[Federal Register: June 7, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 108)]
[Notices]
[Page 33165-33177]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07jn05-56]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Administration for Native Americans; Grants and Cooperative
Agreements; Notice of Availability
Funding Opportunity Title: Environmental Mitigation.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ANA-NM-0019.
CFDA Number: 93.582.
[[Page 33166]]
Due Date for Applications: 07/08/2005.
Executive Summary:
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the
availability of funds to eligible applicants to mitigate environmental
impacts on Indian lands due to Department of Defense (DOD) activities
on Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS). Financial assistance is provided
utilizing the competitive process in accordance with the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended.
Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers
supportive to Native American communities for the purpose of FUDS
environmental activities. Although eligibility for funding is not
restricted to projects of the type listed in this program announcement,
these Program Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees as particularly
beneficial to the development of an environmental mitigation project.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the
Administration for Children and Families, announces the availability of
financial assistance for new community-based projects under the
competitive area: Environmental Mitigation. This announcement contains
information on financial assistance from the Environmental Mitigation
Program, authorized under Section 8094A of the Department of Defense
Appropriation Act, Public Law 103-139 and Public Law 103-335 (the Act).
The Congress has recognized that DOD activities may have caused
environmental impacts on Indian lands. For this specific purpose,
Indian lands are defined as all lands of American Indian Tribes and
Alaska Native Villages. Accordingly, the Congress has taken steps to
help those affected begin to mitigate environmental impacts from DOD
activities by assisting them in the planning, development and
implementation of programs for such mitigation.
The Environmental Mitigation program began through a program
announcement published on December 29, 1993 as a response to the
Department of Defense Appropriations Act, Public Law 103-139, which was
enacted on November 11, 1993. This program continues under Public Law
103-335 (Act), enacted on September 30, 1994. Section 809 4-A of the
Act states that of the funds appropriated to the Department of Defense
(DOD) for Operations and Maintenance Defense-Wide, not less than
$8,000,000 shall be made available until expended to provide for the
mitigation of environmental impacts, including training and technical
assistance to tribes, related administrative support, the gathering of
information, documenting of environmental damage, and developing a
system for prioritizing of mitigation, on Indian lands resulting from
Department of Defense activities.
Achieving compliance with Federal environmental protection
legislation is the driving force behind all Federal clean-up
activities. The following is a list of major Federal environmental
legislation that should be recognized in a regulatory review of all
Federal, state and local regulatory requirements which could have major
impacts in the design of mitigation strategies:
Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act of
1992;
Clean Air Act (CAA);
Clean Water Act (CWA);
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA);
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
(SMCRA);
Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972
(MPRSA);
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA);
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA);
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (NWPA);
Comprehensive Environmental Resource Conservation and
Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund);
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA);
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (HSWA);
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
Other Federal legislation that should be included in the regulatory
review and that should be of assistance are the tribal specific
legislative acts, such as:
American Indian Religious Freedom Act;
National Historic Preservation Act of 1991.
Indian Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Act of 1990;
Other regulatory considerations could involve applicable tribal,
village, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, standards, etc.,
which should also be reviewed to assist in planning, the mitigation
design, and development of the comprehensive mitigation strategy.
In this announcement, ANA encourages Native American tribes to
develop their own plans and technical capabilities and access the
necessary financial and technical resources in order to assess, plan,
develop and implement projects to mitigate any impacts caused by DOD
activities.
ANA Administrative Policies
Applicants must comply with the following Administrative Policies:
An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native Village or
Native American organization must be from the governing body.
A non-profit organization submitting an application must
submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of submission. The
non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (1) 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; or (2) a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption
certificate; or (3) a statement from a State taxing body, State
Attorney General, or other appropriate State official certifying that
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and none of the net
earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; or (4) a
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status; or (5) 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.
If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native
Village government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans,
Alaska Natives, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the
community to be served. Applicants must provide information that at
least a majority of the individuals serving on a non-profit applicant's
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 be to served.
Applicants must describe how the proposed project
objectives and activities relate to a locally determined strategy.
ANA will review proposed projects to ensure applicants
have considered all resources available to the community to support the
project.
Proposed projects must present a strategy to overcome the
challenges that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the
community.
All funded applications will be reviewed to ensure that
the applicant has provided a positive statement to give credit to ANA
on all materials developed using ANA funds.
[[Page 33167]]
ANA will not accept applications from tribal components
that are tribally authorized divisions unless the ANA application
includes a tribal resolution.
ANA will only accept one application per eligible entity.
The first application received by ANA shall be the application
considered for competition unless ANA is notified in writing which
application should be considered for competitive review.
An applicant can have only one active ANA Environmental
Mitigation grant operating at any given time.
ANA funds short-term projects, not programs. Projects must
have definitive goals and objectives that will be achieved by the end
of the project period. All projects funded by ANA must be completed, or
self-sustaining, or supported by other than ANA funding at the end of
the project period.
ANA reviews the quarterly and annual reports of grantees
to determine if the grantee is meeting its goals, objectives and
activities identified in the OWP.
Applications from National and Regional organizations must
clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project
originated, and discuss the community-based delivery strategy of the
project, identify and describe the intended beneficiaries, describe and
relate the actual project benefits to the community and organization,
and describe a community-based delivery system. National and Regional
organizations must describe their membership, define how the
organization operates, and demonstrate Native community and/or Tribal
government support for the project. The type of community to be served
will determine the type of documentation necessary to support the
project.
Definitions
Program specific terms and concepts are defined and should be used
as a guide in writing and submitting the proposed project. The funding
for allowable projects in this program announcement is based on the
following definitions:
Authorized Representative: The person or person(s) authorized by
Tribal or Organizational resolution to execute documents and other
actions required by outside agencies.
Budget Period: The interval of time into which the project period
is divided for budgetary or funding purposes, and for which a grant is
made. A budget period usually lasts one year in a multi-year project
period.
Community: A group of people residing in the same geographic area
that can apply their own cultural and socio-economic values in
implementing ANA's program objectives and goals. In discussing the
applicant's community, the following information must be provided: (1)
A description of the population segment within the community to be
served or impacted; (2) the size of the community; (3) geographic
description or location, including the boundaries of the community; (4)
demographic data on the target population; and (5) the relationship of
the community to any larger group or tribe.
Community Involvement: How the community participated in the
development of the proposed project, how the community will be involved
during the project implementation and after the project is completed.
Evidence of community involvement can include, but is not limited to,
certified petitions, public meeting minutes, surveys, needs
assessments, newsletters, special meetings, public Council meetings,
public committee meetings, public hearings, and annual meetings with
representatives from the community.
Completed Project: A project funded by ANA is finished, or self-
sustaining, or funded by other than ANA funds, and the results and
outcomes are achieved by the end of the project period.
Consortium--Tribe/Village: A group of Tribes or Villages that join
together either for long-term purposes or for the purpose of an ANA
project.
Construction: The initial building of a facility.
Core Administration: Salaries and other expenses for those
functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for
purposes that are unrelated to the actual management or implementation
of the ANA project.
Equipment: Tangible, non-expendable personal property, including
exempt property, charged directly to the award having a useful life of
more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.
However, consistent with recipient policy, lower limits may be
established.
Impact Indicators: Measurement descriptions used to identify the
outcomes or results of the project. Outcomes or results must be
quantifiable, measurable, verifiable and related to the outcome of the
project to determine that the project has achieved its desired
objective and can be independently verified through ANA monitoring and
evaluation.
Indian Land: All lands used by American Indian tribes and Alaska
Native Villages.
In-kind Contributions: In-kind contributions are property or
services which benefit a Federally assisted project or program and
which are contributed by the grantee, non-Federal third parties without
charge to the grantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant
agreement. Any proposed in-kind match must meet the applicable
requirements found in 45 CFR part 74 and part 92.
Letter of Commitment: A third party statement to document the
intent to provide specific in-kind contributions or cash to support the
applicant. The Letter of Commitment must state the dollar amount (if
applicable), the length of time the commitment will be honored, and the
conditions under which the organization will support the proposed ANA
project. If a dollar amount is included, the amount must be based on
market and historical rates charged and paid. The resources to be
committed may be human, natural, physical, or financial, and may
include other Federal and non-Federal resources. Statements about
resources which have been committed to support a proposed project made
in the application without supporting documentation will be
disregarded.
Minor Renovation or Alteration: Work required to change the
interior arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing
facility, or install equipment so that it may be more effectively used
for the project. Minor alteration and renovation may include work
referred to as improvements, conversion, rehabilitation, remodeling, or
modernization, but is distinguished from construction and major
renovations. A minor alteration and or renovation must be incidental
and essential for the project (``incidental'' meaning the total
alteration and renovation budget must not exceed the lesser of $150,000
or 25 percent of total direct costs approved for the entire project
period.).
Multi-purpose Organization: A community-based corporation whose
charter specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors
and/or officers of the organization through an elective procedure and
that the organization functions in several different areas of concern
to the members of the local Native American community. These areas are
specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization.
Objective(s): Specific outcomes or results to be achieved within
the proposed project period that are specified in the Objective Work
Plan. Completion of objectives must result in specific, measurable
outcomes that would benefit the community and directly contribute to
the achievement
[[Page 33168]]
of the stated community goals. Applicants should relate their proposed
project objectives to outcomes that support the community's long-range
goals. Objectives are an important component of Criterion III and are
the foundation for the Objective Work Plans.
Objective Work Plan (OWP): The project plan the applicant will use
in meeting the results and benefits expected for the project. The
results and benefits are directly related to the Impact Indicators. The
OWP provides detailed descriptions of how, when, where, by whom and why
activities are proposed for the project and is complemented and
condensed in the Objective Work Plan. ANA will require separate OWPs
for each year of the project. (Form OMB 0980-0204 exp. 10/31/
06)
Partnerships: Agreements between two or more parties that will
support the development and implementation of the proposed project.
Partnerships include other community-based organizations or
associations, Tribes, Federal and State agencies and private or non-
profit organizations, which may include faith-based organizations.
Real Property: Land, including land improvements, structures, and
appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed and
dated Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing
body) in support of the project for the entire project period. The
Resolution should indicate who is authorized to sign documents and
negotiate on behalf of the Tribe or organization. The Resolution should
indicate that the community was involved in the project planning
process, and indicate the specific dollar amount of any non-Federal
matching funds (if applicable).
Sustainable Project: A sustainable project is an ongoing program or
service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds.
Self-Sufficiency: The ability to generate resources to meet a
community's needs in a sustainable manner. A community's progress
toward self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and
direct resources in a comprehensive manner that is consistent with its
established long-range goals. For a community to be self-sufficient, it
must have local access to, control of, and coordination of services and
programs that safeguard the health, well-being, and culture of the
people that reside and work in the community.
Total Approved Project Costs: The sum of the Federal request and
the non-Federal share.
Priority Area 1
Environmental Mitigation
Description: The purpose of Environmental Mitigation projects is to
conduct the research and planning needed to identify environmental
impacts to Indian lands caused by DOD activities on or near Indian
lands and to plan for remedial investigations to determine and carry
out a preliminary assessment of these problems. Mitigation projects
should result in adequately detailed documentation of the problems and
sources of help in solving them to provide a useful basis for examining
alternative mitigation approaches.
Program Areas of Interest are:
Projects that identify the disruption of subsistence
activities due to contamination of the food chain and/or the
development of a remediation plan to address subsistence contamination.
Projects to conduct a comprehensive environmental
assessment.
Projects to conduct site inspections and remedial
investigation to identify problems and causes related to DOD
activities.
Projects that identify approaches and methodologies to be
undertaken in mitigation activities.
Projects to develop a mitigation strategy plan to address
problem areas identified such as: land use restoration, clean-up
processes, and the resources necessary to implement clean-up actions.
The plan should include: technical assistance and management expertise
required; protocols for environmental assessments; cost estimates of
short- and long-term mitigation activities; estimate of impacts of
short-term and/or long-term approaches; and, cultural, economic and
human health-risk impacts.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,200,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 8 to 10.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: 125,000.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $50,000.
Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period: $100,000.
Length of Project Periods: 12-month project and budget period.
Applicants that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for competition.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Native American Tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American Tribal organizations (other than Federally
recognized Tribal governments)
Additional Information on Eligibility:
Federally Recognized Indian Tribes;
Incorporated non-Federally recognized and State-recognized
Indian Tribes;
Alaska Native Villages, as defined in the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA) and/or non-profit Village consortia;
Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/
Associations with Village-specific projects;
Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with Village-
specific projects;
Other Tribal or Village organizations or consortia of
Indian Tribes; and
Tribal governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or
Traditional Councils) as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Please refer to Section I. Funding Opportunity Description to
review general ANA Administrative Policies and Section IV.5 Funding
Restrictions.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
No.
3. Other
All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet 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 Federal grant applicants to provide a
Dun & 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.
[[Page 33169]]
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 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.
A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net
earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
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,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for funding under this
announcement.
Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will
not be considered for funding under this announcement.
Applications that do not include a current signed and dated
Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing body)
in support of the project for the entire project period will be
considered non-responsive and will not be considered for competition.
If the applicant is not a Tribe or Alaska Native Village
government, applications that do not include proof that a majority of
the governing board of directors is representative of the community to
be served will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered
for competition.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
Region I: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA,
MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD,
TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, W.VA
Native American Management Services, Inc., 6858 Old Dominion Drive,
Suite 302, McLean, VA 22101, Phone: 888-221-9686, Fax: 703-821-3680,
Rondelle Clay, Project Manager, Email: rclay@namsinc.org, URL:
http://www.anaeastern.org.
Region II: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY.
ACKCO, INC., 1326 N. Central, Suite 208, Phoenix, Arizona 85004,
Toll Free: 800-525-2859, Direct: 602-253-9211, Fax 602-253-9135, Theron
Wauneka, Project Manager, Email: theron.wauneka@ackco.com, URL:
http://www.anawestern.org.
Region III: Alaska
Native American Management Services, Inc., 11723 Old Glenn Highway,
Suite 201, Eagle River, Alaska 99577, Toll Free 877-770-6230, Direct:
907-694-5711, Fax 907-694-5775, P.J. Bell, Project Manager, E-Mail:
region3@gci.net, URL: http://www.anaalaska.org.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Please refer to Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, to
review general ANA Administrative Policies and Section IV.5 Funding
Restrictions.
Application Submission: Each application should include one signed
original and two additional copies of the complete application are
required. The original copy must include all required forms,
certifications, assurances, and appendices, contain an original
signature by an authorized representative, and be submitted unbound.
The two additional copies of the complete application must include all
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices and must
also be submitted unbound. Applicants have the option of omitting from
the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or
amounts for individuals specified in the application budget. A complete
application for assistance under this Program Announcements consists of
Three Parts. Part One includes the SF 424, other required government
forms, and other required documentation. Part Two of the application is
the project narrative. This section of the application may not exceed
40 pages, the line-item budgets, budget justifications and the OWP form
(OMB Control Number 0980-0204 exp 10/31/06) will be exempt from the
page limitation. Part Three of the application is the Appendix. This
section of the application may not exceed 20 pages (the exception to
this 20-page limit applies only to projects that require, if relevant
to the project, a Business Plan or any Third-Party Agreements).
Electronic Submission: While ACF does have the capability to
receive program announcement applications electronically through
Grants.gov, electronic submission of applications will not be available
for this particular announcement. There are required application
form(s) specific to ANA that have not yet received clearance from
Grants.gov. While electronic submission of applications may be
available in the next fiscal year for this program, no electronic
submission of applications will be accepted for this announcement this
year as they would be missing those required ANA forms and be
considered incomplete.
Organization and Preparation of Application: Due to the intensity
and pace of the application review and evaluation process, ANA strongly
recommends applicants organize, label, and insert required information
in accordance with Part One, Part Two and Part Three as presented in
the table below. ANA strongly suggests applicants label the application
for ease of reviewing. The application must begin with the information
requested in Part One of the chart in the prescribed order. Utilizing
this format will insure all information submitted to support an
applicant's request for funding is thoroughly reviewed. Submitting
information in this format will assist the panel reviewer in locating
and evaluating the information. Deviation from this suggested format
will reduce the applicant's ability to receive maximum points, which
are directly related to ANA's funding review decisions.
ANA Application Format: ANA requires all applications to be labeled
in compliance with the format provided in the program announcement.
This format applies to all applicants submitting applications for
funding. All pages submitted (including government forms,
certifications and assurances) must be numbered consecutively (for
example, the first page of the application is the SF 424 and must be
labeled as page one). The paper size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, line
spacing shall be a space and a half (1.5 line spacing), printed only on
one side, and have a half-inch margin on all sides of the paper. (Note:
the 1.5 line spacing does not apply to the Project
[[Page 33170]]
Abstract Form, Appendices, the Table of Contents, the Objective Work
Plans, and the Budget.) The font size shall be 12-point and the font
type shall be Times New Roman.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Standard Forms and Certifications
The project description should include all the information
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in
the program announcement under Section V Application Review
Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant
needs to complete all the standard forms required for making
applications for awards under this announcement.
Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal
Assistance; SF 424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and
return the standard forms with their application.
Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, 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, if
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must
sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for
the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status,
please refer to Section III.3.
Please see Section V.1, for instructions on preparing the full
project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Due Date for Applications: 07/08/2005.
Explanation of Due Dates:
The closing date for receipt of applications is referenced above.
Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the closing date
will be classified as late.
Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of
the application due 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., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile.
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier
services, or by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an
electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via
http://www.Grants.gov.
Late Applications: Applications that 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.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two
working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications.
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not
always deliver as agreed.
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, or in other rare
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
Checklist
You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your
application package.
Part One.--Federal Forms and Other Required Documents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents............. See Section IV... Applicant must include a table of contents By application
that accurately identifies the page due date.
number and where the information can be
located. Table of Contents does not count
against application page limit.
SF424......................... See Section IV... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ By application
forms.htm. due date.
SF424A........................ See Section IV... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ By application
forms.htm. due date.
SF424B........................ See Section IV... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ By application
forms.htm. due date.
Proof of Non-Profit Status.... See Section III.. As described in this announcement under By award date.
Section III ``Additional Information on
Eligibility''.
[[Page 33171]]
Resolution.................... See Section I.... As described in this announcement under By application
Section I ``Definitions''. due date.
Board of Directors See Section I.... As described in this announcement under By application
Documentation. Section I ``ANA Administrative Policies''. due date.
Audit Letter.................. See Section I.... A Certified Public Accountant's By application
``Independent Auditors' Report on due date.
Financial Statement.'' This is usually
only a two to three page document. (This
requirement applies only to applicants
with annual expenditures of $500,000 or
more of Federal funds). Applicant must
also include only that portion of the
audit document titled ``Supplemental
Schedule of Expenditures of Federal
Awards''.
Indirect Cost Agreement....... See Section V.... Organizations and Tribes must submit a By application
current indirect cost agreement (if due date.
claiming indirect costs) that aligns with
the approved ANA project period. The
Indirect Cost Agreement must identify the
individual components and percentages
that make up the indirect cost rate.
Certification Regarding See Section I.... May be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ By award date.
Maintenance of Effort. ofs/forms.htm.
Certification Regarding See Section IV... May be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ By award date.
Lobbying Disclosure of ofs/forms.htm.
Lobbying Activities--SF LLL.
Environmental Tobacco......... See Section IV... May be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ By award date.
ofs/forms.htm.
Smoke Certification...........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Two.--Application Review Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or format ANA application
What to submit Required content review criteria this section may not When to submit
exceed 40 pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criteria One (10 pts)......... See Section V.... Introduction and Project Summary/ By application
Application Format. due date.
Include the ANA Project Abstract form (OMB
0980-0204 exp. 10/31/06).
Criteria Two (20 pts)......... See Section V.... Need for Assistance....................... By application
due date.
Criteria Three (25 pts)....... See Section V.... Project Approach.......................... By application
Include an Objective Work Plan (OWP) form due date.
(OMB 0980-0204 exp. 10/31/06)
for each 12-month budget period.
Note: The OWP is not included in the page
count for this Part.
Criteria Four (15 pts)........ See Section V.... Organizational Capacity................... By application
due date.
Criteria Five (15 pts)........ See Section V.... Project Impact/Evaluation................. By application
due date.
Criteria Six (15 pts)......... See Section V.... Budget and Budget Justification/Cost By application
Effectiveness. due date.
Note: The line item budget and budget
justification are not included in the
page count for this Part.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Three.--Appendix
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or format this section may
What to submit Required content not exceed 20 pages When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Support Documentation......... See Section V.... Part Three includes only supplemental By application
information or required support due date.
documentation that addresses the
applicant's capacity to carry out and
fulfill the proposed project. These items
include: letters of agreement with
cooperating entities, in-kind commitment
and support letters, business plans, and
a summary of the Third Party Agreements.
Do not include books, videotapes, studies
or published reports and articles, as
they will not be made available to the
reviewers or returned to the applicant.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Forms
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
[[Page 33172]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Location When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit See form.............. Found in http:// By application due
Grant Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Intergovernmental Review
This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' or 45 CFR part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities''.
5. Funding Restrictions
ANA does not fund:
Activities in support of any foreseeable litigation
against the United States Government that are unallowable under OMB
Circulars A-87 and A-122.
ANA does not fund duplicative projects or allow any one
community or region to receive a disproportionate share of the funds
available for award. When making decisions on awards of grants the
agency will consider whether the project is essentially identical or
similar, in whole or significant part, to projects in the same
community previously funded or being funded under the same competition.
The agency will also consider whether the grantee is already receiving
funding for a SEDS, Language, or Environmental project from ANA. The
agency will also take into account in making funding decisions whether
a proposed project would require funding on indefinite or recurring
basis. This determination will be made after it is determined whether
the application meets the requirements for eligibility as set forth in
45 CFR part 1336, subpart C, but before funding decisions are complete
[See Section I. Funding Opportunity Description--ANA Administrative
Policies regarding short-term projects].
Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or
technical assistance (T/TA) to other Tribes or Native American
organizations that are otherwise eligible to apply for ANA funding.
However, ANA will fund T/TA requested by a grantee for its own use or
for its members' use (as in the case of a consortium), when the T/TA is
necessary to carry out project objectives.
The purchase of real property or construction because
these activities are not authorized by the Native American Programs Act
of 1974, as amended.
Core administration (see Definitions) functions, or other
activities, that essentially support only the applicant's ongoing
administrative functions and are not related to the proposed project.
Costs associated with fund-raising, including financial
campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and
similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain
contributions are unallowable under an ANA grant award.
Projects originated and designed by consultants who
provide a major role for themselves and are not members of the
applicant organization, Tribe, or Village.
Activities that are not responsive to Environmental
Mitigation program goals.
Major renovations or alterations are prohibited activities
because these activities are not authorized under the Native American
Programs Act of 1974 as amended. Minor alterations, as defined in this
announcement, may be allowable.
ANA will not fund activities by a consortium of Tribes
that duplicate activities for which a consortium member Tribe also
receives funding from ANA.
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. Please see Section IV.3 for an
explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to:
Attention: Tim Chappelle, U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Services, Office of Grants
Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade,
SW., Washington, DC 20447.
Hand Delivery: 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 time on or before the closing date. Applications that are
hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be
delivered to:
Attention: Tim Chappelle, US Department of Health and Human
Services, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary
Grants, ACF Mail Room, Second Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901
D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
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 20 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information.
The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
1. Criteria
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the
``project summary/abstract'' and ``full project description'' sections
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).
Part I--The Project Description Overview
Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation
criteria must 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 in a
manner that is clear and complete.
[[Page 33173]]
General Instructions
ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition.
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an
appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be
included for easy reference.
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
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.
Applicants are encouraged to describe the qualitative and
quantitative data collected, how this data will measure progress
towards the stated results or benefits, and how impact indicators under
this program area can be monitored, evaluated and verified.
Approach
Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and detail of
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions
or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Additional Information
Following are requests for additional information that need to be
included in the application:
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. If the
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit
status in its application.
The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of
the items 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.
Third-Party Agreements
Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and
subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These
agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules,
remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define
the relationship.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide a budget with 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. 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.
General
Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. ``Federal
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying.
``Non Federal resources'' are all other Federal and non-Federal
resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be
presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories;
second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-
[[Page 33174]]
Federal budget(s), and last column, total budget. The budget
justification should be a narrative.
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 that belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. Include 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.
Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will
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) (currently set at $100,000).
Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award
review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.
Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in
these instructions.
Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it
should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with
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. 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.
Program Income
Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be
generated from this project.
Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application
which contain this information.
Federal
ANA Evaluation Criteria
The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending
order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance
that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need
not develop their applications precisely according to the order
presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer
will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information
(i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed
information about how it will be conducted).
In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities
addressed
[[Page 33175]]
under this announcement, competing applications for financial
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following
criteria:
Approach--25 Points
Project Approach: The Project Approach narrative must be clear and
concise. The narrative must include a detailed project description with
goals and objectives. It must discuss the project strategy and
implementation plan over the project period. The applicant must use the
Objective Work Plan (OWP) form to identify the project objectives, time
frames, proposed activities, results and benefits expected and criteria
for evaluating results and benefits, as well as the individuals
responsible for completing the objectives and performing the
activities. Within the results and benefits section of the OWP the
applicant must provide quantitative quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity. In this
criterion, the applicant describes how the project description,
objective(s), approach and strategy are inter-related. The applicant
must also include the names and activities of any organizations,
consultants, or other key individuals who will contribute to the
project, utilizing the column for Non-Salaried Personnel to list the
hours incurred for these activities.
Objectives and Need for Assistance--20 Points
Need for Assistance: Applicant must show a clear relationship
between the proposed project, the Environmental Mitigation strategy,
and the community's long-range goals. The need for assistance must
clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
governmental, and institutional challenges and problem(s) requiring a
solution that supports the funding request. Describe the community (see
Definitions) to be affected by the project and the community
involvement in the project. The applicant must describe the community's
long-range goals, the community planning process, and how the project
supports the community goals. Provide any existing documentation from
preliminary site inspections that identifies problems or causes due to
DOD activities. Include documentation that identifies contamination
sites or instances of pathway contamination due to proximity to FUDS
(Formerly Used Defense Sites). The applicant must describe how the
proposed goals, objectives, and activities reflect the Environmental
Mitigation needs of the local community. Discuss the geographic
location of the project and where the project and grant will be
administered. Applicant must describe how the proposed project
objectives and activities relate to a locally determined strategy.
The applicant must provide documentation of the community's support
for the proposed project. Applications from regional organizations must
clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project
originated, identify the intended beneficiaries, describe and relate
the actual project benefits to the community and organization, and
describe a community-based project delivery strategy. Regional
organizations must also identify their membership and specifically
discuss how the organization operates and impacts Native American
people and communities. Proposed project objectives support the
identified need and must be measurable.
Budget and Budget Justification--15 Points
Budget and Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness: An applicant
must submit an itemized budget detailing the applicant's Federal
request. A budget justification narrative to support the line-item
budget request must also be included. The budget must include a line-
item justification for each Object Class Category listed under Section
B: ``Budget Categories'' on the ``Budget Information-Non Construction
Programs'' (SF 424A) form. The line-item budget and budget
justification narrative must include the necessary details to
facilitate the determination of allowable costs and the relevance of
these costs to the proposed project. A line-item budget and budget
justification narrative should be included for any non-Federal
resources committed to support the project (cite source of commitment).
If an applicant plans to charge or otherwise seek credit for
indirect costs in its ANA application, a copy of its current Indirect
Cost Rate Agreement must be included in the application, with all costs
broken down by category so ANA reviewers can be certain that no
budgeted line items are included in the indirect cost pool. Applicants
that do not submit a current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement may not be
able to claim the Indirect Cost Rate as an allowable cost, may have the
grant award amount reduced, or may experience a delay in grant award.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to include sufficient funds for
principal representatives, such as the applicant's chief financial
officer or project director to travel to one regional ANA post-award
grant training and technical assistance workshop. This expenditure is
allowable for new grant recipients and optional for grantees that have
had previous ANA grant awards, and will be negotiated upon award.
Cost Effectiveness: This section of the criterion reflects ANA's
concern with ensuring that the expenditure of its limited resources
yields the greatest benefit possible in achieving environmentally sound
and healthy Native American communities.
Results or Benefits Expected--15 Points
Project Impact/Evaluation: In this criterion, the applicant will
discuss the ``Impact Indicators'' (see Definitions) and the benefits
expected as a result of this project. Impact indicators identify
qualitative and quantitative data directly associated with the project.
Each applicant must submit five impact indicators to support the
applicant's project. For each impact indicator submitted the applicant
must discuss the relevance of the impact indicators to the project, the
method used to track the indicator and the method used to determine
project success. Impact indicators will be reported to ANA in the
grantee's quarterly report. The applicant must indicate a target number
to be achieved for the impact indicators. The impact indicators may be
selected from the suggested list below, or they may be developed for a
specific proposed project, or the applicant may submit a combination of
both the ANA suggested indicators and project specific indicators. The
suggested ANA indicators are: (1) The number of sites assessed (i.e.,
contamination sites or instances of pathway contamination due to
proximity to FUDS); (2) the type of data collected for assessment; (3)
number of contaminants identified; (4) types of capacity building
systems created and implemented to support environmental mitigation
program functions; (5) identification of Tribal or Village government
regulations, codes or ordinances that were enacted and adopted; (6)
number of infrastructure and administrative systems, including policies
and procedures developed and implemented.
The applicant should discuss the project's value and long-term
impact to the participants and the community and explain how the
information relates to the proposed project goals, objectives and
outcomes. Applicants should discuss and present objectives and goals to
be achieved and evaluated at the end of each budget period or quarter
(if applicable). Project outcomes should
[[Page 33176]]
support the identified need and should be measurable and quantifiable.
Organizational Profiles--15 Points
Organizational Capacity: In this criterion, the application
provides information on the management structure of the applicant and
the organizational relationships with its cooperating partners. Include
an organizational chart that indicates where the proposed project will
fit in the existing structure. Demonstrates experience in the program
area. Describe the administrative structure, and the applicant's
ability to administer and implement a project of the proposed scope and
its capacity to fulfill the implementation plan. Applicants are
required to affirm that they will credit the Administration for Native
Americans, and reference the ANA funded project on any audio, video,
and/or printed materials developed in whole or in part with ANA funds.
Applicants must list all current sources of Federal funding, the
agency, purpose, amount, and provide the most recent certified signed
audit letter for the organization to be included in Part One of the
application. If the applicant has audit exceptions, these issues must
be discussed in this criterion.
Applicants must provide ``staffing and position data'' to include a
proposed staffing pattern for the project where the applicant
highlights the new project staff. Positions discussed in this section
must match the positions identified in the Objective Work Plan and in
the proposed budget. Applicant must provide a paragraph of the duties
and skills required for the proposed staff and a paragraph on
qualifications and experience of current staff. Full position
descriptions are required to be submitted and included in the Appendix.
Applicant must explain how the current and future staff will manage the
proposed project. Brief biographies of key positions or individuals
must be included. (Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give
preference to qualified Native Americans in hiring project staff and in
contracting services under an approved ANA grant.)
If applicable, applicant must identify consortium membership. The
consortium applicant must be the recipient of the funds. A consortium
applicant must be an ``eligible entity'' as defined by this Program
Announcement and the ANA regulations. Consortium applicants must
include documentation (a resolution adopted pursuant to the
organization's established procedures and signed by an authorized
representative) from all consortium members supporting the ANA
application. An application from a consortium must have goals and
objectives that will create positive impacts and outcomes in the
communities of its members. ANA will not fund activities by a
consortium of Tribes that duplicate activities for which member Tribes
also receive funding from ANA. The consortium application must identify
the role and responsibility of each participating consortium member and
a copy of the consortia legal agreement or Memoranda of Agreement to
support the proposed project.
Introduction--Project Summary/Abstract--10 Points
Introduction and Project Summary/Application Format: Introduction
and Project Summary: Using the ANA Project Abstract form (OMB Control
Number 0980-0204, exp. 10/31/06), the applicant must include: The name
of the applicant, the project title, the Federal amount requested, the
amount of matching funds to be provided, length of time required to
accomplish the project, the goal of the project, a list of the project
objectives (not activities), the estimated number of people to be
served and the expected outcomes of the project.
In addition to the Project Abstract form, the applicant will
provide an introductory summary narrative that includes: An overview of
the project, a description of the community to be served, the location
of the identified community, a declarative statement identifying the
need for the project, and a brief overview of the project's objectives,
strategy and community or organizational impact.
Application Format: Applicants are required to submit applications
in a standard format, following the ANA requirements on application
length, font, numbering, line spacing, etc. Please refer to Section IV
Part 2, ``Content and Form of Application Submission'' for detailed
formatting instructions.
2. Review and Selection Process
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application.
Initial Screening: Each application submitted under an ANA program
announcement will undergo a pre-review screening to determine: (a)
Timeliness--the application was received by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on
the closing date; (b) the funding request does not exceed the upper
value of the dollar range specified; (c) the applicant has submitted a
current signed and dated resolution from the governing body; and, (d)
if the applicant is not a Tribe or Alaska Native Village government,
the applicant has submitted proof of a majority of the board of
directors is representative of the community to be served. An
application that does not meet one of the above elements will be
determined to be incomplete and excluded from the competitive review
process. Applicants with incomplete applications will be notified by
mail within 30 business days from the closing date of this program
announcement. ANA staff cannot respond to requests for information
regarding funding decisions prior to the official applicant
notification. After the Commissioner has made decisions on all
applications, unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing
within 90 days. The notification will include the reviewer comments.
Applicants are not ranked based on general financial need. Applicants
who are initially excluded from competition because of ineligibility
may appeal the agency's decision. Applicants may also appeal an ANA
decision that an applicant's proposed activities are ineligible for
funding consideration. The appeals process is stated in the final rule
published in the Federal Register on August 19, 1996 (61 FR 42817 and
45 CFR part 1336, subpart C).
Competitive Review Process: Applications that pass the initial ANA
screening process will be analyzed, evaluated and rated by an
independent review panel on the basis of the Evaluation Criteria. The
evaluation criteria were designed to analyze and assess the quality of
a proposed community-based project, the likelihood of its success, and
the ability of ANA to monitor and evaluate community impact and long-
term results. The evaluation criteria and analysis are closely related
and are wholly considered in judging the overall quality of an
application. In addition, the evaluation criteria standardizes the
review of each application and distributes the number of points more
equitably. Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the
program announcement criteria and ANA's program areas of interest. A
determination will be made as to whether the project is an effective
use of Federal funds.
Application Review Criteria: Applicants will be reviewed based on
the following criteria and points: ANA's criteria categories are
Introduction and Project Summary/Application Format; Need for
Assistance; Project Approach; Organizational Capacity; Project Impact/
Evaluation; and Budget and Budget Narrative/Cost Effectiveness.
[[Page 33177]]
Application Consideration: The Commissioner's funding decision is
based on an analysis of the application by the review panel, panel
review scores and recommendations; an analysis by ANA staff; review of
previous ANA grantee's past performance; comments from State and
Federal agencies having contract and grant performance related
information; and other interested parties. The Commissioner makes grant
awards consistent with the purpose of the Native American Programs Act
(NAPA), all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, this
program announcement, and the availability of appropriated funds. The
Commissioner reserves the right to award more, or less, than the funds
described or under such circumstances as may be deemed to be in the
best interest of the Federal government. Applicants may be required to
reduce the scope of projects based on the amount of approved award.
Federal. Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the
process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application
copies (not the original) of specific salary rates or amounts for
individuals specified in the application budget and Social Security
numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include
summary salary information.
Approved but Unfunded Applications. Applications that are approved
but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle,
pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Approximately 120 days after the application due date, the
successful applicants will be notified by mail through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which will set forth the amount
of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided and the total project
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and sent to the applicant's
Authorizing Official. Applications not funded in this competition will
be notified in writing.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, 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 Financial
Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted
via postal mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-
governmental) or 45 CFR part 92 (governmental); 45 CFR part 1336; and,
Native American Programs Act of 1974-42 U.S.C. 2991 et seq.
Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under this
Program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities
such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore,
organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their
inherently religious activities from the services funded under this
Program. Regulations pertaining to the prohibition of Federal funds for
inherently religious activities can be found on the HHS Web site at:
http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.
3. Reporting Requirements
Program Progress Reports: Quarterly
Financial Reports: Quarterly
Special Reporting Requirements: An original and one copy of each
performance report and financial status report must be submitted to the
Grants Officer. Failure to submit these reports when required will mean
the grantee is non-compliant with the terms and conditions of the grant
award and subject to administrative action or termination. Program
progress reports are submitted 30 days after each quarter (3-month
intervals) of the budget period. The final program progress report, due
90 days after the project period end date, shall cover grantee
performance during the entire project period. All grantees shall use
the SF 269 (Long Form) to report the status of funds. Financial Status
Reports are submitted 30 days after each quarter (3-month intervals) of
the budget period. The final SF 269 report shall be due 90 days after
the end of the project period.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact
ANA Applicant Help Desk, Aerospace Center, 8th Floor West, 370
L'Enfant Promenade SW., Washington, DC 20047, Phone: 877-922-9262, E-
mail: ana@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact
Tim Chappelle, Administration for Children and Families, Office of
Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant
Promenade SW., Aerospace Building 8th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447-
0002, Phone: 202-401-2344, E-mail: tichappelle@acf.hhs.gov.
VIII. Other Information
Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and
Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the
Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005 applicants will be able to
find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically
for opportunities via: http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to
find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF Web
site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.
Training and Technical Assistance (T&TA): All potential ANA
applicants are eligible to receive T&TA. Prospective applicants should
check ANA's Web site for training and technical assistance dates and
locations, or contact the ANA Help Desk at 1-877-922-9262.
Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of
received applications.
Dated: May 24, 2005.
Kimberly Romine,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.
[FR Doc. 05-11279 Filed 6-6-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P