to protection of human
subjects (45 CFR part 46), informed consent, informed consent
checklists, confidentiality of personal identification information,
data collection procedures, and internal review boards: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/polasur.htm
.

[[Page 35877]]

project, the approach to be used and the results or benefits expected.
5. Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize
their project description according to the Evaluation Criteria
described in this priority area announcement providing information that
addresses all the components.
6. Proof of non-profit status (if applicable). Any non-profit
organization submitting an application must submit proof of its non-
profit status in its application at the time of submission. Any of the
following constitutes acceptable proof of such status:
a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Services' (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
c. A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
e. Any of the items immediately above for a State or national
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs,
provide documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost
rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
8. Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If
applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of
Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their
role, detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing
commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded.
9. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of
the non-Federal share of project costs.
10. The application limit is 75 pages total including all forms and
attachments. Submit one original and two copies.
To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted
with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this
announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following
the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual
authorized to act for the applicant organization and to assume
responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions
of the grant award.
To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the application, including all
forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in
the section titled Deadline. The original copy of the application must
have original signatures, signed in black ink.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least 1/2 inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the top
and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
Pages over the page limit stated within this priority area
announcement will be removed from the application and will not be
reviewed. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single
package, and a separate package must be submitted for each priority
area. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific priority
area it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps,
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the
Federal government for review. Each copy must be stapled securely in
the upper left corner.
Applicants have the option of omitting from application copies (not
originals) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified
in the application budget. The copies may include summary salary
information.
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.''
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
project summary/abstract and the full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

[[Page 35878]]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SF424.......................... Per required form.... May be found at http:// See application due

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ date.

forms.htm.
2. SF424A......................... Per required form.... May be found at http:// See application due

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ date.

forms.htm.
3.a. SF424B....................... Per required form.... May be found at http:// See application due

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ date.

forms.htm.
3.b. Certification regarding Per required form.... May be found at http:// See application due

lobbying. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ date.

forms.htm.
3.c. Disclosure of Lobbying Per required form.... May be found at http:// See application due

Activities (SF-LLL). http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ date.

forms.htm.
4. Project Summary/Abstract....... Summary of See instructions in this See application due
application request. funding announcement. date.
5. Project Description............ Responsiveness to See instructions in this See application due
evaluation criteria. funding announcement. date.
6. Proof of non-profit status..... See above............ See above...................... See application due
date.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement... See above............ See above...................... See application due
date.
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs.... See above............ See above...................... See application due
date.
9. Non-Federal share letter....... See above............ See above...................... See application due
date.
Total application............. See above............ Application limit 75 pages See application due
total including all forms and date.
attachments. Submit one
original and two copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Per required form.... May be found on http://www. By application due

Grant Applicants. acf. hhs. gov/ programs/ ofs/ date.
forms. htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 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 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, 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: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
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 differentiate clearly 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., Washington, DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

[[Page 35879]]

any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs of the
recipient (45 CFR 74.81).

6. Other Submission Requirements

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the
address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern standard time on or before the
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations, The
Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC
20002-2132.
For Hand Delivery: Applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
PM Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing date. Applications
that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to:
ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q Street,
NE, Washington, DC 20002-2132. It is strongly recommended that
applicants obtain documentation that the application was hand delivered
on or before the closing date. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV. 2. Content and Form
of Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when
submitting applications electronically.
Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted:
http://www.Grants.gov.

Address Where Hard Copy Applications Will Be Accepted: Children's
Bureau Grant Receipt Point, ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132 ACYF will not
acknowledge receipt of hard copy application submissions.

V. Application Review Information

Refer to Priority Area 1, Section V. Application Review
Information, for information on The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(Pub. L. 104-13) and General Instruction for Preparing Full Project
Description.

Specific Evaluation Criteria

[[Page 35880]]

Officers, under the direction of the Children's Bureau.
10. The extent to which the applicant will provide appropriate
process and outcome evaluation data to the NCWRCOI, so it can evaluate
the results and benefits of the technical assistance provided.
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles
In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors
will be considered: (20 points)
1. The extent to which the applicant organization and any
partnering organizations collectively have sufficient experience and
expertise (including experience on the national level) in: (1)
Identifying the training and technical assistance needs of an agency or
organization; (2) developing or participating in the development of a
plan to meet those needs; (3) designing, developing and delivering
training and technical assistance including recruiting, assigning, and
deploying staff with appropriate experience; (4) developing evaluation
strategies and providing technical assistance on evaluation
methodologies, (5) designing, developing, delivering and evaluating
training materials, (6) establishing effective working partnerships
with other agencies and organizations; and (7) administering,
developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating similar projects.
The extent to which each participating organization (including partners
and/or subcontractors) possesses the organizational capability to
fulfill their assigned roles and functions effectively (if the
application involves partnering and/or subcontracting with other
agencies/organizations).
2. The extent to which the applicant's project director and key
project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and
capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and
complexity effectively. The extent to which the role, responsibilities
and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including
consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and
appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
The extent to which the author of this proposal will be closely
involved throughout the implementation of the proposed project.
3. The extent to which there is a sound management plan for
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within
budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The
extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any
partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent
to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the
proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with
Federal assistance by the applicant.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following
factors will be considered: (10 points)
1. The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are
reasonable, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected
results and benefits.
2. The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this
program announcement.

2. Review and Selection Process

When the Operations Center receives your application it will be
screened to confirm that your application was received by the deadline.
Federal staff will verify that you are an eligible applicant and that
the application contains all the essential elements. Applications
received from ineligible organizations and applications received after
the deadline will be withdrawn from further consideration.
A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside
the Federal government) will use the evaluation criteria described in
this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will
determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide
comments about the strengths and weaknesses and give each application a
numerical score.
All applications will be reviewed and evaluated using four major
criteria: (1) Objectives and need for assistance, (2) approach, (3)
organizational profiles, and (4) budget and budget justification. Each
criterion has been assigned a point value. The point values (summing up
to 100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion may be
given in the review and evaluation process.
Reviewers also are evaluating the project products and materials
that you propose. Reviewers will be looking to see that the total
budget you propose and the way you have apportioned that budget are
appropriate and reasonable for the project you have described. Remember
that the reviewers only have the information that you give them `` it
needs to be clear, complete, and concise.
The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in
making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts
administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results
of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to
the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF reserves the option of discussing
applications with other funding sources when this is in the best
interest of the Federal government. ACYF may also solicit and consider
comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions.
ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or
programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community
foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds
for the proposed project; or the potential for high benefit from low
Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants having
known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other problems
which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective
services or effectively complete the proposed activity.
With the results of the peer review and the information from
Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding
decisions.
Available Funds: Applicants should note that grants to be awarded
under this program announcement are subject to the availability of
funds. The size of the actual awards will vary. In cases where more
applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money
available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of
approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of
carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding
consideration in a later competition of the same program. These
applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's
evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed
in rank order along with other applications in later competitions.

Priority Area 3--National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice
and Permanency Planning

Purpose: The purpose of establishing the National Resource Center
for Family Centered Practice and Permanency Planning is to build the
capacity of State, local, Tribal, and other publicly administered or
publicly supported child welfare agencies to institutionalize

[[Page 35881]]

a safety-focused, family-centered, and community-based approach to meet
the multiple and complex needs of children and families; to develop,
support and maintain a range of services to maintain children safely in
the home when appropriate; to provide quality care for children in the
care and custody of the State; to plan effectively for and move
children from foster care to safe, permanent home placements; to assess
the child and family's strengths and needs; to remediate family needs
and build on strengths; to provide supports to prevent recidivism; to
engage all family members, including fathers; to implement the Federal
legislation administered by the Children's Bureau; and to achieve the
goals of ASFA, MEPA and ICWA. Technical assistance activities to be
conducted by the National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice
and Permanency Planning will include, but are not limited to:
(1) Fostering an understanding, appreciation, and knowledge of
effective permanency planning, including concurrent planning, resulting
in improved outcomes for the children, youth and families in the Child
Welfare System;
(2) Facilitating and assisting State, local, tribal, public and
private agencies in the coordinated planning and development of a range
of services and supports to safely maintain children in the home when
appropriate, provide quality care for children in the care and custody
of the State and achieve permanency plans for children and youth;
(3) Conducting regular and ongoing needs assessments that will be
used to identify unmet needs and which also incorporate findings from
other statewide needs assessment processes such as the Child and Family
Services Review; and developing a national technical assistance
strategy to improve family-centered practice and permanency planning.
(4) Providing on-site technical assistance, training and
consultation to State and Tribal child welfare agencies;
(5) Identifying and disseminating promising and innovative
practices that address emerging child welfare issues related to safety-
focused, family-centered practices and effective community
collaboration strategies and foster care and permanency planning;
(6) Demonstrating a commitment to meaningful stakeholder
involvement, especially youth in foster care and those members of other
underrepresented or underserved groups;
(7) Supporting States in their Program Improvement Plans resulting
from Child and Family Service Reviews;
(8) Building the capacity of child welfare agencies and courts by
developing and disseminating materials, including curricula, guidelines
and training materials;
(9) Providing financial support and effective coordination for the
National Association of State Foster Care Managers (NASFCM). The
purpose of this Association is to develop a collegial group of State
foster care managers to keep each other informed on the latest program,
policy and practice developments, laws, and strategies to maintain an
efficient, state-of-the- art foster care and permanency planning
program to improve the outcomes of safety, permanency and well-being
for children in foster care. It is anticipated that NASFCM will meet
once a year to discuss relevant issues and will include relevant
Children's Bureau staff in the meeting;
(10) Coordinating with the Children's Bureau, ACF Regional Offices
and State and Tribal agencies in the development of the annual
technical assistance and training strategy;
(11) Processing all on-site T/TA requests through the single point
of entry established by the NCWRCOI, which will involve the Regional
Office staff, the appropriate NRCs or AdoptUSKids, and Children's
Bureau staff as needed, as well as any other critical stakeholder to
facilitate an assessment of T/TA needs and a coordinated and immediate
response that avoids delays or duplication of effort;
(12) Participating in twice-a-year team meetings of the Training
and Technical Assistance Network funded by the Children's Bureau, and
the Training and Technical Assistance Coordination Committee;
(13) Collaborating with other ACYF Resource Centers, other agencies
in the Department of Health and Human Services and other agents of the
Children's Bureau to strengthen TA efforts, avoid duplication and
manage resources effectively;
(14) Providing information and cooperation needed by the NCWRCOI as
it manages, maintains and updates to improve functionality, when
needed, the web-based tracking system for training and technical
assistance requests developed for the Children's Bureau to track NRC's
responses to T/TA requests from State, local, Tribal and other publicly
supported child welfare agencies; and
(15) Providing data needed by the NCWRCOI to evaluate the results
and benefits of the technical assistance provided by the National
Resource Center.
Expected outcomes include the enhanced capacity of each State
agency to:
(1) Develop, support, and maintain a range of services and
supports, including effective safety-focused, family-centered practices
and effective community collaboration strategies; prevention and
support services for children and families to safely maintain children
in the home when appropriate; supports to prevent recidivism after
reunification; comprehensive family assessments; engagement of all
members of the family, including fathers; integration of substance
abuse and domestic violence services; and permanency planning services
to assist children and their families in achieving positive outcomes in
permanency, safety and well-being;
(2) Conduct interagency needs assessments of required services;
(3) Facilitate concurrent planning, dual licensure of foster homes
and other effective permanency program and policy development; and to
facilitate safety-focused, family-centered services, family assessment,
encouraging healthy marriages, engagement of all family members,
including fathers; collaborative community-based services; and
substance abuse and domestic violence program and policy development;
(4) Coordinate the delivery of foster care and permanency planning
services; and
(5) Promote the meaningful participation of stakeholders in the
design and implementation of services.
The goal of the National Resource Center for Family-Centered
Practice and Permanency Planning is to help strengthen the capacity of
agencies to integrate policy and practice; to institutionalize a
safety-focused, family-centered, and community-based approach to meet
the multiple and complex needs of children and families; to develop,
support and maintain a range of services to maintain children safely in
the home when appropriate; to provide quality care for children in the
care and custody of the State; to plan for and move children from
foster care to safe, permanent home placements effectively; to assess
the child and family's strengths and needs; to remediate family needs
and build on strengths; to provide supports to prevent recidivism; to
engage all family members, including fathers; and to implement the
Federal legislation administered by the Children's Bureau. The Resource
Center will also be

[[Page 35882]]

expected to build the capacity of child welfare agencies and courts by
developing and distributing brochures, technical assistance
announcements, articles, and other materials. The Resource Center will
be expected to be creative and innovative in responding to questions
and requests from the State agencies as well as developing new
materials on cutting edge issues as they emerge from Federal and State
legislation, new regulations and other developments in the child
welfare field. Technical assistance outcomes should be achieved through
a combination of strategies, including on-site training, on and off-
site technical assistance, and consultation with all appropriate
stakeholder groups. The Resource Center will be expected to forge
strong links with the full range of Children's Bureau resource centers
and support contractors, including joint training and technical
assistance presentations and resources development.

II.Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.
Description of Federal Substantial Involvement With Cooperative
Agreement: Each National Child Welfare Resource Center will operate
under a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is a specific
method of awarding Federal assistance in which substantial Federal
involvement is anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the
respective responsibilities of the Children's Bureau and the grantee
prior to the award. The Children's Bureau anticipates that agency
involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient
otherwise unavailable to them for carrying out the project. The
involvement and collaboration includes Children's Bureau review and
approval of planning stages of the activities before implementation
phases may begin; Children's Bureau involvement in the establishment of
policies and procedures that maximize open competition, and rigorous
and impartial development, review and funding of sub-grant or sub-grant
activities, if applicable; and Children's Bureau and recipient joint
collaboration in the performance of key programmatic activities (i.e.,
strategic planning, implementation, information technology
enhancements, training and technical assistance, publications or
products, and evaluation). Close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of
the requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational
structure and management processes, coupled with close Children's
Bureau monitoring during performance may, in order to ensure compliance
with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal stewardship
responsibilities customary for grant activities.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total for the
award under this priority area in FY2004 is $1,200,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that one project
will be funded.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The award amount will not
exceed $1,200,000 in the first budget period. An application received
that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range specified will be
considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without
further review.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $1,200,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: This grant will be awarded for a
project period of 60 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-
month budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-
month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds,
satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination
that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Additional Information on Eligibility: Collaborative efforts and
interdisciplinary approaches are acceptable. Applications from
collaborations must identify a primary applicant responsible for
administering the grants.
Non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community
organizations are eligible to apply. 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.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The grantee must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost is the sum of the Federal
share and the non-Federal share. Therefore, a project requesting
$1,200,000 per budget period must include a match of at least $133,333
per budget period. Applicants should provide a letter of commitment
verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs.
The following example shows how to calculate the required 10% match
amount for a $1,200,000 grant:

$1,200,000 (Federal share)
divided by .90 (100%-10%)
equals $1,333,333 (total project cost including match)
minus $1,200,000 (Federal share)
equals $133,333 (required 10% match)

3. Other (If Applicable)

[[Page 35883]]

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
online at http://www.dnb.com.

Applications that exceed the $1,200,000 ceiling will be considered
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, (866) 796-1591.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
Each application must contain the following items in the order
listed:
1. Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424). Follow
the instructions below and those that accompany the form.
In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS number in ``Organizational DUNS:''
box.
In Item 5 of Form 424, include name, phone number, and, if
available, e-mail and fax numbers of the contact person.
In Item 8 of Form 424, check ``New.''
In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for
which funds are being requested as stated in the funding opportunity
announcement.
In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single priority area the
application addresses.
In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the specific geographic area to be
served.
In Item 14 of Form 424, identify Congressional districts of both
the applicant and project.
2. Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and
Budget Justification.
Follow the instructions provided. Note that Federal funds provided
to States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds
may not be used to match project grants.
3. Certifications/Assurances. Applicants requesting financial
assistance for nonconstruction projects must file the Standard Form
424B, ``Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign
and return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants
must provide a certification regarding lobbying when applying for an
award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the
certification with their applications.
Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form
LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who
have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with
receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding
environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application,
the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the
certification with the application.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC
contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
Assurances: By signing the ``Signature of Authorized
Representative'' on the SF 424, the applicant is providing a
certification and need not mail assurances for completing the following
cooperative agreement requirements:
The applicant will have the project fully functioning
within 90 days of the notification of the award.
The applicant will participate in any evaluation or
technical assistance effort supported by ACYF.
The applicant will submit all required semi-annual and
final Financial Status Reports (SF269) and Program Performance Reports
in a timely manner, in hard-copy and electronic formats (preferably MS
WORD and PDF) as negotiated with the Federal Project Officer.
The Resource Center Project Director or one key staff
member will attend the following meetings in Washington, DC: A meeting
with the Federal Project Officer and other ACYF staff within 60 days of
receiving the award; two meetings annually, for one to two days each,
with Children's Bureau staff and other training and technical
assistance partners to plan a national training and technical
assistance strategy; one meeting annually to participate in a
Children's Bureau grantee meeting with the purpose of disseminating
knowledge gained from work with State agencies and courts around child
welfare issues.
In situations where the applicant's organizational
position on a particular policy and/or practice might differ from the
Federal position, the Federal position will be used to guide the
Resource Center activity and will be reflected in all public statements
and publications of the Resource Center.
The applicant will enter into a Cooperative Agreement with
the Children's Bureau.

[[Page 35884]]

The Resource Center will work in partnership with the
Children's Bureau and the ACF Regional Offices by providing technical
assistance to States that have needs identified through one of ACF's
review processes.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the
other six National Resource Centers and AdoptUSKids.
The Resource Center will work with the Training and
Technical Assistance Coordination Committee, which will be composed of
Federal staff from the Children's Bureau and Regional Offices and which
will provide direction to the strategic development of the training and
technical assistance network.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the CB
Clearinghouses and other members of the training and technical
assistance network funded by the Children's Bureau in providing
training and technical assistance.
The Resource Center will work directly with the National
Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement (NCWRCOI),
which will serve as a single point of entry for States and Tribes to
request onsite training and technical assistance to ensure a
coordinated and immediate response.
The Resource Center will provide evaluation data to the
NCWRCOI that addresses both process and outcomes to evaluate the
results and benefits of the technical assistance provided.
The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services provides Web site information and policy
guidance on the Federal regulations pertaining to protection of human
subjects (45 CFR part 46), informed consent, informed consent
checklists, confidentiality of personal identification information,
data collection procedures, and internal review boards: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/polasur.htm
.

If applicable, applicants must include a completed Form 310,
Protection of Human Subjects.
In implementing their projects, grantees are expected to comply
with all applicable administrative regulations regarding extent or
types of costs. Applicable HHS regulations can be found in 45 CFR part
74 or 92.
4. Project Abstract/Summary (one page maximum). Clearly mark this
page with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the Form 424,
identify the competitive grant priority area and the title of the
proposed project as shown in item 11 and the service area as shown in
item 12 of the Form 424. The summary description should not exceed 300
words.
Care should be taken to produce an abstract/summary that accurately
and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the
objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the results or
benefits expected.
5. Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize
their project description according to the Evaluation Criteria
described in this priority area announcement providing information that
addresses all the components.
6. Proof of non-profit status (if applicable). Any non-profit
organization submitting an application must submit proof of its non-
profit status in its application at the time of submission. Any of the
following constitutes acceptable proof of such status:
a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Services' (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
c. A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
e. Any of the items immediately above for a State or national
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs,
provide documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost
rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
8. Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If
applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of
Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their
role, detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing
commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded.
9. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of
the non-Federal share of project costs.
10. The application limit is 75 pages total including all forms and
attachments. Submit one original and two copies.
To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted
with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this
announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following
the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual
authorized to act for the applicant organization and to assume
responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions
of the grant award.
To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the application, including all
forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in
the section titled Deadline. The original copy of the application must
have original signatures, signed in black ink.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least 1/2 inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the top
and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
Pages over the page limit stated within this priority area
announcement will be removed from the application and will not be
reviewed. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single
package, and a separate package must be submitted for each priority
area. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific priority
area it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps,
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the
Federal government for review. Each copy must be stapled securely in
the upper left corner.
Applicants have the option of omitting from application copies (not
originals) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified
in the application budget. The copies may include summary salary
information.
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.''
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
project summary/abstract and the full project description.

[[Page 35885]]

3. Submission Dates and Times

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SF424........................ Per required form.. May be found at See application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

2. SF424A....................... Per required form.. May be found at See application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

3.a. SF424B..................... Per required form.. May be found at See application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

3.b. Certification regarding Per required form.. May be found at See application due date.
lobbying. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

3.c. Disclosure of Lobbying Per required form.. May be found at See application due date.
Activities (SF-LLL). http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

4. Project Summary/Abstract..... Summary of See instructions in See application due date.
application this funding
request. announcement.
5. Project Description.......... Responsiveness to See instructions in See application due date.
evaluation this funding
criteria. announcement.
6. Proof of non-profit status... See above.......... See above.......... See application due date.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement. See above.......... See above.......... See application due date.
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs.. See above.......... See above.......... See application due date.
9. Non-Federal share letter..... See above.......... See above.......... See application due date.
----------------------
Total application........... See above.......... Application limit See application due date.
75 pages total
including all
forms and
attachments.
Submit one
original and two
copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Per required form.... May be found on http:// By application due

Grant Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ date.

forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

[[Page 35886]]

Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York,
Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee,
Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
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 differentiate clearly 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., Washington, DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

6. Other Submission Requirements

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the
address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern standard time on or before the
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations, The
Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC
20002-2132.
For Hand Delivery: Applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m. eastern standard time on or before the closing date. Applications
that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to:
ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. It is strongly recommended that
applicants obtain documentation that the application was hand delivered
on or before the closing date. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV. 2. Content and Form
of Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when
submitting applications electronically.
Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted:
http://www.Grants.gov.

V. Application Review Information

Specific Evaluation Criteria

Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance

In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, the following
factors will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a clear and
thorough understanding of the need for providing coordinated training
and technical assistance about foster care and permanency planning and
family-centered practice to public and private child welfare agencies
responsible for serving the target population(s), and the goals of the
applicable legislative mandates.
(2) The extent to which the training and technical assistance
objectives of the project will build the capacity of State, and local
public and private agencies to support effective efforts to develop,
operate, expand, and enhance initiatives improving outcomes for
children, youth and families served by these agencies.
(3) The extent to which the proposed project will produce
significant results and benefits, and a high level of customer
satisfaction on the part of agencies served and their State and local
constituents.

Criterion 2. Approach

In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be
considered: (50 points)
(1) The extent to which there is a reasonable timeline for
implementing the proposed project, including the activities to be
conducted in chronological order, showing a reasonable schedule of
accomplishments and target dates and the factors that may accelerate or
decelerate the work. The extent to which the applicant proposes
appropriate outreach and engagement activities for States, Tribes and
local agencies. The extent to which a reasonable number of States and
Tribes will be targeted to receive T/TA from the NRC.
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides a workable plan of
action. The extent to which this plan relates to the stated objectives
and scope of the project and reflects the intent of the legislative
mandates.
(3) The extent to which the applicant describes sound strategies
for providing technical assistance and effectively building the
capacity of State, and local public and private agencies in the
following areas: Effective family-centered practice; safely maintaining

[[Page 35887]]

children in the home when appropriate and providing supports to prevent
recidivism after reunification; collaborative, community-based
services; integrated substance abuse and domestic violence services;
conducting comprehensive family assessments; encouraging healthy
marriages, engaging all family members, including fathers; and
permanency planning to achieve permanency, safety and well-being for
children and youth served by the child welfare system.
(4) The extent to which the applicant describes strategies which
will be employed to help child welfare agencies deliver family-centered
practices; and innovative and exemplary foster care and permanency
planning programs. Include planning, collaboration, and implementation
methods; service development strategies; practice techniques; resources
such as training curricula and educational materials.
(5) The extent to which the applicant will help States improve
services to underrepresented and over-represented populations,
particularly minority families and children in care. The extent to
which the Resource Center will effectively assess factors which impede
the delivery of culturally appropriate services and assist agencies in
reducing these factors. The extent to which the Resource Center's
services, program activities, and materials will be developed and
provided in a manner that is racially and culturally sensitive to the
population(s) being served while being inclusive of a range of adoption
resources.
(6) The extent to which the applicant provides a sound plan for
assisting agencies in developing effective practices which are
consistent with the anti-discriminatory placement and recruitment
provisions of the Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA), the Inter-Ethnic
Adoption Provisions (IEP), and the interjurisdictional provisions of
ASFA.
(7) The extent to which the applicant will collaborate effectively
with the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational
Improvement in assessing training and technical assistance needs and
developing and implementing a T/TA work plan in response to requests
from States and Tribes for on-site training and technical assistance.
(8) The extent to which the applicant will provide appropriate
process and outcome evaluation data to the NCWRCOI, so it can evaluate
the results and benefits of the technical assistance provided.
(9) The extent to which the applicant will effectively coordinate
its activities with other National Resource Centers, AdoptUSKids,
Clearinghouses, other members of the training and technical assistance
network funded by the Children's Bureau, and the Training and Technical
Assistance Coordination Committee made up of Federal staff from the
Children's Bureau and Regional Offices.
(10) The extent to which the applicant describes a sound plan for
conducting or providing partial financial support for a two to three
day national conference for State foster care managers that also
includes adoption specialists and state staff involved in child welfare
programs.
(11) The extent to which the applicant will provide financial
support and effective coordination for the National Association of
State Foster Care Managers (NASFCM) as described in the beginning of
this funding announcement.

Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles

In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors
will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the applicant organization and any
partnering organizations collectively have sufficient experience and
expertise (including experience on the national level) in: (1)
Identifying the training and technical assistance needs of an agency or
organization; (2) developing or participating in the development of a
plan to meet those needs; (3) designing, developing and delivering
training and technical assistance including recruiting, assigning, and
deploying staff with appropriate experience; (4) developing evaluation
strategies and providing technical assistance on evaluation
methodologies, (5) designing, developing, delivering and evaluating
training materials, (6) establishing effective working partnerships
with other agencies and organizations; and (7) administering,
developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating similar projects.
The extent to which each participating organization (including partners
and/or subcontractors) possesses the organizational capability to
fulfill their assigned roles and functions effectively (if the
application involves partnering and/or subcontracting with other
agencies/organizations).
(2) The extent to which the applicant's project director and key
project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and
capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and
complexity effectively. The extent to which the role, responsibilities
and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including
consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and
appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
The extent to which the author of this proposal will be closely
involved throughout the implementation of the proposed project.
(3) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within
budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The
extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any
partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent
to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the
proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with
Federal assistance by the applicant.

Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification

In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following
factors will be considered: (10 points)
(1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are
reasonable, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected
results and benefits.
(2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this
program announcement.

2. Review and Selection Process

[[Page 35888]]

All applications will be reviewed and evaluated using four major
criteria: (1) Objectives and need for assistance, (2) approach, (3)
organizational profiles, and (4) budget and budget justification. Each
criterion has been assigned a point value. The point values (summing up
to 100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion may be
given in the review and evaluation process.
Reviewers also are evaluating the project products and materials
that you propose. Reviewers will be looking to see that the total
budget you propose and the way you have apportioned that budget are
appropriate and reasonable for the project you have described. Remember
that the reviewers only have the information that you give them--it
needs to be clear, complete, and concise.
The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in
making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts
administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results
of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to
the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF reserves the option of discussing
applications with other funding sources when this is in the best
interest of the Federal government. ACYF may also solicit and consider
comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions.
ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or
programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community
foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds
for the proposed project; or the potential for high benefit from low
Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants having
known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other problems
which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective
services or effectively complete the proposed activity.
With the results of the peer review and the information from
Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding
decisions.
Available Funds: Applicants should note that grants to be awarded
under this program announcement are subject to the availability of
funds. The size of the actual awards will vary. In cases where more
applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money
available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of
approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of
carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding
consideration in a later competition of the same program. These
applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's
evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed
in rank order along with other applications in later competitions.

Priority Area 4--National Resource Center for Child Welfare Data and
Technology

Purpose: The purpose of this Cooperative Agreement is to assist
States to develop, implement and/or improve effective case management
and data collection information systems and to use data to enable State
child welfare agencies to manage child welfare programs in order to
improve outcomes for children and families. This Resource Center will
provide training and technical assistance to enhance State child
welfare program managers' and caseworkers' ability to analyze data for
purposes of program evaluation. This effort will also support the
coordination of the information systems operated by child welfare
agencies and family and juvenile courts that are used to manage child
welfare cases. This Resource Center will provide support to States and
ACF to increase the quality and utilization of Federal data collection
and reporting efforts, such as, AFCARS, NCANDS, and Chafee.
Activities to be conducted during the five-year period covered by
this cooperative agreement with the Resource Center for Child Welfare
Data and Technology will include, but are not limited to:
(1) Coordinating with the Children's Bureau, ACF Regional Offices
and State agencies in the development of a national training and
technical assistance strategy to promote the effective analysis and use
of data as well as improvements to State information systems;
(2) Providing on-site technical assistance, training and
consultation to State and Tribal child welfare agencies to improve the
collection, reporting, use, and analysis of Federal child welfare data,
improve inter- and intra-departmental collaborations to improve
outcomes for children and families, and enhance collaboration among
child welfare practitioners, policy and information technology staffs;
(3) Enhancing the capacity of State personnel to recognize the
relationship between the use of effective automation and obtaining
reliable data to measure movement toward achieving established outcomes
and program goals;
(4) Sharing information on the effective use of child welfare
information systems, the collection and utilization of data, or the use
of data in self-assessment activities, specifically between State child
welfare agency and family and juvenile court staff as they develop
information systems and use data generated by those systems to support
the management of child welfare cases under their purview;
(5) Building the capacity of State and Tribal agency managers and
administrators, workers and court personnel to use child welfare data
in making policy, practice, and management decisions;
(6) Identifying and developing training curriculum to enhance
cooperation between State program and State information system staff to
work together to meet the challenge of data collection and use;
(7) Identifying and disseminating materials on exemplary and
innovative child welfare information systems and technologies that are
used to support practice and improve outcomes for children effectively;
(8) Identifying and disseminating materials on effective quality
assurance strategies; worker training on data and information systems;
agency and court information system collaboration, and data and
technology practices;
(9) Coordinating with the Children's Bureau, State agencies and ACF
Regional Offices in the development of annual data utilization and
information systems conferences, including Regional meetings with
States and Federal staff;
(10) Providing support to the National State peer-to-peer network,
which supports and enhances networking among State child welfare staff,
administrators, supervisors, and program managers, both technical and
program personnel to design, develop and implement effective automation
capable of supporting case practice;
(11) Supporting States and localities in their Program Improvement
Plans resulting from Child and Family Service Reviews;
(12) Supporting States in their action plans resulting from AFCARS
and SACWIS reviews;
(13) Supporting States in completing the development of their
SACWIS systems;
(14) Coordinating with the Children's Bureau, ACF Regional Offices
and State and Tribal agencies in the development of the annual
technical assistance and training strategy;
(15) Processing all on-site T/TA requests through the single point
of entry established by the NCWRCOI, which will involve the Regional
Office staff, the appropriate NRCs or AdoptUSKids, and Children's
Bureau staff as needed, as well as any other critical stakeholder to
facilitate an

[[Page 35889]]

assessment of T/TA needs and a coordinated and immediate response that
avoids delays or duplication of effort;
(16) Participating in twice-a-year team meetings of the Training
and Technical Assistance Network funded by the Children's Bureau, and
the Training and Technical Assistance Coordination Committee;
(17) Collaborating with other ACYF Resource Centers, other agencies
in the Department of Health and Human Services and other agents of the
Children's Bureau to strengthen TA efforts, avoid duplication and
manage resources effectively;
(18) Providing information and cooperation needed by the NCWRCOI as
it manages, maintains and updates to improve functionality, when
needed, the web-based tracking system for training and technical
assistance requests developed for the Children's Bureau to track NRCs
responses to T/TA requests from State, local, Tribal and other publicly
supported child welfare agencies; and
(19) Providing data needed by the NCWRCOI to evaluate the results
and benefits of the technical assistance provided by the National
Resource Center.
Expected outcomes include the enhanced capacity of each State
agency to:
(1) Develop and maintain a range of services and supports to assist
public agencies in developing and maintaining effective case management
information systems;
(2) Conduct interagency needs assessments of required services;
(3) Facilitate the development and completion of the States'
SACWIS;
(4) Conduct program evaluations that include a peer review
component and other evaluation methodologies.
(5) Assist front-line workers, supervisors and administrators, as
well as judges and court administrative personnel, in using technology
and information to improve policy and practice in child welfare; and
(6) Evaluate how to verify that an agency's information system is
equipped to meet the reporting requirements of AFCARS, NCANDS, and
other future Federal data collection requirements.
This Resource Center is expected to train and assist State agencies
to examine and analyze the effective use of automation in meeting
program requirements, goals, objectives and data reporting
requirements.
Training and technical assistance needs will be identified by NRC
staff in collaboration with States, the CB T/TA Coordinating Committee,
and coordinated with other ongoing national training and technical
assistance efforts. The Resource Center will also be actively involved
with identifying other training and technical assistance needs based on
their work with the other NRCs and national organizations. Training
outcomes should be achieved through a combination of strategies,
including on-site training, on and off-site technical assistance, and
consultation with all appropriate stakeholder groups.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.
Description of Federal Substantial Involvement With Cooperative
Agreement: Each National Child Welfare Resource Center will operate
under a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is a specific
method of awarding Federal assistance in which substantial Federal
involvement is anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the
respective responsibilities of the Children's Bureau and the grantee
prior to the award. The Children's Bureau anticipates that agency
involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient
otherwise unavailable to them for carrying out the project. The
involvement and collaboration includes Children's Bureau review and
approval of planning stages of the activities before implementation
phases may begin; Children's Bureau involvement in the establishment of
policies and procedures that maximize open competition, and rigorous
and impartial development, review and funding of sub-grant or sub-grant
activities, if applicable; and Children's Bureau and recipient joint
collaboration in the performance of key programmatic activities (i.e.,
strategic planning, implementation, information technology
enhancements, training and technical assistance, publications or
products, and evaluation). Close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of
the requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational
structure and management processes, coupled with close Children's
Bureau monitoring during performance may, in order to ensure compliance
with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal stewardship
responsibilities customary for grant activities.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total for the
award under this priority area in FY2004 is $800,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that one project
will be funded.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The award amount will not
exceed $800,000 in the first budget period. An application received
that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range specified will be
considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without
further review.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $800,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: This grant will be awarded for a
project period of 60 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-
month budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-
month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds,
satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination
that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

[[Page 35890]]

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.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The grantee must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost is the sum of the Federal
share and the non-Federal share. Therefore, a project requesting
$800,000 per budget period must include a match of at least $88,889 per
budget period. Applicants should provide a letter of commitment
verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs.
The following example shows how to calculate the required 10% match
amount for an $800,000 grant:

$800,000 (Federal share)
divided by .90 (100%-10%)
equals $888,889 (total project cost including match)
minus $800,000 (Federal share)
equals $88,889 (required 10% match)

3. Other (If Applicable)

Applications that exceed the $800,000 per budget period ceiling
will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding
under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, (866) 796-1591.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

[[Page 35891]]

Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding
environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application,
the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the
certification with the application.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC
contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
Assurances: By signing the ``Signature of Authorized
Representative'' on the SF 424, the applicant is providing a
certification and need not mail assurances for completing the following
cooperative agreement requirements:
The applicant will have the project fully functioning
within 90 days of the notification of the award.
The applicant will participate in any evaluation or
technical assistance effort supported by ACYF.
The applicant will submit all required semi-annual and
final Financial Status Reports (SF269) and Program Performance Reports
in a timely manner, in hard-copy and electronic formats (preferably MS
WORD and PDF) as negotiated with the Federal Project Officer.
The Resource Center Project Director or one key staff
member will attend the following meetings in Washington, DC: A meeting
with the Federal Project Officer and other ACYF staff within 60 days of
receiving the award; two meetings annually, for one to two days each,
with Children's Bureau staff and other training and technical
assistance partners to plan a national training and technical
assistance strategy; one meeting annually to participate in a
Children's Bureau grantee meeting with the purpose of disseminating
knowledge gained from work with State agencies and courts around child
welfare issues.
In situations where the applicant's organizational
position on a particular policy and/or practice might differ from the
Federal position, the Federal position will be used to guide the
Resource Center activity and will be reflected in all public statements
and publications of the Resource Center.
The applicant will enter into a Cooperative Agreement with
the Children's Bureau.
The Resource Center will work in partnership with the
Children's Bureau and the ACF Regional Offices by providing technical
assistance to States that have needs identified through one of ACF's
review processes.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the
other six National Resource Centers and AdoptUSKids.
The Resource Center will work with the Training and
Technical Assistance Coordination Committee, which will be composed of
Federal staff from the Children's Bureau and Regional Offices and which
will provide direction to the strategic development of the training and
technical assistance network.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the CB
Clearinghouses and other members of the training and technical
assistance network funded by the Children's Bureau in providing
training and technical assistance.
The Resource Center for Child Welfare Data and Technology,
or any subgrantee, will not bid on any contractual work conducted by
States to develop, implement or operate their child welfare management
systems.
The Resource Center will work directly with the National
Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement (NCWRCOI),
which will serve as a single point of entry for States and Tribes to
request onsite training and technical assistance to ensure a
coordinated and immediate response.
The Resource Center will provide evaluation data to the
NCWRCOI that addresses both process and outcomes to evaluate the
results and benefits of the technical assistance provided.
The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services provides Web site information and policy
guidance on the Federal regulations pertaining to protection of human
subjects (45 CFR part 46), informed consent, informed consent
checklists, confidentiality of personal identification information,
data collection procedures, and internal review boards: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/polasur.htm
.

[[Page 35892]]

the electronic links provided) and following the guidance provided. The
application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the
applicant organization and to assume responsibility for the obligations
imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award.
To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the application, including all
forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in
the section titled Deadline. The original copy of the application must
have original signatures, signed in black ink.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the
top and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
Pages over the page limit stated within this priority area
announcement will be removed from the application and will not be
reviewed. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single
package, and a separate package must be submitted for each priority
area. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific priority
area it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps,
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the
Federal government for review. Each copy must be stapled securely in
the upper left corner.
Applicants have the option of omitting from application copies (not
originals) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified
in the application budget. The copies may include summary salary
information.
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.''
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
project summary/abstract and the full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

2. SF424A........................ Per required form... May be found at See application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

3.a. SF424B...................... Per required form... May be found at See application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

3.b. Certification regarding..... Per required form... May be found at See application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

3.c. Disclosure of Lobbying Per required form... May be found at See application due date.
Activities (SF-LLL). http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
/ofs/

forms.htm.
4. Project Summary/Abstract...... Summary of See instructions in See application due date.
application request. this funding
announcement.
5. Project Description........... Responsiveness to See instructions in See application due date.
evaluation criteria. this funding
announcement.
6. Proof of non-profit status.... See above........... See above.......... See application due date.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement.. See above........... See above.......... See application due date.
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs... See above........... See above.......... See application due date.
9. Non-Federal share letter...... See above........... See above.......... See application due date.

[[Page 35893]]

Total application................ See above........... Application limit See application due date.
75 pages total
including all
forms and
attachments.
Submit one
original two
copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit... Per required form... May be found on By application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Program'' 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 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process. Apllicants from these jurisdictions or for projects
administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action
in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Vriginia, Washington and Wyoming.
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 differentiate clearly 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., Washington, DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

6. Other Submission Requirements

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the
address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern standard time on or before the
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations, The
Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC
20002-2132.
For Hand Delivery: Applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m. eastern standard time on or before the closing date. Applications
that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to:
ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. It is strongly recommended that
applicants obtain documentation that the application was hand delivered
on or before the closing date. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV. 2. Content and Form
of Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when
submitting applications electronically.
Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted:
http://www.Grants.gov.

Address Where Hard Copy Applications Will Be Accepted: Children's
Bureau Grant Receipt Point, ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132
ACYF will not acknowledge receipt of hard copy application
submissions.

V. Application Review Information

Refer to Priority Area 1, Section V. Application Review
Information, for information on The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(Pub. L. 104-13)

[[Page 35894]]

and General Instruction for Preparing Full Project Description.

Specific Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria will be used to review and evaluate each
application under this Priority Area. The applicant should address each
criterion in the project description. The point values (summing up to
100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion will be
accorded in the review process.
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance
In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, the following
factors will be considered: (20 points).
(1) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a clear and
thorough understanding of the need for providing coordinated training
and technical assistance to public and private child welfare and youth
serving agencies responsible for serving the target population(s), and
the goals of the applicable legislative mandates.
(2) The extent to which the training and technical assistance
objectives of the project will effectively build the capacity of State,
and local public and private agencies to collect and use data as a
management tool for evaluating child welfare programs and making
changes based on the data and evaluations.
(3) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a thorough
understanding of the problems and issues regarding the integration of
automation into every level of child welfare service including direct
practice; supervision; management and administration; and ensuring data
quality and comparability across States. The extent to which the
applicant demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issues related
to courts in the management, monitoring and decision-making process.
(4) The extent to which the applicant proposes a sound approach for
effectively identifying strengths and weaknesses in existing child
welfare information systems and for providing effective technical
assistance to resolve problems for both the information systems and the
use of data.
(5) The extent to which the proposed project will produce
significant results and benefits, and a high level of customer
satisfaction on the part of agencies served and their State and local
constituents.
Criterion 2. Approach
In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be
considered: (50 points).
(1) The extent to which there is a reasonable timeline for
implementing the proposed project, including the activities to be
conducted in chronological order, showing a reasonable schedule of
accomplishments and target dates and the factors that may accelerate or
decelerate the work.
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides a workable plan of
action. The extent to which this plan relates to the stated objectives
and scope of the project and reflects the intent of the applicable
legislative mandates.
(3) The extent to which the applicant describes sound strategies to
help agencies develop and maintain a comprehensive child welfare
information system that fulfills Federal legislative and regulatory
requirements. The extent to which these strategies will enhance the
agency's capacity to promote stakeholder involvement in the planning,
implementation, and evaluation of funded programs.
(4) The extent to which the applicant describes sound strategies to
assist States to complete effective action plans associated with AFCARS
and SACWIS reviews; and to assist States in successfully completing the
development of their SACWIS systems.
(5) The extent to which the applicant describes sound strategies
for identifying the most effective approach for successfully
integrating the use of information systems into child welfare practice
with the intent of supporting workers, improving services and measuring
program performance and case outcomes.
(6) The extent to which there is a sound approach to assisting
State agencies and courts in the analysis of implications of new
legislative and/or regulatory requirements for change in systems and
data requirements.
(7) The extent to which the applicant will effectively maintain the
National and State peer-to-peer networks in the child welfare
information and data usage fields to serve as peer consultants.
(8) The extent to which the applicant will effectively identify
relevant emerging issues; models that delineate the effective and
appropriate uses of technology in the administration and case
management activities of child welfare programs; and innovative and
exemplary information systems, data utilization and program and system
evaluation approaches that will be of interest and use to State
agencies and the courts. The extent to which the applicant will
effectively evaluate new technological applications in the child
welfare domain. The extent to which the applicant will also cooperate
with the Children's Bureau in meetings, briefings, or other forums to
disseminate knowledge gained from its work with States, other grantees
and local communities around child welfare issues.
(9) The extent to which the applicant provides a sound plan for
effectively assisting the Children's Bureau in planning, organizing and
conducting at least one national data usage conference/meeting on an
annual basis for States, court personnel and other relevant
professionals, groups and organizations. (The conference/meeting may be
an enhancement of an established national conference/meeting sponsored
by ACF.)
(10) The extent to which the applicant will collaborate effectively
with the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational
Improvement in assessing training and technical assistance needs and
developing and implementing a T/TA work plan in response to requests
from States and Tribes for on-site training and technical assistance.
(11) The extent to which the applicant will effectively coordinate
its activities with other National Resource Centers, AdoptUSKids,
Clearinghouses, other members of the training and technical assistance
network funded by the Children's Bureau, and the Training and Technical
Assistance Coordination Committee made up of Federal staff from the
Children's Bureau and Regional Offices.
(12) The extent to which the applicant will provide appropriate
process and outcome evaluation data to the NCWRCOI, so it can evaluate
the results and benefits of the technical assistance provided.
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles
In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors
will be considered: (20 points).
(1) The extent to which the applicant organization and any
partnering organizations collectively have sufficient experience and
expertise (including experience on the national level) in: (1)
Identifying the training and technical assistance needs of an agency or
organization; (2) developing or participating in the development of a
plan to meet those needs; (3) designing, developing and delivering
training and technical assistance including recruiting, assigning, and
deploying staff with appropriate experience; (4) developing evaluation
strategies and providing technical assistance on evaluation
methodologies, (5) designing, developing, delivering and evaluating
training materials, (6) the development

[[Page 35895]]

and enhancement of automated child welfare information systems and the
generation of high quality and consistent data; (7) the use of that
data by child welfare agency and court staff; (8) establishing
effective working partnerships with other agencies and organizations;
and (9) administering, developing, implementing, managing, and
evaluating similar projects. The extent to which each participating
organization (including partners and/or subcontractors) possesses the
organizational capability to fulfill their assigned roles and functions
effectively (if the application involves partnering and/or
subcontracting with other agencies/organizations).
(2) The extent to which the applicant's project director and key
project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and
capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and
complexity effectively. The extent to which the role, responsibilities
and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including
consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and
appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
The extent to which the author of this proposal will be closely
involved throughout the implementation of the proposed project.
(3) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within
budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The
extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any
partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent
to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the
proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with
Federal assistance by the applicant.

Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification

In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following
factors will be considered: (10 points).
(1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are
reasonable, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected
results and benefits.
(2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this
program announcement.

2. Review and Selection Process

Priority Area 5--National Child Welfare Resource Center on Legal and
Judicial Issues

Purpose: The purpose of this Cooperative Agreement is to provide
financial support for training and technical assistance aimed at
achieving safety, permanency and well being for abused and neglected
children through improved legal representation and judicial decision-
making. This training and technical assistance will build the capacity
of public and private, non-profit child welfare agencies and juvenile
and family courts by providing resources and consultation to help them
improve outcomes for children and their families. Particular emphasis
will be placed on supporting and enhancing activities carried out under
the State Court Improvement Program (CIP), and increasing legal and
court involvement in the development and implementation of Program
Improvement Plans in response to the Child and Family Services Reviews.
Activities to be conducted by the National Child Welfare Resource
Center for Legal and Judicial Issues will include, but are not limited
to:
(1) Providing on-site technical assistance, training and
consultation to State and Tribal child welfare agencies and juvenile
and family courts on ASFA implementation, and to State courts on

[[Page 35896]]

implementation of their Court Improvement Programs;
(2) Supporting States and localities in integrating courts, and
those who represent children, parents and agencies in courts, into the
Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) process;
(3) Identifying and disseminating information about exemplary and
innovative practices in the legal and judicial areas of child welfare,
including CIP activities, agency and court collaboration, timely
decisions on termination of parental rights, non-adversarial case
resolution, reasonable efforts requirements, legal representation of
children, parents and child welfare agencies, permanent guardianship,
confidentiality, legal ethics for child welfare attorneys, action
planning for courts and agency representatives, the interplay of
domestic violence and child welfare, expediting dependency appeals,
interjurisdictional issues, case tracking systems, judicial performance
and workload issues, and other emerging child welfare issues;
(4) Developing publications, responding to requests for
information, and providing resource information to child welfare
professionals, lawyers, judges, child welfare and judicial educators,
appellate courts, court administrators and individuals nationwide;
(5) Conducting regular and ongoing assessment of the legal and
judicial needs of agencies and courts, identifying new unmet needs and
developing a national technical assistance and training strategy for
the next five years;
(6) Contributing to the annual planning and implementation of a
national permanency partnership forum for child welfare agency staff
and Court Improvement Program personnel;
(7) Coordinating and collaborating with other ACYF resource
centers, AdoptUSKids, the National Child Welfare Resource Center for
Organizational Improvement as the single-point of entry for requests
for on-site training and technical assistance, the Training and
Technical Assistance Coordination Committee made up of Federal staff
from the Children's Bureau and Regional Offices, and other agencies in
the Department to maximize technical assistance and training
effectiveness, avoid duplication and manage resources effectively;
(8) Coordinating with the Children's Bureau, ACF Regional Offices
and State and Tribal agencies in the development of the annual
technical assistance and training strategy;
(9) Processing all on-site T/TA requests through the single point
of entry established by the NCWRCOI, which will involve the Regional
Office staff, the appropriate NRCs or AdoptUSKids, and Children's
Bureau staff as needed, as well as any other critical stakeholder, to
facilitate an assessment of T/TA needs and a coordinated and immediate
response that avoids delays or duplication of effort;
(10) Participating in twice-a-year team meetings of the Training
and Technical Assistance Network funded by the Children's Bureau, and
the Training and Technical Assistance Coordination Committee;
(11) Collaborating with other ACYF Resource Centers, other agencies
in the Department of Health and Human Services and other agents of the
Children's Bureau to strengthen TA efforts, avoid duplication and
manage resources effectively;
(12) Providing information and cooperation needed by the NCWRCOI as
it manages, maintains and updates to improve functionality, when
needed, the web-based tracking system for training and technical
assistance requests developed for the Children's Bureau to track NRC's
responses to T/TA requests from State, local, Tribal and other publicly
supported child welfare agencies, and juvenile and family courts; and
(13) Providing data needed by the NCWRCOI to evaluate the results
and benefits of the technical assistance provided by the National
Resource Center.
The primary goal of the National Child Welfare Resource Center on
Legal and Judicial Issues is to provide technical assistance to States
on legal and judicial issues related to child welfare and child
protection. This Resource Center provides extensive off-site and on-
site technical assistance nationwide, including State-specific work as
well as participation in regional and national conferences. The
Resource Center will also be expected to develop and distribute
brochures, technical assistance announcements, articles, and other
materials, and maintain a Web site as well as appropriate listserves to
disseminate information to lawyers, judges and court improvement
coordinators.
The Resource Center will be expected to be creative and innovative
in responding to questions and requests from the state agencies and
courts, as well as in developing new materials on cutting edge issues
as they emerge from legal decisions, Federal and State legislation, new
regulations and other developments in the child welfare field. Critical
to the work of the Resource Center is the ability to stimulate
effective and lasting collaboration between State agencies and courts,
and provide strong support for court improvements to build and sustain
that collaboration. The Resource Center must have demonstrated ability
to form partnerships with national legal and judicial organizations as
well as independent consultants in the field, thus maximizing the
breadth and substance of the training and technical assistance provided
to the States. The Resource Center will be expected to forge strong
links with the full range of the Children's Bureau resource centers and
support contractors, resulting in joint training and technical
assistance presentations and collaborative development of resources.
Expected outcomes will be the increased capacity of juvenile and
family courts to expedite permanency through more informed and timely
decision making, strong Court Improvement Programs nationwide
implementing needed court reform, and better integration of courts and
legal representatives into the implementation of Program Improvement
Plans resulting from Child and Family Service Reviews.

Background on the Court Improvement Program

The State Court Improvement Program (CIP) was created as part of
the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1993, Public Law 103-
66, which among other things, provided Federal funds to State child
welfare agencies and Tribes for preventive services and services to
families at risk or in crisis. OBRA designated a portion of these funds
($5 million in fiscal year 1995 and $10 million in each of FYs 1996
through 1998) for grants to State court systems to conduct assessments
of their foster care and adoption laws and judicial processes, and to
develop and implement a plan for system improvement. Awards are made to
the highest State courts in States participating in the IV-E program.
The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA), Public Law 105-
89, reauthorized the CIP through 2001, which Congress funded at $10
million annually. There were no substantive changes made to the CIP in
the 1997 reauthorization.
The Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001, Public
Law 107-133, reauthorized the Court Improvement Program through FY
2006. The law also expands the scope of the program to: (1) Include
improvements that the highest courts deem necessary

[[Page 35897]]

to provide for the safety, well-being, and permanence of children in
foster care, as set forth in ASFA; and (2) implement a corrective
action plan, as necessary, in response to findings identified in a
Child and Family Service Review of the State's child welfare system.
Public Law 107-133 authorizes a mandatory funding level of $10 million
for CIP and new discretionary funding for FYs 2002 through 2006. From
any discretionary funding appropriated annually for the Promoting Safe
and Stable Families Program, the law authorizes a 3.3 percent set-aside
for the CIP. Finally, the Court Improvement Program authority was
transferred to a new section 438 of the Social Security Act.
As of FY 2001 all eligible States (50 States, the District of
Columbia, and Puerto Rico) are receiving annual Court Improvement
Program grants. Typical activities include development of mediation
programs, joint agency-court training, automated docketing and case
tracking, linked agency-court data systems, one judge/one family
models, time-specific docketing, formalized relationships with the
child welfare agency, improvement of representation for children and
families, CFSR program improvement plan (PIP) development and
implementation, and legislative changes.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.
Description of Federal Substantial Involvement With Cooperative
Agreement: Each National Child Welfare Resource Center will operate
under a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is a specific
method of awarding Federal assistance in which substantial Federal
involvement is anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the
respective responsibilities of the Children's Bureau and the grantee
prior to the award. The Children's Bureau anticipates that agency
involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient
otherwise unavailable to them for carrying out the project. The
involvement and collaboration includes Children's Bureau review and
approval of planning stages of the activities before implementation
phases may begin; Children's Bureau involvement in the establishment of
policies and procedures that maximize open competition, and rigorous
and impartial development, review and funding of sub-grant or sub-grant
activities, if applicable; and Children's Bureau and recipient joint
collaboration in the performance of key programmatic activities (i.e.,
strategic planning, implementation, information technology
enhancements, training and technical assistance, publications or
products, and evaluation). Close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of
the requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational
structure and management processes, coupled with close Children's
Bureau monitoring during performance may, in order to ensure compliance
with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal stewardship
responsibilities customary for grant activities.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total for the
award under this priority area in FY2004 is $800,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that one project
will be funded.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The award amount will not
exceed $800,000 in the first budget period. An application received
that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range specified will be
considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without
further review.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $800,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: This grant will be awarded for a
project period of 60 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-
month budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-
month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds,
satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination
that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The grantee must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost is the sum of the Federal
share and the non-Federal share. Therefore, a project requesting
$800,000 per budget period must include a match of at least $88,889 per
budget period. Applicants should provide a letter of commitment
verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs.
The following example shows how to calculate the required 10% match
amount for an $800,000 grant:

$800,000 (Federal share)
divided by .90 (100%-10%)
equals $888,889 (total project cost including match)
minus $800,000 (Federal share)
equals $88,889 (required 10% match)

3. Other (If Applicable)

On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in

[[Page 35898]]

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

Applications that exceed the $800,000 per budget period ceiling
will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding
under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, (866) 796-1591.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

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 Grants.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 and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF424 and all necessary
assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and
Families will retrieve your application form from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.Grants.gov.

[[Page 35899]]

In situations where the applicant's organizational
position on a particular policy and/or practice might differ from the
Federal position, the Federal position will be used to guide the
Resource Center activity and will be reflected in all public statements
and publications of the Resource Center.
The applicant will enter into a Cooperative Agreement with
the Children's Bureau.
The Resource Center will work in partnership with the
Children's Bureau and the ACF Regional Offices by providing technical
assistance to States that have needs identified through one of ACF's
review processes.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the
other six National Resource Centers and AdoptUSKids.
The Resource Center will work with the Training and
Technical Assistance Coordination Committee, which will be composed of
Federal staff from the Children's Bureau and Regional Offices and which
will provide direction to the strategic development of the training and
technical assistance network.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the CB
Clearinghouses and other members of the training and technical
assistance network funded by the Children's Bureau in providing
training and technical assistance.
The Resource Center will work directly with the National
Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement (NCWRCOI),
which will serve as a single point of entry for States and Tribes to
request on-site training and technical assistance to ensure a
coordinated and immediate response.
The Resource Center will provide evaluation data to the
NCWRCOI that addresses both process and outcomes to evaluate the
results and benefits of the technical assistance provided.
The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services provides Web site information and policy
guidance on the Federal regulations pertaining to protection of human
subjects (45 CFR part 46), informed consent, informed consent
checklists, confidentiality of personal identification information,
data collection procedures, and internal review boards: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/polasur.htm
.

If applicable, applicants must include a completed Form 310,
Protection of Human Subjects.
In implementing their projects, grantees are expected to comply
with all applicable administrative regulations regarding extent or
types of costs. Applicable HHS regulations can be found in 45 CFR part
74 or 92.
4. Project Abstract/Summary (one page maximum). Clearly mark this
page with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the Form 424,
identify the competitive grant priority area and the title of the
proposed project as shown in item 11 and the service area as shown in
item 12 of the Form 424. The summary description should not exceed 300
words.
Care should be taken to produce an abstract/summary that accurately
and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the
objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the results or
benefits expected.
5. Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize
their project description according to the Evaluation Criteria
described in this priority area announcement providing information that
addresses all the components.
6. Proof of non-profit status (if applicable). Any non-profit
organization submitting an application must submit proof of its non-
profit status in its application at the time of submission. Any of the
following constitutes acceptable proof of such status:
a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Services' (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
c. A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
e. Any of the items immediately above for a State or national
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs,
provide documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost
rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
8. Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If
applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of
Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their
role, detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing
commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded.
9. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of
the non-Federal share of project costs.
10. The application limit is 75 pages total including all forms and
attachments. Submit one original and two copies.
To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted
with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this
announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following
the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual
authorized to act for the applicant organization and to assume
responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions
of the grant award.
To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the application, including all
forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in
the section titled Deadline. The original copy of the application must
have original signatures, signed in black ink.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the
top and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
Pages over the page limit stated within this priority area
announcement will be removed from the application and will not be
reviewed. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single
package, and a separate package must be submitted for each priority
area. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific priority
area it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps,
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the
Federal government for review. Each copy must be stapled securely in
the upper left corner.
Applicants have the option of omitting from application copies (not
originals) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified
in the

[[Page 35900]]

application budget. The copies may include summary salary information.
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.''
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
project summary/abstract and the full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SF424.......................... Per required form.............. May be found at http:/ See application due

/ http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.

programs/ofs/ forms.
2. SF424A......................... Per required form.............. May be found at http:/ See application due

/ http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
3.a. SF424B....................... Per required form.............. May be found at http:/ See application due

/ http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
3.b. Certification regarding Per required form.............. May be found at http:/ See application due

lobbying. / http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
3.c. Disclosure of Lobbying Per required form.............. May be found at http:/ See application due

Activities (SF-LLL). / http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
4. Project Summary/Abstract....... Summary of application request. See instructions in See application due
this funding date.
announcement.
5. Project Description............ Responsiveness to evaluation See instructions in See application due
criteria. this funding date.
announcement.
6. Proof of non-profit status..... See above...................... See above............ See application due
date.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement... See above...................... See above............ See application due
date.
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs.... See above...................... See above............ See application due
date.
9. Non-Federal share letter....... See above...................... See above............ See application due
date.
Total application............. See above...................... Application limit 75 See application due
pages total date.
including all forms
and attachments.
Submit one original
and two copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 35901]]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required contact Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Per required form..... May be found on http:// By application due

Grant Applications. http://www. acf. hhs. gov/ date.

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 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 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, 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: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
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 differentiate clearly 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., Washington, DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this
solicitation.
Federal funds received as a result of this announcement cannot be
paid as profit to grantees or sub-grantees, i.e., any amount in excess
of allowable direct and indirect costs of the recipient (45 CFR 74.81).
6. Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the
address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern standard time on or before the
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations, The
Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC
20002-2132.
For Hand Delivery: Applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m. eastern standard time on or before the closing date. Applications
that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to:
ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. It is strongly recommended that
applicants obtain documentation that the application was hand delivered
on or before the closing date. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV. 2. Content and Form
of Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when
submitting applications electronically.
Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted:
http://www.Grants.gov.

Address Where Hard Copy Applications Will Be Accepted: Children's
Bureau Grant Receipt Point, ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
ACYF will not acknowledge receipt of hard copy application
submissions.

V. Application Review Information

Specific Evaluation Criteria

[[Page 35902]]

for serving the target population(s), and the goals of the applicable
legislative mandates.
(2) The extent to which the training and technical assistance
objectives of the project will effectively build the capacity of State,
and local public and private agencies and courts to support effective
efforts to develop, operate, expand, and enhance initiatives improving
outcomes for children, youth and families served by these agencies and
courts.
(3) The extent to which the proposed project will produce
significant results and benefits, and a high level of customer
satisfaction on the part of agencies and courts served and their State
and local constituents.
Criterion 2. Approach
In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be
considered: (50 points).
(1) The extent to which there is a reasonable timeline for
implementing the proposed project, including the activities to be
conducted in chronological order, showing a reasonable schedule of
accomplishments and target dates and the factors that may accelerate or
decelerate the work.
(2) The extent to which there is a sound plan to help agencies and
courts develop activities that fulfill the legislative mandates and
meet the objectives of the Child and Family Service Reviews. The extent
to which this plan enhances agencies' capacity to promote stakeholder
(especially courts and legal representatives of children, parents and
child welfare agencies) involvement in the planning and implementation
of the Program Improvement Plans (PIPs).
(3) The extent to which the Resource Center's services, program
activities, and materials will be developed and provided in a manner
that is racially and culturally sensitive to the population(s) being
served.
(4) The extent to which the applicant will collaborate effectively
with the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational
Improvement in assessing training and technical assistance needs and
developing and implementing a T/TA work plan in response to requests
from States and Tribes for on-site training and technical assistance.
(5) The extent to which the applicant will provide appropriate
process and outcome evaluation data to the NCWRCOI, so it can evaluate
the results and benefits of the technical assistance provided.
(6) The extent to which the applicant will assist courts nationwide
to fulfill the mandate of the Court Improvement Program. The extent to
which the applicant will implement innovative strategies to support the
States in development of their re-assessments and strategic plans, and
implementation of recommendations for system improvement.
(7) The extent to which the Resource Center will identify
innovative and exemplary practices that would support the training and
technical assistance objectives under this funding announcement. The
extent to which the Resource Center will continually identify relevant
emerging issues and the need for new and different services.
(8) The extent to which the applicant will establish and maintain
an excellent national network of professionals in the field to serve as
consultants. The extent to which there is a sound plan to link these
individuals with persons, agencies or courts requesting assistance. The
extent to which the Resource Center will ensure that the network
promotes the provision of services that is responsive to diverse
populations. The extent to which there is a sound plan to determine the
quality of the consultation provided by eliciting consumer
participation and feedback.
(9) The extent to which the applicant describes effective
strategies which will be implemented to foster and strengthen
communication and coordination activities with legal and judicial
organizations as well as client and advocacy groups, agencies, and
other professional organizations serving children, youth and families.
(10) The extent to which the applicant will effectively coordinate
its activities with other National Resource Centers, AdoptUSKids,
Clearinghouses, other members of the training and technical assistance
network funded by the Children's Bureau, and the Training and Technical
Assistance Coordination Committee made up of Federal staff from the
Children's Bureau and Regional Offices.
(11) The extent to which the applicant describes a sound plan to
help agencies and courts improve services, legal representation and
decision-making to over-represented populations, particularly minority
children in care and their families. The extent to which the applicant
identifies techniques that will be used in assessing factors that
impede the delivery of culturally appropriate services and strategies
that will be used to assist in reducing the effect of those factors.
(12) The extent to which the applicant describes a sound plan for
assisting agencies and courts in developing practices which are in
compliance with the non-discrimination and recruitment provisions of
the Multi-Ethnic Placement Act of 1994, as amended (MEPA) [42 U.S.C.
622] and Section 1808 of Public Law 104-188 ``Removal of Barriers to
Interethnic Adoption'' [42 U.S.C. 1996b], as well as the inter-
jurisdictional provisions of ASFA (Sec. 202(a)(3) Public Law 105-89)
[42 U.S.C. 622(b)].
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles
In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors
will be considered: (20 points).
(1) The extent to which the applicant organization and any
partnering organizations collectively have sufficient experience and
expertise (including experience on the national level) in: (1)
Identifying the training and technical assistance needs of an agency or
court; (2) developing or participating in the development of a plan to
meet those needs; (3) designing, developing and delivering training and
technical assistance including recruiting, assigning, and deploying
staff with appropriate experience; (4) developing evaluation strategies
and providing technical assistance on evaluation methodologies; (5)
designing, developing, delivering and evaluating training materials;
(6) establishing effective working partnerships with other agencies and
organizations; and (7) administering, developing, implementing,
managing, and evaluating similar projects. The extent to which each
participating organization (including partners and/or subcontractors)
possesses the organizational capability to fulfill their assigned roles
and functions effectively (if the application involves partnering and/
or subcontracting with other agencies/organizations).
(2) The extent to which the applicant's project director and key
project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and
capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and
complexity effectively. The extent to which the role, responsibilities
and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including
consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and
appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
The extent to which the author of this proposal will be closely
involved throughout the implementation of the proposed project.
(3) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on

[[Page 35903]]

time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities,
timelines and milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring
quality. The extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and
responsibilities of the lead organization. The extent to which the plan
clearly describes the effective management and coordination of
activities carried out by any partners, subcontractors and consultants
(if appropriate). The extent to which there would be a mutually
beneficial relationship between the proposed project and other work
planned, anticipated or underway with Federal assistance by the
applicant.

Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification

2. Review and Selection Process

Priority Area 6--National Resource Center for Special Needs Adoption

Purpose: The purpose of establishing the National Resource Center
for Special Needs Adoption is to build the capacity of State, local,
Tribal, and other publicly administered or publicly supported child
welfare agencies and adoption agencies to integrate policy and
practice; to develop, expand, strengthen and improve the quality and
effectiveness of adoption services for children in the child welfare
system; and to implement the Federal legislation administered by the
Children's Bureau effectively. This Resource Center is expected to
train and assist State agencies and adoption agencies to establish
effective interagency cooperation and collaboration that involves all
stakeholders, including youth, and promotes public-private partnerships
in the coordination of adoption programs for children in the child
welfare system. Activities to be conducted by the National Resource
Center for Special Needs Adoption will include, but are not limited to
the following:
(1) Fostering an understanding, appreciation, and knowledge of
special needs adoption resulting in improved outcomes for children and
youth in the child welfare system;
(2) Facilitating and assisting efforts of State, local, Tribal,
public, and private agencies in the coordinated planning and
development of a range of services and supports for the adoption of
children from the child welfare system;
(3) Actively engaging in conducting regular and ongoing needs
assessments that will be used to identify unmet needs and which also
incorporates findings from other statewide needs assessment processes
such as the Child and Family Services Review;
(4) Demonstrating a commitment to meaningful stakeholder
involvement, especially youth in foster care and those members of other
underrepresented or underserved groups;
(5) Providing on-site technical assistance, training and
consultation to State and Tribal child welfare agencies;
(6) Supporting States in their Program Improvement Plans resulting
from Child and Family Service Reviews;
(7) Promoting professional leadership development of minorities in
the adoption field; and developing and disseminating materials,
including curricula, guidelines and training materials;
(8) Providing financial support and coordination for the National
Association of State Adoption Programs (NASAP). The purpose of this
Association is to develop a collegial group of state adoption managers
to keep each other informed on the latest program, policy and practice
developments and adoption laws, and maintain an efficient, state-of-
the-art

[[Page 35904]]

adoption services program to increase the numbers of children adopted,
to support adoptive families and to remove geographical barriers when
placing children across jurisdictions. It is anticipated that NASAP
will meet once a year to discuss relevant issues and will include
relevant Children's Bureau staff in the meeting;
(9) Coordinating with the Children's Bureau, ACF Regional Offices
and State and Tribal agencies in the development of the annual
technical assistance and training strategy;
(10) Processing all on-site T/TA requests through the single point
of entry established by the NCWRCOI, which will involve the Regional
Office staff, the appropriate NRCs or AdoptUSKids, and Children's
Bureau staff as needed, as well as any other critical stakeholder, to
facilitate an assessment of T/TA needs and a coordinated and immediate
response that avoids delays or duplication of effort;
(11) Participating in twice-a-year team meetings of the Training
and Technical Assistance Network funded by the Children's Bureau, and
the Training and Technical Assistance Coordination Committee;
(12) Collaborating with other ACYF Resource Centers, other agencies
in the Department of Health and Human Services and other agents of the
Children's Bureau to strengthen TA efforts, avoid duplication and
manage resources effectively;
(13) Providing information and cooperation needed by the NCWRCOI as
it manages, maintains and updates to improve functionality, when
needed, the web-based tracking system for training and technical
assistance requests developed for the Children's Bureau to track NRCs
responses to T/TA requests from State, local, Tribal and other publicly
supported child welfare agencies; and
(14) Providing data needed by the NCWRCOI to evaluate the results
and benefits of the technical assistance provided by the National
Resource Center.
Expected outcomes include the enhanced capacity of each State
agency to:
(1) Develop, support, and maintain a range of services and
supports, including post-adoption services, for the adoption of
children from the child welfare system;
(2) Conduct interagency needs assessments of required services;
(3) Facilitate special needs adoption program and policy
development;
(4) Coordinate the delivery of special needs adoption services;
(5) Promote the meaningful participation of stakeholders in the
design and implementation of services; and
(6) Conduct program evaluations.
The goal of the National Resource Center is to help strengthen the
capacity of agencies to integrate policy and practice; to develop,
expand, strengthen and improve the quality and effectiveness of
adoption services for children in the child welfare system; and to
implement the Federal legislation administered by the Children's Bureau
effectively. This training and technical assistance is intended to
build the capacity of State, local, Tribal, and other publicly
administered or publicly supported child welfare agencies and adoption
agencies. This Resource Center is expected to train and assist State
agencies and adoption agencies to establish effective interagency
cooperation and collaboration that involves all stakeholders, including
youth, and promotes public-private partnerships in the coordination of
adoption programs for children in the child welfare system.
Training and technical assistance needs will be identified by NRC
staff in collaboration with States, the CB T/TA Coordinating Committee,
the National Resource Center for Organizational Improvement, and
coordinated with other ongoing national training and technical
assistance efforts. The Resource Center will also be actively involved
with identifying other training and technical assistance needs based on
their work with the other child welfare organizations. The Resource
Center will be expected to develop and distribute brochures, technical
assistance announcements, articles, and other materials. The Resource
Center will be expected to be creative and innovative in responding to
questions and requests from state agencies as well as developing new
materials on cutting edge issues as they emerge from Federal and state
legislation, new regulations and other developments in the child
welfare field. Technical assistance outcomes should be achieved through
a combination of strategies, including on-site training, on and off-
site technical assistance, and consultation with all appropriate
stakeholder groups. The Resource Center will be expected to forge
strong links with the full range of the Children's Bureau resource
centers and support contractors, including joint training and technical
assistance presentations and resources development.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.
Description of Federal Substantial Involvement With Cooperative
Agreement: Each National Child Welfare Resource Center will operate
under a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is a specific
method of awarding Federal assistance in which substantial Federal
involvement is anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the
respective responsibilities of the Children's Bureau and the grantee
prior to the award. The Children's Bureau anticipates that agency
involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient
otherwise unavailable to them for carrying out the project. The
involvement and collaboration includes Children's Bureau review and
approval of planning stages of the activities before implementation
phases may begin; Children's Bureau involvement in the establishment of
policies and procedures that maximize open competition, and rigorous
and impartial development, review and funding of sub-grant or sub-grant
activities, if applicable; and Children's Bureau and recipient joint
collaboration in the performance of key programmatic activities (i.e.,
strategic planning, implementation, information technology
enhancements, training and technical assistance, publications or
products, and evaluation). Close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of
the requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational
structure and management processes, coupled with close Children's
Bureau monitoring during performance may, in order to ensure compliance
with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal stewardship
responsibilities customary for grant activities.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total for the
award under this priority area in FY2004 is $800,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that one project
will be funded.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The grant amount will not
exceed $800,000 in the first budget period. An application received
that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range specified will be
considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without
further review.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.

[[Page 35905]]

Average Anticipated Award Amount: $800,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: This grant will be awarded for a
project period of 60 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-
month budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-
month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds,
satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination
that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The grantee must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost is the sum of the Federal
share and the non-Federal share. Therefore, a project requesting
$800,000 per budget period must include a match of at least $88,889 per
budget period. Applicants should provide a letter of commitment
verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs.
The following example shows how to calculate the required 10% match
amount for an $800,000 grant:

$800,000 (Federal share)
divided by .90 (100%-10%)
equals $888,889 (total project cost including match)
minus $800,000 (Federal share)
equals $88,889 (required 10% match)

3. Other (If Applicable)

Applications that exceed the $800,000 per budget period ceiling
will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding
under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, (866) 796-1591.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
Each application must contain the following items in the order
listed:

[[Page 35906]]

1. Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424). Follow
the instructions below and those that accompany the form.
In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS number in ``Organizational DUNS:''
box.
In Item 5 of Form 424, include name, phone number, and, if
available, e-mail and fax numbers of the contact person.
In Item 8 of Form 424, check `New.'
In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for
which funds are being requested as stated in the funding opportunity
announcement.
In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single priority area the
application addresses.
In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the specific geographic area to be
served.
In Item 14 of Form 424, identify Congressional districts of both
the applicant and project.
2. Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and
Budget Justification.
Follow the instructions provided. Note that Federal funds provided
to States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds
may not be used to match project grants.
3. Certifications/Assurances. Applicants requesting financial
assistance for nonconstruction projects must file the Standard Form
424B, `Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.' Applicants must sign and
return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must
provide a certification regarding lobbying when applying for an award
in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the
certification with their applications.
Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form
LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who
have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with
receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding
environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application,
the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the
certification with the application.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC
contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
Assurances: By signing the ``Signature of Authorized
Representative'' on the SF 424, the applicant is providing a
certification and need not mail assurances for completing the following
cooperative agreement requirements:
The applicant will have the project fully functioning
within 90 days of the notification of the award.
The applicant will participate in any evaluation or
technical assistance effort supported by ACYF.
The applicant will submit all required semi-annual and
final Financial Status Reports (SF269) and Program Performance Reports
in a timely manner, in hard-copy and electronic formats (preferably MS
WORD and PDF) as negotiated with the Federal Project Officer.
The Resource Center Project Director or one key staff
member will attend the following meetings in Washington, DC: A meeting
with the Federal Project Officer and other ACYF staff within 60 days of
receiving the award; two meetings annually, for one to two days each,
with Children's Bureau staff and other training and technical
assistance partners to plan a national training and technical
assistance strategy; one meeting annually to participate in a
Children's Bureau grantee meeting with the purpose of disseminating
knowledge gained from work with State agencies and courts around child
welfare issues.
In situations where the applicant's organizational
position on a particular policy and/or practice might differ from the
Federal position, the Federal position will be used to guide the
Resource Center activity and will be reflected in all public statements
and publications of the Resource Center.
The applicant will enter into a Cooperative Agreement with
the Children's Bureau.
The Resource Center will work in partnership with the
Children's Bureau and the ACF Regional Offices by providing technical
assistance to States that have needs identified through one of ACF's
review processes.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the
other six National Resource Centers and AdoptUSKids.
The Resource Center will work with the Training and
Technical Assistance Coordination Committee, which will be composed of
Federal staff from the Children's Bureau and Regional Offices and which
will provide direction to the strategic development of the training and
technical assistance network.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the CB
Clearinghouses and other members of the training and technical
assistance network funded by the Children's Bureau in providing
training and technical assistance.
The Resource Center will work directly with the National
Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement (NCWRCOI),
which will serve as a single point of entry for States and Tribes to
request onsite training and technical assistance to ensure a
coordinated and immediate response.
The Resource Center will provide evaluation data to the
NCWRCOI that addresses both process and outcomes to evaluate the
results and benefits of the technical assistance provided.
The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services provides Web site information and policy
guidance on the Federal regulations pertaining to protection of human
subjects (45 CFR part 46), informed consent, informed consent
checklists, confidentiality of personal identification information,
data collection procedures, and internal review boards: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/polasur.htm
.

[[Page 35907]]

Revenue Services' (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations
described in the IRS Code.
b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
c. A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
e. Any of the items immediately above for a State or national
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs,
provide documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost
rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
8. Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If
applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of
Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their
role, detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing
commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded.
9. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of
the non-Federal share of project costs.
10. The application limit is 75 pages total including all forms and
attachments. Submit one original and two copies.
To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted
with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this
announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following
the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual
authorized to act for the applicant organization and to assume
responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions
of the grant award.
To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the application, including all
forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in
the section titled Deadline. The original copy of the application must
have original signatures, signed in black ink.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least 1/2 inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the top
and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
Pages over the page limit stated within this priority area
announcement will be removed from the application and will not be
reviewed. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single
package, and a separate package must be submitted for each priority
area. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific priority
area it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps,
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the
Federal government for review. Each copy must be stapled securely in
the upper left corner.
Applicants have the option of omitting from application copies (not
originals) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified
in the application budget. The copies may include summary salary
information.
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.''
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
project summary/abstract and the full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SF424........................... Per required form..... May be found at http:// See application due

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

ofs/forms.htm.
2. SF424A.......................... Per required form..... May be found at http:// See application due

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

ofs/forms.htm.
3.a. SF424B........................ Per required form..... May be found at http:// See application due

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

ofs/forms.htm.
3.b. Certification regarding Per required form..... May be found at http:// See application due

lobbying. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

ofs/forms.htm.

[[Page 35908]]

3.c. Disclosure of Lobbying Per required form..... May be found at http:// See application due

Activities (SF-LLL). http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

ofs/forms.htm.
4. Project Summary/Abstract........ Summary of application See instructions in this See application due
request. funding announcement. date.
5. Project Description............. Responsiveness to See instructions in this See application due
evaluation criteria. funding announcement. date.
6. Proof of non-profit status...... See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement.... See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs..... See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
9. Non-Federal share letter........ See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.

Total application.............. See above............. Application limit 75 pages See application due
total including all forms date.
and attachments. Submit
one original and two
copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Per required form..... May be found on http:// By application due

Grant Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 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 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, 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: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
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 differentiate clearly 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., Washington, DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www. whitehouse. gov/ omb/ grants/ spoc. html.

5. Funding Restrictions

6. Other Submission Requirements

[[Page 35909]]

standard time on or before the closing date. Applications that are hand
delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to: ACYF
Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20002-2132. It is strongly recommended that applicants
obtain documentation that the application was hand delivered on or
before the closing date. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV. 2. Content and Form
of Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when
submitting applications electronically.
Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted:
http://www.Grants.gov.

Address Where Hard Copy Applications Will Be Accepted: Children's
Bureau Grant Receipt Point, ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
ACYF will not acknowledge receipt of hard copy application
submissions.

V. Application Review Information

Specific Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria will be used to review and evaluate each
application under this Priority Area. The applicant should address each
criterion in the project description. The point values (summing up to
100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion will be
accorded in the review process.
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance
In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, the following
factors will be considered: (20 points)
(1)The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a clear and
thorough understanding of the need for providing coordinated training
and technical assistance to public and private child welfare agencies
responsible for serving the target population(s), and the goals of the
applicable legislative mandates.
(2)The extent to which the training and technical assistance
objectives of the project will effectively build the capacity of State,
and local public and private agencies to support effective efforts to
develop, operate, expand, and enhance initiatives improving outcomes
for children, youth and families served by these agencies.
(3)The extent to which the proposed project will produce
significant results and benefits, and a high level of customer
satisfaction on the part of agencies served and their State and local
constituents.
Criterion 2. Approach
In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be
considered: (50 points)
(1) The extent to which there is a reasonable timeline for
implementing the proposed project, including the activities to be
conducted in chronological order, showing a reasonable schedule of
accomplishments and target dates and the factors that may accelerate or
decelerate the work.
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides a workable plan of
action. The extent to which this plan relates to the stated objectives
and scope of the project and reflects the intent of the applicable
legislative mandates.
(3) The extent to which the applicant describes sound strategies
for providing technical assistance and effectively building the
capacity of State, and local public and private agencies to fulfill the
legislative mandates for the target population effectively. The extent
to which the applicant presents a sound plan for effectively and
efficiently providing technical assistance to the agencies in the early
identification and follow-up of children for whom adoptive placement is
the plan, and for distributing effective models for increasing the rate
of adoptive placements of children with special needs who are legally
free for adoption, including a focus on children over age eight, and
siblings, and for providing post-adoption services.
(4) The extent to which the applicant proposes to implement
effective strategies to help child welfare and adoption agencies
develop an innovative and exemplary adoption program; effective
planning, collaboration, and implementation methods; effective service
development strategies; effective practice techniques; useful resources
such as training curricula and educational materials; and rigorous
research and program evaluation components.
(5) The extent to which the applicant describes a sound plan to
help child welfare and adoption agencies improve services to
underrepresented and over-represented populations, particularly
minority families and children in care. The extent to which effective
techniques would be used in assessing factors which impede the delivery
of culturally appropriate services and strategies to assist agencies in
reducing these factors. The extent to which the Resource Center's
services, program activities, and materials developed are provided in a
manner that is racially and culturally sensitive to the population(s)
being served while being inclusive of a range of adoption resources.
The extent to which there is a sound approach to develop a national
network of professionals in the adoption field to serve as consultants
to individuals and agencies that are requesting assistance to ensure
that their services are appropriate for racially and culturally diverse
target populations.
(6) The extent to which there is a sound plan for assisting
agencies in developing adoption practices which are consistent with the
anti-discriminatory placement and recruitment provisions of the
Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA), the Inter-Ethnic Adoption Provisions
(IEP), and the interjurisdictional provisions of ASFA.
(7) The extent to which the applicant will effectively coordinate
its activities with other National Resource Centers, AdoptUSKids,
Clearinghouses, other members of the training and technical assistance
network funded by the Children's Bureau, and the Training and Technical
Assistance Coordination Committee made up of Federal staff from the
Children's Bureau and Regional Offices.
(8) The extent to which the applicant describes a sound plan for
conducting or providing partial financial support for a two to three
day national conference for State adoption specialists that also
includes foster care managers and state staff involved in child welfare
programs.
(9) The extent to which the applicant describes a sound plan for
providing financial support and coordination for the National
Association of State Adoption Programs (NASAP), in accordance with the
requirements of this funding announcement.
(10) The extent to which the applicant will collaborate effectively
with the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational
Improvement in assessing training and technical assistance needs and
developing and implementing a T/TA work plan in response to requests
from States and Tribes for on-site training and technical assistance.
(11) The extent to which the applicant will provide appropriate
process and outcome evaluation data to the

[[Page 35910]]

NCWRCOI, so it can evaluate the results and benefits of the technical
assistance provided.

Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles

In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors
will be considered: (20 points).
(1) The extent to which the applicant organization and any
partnering organizations collectively have sufficient experience and
expertise (including experience on the national level) in: (1)
Identifying the training and technical assistance needs of an agency or
organization; (2) developing or participating in the development of a
plan to meet those needs; (3) designing, developing and delivering
training and technical assistance including recruiting, assigning, and
deploying staff with appropriate experience; (4) developing evaluation
strategies and providing technical assistance on evaluation
methodologies, (5) designing, developing, delivering and evaluating
training materials, (6) establishing effective working partnerships
with other agencies and organizations; and (7) administering,
developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating similar projects.
The extent to which each participating organization (including partners
and/or subcontractors) possesses the organizational capability to
fulfill their assigned roles and functions effectively (if the
application involves partnering and/or subcontracting with other
agencies/organizations).
(2) The extent to which the applicant's project director and key
project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and
capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and
complexity effectively. The extent to which the role, responsibilities
and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including
consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and
appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
The extent to which the author of this proposal will be closely
involved throughout the implementation of the proposed project.
(3) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within
budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The
extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any
partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent
to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the
proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with
Federal assistance by the applicant.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following
factors will be considered: (10 points).
(1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are
reasonable, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected
results and benefits.
(2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this
program announcement.

2. Review and Selection Process

Priority Area 7--National Resource Center for Youth Development

Purpose: The purpose of this Cooperative Agreement is to provide
financial support for training and technical assistance to promote the
purposes of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program(CFCIP)
and the Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) Program, and to achieve
the goals of safety, permanency and well-being for youth in the child
welfare system. This training and technical assistance is intended to
build the capacity of public

[[Page 35911]]

and private, non-profit child welfare and youth-serving agencies to:
(1) Foster an understanding, appreciation, and knowledge of
positive youth development in order to be effective in improving
outcomes for older children and youth in the child welfare system;
(2) Facilitate and assist efforts of State, local, Tribal, public,
and private agencies in the coordinated planning and development of a
range of services and supports for youth in the child welfare system
and those transitioning to self-sufficiency;
(3) Actively engage in conducting regular and ongoing needs
assessments that will be used to identify unmet needs and which also
incorporates findings from other statewide and local needs assessment
processes;
(4) Demonstrate a commitment to meaningful stakeholder involvement,
especially current and former foster care youth and those members of
other underrepresented or underserved groups;
(5) Provide on-site technical assistance, training and consultation
to State and Tribal child welfare and youth-serving agencies;
(6) Plan and implement two annual national conferences: Pathways to
Adulthood and Foster Youth Leadership.
(7) Support States and localities in their Program Improvement
Plans resulting from Child and Family Service Reviews;
(8) Coordinate with the Children's Bureau, ACF Regional Offices,
and State and Tribal agencies in the development of the annual
technical assistance and training strategy;
(9) Process all on-site T/TA requests through the single point of
entry established by the NCWRCOI, which will involve the Regional
Office staff, the appropriate NRCs or AdoptUSKids, and Children's
Bureau staff as needed, as well as any other critical stakeholder, to
facilitate an assessment of T/TA needs and a coordinated and immediate
response that avoids delays or duplication of effort;
(10) Participate in twice-a-year team meetings of the Training and
Technical Assistance Network funded by the Children's Bureau, and the
Training and Technical Assistance Coordination Committee;
(11) Collaborate with other ACYF Resource Centers, other agencies
in the Department of Health and Human Services and other agents of the
Children's Bureau to strengthen TA efforts, avoid duplication and
manage resources effectively;
(12) Provide information and cooperation needed by the NCWRCOI as
it manages, maintains and updates to improve functionality, when
needed, the web-based tracking system for training and technical
assistance requests developed for the Children's Bureau to track NRCs
responses to T/TA requests from State, local, Tribal and other publicly
supported child welfare agencies; and
(13) Provide data needed by the NCWRCOI to evaluate the results and
benefits of the technical assistance provided by the National Resource
Center.
Expected outcomes include the enhanced capacity of each State
agency to:
(1) Develop, support, and maintain a range of services and supports
to assist youth in making a smoother transition to adulthood and to
reduce the likelihood of continued dependency on the adult social
welfare system through a focus on positive youth development;
(2) Conduct interagency needs assessments of required services;
(3) Facilitate CFCIP and ETV program and policy development;
(4) Coordinate the delivery of independent living and transitional
support services;
(5) Promote the meaningful participation of stakeholders, including
youth in the design, implementation and evaluation of funded services;
and
(6) Enhance the capacity of the State Independent Living agency to
become more active participants in their State's Child and Family
Services Review/ Program Improvement Planning processes.
This Resource Center is expected to train and assist State agencies
and youth-serving organizations to establish effective interagency
cooperation and collaboration that involves all stakeholders, including
youth, and promotes public-private partnerships in the coordination of
IL and transition support for foster youth programs. Training and
technical assistance needs will be identified by agency staff in
collaboration with the Training and Technical Assistance Coordination
Committee, the National Resource Center for Organizational Improvement
and ACYF Central and Regional Office personnel, and coordinated with
other ongoing national training and technical assistance efforts. The
Resource Center will also be actively involved with identifying other
training and technical assistance needs and resources based on their
work with the other youth-serving organizations, including ACYF's
Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) and their activities http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/
. Training outcomes should be achieved

through a combination of strategies, including on-site training, on and
off-site technical assistance, and consultation with all appropriate
stakeholder groups.

II. Award Information

[[Page 35912]]

range specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned
to the applicant without further review.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $800,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: This grant will be awarded for a
project period of 60 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-
month budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-
month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds,
satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination
that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

State governments
County governments
City or township governments
State controlled institutions of higher education
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
Private institutions of higher education
For-profit organization other than small businesses
Small businesses
Additional Information on Eligibility Collaborative efforts and
interdisciplinary approaches are acceptable. Applications from
collaborations must identify a primary applicant responsible for
administering the grants.
Non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community
organizations are elgible to apply. 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.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

The grantee must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost is the sum of the Federal
share and the non-Federal share. Therefore, a project requesting
$800,000 per budget period must include a match of at least $88,889 per
budget period. Applicants should provide a letter of commitment
verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs.
The following example shows how to calculate the required 10% match
amount for an $800,000 grant:

$800,000 (Federal share)
divided by .90 (100%-10%)
equals $888,889 (total project cost including match)
minus $800,000 (Federal share)
equals $88,889 (required 10% match)

3. Other (If Applicable)

Applications that exceed the $800,000 per budget period ceiling
will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding
under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, (866) 796-1591.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

[[Page 35913]]

You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
Each application must contain the following items in the order
listed:
1. Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424). Follow
the instructions below and those that accompany the form.
In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS number in ``Organizational DUNS:''
box.
In Item 5 of Form 424, include name, phone number, and, if
available, e-mail and fax numbers of the contact person.
In Item 8 of Form 424, check `New.'
In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for
which funds are being requested as stated in the funding opportunity
announcement.
In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single priority area the
application addresses.
In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the specific geographic area to be
served.
In Item 14 of Form 424, identify Congressional districts of both
the applicant and project.
2. Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and
Budget Justification.
Follow the instructions provided. Note that Federal funds provided
to States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds
may not be used to match project grants.
3. Certifications/Assurances. Applicants requesting financial
assistance for nonconstruction projects must file the Standard Form
424B, `Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.'
Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their
applications. Applicants must provide a certification regarding
lobbying when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants
must sign and return the certification with their applications.
Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form
LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who
have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with
receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding
environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application,
the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the
certification with the application.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC
contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
Assurances: By signing the ``Signature of Authorized
Representative'' on the SF 424, the applicant is providing a
certification and need not mail assurances for completing the following
cooperative agreement requirements:
The applicant will have the project fully functioning
within 90 days of the notification of the award.
The applicant will participate in any evaluation or
technical assistance effort supported by ACYF.
The applicant will submit all required semi-annual and
final Financial Status Reports (SF269) and Program Performance Reports
in a timely manner, in hard-copy and electronic formats (preferably MS
WORD and PDF) as negotiated with the Federal Project Officer.
The Resource Center Project Director or one key staff
member will attend the following meetings in Washington, DC: A meeting
with the Federal Project Officer and other ACYF staff within 60 days of
receiving the award; two meetings annually, for one to two days each,
with Children's Bureau staff and other training and technical
assistance partners to plan a national training and technical
assistance strategy; one meeting annually to participate in a
Children's Bureau grantee meeting with the purpose of disseminating
knowledge gained from work with State agencies and courts around child
welfare issues.
In situations where the applicant's organizational
position on a particular policy and/or practice might differ from the
Federal position, the Federal position will be used to guide the
Resource Center activity and will be reflected in all public statements
and publications of the Resource Center.
The applicant will enter into a Cooperative Agreement with
the Children's Bureau.
The Resource Center will work in partnership with the
Children's Bureau and the ACF Regional Offices by providing technical
assistance to States that have needs identified through one of ACF's
review processes.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the
other six National Resource Centers and AdoptUSKids.
The Resource Center will work with the Training and
Technical Assistance Coordination Committee, which will be composed of
Federal staff from the Children's Bureau and Regional Offices and which
will provide direction to the strategic development of the training and
technical assistance network.
The Resource Center will work collaboratively with the CB
Clearinghouses and other members of the training and technical
assistance network funded by the Children's Bureau in providing
training and technical assistance.
The Resource Center will work directly with the National
Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement (NCWRCOI),
which will serve as a single point of entry for States and Tribes to
request onsite training and technical assistance to ensure a
coordinated and immediate response.
The Resource Center will provide evaluation data to the
NCWRCOI that addresses both process and outcomes to evaluate the
results and benefits of the technical assistance provided.
The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services provides Web site information and policy
guidance on the Federal regulations pertaining to protection of human
subjects (45 CFR part 46), informed consent, informed consent
checklists, confidentiality of personal identification information,
data collection procedures, and internal review boards: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/polasur.htm
.

[[Page 35914]]

time of submission. Any of the following constitutes acceptable proof
of such status:
a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Services' (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
c. A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
e. Any of the items immediately above for a State or national
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs,
provide documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost
rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
8. Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If
applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of
Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their
role, detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing
commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded.
9. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of
the non-Federal share of project costs.
10. The application limit is 75 pages total including all forms and
attachments. Submit one original and two copies.
To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted
with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this
announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following
the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual
authorized to act for the applicant organization and to assume
responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions
of the grant award.
To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the application, including all
forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point. The original
copy of the application must have original signatures, signed in black
ink.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the
top and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
Pages over the page limit stated within this priority area
announcement will be removed from the application and will not be
reviewed. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single
package, and a separate package must be submitted for each priority
area. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific priority
area it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps,
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the
Federal government for review. Each copy must be stapled securely in
the upper left corner.
Applicants have the option of omitting from application copies (not
originals) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified
in the application budget. The copies may include summary salary
information.
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.''
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
project summary/abstract and the full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Required Forms

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SF424........................... Per required form May be found at http:// See application due

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

ofs/forms.htm
2. SF424A.......................... Per required form May be found at http:// See application due

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

ofs/forms.htm
3.a. SF424B........................ Per required form May be found at http:// See application due

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

ofs/forms.htm

[[Page 35915]]

3.b. Certification regarding Per required form May be found at http:// See application due

lobbying. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

ofs/forms.htm
3.c. Disclosure of Lobbying Per required form May be found at http:// See application due

Activities (SF-LLL). http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

ofs/forms.htm
4. Project Summary/Abstract........ Summary of application See instructions in this See application due
request. funding announcement. date.
5. Project Description............. Responsiveness to See instructions in this See application due
evaluation criteria. funding announcement. date.
6. Proof of non-profit status...... See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement.... See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs..... See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
9. Non-Federal share letter........ See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
-------------------------
Total application.............. See above............. Application limit 75 pages See application due
total including all forms date.
and attachments. Submit
one original and two
copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Forms

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the additional survey located under ``Grant Related
Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant
Applicants.''

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Per required form..... May be found on http:// By application due

Grant Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 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 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, 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: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
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 differentiate clearly 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., Washington, DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

6. Other Submission Requirements

[[Page 35916]]

For Hand Delivery: Applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m. eastern standard time on or before the closing date. Applications
that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to:
ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. It is strongly recommended that
applicants obtain documentation that the application was hand delivered
on or before the closing date. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV. 2. Content and Form
of Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when
submitting applications electronically.
Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted:
http://www.Grants.gov.

Address Where Hard Copy Applications Will Be Accepted: Children's
Bureau Grant Receipt Point, ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
ACYF will not acknowledge receipt of hard copy application
submissions.

V. Application Review Information

Specific Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria will be used to review and evaluate each
application under this Priority Area. The applicant should address each
criterion in the project description. The point values (summing up to
100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion will be
accorded in the review process.
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance
In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, the following
factors will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a clear and
thorough understanding of the need for providing coordinated training
and technical assistance to public and private child welfare and youth-
serving agencies responsible for serving the target population(s), and
demonstrates a thorough understanding of the goals of the legislative
mandates.
(2) The extent to which the training and technical assistance
objectives of the project will effectively build the capacity of State,
and local public and private agencies to support effective efforts to
develop, operate, expand, and enhance initiatives improving outcomes
for children, youth and families served by these agencies.
(3) The extent to which the proposed project will produce
significant results and benefits, and a high level of customer
satisfaction on the part of agencies served and their State and local
constituents.
Criterion 2. Approach
In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be
considered: (50 points)
(1) The extent to which there is a reasonable timeline for
implementing the proposed project, including the activities to be
conducted in chronological order, showing a reasonable schedule of
accomplishments and target dates and the factors that may accelerate or
decelerate the work.
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides a workable plan of
action. The extent to which this plan relates to the stated objectives
and scope of the project and reflects the intent of the applicable
legislative mandates.
(3) The extent to which the applicant describes sound strategies
for providing technical assistance and effectively building the
capacity of State, and local public and private agencies to fulfill the
legislative mandates for the target population effectively. The extent
to which the applicant presents a sound plan for effectively and
efficiently providing technical assistance to the agencies in the
delivery of independent living and youth development services, supports
and activities.
(4) The extent to which the applicant proposes to implement sound
strategies to help lead agencies effectively (1) develop a successful
youth-focused, multi-disciplinary approach to the delivery of
independent living and youth development services; (2) provide supports
and activities that fulfill the legislative mandates; and (3) meet the
objectives of the Child and Family Service Reviews. The extent to which
the applicant would implement strategies that will enhance the agency's
capacity to promote stakeholder involvement in the planning,
implementation, and evaluation of funded programs.
(5) The extent to which the applicant describes a sound plan for
promoting: (1) Interagency collaboration and implementation of new
procedures for blending funding streams; and (2) management improvement
strategies that facilitate interagency coordination as mandated by the
CFCIP legislation. The extent to which the applicant will help
independent living programs find ways to become more active and
effective participants in the Child and Family Service Reviews and
Program Improvement Planning processes in their States.
(6) The extent to which the applicant describes a sound plan for
implementing two annual national conferences: Pathways to Adulthood and
Foster Youth Leadership.
(7) The extent to which the applicant will collaborate effectively
with the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational
Improvement in assessing training and technical assistance needs and
developing and implementing a T/TA work plan in response to requests
from States and Tribes for on-site training and technical assistance.
(8) The extent to which the applicant will effectively coordinate
its activities with other National Resource Centers, AdoptUSKids,
Clearinghouses, other members of the training and technical assistance
network funded by the Children's Bureau, FYSB, and the Training and
Technical Assistance Coordination Committee made up of Federal staff
from the Children's Bureau and Regional Offices.
(9) The extent to which the Resource Center's services, program
activities, and materials will be developed and provided in a manner
that is racially and culturally sensitive to the population(s) being
served.
(10) The extent to which the applicant will provide appropriate
process and outcome evaluation data to the NCWRCOI, so it can evaluate
the results and benefits of the technical assistance provided.
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles
In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors
will be considered: (20 points).
(1) The extent to which the applicant organization and any
partnering organizations collectively have sufficient experience and
expertise (including experience on the national level) in: (1)
Identifying the training and technical assistance needs of an agency or
organization; (2) developing or participating in the development of a
plan to meet those needs; (3) designing, developing and delivering
training and

[[Page 35917]]

technical assistance including recruiting, assigning, and deploying
staff with appropriate experience; (4) developing evaluation strategies
and providing technical assistance on evaluation methodologies, (5)
designing, developing, delivering and evaluating training materials,
(6) establishing effective working partnerships with other agencies and
organizations; and (7) administering, developing, implementing,
managing, and evaluating similar projects. The extent to which each
participating organization (including partners and/or subcontractors)
possesses the organizational capability to fulfill their assigned roles
and functions effectively (if the application involves partnering and/
or subcontracting with other agencies/organizations.
(2) The extent to which the applicant's project director and key
project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and
capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and
complexity effectively. The extent to which the role, responsibilities
and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including
consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and
appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
The extent to which the author of this proposal will be closely
involved throughout the implementation of the proposed project.
(3) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within
budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The
extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any
partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent
to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the
proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with
Federal assistance by the applicant.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following
factors will be considered: (10 points).
(1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are
reasonable, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected
results and benefits.
(2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this
program announcement.

2. Review and Selection Process

When the Operations Center receives your application it will be
screened to confirm that your application was received by the deadline.
Federal staff will verify that you are an eligible applicant and that
the application contains all the essential elements. Applications
received from ineligible organizations and applications received after
the deadline will be withdrawn from further consideration.
A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside
the Federal government) will use the evaluation criteria described in
this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will
determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide
comments about the strengths and weaknesses and give each application a
numerical score.
All applications will be reviewed and evaluated using four major
criteria: (1) Objectives and need for assistance, (2) approach, (3)
organizational profiles, and (4) budget and budget justification. Each
criterion has been assigned a point value. The point values (summing up
to 100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion may be
given in the review and evaluation process.
Reviewers also are evaluating the project products and materials
that you propose. Reviewers will be looking to see that the total
budget you propose and the way you have apportioned that budget are
appropriate and reasonable for the project you have described. Remember
that the reviewers only have the information that you give them `` it
needs to be clear, complete, and concise.
The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in
making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts
administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results
of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to
the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF reserves the option of discussing
applications with other funding sources when this is in the best
interest of the Federal government. ACYF may also solicit and consider
comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions.
ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or
programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community
foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds
for the proposed project; or the potential for high benefit from low
Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants having
known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other problems
which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective
services or effectively complete the proposed activity.
With the results of the peer review and the information from
Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding
decisions.

VI. Award Administration Information

The following Award Administration Information applies to all seven
of the Priority Areas in this Funding Announcement.

1. Award Notices

Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Applications will be
reviewed during the summer of 2004. Grant awards will have a start date
no later than September 30, 2004.
Award Notices: Successful applicants will receive a Financial
Assistance Award which will set forth the amount of funds granted, the
terms and conditions of the grant or cooperative agreement, the
effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial
support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the
total project period for which support is contemplated. The Grants
Management Office issues the award notice.
The Commissioner will notify organizations in writing when their
applications will not be funded. Every effort will be made to notify
all unsuccessful applicants as soon as possible after final decisions
are made.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

45 CFR Part 74 and 45 CFR Part 92
Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement: Each National Child
Welfare Resource Center will operate under a cooperative agreement. A
cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding Federal
assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is anticipated. A
cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective responsibilities
of the Children's Bureau and the grantee prior to the award. The
Children's Bureau anticipates that agency involvement will produce
programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to them
for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration
includes

[[Page 35918]]

Children's Bureau review and approval of planning stages of the
activities before implementation phases may begin; Children's Bureau
involvement in the establishment of policies and procedures that
maximize open competition, and rigorous and impartial development,
review and funding of sub-grant or sub-grant activities, if applicable;
and Children's Bureau and recipient joint collaboration in the
performance of key programmatic activities (i.e., strategic planning,
implementation, information technology enhancements, training and
technical assistance, publications or products, and evaluation). Close
monitoring by the Children's Bureau of the requirements stated in this
announcement that limit the grantee's discretion with respect to scope
of services offered, organizational structure and management processes,
coupled with close Children's Bureau monitoring during performance may,
in order to ensure compliance with the intent of this funding, exceed
those Federal stewardship responsibilities customary for grant
activities.
Faith-based organizations that receive funding may not use Federal
financial assistance, including funds, to meet any cost-sharing
requirements or to support inherently religious activities, such as
worship, religious instruction, or prayer.

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Programmatic Reports and Financial Reports
are required semi-annually. All required reports must be submitted in a
timely manner, in recommended formats (to be provided), and the final
report must also be submitted on disk or electronically using a
standard word-processing program.
Within 90 days of project end date, the applicant must submit a
copy of the final report and any program products to the National
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect, 330 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20447. This is in addition to the standard requirement
that the final program report must also be submitted to the Grants
Management Specialist and the Federal Project Officer.

VII. Agency Contacts

The following Agency Contacts Information applies to all seven of
the Priority Areas in this Funding Announcement.

Program Office Contact

LaChundra Thomas, 330 C St., SW., Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-
8252, lthomas@acf.hhs.gov.

Grants Management Office Contact

William Wilson, 330 C St, SW., Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-8913,
wwilson@acf.hhs.gov.

General

The Dixon Group, ACYF Operations Center, 118 Q Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20002-2132, Telephone: (866) 796-1591.

VIII. Other Information

The following information applies to all seven of the Priority
Areas in this Funding Announcement.
Additional information about this program and its purpose can be
located on the following Web sites: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/; http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/.

Dated: June 15, 2004.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-14170 Filed 6-24-04; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184-01-P