FR Doc 04-5044

[Federal Register: March 8, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 45)]
[Notices]
[Page 10695-10702]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08mr04-66]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community
Services

Funding Opportunity Title: Special State Technical Assistance;
Announcement Type: Competitive Grant-Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EZ-0005.
CFDA Number: 93.569.
Dates: Applications are due between April 7, 2004, and July 30,
2004, within the time frames specified in this announcement for mailed
and/or hand-carried applications.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration
for Children and Families (ACF) announces a Special State Technical
Assistance discretionary funding program to support interventions in
cases where an eligible entity is in a crisis situation.
Under the Community Services Block Grant, section 674(b)(2)(B) and
678A, funds may be used by the Secretary to assist States in carrying
out corrective action activities and monitoring to correct programmatic
deficiencies of eligible entities. States are required to determine
whether eligible entities meet the performance goals, administrative
standards, financial management obligations and other requirements of
the State. The CSBG legislation mandates that States provide training
and technical assistance (T&TA) prior to any termination procedures. It
also

[[Page 10696]]

requires States to carry out corrective activities and to monitor all
eligible entities at least every three years.
The CSBG Act requires States to conduct regular, on-site reviews of
eligible entities. When a State determines that an eligible entity has
a deficiency that must be corrected, the CSBG legislation mandates that
the State offer an eligible entity training and technical assistance
(T&TA), if appropriate, to help correct such a deficiency. A State may
support this T&TA with the CSBG funds remaining after it has made
grants to eligible entities. However, OCS recognizes that, in some
instances, the problem to be addressed may be of such a complex or
pervasive nature that it cannot be adequately addressed with the
resources available to the State CSBG Administrator.

Definitions of Terms

The following definitions apply:
Community Action Agency (CAA)--refers to local-level organizations
that are Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Eligible Entities. They
provide a number of types of assistance with the goals of reducing
poverty and enabling low-income families to become economically self-
sufficient.
Community Services Network--refers to the various organizations
involved in planning and implementing programs funded through the CSBG
or providing training, technical assistance or support to them. The
network includes local CAAs and other eligible entities; State CSBG
offices and their national association; CAA State, regional and
national associations; and related organizations that collaborate and
participate with CAAs and other eligible entities in their efforts on
behalf of low-income people.
Cooperative Agreement--an award instrument of financial assistance
when substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding
office, (the Federal government) and the recipient during performance
of the contemplated project. Substantial involvement may include
collaboration or participation by OCS staff in activities specified in
the award and, as appropriate, decision-making at specified milestones
related to performance. The involvement may range from joint conduct of
a project to OCS approval prior to the recipient's undertaking the next
phase in a project.
Eligible Entities--(Section 673(1)(A))--the term ``eligible
entity'' means an entity that is an eligible entity described in
section 673(1) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of
the COATES Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998) as of the day
before such date of enactment or is designated by the process described
in section 676A (including an organization serving migrant or seasonal
farmworkers that is so described or designated); and has a tripartite
board or other mechanism described in the Act.

Special Note: Under the Act, CAAs are eligible entities, however
not all eligible entities are CAAs. Throughout this announcement,
the reference is to organizations defined in section 673(1)(A) of
the CSBG Act whenever CAAs are mentioned.

Nationwide--refers to the scope of the technical assistance,
training, data collection, or other capacity-building projects to be
undertaken with grant funds. Nationwide projects must provide for the
implementation of technical assistance, training or data collection for
all or a significant number of States, and the CAAs and other local
service providers who administer CSBG funds.
Non-profit Organization--refers to an organization, including
faith-based and community-based, which meets the requirement for proof
of non-profit status in the ``Additional Information on Eligibility''
section of this announcement and has demonstrated experience in
providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of
effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and
communities.
Outcome Measures--are indicators that focus on the direct results
one wants to have on customers and on communities.
Performance Measurement--is a tool used to assess how a program is
accomplishing its mission through the delivery of products, services
and activities.
Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) System--ROMA
is a system which provides a framework for focusing on results for
local agencies funded by the CSBG Program. It involves setting goals
and strategies and developing plans and techniques that focus on a
result-oriented performance based model for management.
State--means all of the 50 States and the District of Columbia.
Except where specifically noted, for purposes of this program
announcement, it also includes Territories as defined below.
Technical assistance--is an activity, generally utilizing the
services of an expert (often a peer), aimed at enhancing capacity,
improving programs and systems, or solving specific problems. Such
services may be provided proactively to improve systems or as an
intervention to solve specific problems.
Territories--refers to Guam, American Samoa, the United States
Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Training--is an educational activity or event that is designed to
impart knowledge, understanding or increase the development of skills.
Such training activities may be in the form of assembled events such as
workshops, seminars, conferences or programs of self-instructional
activities.

Program Purpose, Scope and Focus

The purpose of this program priority area is to improve the
capacity of States in carrying out corrective action activities and
monitoring to correct programmatic deficiencies of eligible entities.
The grant will support interventions in cases where an eligible entity
is in a crisis situation. It will preclude the need for termination
hearings and proceedings by stabilizing eligible entities in crises and
correcting programmatic deficiencies, if possible.

Program Statutes

Section 319 of Public Law 101-121, signed into law on October 23,
1989, imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and
certification related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts,
grants, cooperative agreements, and loans. It provides exemptions for
Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Current and prospective
recipients (and their sub-tier contractors and/or grantees) are
prohibited from using Federal funds, other than profits from a Federal
contract, for lobbying Congress or any Federal agency in connection
with the award of a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or loan. In
addition, for each award action in excess of $100,000 (or $150,000 for
loans) the law requires recipients and their sub-tier contractors and/
or sub-grantees (1) to certify that they have neither used nor will use
any appropriated funds for payment to lobbyists, (2) to disclose the
name, address, payment details, and purpose of any agreements with
lobbyists whom recipients or their sub-tier contractors or sub-grantee
will pay with profits or non-appropriated funds on or after December
22, 1989, and (3) to file quarterly updates about the use of lobbyists
if material changes occur in their use. The law establishes civil
penalties for noncompliance. Required Certification and Disclosure
forms to be submitted with your application are attached.
Public Law 103-227, Part C. Environmental Tobacco Smoke, also known
as the Pro-Children Act of 1994 (Act), requires that smoking not be
permitted in any portion of any indoor

[[Page 10697]]

facility owned or leased or contracted for by an entity and used
routinely or regularly for the provision of health, day care,
education, or library services to children under the age of 18, if the
services are funded by Federal programs either directly or through
States and local government by Federal grant, contract, loan or loan
guarantee. The law does not apply to facilities funded solely by
Medicare or Medicaid funds, and portions of facilities used for in-
patient drug or alcohol treatment. Failure to comply with the
provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary
penalty of up to $1,000 per day and/or the imposition of an
administrative compliance order on the responsible entity.
By signing and submitting this application the applicant/grantee
certifies that it will comply with the requirement of the Act. The
applicant/grantee further agrees that it will require the language of
this certification be included in any sub-awards, which contain
provisions for children's services and that all sub-grantees shall
certify accordingly.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $500,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 5-12.
Ceiling of Individual Awards: $50,000.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $7,000.
Average Projected Award Amount: $50,000.
Project Periods for Awards: 17 months.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Community Services Block Grant eligible entities. Statewide or
local organizations or associations including faith-based
organizations, for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations
having 501 (C) 3 status, and non-profit organizations that do not have
501 (C) 3 status.
Additional Information on Eligibility
As prescribed by the Community Services Block Grant Act (Pub. L.
105-285, section 678(c)(2), eligible applicants are eligible entities
(see definitions), organizations, or associations with demonstrated
expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations on
methods of effectively addressing the needs of low income families and
communities.
Applicants must demonstrate proof of non-profit status and this
proof must be included in their applications (see section IV. 2). 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.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$50,000. An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar
range specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and will be
returned to the applicant without further review.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
None.
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
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.

Applications are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards
is $50,000. Applications exceeding the $50,000 threshold will be
returned without review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

Office of Community Services Operations Center, ATTN: Marianna
RayNor-Hill, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia
22209; telephone: (800) 281-9519; e-mail: http://www.Grants.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

An original and two copies of the complete application are
required. The original and 2 copies must include all required forms,
certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized
representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound.
Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget.
Applicants must demonstrate proof of non-profit status and this
proof must be included in their applications. Please include 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.
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the
http://www.Grants.gov site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to

download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via

[[Page 10698]]

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

application package by the CFDA number.
Application Content
Each application must include the following components:
(a) Table of Contents.
(b) Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed 250
words, that would be suitable for use in an announcement that the
application has been selected for a grant award and which identifies
the type of project, the target population and the major elements of
the work plan.
(c) Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an
official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority
to obligate the organization legally.
(d) Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non-Construction
Programs.
(e) Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category
required under section B, Standard Form 424A.
(f) Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
Application Format
Each application should include one signed original application and
two additional copies of the same application.
Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper only.
Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional
materials, slides, films, clips, etc.
The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins must
be at least one inch on all sides.
Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package,
beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one.
Please present application materials either in loose-leaf notebooks
or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center and
fastened separately with a slide paper fastener.
Page Limitation
The application package including sections for the Table of
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives, and Business
Plan must not exceed 65 pages. The page limitation does not include the
following attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances,
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this
announcement.
Required Standard Forms
Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-construction
project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs with their applications.
Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying. Prior
to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish
an executed copy of the lobbying certification. Applicants must sign
and return the certification with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back a certification form.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as
outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back a certification form.
Additional requirements: (a) The application must contain a signed
Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance ``SF-424'', a
Standard Form 424-A Budget Information ``SF-424A'' and signed Standard
Form 424B Assurance--Non-Construction Programs ``SF-424B'' completed
according to instructions provided in this Program Announcement. The
forms SF-424 and the SF-424B must be signed by an official of the
organization applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the
organization legally. The applicant's legal name as required on the SF-
424 (Item 5) must match that listed as corresponding to the Employer
Identification Number (Item 6);
(b) The application must include a project narrative that meets
requirements set forth in this announcement.
(c) The application must contain documentation of the applicant's
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Funding Opportunity
Description'' section of this announcement.
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.''
The forms are located on the Web at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
.

Project summary abstract: Provide a one page (or less) summary of
the project description with reference to the funding request.
Full project description requirements: Describe the project clearly
in 30 pages or less (not counting supplemental documentation, letters
of support or agreements) using the following outline and guidelines.
Applicants are required to submit a full project description and must
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions. The pages of the project description must be
numbered and are limited to 30 typed pages starting on page 1 of
``Objectives and Need of Assistance''. The description must be doubled-
spaced, printed on only one side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins.
Pages over the limit will be removed from the competition and will not
be reviewed.
It is in the applicant's best interest to ensure that the project
description is easy to read, logically developed in

[[Page 10699]]

accordance with the evaluation criteria and adheres to page
limitations. In addition, applicants should be mindful of the
importance of preparing and submitting applications using language,
terms, concepts and descriptions that are generally known by both the
targeted youth and the broader youth services field. The maximum number
of pages for supplemental documentation is 10 pages. The supplemental
documentation, subject to the 10-page limit, must be numbered and might
include brief resumes, position descriptions, proof of non-profit
status (if applicable), news clippings, press releases, etc.
Supplemental documentation over the 10-page limit will not be reviewed.
Applicants must include letters of support or agreement, if
appropriate or applicable, in reference to the project description.
Letters of support are not counted as part of the 30-page project
description limit or the 10-page supplemental documentation limit. All
applications must comply with the following requirements except as
noted:
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 10 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information.

3. Submission Dates and Times

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is any time
before 4:30 p.m. (eastern time zone) between April 7, 2004 and July 30,
2004. Mailed or hand carried applications received after 4:30 p.m. on
the closing date will be classified as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date at the ``Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services
Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington,
Virginia 22209, Attention: Daphne Weeden.'' Applicants are responsible
for mailing applications well in advance, when using all mail services,
to ensure that the applications are received on or before the deadline
time and date.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., e.s.t., at the Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS), Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community
Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300,
Arlington, Virginia 22209; Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current
competition.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail services. Determinations
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants
Management Officer.
Required forms:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents................. As described above........ Consistent with guidance By application due
in ``Application Format'' date.
section of this
announcement.
Abstract of Proposed Project...... Brief abstract that Consistent with guidance By application due
identifies the type of in ``Application Format'' date.
project, the target section of this
population and the major announcement.
elements of the proposed
project.
Completed Standard Form 424....... As described above and per May be found on http:// By application due

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

ofs/forms.htm.
Completed Standard Form 424A...... As described above and per May be found on http:// By application due

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

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

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

ofs/forms.htm.
Certification regarding As described above and per May be found on http:// By application due

environmental tobacco smoke. required form. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.

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

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

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

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

[[Page 10700]]

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs'' and 45 CFR part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
The following States and Territories have elected to participate
under the Executive Order process and have established a Single Point
of Contact (SPOC): Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of
Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,
Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico,
North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas,
Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin
Islands.
Applicants for projects to be administered by federally-recognized
Indian tribes are also exempt from the requirements of E.O. 12372.
Otherwise, applicants should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to
alert them of the prospective applications and receive any necessary
instructions. Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs
as soon as possible so that OCS can obtain and review SPOC comments as
a part of the award process. It is imperative that the applicant 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 424A, item 16a.
Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
deadline date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation
awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory
is included with the application materials for this announcement.

5. Funding Restrictions

Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects
OCS will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is
primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than
the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the
implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This
prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting
for specific services or activities needed to conduct the project.
Number of Projects in Application
Each application may include only one proposed project.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$50,000. Applications exceeding the $50,000 threshold will be returned
without review.

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 5 p.m. eastern standard time on or before the closing
date. Applications should be mailed to: Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, Office of
Community Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300,
Arlington, Virginia 22209, ATTN: Daphne Weeden.
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:
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for
Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center,
1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209 Attention:
Barbara Ziegler Johnson. 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.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Instructions: ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD)
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the
``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections
of the application. The generic UPD requirement is followed by the
evaluation criterion specific to the Community Services Block Grant
legislation.
Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation
criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application.
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the

[[Page 10701]]

endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/
beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project
description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide
information on the total range of projects currently being conducted
and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the
scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. Explain how the
project will reach the targeted population and how it will benefit
participants or the community.
Approach
Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and detail of
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions
or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in, for
example, such terms as the ``number of people served.'' When
accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them
in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and
their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Evaluation
Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and
the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project.
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's
effectiveness.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports, documentation of professional accreditation,
information on compliance with Federal/State/local government
standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other
pertinent information.
A non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the
applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent
list of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the
IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or
association is domiciled.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs,
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Evaluation Criterion I: Work Program (Maximum: 30 points).
Factors: The work program is results-oriented and appropriately
related to the legislative mandate. The extent to which the applicant
addresses: Specific outcomes to be achieved; performance targets which
the project is committed to achieving; critical milestones, which must
be achieved if results are to be gained; and organizational support;
the level of support including priority this project has for the
agency.
Evaluation Criterion II: Need for Assistance (Maximum: 20 points).
Factors: The applicant documents that the project addresses vital
needs related to the purposes stated and discussed under this
announcement.
The applicant provides statistics and other data and information in
support of its contention.
Evaluation Criterion III: Ability of Applicant to Perform (Maximum:
20 points).
Factors: The applicant fully describes, for example in a resume,
the experience and skills of the proposed sources of technical
assistance showing specific qualifications and professional experiences
relevant to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
Evaluation Criterion IV: Significant and Beneficial Impact (Maximum
15 points).
Factor: The extent to which the applicant adequately describes how
the project will assure long-term program and management improvements
that will aid in removal from the ``at risk category''.
Evaluation Criterion V: Evidence of Significant Collaborations
(Maximum 10 Points).
Factors: The extent to which the applicant describes how it will
involve the local Board of Directors of eligible entities as well as
other partners in the community in its activities.
Where appropriate, the extent to which the applicant describes how
it will interface with other related organizations.
Criterion VI: Adequacy of Budget (Maximum: 5 points)
Factors: a. The extent to which the resources requested are
reasonable and adequate to accomplish the project. (0-3 points)
b. The extent to which total costs are reasonable and consistent
with anticipated results. (0-2 points)

2. Review and Selection Process

OCS Evaluation of Applications
Each application submitted to OCS will be screened to determine
whether it was received by the closing date and time.
Applications, which meet the initial screening requirements, will
be reviewed solely on responsiveness to program guidelines and
evaluation criteria published in this announcement. States will not be
competing with each other for funding under this program.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

Following approval of the applications selected for funding, notice
of project approval and authority to

[[Page 10702]]

draw down projects will be made in writing. The official award document
is the Financial Assistance Award, which provides the amount of Federal
funds approved for use in the project, the project and budget periods
for which support is provided, the terms and conditions of the award,
and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The
Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Grantees are subject to the audit requirements in 45 CFR parts 74
(non-governmental) and 92 (governmental) and OMB Circular A-133.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13): Under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the Department is
required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for
review and approval any reporting and record keeping requirements or
regulations including program announcements. This program announcement
does not contain information collection requirements beyond those
approved for ACF grant applications under the Program Narrative
Statement by OMB (Approval Number 0980-0204).
The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 3/31/2004. 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.
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 10 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information.

3. Reporting

All grantees are required to submit quarterly program reports.
Grantees are also required to submit semi-annual expenditure reports
using the required financial standard form (SF-269) which is located on
the Internet at: http://forms.psc.gov/forms/sf/SF-269.pdf . A suggested

format for the program report will be sent to all grantees after the
awards are made.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact: Marianna RayNor-Hill, Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families,
Office of Community Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive,
Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209. e-mail: lmatos@acf.hhs.gov;
telephone: (202) 401-9343.
Grants Management Office Contact: Daphne Weeden, Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and
Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort
Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209. e-mail:
dweeden@acf.hhs.gov; telephone: (202) 401-4577.

VIII. Other Information

Additional information about this program and its purpose can be
located on the following Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs.

Dated: February 24, 2004.
Clarence H. Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 04-5044 Filed 3-5-04; 8:45 am]

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