[Federal Register: July 14, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 134)]
[Notices]
[Page 40710-40719]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14jy05-45]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Community Services; CSBG T&TA Promoting Healthy
Marriages
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OCS-ET-0043.
CFDA Number: 93.570.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due August 15, 2005.
Executive Summary: The Office of Community Services (OCS) within
the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announces that
competing applications will be accepted for a new grant pursuant to the
Secretary's authority under section 678(A) of the Community Services
Block Grant (CSBG) Act, as amended, by the Community Opportunities,
Accountability, and Training and Educational Services (COATES) Human
Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285).
These activities must fund training and technical assistance
resources for the Community Services Network to ensure that the needs
of eligible entities and programs relating to improving program quality
(including quality of financial management practices) are addressed to
the maximum extent feasible; and incorporate mechanisms to ensure
responsiveness to local needs.
The proposed grants will fund training and technical assistance
resources for the Community Services Network focusing on improving the
quality of programs carried out under the CSBG act and the delivery of
healthy marriage strategies among low income people served by local
community action agencies.
Specifically, OCS will offer one-year grants to fund a one year
project period for the creation and dissemination of ``best practice''
technical assistance materials from local community organizations,
including those that are faith-based, that have demonstrated success in
promoting or sustaining healthy marriages among clients as part of an
overall strategy to help low-income people achieve family and child
development, and/or self-sufficiency goals. Special emphasis is being
placed on the development and dissemination of ``best practice''
materials that focus on a wide range of low-income populations,
including racial and ethnic minorities.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration
for Children and Families (ACF) announces the availability of
competitive grants for training and technical assistance activities
that will provide Community Services Network organizations with healthy
marriage education models and disseminating findings from these models.
These grants are for innovative projects, planned and designed
specifically to assist in the development and delivery of successful
marriage education programs for low-income couples. Projects should be
designed to implement activities over a one-year project and budget
period. Project implementation should include two phases: (I) Consumer-
based data gathering, planning, and model development; (II) Program
design and service delivery.
Technical assistance to organizations in the community services
network will focus entirely on the lesson's learned and best practices
based on grantee's experiences and early findings and will be
disseminated throughout the entire project period. Eligible applicants
are state-wide or local organizations with demonstrated expertise in
providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of
effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and communities
within the Community Services Network client base. Awarded projects
will be administered through a cooperative agreement. This agreement
will require a close working relationship between OCS and the
successful applicant.
Background
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has encouraged
the formation and maintenance of healthy marriages and families as part
of its overall strategy to help low-income people achieve family and
child development goals, and greater economic self-sufficiency. Over
the past four years, many community organizations, including designated
community action agencies, faith-based groups, and public human service
agencies, have undertaken special initiatives designed to promote
healthy marriages, often with financial support from ACF program
offices. Although some progress has been made, more needs to be done to
expand the current knowledge base about the kinds of marriage support
programs that are most effective and culturally appropriate to meet the
needs of diverse, low-income families to improve their marital health
and stability. The CSBG Supporting Healthy Marriage T&TA grants will
give community organizations a valuable opportunity to develop solid
strategies to support healthy marriages and provide the Community
Services Network with another effective support service for low-income
families. These grants will also help to answer questions about what
works and what does not work in supporting healthy marriages in low-
income settings and provide the network with a training and technical
assistance resource as other organizations attempt to offer similar
programs.
Healthy marriages are good for children, families, and society as a
whole. Research tells us that on average, men and women in healthy
marriages are more likely to build wealth, have better health,
experience emotional well-being and live longer. More importantly,
children who grow up in healthy, married families do better on a host
of outcomes than those who grow up in other family forms. For example,
studies have shown that children in healthy married families are at
less risk for substance abuse, emotional distress and mental illness,
suicide, criminal behavior, educational decline, poverty, child abuse
and neglect. Further, children raised in healthy, married families are
more likely to develop better relationships with their parents, develop
stable marriages and families themselves, experience greater economic
security, perform better academically and later in occupational
settings, and have better physical health. In addition, communities
with high proportions of healthy, married families are safer and
experience fewer social problems than those with lower proportions of
healthy, married families.
Research also tells us that what separates stable and healthy
marriages from unstable and unhealthy ones is not
[[Page 40711]]
the frequency of conflict, but how couples manage conflict. Couples
that are able to listen to each other with respect and resolve conflict
in healthy ways, report higher levels of marital satisfaction and are
less likely to divorce than those who are not able to do so. Through
marriage education we can teach these skills and increase the odds that
couples will form and sustain healthy marriages--to the benefit of
their children, themselves and society.
Research has shown that individuals and couples across the economic
spectrum are similar in their desire to have stable, healthy marriages
and family relationships for themselves and their children. However,
those dealing with economic difficulties often face additional
challenges to achieving these goals relative to couples who are more
economically secure. Research shows that lower-income is associated
with higher rates of divorce. We have limited information about the
factors that contribute to these differences across economic and
racial/ethnic groups. We also have limited information about the
factors that contribute to marital quality and stability and child
well-being within lower-income groups.
More information on how to effectively implement these programs is
needed to fully gage how to successfully achieve greater family and
child development and how to inform other eligible organizations of
implementation and design strategies that show promise in reducing
highly stressed families faced with limited resources. The CSBG
Supporting Healthy Marriage T&TA grants are one of OCS' efforts to help
community organizations share their experiences developing effective
models with the broader network of CSBG entities attempting to provide
healthy marriage initiatives in diverse settings.
Program Purpose
The purpose of this program is to enhance the Community Service
Network's ability to support projects that will develop and deliver
healthy marriage services to low-income couples via training and
technical assistance to organizations eligible to receive CSBG
assistance, with a desire to improve family and child development
through similar interventions. OCS seeks to fund projects that have
thorough, well designed proposals that include implementation
activities for the following: (I) Data Gathering, Planning, and Model
Development; (II) Program Intervention and Service Delivery; that lead
to training and technical assistance activities for organizations
eligible to receive CSBG assistance with the Community Services
Network.
I. Data Gathering, Planning and Model Development
OCS envisions funding projects that employ a methodical approach to
developing healthy marriage models and services for organizations
within the Community Services Network that will ultimately help low-
income couples so that findings can be easily shared and lesson's
learned easily transferable. Because there is limited research and
experience with delivering marriage education services to low income
consumers, OCS contends that projects should carefully consider the
planning and model development stage. Projects may use focus groups,
community surveys or other methods to gather information and data to
assist them in the development stage. This data gathering process would
give the agency a valuable opportunity to obtain information about
assets, issues, and barriers that should be considered when developing
a program for low-income couples. Potential barriers or issues might be
logistical, cultural, etc. The key here is to gather information and
use it effectively to design an intervention that meets the needs of
the project's target population. For example, during the data gathering
process the agency might discover that delivering marriage education
classes during the week would not be feasible because most of the
potential consumers have small school-aged children. Other factors like
weekend offerings, on-site activities for youth, may be identified as
preferences, providing valuable insight for model development.
This phase of the project should be programmed to occur in the
first two quarters after the award.
II. Program Intervention and Service Delivery
OCS seeks to fund well-designed program interventions that will aid
organizations within the Community Services Network in helping low-
income couples build and sustain healthy marriages through the
acquisition and application of skill building techniques known to
improve marital stability so that these development and implementation
lessons can be shared with other organizations. Applicants shall
provide a thorough description of how the intervention/service will be
implemented including reasonable plans for project marketing and
outreach, participant recruitment and retention, the type of marriage
education services to be offered, guidelines on the frequency and
duration of classes or services, staffing, training plans and
projections of the number of couples to be served. Well-designed
approaches will also be tailored to meet the needs of the target
population. Proposals should demonstrate how the intervention would be
designed to provide the necessary support services often required to
meet needs of low-income or diverse populations. For example,
transportation to and from healthy marriage activities, childcare,
translation services, etc.
OCS intends to fund the creation of healthy marriage intervention
models that can be used for training and technical assistance
activities for use within the Community Services Network that focus on:
Successful strategies and service models for helping
couples interested in learning skills and approaches that will help
them create and sustain a healthy marriage and therefore provide a
nurturing family environment for their children;
Successful strategies and service models for helping
married couples sustain and enrich their marriage and family, including
on-going opportunities for marriage education and other marital skill-
building activities; and
Ways to measure and report the effectiveness, or results,
of the healthy marriage and/or enrichment activities described above.
Based on the experiences and successes of currently funded healthy
marriage projects, OCS is interested in supporting program
interventions and service models that employ the following concepts:
Deliver marriage education classes or services that are
skill based and reflective of industry standards.
Voluntary participation in healthy marriage activities.
Projects should always stress to consumers that participation is
voluntary. Providing services to those consumers that have chosen to
learn these skills for themselves.
Culturally relevant program interventions. Projects should
use culturally relevant approaches that respectfully account for racial
and ethnic perspectives.
Responsiveness to domestic violence issues and concerns.
Use of logic models to document and track the linkages
between program resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes.
III. Technical Assistance Activities
This area is intended to support healthy marriage technical
assistance and training activities that will enhance
[[Page 40712]]
the Community Services Network's ability to improve the quality and
delivery of healthy marriage education interventions for low-income
people. Successful applicants must be able to take the developed model/
service and use their experience with that process to provide technical
assistance to other community agencies that will implement healthy
marriage interventions.
Applicants should present a detailed, comprehensive plan for
sharing their experiences and lessons learned with other agencies
within the Community Services Network. Plans should describe how the
applicant will provide technical assistance activities. These
activities can include, but are not limited to: making presentations at
community services conferences for those interested in implementing
healthy marriage programs; creating and disseminating technical
assistance documents that give tips for the development and
implementation of healthy marriage programs; the production of
quarterly findings and written annual reports for distribution to other
community organizations; and hosting site visits; roundtables or other
forums to present healthy marriage lessons learned.
Projects funded under this announcement will be expected to provide
for the project director and the evaluator to attend an early kickoff
meeting for the grantees funded under this priority area to be held
within the first three months of the project (first year only) in
Washington DC.
OCS strongly encourages applicants to consult their local domestic
violence coalition to learn more about the information and services
they provide to the community.
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 Office of Community Services (OCS) and the grantee prior to the
award. OCS 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 OCS review and approval of planning stages of the activities
before implementation phases may begin; OCS 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 OCS 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 OCS 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 OCS 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: $400,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 4-6.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $100,000.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $50,000.
Average Projected Award Amount: $50,000.
Length of Project Periods: 12 month project period with 12 month
budget period. The FY 2006 President's Budget does not include or
propose funding for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State Governments
County Governments
City or Township Governments
Special District Governments
Independent School Districts
State Controlled institutions of higher education
Public Housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized
tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than
institutions of higher education
Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than
institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
For-profit organizations other than small businesses
Small businesses
Additional Information on Eligibility
As prescribed by the Community Services Block Grant, as amended
(Pub. L. 105-285, Section 678A(c)(2)) eligible applicants are eligible
entities, or statewide or local organizations, or associations with
demonstrated expertise in providing training to individuals and
organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-
income families and communities. Eligible applicants must meet this
criterion to be eligible for CSBG T&TA funding.
Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply.
Community Services Block Grant eligible entities and State
Community Action Agencies are eligible to apply.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
None.
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.
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 (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.
[[Page 40713]]
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 received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
Dr. Margaret Washnitzer, Office of Community Services Operations
Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209. Phone: 800-
281-9519. E-mail: OCSGRANTS@acf.hhs.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Originals, Copies, and Signatures
If submitting your application in paper format, an original and two
copies of the complete application are required. 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.
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.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC
contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
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.
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.
To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted
with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this
announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following
the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual
authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility
for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant
award.
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 OCS'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 Office of Community Services Web site http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/
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
Office of Community Services by exploring the website.
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
[[Page 40714]]
available on the Internet at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/ or http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cyfar/capbuilding/outcome/outcome_logicmdir.html.
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. ACF
will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile
transmission.
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.
We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior
to filing your application to fully understand the process and
requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to
submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties
are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight.
If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk
at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the
system.
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.
All applications, whether received via mail, hand delivery or
electronically, will receive a written confirmation of receipt from the
OCS operations center.
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
Explanation of Due Dates
The closing time and 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.
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
[[Page 40715]]
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Abstract.............. See Sections IV.2 and Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
V. and V.
Project Description........... See Sections IV.2 and Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
V. and V.
Budget Narrative/Justification See Sections IV.2 and Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
V. and V.
SF424......................... See Section IV.2...... See http:// By application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding See Section IV.2...... See http:// By date of award.
Lobbying. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Certification Regarding See Section IV.2...... See http:// By date of award.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Assurances.................... See Section IV.2...... Found in Section IV.2. By date of award.
SF424A........................ See Section IV.2...... See http:// By application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
SF424B........................ See Section IV.2...... See http:// By application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Proof of Non-Profit Status if See Section III.3..... Found in Section By date of award.
applicable. III.3..
Indirect Cost rate Agreement, See Section IV........ Format described in By application due date.
if applicable. Section IV.
Letters of commitment from See Section IV........ Format described in By time of award.
partner organizations, if Section IV.
applicable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Location When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit See form.............. May be found on http:// By application due date.
Grant Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is 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.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to
participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California,
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam,
North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these
jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order
process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating
jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert
them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants
must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate
the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).
A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on
proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to
eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official
recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly
differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State
process recommendations which may trigger the ``accommodate or
explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management,
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th
floor, Washington, DC 20447.
Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate
in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the
program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore,
applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by
federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to
E.O. 12372.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
[[Page 40716]]
A list of Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory is
included with the application materials for this announcement.
5. Funding Restrictions
Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects
OCS will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is
primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than
the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the
implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This
prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting
for specific services or activities needed to conduct the project.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the
address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date.
Applications should be mailed to: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community
Services' Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington,
VA 22209, Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson.
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: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services'
Operation Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209,
Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson.
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 25 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
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.
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. For example,
describe the population to be served by the program and the number of
new jobs that will be targeted to the target population. Explain how
the project will reach the targeted population, how it will benefit
participants including how it will support individuals to become more
economically self-sufficient.
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.
Evaluation
Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and
the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to
[[Page 40717]]
which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the
project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and
explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs
identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and
benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the
project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the
project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan
presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities on
the project's effectiveness.
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.
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 35 Points
(1) The extent to which the work program is results-oriented,
furthers the purposes of 678(A) of the CSBG Act, and specifically
related to the priority area under which funds are being requested. The
extent to which the applicant addresses the following: specific
outcomes to be achieved; performance targets that the project is
committed to achieving, including a discussion of and how the project
will verify the achievement of these targets; critical milestones which
must be achieved if results are to be gained; organizational support,
the level of support from the applicant organization; past performance
in similar work; and specific resources contributed to the project that
are critical to success.
(2) The extent to which the applicant defines the comprehensive
nature of the project and methods that will be used to ensure that the
results can be used to address a statewide or nationwide project as
defined by the description of the particular priority area.
(3) The extent to which the applicant can effectively demonstrate
that they have adequate knowledge of the information and services
provided by domestic violence coalitions within their community.
Organizational Profiles 25 Points
(1) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that it has
experience and a successful record of accomplishment relevant to the
specific activities it proposes to accomplish.
(2) If extent to which the applicant proposes to provide training
and technical assistance, it details its abilities to provide those
services on a nationwide basis. If applicable, the extent to which
information provided by the applicant also addresses related
achievements and competence of each cooperating or sponsoring
organization.
(3) The extent to which the applicant fully describes, for example
in a resume, the experience and skills of the proposed project director
and primary staff showing specific qualifications and professional
experiences relevant to the successful implementation of the proposed
project.
(4) The extent to which the applicant describes how it will involve
partners in the Community Services Network in its activities. Where
appropriate, the extent to which the applicant describes how it will
interface with other related organizations.
(5) If subcontracts are proposed, the extent to which the applicant
documents the willingness and capacity of the subcontracting
organization(s) to participate as described.
Objectives and Need for Assistance 20 Points
(1) The extent to which the applicant documents that the proposed
project addresses the vital needs related to the CSBG program purposes
and provides statistics and other data and information in support of
its contention.
(2) The extent to which the application provides current supporting
documentation or other testimonies regarding needs from State CSBG
Directors, CAAs and local service providers and/or State and Regional
organizations of CAAs and other local service providers.
Results or Benefits Expected 15 Points
(1) The extent to which the applicant describes how the project
will assure long-term program and management improvements for State
CSBG offices, CAA State and/or regional associations, CAAs and/or other
local providers of CSBG services and activities.
(2) The extent to which the applicant indicates the types and
amounts of public and/or private resources it will mobilize, how those
resources will directly benefit the project, and how the project will
ultimately benefit low-income individuals and families.
(3) If the applicant proposes a project with a training and
technical assistance focus, the extent to which the applicant indicates
the number of organizations
[[Page 40718]]
and/or staff that will benefit from those services.
(4) If the applicant proposes a project with data collection focus,
the extent to which the applicant describes the mechanism it will use
to collect data, how it can assure collections from a significant
number of States, and the number of States willing to submit data to
the applicant.
(5) If the applicant proposes to develop a symposium series or
other policy-related project(s), the extent to which the applicant
identifies the number and types of beneficiaries.
(6) The extent to which the applicant describes methods of securing
participant feedback and evaluations of activities.
Budget and Budget Justification 5 Points
(1) The extent to which the resources requested are reasonable and
adequate to accomplish the project.
(2) The extent to which total costs are reasonable and consistent
with anticipated results.
2. Review and Selection Process
Initial OCS Screening
Each application submitted to OCS will be screened to determine
whether it was received by the closing date and time and whether the
proposed budget does not exceed the ceiling amount specified in Section
II. Award Information.
OCS Evaluation of Applications
Applications that pass the initial OCS screening will be reviewed
and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review criteria
presented in relevant sections of this program announcement. The review
criteria are designed to enable the review panel to assess the quality
of a proposed project and determine the likelihood of its success. The
criteria are closely related to each other and are considered as a
whole in judging the overall quality of an application. The review
panel awards points only to applications that are responsive to the
program elements and relevant review criteria within the context of
this program announcement.
The OCS Director and program staff will use the reviewer scores
when considering competing applications. Reviewer scores will weigh
heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors
considered.
Applications generally will be considered in order of the average
scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important factors
are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not
guaranteed funding. These other considerations include, for example:
The timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded
with OCS funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of
reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; amount
and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's
consistency and harmony with OCS goals and policy; geographic
distribution of applications; previous program performance of
applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants,
including the actual dedication to program of mobilized resources as
set forth in project applications; audit reports; investigative
reports; and applicant's progress in resolving any final audit
disallowance on previous OCS or other Federal agency grants.
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; 45 CFR part 92. Grantees are subject to the
requirements in 45 CFR part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR part 92
(governmental) as well as 45 CFR part 87.
3. Reporting Requirements
All grantees are required to submit semi-annual (quarterly or
annual) program reports; grantees are also required to submit semi-
annual expenditure reports using the required financial standard form
(SF-269) which can be found at the following URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
.
Final reports are due 90 days after the end of the grant period.
Programmatic 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: Dr. Margaret Washnitzer, Department of
Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families,
Office of Community Services' Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd.,
Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, Phone: 800-281-9519, E-mail:
OCSGRANTS@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact: Barbara Ziegler Johnson, Team
Leader, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services'
Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209,
Phone: 800-281-9519, E-mail: OCSGRANTS@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
[[Page 40719]]
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:
Dr. Margaret Washnitzer, Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services'
Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209,
Phone: 800-281-9519, E-mail: OCSGRANTS@acf.hhs.gov.
Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received
applications.
Dated: July 8, 2005.
Josephine Robinson,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 05-13893 Filed 7-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P