FR Doc 05-13302

[Federal Register: July 6, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 128)]
[Notices]
[Page 38948-38957]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06jy05-117]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau

Funding Opportunity Title: Developing Adoption Services and
Supports for Youth Who Wish to Retain Contact with Family Members in
Order to Improve Permanency Outcomes.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-CO-0051.
CFDA Number: 93.652.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due August 10, 2005.
Category of Funding Activity: Social Services and Income Security.

Executive Summary

The purposes of funding these demonstration projects are to: (1)
Demonstrate the effective implementation of strategies for introducing
the concept of open adoption to youth and/or sibling groups who prefer
to maintain contact with birth families and/or siblings; (2)
demonstrate effective implementation strategies for connecting youth to
adults to promote a range of permanency options, particularly adoption
and open adoption, and including guardianship and kinship care; (3)
demonstrate the effective models of youth leadership and collaboration
between youth, siblings and other family members, caseworkers and
possible adoptive families in planning for youth permanency; (4)
evaluate the processes and outcomes of these strategies and models; and
(5) disseminate information about these strategies and models so that
other States/locales seeking to implement effective open adoption
programs for youth and sibling groups have a demonstrated resource for
guidance, insight, and possible replication.

Priority Area 1

I. Funding Opportunity Description

[[Page 38949]]

guidance, insight, and possible replication.

Background

ACF completed the initial round of 52 CFSRs in March 2004. Among
the most notable findings is that no State achieved substantial
conformity on the outcome that evaluates the timely achievement of
permanency goals for children in foster care. On the performance
indicator that addresses the establishment of appropriate permanency
goals (Item 7) only 5 States performed satisfactorily. The CFSRs found
that long-term foster care or Alternative Planned Permanent Living
Arrangement (APPLA) are being over-used as plans for youth and large
sibling groups which contain youth due to the youth's interest in
maintaining some level of contact with the birth family. Assumptions
are frequently made that adoption precludes continuing contact with the
birth family whether it be parents or siblings. In the 35 States
reviewed in the CFSR between 2002-2004, while the goal of reunification
was the single goal most commonly recorded for youth in FC age 13 and
older (39 percent), the combined goals of emancipation and long-term
foster care represented 46 percent of the permanency goals for this age
group. This suggests that the plan for nearly half the children
reviewed, who were aged 13 and older, was for them to remain in foster
care. The long-term implications of adoption versus APPLA is not being
sufficiently explored with youth so they can be involved in an
informed, decision-making process about future plans for their life.
Additionally, some child welfare professionals and court personnel
think that finding an adoptive home for youth is simply too difficult.
Therefore, these youth, and sometimes their siblings, age out of foster
care without a family they can turn to once discharged from the foster
care system.
Assumptions are frequently made that impact positive permanency
outcomes for youth. Barriers exist because caseworkers, attorneys and
judges believe that youth don't want to be adopted, that no one is
interested in adopting them, and that adoptive placements of teens are
unsuccessful.
These barriers are reflected in the data reported in AFCARS. The
percent of children who are placed for adoption dramatically decreases
as the child ages. At the end of FY 2000, children nine and older with
termination of parental rights had been waiting to be adopted three
times longer than children under the age of nine. Preliminary analyses
show that although children nine and older constitute 50 percent of the
children in foster care, they are only 37 percent of the waiting
population, (includes most children with a goal of adoption with or
without a termination of parental rights), 39 percent of the children
with termination of parental rights, but only 24 percent of the
adoptions. Additional barriers to permanency include inappropriate
placements, poorly selected and improperly trained foster parents, and
caseworkers failing to address permanency issues early and often in
their work with youth. Placements in group home settings often limit
contact with a broad range of caring adults with whom the youth could
establish and maintain a permanent lifelong connection.
There is a need to design models of open adoption to facilitate
permanency for youth over age 12 (or State's age of consent) in foster
care. It is not unusual for youth to have reasons to prefer a
continuing attachment to parents even though it is not safe for them to
live with their own family. These reasons can include other siblings
still in the home or parents with lower level cognitive skills that the
youth is concerned about. Open adoption can also be a model to allow
siblings to have contact with each other after they're adopted by
separate families. Models which support youth in processing the
implications of adoption and open adoption versus APPLA, while helping
youth to address their emotional/mental health issues, either through
individual counseling, or youth group adoption counseling need to be
demonstrated and evaluated.
Preparation of pre-adoptive families is required to help them be
aware of the issues implicit in open adoptions such as supporting the
youth in relating to and understanding their birth family and managing
contact, safety, supervision and guidelines for contact with family
members. Projects under this funding announcement will be expected to
identify, provide and evaluate the services that are required to help
these families (e.g., foster families, relatives or other individuals
who have already or have not yet developed other connections with the
youth) successfully address these issues.
Effective models that empower and support youth in achieving
permanency must be multidimensional. These include recruiting and
training appropriate foster and adoptive family resources. They also
include connecting youth to caring adults. This can be done through a
broad outreach. Outreach can include mentoring and building connections
with extended family, strategies to effectively address the emotional/
mental health issues of youth including grief and loss. Strategies can
also include community connections, family connections, and caseworker
and supervisor support in assessing and supporting a range of
permanency options early and often in their work with youth.
The Children's Bureau will expect grantees to engage in a strong
evaluation in order to demonstrate linkages between these strategies
and improved outcomes. Grantees will also be expected to package
information which can readily be used by T/TA grantees for work with
states.

Legislative Authority

The Adoption Opportunities program, section 205 of the Child Abuse
Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978, (Pub. L. 95-
266), as amended by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003
(Pub. L. 108-36).
Projects funded under this announcement will be expected to:
1. Have the project fully functioning within 90 days following the
notification of the grant award.
2. Participate if the Children's Bureau chooses to do a national
evaluation or a technical assistance contract that relates to this
funding announcement.
3. Submit all performance indicator data, program and financial
reports in a timely manner, in recommended format (to be provided), and
submit the final report on disk or electronically using a standard
word-processing program.
4. Submit a copy of the final report, the evaluation report, and
any program products to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and
Neglect Information, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, within 90
days of project end date. This is in addition to the standard
requirement that the final program and evaluation report must also be
submitted to the Grants Management Specialist and the Federal Project
Officer.
5. Allocate sufficient funds in the budget to:
(a) Provide for the project director, the evaluator and a child
welfare representative to attend an annual 3-day grantees' meeting in
Washington, DC.
(b) Provide for the project director, the evaluator and a child
welfare representative to attend an early kickoff meeting for grantees
funded under this priority area to be held within the first three
months of the project (first year only) in Washington, DC; and
(c) Provide for 10-15 percent of the proposed budget to project
evaluation.

[[Page 38950]]

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.

Federal Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement

A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding Federal
assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is anticipated. A
cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective responsibilities
of the Children's Bureau and the grantee prior to the award. The
Children's Bureau anticipates that agency involvement will produce
programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to them
for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration
includes Children's Bureau review and approval of planning stages of
the activities before implementation phases may begin; Children's
Bureau involvement in the establishment of policies and procedures that
maximize open competition, and rigorous and impartial development,
review and funding of grant or sub-grant activities, if applicable; and
Children's Bureau and recipient joint collaboration in the performance
of key programmatic activities (i.e., strategic planning,
implementation, information technology enhancements, training and
technical assistance, publications or products, and evaluation). It
also includes close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of the
requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational
structure and management processes, coupled with close Children's
Bureau monitoring during performance, which may, in order to ensure
compliance with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal
stewardship responsibilities customary for grant activities.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,800,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 0 to 6.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $300,000.
Average Projected Award Amount: $300,000.
Length of Project Periods: 60-month project with five 12-month
budget periods.
Other.
Explanation of Other: In the first budget period, the maximum
Federal share of each project is not to exceed $300,000. The projects
awarded will be for a project period of 60 months. The initial grant
award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation
beyond each 12-month budget period will be subject to the availability
of funds, satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of
the government.
Floor on amount of individual awards: None.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

State governments.
County governments.
City or township governments.
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized).
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education.
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other
than institutions of higher education.
Additional Information on Eligibility
Faith-based and community organizations that meet all other
eligibility requirements are eligible to apply.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong partnership between the
child welfare agency, the courts, and youth development organizations.
Collaborative efforts are encouraged, but applications should
identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the grant.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

Cost Sharing/Matching: Yes.
Matching/Cost-Sharing
Grantees must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum
of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may
be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are
encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions.
Therefore, a project requesting $ 300,000 in Federal funds (based on an
award of $300,000 per budget period) must provide a match of at least
$33,333 (10 percent of the total approved project costs). Grantees will
be held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if
over the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the amount
will result in disallowance of Federal funds. Lack of supporting
documentation at the time of application will not impact the
responsiveness of the application for competitive review.

3. Other Eligibility Information

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 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.

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.
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 post-marked after 4:30 p.m. eastern time zone on
the deadline date will not be considered for competition.

[[Page 38951]]

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q
St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, Phone: 866-796-1591, URL: http://www.
acf. hhs. gov/grants/ open/ HHS- 2005- ACF- ACYF-CA - 0001. html.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Each application must contain the following items in the order
listed:
Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424). Follow the
instructions below and those that accompany the form.
In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS number in ``Organizational DUNS:''
box.
In Item 5 of Form 424, include name, phone number, and, if
available, email and fax numbers of the contact person.
In Item 8 of Form 424, check `New.'
In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for
which funds are being requested as stated in this funding opportunity
announcement.
In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single funding opportunity the
application addresses.
In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the specific geographic area to be
served.
In Item 14 of Form 424, identify Congressional districts of both
the applicant and project.
Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and Budget
Justification. Follow the instructions provided here and those in
Section V. Application Review Information.
Description--Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on
preparing the project summary/abstract and the full project
description.
Proof of non-profit status (if applicable). Please see Section
III.3 Other Eligibility for ways to demonstrate non-profit status.
Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs, provide
documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If applicable,
include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of Understanding from each
partner and/or sub-contractor describing their role, detailing specific
tasks to be performed, and expressing commitment to participate if the
proposed project is funded.
Match. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount
of the non-Federal share of project costs (see Section III.2).
General Content and Form information: The application limit is 75
pages total including all forms and attachments. Pages over this page
limit will be removed from the application and will not be reviewed.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the
top and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times New Roman
or Courier). Pages must be numbered.
All copies of an application must be submitted in a single package,
and a separate package must be submitted for each funding opportunity.
The package must be clearly labeled for the specific funding
opportunity it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps,
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation; however, each complete copy must be stapled
securely in the upper left corner. Applicants are advised that the
copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be
reproduced by the Federal government for review.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application. It is essential that
applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before
preparing an application and include all of the required application
forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough
understanding of the purpose and objectives of the applicable
legislation. Reviewers expect applicants to understand the goals of the
legislation and the Children's Bureau's interest in each topic. A
``responsive application'' is one that addresses all of the evaluation
criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding. Applications that
are considered to be ``unresponsive'' generally receive very low scores
and are rarely funded.
The Children's Bureau's Web site (http://www. acf.dhhs. gov/

programs/ cb) provides a wide range of information and links to other
relevant web sites. Before you begin preparing an application, we
suggest that you learn more about the mission and programs of the
Children's Bureau by exploring the Web site.
Organizing Your Application. The specific evaluation criteria in
Section V of this funding announcement will be used to review and
evaluate each application. The applicant should address each of these
specific evaluation criteria in the project description. Applicants
should organize their project description in this sequence: (1)
Objectives and Need for Assistance; (2) Approach; (3) Organizational
Profiles; (4) Budget and Budget Justification; and should use the same
headings as these criteria, so that reviewers can readily find
information that directly addresses each of the specific review
criteria.
Project Evaluation Plan. Project evaluations are very important. If
you do not have the in-house capacity to conduct an objective,
comprehensive evaluation of the project, then the Children's Bureau
advises that you propose contracting with a third-party evaluator
specializing in social science or evaluation, or a university or
college, to conduct the evaluation. A skilled evaluator can assist you
in designing a data collection strategy that is appropriate for the
evaluation of your proposed project. Additional assistance may be found
in a document titled ``Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation.'' A copy
of this document can be accessed at http:// www. acf.hhs. gov/

programs/ opre/other -- resrch/ pm-- guide --eval/ reports/ pmguide/
pmguide --toc. html.
Logic Model. A logic model is a tool that presents the conceptual
framework for a proposed project and explains the linkages among
program elements. While there are many versions of the logic model,
they generally summarize the logical connections among the needs that
are the focus of the project, project goals and objectives, the target
population, project inputs (resources), the proposed activities/
processes/outputs directed toward the target population, the expected
short- and long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve,
and the evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which proposed
processes and outcomes actually occur. Information on the development
of logic models is available on the Internet at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/, or http://www. extension. iastate. edu/cyfar/ capbuilding/

outcome/ outcome -- logicmdir.html.
Project Use of Human Subjects. If your evaluation plan includes
gathering data from or about clients, there are specific procedures
which must be followed in order to protect their privacy and ensure the
confidentiality of the information about them. Applicants planning to
gather such data are asked to describe their plans regarding an
Institutional Review Board

[[Page 38952]]

(IRB) review. If applicable, applicants must include a completed Form
310, Protection of Human Subjects. For more information about use of
human subjects and IRB's you can visit these web sites: http://www hhs.gov/ ohrp/irb/ irb-- chapter2.htm#d2, and http://www. hhs.gov/

ohrp/ humansubjects/ guidance/ ictips.htm.
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 e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grants.Gov
Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly
encouraged.
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 acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.Grants.gov.

You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format
should submit an original and two copies of the complete application.
The original and each of the two copies must include all required
forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an
authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted
unbound.
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
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 Pub. L. 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

Explanation of Due Dates
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
(Eastern Time Zone) on the date noted above. Mailed or hand carried
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be
classified as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date at the ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.,
ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
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 handcarried 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., ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street NE., Washington, DC 20002-
2132, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This
address must appear on the envelope/package containing the application
with the note. 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. Any application received after 4:30 p.m. 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

[[Page 38953]]

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:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Abstract...................... See Section IV and V...................... Format described in By application due date.
Section IV and V.
Project Narrative..................... See Section IV and V...................... Format described in By application due date.
Section IV and V.
SF424................................. See Section IV............................ Format described in By application due date.
Section IV.
SF424A................................ See Section IV............................ Format described in By application due date.
Section IV.
SF424B................................ See Section IV............................ Format described in By application due date.
Section IV.
Assurances and Certifications......... See Section IV............................ Format described in By Time of Award.
Section IV.
Proof of Non-profit status, if See Section III and IV.................... Format described in By Time of Award.
applicable. Section III.
Indirect Cost rate Agreement, if See Section IV............................ Format described in IV.. By Time of Award.
applicable.
Letters of commitment from partner See Section IV............................ Format described in IV.. By Time of Award.
organizations, if applicable.
Non-Federal match commitment See Section III.2......................... Format described in By Time of Award.
documentation. III.2.
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Additional Forms: Private, nonprofit 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.

Applicants. hhs.gov/ programs/ ofs/
forms.htm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
The Adoption Opportunities 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

Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this
solicitation.
Applicants should note that grants to be awarded under this program
announcement are subject to the availability of funds. The size of the
actual awards will vary.

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: ACYF
Operations Center, The Dixon Group, 118 Q St. NE., Washington DC 20002-
2132, Attention: Children's Bureau.
Hand Delivery: 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 delivered to: ACYF Operations Center, The Dixon
Group, 118 Q St. NE., Washington DC 20002-2132, Attention: Children's
Bureau.
Electronic Submission: http://www.grants.gov Please see section IV.

2 Content and Form of Application Submission, for guidelines and
requirements when submitting applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

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

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information.
The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 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.
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).
1. Criteria
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.

[[Page 38954]]

Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Approach
Outline a plan of action that 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 that might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished.
When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function,
list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates. If any data is to be collected,
maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from the
U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This clearance pertains to
any ``collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by
ACF.'' List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other
key individuals who will work on the project along with a short
description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. 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.
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-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

[[Page 38955]]

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.

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
(e.g., 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 under this announcement, competing applications for financial
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following
criteria:
Approach--50 Points
In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be
considered: (50 points)
(1) The extent to which there is a sound timeline for effectively
implementing the proposed project, including major milestones and
target dates. The extent to which the proposed project would complete
its activities in a timely manner and conduct a thorough evaluation of
its effectiveness within the project time frame.
(2) The extent to which the proposed project would enhance capacity
to meet the needs of the target population. The extent to which
specific measurable outcomes will occur as a result of the proposed
project activities. The extent to which there will be a strong
relationship between the proposed project activities and improved
outcomes for youth in foster care.
(3) The extent to which there will be an effective administrative
and organizational interface between the applicant and the appropriate
partner organizations. The extent to which there are appropriate
letters of commitment from these partner organizations.
(4) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough
understanding of the challenges of implementing the proposed project.
The extent to which the applicant provides a sound plan explaining how
the project would successfully overcome these challenges.
(5) The extent to which the proposed project will provide
culturally competent services to the target population.
(6) The extent to which the design of the proposed project reflects
up-to-date knowledge from research and literature. The extent to which
the proposed project is innovative and involves strategies that build
on, or are an alternative to, existing strategies.
(7) The extent to which the project's evaluation plan would measure
achievement of project objectives, customer satisfaction, acquisition
of competencies, effectiveness of program services and project
strategies, the efficiency of the implementation process, and the
impact of the project. The extent to which the methods of evaluation
would provide performance feedback, support periodic assessment of
program progress and provide a sound basis for program adjustments. The
extent to which the proposed evaluation plan would be likely to yield
useful findings or results about effective strategies, and contribute
to and promote evaluation research and evidence-based practices that
could be used to guide replication or testing in other settings. The
extent to which applicants that do not have the in-house capacity to
conduct an objective, comprehensive evaluation of the project present a
sound plan for contracting with a third-party evaluator specializing

[[Page 38956]]

in social science or evaluation, or a university or college to conduct
the evaluation.
(8) The extent to which there is a sound plan for documenting
project activities and results, including the development of a data
collection infrastructure that is sufficient to support a
methodologically sound and rigorous evaluation. The extent to which
relevant data would be collected. The extent to which there is a sound
plan for collecting these data, securing informed consent and
implementing an Institutional Review Board (IRB) review, if applicable.
(9) The extent to which there is a sound plan for developing useful
products during the proposed project and a reasonable schedule for
developing these products. The extent to which the intended audience
(e.g., researchers, policymakers, and practitioners) for product
dissemination is comprehensive and appropriate. The extent to which the
dissemination plan includes appropriate mechanisms and forums that
would effectively convey the information and support successful
replication by other interested agencies.
(10) The extent to which there is a sound plan for continuing this
project beyond the period of Federal funding.
Organizational Profiles--20 Points
In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors
will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the application evidences sufficient
experience and expertise in youth adoption, in collaboration with
partner organizations; in culturally competent service delivery; and in
administration, development, implementation, management, and evaluation
of similar projects. The extent to which each participating
organization (including partners and/or subcontractors) possesses the
organizational capability to fulfill their assigned roles and functions
effectively (if the application involves partnering and/or
subcontracting with other agencies/organizations) in serving the target
populations.
(2) The extent to which the proposed project director and key
project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and
capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and
complexity effectively (e.g., resume). The extent to which the role,
responsibilities and time commitments of each proposed project staff
position, including consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are
clearly defined and appropriate to the successful implementation of the
proposed project with respect to the target population.
(3) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within
budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, for accomplishing
project tasks and ensuring quality. The extent to which the plan
clearly describes the effective management and coordination of
activities carried out by any partners, subcontractors and consultants
(if appropriate). The extent to which there would be a mutually
beneficial relationship between the proposed project and other work
planned, anticipated or underway with Federal assistance by the
applicant.
Objectives and Need for Assistance--20 Points
In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, the following
factors will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the application demonstrates an
understanding of the requirements of the Adoption Opportunities
legislation and the Child and Family Services Reviews, and the extent
to which the proposed project will contribute to meeting those
requirements. The extent to which the application demonstrates a clear
understanding of youth adoption issues.
(2) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough
understanding of the need for knowledge about what works in youth
adoption.
(3) The extent to which the application presents a thorough review
of the relevant literature that reflects a clear understanding of the
research on best practices and promising approaches as it relates to
the proposed project. The extent to which the review of the literature
sets a sound context and rationale for the project. The extent to which
it provides evidence that the proposed project is innovative and, if
successfully implemented and evaluated, likely to contribute to the
knowledge base on youth adoption.
(4) The extent to which the application presents a clear vision for
the proposed project to be developed and implemented. The extent to
which the applicant makes a clear statement of the goals (end products
of an effective project) and objectives (measurable steps for reaching
these goals) of the proposed project. The extent to which these goals
and objectives closely relate to the purposes of this funding
announcement.
(5) The extent to which the lessons learned through the proposed
project would benefit policy, practice and theory development in
addressing the needs of the target populations as described in this
funding announcement.
(6) The extent to which the proposed project would develop strong
partnerships to meet the goals described in this funding announcement.
Budget and Budget Justification--10 Points
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following
factors will be considered: (10 points)
(1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are
reasonable and appropriate, in view of the activities to be conducted
and expected results and benefits.
(2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this
program announcement.
2. Review and Selection Process
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review
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.
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application.
A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside
the Federal government) will use the evaluation criteria described in
this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will
determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide
comments about the strengths and weaknesses and give each application a
numerical score.
The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in
making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts
administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results
of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to
the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF reserves the option of discussing
applications with other funding sources when this is in the best
interest of the Federal government. ACYF may also solicit and consider
comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions.
ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or
programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community
foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-

[[Page 38957]]

Federal funds for the proposed project; or the potential for high
benefit from low Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any
applicants having known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or
other problems which make it unlikely that they would be able to
provide effective services or effectively complete the proposed
activity.
With the results of the peer review and the information from
Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding
decisions. The Commissioner may give special consideration to
applications proposing services of special interest to the Government
and to achieve geographic distributions of grant awards. Applications
of special interest may include, but are not limited to, applications
focusing on unserved or inadequately served clients or service areas
and programs addressing diverse ethnic populations.

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
Applications will be reviewed in the summer of 2005. Grant awards
will have a start date no later than September 30, 2005.

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, 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

Direct Federal grants, sub-award 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 Equal Treatment for Faith-based
Organizations, which includes the prohibition against Federal funding
of inherently religious activities, can be found at either 45 CFR 87.1
or the HHS Web site at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.

45 CFR Part 74; 92. Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45
CFR part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR part 92 (governmental)
organizations.

3. Reporting Requirements

Program Progress Reports: Semi-Annually.
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.
Grantees will be required to submit program progress reports and
financial reports (SF269) throughout the project period. Program
progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting
period. In addition, final programmatic and financial reports are due
90 days after the close of the project period.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact: Patsy Buida, Children's Bureau, 330 C
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Phone: 202-205-8769, E-mail:
pbuida@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact: Peter Thompson, Grants Officer,
Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau, 330 C
Street, SW., Room 2070, Washington, DC 20447, Phone: 202-401-4608, E-
mail: pathompson@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.

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

For general questions regarding this announcement please contact:
ACYF Operations Center, The Dixon Group ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q
Street, NE., Washington DC 20002-2132, Telephone: 866-796-1591.
Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received
applications.

Dated: June 28, 2005.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 05-13302 Filed 7-5-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184-01-P