[Federal Register: April 19, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 75)]
[Notices]
[Page 20898-20907]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19ap04-73]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availability
Federal Agency Contact Name: Administration for Children and
Families, Children's Bureau.
Funding Opportunity Title: Training of Child Welfare Agency
Supervisors in the Effective Delivery and Management of Federal
Independent Living Services.
Announcement Type: Competitive Grant--Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CT-0009.
CFDA Number: 93.674.
Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications
is June 18, 2004.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Children's Bureau announces the availability of funds and
requests applications to develop and implement a training curriculum
for public child welfare agency supervisors.
This curriculum will strengthen supervision of staffs'
interventions with older youth who are in foster care and/or in
independent living programs. These youth, mostly age 16 to 21, need
assistance in making a successful transition to adulthood, as well as
help in avoiding long-term dependency on the social welfare system.
These youth often face decisions with regard to personal housing,
transportation, employment and education. They need workers who can
guide and understand these challenges. The target youth also need
workers who have a grounding in the four core principles that have been
identified as critical for adolescent transition programs to be
successful. The principles are:
(1) Positive youth development;
(2) Collaboration;
(3) Cultural competence; and
(4) Permanent connections.
For more information on these principles contact the University of
Oklahoma, National Resource Center for Youth Services at http://www.nrcys.ou.edu
.
Child welfare supervisors must ensure that child welfare workers
understand and utilize:
(1) Positive youth development philosophy;
(2) Client assessment;
(3) Age-appropriate intervention planning; and
(4) Implementation and evaluation of individualized Independent
Living Program (ILP) training and program activities.
Training based on the curriculum should increase child welfare
supervisor's ability to supervise a worker in:
(1) Assessing a youth's readiness for ILP services, support and
training;
(2) Identifying culturally competent ILP program services and
activities;
(3) Utilizing positive youth development principles for involving
youth in decision-making, implementation and evaluation of training and
program activities;
(4) Identifying areas of stress and its impact on youth in foster
care;
(5) Working with youth to help them deal with crisis situations and
to assess the results of the intervention;
(6) Working with youth to develop and maintain permanent
connections; and
(7) Collaborating with both inter- and intra-agency resource people
to achieve positive outcomes for youth transitioning to adulthood.
Background
In December 1999, Congress passed new independent living
legislation, the John H. Chaffee Foster Care Independence Program. The
new program provides States with increased funding and flexibility to
help youth make the transition from foster care to self-sufficiency.
Currently all 50 States, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia have
an ILP. Services and activities include educational and employment
assistance, training in basic living skills (budgeting, housekeeping,
food shopping, building and maintaining positive social relationships),
counseling, housing, case management and outreach services. The new
legislation allows the use of these funds for additional activities
including room and board, age-appropriate services to youth younger
than 16, post-secondary educational assistance and preventive health
activities.
In addition, the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) has
had considerable impact on child welfare practice and how the goals of
safety, permanency and well-being of youth must be accomplished. Thus,
there is a need to refocus attention on practice approaches that give
attention, as appropriate, to reunification with the biological
parents, adoption, placement or other alternative approaches to
permanency for youth of all ages. For many older foster care youth,
permanency means learning to live independently. Even if they can spend
time with family members, their chances for a successful transition to
adulthood are greatly improved if they learn to count on themselves to
address their daily challenges, and if they have the knowledge, skills
and experience to do so.
Older youth in foster care need special help and support. As of
September 30, 2002 there were an estimated 533,897 children in
substitute/foster care. Of these children an estimated 39% were
identified as being 13 years of age or older (AFCARS--Adoption and
Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System--data as of October 2003).
Approximately 20,000 youth age out of the system every year. These
young people often have histories of significant abuse, neglect and
multiple foster care placements. They often find themselves completely
on their own after discharge, with few, if any, financial resources;
limited education, training and employment options; no safe place to
live; and little or no support from family, friends and community. A
focus on the four core principles for these youth is crucial. The
permanent connections work to help ground the youth in the community
and provide a support system that these traumatized youth often lack.
[[Page 20899]]
Collaborations help to ensure that a full array of services is
available to the youth during and after their transition from care. A
focus on positive youth development allows the youth to have the daily
living skills needed to function on their own along with the knowledge
to maintain their emotional health. Through the provision of culturally
competent services, the agencies ensure that youth feel protected and
connected in their environment. For more information on the four core
principles see http://www.nrcys.ou.edu.
Training of child welfare supervisors has predominantly focused on
supervising staff to meet generalized permanency needs while focusing
on the family as a whole. Most of this work is still done in the
context of family-centered services that build on family strengths and
meet family needs. There is limited attention given to assessing
problem situations from the youth's perspective and preparing a youth
for independence and/or transitioning out of foster care. This training
would focus on strategies for supervising the child welfare worker in
how to identify the specific needs of teenagers as a separate entity in
the family structure and develop a plan for achieving goals to meet
those needs regardless of other permanency work being done in the
family unit.
Specialized skills are essential to work effectively with older
youth. Child welfare supervisors need training to understand youth
development principles and strategies, to focus on giving young people
age-appropriate opportunities to exercise leadership, build skills, and
become involved in the decision-making about their future.
In January 2000, DHHS established the Child and Family Service
Reviews (CFSR) that have enhanced monitoring of State child welfare
programs. Previous approaches had not allowed for states to learn from
their mistakes and make improvements accordingly. Meetings with
stakeholders during CFSR indicate that foster parents, guardians and
other primary care providers need youth development training. In
addition, state agency staff need training and technical assistance in
assisting youth in developing their case plan, and developing life-long
connections that will assist them with permanency. Results of the 2002
reviews indicate that all of the states were found to need improvement
in involving the family in case planning, assessing needs and providing
services.
The Children's Bureau recognizes the need to involve young people
in decision-making and planning for a life of independence. To
accomplish this, service providers must offer specialized, age-
appropriate support for these youth as they transition to adulthood.
Training implemented under this program will provide child welfare
supervisors with the training and tools needed to assist child welfare
workers to help move their older youth through a successful transition
to independence and achieving self-sufficiency.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Funding: The anticipated total for all awards
under this funding opportunity in FY2004 is $500,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that 3 projects
will be funded.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The grant amount will not
exceed $166,667 in the first budget period. An application that exceeds
the upper value 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: $166,667 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: The projects will be awarded for a
project period of 36 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 governments;
County governments;
City or township governments;
State controlled institutions of higher education;
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized);
Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education;
Private institutions of higher education;
Faith-based and community organizations that meet all other
eligibility requirements.
Additional Information on Eligibility: Institutions of higher
education that choose to apply must have an accredited social work
education program, or other accredited bachelor or graduate level
programs leading to a degree relevant to work in child welfare.
Government agencies must be child welfare agencies to be eligible to
apply.
Applications that exceed the $166,667 ceiling will be considered
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: The grantee must provide at least 25
percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved
cost is the sum of the Federal share and the non-Federal share.
Therefore, a project requesting $166,667 per budget period must include
a match of at least $55,556 per budget period. Applicants should
provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of the non-
Federal share of project costs.
The following example shows how to calculate the required 25% match
amount for a $167,777 grant:
$166,667 (Federal share) divided by .75 (100%-25%) equals $222,223
(total project cost including match) minus $166,667 (Federal share)
equals $55,556 (required 25% match).
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.
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
[[Page 20900]]
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, (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: Children's
Bureau Grant Receipt Point, ACYF Operations Center, c/o The 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, e-mail and fax numbers of the contact person.
In Item 8 of Form 424, check ``New.''
In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for
which funds are being requested as stated 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 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
attendance of a key staff person and evaluator from the project at
an annual 3-5 day grantees' meeting (to be determined by the Children's
Bureau) in Washington, DC and at a ``kick-off'' meeting following
award.
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
[[Page 20901]]
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.
--Proof of non-profit status.
--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 50 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's
Chaffee Foster Care Independence Program. 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 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
[[Page 20902]]
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/outcome /
outcome--logicmdir. html.
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/human subjects/guidance/ictips. htm.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The closing date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. eastern
standard time (e.s.t.) 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
the 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., e.s.t., at ACYF
Operations, The Dixon Group, 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. Proof of non-profit status...... See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement.... See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs..... See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
9. Non-Federal share letter........ See above............. See above.................. See application due
date.
-------------------------
Total application.............. See above............. Application limit 50 pages See application due
total including all forms date.
and attachments. Submit
one original and two
copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Per required form..... May be found at http:// See application due
Grant Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/grants/form.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 20903]]
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 p.m. eastern standard time (e.s.t.) 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
p.m. eastern standard time (e.s.t.) 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
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
[[Page 20904]]
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
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.
[[Page 20905]]
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.
Specific Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria will be used to review and evaluate each
application. The applicant should address each criterion in the project
description. The point values (summing up to 100) indicate the maximum
numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process.
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance
In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, the following
factors will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough
understanding of the need for a specific curriculum and training to
strengthen child welfare supervisors' capacity to prepare and guide
staff in their work with older youth involved in the child welfare
system.
(2) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough
knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by older youth involved
in the child welfare system and appropriate intervention approaches for
working with these youth.
(3) The extent to which the proposed project's goals (end products
of an effective project) and objectives (measurable steps for reaching
these goals) clearly and appropriately relate to the training needs of
public child welfare agency frontline workers and supervisory staff.
(4) The extent to which the proposed project would produce
significant results and benefits by developing, field testing,
delivering, evaluating and disseminating a youth-focused training
curriculum for supervisors.
(5) The extent to which an appropriate group of trainees and a
reasonable number of trainees will be trained over the life of the
project.
(6) The extent to which the lessons learned from the project will
clearly and significantly benefit policy, practice and theory
development in addressing older youth's transition needs, issues and
crises.
Criterion 2. Approach
In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be
considered: (50 points)
(1) The extent to which there is a reasonable timeline for
effectively implementing the proposed project, including major
milestones and target dates. The extent to which the project will
complete the development, field testing and revisions of the training
program in a timely manner and conduct a thorough evaluation of its
effectiveness within the 3-year project time frame.
(2) The extent to which the application proposes development of
appropriate materials and provides for effective training under the
proposed project.
(3) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough
knowledge and understanding of the issues related to interventions with
older youth and differences and similarities between youth-centered and
family-centered practice. The extent to which the application
demonstrates a thorough understanding of these issues in terms of the
Adoption and Safe Families Act goals of safety, permanency and well-
being of older youth and the results of the Child and Family Service
Reviews.
(4) The extent to which the application evidences a thorough
knowledge and understanding of the challenges of providing and
improving training for supervisors within a public child welfare
agency. The extent to which the proposed project would successfully
overcome these challenges.
(5) The extent to which the proposed approach to developing a
curriculum is soundly based on an appropriate conceptual framework,
research and practice experience. The extent to which this curriculum
would build on, expand and strengthen the existing curriculum
approaches/models that emphasize youth-focused services.
(6) The extent to which the application evidences a thorough
knowledge and understanding of the four core principles (youth
development, cultural competence, collaboration, and permanent
connections) and the challenges attendant to incorporating these
principles within child welfare practices.
(7) The extent to which the curriculum development and training of
supervisors will be culturally responsive to the diverse child welfare
population.
(8) The extent to which appropriate criteria would be utilized for
selection and recruitment of trainees and specific strategies for
recruiting minority and Tribal agency trainees.
(9) The extent to which there is a sound plan for evaluating the
training curriculum. The extent to which there is a sound plan for
field-testing the effectiveness of the competency-based curriculum and
modifying the curriculum, if necessary. The extent to which the
applicant clearly identifies and justifies the location of the project
and the State/local child welfare agencies where the proposed
curriculum will be field-tested.
(10) The extent to which there is a sound plan for dissemination of
the curriculum and project evaluation findings.
(11) The extent to which there is a sound plan for continuing this
project beyond the period of Federal funding.
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 sufficient
organizational capability and experience in developing training
curricula and providing training to child welfare
[[Page 20906]]
agency staff in the area of youth-focused services.
(2) The extent to which the project director, other key staff,
partners and consultants have the necessary knowledge, capabilities and
experience to develop the proposed training curriculum and manage the
project effectively (e.g. resumes). The extent to which the author of
this proposal will be involved throughout the implementation of the
proposed project.
(3) The extent to which past and/or current collaboration between
the applicant and the public (State/local and tribal) agencies in
training of child welfare staff would strengthen this project. The
extent to which this project will be strengthened by building on
existing partnerships with such agencies. The extent to which the
applicant includes interagency agreements and commitments from the
participating entities.
(4) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within
budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The
extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any
partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent
to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the
proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with
Federal assistance by the applicant.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following
factors will be considered: (10 points)
(1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are
reasonable, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected
results and benefits.
(2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this
program announcement.
2. Review and Selection Process
When the Operations Center receives your application it will be
screened to confirm that your application was received by the deadline.
Federal staff will verify that you are an eligible applicant and that
the application contains all the essential elements. Applications
received from ineligible organizations and applications received after
the deadline will be withdrawn from further consideration.
A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside
the Federal government) will use the evaluation criteria described in
this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will
determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide
comments about the strengths and weaknesses and give each application a
numerical score.
All applications will be reviewed and evaluated using four major
criteria: (1) Objectives and need for assistance, (2) approach, (3)
organizational profiles, and (4) budget and budget justification. Each
criterion has been assigned a point value. The point values (summing up
to 100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion may be
given in the review and evaluation process.
Reviewers also are evaluating the project products and materials
that you propose. 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. Other
Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Applications will be
reviewed during 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
Office 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 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
[[Page 20907]]
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 Specialist and the Federal Project Officer.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact
Pam Johnson, 330 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-8086,
pjohnson@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact
William Wilson, 330 C Street, 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 site: 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. 04-8784 Filed 4-16-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P