FR Doc 04-8786

[Federal Register: April 19, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 75)]
[Notices]
[Page 20907-20914]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19ap04-74]

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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availablility

Federal Agency Contact Name: Administration for Children and
Families (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Child
Care Bureau.
Funding Opportunity Title: Native Hawaiian and Nonprofit American
Indian Organization Child Care Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-YN-0012.
CFDA Number: 93.575.
Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications
is May 19, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Grants awarded under this announcement are to increase the
availability, affordability and quality of child care services by
establishing child care programs in areas that have been previously
underserved and/or have unmet needs. This funding opportunity provides
funding for up to two child care programs: one serving Native Hawaiian
youth; and one serving Indian and/or Native Hawaiian youth.
One of the goals of the Child Care and Development Block Grant
(CCDBG) Act is ``to promote parental choice to empower working parents
to make their own decisions on the child care that best suits their
family's needs.'' In support of this goal, the applicant is expected to
design and implement a certificate program since it promotes parental
choice in selecting Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) funded child
care providers. However, while certificates ensure parental choice,
contracted slots also play an important role in meeting the child care
needs of families, particularly in rural areas, for infant-care, or for
children with special needs. To promote full parental choice, care by
sectarian providers (e.g., faith-based) may not be limited or excluded
under this announcement.
To meet the purposes and goals of the CCDBG Act, as amended, the
applicant is required to comply with the same requirements as grantees
receiving tribal formula grants under the CCDF program. Therefore,
unless otherwise indicated, the regulations at 45 CFR parts 98 and 99
will apply to grants awarded under this program announcement. The
applicant must also include a statement that it will comply with the
applicable list of assurances found in 45 CFR 98.15 of the CCDF final
rule.
Therefore, it is incumbent for the applicant to design a child care
program that will adequately address the needs and unique circumstances
of the population it intends to serve. If the applicant is unable to
operate a certificate program, or chooses to provide child care
services through grants and contracts exclusively, it must justify this
approach in its program narrative and assure how the alternative
approach will promote parental choice. In developing a project, an
applicant should review the CCDF Tribal Plan Preprint because it
requests information required by the CCDF Act and regulations at 45 CFR
parts 98 and 99. The Tribal Plan Preprint is available on the Child
Care Bureau's Web site at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ccb/policy1/current/pi0303/preprint.htm.
The Child Care Bureau's website

also contains extensive technical assistance resources to assist
applicants in developing proposals (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/ta/index.htm
).

Title VI of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-193) amended the CCDBG Act to
permit Tribal grantees to use CCDF funds for construction or major
renovation of child care facilities. Therefore, in its grant
application the applicant should describe any anticipated construction
and renovation projects that will be funded with CCDF funds, and
estimate the amount of funds that will be used for these projects.
However, grant funds cannot be spent for construction or major
renovation until a grantee has applied for and received approval,
through a separate application process, from the Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS). A grantee may submit a request to spend part
of its grant for construction or renovation through this separate
application process once it has been awarded a CCDF grant under this
announcement.
Information on the separate application process can be found on the
Bureau's Web site at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/policy1/current/pi0101/pi0101.htm.
As part of the separate application process,

a grantee must show that adequate facilities are not otherwise
available to carry out child care programs, and that the lack of
facilities will inhibit the operation of such programs in the future.
The amount of funds that a grantee may request for construction or
major renovation through the separate application process is limited to
the

[[Page 20908]]

amount estimated in the grantee's original CCDF application under this
announcement.
Furthermore, statutory language at section 6580(c)(6) of the
amended CCDBG Act indicates that Congress does not intend for
construction and major renovation projects to unnecessarily divert
resources from the provision of child care services. Because grants
under this announcement are designed to operate child care programs in
areas with unmet need, a grantee should reserve adequate funds for
direct child care services. While some construction and major
renovation activity is allowable under this program announcement, in
accordance with V Application Review Information, 1 Evaluation
Criterion, Criterion 5 Budget, the applicant will have to demonstrate
that funds will be used for direct child care services and the funds
requested are reasonable in regard to the number of eligible children
to be served.
Definition of Terms. The following definitions apply:
Categories of Care--center-based child care, group home child care,
family child care and in-home care.
Center-Based Child Care Provider--a provider licensed or otherwise
authorized to provide child care services for fewer than 24 hours per
day per child in a non-residential setting, unlesscare in excess of 24
hours is due to the nature of the parent(s)' work.
Child Care Certificate--a certificate (that may be a check, or
other disbursement) that is issued by a grantee directly to a parent
who may use such certificate only as payment for child care services or
as a deposit for child care services if such a deposit is required of
other children being cared for by the provider, pursuant to 45 CFR
98.30. Nothing in this part shall preclude the use of such certificate
for sectarian child care services if freely chosen by the parent. For
the purposes of this part, a child care certificate is assistance to
the parent, not assistance to the provider.
Construction--the erection of a facility that does not currently
exist.
Discretionary Funds--the funds authorized under section 658B of the
Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. The Discretionary funds
were formerly referred to as the Child Care and Development Block
Grant.
Eligible Child Care Provider--(1) A center-based child care
provider, a group home child care provider, a family child care
provider, an in-home child care provider, or other provider of child
care services for compensation that is licensed, regulated, or
registered under applicable State or local law as described in 45 CFR
98.40; and satisfies State and local requirements, including those
referred to in 45 CFR 98.41 applicable to the child care services it
provides; or (2) A child care provider who is 18 years of age or older
who provides child care services only to eligible children who are, by
marriage, blood relationship, or court decree, the grandchild, great
grandchild, sibling (if such provider lives in separate residence),
niece, or nephew of such provider, and complies with any applicable
requirements that govern child care provided by the relative involved.
Family Child Care Provider--one individual who provides child care
services for fewer than 24 hours per day per child, as the sole
caregiver, in a private residence other than the child's residence,
unless care in excess of 24 hours is due to the nature of the
parent(s)' work.
Group Home Child Care Provider--two or more individuals who provide
child care services for fewer than 24 hours per day per child, in a
private residence other than the child's residence, unless care in
excess of 24 hours is due to the nature of the parent(s)' work.
Indian Tribe--any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized
group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or
village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. section 1601 et seq.) that is
recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided
by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.
In-Home Child Care Provider--an individual who provides child care
services in the child's own home.
Licensing or Regulatory Requirements--requirements necessary for a
provider to legally provide child care services in a State or locality,
including registration requirements established under State, local or
Tribal law.
Major Renovation--(1) structural changes to the foundation, roof,
floor exterior or load-bearing walls of a facility, or the extension of
a facility to increase its floor area; or (2) extensive alteration of a
facility such as to significantly change its function and purpose, even
if such renovation does not include any structural change.
Native Hawaiian Organization--a private nonprofit organization that
serves the interests of Native Hawaiians and is recognized by the
Governor of Hawaii for the purpose of planning, conducting or
administering programs (or portions of programs) for the benefit of
Native Hawaiians.
Other Tribal Organizations--for purposes of this announcement, such
term refers to those organizations defined by section 658P(14)(B) of
the CCDBG Act as a private nonprofit organizations established for the
purpose of serving youth who are Indians or Native Hawaiians.
Parent--a parent by blood, marriage or adoption and also means a
legal guardian, or other person standing in loco parentis.
Provider--the entity providing child care services.
Sliding Fee Scale--a system of cost sharing by a family based on
income and size of the family, in accordance with 45 CFR 98.42.
Types of Providers--the different classes of providers under each
category of care. For the purposes of the CCDF, types of providers
include non-profit providers, for-profit providers, sectarian providers
and relatives who provide care.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Category of Funding Activity: ISS Income Security and Social
Services.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: $2,000,000 in FY2004.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1-2.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $1,000,000 per budget
period.
An application 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 Awards: $500,000 per budget period.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $500,000 to $1,000,000 per budget
period.
Project Periods for Awards: Up to three year project period with
three 12 month budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants: Native American tribal organizations.
Additional Information on Eligibility: The Personal Responsibility
and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) amended the
CCDBG Act to add the following definition to the term ``tribal
organization,'' to indicate other organizations that are potentially
eligible for Discretionary Funding: ``Other organizations--Such term
includes a Native Hawaiian Organization, as defined in section 4009(4)
of the Augustus F. Hawkins-Robert T. Stafford Elementary and Secondary
School Improvement Amendments of 1988 and a private

[[Page 20909]]

nonprofit organization established for the purpose of serving youth who
are Indians or Native Hawaiians.''
Therefore, under this announcement, eligible applicants are: (1) A
private nonprofit organization that serves the interests of Native
Hawaiians and is recognized by the Governor of Hawaii for the purpose
of planning, conducting, or administering programs (or parts of
programs) for the benefit of Native Hawaiians; and (2) a private
nonprofit organization established for the purpose of serving youth who
are Indians or Native Hawaiians.
If an Indian organization is already receiving CCDF funding, it is
not eligible to apply for funding under this program announcement. A
list of current tribal CCDF grantees is available at: http://nccic.org/tribal/grantees.html
.

Applicant Board Composition

An applicant must provide assurance that its duly elected or
appointed board of directors is representative of the community
identified to be served. To establish compliance with the requirement,
applicants should provide information establishing that at least a
majority of the individuals serving on the non-profit's governing board
fall into one or more of the following categories: (1) A current or
past member of the community to be served; (2) a prospective
participant or beneficiary of the project to be funded; or (3) have a
cultural relationship with the community to be served.
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to
submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is
any one of the following:
(a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS code.
(b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
(c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General,
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization is a non-profit and that none of the net earnings accrue
to any private shareholders or individuals.
(d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
(e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants''
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: No. Cost sharing or matching funds are
not required for applications submitted under this program
announcement.
3. Other.

DUNS Number

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.

Beneficiary Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to receive CCDF-funded child care services under
this announcement, a child must be under the age of 13 and reside with
a family whose income does not exceed 85% of the State Median Income
(or Tribal Median Income) for a family of the same size and whose
parent(s) are working or attending a job training or educational
program or who receive or need to receive protective services.
An applicant may only submit one applicant under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., OTO/CCB Funding,
118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, CCB@dixongroup.com, 1-
866-796-1591, URL to Obtain Application Page: http://www.Grants.Gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

A. Application Content
An original and two copies of each application are required. Each
application must include the following components:
1. Table of Contents.
2. Abstract of Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed 250
words, that would be suitable for use in an announcement that the
application has been selected for a grant award and which identifies
the type of project, the target population and the major elements of
the work plan.
3. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an Official
of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to
obligate the organization legally.
4. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction
Programs.
5. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
6. Project Narrative--a narrative that addresses issues described
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
B. Application Format
1. Each application should include one signed original application
and two additional copies of the same application.
2. Application materials must be submitted on white 8 and 1/2 x 11
inch paper only. Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
3. Do not include organizational brochures or other promotional
materials, slides, films, clips, videos, etc.
4. The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins
must be at least one inch on all sides.
5. All application pages must be sequentially numbered throughout
the package, beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as
page number one.
6. Application materials must be presented either in loose-leaf
notebooks or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center
and fastened separately with a slide paper fastener.
C. Page Limitation
The application package, including sections for the Table of
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives and Business
Plan, must not exceed 65 pages. The page limitation does not include
the following attachments and appendices: Standard

[[Page 20910]]

Forms for Assurances, Certifications, Disclosures, or any other
supplemental documents that are required in this announcement.
D. Required Standard Forms
1. Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-
construction project must sign and return Standard Form 424B,
Assurances: Non-Construction Programs, with their application. Note:
Although construction is an allowable cost if approved by ACF (See I
Funding Opportunity Description), the non-construction assurances must
be submitted with this application.
2. Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying.
Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall
furnish an executed copy of the lobbying certification. Applicants must
sign and return the certification with their application.
3. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statues relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back a certification form.
4. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994, as
outlined in the Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies
(not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget. The copies may include summary
information.
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the
http://www.Grants.gov 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 email an electronic copy of a grant application.
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 electronic format, nor will
we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically,
including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all
necessary 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 acknowledgment 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 may search for the downloadable application
package by the CFDA number.
Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily submit with their
applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and
Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Please see Section V Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
project summary/abstract and the full project description.

3. Explanation of Application Due Dates

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time (EST) on May 19, 2004. Mailed or hand carried
applications received after 4:30 EST p.m. on the closing date will be
classified as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date at the ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118
Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, Attention: OTO/CCB Funding.
Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in advance,
when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications are
received on or before the deadline time and date.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group,
Inc., 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 ``Attention:
OTO/CCB Funding.'' Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail
services do not always deliver as agreed.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current
competition.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service. Determinations
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants
Management Officer.

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

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

ofs/forms.htm.

[[Page 20911]]

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

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

ofs/forms.htm.
Narrative Budget Justification..... As described above.... Consistent with guidance in By application due
``Application Format'' date.
section of this
announcement.
Project Narrative.................. A narrative that Consistent with guidance in By application due
addresses issues ``Application Format'' date.
described in the section of this
``Application Review announcement.
Information'' and the
``Review and
Selection Criteria''
sections of this
announcement.
Completed Standard Form 424B....... As described above and May be found on http:// By application due

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Forms: Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily
submit with their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related
Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant
Applicants'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

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

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is not covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.''

5. Funding Restrictions

Pre-award costs are not allowable reimbursement charges to this
grant program.

6. Other Submission Requirements

Electronic Link to Full Announcement: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb
.

Electronic Address to Submit Applications: http://www.Grants.Gov.

Submission by Mail: Mailed applications shall be considered as
meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the
deadline time and date at the ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, Attention:
OTO/CCB Funding Applicants are responsible for mailing applications
well in advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the
applications are received on or before the deadline time and date.
Hand Delivery: Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant
couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/
express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between
the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, at ACYF Operations Center, c/o
The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132,
Attention: OTO/CCB Funding between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal
holidays). Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail
services do not always deliver as agreed.
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV Content and Form of
Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting
applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

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

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13, the
Department is required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for review and approval of any reporting and record keeping
requirements in regulations including program announcements. This
program announcement does not contain information collection
requirements beyond those approved for ACF grant applications under the
Program Narrative Statement by OMB (Approval Number 0970-0319 which
expires 3/31/2004).
Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average
25 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection
of information.
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.

1. Criteria

Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested.

[[Page 20912]]

Supporting documents should be included where they can present
information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation
criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application.
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example,
describe who will receive child care services, where and how these
services will be provided, the anticipated numbers of children and
families to be served, and how the services will benefit the children,
families and community to be served.
Approach
Outline a plan of action, which describes the scope and detail of
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Provide quantitative
monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved
for each function or activity in such terms as the number of children
to be served and the number of activities accomplished. Account for all
functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors
that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reasons for
taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual
features of the project such as design or technical innovations,
reductions in cost or time or extraordinary social and community
involvement. 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. Provide a biographical
sketch for each key person appointed and a job description for each
vacant key position.
Provide a plan for securing resources and continuing project
activities after Federal assistance has ceased.
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.

Evaluation Criteria

The five evaluation criteria that follow will be used to review and
evaluate each application. Each of the criteria should be addressed in
the project description section of the application. The point values
indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion will be accorded
in the review process. Note that the highest possible score an
application can receive is 100 points.
Criterion 1: Approach (40 Points)
The extent to which the plan of action is
appropriate and sufficient for addressing the scope of work.
The extent to which specific outcomes to be
achieved; performance targets; and critical milestones are identified.
The extent to which the application defines the
comprehensive nature of the project and demonstrates methods that will
be used to ensure that the results can be used to address a statewide
or nationwide project, in conformance with the scope of work.
Criterion 2: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 points)
The extent to which the application demonstrates
that the proposed project addresses vital needs related to the program
purposes and provides statistics and other data and information in
support of its contention.
The extent to which the application provides
current supporting documentation or other testimonies regarding needs
from State and local child care agencies and related organizations.

[[Page 20913]]

Criterion 3: Organizational Profiles (20 points)
The extent to which the key staff possess the
expertise necessary to conduct the activities demonstrated in the
application and information contained in their vitae.
The adequacy of the time devoted to this project
by the project director and other key staff in order to ensure a high
level of professional input and attention.
The extent to which the application demonstrates
the capacity to provide child care services that offer full parental
choice.
If training and technical assistance is
proposed, the extent to which the application documents its abilities
to provide those services in the area to be served by the project. If
applicable, information provided by the applicant also addresses
related achievements and competence of each cooperating or sponsoring
organization.
The extent to which the application documents
effective coordination with other State, Native Hawaiian, Tribal and
local early childhood education partners in its activities, as
appropriate.
Criterion 4: Results and Benefits Expected (10 Points)
The extent to which the objectives and need for
assistance are clearly stated.
The extent to which the application demonstrates
the expected results will benefit the population to be served in
meeting its child care needs.
Criterion 5: Budget ( 10 Points)
The extent to which the scope of the project is
reasonable for the funds available for these grants.
The extent to which the budget and budget
justification are appropriate for carrying out the proposed project.

2. Review and Selection Process

Each application submitted to ACYF will be screened to determine
whether it was received by the closing date and time.
Applications received by the closing date and time will be screened
for completeness and conformity with the following requirements. Only
complete applications that meet the requirements listed below will be
reviewed and evaluated competitively. Other applications will be
returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable
and will not be reviewed.
All applications must comply with the following requirements except
as noted:
(a) The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424
Application for Federal Assistance ``SF-424'', a Standard Form 424A
Budget Information ``SF-424A'' and signed Standard Form 2424B
Assurance-Non-Construction Programs ``SF-424B'' completed according to
the instructions provided in this Program Announcement. The forms SF-
424 and the FS-424B must be signed by an official of the organization
applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the organization
legally. The applicant's legal name as required on the SF-424 (Item 5)
must match that listed as corresponding to the Employer Identification
Number (Item 6);
(b) The application must include a project narrative that meets
requirements set forth in this announcement.
(c) The application must contain documentation of the applicant's
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Additional Information on
Eligibility'' section of this announcement.
ACYF Evaluation of Applications
Applications that pass the initial ACYF screening will be reviewed
and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review criteria
presented in relevant sections of this program announcement. The review
criteria are designed to enable the review panel to assess the quality
of a proposed project and determine the likelihood of its success. The
criteria are closely related to each other and are considered as a
whole in judging the overall quality of an application. The review
panel awards points only to applications that are responsive to the
program elements and relevant review criteria within the context of
this program announcement.
The ACYF Commissioner and program staff use the review scores when
considering competing applications. Reviewer scores will weigh heavily
in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered.
Applications generally will be considered in order of the average
scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important factors
are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not
guaranteed funding. These other considerations include, for example:
the timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded
with ACYF funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of
reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; amount
and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's
consistency and harmony with ACYF goals and policy; geographic
distribution of applications; previous program performance of
applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants,
including the actual dedication to program of mobilized resources as
set forth in project applications; audit reports; investigative
reports; and the applicant's progress in resolving any final audit
disallowance on previous ACYF or other Federal agency grants.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

Successful applicants shall be notified 90 days following the
application due date.
Following approval of the application selected for funding, ACF
will mail a written notice of award to the applicant organization. The
official award document is the Financial Assistance Award that
specifies the amount of the Federal funds approved for use in the
project, the project and budget period for which support is provided
and the terms and conditions of the award. The notice of award signed
by the grants management officer is the authorizing document.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

45 CFR part 74, 45 CFR part 98, 45 CFR part 99.

3. Reporting Requirements

Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90
days after the end of the grant period.
Financial Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 days
after the end of the grant period.
Original Reports and one copy should be mailed to: ACF Grants
Officer, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, 330 C Street,
SW., Room 2070.
Special Reporting Requirements: Annual Aggregate Tribal Program
Data Form (ACF-700 form). The form and reporting instructions can be
found at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ccb/policy1/triblist.htm.

VII. Agency Contacts

1. Program Office Contacts

Ginny Gorman, Child Care Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and
Families, 430 C Street, SW., Room 2046, Washington, DC 20447, Telephone
202-401-7260, E-mail: ggorman@acf.hhs.gov.

John Coakley, ACF Region IX, 50 United Nations Plaza, Room 450, San
Francisco, CA 94102, Telephone 415-

[[Page 20914]]

437-8554, E-mail: jcoakley@acf.hhs.gov.

2. Grants Management Office Contact

William Wilson, Grants Officer, Administration on Children and
Families, Office of Grants Management, 330 C Street, SW., Washington,
DC 20447, Telephone: 202-205-8913, E-mail: wwilson@acf.hhs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

The following websites provide child care and related information
that may assist an applicant in developing a proposal: Child Care
Resources:
Child Care Bureau: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ccb/ National Child Care Information Center: http://nccic.org.

Tribal Child Care Technical Assistance Center: http://nccic.org/tribal
.

Dated: April 9, 2004.
Frank Fuentes,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-8786 Filed 4-16-04; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184-01-P