[Federal Register: April 19, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 75)]
[Notices]
[Page 20931-20940]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19ap04-77]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availability
AGENCY: Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau,
HHS.
Funding Opportunity Title: Professional Education for Current and
Prospective Public Child Welfare Practitioners Leading to the Bachelor
of Social Work (BSW) Degree.
Announcement Type: Competitive Grant-Initial.
[[Page 20932]]
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CT-0007.
CFDA Number: 93.648.
Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications
is June 18, 2004.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The purpose of this grant program is to provide professional
education opportunities leading to a BSW degree to prospective and
current public child welfare agency staff. Traineeships will provide
competency-based child welfare training with a particular emphasis on
developing the critical knowledge, values, and skills that are
necessary to respond to the complex problems confronting children and
families in the child welfare system.
Under section 426(a)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act, Federal
grants are made available to public or non-profit institutions of
higher learning for special projects for training personnel for work in
the field of child welfare including traineeships. Individuals who
receive traineeships under these grants must meet the requirements of
section 429 of the Act, which specifies the conditions under which
these traineeships are awarded. Each individual who receives a stipend
with such a traineeship will enter into an agreement with the
institution under which the recipient agrees:
(A) to participate in training at a public or private non-profit
child welfare agency on a regular basis (as determined by the
Secretary) for the period of the traineeship;
(B) to be employed, after graduating from the education program, in
a public or private non-profit child welfare agency for a period of
years equivalent to the period of the traineeship;
(C) to furnish to the institution and the Secretary evidence of
compliance with subparagraphs A and B; and
(D) to repay the expenses of the education if there is a failure to
comply with the agreement.
The educational institutions must provide evidence of compliance
with the provisions of section 429 of the Act, including an assurance
that they will:
(A) enter into an agreement with child welfare agencies for on-site
training of traineeship recipients;
(B) permit agency staff employed in the field of child welfare
services to apply for traineeships if the traineeships furthers their
progress toward the completion of degree requirements; and
(C) develop and implement a system that tracks the employment
record of these recipients for the 3-year period that begins when
students complete their study.
Grantees will be expected to:
(A) Focus on curriculum reform involving the development of
specific child welfare courses and the inclusion of competency-based
child welfare-oriented course content in the social work curricula;
(B) Increase the numbers of field placements in public child
welfare agencies; and
(C) Improve the quality of the supervision of those placements.
Applications must include a letter from appropriate State child
welfare agencies, Tribal Organizations, community agencies, academic
departments, other disciplines, institutions, etc. committing to
coordination with the school/department of social work and indicating
intent to participate in the project. This letter of agreement must be
signed by the Director of the Child Welfare Agency.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total for all
awards under this funding announcement in FY2004 is $500,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that 5 projects
will be funded.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The maximum Federal share
is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget period. A
traineeship must not exceed $10,000 per student per budget year. A
minimum of 75 percent of the total project funds must be used for
traineeships. 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: $100,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: The projects will be awarded for a
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.
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.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State controlled institutions of higher education.
Private institutions of higher education.
Other Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must have an accredited
social work education program and should have a strong partnership with
a public child welfare agency and be prepared to re-design their
curriculum to maximize student learning opportunities for work in
public child welfare agencies. Previously funded applicants under this
funding opportunity will not be precluded from receiving a grant.
Applications that exceed the $100,000 ceiling will be considered
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
No matching funds are required for the portion of the budget that
pays for traineeships. However, grantees must provide a match to equal
at least 25 percent of the total cost of grant activities other than
traineeships. The total approved cost of these non-traineeship
activities is the sum of the ACYF share and the non-Federal share. The
non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although
applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through a
cash contribution. Therefore, a project requesting $100,000 in Federal
funds (with $75,000 for traineeships and $25,000 for non-traineeship
activities per budget period) must include a match of at least $8,333
(25 percent of the total cost for the non-traineeship activities).
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 25
percent match amount for the non-traineeship portion of a $100,000
grant:
$100,000 (Federal share) times .25 (% of Federal share allowable for
non-traineeship activities) equals $25,000
[[Page 20933]]
(maximum amount allowable for non-traineeship activities) divided by
.75 (100%-25%) equals $33,333 (total non-traineeship activity cost
including match) minus $25,000 (Federal share) equals $8,333 (required
25% match)
Because this is a training grant, indirect costs for these projects
shall not exceed 8 percent (Grants Administration Manual, HHS Chapter
6-160). Funds from this grant cannot be used to match title IV-E
training funds.
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
On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal
grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to
provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required
for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an
award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and
block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street,
NE, Washington, DC 20002-2132, Telephone: (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.
You must search for the downloadable application
package by the CFDA number.
Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted: Grants.gov.
Address Where Hard Copy Applications Will Be Accepted: ACYF
Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street NE,
Washington, DC 20002-2132.
Each application must contain the following items in the order
listed:
--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, email 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 at the end of this funding
opportunity announcement.
In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single funding opportunity 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.
--Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and
Budget Justification.
Follow the instructions provided and those in the Uniform Project
Description. Note that Federal funds provided to States and services or
other resources purchased with Federal funds may not be used to match
project grants.
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.
--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 applications.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the
[[Page 20934]]
SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
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 grant and cooperative agreement
requirements:
Participation in any evaluation or technical assistance effort
supported by ACYF;
Submission of 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; and allocation of
sufficient funds in the budget to provide for the project director and
a representative of the State child welfare agency to attend an annual
3-day grantees' meeting in Washington, DC (Attendance at these meetings
is a grant requirement.) In addition, new grantees should allocate
sufficient funds to provide for the project director and a
representative of the State child welfare agency to attend an early
kick-off meeting to be held within the first three months of the
project (first year only) in Washington, DC (Attendance at this early
kick-off meeting is a grant requirement for new grantees, but not for
current or previous grantees under this funding opportunity.)
The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services provides website information and policy
guidance on the Federal regulations pertaining to protection of human
subjects (45 CFR 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 DHHS regulations can be found in 45 CFR Part
74 or 92.
--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 funding opportunity 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.
--Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize
their project description according to the Evaluation Criteria
described in this funding opportunity announcement providing
information that addresses all the components.
--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.
--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.
--Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of the
non-Federal share of project costs.
--The application limit is 45 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 agency 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 titles Deadline at the beginning of the announcement. 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 funding opportunity
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 funding
opportunity. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific
funding opportunity 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.
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
Child Welfare Training 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 this funding announcement 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.
Project Evaluation Plan: Project evaluations are very important. If
you
[[Page 20935]]
do not have the in-house capacity to conduct an objective,
comprehensive evaluation of the project, then the Children's Bureau
advises that you propose contracting with a third-party evaluator
specializing in social science or evaluation, or a university or
college, to conduct the evaluation. A skilled evaluator can assist you
in designing a data collection strategy that is appropriate for the
evaluation of your proposed project. Additional assistance may be found
in a document titled ``Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation.'' A copy
of this document can be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/core/pubs_reports/prog_mgr.html
or ordered by contacting the National
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 330 C Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20447; phone (800) 394-3366; fax (703) 385-3206; e-
mail nccanch@calib.com.
Logic Model: A logic model is a tool that presents the conceptual
framework for a proposed project and explains the linkages among
program elements. While there are many versions of the logic model,
they generally summarize the logical connections among the needs that
are the focus of the project, project goals and objectives, the target
population, project inputs (resources), the proposed activities/
processes/outputs directed toward the target population, the expected
short- and long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve,
and the evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which proposed
processes and outcomes actually occur. Information on the development
of logic models is available on the Internet at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/ or http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cyfar/capbuilding/
far/capbuilding/
Use of Human Subjects: If your evaluation plan includes gathering
data from or about clients, there are specific procedures which must be
followed in order to protect their privacy and ensure the
confidentiality of the information about them. Applicants planning to
gather such data are asked to describe their plans regarding an
Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. For more information about use
of human subjects and IRB's you can visit these Web sites: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2 and http://
ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The closing date for receipt of applications is 4:30 PM Eastern
Standard Time (EST) on June 18, 2004. Mailed applications received
after 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 June 18, 2004 at
following address: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.,
ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
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., EST, 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.
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 mails service. 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SF424........................... Per required form..... May be found at http:// See application due
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/grants/form.htm.
2. SF424A.......................... Per required form..... May be found at http:// See application due
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/grants/form.htm.
3.a. SF424B........................ Per required form..... May be found at http:// See application due
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/grants/form.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/grants/form.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/grants/form.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. Indirect cost rate agreement.... See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
7. Letters of agreement & MOUs..... See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
8. Non-Federal share letter........ See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
Total application.................. See above............. Application limit 45 pages See application due
total including all forms date.
and attachments. Submit
one original and two
copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.''
[[Page 20936]]
Additional Forms
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Applications. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/grants/form.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.
Because this is a training grant, indirect costs for these projects
shall not exceed 8 percent. Funds from this grant cannot be used to
match title IV-E training funds.
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 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on or before the
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations Center,
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 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.
and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to:
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 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.
V. Application Review Information
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 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.
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.
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
[[Page 20937]]
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 extent practical, open and free
competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are
[[Page 20938]]
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 (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
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.
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 proposed project's goals and objectives
will meet the training needs of public child welfare agency staff.
(2) The extent to which this project would enhance social work
education's ability to prepare students effectively for public child
welfare agency practice, encourage their entry into the child welfare
profession and increase the number of workers with BSW (Bachelor of
Social Work) degrees.
(3) The extent to which the application demonstrates a clear
understanding of the characteristics of the proposed student
populations and their particular training needs.
(4) The extent to which the proposed project would produce
significant results and benefits. The extent to which these results and
benefits are clearly linked to the proposed project's stated
objectives.
(5) The extent to which the application describes specific,
measurable outcomes that are expected as a result of the proposed
training of current and prospective public child welfare agency staff
in this project.
(6) The extent to which lessons that would be learned from the
proposed project would improve child welfare practice.
Criterion 2. Approach
In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be
considered: (50 points)
(1) The extent to which the application evidences a thorough
understanding of the challenges related to providing training that
supports and enhances public/Tribal child welfare agency staff
capabilities to achieve child welfare outcomes.
(2) The extent to which the application includes a clear plan for
the development and implementation of a BSW level child welfare
curriculum in field placements. The extent to which this curriculum
effectively addresses the training needs of the public child welfare
agency staff.
(3) The extent to which the types of field experiences, including
supervision, would help students receiving traineeships to develop the
competencies necessary to work in public/Tribal child welfare agencies.
(4) The extent to which the proposed curriculum would build on,
expand and strengthen existing curriculum approaches/models. The extent
to which any necessary changes would be made to the existing curriculum
for the inclusion of competency-based, child welfare-oriented, course
content designed to enable graduates to function in public child
welfare agencies.
(5) The extent to which this project would be strengthened through
coordination with and building on past and/or current collaboration and
existing partnerships between the applicant and public child welfare
agencies.
(6) The extent to which there will be an effective administrative
and organizational interface between the applicant and the appropriate
State child welfare agencies, Tribal Organizations, community agencies,
academic departments, other disciplines, institutions, etc. The extent
to which the letters of commitment from these partner organizations
meet the criteria described in Section I. Funding Opportunity
Description.
(7) The extent to which the application explains who the trainees
would be; how many are expected to be trained over the life of the
project; what the process would be for selection and recruitment of
trainees; and the specific strategies which would be implemented for
recruiting minority trainees.
(8) The extent to which the project evaluation would measure the
achievement of project objectives and the project's general impact on
competency-based curriculum development, student acquisition of
competencies and effectiveness of program services.
(9) The extent to which there is a strong plan for dissemination of
the curriculum and project evaluation findings.
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles
In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors
will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the application demonstrates that the
applicant has sufficient experience and expertise in training public
child welfare staff; in developing child welfare curricula; in
collaboration with child welfare agencies on training initiatives; and
in 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
[[Page 20939]]
subcontracting with other agencies/organizations).
(2) The extent to which the proposed 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 (e.g. resume). 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 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 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. They will be interested in your plans for sustaining
your project without Federal funds if the evaluation findings are
supportive. 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. The Commissioner may give special consideration to
applications proposing services of special interest to the Government
and to achieve geographic distributions of grant awards. Applications
of special interest may include, but are not limited to, applications
focusing on unserved or inadequately served clients or service areas;
and programs addressing diverse ethnic populations.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Applications will be
reviewed during the Summer 2004. Grant awards will have a start date no
later than September 30, 2004.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. 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, if applicable, and the total
project period for which support is contemplated. The Grants Management
Officer signs and 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
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 with final reports due 90 days after the
project end date. All required reports will be submitted in a timely
manner, in recommended formats (to be provided), and the final report
will also be submitted on disk or electronically using a standard word-
processing program.
Within 90 days of project end date, the applicant will submit a
copy of the final report, the evaluation 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 and evaluation report must also be
submitted to the Grants Management
[[Page 20940]]
Specialist and the Federal Project Officer.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact
Marva Benjamin, 330 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-8405,
mbenjamin@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
Additional information about this program and its purpose can be
located on the following Web sites: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/
.
Copies of the following Forms, Assurances, and Certifications are
available online at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/form.htm
.
Standard Form 424: Application for Federal Assistance
Standard Form 424A: Budget Information
Standard Form 424B: Assurances--Non-Construction Programs
Form LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Standard Form 310: Protection of Human Subjects
The State Single Point of Contact SPOC listing is available on line
at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
Dated: April 9, 2004.
Frank Fuentes,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-8781 Filed 4-16-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P