[Federal Register: April 29, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 82)]
[Notices]
[Page 22322-22331]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29ap05-50]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Community Services; Funding Opportunity Title:
Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) Targeted Capacity Building Program
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OCS-IJ-0036.
CFDA Number: 93.009.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due May 31, 2005.
Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families
(ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) announces that applications
will be accepted for new grants pursuant to the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary's Compassion Capital Fund
(CCF) authorized under section 1110 of the Social Security Act
governing Social Services Research and Demonstration activities and the
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005, Public Law 108-447.
Pursuant to this announcement, OCS will award funds to help build
the capacity of faith-based and community organizations that address
the needs of distressed communities. A ``distressed community'' is
defined as a neighborhood or geographic community with an unemployment
rate and/or poverty rate equal to or greater than the state or national
rate. Priority areas of need include at-risk youth; the homeless;
marriage education and preparation services to help couples who choose
marriage for themselves develop the skills and knowledge to form and
sustain healthy marriages; or social services to those living in rural
communities.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of
Community Services (OCS) announces that applications will be accepted
for new grants pursuant to the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) Secretary's Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) authorized
under section 1110 of the Social Security Act governing Social Services
Research and Demonstration activities and the Departments of Labor,
Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2005, Public Law 108-447.
Pursuant to this announcement, OCS will award funds to help build
the capacity of faith-based and community organizations that address
the needs of distressed communities. A ``distressed community'' is
defined as a neighborhood or geographic community with an unemployment
rate and/or poverty rate equal to or greater than the State or national
rate. Priority areas of need include at-risk youth; the homeless;
marriage education and preparation services to help couples who choose
marriage for themselves develop the skills and knowledge to form and
sustain healthy marriages; or social services to those living in rural
communities.
A. Background
Faith-based and community organizations have a long history of
providing an array of important services to people and communities in
need of charitable services in the United States. These groups have
unique strengths that government cannot duplicate. They hold the trust
of their community neighbors and leaders and have great understanding
of the needs of the community and its systems. As a result, they are
well positioned to understand the unique needs of at-risk youth, the
homeless, those choosing to develop the skills and knowledge to form
and sustain healthy marriages, and those living in rural communities in
need of social services. Furthermore, the sense of mission from which
these organizations work often translates into a unique approach to
service delivery, a dedication of service to others, and a cultural
awareness specific to their surrounding communities.
In recognition of this history and ability, President Bush believes
it is in the public's interest to broaden Federal efforts to work with
faith-based and community organizations, and he has made it a priority
to ensure that these groups are treated equally with other
organizations that apply for Federal funding. A key part of this effort
to enhance and expand the participation of faith-based and community
groups in serving those in need is the Compassion Capital Fund (CCF)
Targeted-Capacity Building program described in this announcement.
[[Page 22323]]
Although the CCF Targeted Capacity Building program has addressed
issues of at-risk youth in the past, this year, President Bush has
specifically identified the need to focus on helping at-risk youth
overcome the perilous risk of gang influence and involvement.
Consequently, those interested in proposing at-risk youth activities
are encouraged to propose projects that address this critical youth
issue.
B. Program Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of the CCF Targeted Capacity Building program is to
help build the capacity of grassroots faith-based and community
organizations that address the needs of distressed communities. The CCF
Targeted Capacity Building Program funds capacity-building activities
that produce measurable impact resulting in more sustainable
organizations. Capacity-building activities ensure that grassroots
organizations have the tools to facilitate key changes within their
organization. By addressing issues that are critical to the long-term
viability of the organization, non-profits are better prepared and
positioned to understand and meet the needs of the communities they
serve.
CCF Targeted Capacity-Building grants will be awarded to grassroots
faith-based and community organizations serving ``distressed
communities.'' These grassroots organizations must use the funds in one
of the four priority areas of need towards their organization's
capacity-building in at least one of these five critical areas: (1)
Leadership development, (2) organizational development, (3) programs/
services, (4) funding, and (5) community engagement. Examples of the
kinds of activities that relate to each critical area are listed below.
This list is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Critical areas Examples
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Leadership Development.... --Board Composition and Function.
--Staff Professional and Career
Development.
--Volunteers Training and Development.
--Succession Planning.
2. Organizational Development --Board Governance.
--Systems: Management, Human Resources,
Financial, Information Technology,
Planning.
--Policies and Procedures.
--Fiscal Controls.
--Comprehensive Communications Strategy.
--Non-profit Incorporation.
3. Programs/Services......... --Program Design that expands or enhances
program or service delivery.
--Program Monitoring.
--Evaluating Program Outcomes.
4. Funding................... --Diversified Funding Sources.
--Financial Sustainability.
--Donor Development.
5. Community Engagement...... --Community Asset Mapping.
--Level of Community Participation.
--Community Needs Assessment.
--Leveraging Resources/Collaborative
Relationships.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The goal of the CCF Targeted Capacity-Building Program is to help
promising organizations bolster their sustainability and ultimately be
able to serve more people more effectively and/or more efficiently, or
expand/enhance services to distressed communities on a continuing
basis. Applicants must describe, in concrete terms, their plans for
using funds to improve their organization in a sustainable way.
Grantees must use these awards to increase efficiency and capacity;
therefore, these awards cannot be used to augment or supplant direct
service delivery funds. For example, an organization that distributes
food to the poor will not receive a grant simply to purchase additional
food. Nor, for example, will an organization that provides substance
abuse treatment services receive additional funds simply to enable it
to provide exactly the same services to more people. Although these
awards might well enable these organizations to assist additional
individuals, they would not serve to improve the organizations'
sustainability, efficiency, or capacity. Rather, the organizations
would simply use additional funds in the same way they use existing
funds, without fundamentally changing or improving their services.
ACF encourages and will grant preference to those eligible
organizations whose annual operational budget is less than $500,000, or
whose tribal membership is less than 5,000. Please see Section III.3
Other Eligibility Information, Section IV.2 Content and Form of
Application Submission, V.1 Evaluation Criteria, and V. 2 Review and
Selection Process for a detailed description.
Organizations that receive CCF funds may not engage in inherently
religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or
proselytization, as part of the programs or services funded with CCF
funds. If an organization conducts such inherently religious
activities, the activities must be offered separately, in time or
location, from the programs or services funded with CCF assistance, and
participation must be voluntary for beneficiaries of the CCF-funded
programs or services. In addition, an organization receiving CCF funds
shall not, in providing CCF-funded services, discriminate against a
program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of
religion or religious belief. Regulations pertaining to the Equal
Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition
against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be
found at either 45 CFR 87.1 or the HHS Web site at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf
.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $15,000,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 300.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards per budget period: $50,000.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards per budget period: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: $50,000.
Length of Project Periods: 12 month project and budget period.
[[Page 22324]]
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized
tribal governments);
Native American tribal governments (federally recognized);
Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education;
Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other
than institutions of higher education.
Additional Information on Eligibility
Faith-based and community organizations are eligible to apply for
these grants. Other eligible entities include:
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; Non-profit private agencies serving Native Hawaiians;
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); 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.
Fiscal year (FY) 2003 and (FY) 2004 Compassion Capital Fund (CCF)
Targeted Capacity Building grantees are eligible to apply for funding
under this announcement as long as the social service priority area
addressed by their FY 2005 proposed project differs from the priority
area addressed in their FY 2004 project.
Eligible organizations in Non-Metropolitan counties as defined by
the Office of Management and Budget are eligible for a grant under the
social service priority area, Rural Communities. Due to the fact that
entire counties are designated as Metropolitan when in fact, large
parts of many counties may be rural in nature; ZIP Codes in
Metropolitan counties that meet the criteria as defined by the Office
of Rural Health are also eligible. To determine if a ZIP Code is
defined as rural, please refer to the Web site at http://ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/funding/eligibilitytestv2.asp
.
ACF encourages and will grant preference to organizations whose
annual operational budget is less than $500,000, or whose tribal
membership is less than 5,000.
In addition, ACF anticipates awarding up to 5 percent of the funds
available under this announcement to the following eligible
organizations:
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized
tribal governments);
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized);
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;
Non-profit private agencies serving Native Hawaiians;
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); 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 see Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, IV.2 Content
and Form of Application Submission, V.1 Evaluation Criteria, and V.2
Review and Selection Process for a detailed description.
Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting
eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
No.
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
[[Page 22325]]
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
An 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
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Attention: Eduardo
Hernandez, Administration for Children and Families Office of Community
Services Operations Center, Compassion Capital Fund Targeted Capacity
Building Program, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 100, Arlington, VA
22209. Phone: 1-800-281-9519. E-mail: OCS@lcgnet.com.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
A. Required Format of Application
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.
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.
General
While applicants may be working in more than one priority area,
applicants must select one (1) priority area and label their
application accordingly. The four (4) priority areas include: At-risk
youth; Homeless; Healthy Marriage; and Rural Communities. Applications
proposing projects covering more than one priority area will not be
given a higher priority than those projects working in just one area.
The application must be double-spaced and single-sided on 8 x 11
plain white paper, with 1'' margins on all sides. The application must
use Times New Roman 12 point font or Arial 12 point font.
The Table of Contents must not exceed one (1) page. The Project
Narrative must not exceed nine (9) pages. Pages submitted beyond the
first nine (9) pages in the Project Narrative section will be removed
prior to panel review. The Appendix must not exceed five (5) pages.
Pages submitted beyond the first five (5) in the Appendix section will
be removed prior to panel review. The Appendix includes any additional
supporting documentation.
All pages of the application must be sequentially numbered. The
Budget, Narrative Budget Justification, Standard Forms for Assurances,
Certifications, and Disclosures are not included in the Project
Narrative and Appendix page limitations.
Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures, or other
printed material along with their applications as these pose copying
difficulties. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in
the review process.
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
[[Page 22326]]
Public Law 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known
as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice
which implements the smoking prohibition is included with forms. By
signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification with the
application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Voluntary Budget or Tribal Membership Size Assurance
The voluntary budget or tribal membership size assurance is not
required for a complete application; however, ACF encourages any
eligible non-profit organization, including Native American Tribal
Organizations, whose annual operational budget is less than $500,000 or
Native American Tribal Governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes,
Consortia of Indian Tribes, or Incorporated non-federally recognized
Tribes whose tribal membership is less than 5,000 to include the
assurance with its application in order to receive an additional 5
points in the scoring of the application. In absence of a properly
authorized assurance, no additional points will be granted. By signing
the voluntary budget or tribal membership size assurance the
authorizing official is attesting to the validity of all statements on
the assurance. Please see Appendix A for instructions on completing the
Voluntary Budget or Tribal Membership Size Assurance and Section V.1
for a detailed description of the relevant criteria that will be
evaluated.
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
full project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Explanation of Due Dates
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced
above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
closing date will be classified as late.
Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of
the application due date.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8:00 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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents.................. See Section IV.2...... See Section IV.2........... By application due
date.
Project Narrative.................. See Section IV.2...... See Section IV.2........... By application due
date.
SF 424............................. See Section IV.2...... Please visit http:// By application due
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/forms.htm for a full
description.
SF 424A............................ See Section IV.2...... Please visit http:// By application due
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/forms.htm for a full
description.
SF 424B............................ See Section IV.2...... Please visit http:// By application due
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/forms.htm for a full
description.
Voluntary Budget or Tribal See Sections III.3 and Format described in By application due
Membership Size Assurance. IV.2. Sections III.3 and IV. 2. date.
Certification regarding Lobbying See Section IV.2...... Please visit http:// By Time of Award.
and associated Disclosure of http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
Lobbying Activities (SF LLL). ofs/forms.htm for a full
description.
Certification regarding See Section IV. 2..... Please visit http:// By Time of Award.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
ofs/forms.htm for a full
description.
Proof of Non-Profit Status......... See Section III.3..... See Section III.3.......... By application due
date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
[[Page 22327]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Location When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit See form.............. May be found on By application due
Grant Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to
participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California,
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam,
North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these
jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order
process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating
jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert
them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants
must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate
the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).
A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on
proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to
eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official
recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly
differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State
process recommendations which may trigger the ``accommodate or
explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management,
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th
floor, Washington, DC 20447.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 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.
A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory
is included with the application materials for this announcement.
5. Funding Restrictions
An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range
specified will be considered non-responsive and will be returned
without further review.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an
explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for
Children and Families Office of Community, Compassion Capital Fund
Targeted Capacity Building Program, 1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite
300, Arlington, VA 22209.Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson.
Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an explanation of due dates.
Applications should be delivered to: U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families Office
of Community, Compassion Capital Fund Targeted Capacity Building
Program, 1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209.
Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson.
Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov. Please see section IV. 2
Content and Form of Application Submission, for guidelines and
requirements when submitting applications electronically.
V. Application Review Information
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 20 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.
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the
``Project Summary/Abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).
1. Criteria
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
[[Page 22328]]
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.
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.
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.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
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.
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
[[Page 22329]]
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.
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:
Objectives and Need for Assistance (30 points)
(a) Service Area (5 Points): An application will be evaluated on
the extent to which the applicant identifies the specific service area
for project implementation and the target population they serve.
(b) Needs of Service Area (5 Points): An application will be
evaluated on the extent to which the applicant describes the specific
needs of the targeted service area; documents that the proposed project
will be implemented in a distressed community and/or engages
organizations that serve low-income populations; and documents that the
project addresses a vital need in a distressed community. A
``distressed community'' is defined as a neighborhood or geographic
community with an unemployment rate and/or poverty rate equal to or
greater than the state or national rate. The application documents that
both the unemployment level and poverty level for the targeted
neighborhood or community are equal to or greater than the state or
national level. The application cites the most recent available
statistics from published sources, e.g. the recent U.S. Census or
updates, the State, county, city, election district and other
information are provided in support of its contention.
(c) Applicant's Capacity-Building Needs (10 Points). An application
will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant documents the
capacity-building needs of their organization. The needs of the
organization must be described in relationship to the following five
critical areas of organizational capacity: (1) Leadership development,
(2) organizational development, (3) programs/services, (4) funding, and
(5) community engagement.
(d) Project Objectives (10 Points): An application will be
evaluated on the extent to which the applicant states all primary
project objectives. Applications will be evaluated on the extent to
which the objectives of the proposed project are clearly stated and
shown to address the needs of the organization in at least one of the
five critical areas: (1) Leadership development, (2) organizational
development, (3) programs/services, (4) funding, and (5) community
engagement. Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the
applicant presents a compelling need in the community for an increase
or improvement in services. Applicants must demonstrate how the receipt
of this Federal grant will enable the applicant to increase its
capacity to address these vital needs.
Approach (30 points)
Capacity-Building Strategy. An application will be evaluated on the
extent to which the applicant describes a plan for developing
organizational capacity in at least one of five critical areas: (1)
Leadership development, (2) organizational development, (3) programs/
services, (4) funding, and (5) community engagement. Applications will
be evaluated based on the extent to which the capacity-building
approach or strategy is logical, reasonable, and clearly linked to the
desired results and benefits expected.
Organizational Proiles (15 points)
(a) Past Experience: (10 Points). An application will be evaluated
on the extent to which the applicant demonstrates experience in and a
proven track record in addressing the needs of ``distressed community
(ies)'', through the provision of social services. A ``distressed
community'' is defined as a neighborhood or geographic community with
an unemployment rate and/or poverty rate equal to or greater than the
state or national rate. Applications will also be evaluated on the
extent to which the applicant documents a history of service in the
proposed project service area. In addition, applications will be also
be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant includes concrete
examples of services and/or programs.
(b) Organizational Capacity and Project Staff (5 Points). An
application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant
describes how the proposed project fits into the structure
[[Page 22330]]
of the applicant organization. Applications will be evaluated on the
extent to which the applicant provides evidence of facilities, fiscal
controls and other resources that are adequate to achieve project
goals. An application will be evaluated on the extent to which the
applicant includes a listing of key positions required to carry out the
project, the individuals proposed to fill the positions, and a detailed
description of the kind of work they will perform. An application will
be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant provides evidence
demonstrating the staff's skill, knowledge, and experience in carrying
out their assigned activities. Applications will be evaluated on the
extent to which the applicant includes the above information with
regard to consultants or staff from other organizations proposed to
work on the project.
Results or Benefits Expected (15 Points)
An application will be evaluated on the extent to which it
identifies the results or benefits expected to be derived from project
activities. Applicants must describe how the proposed project will
impact the sustainability of their organization. Applicants must
describe the process for determining the relationship between project
activities and anticipated outcomes, including any output measures to
be used to evaluate the proposed project. Applicants must clearly
describe the relationship(s) among project objectives, activities and
anticipated results. The results and benefits proposed by the applicant
must be reasonable and likely, quantified, clearly linked to and
supported by the proposed capacity-building approach.
Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
An application will be evaluated based on the extent to which the
applicant includes a budget that is clear, easy to understand, and that
provides a detailed justification for the amount requested. Applicants
should refer to the budget information presented in the Standard Forms
424 and 424A and to the budget justification instructions in section C.
General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description. Since non-
Federal reviewers will be used in the review of applications,
applicants may omit from the copies of the application submitted (not
from the original), the specific salary rates or amounts for
individuals in the application budget and instead provide only summary
information.
Additional Bonus Points (5 Points)
The extent to which the application demonstrates that the applicant
has an annual operational budget of less than $500,000, or a tribal
membership of less than 5,000 via a signed assurance from an authorized
official (Please see Appendix A for instructions on completing the
assurance).
2. Review and Selection Process
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review
process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application
copies (not the original) of specific salary rates or amounts for
individuals specified in the application budget.
No grant award will be made on the basis of an incomplete
application.
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 Part V
of this announcement to review and score the applications. The results
of this review will be a primary factor in making funding decisions.
ACF may also solicit comments from Regional Office staff and other
Federal agencies. ACF may consider a variety of factors in addition to
the review criteria identified above, including geographic diversity/
coverage and types of applicant organizations, in order to ensure that
the interests of the Federal Government are met in making the final
selections. Furthermore, ACF may limit the number of awards made to the
same or affiliated organizations although they would serve different
geographic areas. Please note that applicants that do not comply with
the requirements in the section titled ``Eligible Applicants'' will not
be included in the review process.
ACF encourages and will grant preference to those eligible
organizations whose annual operational budget is less than $500,000, or
whose tribal membership is less than 5,000. Please see Section I.
Funding Opportunity Description, III.3 Other Information on
Eligibility, IV.2 Content and Form of Application Submission, and V.1
Evaluation Criteria for a detailed description.
Approved but Unfunded Applications
Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for
funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds,
for a period not to exceed one year.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the total project
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal
mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this
Compassion Capital Fund Capacity Building program shall not be used to
support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction,
worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps
to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities
from the services funded under this Program. Regulations pertaining to
the Equal Treatment For Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the
prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities,
can be found at either 45 CFR 87.1 or the HHS Web site at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf
.
45 CFR Part 74
45 CFR Part 92
Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR part 74 (non-
governmental) or 45 CFR part 92 (governmental) as well as 45 CFR part
87.
3. Reporting Requirements
Programmatic 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.
Original reports and one copy should be mailed to: Administration
for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC
20447.
[[Page 22331]]
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact
Kelly Cowles, Office of Community Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade,
SW., Suite 500 West, Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002.
Phone: (800) 281-9519. E-mail: ocs@lcgnet.com.
Grants Management Office Contact
Barbara Ziegler-Johnson, Office of Grants Management, Division of
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 4th Floor West,
Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002. Phone: (800) 281-9519.
E-mail: ocs@lcgnet.com.
VIII. Other Information
Additional information about this program and its purpose can be
located on the following Web sites: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccf/
.
Applicants will be sent acknowledgements of received applications.
Dated: April 25, 2005.
Josephine B. Robinson,
Director, Office of Community Services.
Voluntary Budget or Tribal Membership Assurance
As the authorized individual signing this grant application on
behalf of (name of applicant), I hereby attest and certify that the
most recent annual operational budget for (name of applicant) is less
than $500,000, or that the tribal membership of (name of applicant) is
less than 5,000.
Date:------------------------------------------------------------------
Printed Name of Authorized Individual:--------------------------------
Signature of Authorized Individual:-----------------------------------
[FR Doc. 05-8607 Filed 4-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-U