FR Doc 05-1899

[Federal Register: February 3, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 22)]
[Notices]
[Page 5864-5888]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03fe05-116]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

Administration for Native Americans (ANA); FY 2005 Funds for New
Community-Based Activities

Funding Opportunity Title: Native Language Preservation and
Maintenance.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ANA-NL-0016.
CFDA Number: 93.587.
Due Date for Applications: April 1, 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 new community-based
activities under ANA's Native Language program. Financial assistance is
provided utilizing a competitive process in accordance with the Native
American Programs Act of 1974, as amended. ANA provides financial
assistance to eligible applicants for the purpose of assisting Native
Americans in assuring the survival and continuing vitality of their
languages. Grants are provided under the following two categories:
Category I Assessment Grants are used to conduct the assessment needed
to identify the current status of the Native American language(s) to be
addressed and to establish community long-range language goals; and,
Category II Design and/or Implementation Grants are to design and/or
implement a preservation language project that will contribute to the
achievement of the community's long-range language goal(s).
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

In 1992, Congressional testimony provided estimates that of the
several hundred languages that once existed only about 150 are still
spoken or remembered today. Furthermore, only 20 are spoken by persons
of all ages, 30 are spoken by adults of all ages, about 60 are spoken
by middle-aged adults, and 45 are spoken by the most elderly. In
response to this testimony, the Congress passed the Native American
Languages Act of 1992 (the Act), Pub. L. 102-524, to assist Native
Americans in assuring the survival and continuing vitality of their
languages. Passage of the Act was an important step in an attempt to
ensure the survival and continuation of Native languages. It provided
the foundation upon which tribal nations can rebuild their economic
strength and enhance the rich cultural diversity. The Federal
government recognizes the substantial loss of Native American languages
over the past several hundred years, and acknowledges the nature and
magnitude of the status of Native American languages will be better
defined when eligible applicants under the Act have completed language
assessments.
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) believes that the
responsibility for achieving self-sufficiency rests with the governing
bodies of Indian Tribes, Alaska Native villages, and in the leadership
of Native American groups. This belief supports the ANA principle that
the local community and its leadership are responsible for determining
goals, setting priorities, and planning and implementing programs that
support the community's long-range goals.
Therefore, since preserving a language and ensuring its
continuation is generally one of the first steps taken toward
strengthening a group's identity; activities proposed under this
program announcement will contribute to the social development of
Native communities and significantly contribute to their efforts toward
self-sufficiency. The Administration for Native Americans recognizes
that eligible applicants must have the opportunity to develop their own
language plans, improve technical capabilities, and have access to the
necessary financial and technical resources in order to assess, plan,
develop and implement programs to assure the survival and continuing
vitality of their languages. ANA also recognizes that potential
applicants may have specialized knowledge and capabilities to address
specific language concerns at various levels. This program announcement
reflects these special needs and circumstances.
In support of the Presidential Executive Orders on Asian American
and Pacific Islanders, Community-based

[[Page 5865]]

Alternatives for Individuals with Disabilities, and Faith-based and
Community Organizations, ANA encourages Native communities to address
the needs of people with disabilities, and invites eligible faith-based
and community organizations to apply.
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.
Although Tribes are limited to three simultaneous ANA grants (one each
under SEDS, Language and Environmental programs) at any one time, this
clarification allows other community-based organizations to apply for
ANA funding, provided the objectives and activities do not duplicate
currently funded projects serving the same geographic area.
In response to this announcement, ANA encourages Native American
tribes and organizational leaders to propose, coordinate and implement
community-based projects to meet the needs of its community members and
develop 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 under this
program announcement, these Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees
as particularly beneficial to the preservation and maintenance of
Native American languages.
Financial assistance under the Native Language program is provided
utilizing a competitive process in accordance with the Native American
Programs Act of 1974, as amended.
This program is authorized by the Native American Programs Act, 42
U.S.C. 2991 et seq.

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. Applications originating from American Samoa,
Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are covered
under section 501(d) of Public Law 95-134, as amended (48 U.S.C.
1469a), under which HHS waives any requirement for matching funds under
$200,000 (including in-kind contributions).
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.
Organizations incorporating in American Samoa are cautioned that the
Samoan government relies exclusively upon IRS determination of non-
profit status; therefore, articles of incorporation approved by the
Samoan government do not establish non-profit status for the purpose of
ANA eligibility.
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 to be 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.
An applicant can have only one active ANA Native Language
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 proceeding year
were accomplished, and the non-Federal share requirement 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 should be used
as a guide in writing and submitting the proposed project. The funding
for allowable projects in this program

[[Page 5866]]

announcement is based on the following definitions:
Authorized Representative: The person or person(s) authorized by
tribal or Organizational resolution to execute documents and other
actions required by outside agencies.
Budget Period: The interval of time into which the project period
is divided for budgetary or funding purposes, and for which a grant is
made. A budget period usually lasts one year in a multi-year project
period.
Community: A group of people residing in the same geographic area
that can apply their own cultural and socio-economic values in
implementing ANA's program objectives and goals. In discussing the
applicant's community, the following information should 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--Tribe/Village: A group of tribes or Villages that join
together either for long-term purposes or for the purpose of an ANA
project.
Construction: The initial building of a facility.
Core Administration: Salaries and other expenses for those
functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for
purposes that are unrelated to the actual management or implementation
of the ANA project.
Equipment: Tangible, non-expendable personal property, including
exempt property, charged directly to the award having a useful life of
more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.
However, consistent with recipient policy, lower limits may be
established.
Impact Indicators: Measurement descriptions used to identify the
outcomes or results of the project. Outcomes or results must be
quantifiable, measurable, verifiable and related to the outcome of the
project to determine that the project has achieved its desired
objective and can be independently verified through ANA monitoring and
evaluation.
In-kind Contributions: In-kind contributions are property or
services which benefit a federally assisted project or program and
which are contributed by the grantee, non-Federal third parties without
charge to the grantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant
agreement. Any proposed in-kind match must meet the applicable
requirements found in 45 CFR 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 about
resources which have been committed to support a proposed project made
in the application without supporting 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.
They may include, but need not be limited to, economic, artistic,
cultural, and recreational activities, and the delivery of human
services such as day care, education, and training.
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/
2006)
Partnerships: Agreements between two or more parties that will
support the development and implementation of the

[[Page 5867]]

proposed project. Partnerships include other faith-based or community-
based organizations or associations, tribes, Federal and State agencies
and private or non-profit organizations, which may include faith-based
organizations.
Real Property: Land, including land improvements, structures, and
appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed and
dated Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing
body) in support of the project for the entire project period. The
Resolution should indicate who is authorized to sign documents and
negotiate on behalf of the tribe or organization. The Resolution should
indicate that the community was involved in the project planning
process, and indicate the specific dollar amount of any non-Federal
matching funds (if applicable).
Sustainable Project: A sustainable project is an ongoing program or
service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds.
Self-Sufficiency: The ability to generate resources to meet a
community's needs in a sustainable manner. A community's progress
toward self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and
direct resources in a comprehensive manner that is consistent with its
established long-range goals. For a community to be self-sufficient, it
must have local access to, control of, and coordination of services and
programs that safeguard the health, well being, and culture of the
people that reside and work in the community.
Total Approved Project Costs: The sum of the Federal request and
the non-Federal share.
Please note that this announcement is divided into two program
areas. The first program area is: Category I Assessment Grants and the
second program area is: Category II Design and/or Implementation
Grants. Information on the second program area immediately follows
section VIII of program area one. The SF 424 must clearly indicate the
correct program area you are applying for.

Priority Area 1

Native Language Preservation and Maintenance: Category I Assessment
Grants

Description

The purpose of an Assessment Grant is to conduct an assessment of
the current status of the language(s) to be addressed in order to
establish community long-range goal(s) to ensure its survival.
Program Area of Interest under Category I:
A project for data collection and compilation that surveys
the current language status through a ``formal'' method (e.g., work
performed by a linguist, and/or a language survey conducted by
community members) or an ``informal'' method (e.g., a community
consensus of the language status based on information provided by
elders, tribal scholars, and/or other community members) with the
development of long range language preservation goals and uses elders
in the development of these goals. The assessment data should capture,
at a minimum, the following data: Number of speakers; Age of speakers;
Gender of speakers; Level(s) of fluency; Number of first language
speakers (Native language as the first language acquired); Number of
second language speakers (Native language as the second language
acquired); Where Native language is used (e.g., home, court system,
religious ceremonies, church, media, school, governance and cultural
activities); Source of data (formal and/or informal); and, Rate of
language loss or gain.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,000,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 10-15.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $100,000.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $25,000.
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for competition.
Average Projected Award Amount: $50,000.
Length of Project Periods: 12 month project and budget period.

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.
Consortia of Indian tribes.
Incorporated non-federally recognized tribes.
Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based
Indian organizations.
Urban Indian Centers.
National or regional incorporated non-profit Native
American organizations with Native American community-specific
objectives.
Alaska Native villages, as defined in the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or non-profit village consortia.
Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-purpose
community-based organizations.
Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/
Associations in Alaska with village specific projects.
Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with village
specific projects.
Public and non-profit private agencies serving Native
Hawaiians.
Public and non-profit private agencies serving native
peoples from Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands (the populations served may be located on these islands
or in the United States).
Tribally-controlled Community Colleges, tribally-
controlled Post-Secondary Vocational Institutions, and colleges and
universities located in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa or the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands which serve Native
peoples.
Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or 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

[[Page 5868]]

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 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 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.
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 is representative of the community to be served
will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for
competition (see Section I. Funding Opportunity Description-
Definitions, for information on resolutions).
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 the regional T/TA providers at:

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, WV
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. URL: http://www.anaeastern.org.

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

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

Region IV: American Samoa (AS), Guam, HI, Commonwealth of Northern
Mariana Islands (CNMI).
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, 33 South King Street,
Suite 513, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Toll-Free 800-709-2642; Local 808-
521-5011; Fax: 808-521-4111. Lilia Kapuniai, Vice President, Community
Development. E-mail: info@anapacific.org. URL: http://www.anapacific.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, an original signature by an
authorized representative, have original signatures, 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 is the SF 424, 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

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that require, if relevant to the project, a Business Plan or any Third-
Party Agreements).
Electronic Submission: While ACF does have the capability to
receive program announcement applications electronically through
Grants.gov, electronic submission of applications will not be available
for this particular announcement. There are required application
form(s) specific to ANA that have not yet received clearance from
Grants.gov. While electronic submission of applications may be
available in the next fiscal year for this program, no electronic
submission of applications will be accepted for this announcement this
year as they would be missing those required ANA forms and be
considered incomplete.
Organization and Preparation of Application: Due to the intensity
and pace of the application review and evaluation process, ANA strongly
recommends applicants organize, label, and insert required information
in accordance with Part One, Part Two and Part Three as presented in
the table below. ANA strongly suggests applicants label the application
for ease of reviewing. The application must begin with the information
requested in Part One in the prescribed order of the following table.
Utilizing this format will insure all information submitted to support
an applicant's request for funding is thoroughly reviewed. Submitting
information in this format will assist the panel reviewer in locating
and evaluating the information. Deviation from this suggested format
will reduce the applicant's ability to receive maximum points, which
are directly related to ANA's funding decisions.
ANA Application Format: ANA requires all applications to be labeled
in compliance with the format provided in this 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\1/2\ 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 Pub. L. 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

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

3. Submission Dates and Times

Due Date: April 1, 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.

[[Page 5870]]

Checklist
You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your
application package.

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 announcement 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 announcement closing date.

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

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

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

Forms link to obtain
the document).
Proof of Non-Profit Status..... See Section III... As described in this By announcement closing date.
announcement under
Section III
``Additional
Information on
Eligibility''.
Resolution..................... See Section I..... As described in this By announcement closing date.
announcement under
Section I ``
Definitions''.
Board of Directors See Section I..... As described in this By announcement closing date.
Documentation. announcement under
Section I ``ANA
Administrative
Policies''.
Audit Letter................... See Section I..... A Certified Public By announcement 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 announcement 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 announcement 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 announcement 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 announcement 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: By announcement closing date.
Certification. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/

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

Part Two.--Application Review Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
format ANA
application review
What to submit Required content criteria This section When to submit
may not exceed 40
pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criteria one (10 pts).......... See Section V..... Introduction and By announcement closing date.
Project Summary/
Application Format
Use the Project
Abstract Form (OMB
0980-0204
exp. 10/31/2006).
Criteria two (20 pts).......... See Section V..... Need for Assistance... By announcement closing date.
Criteria three (25 pts)........ See Section V..... Project Approach By announcement closing date.
Include an Objective
Work Plan 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 announcement closing date.
Capacity.

[[Page 5871]]

Criteria five (15 pts)......... See Section V..... Project Impact/ By announcement closing date.
Evaluation.
Criteria six (15 pts).......... See Section V..... Budget and Budget By announcement closing date.
Justification/Cost
Effectiveness.
Note: The Budget and
Budget Justification
are not included in
the page count for
this Part..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 announcement 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 By announcement closing 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 an 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 C.F.R. 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 Definition) 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 the purpose of this
Native Language Program Announcement.
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

[[Page 5872]]

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.

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 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,

[[Page 5873]]

financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed
Public Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond
carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses
and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on
compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation
of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If
the applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit
status in its application.
The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate; (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status; (e) any of
the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Third-Party Agreements
Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and
subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These
agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules,
remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define
the relationship.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form.
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
General
Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. ``Federal
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying.
``Non Federal resources'' are all other Federal and non-Federal
resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be
presented in a columnar format: First column, object class categories;
second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-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

[[Page 5874]]

required supporting information referred to in these instructions.

Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it
should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with
the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates,
and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of
their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant.
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Program Income
Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be
generated from this project.
Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application
which contain this information.
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, partners,
consultants, or other key individuals who will contribute to the
project, utilizing the OWP column for ``Non-Salaried Personnel'' to
list the hours incurred for these activities. The applicant explains
how elders and other community members are involved in the development
of the language goals and strategies. The applicant must discuss any
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.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Need for Assistance (20 Points):
Applicant must show a clear relationship between the proposed
project, the strategy and community's long-range goals. The need for
assistance must clearly identify the physical, economic, social,
financial, governmental, and institutional challenges 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, and the community planning process and how the
project supports these goals. The applicant must document the
community's support of the proposed project. Discuss the geographic
location of the project and where the project and grant will be
administered. The applicant fully describes the status of Native
American language(s) in the community. Since obtaining this data may be
part of the proposed project being reviewed, applicants can meet this
requirement by explaining their current language status and providing a
detailed description of any circumstances or barriers, which have
prevented the collection of community language data. If documentation
exists, describe it in terms of current language status. Applicants
must discuss and present objectives and activities to be achieved and
evaluated at the end of the project period. Applicants 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

[[Page 5875]]

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 must be included for each year of project funds requested. The
budget request must include a line-item justification for each Object
Class Category listed under Section B--``Budget Categories'' on SF 424
``Budget Information-Non Construction Programs'' 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
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 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. 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 the preservation of
Native American languages. 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. Demonstrate experience in the program area.
Describe the administrative structure, and the applicant's ability to
administer and implement a project of the proposed scope. If the
applicant proposes to enter into a partnership arrangement with a
school, college or university, documentation of this commitment must be
included in the application. 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. Applicants 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.
Applicants 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 which duplicates 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 indicator 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 impact indicators. These three impact indicators may be
selected from the suggested list below, or they

[[Page 5876]]

may be developed for the 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 ANA suggested
impact indicators are: (1) Number of surveys completed; (2) percent and
number of community members assessed; (3) the rate of language loss or
gain; (4) the number of elders consulted; (5) number of language
experts consulted; (6) number of community goals developed to preserve
the Native language or (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 (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 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 dated and signed 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 peer review panel on the basis of the ANA 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: 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 and 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 and geographic distribution.
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.
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.

[[Page 5877]]

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.

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.hhs.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 free T&TA in the SEDS, Language, or Environmental
program areas. Prospective applicants must check ANA's Web site for
training and technical assistance dates and locations, or contact the
ANA Help Desk at 1-877-922-9262. ANA strongly encourages all
prospective applicants to participate in free pre-application training.
For regional T/TA provider contact information, please refer to Section
IV.
Applicants will not be sent acknowledgement of received
applications.

Priority Area 2

Native Language Preservation and Maintenance: Category II: Design and/
or Implementation Grants
Description: The purposes of Design and/or Implementation Grants
are so Tribes or Native communities may design and/or implement a
language program to achieve their long-range goal(s) and to accommodate
the Tribe or Native community in reaching their long-term language
goal(s). Program Areas of Interest under Category II include:
Projects that produce culturally relevant printed stories
for children on mental and physical disabilities using the Native
language of the community.
Establish and/or support of a community language project
to bring older and younger Native Americans together to facilitate and
encourage the teaching of Native American language skills from one
generation to another;
Establish and/or support training projects to teach Native
American languages or to serve as interpreters or translators of Native
languages;
Projects that develop, print, and/or disseminate materials
to be used for the teaching and enhancement of Native American
languages;
Projects that implement an immersion model, mentor, or
incorporate distance learning for the teaching of the Native language.
Projects to distribute or broadcast Native languages;
Establish and/or support training projects to produce or
participate in, television, radio or other media forms, to be broadcast
in Native American languages;
Projects that compile, transcribe and perform analysis of
oral testimony in order to record and preserve the language; and,
Projects that purchase specialized equipment (including
audio and video recording equipment, computers, and software) necessary
to achieve the project objectives. The applicant must fully justify the
need for this equipment and explain how it will be used to achieve the
project objectives.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,000,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 10-20.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $175,000.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $25,000.
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for competition.
Average Projected Award Amount: $100,000.
Length of Project Periods: 12 month project and budget period. 17
project and budget period. 24 month project and two budget periods. 36
month project and three budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

[[Page 5878]]

Incorporated non-federally recognized tribes.
Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based
Indian organizations;
Urban Indian Centers;
National and regional incorporated non-profit Native
American organizations with Native American community-specific
objectives;
Alaska Native Villages, as defined in the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or non-profit village consortia;
Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-purpose
community-based organizations;
Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/
Associations in Alaska with village specific projects;
Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with village
specific projects;
Public and non-profit private agencies serving Native
Hawaiians;
Public and non-profit private agencies serving Native
peoples from Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands (the populations served may be located on these islands
or in the United States);
Tribally controlled Community Colleges, tribally
controlled Post-Secondary Vocational Institutions, and colleges and
universities located in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa or the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands which serve Native Pacific
Islanders; and
Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or 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 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 government-wide
electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be

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
incomplete 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 applicant is not a tribe or Alaska Native Village government,
applications that do not include proof 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 (see Section I. Funding Opportunity Description-
Definitions, for information on resolutions).
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 the regional T/TA providers at:

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, WV
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. URL: http://www.anaeastern.org.

Region II: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
ACKCO, Inc., 1326 N. Central, Suite 208, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.
Toll-Free: 800-525-2859; Direct: 602-

[[Page 5879]]

253-9211; Fax 602-253-9135. Theron Wauneka, Project Manager. E-mail:
theron.wauneka@ackco.com. URL: http://www.anawestern.org.

Region III: Alaska. Native American Management Services, Inc., 11723
Old Glenn Highway, Suite 201, Eagle River, Alaska 99577. Toll-Free 877-
770-6230; Direct: 907-694-5711; Fax 907-694-5775. P.J. Bell, Project
Manager. E-mail: region 3@gci.net. URL: http://www.anaalaska.org.

Region IV: American Samoa (AS), Guam, HI, Commonwealth of Northern
Mariana Islands (CNMI)
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, 33 South King Street,
Suite 513, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Toll-Free 800-709-2642; Local 808-
521-5011; Fax: 808-521-4111. Lilia Kapuniai, Vice President, Community
Development. E-mail: info@anapacific.org. URL: http://www.anapacific.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, 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 is the SF 424, Required Government Forms, and other required
documentation. Part Two of the application is the project substance of
the application. 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 evaluation process, ANA strongly
recommends applicants organize, label, and insert required information
in accordance with Part One, Part Two, and Part Three requirements. The
application must begin with the information requested in Part One.
Utilizing this format will insure all information submitted to support
an applicant's request for funding is thoroughly reviewed. Submitting
information in this format will assist the panel reviewer in locating
and evaluating the information. Deviation from this suggested format
will reduce the applicant's ability to receive maximum points, which
are directly related to ANA's funding review decisions.
ANA Application Format: ANA requires all applications to be labeled
in compliance with the format provided in this 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\1/2\ 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 Pub. L. 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. Please

see

[[Page 5880]]

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

3. Submission Dates and Times

Due Date: April 1, 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.

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

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

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Grant Application Data Summary See Section I..... ANA Form: OMB < greek- By announcement closing date.
(GADS) form Native Language. i> 0970-0263 exp. 3/
31/07 http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
(Go to

Forms link to obtain
the document).
Proof of Non-Profit Status..... See Section III... As described in this By announcement closing date.
announcement under
Section III
``Additional
Information on
Eligibility''.
Resolution..................... See Section I..... As described in this By announcement closing date.
announcement under
Section I
``Definitions''.
Board of Directors See Section I..... As described in this By announcement closing date.
Documentation. announcement under
Section I ``ANA
Administrative
Policies''.
Audit Letter................... See Section I..... A Certified Public By announcement 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 announcement 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 announcement 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 announcement 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 announcement 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 announcement closing date.

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

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

[[Page 5881]]

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

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 announcement 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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 5882]]

Core administration (see Definition) 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 the purpose of this
Native Language Program Announcement.
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

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

[[Page 5883]]

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 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.

[[Page 5884]]

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.

Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it
should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with
the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates,
and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of
their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant.
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Program Income
Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be
generated from this project.
Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application
which contain this information.
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 must summarize 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 explains how elders and other community
members are involved in the development of the language goals and
strategy.
The applicant must discuss the 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. Provide
quantitative quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be
achieved for each function or activity. Applicants must discuss the
relationship of non-ANA funded activities to those objectives and
activities that will be funded with ANA grant funds.
The application includes the following three plans: (1)
``Evaluation Plan'' with a baseline to measure project outcomes,
including, but not limited to, describing effective language growth in
the community (e.g., an increase of Native American language use). This
plan will be the basis for evaluating the community's progress in
achieving its language goals and objectives. (2) ``Sharing Plan'' that
identifies how the project's methodology, research data, outcomes or
other products can be shared and modified for use by other Tribes or
communities. If this is not feasible or culturally appropriate, provide
the reasons. The goal is to provide opportunities to ensure the
survival and the continuing vitality of

[[Page 5885]]

Native languages. (3) ``Preservation Plan'' to preserve project
products describes how the products of the project will be preserved
through archival or other culturally appropriate methods, for the
benefit of future generations. Native Language projects that produce
audio or print media will now include a stipulation that a copy of the
product(s) will be provided to ANA for the Language Repository.
Federally-recognized Tribes have the option to not submit projects.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Need for Assistance (20 Points):
Applicant must show a clear relationship between the proposed
project, the strategy and 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, and the community planning process and
how the project supports these goals. Discuss the geographic location
of the project and where the project and grant will be administered.
Category II applicants must be able to document: That language
information has been collected and analyzed, and the community has
established long-range language goals. The application fully describes
the current status of the Native American language to be addressed;
current status is defined as data compiled within the previous 36
months. The description of the current status minimally includes the
following information:
Number of speakers.
Age of speakers.
Gender of speakers.
Level(s) of fluency.
Number of first language speakers (Native language as the
first language acquired).
Number of second language speakers (Native language as the
second language acquired).
Where Native language is used (e.g. home, court system,
religious ceremonies; church, media, school, governance and cultural
activities).
Source of data (formal and/or informal).
Rate of language loss or gain.
The applicant fully describes existing community language or
language training programs and projects, if any, in support of the
Native American language to be addressed by the proposed project. The
applicant must include the following: if the applicant had a community
language or language training program within the last 36 months? Within
the last 10 years? If so, fully describe the program(s), and include
the following: (1) Program goals; (2) number of program participants;
(3) number of speakers; (4) age range of participants (e.g.,, 0-5, 6-
10, 11-18, etc.); (5) number of language teachers; (6) criteria used to
acknowledge competency of language teachers; (7) resources available to
the applicant (e.g., valid grammars, dictionaries, and orthographies or
describe other suitable resources); and, (8) program achievements.
If applicant has never had a language program, a detailed
explanation of what barriers or circumstances prevented the
establishment of a community language program must be included. The
application describes the proposed project's long-range goals and
strategies, including: (1) How the specific Native American long-range
community goal(s) relate to the proposed project. (2) How the goal(s)
fit within the context of the current language status. (3) A clearly
delineated strategy to assist in assuring the survival and continued
vitality of the Native American languages addressed in the community.
(4) The application explains how the community and the tribal
government (where one exists) intend to achieve these goals. (5) All
tribes and communities, however, must indicate in their application how
they intend to involve elders and other community members in
development of language goals and strategies, and in evaluation of
project outcomes. The applicant must provide documentation of the
community's support for the proposed project. The type of community
served will determine the type of documentation necessary to
demonstrate participation.
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'' on the 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
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 cost
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 ANA post-award grant
training and technical assistance workshop. This expenditure is

[[Page 5886]]

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 the preservation of
Native American languages. 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 Profile
Organizational Capacity (15 Points):
Provide information on the management structure of the Applicant
and the organizational relationships with its cooperating partners.
Include organizational charts that indicate how the proposed project
will fit in the existing structure. Demonstrate experience in the
program area. Describe the applicant's capabilities such as the
administrative structure, and its ability to administer a project of
the proposed scope. If the applicant proposes to enter into a
partnership arrangement with a school, college or university,
documentation of this commitment must be included in the application.
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 which duplicates activities for which member
tribes also receive funding from ANA. The consortium application must
identify the role and responsibility of each participating consortia
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 indicator 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 standard
required impact indicators, an applicant must also submit three
additional impact indicators. These three impact indicators may be
selected from the suggested ANA list below, or they may be developed
for the 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 ANA suggested impact indicators are: (1) The
number of people involved in establishment or operation of project; (2)
number of training classes or workshops held to teach language; (3)
number and type of materials developed; (4) number of media products
developed; (5) number of translations achieved; (6) number of
individuals who increased in ability to speak the language; (7) number
of participants who achieve fluency; (8) number of settings the
language is spoken in; or (9) number of infrastructure and
administrative systems, including policies and procedures developed and
implemented.
The applicant should discuss the projects value and long-tem 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 (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.

[[Page 5887]]

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.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 this 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 an
incomplete application 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
funding 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 are 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 proposed project is an
effective use of Federal funds.
Application Review Criteria: Applicants will be reviewed based on
the following criteria and points: ANA's six 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, the panel
review scores; an analysis by the ANA staff, review of previous ANA
grant past performance; comments from State and Federal agencies having
contract and grant performance related information, other interested
parties and geographic distribution. 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.
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

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

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

[[Page 5888]]

Status Reports are submitted 30 days after each quarter (3-month
intervals) of each 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 free T&TA in the SEDS, Language, or Environmental
program areas. Prospective applicants must check ANA's web site for
training and technical assistance dates and locations, or contact the
ANA Help Desk at 1-877-922-9262. ANA strongly encourages all
prospective applicants to participate in free pre-application training.
For regional T/TA provider contact information, please refer to Section
IV.
Applicants will not be sent acknowledgement of received
applications.

Dated: January 26, 2005.
Quanah Crossland Stamps,
Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.
[FR Doc. 05-1899 Filed 2-2-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184-01-P