[Federal Register: July 25, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 141)]
[Notices]
[Page 42571-42579]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25jy05-53]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Head Start Family Literacy Program
Program Office: Administration on Children, Youth and Families Head
Start Bureau.
Funding Opportunity Title: Head Start Family Literacy Project.
Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-YL-0023.
CFDA Number: 93.600.
Due Date for Applications: September 8, 2005.
Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families
(ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Head
Start Bureau, under the authority of Sections 640(a)(2)(C) and
648(c)(4) (42 U.S.C. 9843), is making available $3 million annually for
each of the next five years, to support a cooperative agreement to
provide family literacy training and technical assistance to Head Start
and Early Head Start programs based on proven effective practices
substantiated by research findings. This project will help grantees and
delegate agencies nationwide to improve the quality and positive
outcomes of family literacy services they provide. This includes
programs serving American Indians, Alaska Natives, migrant and seasonal
workers, and English language learners.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Head Start is a national child development program that began in
1965. Early Head Start, which began in 1995, serves infants, toddlers
and pregnant women. The Head Start Program Performance Standards
[[Page 42572]]
establish the requirements for comprehensive child development services
to be provided to all Head Start and Early Head Start children, their
families, and pregnant women enrolled in Early Head Start. An essential
feature of these programs is the integral involvement of parents, both
in the development of their children and in the governance of local
programs.
From the program's inception in 1965, Head Start has worked with
parents to increase the social competence, including school readiness
and later life success, of children from low-income families. The
Program Performance Standards require that the curriculum address
children's cognitive development, including language development and
literacy. In addition to the requirements within Education and Early
Childhood Development, there are sections that focus on the involvement
of parents both in the development of their children and in the
governance of local programs. In this respect, Head Start supports
parents in being the first and most important teachers of their
children. The Head Start Program also encourages parents' efforts to
attain family self-sufficiency. Because adult illiteracy limits the
economic self-sufficiency of families, Head Start focuses not only on
children's emergent literacy, but also on family literacy, which
includes adult education and skill development.
Since 1991, $9 million is awarded annually to Head Start grantees
as part of their base funding to ensure that each local program, either
directly or through partnerships, supports parents' efforts to address
their adult literacy needs. This includes classes through which parents
may acquire speaking and writing skills in English; and earning the GED
or a high school diploma, which are generally a threshold to successful
employment.
In 1999, the Head Start Bureau entered into a five-year cooperative
agreement with the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL). The work
of NCFL effectively supported local programs through cluster trainings
and on-site technical assistance. Also, supporting the goals of the
President's Early Childhood Initiative, Good Start, Grow Smart, the
National Center for Family Literacy and the Head Start Bureau have
engaged parents in 2\1/2\ days of Parent Mentor training. This training
is designed to increase the parents' understanding about the language
and literacy development of preschool age children and everyday ways in
which to support that development. In addition to enhancing the
language and literacy skills of their Head Start child, these parents
are mentoring other Head Start parents to do the same with their
children.
The plans and services proposed by applicants under this
announcement must include, at a minimum, balanced attention to the four
components of family literacy as defined in the Head Start Act.
As defined in the 1998 reauthorization of the Head Start Act, the
term ``family literacy services'' means services that are of sufficient
intensity in terms of hours, and of sufficient duration, to make
sustainable changes in a family, and that integrate all of the
following activities:
(A) Interactive literacy activities between parents and their
children.
(B) Training for parents regarding how to be the primary teacher
for their children and full partners in the education of their
children.
(C) Parent literacy training that leads to economic self-
sufficiency.
(D) An age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in
school and life experiences.
Priority Area
Help Head Start grantees and delegate agencies nationwide improve
the quality and positive outcomes of family literacy.
Description
The Head Start Act, as amended in 1998, in Sections 640(a)(2)(C)
and 648(c)(4) (42 U.S.C. 9843) requires the Secretary to provide
technical assistance and training to Head Start agencies through an
entity that has experience in the development and operation of
successful family literacy services in order to improve the quality of
family literacy services provided to enrolled families.
The proposed Family Literacy Program (FLP) plans and services must
include, at a minimum, balanced attention to the four components of
family literacy identified in the Head Start Act for all families,
including English Language Learners. The FLP will provide research-
supported training and technical assistance to Head Start and Early
Head Start managers, staff, and parents on planning and delivery of
high quality family literacy services that are of sufficient intensity
and duration, and reflect sufficient coordination to ensure positive
child and family outcomes. Applicants are encouraged to propose
innovative strategies that are inclusive of diverse populations and
include such approaches as mentoring, effective use of technology, and
distance learning.
Applicants for the FLP must submit a five-year plan and strategies
to enhance local program provision of high quality family literacy
services. The plans and strategies must support local program
compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, other
Head Start policies and regulations, and the provisions of the Head
Start Reauthorization Act of 1998 (to be amended with any new Head
Start Legislation).
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
Substantial Involvement With Cooperative Agreement:
Federal Involvement Roles and Responsibilities
Federal involvement in the Head Start Family Literacy Program will
include substantial roles for the Head Start Bureau, which includes the
American Indian and Native Alaskan Programs Branch, the Migrant and
Seasonal Programs Branch, and the ACF Regional Offices.
Supporting the Head Start Family Literacy Program through a
cooperative agreement will ensure that goals and objectives will be
fully met and that the work will be in accord with the Head Start
Program Performance Standards and other regulations, the Head Start
Child Outcomes Framework, and the Head Start Act.
The close involvement of the Head Start Bureau in the
implementation of this cooperative agreement will ensure that family
literacy services will be sensitive and responsive to the challenges
that Head Start families and staff encounter. It will ensure uniformity
of content and quality of family literacy services to the families who
are served in a variety of program settings, which are located in
communities with varying levels of educational and training resources
related to the language development and early literacy of young
children and their families.
The Head Start Bureau will provide the time and expertise of the
Federal Project Officer (FPO) to:
Assist the Head Start Family Literacy Program staff in
ensuring that the four components of family literacy will be available
to all Head Start and Early Head Start families, including English
language learners. The four components include:
--Interactive literacy activities between parents and their children.
--Training for parents regarding how to be the primary teacher for
their
[[Page 42573]]
children and full partners in the education of their children.
--Parent literacy training that leads to economic self-sufficiency.
--An age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in
school and life experiences.
Identify research-supported training and technical
assistance applicable to the population served.
Assist in the development of a training template and
schedule for the provision of training and technical assistance to Head
Start and Early Head Start managers, staff, and parents regarding
planning and delivering high quality family literacy services at the
local program level.
Work in close accord with the Family Literacy Program to
provide leadership and support to grantees and delegate agencies in
order to ensure that high quality family literacy services are of
sufficient intensity and duration, and reflect sufficient coordination
to ensure positive child and family outcomes.
Participate in national meetings of the Head Start
Technical Assistance Network as convened by ACYF, as a means of
supporting and assisting the Family Literacy Program staff in their
collaboration with this important group of technical assistance
providers.
Join the staff of the Head Start Literacy Program in
putting on workshop presentations at national meetings as approved by
the Head Start Bureau.
Facilitate and support the Head Start Family Literacy
Program's communications and coordination with the Federal Regional
Offices (I-X), the Migrant and Seasonal Programs Branch, and the
American Indian and Native Alaskan Programs Branch.
Meet with the Head Start Family Literacy Program staff bi-
monthly to assess progress regarding the scope of work of the
cooperative agreement, and to provide guidance, direction, and
information regarding possible changes in national Head Start policy or
initiatives.
Early Head Start and Head Start grantees and delegate agencies will
direct all inquiries regarding family literacy to the Head Start Family
Literacy Program.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $3,000,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $3,000,000 per budget
period.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $3,000,000 per budget period.
Average Projected Award Amount: $3,000,000 per budget period.
Length of Project Periods: 60-month project with five 12-month
budget periods.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State controlled institutions of higher education.
Non-profits 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 organization other than small businesses.
Small businesses.
Others (See Additional Information on Eligibility below.)
Additional Information on Eligibility: Eligible applicants are
agencies or organizations with expertise in literacy training. These
include colleges and universities, private or public non-profit or for-
profit organizations or associationsin the field of adult literacy
education and family studies. Only incorporated agencies and
organizations are eligible to apply. Faith-based and community
organizations are eligible applicants under this announcement.
Individuals are not eligible to apply under this announcement.
On all applications developed jointly by more than one agency or
organization, the application must identify only one organization as
the lead organization and the official applicant. The other
organizations may be included as partners, participants, sub-grantees
or sub-contractors.
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'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.
When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your
proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Disqualification Factors: Applications that exceed the ceiling
amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for
funding under this announcement.
Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will
not be considered for funding under this announcement.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package
The Head Start Family Literacy Project, The Dixon Group, ACYF
Operations Center, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002, Phone: 1-
800-351-2293; E-mail: HSB@Dixongroup.com.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Standard instructions for application content can be found in
Section V. Application Review Information, 1.
[[Page 42574]]
Criteria. Applicants are advised to follow the format outlined in
Section V. Evaluation Criteria in order to address the Head Start
specific requirements of this expansion announcement. Additional
application submission requirements are provided below.
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 1-800-518-4726 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.
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.
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 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 this form. 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.
Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full
project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Due Date for Applications: September 8, 2005.
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 days prior to the deadline date for
[[Page 42575]]
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.
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided
to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or
by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement
for applications that are submitted via http://www.grants.gov/.
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF 424........................ See Section IV.2...... See http:// By application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Project Abstract.............. See Sections IV.2. and Found in Sections By application due date.
V. IV.2. and V.
Table of Contents............. See Section IV.2...... Found in Section IV.2. By application due date.
Project Description........... See Sections IV.2. and Found in Sections By application due date.
V. IV.2. and V.
SF 424A....................... See Section IV.2...... See http:// By application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
SF 424B....................... See Section IV.2...... See http:// By application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Budget Narrative/Justification See Sections IV.2. and Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
V. and V.
Support Letters............... See Section V......... Found in Section V.... By application due date.
Proof of Non-Profit Status.... See Section III.3..... Found in Section III.3 By date of award.
Assurances.................... See Section IV.2...... See http:// By date of award.
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.
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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 that
have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following
URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
5. Funding Restrictions
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction and/or purchase of real property are not allowable
expenditures under this agreement.
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 Head Start Family Literacy Project, 118 Q
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002.
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: ACYF Operations Center, Head Start Family Literacy
Project, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and
requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.grants.gov/
.
[[Page 42576]]
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.
1. Criteria
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the
``project summary/abstract'' and ``full project description'' sections
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).
Part I--The Project Description Overview
Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation
criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application in a
manner that is clear and complete.
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.
Part II--General Instructions for Preparing a Full Project Description
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.
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
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organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Letters of Support
Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should
be included in the application OR by application deadline.
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 (i.e., from a broad overview of the project
to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).
In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following
criteria:
Approach--35 points
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to the extent that
they:
Describe the conceptual framework or model that will guide the
design and implementation of training and technical assistance (T/TA)
to strengthen family literacy services and the internal capacities and
partnerships of Head Start and Early Head Start grantees over the
potential five year project period. Demonstrate a clear understanding
of the definition of family literacy and propose strategies for
strengthening all four of its component elements. Demonstrate knowledge
of the current Head Start TA Network and electronic learning center.
Outline an initial plan of action which describes the scope and
detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. 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 a rationale for the proposed model and describe how it will
lead to improvements in the skills and effectiveness of Head Start
staff and the implementation of appropriate family literacy strategies
in different programs and community settings.
Propose an initial action plan for T/TA services and strategies for
the first year of the project, and a discussion of how subsequent
services will be adapted and improved based on initial experiences.
Discuss optimal approaches including identifying and utilizing
exemplary Head Start family literacy programs and other successful
family literacy models as sources of training and technical assistance,
uses of technology and distance learning, development of publications
and media resources, and direct training of staff, managers, and
parents.
Describe strategies for adapting T/TA services to programs which
vary on dimensions such as, (a) Different levels of development in
carrying out family literacy activities; (b) targeted needs in specific
elements of family literacy, such as improving the quality of
children's literacy experiences; enhancing the involvement of parents
in the literacy experiences of their children and enhancing
opportunities for parents' participation in ESL, GED, or self-
sufficiency/work experiences; (c) serving American Indians, Alaska
Natives, and migrant children and parents, and families whose home
language is not English; (d) providing services through center-based,
home-based, and combination program options or through partnership
arrangements with family child care and child care centers; (e) Early
Head Start grantees and programs serving teen parents; and (f) serving
large numbers of parents who are employed, are in employment training,
or in other educational settings.
Provide a proposed timeline for the implementation of the project,
including planning and start-up, phased implementation and training,
and a proposed strategy for making services available to all Head Start
and Early Head Start programs over the 5 year period of the project.
Describe how the Family Literacy Project (FLP) will disseminate
information about its services; and how initial programs and trainees
will be recruited and selected to participate in FLP services. Discuss
any proposed procedures for assessing program and staff needs for
training and technical assistance.
Describe how the FLP proposes to work with the existing Head Start
T/TA network, Head Start State Collaboration Offices, ACF Regional
Offices, and the Head Start Bureau to implement this project.
Describe how the FLP will complement other program improvement
initiatives and systems of Head Start, including program monitoring,
local agency plans, and other training and technical assistance
resources. Discuss opportunities for FLP training to link teachers with
college degrees in early childhood education, including the potential
for Head Start staff to earn academic credit, linked to A.A. or B.A.
degrees for FLP training.
Describe any proposed efforts to link FLP planning and services
with other family literacy resources at the federal, state, or local
level, such as libraries, museums, Even Start, Basic Education, GED, or
higher education.
Organizational Profiles--25 points
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to the extent that
they:
Provide a biographical sketch for each key project person, and a
job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch
will also be required for new key staff, as they are hired.
Describe the proposed organizational structure that will support
the project objectives, including any proposed subcontractors or
partnership arrangements, and how the proposed structure will support
balanced, comprehensive, high quality family literacy services.
Indicate a proposed staffing strategy including key staff
positions, major functions and responsibilities. Describe the role and
responsibility of any experts and/or consultants that may be used as
the FLP is designed and implemented.
Demonstrate competency and experience of the organization in
developing and enhancing successful family literacy services for
programs serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers, pregnant women and
their families, and providing effective training and technical
assistance to such programs.
Describe past and current initiatives that demonstrate
organizational capacity to adapt and improve training and technical
assistance efforts based on evaluation results and participant
feedback.
[[Page 42578]]
Describes any past or ongoing partnerships or collaborations
involving the organization and how they (or this experience) will be
used to support the Head Start family literacy effort.
Describe the capability of the organization to provide training and
technical assistance in all four of the legislatively-defined elements
of family literacy and in integrating these elements within local
programs.
Identify a cadre of research experts and trainers, to be utilized
either as staff or consultants, who will be instrumental in the design
and implementation of the FLP. This cadre of experts should have
expertise in the areas of children's language and literacy development,
adult literacy, and language development for English language learners.
Describe the capability of the organization to write and edit
training and other material, as well as support distance and web-based
learning of learners at varying educational levels.
Include an Appendix to the narrative consisting of support letters
that document the demonstrated competence of the organization and
proposed subcontractors or partners regarding successful partnership
and service relationships with Head Start and Early Head Start
programs, family literacy providers, and the Head Start technical
assistance system.
Budget and Budget Justification--15 points
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to the extent that
they:
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 allocation of the proposed costs.
Results or Benefits Expected--15 points
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to the extent that
they:
Identify the specific results or benefits that could be expected
for the Head Start and Early Head Start grantees, for staff, for
enrolled children, their families, and communities.
Identify both qualitative and quantitative data the FLP will
collect to measure progress towards the stated results or benefits.
Identify how the program will determine the extent to which it has
achieved its stated goals and objectives.
Provide a plan for distribution of reports and other project
outputs to the Head Start community, the academic community, and to the
public. Applicants must provide a description of the kind, volume and
timing of distribution.
Objectives and Need for Assistance--10 Points
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to the extent that
they:
Set the context for family literacy services in the Head Start and
Early Head Start programs nationwide. Include demographic information
on the population(s) to be served, in terms of programs, families, and
communities, as well as the pertinent research on the relationship of
family literacy to future school success of children and the well-being
of their families.
State the goals and objectives for the program. Indicate how these
goals and objectives are related to the overall purposes, policies and
standards governing Head Start, Early Head Start, and other family
literacy programs.
Discuss the changing needs for family literacy services by low-
income families with young children, including families where the home
language is not English. Discuss the implications of this information
for future efforts by Head Start, and identify the ways this project
will address these areas.
Describe the strengths of Head Start/Early Head Start family
literacy efforts (including exemplary models in local community
programs) and areas for program improvement in each of the four
legislatively mandated areas. Identify and describe current patterns of
partnerships among Head Start, Even Start, and other family literacy
and early childhood agencies and resources including, for example,
child care, libraries and museums, and mentoring programs.
Discuss priority needs for training and technical assistance to
improve the quality, intensity, duration and coordination of services;
child and family outcomes; internal agency capacities; and partnership
efforts to improve Head Start family literacy services.
2. Review and Selection Process
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application.
A panel of four non-Federal reviewers will be convened in
Washington, DC, to read and score each application based on the
published criteria. The panel's scores and recommendations will be
forwarded to the ACYF Commissioner who will make the ultimate
selection.
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the process,
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers, if
otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary
salary information.
Approved but Unfunded Applications
Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for
funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds,
for a period not to exceed one year.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the
total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial
Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted
via postal mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR part 74 (non-
governmental) or 45 CFR part 92 (governmental).
Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF
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.
3. Reporting Requirements
Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial
[[Page 42579]]
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm) throughout the project period.
Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the
reporting period. Final programmatic and financial reports are due 90
days after the close of the project period.
Program Progress Reports: Quarterly.
Financial Reports: Quarterly.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Willa Siegel, Administration on Children,
Youth and Families, Head Start Bureau, 330 C Street, SW., Washington,
DC 20447; Phone: 202-205-4011; E-mail: WSiegel@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact: Delores Dickerson, Grants
Officer, Administration on Children and Families, 330 C Street, SW.,
Room 2218, Washington, DC 20447; Phone: 202-260-7622; E-mail:
dedickenson@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
.
Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of
received applications.
Dated: July 18, 2005.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 05-14558 Filed 7-22-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P