[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 13, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19479-19488]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-7030]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Head Start Bureau
Funding Opportunity Title: Head Start Tribally Controlled Land
Grant College and University Partnerships.
Announcement Type: Initial--Grant.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-YT-0012.
CFDA Number: 93.600.
Due Date For Letter of Intent or Preapplications: Letter of intent
is due May 13, 2005.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due June 13, 2005.
Executive Summary: The Head Start Bureau is announcing the
availability of funds and requesting applications for professional
development and training grants for Tribally Controlled Land Grant
Colleges and Universities (TCUs). These grants are provided in
partnership with Head Start and Early Head Start programs to improve
staff training and to thereby enhance services to Head Start and Early
Head Start children and families.
Through this announcement, the Administration on Children, Youth
and Families (ACYF) is making available up to $1,500,000 annually for
each of five years to support Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges
and Universities (TCUs) partnerships. These partnerships seek to
increase the number of Head Start teachers with degrees in early
childhood education, in order to improve the quality and long-term
effectiveness of Head Start and Early Head Start grantees.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The overall goal of Head Start is to ensure that children of low-
income families acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to allow
them to enter school ready for success. In order to accomplish this
goal, Head Start provides comprehensive services to these children and
their families. Head Start enhances children's physical, cognitive,
social, and emotional development. It aids parents in their efforts to
fulfill their parental roles as their child's primary educator, helps
support them while they work towards employment and self-sufficiency,
and provides opportunities for their involvement in administering the
Head Start program.
In an attempt to ensure that highly qualified and well-trained
staff provides high quality services to enrolled children and their
families, Head Start has supported many demonstration projects. For
example, Head Start supported the creation of the Child Development
Associate (CDA) credential designed for early childhood development
teaching staff, implemented the Head Start Teaching Centers, and
developed other related innovative projects. The Head Start Bureau also
implemented partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs) and Higher Education Hispanic Service Institution
Partnerships (HS-HEHSIPs) in addition to key innovative training and
staff development projects.
The 1998 reauthorization of the Head Start Act contains provisions
to improve Head Start program quality and accountability. These include
new education performance standards and measures, the expansion of
program monitoring to incorporate evidence of progress on outcomes-
based measures, funding to upgrade program quality and staff
compensation, and higher education standards for Head Start teachers.
In January 2001, the President signed into law the No Child Left Behind
Act to make the education of every child in America one of the
country's top priorities. The Act seeks to ensure that public schools
teach children what they need to know to be successful in life and that
they also set high education standards in the classroom. In his 2002
State of the Union address, the President indicated the need to prepare
our children to read and succeed in school, including the improvement
of Head Start and early childhood development programs. In response to
these goals, the White House has developed an early childhood
initiative, which is built on raising the bar for Head Start education
methods to create a better learning environment and improved outcomes
for children. In his announcement of the Good Start, Grow Smart Early
Childhood Initiative in April 2002, the President identified children's
early literacy as a key focus for Head Start program improvement. In
this initiative, the President presented three areas of focus for Head
Start: (1) Strengthening Head Start programs; (2) partnering with
states to improve early childhood education; and (3) providing
information to teachers, caregivers, and parents.
The Head Start Act, as amended 42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq., is the
authorizing legislation for the Head Start TCU program. The key purpose
in funding the TCU program is to increase the number of Head Start
staff with college degrees in early childhood education. To ensure that
selected colleges and universities will be able to fulfill this task it
is important that TCUs applying for funds under this announcement
clearly demonstrate that they have established relationships with the
Head Start programs in their community and that these Head Start
programs have indicated their willingness to work collaboratively with
the institution.
Priority Area
Head Start Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities
Partnerships
1. Description: The Head Start Bureau is announcing the
availability of funds and request for applications for professional
development and training grants for Tribally Controlled Land Grant
Colleges and Universities (TCUs) in partnership with Head Start and
Early Head Start programs to improve staff training and to thereby
enhance services to Head Start and Early Head Start children and
families.
Through this announcement, the Administration on Children, Youth
and Families (ACYF) is making available up to $1,500,000 annually for
each of five years to support Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges
and Universities (TCUs) partnerships. These partnerships seek to
increase the number of Head Start classroom teaching staff with BA
degrees in early childhood education in order to improve the quality
and long-term effectiveness of Head Start and Early Head Start
grantees.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,500,000 per budget
period.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 6 to 10.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $150,000
per budget period.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: None.
[[Page 19480]]
Average Projected Award Amount: $150,000 per budget period.
Length of Project Periods: 60-month project with five 12-month
budget periods.
Project Periods for Awards: Up to 60 months with five 12-month
budget periods.
Awards will be made on a competitive basis and will be for a one-
year budget period. The total project period will not exceed 60 months.
Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond
the first 12-month budget period (but within the project period) will
be considered on a noncompetitive basis subject to the availability of
funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination that
continued funding is in the best interest of the Government.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: Native American tribal organizations (other
than Federally recognized tribal governments).
Additional Information on Eligibility: This announcement is limited
to Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCUs) as
defined in Section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status
Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), any other institution that qualifies
for funding under the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance
Act of 1978, (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and Navajo Community College,
Authorized in the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978,
Public Law 95-471, Title II (25 U.S.C. 640a note). Only those
institutions that meet these definitions shall be eligible for
assistance under this announcement.
Institutions of Higher Education that are not accredited for the
degree program they propose are not eligible to apply under this
announcement. The applicant must submit documentation of accreditation
for the degree program included as part of the method of meeting the
objective of this announcement (i.e., increasing the number of teaching
staff in the classroom with BA degrees).
TCUs that are currently funded under the Head Start Partnership
with TCUs and whose funding will end after October 1, 2005 are not
eligible to apply under this announcement.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching: None.
3. Other: All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On
June 27, 2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the
Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant
applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a
Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide
electronic portal (http://www.grants.gov/). A DUNS number will be
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com/.
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to
submit proof of their non-profit status.
Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net
earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your
proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the
deadline date will not be considered for competition.Any application
that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section
IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for
funding under this announcement.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package: ACYF Operations Center,
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., Head Start Tribally Controlled Land Grant
Colleges and Universities (TCUs), 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC
20002, Phone: 866-796-1591, e-mail: [email protected].
2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Submission of
Letters of Intent. Prior to submittal of the application, applicants
must submit a post card or call the ACYF Operations Center c/o The
Dixon Group with the following information: the name, address,
telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the college/university
intending to apply to receive Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges
and Universities funds. Please see Section IV.1 for ACYF Operations
Center address and telephone contact information.
Letter of Intent information will be used to determine the number
of reviewers necessary to complete the panel review process. Failure to
submit a Letter of Intent will not impact eligibility to submit an
application and will not disqualify an application from competitive
review based on non-responsiveness.
Proof of Accreditation Status. Applicants must submit proof of
accreditation by an accreditation agency recognized by the Secretary of
the Department of Education.
Head Start Program Participation Agreement. With their
applications, applicants must submit a letter of agreement from a Head
Start Program Director verifying that the applicant has an established
relationship with the program and that the Head Start program is
willing to work with the TCU.
Application Requirements. The project narrative of the application
should be double-spaced and single-sided on 8\1/2\'' x 11'' plain white
paper, with 1'' margins on all sides. Use only a standard size font no
smaller than 12-point throughout the application. Packages should be
assembled so the SF-424 and SF-424A are the first pages
[[Page 19481]]
of the application package, immediately followed by the project
abstract then the table of contents. All narrative sections of the
application (including appendices, resumes, charts, references/
footnotes, tables, maps and exhibits) must be sequentially numbered,
beginning on the first page after the table of contents. The length of
the application, including the project description, appendices and
resumes must not exceed 75 pages. Anything over 75 pages will be
removed and not considered by the reviewers. The abstract should not be
counted in the 75 pages and should not exceed one page.
Applicants are requested NOT to send pamphlets, brochures, or other
printed material along with their applications. These materials, if
submitted, will not be included in the review process. In addition,
applicants must NOT submit any additional letters of endorsement beyond
those stated as required in this announcement.
Project Narrative. Specific factual information and statements of
measurable goals in quantitative terms must be included in the project
description. Extensive exhibits are not required. 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.
Please see section V for further information regarding the Project
Description.
Table of Contents. All pages must be numbered and a table of
contents should be included for easy reference.
Standard Forms and Certifications. Information on required Standard
Forms and Certifications follows this section.
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format.
To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF
will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile
transmission. Please note the following if you plan to submit your
application electronically via Grants.gov:
Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly
encouraged.
When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.gov.
We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior
to filing your application to fully understand the process and
requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to
submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties
are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight.
If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk
at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the
system.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS
number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize
you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF-424 and all necessary
assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.grants.gov/.
You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
An original and two copies of the complete application are
required. The original and each of the two copies must include all
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed
by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be
submitted unbound.
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.
[[Page 19482]]
3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Dates: Letters of intent are due
May 13, 2005.
Applications are due June 13, 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).
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier
services, or by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an
electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via
Grants.gov.
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.
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier
services, or by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an
electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via
Grants.gov.
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
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Letter of Intent................... See Section IV........ Described in Section IV.... 4 weeks prior to to
application due date.
Table of Contents.................. See Section IV........ Described in Section IV.... By application due
date.
Project Abstract................... See Section IV and V.. Described in Section IV and By application due
V. date.
Project Narrative.................. See Section IV and V.. Described in Section IV and By application due
V. date.
SF-424............................. See Section III....... Found at: http:// By application due
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/forms.htm.
SF-424A............................ See Section III....... Found at: http:// By application due
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs.forms.htm.
Assurances and Certifications...... See Section III....... May be found at: http:// By date of award.
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
ofs/forms.htm.
Support Letters.................... See Section V......... Described in Section V..... By application due
date.
Proof of TCU Status................ See Section III....... Described in Section III... By application due
date.
Proof of Accreditation............. See Section III....... Described in Section III... By application due
date.
Head Start Program(s) Participation See Section III and V. Described in Section III By application due
Agreement. and V. date.
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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 at: http:// By application due
Grant Applicants. www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/forms.htm.
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4. Intergovernmental Review: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC).
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to
participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California,
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam,
North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these
jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order
process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating
jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert
them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants
[[Page 19483]]
must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate
the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).
A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on
proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to
eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official
recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly
differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State
process recommendations which may trigger the ``accommodate or
explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management,
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th
floor, Washington, DC 20447.
Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate
in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the
program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore,
applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by
Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to
E.O. 12372.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
5. Funding Restrictions: Grant awards will not allow reimbursement
of pre-award costs.
An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range
specified will be considered non-responsive.
TCUs that are currently funded under the Head Start Partnership
with TCUs and whose funding will end after October 1, 2005 are not
eligible to apply under this announcement.
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: c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc., Head Start TCU Partnerships, ATTN: Delores Dickenson, 118
Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002, Attention: ACYF Operations Center.
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: c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., Head Start TCU Partnerships,
ATTN: Delores Dickenson, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002,
Attention: ACYF Operations Center.
Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov/. Please see section
IV. 2 Content and Form of Application Submission, for guidelines and
requirements when submitting applications electronically.
V. Application Review Information
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 35 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.
Specifically, describe how the college or university's conduct of a
program to provide educational opportunities for staff of Head Start
grantees, including faith-based and community organizations, will
further the goals of the Head Start program.
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
[[Page 19484]]
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished.
When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function,
list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Evaluation. Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the
project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing
the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to
which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to
which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the
project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and
explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs
identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and
benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the
project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the
project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan
presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities on
the project's effectiveness.
Geographic Location. Describe the precise location of the project
and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps
or other graphic aids may be attached.
Additional Information. Following are requests for additional
information that need to be included in the application:
Staff and Position Data. Provide a biographical sketch and job
description for each key person appointed. Job descriptions for each
vacant key position should be included as well. As new key staff is
appointed, biographical sketches will also be required.
Plan for Project Continuance Beyond Grant Support. Provide a plan
for securing resources and continuing project activities after Federal
assistance has ended.
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.
Letters of Support. Provide statements from community, public and
commercial leaders that support the project proposed for funding. All
submissions should be included in the application OR by application
deadline.
Budget and Budget Justification. Provide a budget with line item
detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class
identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must
include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar
quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated.
Also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15
of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
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,
[[Page 19485]]
attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it
usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. Ancillary charges,
such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance, freight, and
installation shall be included in or excluded from acquisition cost in
accordance with the organization's regular written accounting
practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies. Description: Costs of all tangible personal property
other than that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Contractual. Description: Costs of all contracts for services and
goods except for those that belong under other categories such as
equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation
contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient
organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or
businesses to be financed by the applicant.
Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will
be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical,
open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than
States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any
anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without
competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41
U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).
Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award
review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.
Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in
these instructions.
Other. Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where
applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to
insurance, food, medical and dental costs (noncontractual),
professional services costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and
publication, computer use, training costs, such as tuition and
stipends, staff development costs, and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges. Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This
category should be used only when the applicant currently has an
indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it
should immediately develop a tentative indirect 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.
Non-Federal 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:
Results or Benefits Expected--20 points
Description of general results and benefits expected: The extent to
which the results and benefits will be derived. The extent of the
anticipated contribution to policy, practice, theory and research. The
extent of specific benefits for both the applicant and the Head Start/
Early Head Start community.
Description of expected results and benefits specific to the target
grantee(s): Based on the stated program objectives, the extent to which
results and benefits will be derived. The extent to which specific
results or benefits can be expected for the Head Start/Early Head Start
grantees and the institution.
Description of method for assessing achievement of results: The
extent to which the applicant describes the assessment plan for this
project. The extent to which the applicant describes the methods by
which qualitative and quantitative data will be collected by the
program to measure progress toward the stated results or benefits. The
extent to which the applicant will determine whether/how the program
has achieved its stated objectives. The extent to which the applicant
draws outcome measures directly from the project objectives. The extent
to which the applicant describes the development and implementation of
a plan for data collection. The extent to which the description
outlines the use of statistical methodology to analyze the results to
be derived, including periodic updates in addition to the final report.
Description of projected outcomes: The extent to which the
applicant provides an accurate projection of the estimated number of
Head Start/Early Head Start teachers that will earn degrees over the
duration of the project based on an analysis of the current levels of
credits/courses earned by participants and a proposed sequence of
courses to be offered through this project.
Description of improvement of teaching methods: The extent to which
[[Page 19486]]
the applicant proposes new teaching methods for Head Start/Early Head
Start teachers and staff for teaching early literacy in the classrooms
and enhancing parental skills to encourage children to read and succeed
in school. The extent to which the applicant proposes to design and
submit a replicable model incorporating a strengths-based perspective
and reflective practices as well as their relationship to Head Start
competency goals, indicators, priorities and the program performance
standards.
Objectives and Need for Assistance--20 points
Description of general objectives and need for assistance: The
extent to which the applicant describes relevant physical, economic,
social, financial, institutional or other problems requiring
intervention, and the need for this project in the proposed
community(ies). The extent to which the applicant describes principal
and subordinate objectives of the project along with supporting
documentation provided or other testimonies from concerned interests
other than the applicant.
Defense of project objectives within local community: The extent to
which the applicant describes how these objectives are based on an
assessment of partner and community needs and how they relate to Head
Start goals. The extent to which the applicant proposes a detailed
process that will be used to assess the need for the proposed program
including the total number of staff needing training, including
preschool and infant/toddler teachers.
Defense of project objectives within broader state/community
objectives: The consultative process related to the development of the
proposed initiative. The extent to which the applicant describes
detailed efforts to frame the proposed initiative within broader state
of community efforts to enhance professional and career development for
staff in all forms of early childhood and child care programs. The
extent to which the applicant provides letters of support that document
consultation and support from the proposed grantee or delegate agency
partners.
Defense of need of population: The extent to which the applicant
describes the needs of the specifically identified population to be
served.
Defense of participation of grantees and instructors: The extent to
which the applicant describes proposed Head Start and Early Head Start
grantees as participating partners. The extent to which the applicant
provides the number and types of staff to be enrolled in the project,
the proposed courses in relationship to courses completed by partner
staff before entering the project, and degrees to be awarded.
Defense of the consultative process related to the development of
the proposed initiative: The extent to which the applicant describes
detailed efforts to frame the proposed initiative within broader state
or community efforts to enhance professional and career development for
staff in all forms of early childhood and child care programs. The
extent to which the applicant provides letters of support that document
consultation and support from the proposed grantee or delegate agency
partners.
Approach--20 points
Describing the general scope and plan of the project: The extent to
which the application describes a detailed plan of action pertaining to
the scope of the project including details on how the proposed work
will be accomplished, such as detailed timelines and lists of each
organization as well as consultant and key individuals who will work on
the project. The extent to which the applicant describes a brief yet
clear description of the nature of the effort and contribution each
organization, consultant, or key individual will make to the project.
The extent to which the applicant demonstrates adequate time key staff
will devote to the project and that this staff is qualified and
knowledgeable of Head Start and Early Head Start. The extent to which
the applicant describes an approach and methodology for implementing
the project, including a clear description that delineates the
relationship of each task to the accomplishment of the proposed
objectives. The extent to which the applicant provides evidence that
the planned approach reflects sufficient input from and partnership
with Head Start and Early Head Start grantees.
Description of planning activities: The extent to which the
applicant demonstrates effective planning for activities developed
during the start-up period in preparation of implementation of the
program including assurance that no more than six months will be
devoted to planning activities.
Description of recruitment and selection processes: The extent to
which the applicant demonstrates effective methods for recruiting Head
Start center-based teaching staff and an effective selection process
for participation in the program.
Description of recruitment and selection processes: The extent to
which the applicant demonstrates how training and coursework will be
contextually and culturally relevant to the Head Start and Early Head
Start environment and how it will contribute to enhancing the
effectiveness of teachers, program quality, and outcomes for Head Start
children and families.
Description of project's cultural competency and contribution to
Head Start effectiveness: The extent to which the application describes
efforts the applicant and Head Start partners will make to ensure that
training and coursework are accessible to teaching staff and how the
applicant will support their successful completion of courses and
degrees. The extent to which the applicant provides discussion of
relevant issues such as timing, scheduling, and location of classes,
support to enhance the literacy and study skills of participants, and
approaches to integrate training in the working environment of the
participants enrolled in the project. The extent to which the applicant
describes costs (if any) associated with training and courses for Head
Start staff.
Description of course offerings available: The extent to which the
applicant describes credit courses offered particularly in the area of
Early Childhood Development/Education. The extent to which the
applicant describes how CDA training and certification of Head Start
and Early Head Start staff, as appropriate, as well as previous
coursework and credits will be linked to academic credits and course
sequences leading to BA degrees. The extent to which the applicant
includes estimates indicating how many Head Start and Early Head Start
teaching staff will be included in this effort.
Description of organization structure to support objectives: The
extent to which the applicant presents an organizational structure that
will support the project objectives. The extent to which the applicant
demonstrates how joint planning and assessment with the Head Start and
Early Head Start grantees will be effectively implemented with
timelines and clear lines of responsibility. The extent to which the
applicant explains how staff positions will be assigned and describes
their major functions and responsibilities.
Plan for Project Continuance Beyond Grant Support--15 points
The extent to which the applicant describes appropriate activities
that will continue after the completion of this project that will
ensure that the applicant will continue to participate in providing
educational opportunities for Head Start and Early Head Start classroom
staff.
[[Page 19487]]
Nonfederal Resources--5 points
The extent to which the applicant describes strong efforts to
complement the Federal funds requested in this proposal with other
sources to maximize the benefits to Head Start and Early Head Start
grantees including efforts or plans to assist Head Start/Early Head
Start staff in accessing sources of financial assistance or to make use
of other funding for training and career development of early childhood
program staff.
Staff and Position Data--5 points
The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that key staff are
qualified and knowledgeable of Head Start and Early Head Start. The
extent to which the applicant demonstrates the capacity of its
organization, key leaders, managers, and project personnel to provide:
high quality, relevant, and responsive training to Head Start staff;
competent project staff to plan and deliver appropriate course material
to Head Start trainees that is culturally relevant; implementation of
the training grant in an effective and timely manner; and successful
partnerships that involve sharing resources, staffing, and facilities.
Budget and Budget Justification--5 points
The extent to which the applicant describes how the proposed
project costs are reasonable and appropriate in view of the activities
to be carried out and the anticipated outcomes. The extent to which the
applicant identifies and explains the relationship of the budgetary
items listed under ``General Budget Information,'' in this section, to
the objective of this announcement. The extent to which the applicant
describes a thorough line item budget for the costs associated with key
project staff attending two ACF-sponsored conferences in Washington,
DC.
Organizational Profiles--5 points
The extent to which the applicant presents an organizational
structure that will support the project objectives. The extent to which
the applicant demonstrates how joint planning and assessment with the
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees will be effectively
implemented with timelines and clear lines of responsibility. The
extent to which the applicant explains how staff positions will be
assigned and describes their major functions and responsibilities.
Geographic Location--5 points
The extent to which the application describes the precise location
of the project and area to be served, including the location of the
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees the applicant partners with.
2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under
this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application.
Responsive applications received by the due date will be reviewed
and scored competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from
outside the Federal government, will use the evaluation criteria listed
in Section V of this announcement as well as the eligibility criteria
specified in Section III to review and score the applications. The
results of this review will be a primary factor in making funding
decisions. Application review panels will assign a score to each
application and identify its strengths and weaknesses. The Head Start
Bureau will conduct an administrative review of the applications and
results of the competitive review panels and make recommendations for
funding to the Commissioner, ACYF. Subject to the recommendation of the
Head Start Bureau Associate Commissioner, the Commissioner, ACYF, will
make the final selection of the applications to be funded. An
application may be funded in whole or in part depending on: (1) The
ranked order of applicants resulting from the competitive review; (2)
staff review and consultations; (3) the combination of projects that
best meets the objectives of the Head Start Bureau; (4) the funds
available; (5) the statutory requirement that reserves funds for Indian
Tribes, and Alaska Native Regional Corporations, and Native Hawaiian
entities; and (6) other relevant considerations. The Commissioner may
also elect not to fund any applicants with known management, fiscal,
reporting, program, or other problems, which make it unlikely that they
would be able to provide effective services.
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the process,
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers, if
otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary
salary information.
Approved but Unfunded Applications:
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: The anticipated start
date for the new awards is September 30, 2005. Projects may run through
September 29, 2010 for a period of up to 60 months.
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.
The anticipated start date for the new awards is September 30,
2005. Projects may run through September 29, 2010.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Grantees are
subject to the requirements in 45 CFR part 74 (non-governmental) and 45
CFR part 92 (governmental).
Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under this ACF
Program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities
such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore,
organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their
inherently religious activities from the services funded under this
Program. Regulations pertaining to the prohibition of Federal funds for
inherently religious activities can be found on the HHS Web site at
http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.
3. Reporting: Program Progress Reports: Semi-Annually.
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.
Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial
reports (SF 269) throughout the project period. Program progress and
financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. In
addition, final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days
after the close of the project period. A suggested format for the
program report
[[Page 19488]]
will be sent to all grantees after the awards are made.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Katherine Gray, U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, ACYF--
Head Start Bureau, 330 C Street SW., Switzer Room 2211, Washington, DC
20447, Phone: 312-353-2260, E-mail: [email protected].
Grants Management Office Contact: Delores Dickenson, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children
and Families, ACYF--Head Start Bureau, 330 C Street SW., Switzer Room
2220, Washington, DC 20447, Phone: 202-260-7622, E-mail:
[email protected].
VIII. Other Information
Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received
applications.
Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and
Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the
Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005, applicants will be able to
find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically
for opportunities via: http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be
able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the
ACF Web site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.
Dated: March 31, 2005.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 05-7030 Filed 4-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P