FR Doc 05-1898

[Federal Register: February 3, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 22)]
[Notices]
[Page 5851-5864]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03fe05-115]

[[Page 5851]]

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Part III

Department of Health and Human Services

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Administration for Children and Families

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Administration for Native Americans (ANA); FY 2005 Funds for the
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program; FY 2005 Funds for New
Community-Based Activities; FY 2005 for New Community-Based Projects;
Notices

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

Administration for Native Americans (ANA); FY 2005 Funds for the
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program

Funding Opportunity Title: Environmental Regulatory Enhancement.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ANA-NR-0008.
CFDA Number: 93.581.
Due Date for Applications: March 25, 2005.
Executive Summary: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA),
within the Administration for Children and Families, announces the
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2005 funds for the Environmental
Regulatory Enhancement (Environmental) Program. Financial assistance is
provided utilizing the competitive process in accordance with the
Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended.
The Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers
supportive to Native American communities. Although eligibility for
funding is not restricted to projects of the type listed in this
program announcement, these Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees
as particularly beneficial to the development of healthy Native
American communities.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the
Administration for Children and Families, announces the availability of
fiscal year (FY) 2005 funds for new community-based projects under the
competitive area: Environmental Regulatory Enhancement. This
announcement contains information on financial assistance from the
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program, authorized under section
803(d) of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (Act), 42 U.S.C.
2991b. Despite an increasing environmental responsibility and growing
awareness of environmental issues on Indian lands, there has been a
lack of resources available to tribes to develop tribal environmental
projects that are responsive to tribal needs. In many cases, the lack
of resources has resulted in a delay in action on the part of the
tribes. In 1990, Congress added section 803(d) to the Native American
Programs Act of 1974 to address critical issues identified by tribes
before congressional committees, some of which included: The need for
assistance to train professional staff to monitor and enforce tribal
environmental programs; the lack of adequate data for tribes to develop
environmental statutes and establish quality environmental standards;
and the lack of resources to conduct studies to identify sources of
pollution and determine the impact on existing environmental quality.
(Pub. L. 101-408, section 2, 1990.)
The Native American Programs Act of 1974 was amended to strengthen
tribal governments through building capacity in order to identify,
plan, develop, and implement environmental programs in a manner that is
consistent with tribal culture. Ultimate success in this program will
be realized when the applicant's desired level of environmental quality
is acquired and maintained.
This program announcement will emphasize community-based, locally
designed projects. This emphasis will increase the number of grants to
local community organizations and expand the number of partnerships
among locally-based non-profit organizations. ANA will accept
applications from multiple organizations in the same geographic area.
In this announcement, ANA encourages Native American tribes and
organizational leaders to propose, coordinate and implement community-
based projects and services that meet the needs of its community
members and create options and opportunities for future generations.
The Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers
supportive to Native American communities. Although eligibility for
funding is not restricted to projects of the type listed in this
program announcement, these Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees
as particularly beneficial to the development of healthy Native
American communities.
ANA Administrative Policies:
Applicants must comply with the following ANA Administrative
Policies:
An applicant must provide a 20% non-Federal match of the
approved project costs.
An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native Village or
Native American organization must be from the governing body.
A non-profit organization submitting an application must
submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of submission. The
non-profit organization can accomplish this by providing one of the
following verifiable documents: (i) A reference to the applicant
organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most
recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code; or
(ii) a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate; or
(iii) a statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; or (iv) a certified
copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar
document that clearly establishes non-profit status; or (v) any of the
items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native
Village government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans,
Alaska Natives, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the
community to be served. Applicants must provide information that at
least a majority of the individuals serving on a non-profit applicant's
board fall into one or more of the following categories: (1) A current
or past member of the community to be served; (2) a prospective
participant or beneficiary of the project to be funded; or (3) have a
cultural relationship with the community be to served.
Applicants must describe how the proposed project
objectives and activities relate to a locally determined strategy.
ANA will review proposed projects to ensure applicants
have considered all resources available to the community to support the
project.
Proposed projects must present a strategy to overcome the
challenges that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the
community.
All funded applications will be reviewed to ensure that
the applicant has provided a positive statement to give credit to ANA
on all materials developed using ANA funds.
ANA will not accept applications from tribal components
that are tribally authorized divisions unless the ANA application
includes a tribal resolution.
ANA will only accept one application per eligible entity.
The first application received by ANA shall be the application
considered for competition unless ANA is notified in writing which
application should be considered for competitive review.

[[Page 5853]]

An applicant can have only one active ANA Environmental
grant operating at any given time.
ANA funds short-term projects, not programs. Projects must
have definitive goals and objectives that will be achieved by the end
of the project period. All projects funded by ANA must be completed,
self-sustaining, or supported by other than ANA funding at the end of
the project period.
Prior to funding the second or third year of a multi-year
grant, ANA will require verification and support documentation from the
Grantee that objectives and outcomes proposed in the preceding year
were accomplished, and the non-Federal share has been met.
ANA reviews the quarterly and annual reports of grantees
to determine if the grantee is meeting its goals, objectives and
activities identified in the OWP.
Applications from National and Regional organizations must
clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project
originated, and discuss the community-based delivery strategy of the
project, identify and describe the intended beneficiaries, describe and
relate the actual project benefits to the community and organization,
and describe a community-based delivery system. National and Regional
organizations must describe their membership, define how the
organization operates, and demonstrate Native community and/or tribal
government support for the project. The type of community to be served
will determine the type of documentation necessary to support the
project.

Definitions

Program specific terms and concepts are defined and must be used as
a guide in writing and submitting the proposed project. The funding for
allowable projects in this program announcement is based on the
following definitions:
Authorized Representative: The person or persons authorized by
Tribal or Organizational resolution to execute documents and other
actions required by outside agencies.
Budget Period: The interval of time into which the project period
is divided for budgetary or funding purposes, and for which a grant is
made. A budget period is usually broken into twelve (12) month periods
in a multi-year project.
Community: A group of people residing in the same geographic area
that can apply their own cultural and socio-economic values in
implementing ANA's program objectives and goals. In discussing the
applicant's community, the following information must be provided: (1)
A description of the population segment within the community to be
served or impacted; (2) the size of the community; (3) geographic
description or location, including the boundaries of the community; (4)
demographic data on the target population; and (5) the relationship of
the community to any larger group or tribe.
Community Involvement: How the community participated in the
development of the proposed project, how the community will be involved
during the project implementation and after the project is completed.
Evidence of community involvement can include, but is not limited to,
certified petitions, public meeting minutes, surveys, needs
assessments, newsletters, special meetings, public Council meetings,
public committee meetings, public hearings, and annual meetings with
representatives from the community.
Completed Project: A project funded by ANA is finished, self-
sustaining, or funded by other than ANA funds, and the results and
outcomes are achieved by the end of the project period.
Consortium--Tribal/Village: A group of Tribes or Villages that join
together either for long-term purposes or for the purpose of an ANA
project.
Construction: The initial building of a facility.
Core Administration: Salaries and other expenses for those
functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for
purposes unrelated to the actual management or implementation of the
ANA project.
Equipment: Tangible, non-expendable personal property, including
exempt property, charged directly to the award having a useful life of
more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.
However, consistent with recipient policy, lower limits may be
established.
Impact Indicators: Measurement descriptions used to identify the
outcomes or results of the project. Outcomes or results must be
quantifiable, measurable, verifiable and related to the outcome of the
project to determine that the project has achieved its desired
objective and can be independently verified through ANA monitoring and
evaluation.
In-kind Contributions: In-kind contributions are property or
services that benefit a federally assisted project which are
contributed by the grantee, non-Federal third parties without charge to
the grantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant agreement. Any
proposed in-kind match must meet the applicable requirements found in
45 CFR parts 74 and 92.
Letter of Commitment: A third party statement to document the
intent to provide specific in-kind contributions or cash to support the
applicant. The Letter of Commitment must state the dollar amount (if
applicable), the length of time the commitment will be honored, and the
conditions under which the organization will support the proposed ANA
project. If a dollar amount is included, the amount must be based on
market and historical rates charged and paid. The resources to be
committed may be human, natural, physical, or financial, and may
include other Federal and non-Federal resources. Statements in an
application about resources which have been committed to or support a
proposed ANA project, but not supported with documentation, will be
disregarded.
Leveraged Resources: The total dollar value of all non-ANA
resources that are committed to a proposed ANA project and are
supported by documentation that exceed the 20% non-Federal match
required for an ANA grant. Such resources may include any natural,
financial, and physical resources available within the tribe,
organization, or community to assist in the successful completion of
the project. An example would be a letter from an organization that
agrees to provide a supportive action, product, and service, human or
financial contribution that will add to the potential success of the
project.
Minor Renovation or Alteration: Work required to change the
interior arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing
facility, or install equipment so that it may be more effectively used
for the project. Minor alteration and renovation may include work
referred to as improvements, conversion, rehabilitation, remodeling, or
modernization, but is distinguished from construction and major
renovations. A minor alteration and or renovation must be incidental
and essential for the project (``incidental'' meaning the total
alteration and renovation budget must not exceed the lesser of $150,000
or 25 percent of total direct costs approved for the entire project
period.).
Multi-purpose Organization: A community-based corporation whose
charter specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors
and/or officers of the organization through an elective procedure and
that the organization functions in several different areas of concern
to the members of the local Native American community. These areas are
specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization.

[[Page 5854]]

Multi-year Project: Encompasses a single theme and requires more
than 12 or 17 months and up to 24 or 36 months to complete. A multi-
year project affords the applicant an opportunity to develop and
address more complex and in-depth strategies that cannot be completed
in one year. A multi-year project is a series of related objectives
with activities presented in chronological order over a two or three-
year period.
Objective(s): Specific outcomes or results to be achieved within
the proposed project period that are specified in the Objective Work
Plan. Completion of objectives must result in specific, measurable
outcomes that would benefit the community and directly contribute to
the achievement of the stated community goals. Applicants should relate
their proposed project objectives to outcomes that support the
community's long-range goals. Objectives are an important component of
Criterion III and are the foundation for the Objective Work Plans.
Objective Work Plan (OWP): The project plan the applicant will use
in meeting the results and benefits expected for the project. The
results and benefits are directly related to the Impact Indicators. The
OWP provides detailed descriptions of how, when, where, by whom and why
activities are proposed for the project and is complemented and
condensed in the Objective Work Plan. ANA will require separate OWPs
for each year of the project. (Form OMB 0980-0204 exp. 10/31/
06)
Partnerships: Agreements between two or more parties that will
support the development and implementation of the proposed project.
Partnerships include other community-based organizations or
associations, tribes, Federal and State agencies and private or non-
profit organizations.
Real Property: Land, including land improvements, structures, and
appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed and
dated Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing
body) in support of the project for the entire project period. The
Resolution must indicate who is authorized to sign documents and
negotiate on behalf of the Tribe or organization. The Resolution must
indicate that the community was involved in the project planning
process, and indicate the specific dollar amount of any eligible
matching funds (if applicable).
Sustainable Project: A sustainable project is an ongoing program or
service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds.
Self-Sufficiency: The ability to generate resources to meet a
community's needs in a sustainable manner. A community's progress
toward self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and
direct resources in a comprehensive manner that is consistent with its
established long-range goals. For a community to be self-sufficient, it
must have local access to, control of, and coordination of services and
programs that safeguard the health, well-being, and culture of the
people that reside and work in the community.
Total Approved Project Costs: The sum of the Federal request plus
the non-Federal share.

Program Area

Environmental Regulatory Enhancement
The strengthening of tribal governments or organizations through
capacity building in order to identify, plan, develop, and implement
environmental programs in a manner that is consistent with tribal
culture for Native American communities.
Program Areas of Interest include:
Projects to develop regulations, ordinances and laws to
protect the environment;
Projects to develop the technical and program capacity to
carry out a comprehensive tribal environmental program and perform
essential environmental program functions to meet tribal and Federal
regulatory requirements;
Projects that promote environmental training and education
of tribal employees;
Projects that develop technical and program capability to
monitor compliance and enforcement of tribal and Federal environmental
regulations, ordinances, and laws.

Priority Area 1

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $3,000,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 20 to 30.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $250,000.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $50,000.
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for competition.
Average Projected Award Amount: $125,000.
Length of Project Periods:
12 month project and budget period;
17 month project and budget period;
24 month project with two 12 month budget periods;
36 month project with three 12 month budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

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.
Others (see Additional Information on Eligibility below).
Additional Information on Eligibility
Federally Recognized Indian tribes;
Incorporated non-federally and State recognized Indian
tribes;
Alaska Native Villages, as defined in the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA) and/or non-profit village consortia;
Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/
Associations in Alaska with village specific projects;
Other tribal or village organizations or consortia of
Indian tribes; and
Tribal governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or
Traditional Councils) as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Please refer to Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, to
review general ANA Administrative Policies and Section IV.5. Funding
Restrictions.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

Yes.
Matching/Cost-Sharing
Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project
costs, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 2991(b)(3)(e)(1). Grantees must
provide at least 20 percent of the total approved cost of the project.
The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and
the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-
kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their
match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project
requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $100,000 per
budget period) must provide a match of at least $25,000 (20% of the
total approved project costs). Grantees will be held accountable for
commitments of non-Federal resources even if over the amount of the
required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in
disallowance of Federal dollars. Lack of

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supporting documentation at the time of application will not impact the
responsiveness of the application for competitive review.

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 governmentwide
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
online 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.
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
Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for competition.
Applications that do not include a current signed and dated
Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing body)
in support of the project for the entire project period will be
considered non-responsive and will not be considered for competition.
If the applicant is not a tribe or Alaska Native Village
government, applications that do not include proof that a majority of
the governing board of directors is representative of the community to
be served will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered
for competition.
Please see Section III.2 Other, concerning requirements for the
cost matching which do not impact the responsiveness of an application
for competitive review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

To learn more about ANA and receive information about Training and
Technical Assistance (T/TA) contact:

Region I: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD,
ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN,
TX, VA, VT, WI, W.VA.
Native American Management Services, Inc., 6858 Old Dominion Drive,
Suite 302, McLean, VA 22101. Phone: 888-221-9686. Fax: 703-821-368. e-
mail: kking@namsinc.org; http://www.anaeastern.org.

Region II: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY.
ACKCO, Inc., 1326 N. Central, Suite 208, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.
Toll Free: 800-525-2859; Direct: 602-253-9211; Fax 602-253-9135. Theron
Wauneka, Project Manager, e-mail: theron.wauneka@ackco.com; http://www.anawestern.org
.

Region III: Alaska.
Native American Management Services, Inc., 11723 Old Glenn Highway,
Suite 201, Eagle River, Alaska 99577. Toll Free 877-770-6230. Direct:
907-694-5711. Fax 907-694-5775. P.J. Bell, Project Manager, e-mail:
region3@gci.net; http://www.anaalaska.org.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Please refer to Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, to
review general ANA Administrative Policies and Section IV.5. Funding
Restrictions.
Application Submission: Each application should include one signed
original and two additional copies of the complete application are
required. The original copy must include all required forms,
certifications, assurances, and appendices, contain an original
signature by an authorized representative, and be submitted unbound.
The two additional copies of the complete application must include all
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices and must
also be submitted unbound. Applicants have the option of omitting from
the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or
amounts for individuals specified in the application budget. A complete
application for assistance under this Program Announcement consists of
Three Parts.
Part One includes the SF 424, other required government forms, and
other required documentation. Part Two of the application is the
project narrative. This section of the application may not exceed 40
pages, the line-item budgets, budget justifications and the OWP form
(OMB Control Number 0980-0204 exp 10/31/2006) will be exempt from the
page limitation. Part Three of the application is the Appendix. This
section of the application may not exceed 20 pages (the exception to
this 20-page limit applies only to projects that require, if relevant
to the project, a Business Plan or any Third-Party Agreements).
Electronic Submission: While ACF does have the capability to
receive program announcement applications electronically through
Grants.gov, electronic submission of applications will not be available
for this particular announcement. There are required application
form(s) specific to ANA that have not yet received clearance from
Grants.gov. While electronic submission of applications may be
available in the next fiscal year for this program, no electronic
submission of applications will be accepted for this announcement this
year as they would be missing those required ANA forms and be
considered incomplete.
Organization and Preparation of Application: Due to the intensity
and pace of the application review and

[[Page 5856]]

evaluation process, ANA strongly recommends applicants organize, label,
and insert required information in accordance with Part One, Part Two
and Part Three as presented in the table below. ANA strongly suggests
applicants label the application for ease of reviewing. The application
must begin with the information requested in Part One of the chart in
the prescribed order. Utilizing this format will ensure all information
submitted to support an applicant's request for funding is thoroughly
reviewed. Submitting information in this format will assist the panel
reviewer in locating and evaluating the information. Deviation from
this suggested format will reduce the applicant's ability to receive
maximum points, which are directly related to ANA's funding review
decisions.
ANA Application Format: ANA requires all applications to be labeled
in compliance with the format provided in the program announcement.
This format applies to all applicants submitting applications for
funding. All pages submitted (including Government Forms,
certifications and assurances) must be numbered consecutively (for
example, the first page of the application is the SF 424 and must be
labeled as page one). The paper size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, line
spacing shall be a space and a half (1.5 line spacing), printed only on
one side, and have a half-inch margin on all sides of the paper. (Note:
The 1.5 line spacing does not apply to the Project Abstract Form,
Appendices, the Table of Contents, the Objective Work Plans, and the
Budget.) The font size shall be 12-point and the font type shall be
Times New Roman.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Standard Forms and Certifications
The project description should include all the information
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in
the program announcement under Section V Application Review
Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant
needs to complete all the standard forms required for making
applications for awards under this announcement.
Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and
return the standard forms with their application.
Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must
sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for
the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Due Date: March 25, 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 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.

[[Page 5857]]

Part One--Federal Forms and Other Required Documents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents.............. See Section IV.... Applicant must include By application closing date.
a table of contents
that accurately
identifies the page
number and where the
information can be
located. Table of
Contents does not
count against
application page
limit.
SF424.......................... See Section IV.... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application closing date.

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
SF424A......................... See Section IV.... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application closing date.

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
SF424B......................... See Section IV.... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application closing date.

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Grant Application Data Summary See Section I..... ANA Form: OMB By application closing date.
(GADS) form--Environmental. Clearance Number 0970-
0263 exp. 3/31/07
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
to Forms link to

obtain the document).
Proof of Non-Profit Status..... See Section III... As described in this By application closing date.
announcement under
Section III
``Additional
Information on
Eligibility''.
Resolution..................... See Section I..... As described in this By application closing date.
announcement under
Section I
``Definitions''.
Board of Directors See Section I..... As described in this By application closing date.
Documentation. announcement under
Section I ``ANA
Administrative
Policies''.
Audit Letter................... See Section I..... A Certified Public By application closing date.
Accountant's
``Independent
Auditors' Report on
Financial
Statement.'' This is
usually only a two to
three page document.
(This requirement
applies only to
applicants with
annual expenditures
of $500,000 or more
of federal funds).
Applicant must also
include only that
portion of the audit
document titled
``Supplemental
Schedule of
Expenditures of
Federal Awards''.
Indirect Cost Agreement........ See Section V..... Organizations and By application closing date.
Tribes must submit a
current indirect cost
agreement (if
claiming in-direct
costs) that aligns
with the approved ANA
project period. The
In-direct Cost
Agreement must
identify the
individual components
and percentages that
make up the indirect
cost rate.
Non-Federal Share of Waiver See Section III... A request for a waiver By application closing date.
Request, per CFR 1336.50(b). of the non-Federal
share requirement may
be submitted in
accordance with 45
CFR 1336.50(b)(3) of
the Native American
Program regulations.
(if applicable).
Certification regarding See Section I..... May be found at: http:/ By application closing date.

Maintenance of Effort. /http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/

forms.htm.
Certification regarding See Section IV.... May be found at: http:/ By application closing date.

Lobbying Disclosure of /http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
Lobbying Activities--SF LLL. programs/ofs/

forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke See Section IV.... May be found at: http:/ By application closing date.

Certification. /http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/

forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part Two--Application Review Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
format ANA application
What to submit Required content review criteria this When to submit
section may not exceed
40 pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criteria One (10 pts).......... See Section V..... Introduction and By application closing date.
Project Summary/
Application Format.
Include the ANA
Project Abstract form
(OMB 0980-
0204 exp. 10/31/06).
Criteria Two (20 pts).......... See Section V..... Need for Assistance... By application closing date.
Criteria Three (25 pts)........ See Section V..... Project Approach-- By application closing date.
Include an Objective
Work Plan (OWP) form
(OMB 0980-
0204 exp. 10/31/2006)
for each 12 month
budget period.
A 17-month project
period requires only
one OWP.
Note: The OWP is not
included in the page
count for this Part..
Criteria Four (15 pts),........ See Section V..... Organizational By application closing date.
Capacity.
Criteria Five (15 pts)......... See Section V..... Project Impact/ By application closing date.
Evaluation.
Criteria Six (15 pts).......... See Section V..... Budget and Budget By application closing date.
Justification/ Cost
Effectiveness.
Note: The line item
budget and budget
justification are not
included in the page
count for this Part..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 5858]]

Part Three--Appendix
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
format this section
What to submit Required content may not exceed 20 When to submit
pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Support Documentation.......... See Section V..... Part Three includes By application closing date.
only supplemental
information or
required support
documentation that
addresses the
applicant's capacity
to carry out and
fulfill the proposed
project. These items
include: Letters of
agreement with
cooperating entities,
in-kind commitment
and support letters,
business plans, and a
summary of the Third
Party Agreements. Do
not include books,
videotapes, studies
or published reports
and articles, as they
will not be made
available to the
reviewers or returned
to the applicant.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

Applications are not subject to Executive Order 12372.

5. Funding Restrictions

ANA does not fund:
Activities in support of any foreseeable litigation
against the United States Government that are unallowable under OMB
Circulars A-87 and A-122.
ANA does not fund duplicative projects or allow any one
community or region to receive a disproportionate share of the funds
available for award. When making decisions on awards of grants the
Agency will consider whether the project is essentially identical or
similar, in whole or significant part, to projects in the same
community previously funded or being funded under the same competition.
The Agency will also consider whether the grantee is already receiving
funding for a SEDS, Language, or Environmental project from ANA. The
Agency will also take into account in making funding decisions whether
a proposed project would require funding on indefinite or recurring
basis. This determination will be made after it is determined whether
the application meets the requirements for eligibility as set forth in
45 CFR 1336, subpart C, but before funding decisions are complete (see
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description--ANA Administrative Policies
regarding short-term projects).
Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or
technical assistance (T/TA) to other tribes or Native American
organizations that are otherwise eligible to apply for ANA funding.
However, ANA will fund T/TA requested by a grantee for its own use or
for its members' use (as in the case of a consortium), when the T/TA is
necessary to carry out project objectives.
The purchase of real property or construction because
these activities are not authorized by the Native American Programs Act
of 1974, as amended.
Core administration (see Definitions) functions, or other
activities, that essentially support only the applicant's ongoing
administrative functions and are not related to the proposed project.
Costs associated with fund-raising, including financial
campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and
similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain
contributions are unallowable under an ANA grant award.
Projects originated and designed by consultants who
provide a major role for themselves and are not members of the
applicant organization, tribe, or village.
Activities that are not responsive to Environmental
Regulatory Enhancement program goals.
Major renovations or alterations are prohibited activities
because these activities are not authorized under the Native American
Programs Act of 1974 as amended. Minor alterations, as defined in this
announcement, may be allowable.
ANA will not fund activities by a consortium of tribes
that duplicate activities for which a consortium member tribe also
receives funding from ANA.

6. Other Submission Requirements

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. 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: Attention: Tim Chappelle, 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., Washington, DC 20447.
Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are
hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be
delivered to: Attention: Tim Chappelle, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary
Grant, ACF Mail Room, Second Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901
D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.

[[Page 5859]]

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 120 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.
General Instructions
ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition.
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an
appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be
included for easy reference.
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
Applicants are encouraged to describe the qualitative and
quantitative data collected, how this data will measure progress
towards the stated results or benefits, and how performance indicators
under economic and social development and governance projects can be
monitored, evaluated and verified.
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.
Examples of these activities would be the number of businesses
started or expanded, the number of jobs created or retained, the number
of people trained, the number of youth, couples or families assisted or
the number of elders participating in the activity during that
reporting period.
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

[[Page 5860]]

organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit
affiliate.
Third-Party Agreements
Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and
subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These
agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules,
remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define
the relationship.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form.
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
General
Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. ``Federal
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying.
``Non Federal resources'' are all other Federal and non-Federal
resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be
presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories;
second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s),
and last column, total budget. The budget justification should be a
narrative.
Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Contractual
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts
(if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations,
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be
financed by the applicant.
Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will
be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical,
open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than
States that are required to use part 92 procedures, must justify any
anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without
competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41
U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).
Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award
review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in
these instructions.

Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it
should immediately develop a tentative indirect

[[Page 5861]]

cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in
accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing
indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants
awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request
indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs
included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct
costs to the grant. Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which
is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized
representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed
acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than
allowed.
Program Income
Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be
generated from this project.
Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application
which contain this information.
Nonfederal Resources
Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be
documented and submitted with the application so the applicant is given
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for
each funding source.

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
Project Approach (25 Points):
The Project Approach narrative must be clear and concise. The
narrative must include a detailed project description with goals and
objectives. It must discuss the project strategy and implementation
plan over the project period. The applicant must use the Objective Work
Plan (OWP) form to identify the project objectives, time frames,
proposed activities, results and benefits expected and criteria for
evaluating results and benefits, as well as the individuals responsible
for completing the objectives and performing the activities. Within the
results and benefits section of the OWP the applicant must provide
quantitative quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be
achieved for each function or activity. In this criterion, the
applicant describes how the project description, objective(s), approach
and strategy are inter-related. The applicant must also include the
names and activities of any organizations, consultants, or other key
individuals who will contribute to the project, utilizing the column
for Non-Salaried Personnel to list the hours incurred for these
activities. The applicant must discuss ``Leveraged Resources'' (see
Definitions) used to strengthen and broaden the impact of the proposed
project. The applicant must discuss how commitments and contributions
from other entities will enhance the project. Applicants must discuss
the relationship of non-ANA funded activities to those objectives and
activities that will be funded with ANA grant funds. Applicants must
discuss the relationship of non-ANA funded activities to those
objectives and activities that will be funded with ANA grant funds.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Need for Assistance (20 Points):
Applicant must show a clear relationship between the proposed
project, the Environmental Regulatory Enhancement strategy, and the
community's long-range goals. The need for assistance must clearly
identify the physical, economic, social, financial, governmental, and
institutional challenges and problem(s) requiring a solution that
supports the funding request. Describe the community (see Definitions)
to be affected by the project and the community involvement in the
project. The applicant must describe the community's long-range goals,
the community planning process, and how the project supports the
community goals. The applicant must describe how the proposed goals,
objectives, and activities reflect the Environmental Regulatory needs
of the local community. Discuss the geographic location of the project
and where the project and grant will be administered. Applicant must
describe how the proposed project objectives and activities relate to a
locally determined strategy.
The applicant must provide documentation of the community's support
for the proposed project. Applications from National and Regional
organizations must clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain
how the project originated, identify the intended beneficiaries,
describe and relate the actual project benefits to the community and
organization, and describe a community-based project delivery strategy.
National and Regional organizations must also identify their membership
and specifically discuss how the organization operates and impacts
Native American people and communities. Proposed project objectives
support the identified need and must be measurable.
Budget and Budget Justification
Budget and Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness (15 Points):
An applicant must submit an itemized budget detailing the
applicant's Federal and non-Federal share and cite source(s) of
funding. The applicant must provide a detailed line-item Federal and
non-Federal share budget by year for each year of project funds
requested. A budget justification narrative to support the line-item
budget request must be included for each year of project funds
requested. The budget must include a line item justification for each
Object Class Category listed under Section B: ``Budget Categories'' of
the ``Budget Information-Non Construction Programs'' (SF 424A) form.
The line-item budget and budget justification narrative must include
the necessary details to facilitate the determination of allowable
costs and the relevance of these costs to the proposed project.
The non-Federal budget share must identify the source and be
supported by letters of commitment (see Definitions). Letters of
commitment are binding when they specifically state the nature, the
amount, and conditions under which another agency or organization or
individual will support a project. These resources may be human,
natural, or financial, and may include other Federal and non-Federal
resources. Statements that additional funding will be sought from other
specific sources are not considered a binding commitment of outside
resources. Letters of Support merely express another organization's
endorsement of a proposed project. Support letters are not binding
commitment letters, as they do not factually establish the authenticity

[[Page 5862]]

of other resources and do not offer or bind specific resources to the
project.
If an applicant plans to charge or otherwise seek credit for
indirect costs in its ANA application, a copy of its current Indirect
Cost Rate Agreement must be included in the application, with all costs
broken down by category so ANA reviewers can be certain that no
budgeted line items are included in the indirect cost pool. Applicants
that do not submit a current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, may not be
able to claim the allowable cost, may have the grant award amount
reduced, or may experience a delay in grant award.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to include sufficient funds for
principal representatives, such as the applicant's chief financial
officer or project director to travel to one regional ANA post-award
grant training and technical assistance workshop. This expenditure is
allowable for new grant recipients and optional for grantees that have
had previous ANA grant awards, and will be negotiated upon award.
Applicants may also include costs for two staff persons to attend the
ACF National Native American Conference.
Cost Effectiveness:
This section of the criterion reflects ANA's concern with ensuring
that the expenditure of its limited resources yields the greatest
benefit possible in achieving environmentally sound and healthy Native
American communities. Applicants demonstrate this by: summarizing
partnerships and the efficient use of leveraged resources; explaining
the impact on the identified community through measurable project
outcomes, and presenting a project that is completed, self-sustaining
or supported by other than ANA funds by the end of the project period.
Organizational Profiles
Organizational Capacity (15 Points):
In this criterion, the application provides information on the
management structure of the applicant and the organizational
relationships with its cooperating partners. Include an organizational
chart that indicates where the proposed project will fit in the
existing structure. Demonstrates experience in the program area.
Describe the administrative structure, and the applicant's ability to
administer and implement a project of the proposed scope and its
capacity to fulfill the implementation plan. Applicants are required to
affirm that they will credit the Administration for Native Americans,
and reference the ANA funded project on any audio, video, and/or
printed materials developed in whole or in part with ANA funds.
Applicants must list all current sources of Federal funding, the
agency, purpose, amount, and provide the most recent certified signed
audit letter for the organization to be included in Part One of the
application. If the applicant has audit exceptions, these issues must
be discussed in this criterion.
Applicants must provide ``staffing and position data'' to include a
proposed staffing pattern for the project where the applicant
highlights the new project staff. Positions discussed in this section
must match the positions identified in the Objective Work Plan and in
the proposed budget. Applicant must provide a paragraph of the duties
and skills required for the proposed staff and a paragraph on
qualifications and experience of current staff. Full position
descriptions are required to be submitted and included in the Appendix.
Applicant must explain how the current and future staff will manage the
proposed project. Brief biographies of key positions or individuals
must be included. (Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give
preference to qualified Native Americans in hiring project staff and in
contracting services under an approved ANA grant.)
If applicable, applicant must identify consortium membership. The
consortium applicant must be the recipient of the funds. A consortium
applicant must be an ``eligible entity'' as defined by this Program
Announcement and the ANA regulations. Consortium applicants must
include documentation (a resolution adopted pursuant to the
organization's established procedures and signed by an authorized
representative) from all consortium members supporting the ANA
application. An application from a consortium must have goals and
objectives that will create positive impacts and outcomes in the
communities of its members. ANA will not fund activities by a
consortium of tribes that duplicate activities for which member Tribes
also receive funding from ANA. The consortium application must identify
the role and responsibility of each participating consortium member and
a copy of the consortia legal agreement or Memoranda of Agreement to
support the proposed project.
Results or Benefits Expected
Project Impact/Evaluation (15 Points):
In this criterion, the applicant will discuss the ``Impact
Indicators'' (see Definitions) and the benefits expected as a result of
this project. Impact indicators identify qualitative and quantitative
data directly associated with the project. Each applicant must submit
five impact indicators to support the applicant's project. Two of the
five are standard and required across all ANA programs. For each impact
indicator submitted the applicant must discuss the relevance of the
impact indicators to the project, the method used to track the
indicator and the method used to determine project success. Impact
indicators will be reported to ANA in the grantee's quarterly report.
The applicant must indicate a target number to be achieved for the
required standard impact indicators. In addition to the two standard
required impact indicators, an applicant must also submit three
additional indicators. These three impact indicators may be selected
from the suggested list below, or they may be developed for a specific
proposed project, or the applicant may submit a combination of both the
ANA suggested indicators and project specific indicators. The two
standard required impact indicators are: (a) Number of partnerships
formed; and (b) amount of dollars leveraged beyond the required NFS
match. The suggested ANA indicators are: (1) The number of
environmental regulations, codes or ordinances created; (2) the number
of people to successfully complete a workshop/training; (3) the number
of workshops/trainings provided; (4) types of capacity building systems
created and implemented to support environmental program functions; (5)
identification of tribal or village government regulations, codes or
ordinances that were enacted and adopted; (6) the number of
regulations, codes or ordinances successfully enforced; and (7) number
of infrastructure and administrative systems, including policies and
procedures developed and implemented.
The applicant should discuss the projects value and long-term
impact to the participants and the community and explain how the
information relates to the proposed project goals, objectives and
outcomes. The applicant should discuss how the project will be
completed, self-sustaining, or supported by other than ANA funds at the
end of the project period. Applicants should discuss and present
objectives and goals to be achieved and evaluated at the end of each
budget period or quarter (if applicable). Project outcomes should
support the identified need and should be measurable and quantifiable.
Introduction--Project Summary/Abstract
Introduction and Project Summary/Application Format (10 Points):
Introduction and Project Summary: Using the ANA Project Abstract
form

[[Page 5863]]

(OMB Control Number 0980-0204, Exp. 10/31/2006), the applicant must
include: the name of the applicant, the project title, the Federal
amount requested, the amount of matching funds to be provided, length
of time required to accomplish the project, the goal of the project, a
list of the project objectives (not activities), the estimated number
of people to be served and the expected outcomes of the project.
In addition to the Project Abstract form, the applicant will
provide an introductory summary narrative that includes: An overview of
the project, a description of the community to be served, the location
of the identified community, a declarative statement identifying the
need for the project, and a brief overview of the project's objectives,
strategy and community or organizational impact.
Application Format: Applicants are required to submit applications
in a standard format, following the ANA requirements on application
length, font, numbering, line spacing, etc. Please refer to Section IV
Part 2, ``Content and Form of Application Submission'' for detailed
formatting instructions.

2. Review and Selection Process:

No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application.
Initial Screening: Each application submitted under an ANA program
announcement will undergo a pre-review screening to determine: (a)
Timeliness--the application was received by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on
the closing date; (b) the Federal request does not exceed the upper
value of the dollar range specified; (c) the applicant has submitted a
current signed and dated resolution from the governing body; and, (d)
if the applicant is not a tribe or Alaska Native village government,
the applicant has submitted proof a majority of the board of directors
is representative of the community to be served. An application that
does not meet one of the above elements will be determined to be
incomplete and excluded from the competitive review process. Applicants
with incomplete applications will be notified by mail within 30
business days from the closing date of this program announcement. ANA
staff cannot respond to requests for information regarding funding
decisions prior to the official applicant notification. After the
Commissioner has made decisions on all applications, unsuccessful
applicants will be notified in writing within 90 days. The notification
will include the reviewer comments. Applicants are not ranked based on
general financial need. Applicants who are initially excluded from
competition because of ineligibility may appeal the agency's decision.
Applicants may also appeal an ANA decision that an applicant's proposed
activities are ineligible for funding consideration. The appeals
process is stated in the final rule published in the Federal Register
on August 19, 1996 (61 FR 42817 and 45 CFR part 1336, subpart C).
Competitive Review Process: Applications that pass the initial ANA
screening process will be analyzed, evaluated and rated by an
independent review panel on the basis of the Evaluation Criteria. The
evaluation criteria were designed to analyze and assess the quality of
a proposed community-based project, the likelihood of its success, and
the ability of ANA to monitor and evaluate community impact and long-
term results. The evaluation criteria and analysis are closely related
and are wholly considered in judging the overall quality of an
application. In addition, the evaluation criteria standardizes the
review of each application and distributes the number of points more
equitably. Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the
program announcement criteria and ANA's program areas of interest. A
determination will be made as to whether the project is an effective
use of Federal funds.
Application Review Criteria: Applicants will be reviewed based on
the following criteria and points: ANA's criteria categories are
Introduction and Project Summary/Application Format; Need for
Assistance; Project Approach; Organizational Capacity; Project Impact/
Evaluation; and Budget and Budget Narrative/Cost Effectiveness.
Application Consideration: The Commissioner's funding decision is
based on an analysis of the application by the review panel, panel
review scores and recommendations; an analysis by ANA staff; review of
previous ANA grantee's past performance; comments from State and
Federal agencies having contract and grant performance related
information; and other interested parties. The Commissioner makes grant
awards consistent with the purpose of the Native American Programs Act
(NAPA), all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, this
program announcement, and the availability of appropriated funds. The
Commissioner reserves the right to award more, or less, than the funds
described or under such circumstances as may be deemed to be in the
best interest of the Federal government. Applicants may be required to
reduce the scope of projects based on the amount of approved award.
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review
process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application
copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for
individuals specified in the application budget.
Approved But Unfunded Applications
In cases where more applications are approved for funding than ACF
can fund with the money available, the Grants Officer shall fund
applications in their order of approval until funds run out. In this
case, ACF has the option of carrying over the approved applications up
to a year for funding consideration in a later competition of the same
program. These applications need not be reviewed and scored again if
the program's evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must
then be placed in rank order along with other applications in later
competition.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Approximately 120 days after the application due date, the
successful applicants will be notified by mail through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which will set forth the amount
of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided and the total project
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and sent to the applicant's
Authorizing Official. Applications not funded in this competition will
be notified in writing.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, 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.

[[Page 5864]]

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

45 CFR Part 74.
45 CFR Part 92.
45 CFR part 1336, subpart C, and 42 U.S.C. 2991 et seq.--Native
American Programs Act of 1974.

3. Reporting Requirements

Programmatic Reports: Quarterly.
Financial Reports: Quarterly.
Special Reporting Requirements: An original and one copy of each
performance report and financial status report must be submitted to the
Grants Officer. Failure to submit these reports when required will mean
the grantee is non-compliant with the terms and conditions of the grant
award and subject to administrative action or termination. Performance
reports are submitted 30 days after each quarter (3-month intervals) of
the budget period. The final performance report, due 90 days after the
project period end date, shall cover grantee performance during the
entire project period. All grantees shall use the SF 269 (Long Form) to
report the status of funds. Financial Status Reports are submitted 30
days after each quarter (3-month intervals) of the budget period. The
final SF 269 report shall be due 90 days after the end of the project
period.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact: ANA Applicant Help Desk, 370 L'Enfant
Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building 8th Floor-West, Washington, DC
20447-0002. Phone: 1-877-922-9262. E-mail: ana@acf.dhhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, ACF, Office of
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building 8th
Floor-West, Washington, DC 20447-0002. Phone: 202-401-2344. E-mail:
tichappelle@acf.hhs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

Training and Technical Assistance: All potential ANA applicants are
eligible to receive T&TA in the SEDS, Language, or Environmental
program areas. Prospective applicants should check ANA's Web site for
training and technical assistance dates and locations, or contact the
ANA Help Desk at 1-877-922-9262. Due to the new application and program
additions and modifications, ANA strongly encourages all prospective
applicants to participate in free pre-application training.
Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received
applications.

Dated: January 26, 2005.
Quanah Crossland Stamps,
Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.
[FR Doc. 05-1898 Filed 2-2-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184-01-P