[Federal Register: May 4, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 85)]
[Notices]
[Page 23175-23188]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Family and Youth Services Bureau; Basic Center Program
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-CY-0063.
CFDA Number: 93.623.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due June 20, 2005.
Executive Summary: The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) is
accepting applications for the Basic Center Program (BCP). The Basic
Center Program is one of the programs authorized under Part A of the
Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Act of 1974 to address runaway and
homeless youth problems. Basic Center Programs provide an alternative
to involving runaway and homeless youth in the law enforcement, child
welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice systems. Each program must
provide a safe and appropriate shelter and individual, family, and
group counseling, as appropriate. Optional services that programs may
provide are:
Street-based services;
Home-based services for families with youth at risk of
separation from the family;
Drug abuse education and prevention services; and
At the request of runaway and homeless youth, testing for
sexually transmitted diseases.
Each BCP is required to provide to runaway and homeless youth;
temporary shelter for up to fifteen (15) days including room and board;
individual, group and family counseling (as appropriate); and aftercare
and referrals, as appropriate. Some programs also provide some or all
of their services through host homes (usually private homes under
contract to the centers) with counseling and referrals being provided.
Basic Center programs shelter youth through 18 years of age.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Authorizing Legislation
Grants for Runaway and Homeless Youth programs are authorized by
the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (Title III of the Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974), as amended by the Runaway,
Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act of 2003, Public Law 108-
96. Text of the 2003 amended legislation may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb
(click on Grants Programs, then click on
the link for ``Missing, Exploited, and Runaway Children Protection
Act'').
B. Program Background, Purpose and Scope of Services
In the early 1970s, there were an alarming number of youth leaving
home without parental permission, crossing State lines and, while away
from home, were exposed to exploitation and other dangers of street
life. In response to the widespread concern about the problem of
runaway and homeless youth, Congress created a system of financial
support for States through a competitive grant program as authorized by
the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Act of 1974. The implementation
and administration of the program was placed in the Family and Youth
Services Bureau (FYSB) within the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS).
The Basic Center Program (BCP) was one of the grant programs
authorized under Part A of the RHY Act of 1974 to address the runaway
and homeless youth problems. The overall purpose of BCP is to provide a
system of care for young runaways outside the traditional child
welfare, mental health, law enforcement, or juvenile justices systems.
Each program must provide a safe and appropriate shelter and
individual, family, and group counseling as appropriate. Optional
services that programs may provide are:
Street-based services;
Home-based services for families with youth at risk of
separation from the family;
Drug abuse education and prevention services; and
At the request of runaway and homeless youth, testing for
sexually transmitted diseases
While each Basic Center is slightly different, each Basic Center
Program is required to provide outreach to runaway and homeless youth;
temporary shelter for up to fifteen (15) days, including room and
board; individual, group and family counseling (as appropriate); and
aftercare and referrals, as appropriate. Some programs also provide
some or all of their shelter services through host homes (usually
private homes under contract to the centers) with counseling and
referrals being provided. BCPs shelter youth through 18 years of age.
In fiscal year 2004, a total of $44.4 million was available for the
program, which allowed FYSB to fund 345 Basic Centers.
C. Positive Youth Development
The Family and Youth Services Bureau has worked to promote a
positive youth development (PYD) framework for all of its funded grant
programs (including the Basic Center Programs) and activities.
Therefore, applicants are encouraged, to the extent possible, to
develop their project descriptions with the PYD framework in mind as
discussed below.
The positive youth development approach is predicated on the
understanding that all young people need support, guidance and
opportunities during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change.
With this support, they can develop self-assurance and create a
healthy, successful life. Key elements of positive youth development
are:
Healthy messages to adolescents about their bodies, their
behaviors and their interactions;
Safe and structured places for teens to study, recreate
and socialize;
Strengthened relationships with adult role models, such as
parents, mentors, coaches or community leaders;
Skill development in literacy, competence, work readiness
and social skills; and
Opportunities to serve others and build self-esteem.
If these factors are being addressed, young people can become not
just ``problem free'' but ``fully-prepared'' and engaged constructively
in their communities and society.
These key elements result in the following outcomes:
Increased opportunities and avenues for the positive use
of time;
Increased opportunities for positive self-expression; and
Increased opportunities for youth participation and civic
engagement.
It is FYSB's hope and expectation that awareness of this PYD
approach and its importance for serving youth will increase. The FYSB
publications, Understanding Youth Development: Promoting Positive
Pathways of Growth (http://www.ncfy.com/pubs/undyouth.htm) and Reconnecting Youth and Community: A Youth Development Approach (http://www.ncfy.com/Reconnec.htm
) are widely distributed as a source document
for positive youth development concepts and applications. These
publications are available online from the FYSB National Clearinghouse
on Families and Youth (NCFY) at http://www.ncfy.com or by phone at
(301-608-8098). Additionally, a recent Statement of Principles for
Positive Youth Development, endorsed by a broad range of agencies,
institutions and organizations, may be found in the brochure: Toward a
Blueprint for Youth: Making Positive Youth Development a National
Priority. Multiple copies of this
[[Page 23176]]
resource are available from NCFY or it can be found online at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/youthdev.htm
.
D. Definitions
Definitions may be found at Section 387 of the RHY Act, as amended.
Homeless Youth--The term ``homeless youth'' means an individual who
is not more than 21 years of age, or in the case of a youth seeking
shelter in a center under Part A of the Runaway and Homeless Act, not
more than 18 years of age, and for the purposes of Part B not less than
16 years of age for whom it is not possible to live in a safe
environment with a relative; and who has no other safe alternative
living arrangement.
Street Youth--The term ``street youth'' means an individual who is
a runaway youth; or indefinitely or intermittently a homeless youth;
and spends a significant amount of time on the street or in other areas
that increase the risk to such youth for sexual abuse, sexual
exploitation, prostitution, or drug abuse.
Youth at Risk of Separation from the Family--The term ``youth at
risk of separation from the family'' means an individual who is less
than 18 years of age; and who has a history of running away from the
family of such individual whose parent, guardian, or custodian is not
willing to provide for the basic needs of such individual; or who is at
risk of entering the child welfare system or juvenile justice system as
a result of the lack of services available to the family to meet such
needs.
Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Services--The term ``drug abuse
education and prevention services'' means services to runaway and
homeless youth to prevent or reduce the illicit use of drugs by such
youth; and may include individual, family, group, and peer counseling;
drop-in services; assistance to runaway and homeless youth in rural
areas (including the development of community support groups);
information and training relating to the illicit use of drugs by
runaway and homeless youth, to individuals involved in providing
services to such youth; and activities to improve the availability of
local drug abuse prevention services to runaway and homeless youth.
Home-Based Services--The term ``home-based services'' means
services provided to youth and their families for the purpose of
preventing such youth from running away, or otherwise becoming
separated, from their families; assisting runaway youth to return to
their families; and includes services that are provided in the
residences of families (to the extent practicable), including intensive
individual and family counseling; and training relating to life skills
and parenting.
Street-Based Services--The term ``street-based services'' means
services provided to runaway and homeless youth and street youth in
areas where they congregate. These services are designed to assist such
youth in making healthy personal choices regarding where they live and
how they behave; and may include identification of and outreach to
runaway and homeless youth, and street youth; crisis intervention and
counseling; information and referral for housing; information and
referral for transitional living and health care services; advocacy,
education, and prevention services related to alcohol and drug abuse;
sexual exploitation; sexually transmitted diseases, including human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and physical and sexual assault.
Transitional Living Youth Project--The term ``transitional living
youth project'' means a project that provides shelter and services
designed to promote a transition to self-sufficient living and to
prevent long-term dependency on social services.
Locality--The term ``locality'' refers to a unit of general
government. For example, a ``locality'' may be a city, county,
township, town, parish, village, or a combination of such units.
Additionally, Federally-recognized Indian tribes are eligible to apply
for grants as local units of government.
Aftercare Services--The term ``aftercare services'' means the
provision of services to runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their
families subsequent to the youth's return home or the youth's placement
in alternative living arrangements, which assist in alleviating the
problems that contributed to his or her running away or being homeless.
Area--The term ``area'' means a specific neighborhood or section of
the locality in which the runaway and homeless youth project is or will
be located.
Coordinated Networks of Agencies--The term ``coordinated networks
of agencies'' means an association of two or more private agencies,
whose purpose is to develop or strengthen services to runaway or
otherwise homeless youth and their families.
Counseling Services--The term ``counseling services'' means the
provision of guidance, support, and advice to runaway or otherwise
homeless youth and their families that is designed to alleviate the
problems that contributed to the youth's running away or being
homeless, resolve intra-family problems, to reunite such youth with
their families, whenever appropriate, and to help them decide upon a
future course of action.
Demonstrably Frequented by or Reachable--The term ``demonstrably
frequented by'' or ``reachable'' means located in an area in which
runaway or otherwise homeless youth congregate, or an area accessible
to such youth by public transportation, or by the provision of
transportation by the runaway and homeless youth project itself.
Juvenile Justice System--The term ``juvenile justice system'' means
agencies such as, but not limited to, juvenile courts, law enforcement,
probation, parole, correctional institutions, training schools, and
detention facilities.
Law Enforcement Structure--The term ``law enforcement structure''
means any police activity or agency with legal responsibility for
enforcing a criminal code including police departments and sheriffs'
offices.
A Locality is a unit of general government--for example, a city,
county, township, town, parish, village, or a combination of such
units. Federally recognized Indian tribes are eligible to apply for
grants as local units of government.
Runaway and Homeless Youth Project--The term ``runaway and homeless
youth project'' means a locally controlled human service program
facility outside the law enforcement structure and the juvenile justice
system that provides temporary shelter, directly or through other
facilities, counseling, and aftercare services to runaway or otherwise
homeless youth.
Runaway Youth--The term ``runaway youth'' means a person under 18
years of age who absents himself or herself from home, or place of
legal residence, without the permission of his or her family.
Short-Term Training--The term ``short-term training'' means the
provision of local, State, or regionally based instruction to runaway
or otherwise homeless youth service providers in skill areas that will
directly strengthen service delivery.
State--The term ``State'' includes any State of the United States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Trust
Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any territory or possession of
the United States.
Technical Assistance--The term ``technical assistance'' means the
provision of expertise or support for the purpose of strengthening the
[[Page 23177]]
capabilities of grantee organizations to deliver services.
Temporary Shelter--The term ``temporary shelter'' means the
provision of short-term (maximum of 15 days) room and board and core
crisis intervention services, on a 24-hour basis, by a runaway and
homeless youth project.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $13,800,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 107.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $200,000.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: $129,000.
Length of Project Periods: 36-month project with three 12-month
budget periods.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
County governments; City or township governments; Special district
governments; State controlled institutions of higher education; Native
American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Native American
tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal
governments); 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; Others (See Additional Information on Eligibility below.)
Additional Information on Eligibility
Public and non-profit private entities and coordinated networks of
such entities are eligible applicants under this announcement.
Faith-based and community organizations are eligible applicants
under this announcement.
Current BCP grantees with project periods ending on or before
September 29, 2005, and all other eligible applicants not currently
receiving BCP funds may apply for a new competitive Basic Center grant
under this announcement.
Current BCP grantees (including sub-grantees) with one or two years
remaining in their project period may not apply for a new Basic Center
grant for the community they currently serve. These grantees will
receive instructions from their respective Administration for Children
and Families (ACF) Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Regional Office
contacts on the procedures for applying for noncompetitive continuation
grants. Current grantees that have questions regarding their
eligibility to apply for new funds should consult with the appropriate
Regional Office Youth Contact to determine if they are eligible to
apply for a new grant award.
The funds available for new awards and continuations in each State
and insular area are listed below in the Basic Center Program Table of
Allocations by State. In this Table, the amounts shown in the ``New
Awards'' column are the amounts available for competition under this
announcement. The dollar amount available for awards in each State
depends on the amount of the State's total allotment (based on the
State's relative population of individuals who are less than 18 years
of age) minus the amount required for non-competing continuations.
Therefore, where the amount required for non-competing continuations in
any State equals or exceeds the State's total allotment, it is possible
that no new awards will be made in the State. However, agencies in
States where zero ($ -0-) funding is reflected on the BCP Table of
Allocation are highly encouraged to apply for grant funding in the
event that additional funding becomes available.
All applicants under this competitive grant area will compete with
other eligible applicants in the State in which they propose to deliver
services.
Basic Center Program Fiscal Year 2005 Allocation by State
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Continuations New awards Totals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Region I:
Connecticut................................................. 244,645 265,285 509,930
Maine....................................................... 334,371 0 334,371
Massachusetts............................................... 495,892 447,996 943,888
New Hampshire............................................... 190,923 0 190,923
Rhode Island................................................ 221,382 0 221,382
Vermont..................................................... 199,992 0 199,992
-----------------
Region I Total.......................................... 1,687,205 713,281 2,400,486
-----------------
Region II:
New Jersey.................................................. 800,000 473,789 1,273,789
New York.................................................... 1,325,328 1,431,407 2,756,735
Puerto Rico................................................. 144,149 417,514 561,663
Virgin Islands.............................................. 0 45,000 45,000
-----------------
Region II Total......................................... 2,269,477 2,367,710 4,637,187
-----------------
Region III:
Delaware.................................................... 118,601 0 118,601
District of Columbia........................................ 112,500 0 112,500
Maryland.................................................... 300,000 502,305 802,305
Pennsylvania................................................ 1,307,385 523,718 1,831,103
Virginia.................................................... 445,000 632,767 1,077,767
West Virginia............................................... 251,254 19,680 270,934
-----------------
Region III Total........................................ 2,534,740 1,678,470 4,213,210
-----------------
Region IV:
Alabama..................................................... 653,305 21,636 674,941
Florida..................................................... 1,705,646 810,104 2,515,750
Georgia..................................................... 907,066 378,453 1,285,519
[[Page 23178]]
Kentucky.................................................... 550,000 65,242 615,242
Mississippi................................................. 97,299 319,483 416,782
North Carolina.............................................. 976,521 272,620 1,249,141
South Carolina.............................................. 440,779 173,450 614,229
Tennessee................................................... 435,000 421,351 856,351
-----------------
Region IV Total......................................... 5,765,616 2,462,339 8,227,955
-----------------
Region V:
Illinois.................................................... 1,594,832 291,184 1,886,016
Indiana..................................................... 531,398 380,171 911,569
Michigan.................................................... 1,073,564 419,475 1,493,039
Minnesota................................................... 391,247 351,106 742,353
Ohio........................................................ 1,335,219 364,232 1,699,451
Wisconsin................................................... 779,372 40,551 819,923
-----------------
Region V Total.......................................... 5,705,632 1,846,719 7,552,351
-----------------
Region VI:
Arkansas.................................................... 412,070 0 412,070
Louisiana................................................... 528,222 140,123 668,345
New Mexico.................................................. 183,151 93,728 276,879
Oklahoma.................................................... 457,900 66,225 524,125
Texas....................................................... 1,860,823 1,391,757 3,252,580
-----------------
Region VI Total......................................... 3,442,166 1,691,833 5,133,999
-----------------
Region VII:
Iowa........................................................ 381,022 58,266 439,288
Kansas...................................................... 300,737 103,175 403,912
Missouri.................................................... 473,000 365,528 838,528
Nebraska.................................................... 158,475 97,871 256,346
-----------------
Region VII Total........................................ 1,313,234 624,840 1,938,074
-----------------
Region VIII:
Colorado.................................................... 368,288 300,207 668,495
Montana..................................................... 144,106 0 144,106
North Dakota................................................ 158,910 0 158,910
South Dakota................................................ 100,000 0 100,000
Utah........................................................ 0 350,660 350,660
Wyoming..................................................... 118,000 0 118,000
-----------------
Region VIII Total....................................... 889,304 650,867 1,540,171
-----------------
Region IX:
American Samoa.............................................. 0 45,000 45,000
Arizona..................................................... 507,725 314,768 822,493
California.................................................. 3,998,388 1,267,985 5,266,373
Guam........................................................ 0 45,000 45,000
Hawaii...................................................... 174,214 0 174,214
Northern Marianas........................................... .............. 45,000 45,000
Nevada...................................................... 295,710 38,966 334,676
-----------------
Region IX Total......................................... 4,976,037 1,756,719 6,732,756
-----------------
Region X:
Alaska...................................................... 224,000 0 224,000
Idaho....................................................... 224,955 0 224,955
Oregon...................................................... 473,431 58,310 531,741
Washington.................................................. 607,515 298,500 906,015
-----------------
Region X Total.......................................... 1,529,901 356,810 1,886,711
-----------------
FY 2005 BCP Total....................................... 30,113,312 14,149,588 44,262,900
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Agencies in States where zero ($ -0-) funding is reflected
on the BCP Table of Allocations are highly encouraged to apply for
grant funding in case additional funds become available.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
Yes.
Matching/Cost-Sharing
Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project
costs, in accordance with Pub. L. 108-96, section
[[Page 23179]]
83(a). Grantees must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum
of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may
be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are
encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions.
For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a
total approved cost of $666,670, requesting $600,000 (based on an award
of $200,000 per budget period) in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal
share of at least $66,667 (10 percent of total approved project cost of
$666,670). Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-
Federal resources even if over the amount of the required match.
Failure to provide the amount will result in disallowance of Federal
funds. Lack of supporting documentation at the time of application will
not impact the responsiveness of the application for competitive
review.
3. Other
All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27,
2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal
Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant
applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a
Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide
electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required for
every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award,
including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block
grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to
submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is
any one of the following:
A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net
earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for funding under this
announcement.
Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will
not be considered for funding under this announcement.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Attn: Basic Center
Program Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. Phone:
866-796-1591. E-mail: fysb@dixongroup.com.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Each application package must include an original and two copies.
Do not staple the application or any section of the application.
The length of the entire application package must not exceed 80
pages. This includes the required Federal forms/certifications (SF-424,
SF-424A, SF-424B and SF-LLL), table of contents, project summary,
project description, budget/budget justification, supplemental
documentation, proof of non-profit status, summaries of sub-grants and
contracts, and letters of support or agreement. All pages of the
application package must be sequentially numbered beginning with page
one. The required Federal forms will be counted towards the total
number of pages. All pages of each application will be counted to
determine the total length. All pages exceeding the 80 page limit will
be removed and will not be considered in the reviewing process. A cover
letter is not required. Applicants are reminded that if a cover letter
is submitted, it will count towards the 80 page limit.
The project description must be typed and double-spaced on a
single-side of 8\1/2\ x 11 plain white paper with at least \1/2\ inch
margins on all sides, using black print with 12 pitch or 12 point size
Times New Roman font. For charts, budget tables, supplemental letters,
and support documents, applicants may use a different pitch size and
font but no less than 10 pitch size and single-spaced.
Additional Application Guidance--If more than one agency is
involved in submitting a single application, one entity must be
identified as the applicant organization that will have legal
responsibility for the grant. Follow the additional guidance below to
complete the SF-424:
Item 6: Insure the accuracy of Employer Identification
Number (EIN). This number is provided to an organization by the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Item 10: Clearly state the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) number (93.623) and title of the program (Basic
Center Program).
Item 13: Proposed Project Start Date is 09/30/2005; End
Date is 09/29/2008.
Item 14: Include the Congressional District where the
applicant is located in 14a and other district(s) affected by the
project in 14b. An applicant may insure the accuracy of its district(s)
via the following website address: http://www.house.gov/writerep/. Once
in the site: select your State, enter your zip code, including the 4-
digit zip code extension, and then click ``contact my representative''.
This will take you to a page where the correct Congressional District
is listed.
Item 15: The Estimated Funding should reflect only the
budgeted amount for a 12-month budget period. Assume that if the
application is awarded a grant in this cycle that future funding based
on non-competitive continuation grants will remain at this level based
on the availability of funds.
Table of Contents--Should reference the order of the application
sections and provide page numbers.
One Page Project Summary/Abstract--An abstract should describe the
project and reference the funding
[[Page 23180]]
request. Clearly mark this page with the applicant name as shown on
item 5 of the SF-424 and the services area as shown in item 12 of the
SF-424. Also, include the applicant's telephone number and E-mail
address. The summary description is limited to one page and can be
single or double-spaced. Care should be taken to produce a summary
which accurately and concisely reflects the proposed project. The
summary should describe the goals and objectives and the results and
benefits expected.
Project Description--Should provide a broad overview of the project
and of what the project intends to achieve; address each of the
categories in Section V.1; be structured in a manner that addresses
each of the evaluation criteria (Objectives and Need for Assistance,
Results and Benefits, Approach, Staff and Position Data, Organizational
Profiles, and Budget and Budget Justification); and respond to the
evaluation criteria in Section V.1.
Budget and Budget Justification--The budget detail must be in a
worksheet, table, or spreadsheet format and should reflect a 12-month
budget period. Each category within the budget should correspond with
the budget categories' titles listed in Section B of form SF-424A under
Budget and Budget Justification and should include a description of
each line item within the category and the calculations derived. The
budget justification must be in a narrative format. The budget
justification must provide a rationale for the items requested and how
these items relate to the overall success of the project.
Proof of Non-Profit Status--See Section III.3 for acceptable
documentation that must be submitted by date of award.
Summary of Sub-grants/Contracts--A summary of a monetary sub-grant
and/or contract must be provided as part of the application package.
The summary must include a description of the project services that
will be completed through the sub-grant or contract using Federal
funds.
Letters of Agreement--Letters of agreement are required if the
applicant is proposing to provide services that will be provided by a
different agency or entity based on a non-monetary arrangement. The
letter of agreement must enumerate the project services that will be
completed under the agreement.
Letters of Support--Letters from community, public, and commercial
leaders and organizations that support funding for the proposed
project.
Non-Federal Resources Commitment Letters--Letters from
organizations, entities, or individuals agreeing to provide non-Federal
resources (cash or in-kind) to the project.
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 email or facsimile transmission.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grants.gov
Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly
recommended.
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.
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format
should submit an original and two copies of the complete application.
The original and each of the two copies must include all required
forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an
authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted
unbound.
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
[[Page 23181]]
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 the forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants seeking to provide drug abuse education and prevention
services must also understand that they will be held accountable for
conducting outreach activities for runaway and homeless youth. (See 42
U.S.C. 5712(e)(2)) By signing and submitting the application,
applicants are providing this certification and need not mail back a
separate certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the
full project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Due Date for Applications: June 20, 2005.
Explanation of Due Dates
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced
above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
closing date will be classified as late.
Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of
the application due date.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile.
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided
to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or
by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement
for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov.
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 Sections IV........ Found in Section IV.... By application due
date.
Project Abstract..................... See Sections IV. and V. Found in Sections IV. By application due
and V. date.
Project Description.................. See Section IV. and V.. Found in Sections IV. By application due
and V. date.
SF-424............................... See Section IV......... Found at: http:// By application due
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
SF-424A.............................. See Section IV......... Found at: http:// By application due
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Budget and Budget Justification...... See Sections IV. and V. Found in Sections IV. By application due
and V. date.
SF-424B.............................. See Section IV......... Found at: http:// By application due
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Proof of Non-Profit Status........... See Section III........ Found in Section III... By date of award.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding See Section IV......... Found at: http:// By date of award.
Lobbying. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Letters of Support................... See Sections IV. and V. Found in Sections IV. By application due
and V. date.
Non-Federal Resources Commitment See Section IV......... Format described in By application due
Letters. Section IV. date.
Letters of Agreement................. See Section IV......... Format described in By application due
Section IV. date.
Summary of sub-grant and/or contract. See Section IV......... Format described in By application due
Section IV. 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 23182]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Location When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant See form............... May be found at: By application due
Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.
programs/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.
Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate
in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the
program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore,
applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by
federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to
E.O. 12372.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that
have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following
URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
5. Funding Restrictions
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction of a facility is not an allowable activity or
expenditure under this program. However, it is permissible to use grant
funds to renovate existing structures as described in program
regulations at 45 CFR 1351.15.
No grant funds may be used for any program of distributing sterile
needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.
(42 U.S.C. 5752) [See Section VI.3. Special Terms and Conditions of
Awards.]
A minimum of $100,000 will be allotted to each State, the District
of Columbia and Puerto Rico. A minimum of $45,000 will be awarded to
each of the four insular areas: Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth
of the Northern Marianas and the Virgin Islands.
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, Attn: Basic
Center Program Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132,
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, Attn: Basic Center Program Funding,
118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, 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 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.
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 Expectations and Instructions
ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended
performance. Project
[[Page 23183]]
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 identify 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. For example, the
project description may cite measurable outcomes, including but not
limited to, the number of youth returning home for reunification with
family or returning to a safe and appropriate alternative living
arrangement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
[[Page 23184]]
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Contractual
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts
(if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations,
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be
financed by the applicant.
Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will
be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical,
open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than
States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any
anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without
competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41
U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).
Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award
review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.
Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in
these instructions.
Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it
should immediately develop a tentative indirect 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.
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:
Approach (35 Points)
1. The extent to which the application describes how the Basic
Center will operate programmatically and
[[Page 23185]]
administratively and meet the needs of runaway and homeless youth and
their families providing the scope of services required by the
authorizing RHY legislation and program administration requirements.
2. The extent to which the application describes the delivery of
counseling services to youth that encourages, to the extent possible,
the involvement of parents or legal guardians in the counseling.
3. The extent to which the application describes the delivery of
aftercare services to youth and ensures that services will be provided
to all youth, including those who are returned to a home or domicile
that is beyond the State in which the runaway and homeless youth center
is located.
4. The extent to which the application states the expected or
estimated ratio of staff to youth in a BCP center and explains how this
ratio will be sufficient to ensure adequate supervision and treatment
of youth accessing services.
5. The extent to which the application describes plans for
conducting an outreach program that, where applicable, will attract
members of ethnic, cultural, and racial minorities and/or persons with
limited ability to speak English. As such, the application should
describe the strategies and activities for encouraging awareness of and
sensitivity to the diverse needs of runaway and homeless youth who are
persons of low English proficiency, or represent particular ethnic and
racial backgrounds.
6. If the application proposes to serve a specific RHY population
(e.g. single-sex programs, gay and lesbian youth, or a particular
ethnic group, etc.) then the application will be evaluated on the
extent to which the applicant describes plans for providing focused
services to meet the special needs of this population and how the
applicant will make referrals or otherwise provide for the needs of RHY
youth who are not in the specific population the applicant will serve.
7. The extent to which the application describes plans for ensuring
coordination with schools to which runaway and homeless youth will
return and for assisting the youth to stay current with the curricula
of these schools. Specific information on how the applicant will work
with the McKinney-Vento School District Liaison (as designated by the
State Coordinator) to assure that runaway and homeless youth are
provided information about the educational services available to such
youth under 42 U.S.C. 11431 through 11435. A list of McKinney-Vento
State Coordinators can be found at http://www.serve.org/nche/downloads/sccontact.pdf
.
8. The extent to which the application describes procedures for
dealing with youth who have run away from foster care placements and
from correctional institutions and must show that procedures are in
accordance with Federal, State and local laws.
9. The extent to which the application describes procedures for
maintaining confidentiality of records on the youth and families
served. Procedures must insure that no information on the youth and
families is disclosed without the consent of the individual youth,
parent or legal guardian. Note: Disclosures without consent made to
another agency compiling statistical records or to a government agency
involved in the disposition of criminal charges against an individual
youth may be permissible if individually identifiable information is
not provided, and if such disclosures are consistent with applicable
State, local, or other Federal laws.
10. If the applicant proposes to provide optional home-based
services, then the application will be evaluated on the extent to which
it provides a description of:
The nature of counseling and information provided to youth
and the families (including unrelated individuals in the family
households) of such youth, including services relating to basic life
skills, interpersonal skill building, educational advancement, job
attainment skills, mental and physical health care, parenting skills,
financial planning, and referral to sources of other needed services;
How the center will provide directly, or through an
arrangement made by the center, 7-day, 24-hour service to respond to
family crises (including immediate access to temporary shelter for
runaway and homeless youth and youth at risk of separation from the
family);
The objectives and measures of success to be achieved in
partnership with the families of runaway and homeless youth and youth
at risk of separation from the family, as a result of receiving home-
based services;
Initial and ongoing training for staff who provide home-
based services;
How caseloads will remain sufficiently low to allow for
intensive involvement (i.e., 5 to 20 hours per week) with each family
receiving such services and how staff providing such services will
receive qualified supervision.
11. If the applicant proposes to provide optional drug abuse
education and prevention services, then the application will be
evaluated on the extent to which it provides a description of:
The types of such services that the applicant proposes to
provide;
The objectives of such services;
The types of information and training to be provided to
individuals providing such services to runaway and homeless youth; and,
How outreach activities for runaway and homeless youth
will be conducted.
12. If the applicant proposes to provide optional street-based
services, then the application will be evaluated on the extent to which
it provides a description of:
Staff supervision, including on-street supervision by
appropriately trained staff;
Backup personnel for on-street staff;
Initial and ongoing training for staff who provide such
services; and
How outreach activities for runaway and homeless youth and
street youth will be conducted.
Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points)
1. The extent to which the application describes specific
measurable outcomes and how they will be achieved.
2. The extent to which the application describes the anticipated
changes in attitudes, values, and behavior of the youth served and
improvements in individual and family functioning that will result from
services provided.
Objectives and Need for Assistance (15 Points)
1. The extent to which the application describes the goals and
objectives of the proposed Basic Center project and how implementation
will fulfill the purpose and provide the scope services stated in Part
A of the RHY legislation as described in the ``Background, Purpose and
Scope of Services'' in Section I.
2. The extent to which the application describes the need for
assistance by describing the general conditions of youth and families
in the area to be served and the estimated number and characteristics
of runaway and homeless youth and their families in the vicinity. The
extent to which the discussion includes matters of family functioning
and the health, education, employment, and social conditions of the
youth in the service area, including at-risk conditions or behaviors
such as drug use, school failure, and delinquency.
3. The extent to which the application describes the existing
support systems for youth at risk of separation from the family and
homeless youth in the area, with specific references to law
enforcement, health and mental health care, social services, schools
and child
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welfare. In addition, the extent to which the applicant identifies
other agencies providing shelter and services to runaway and homeless
youth in the area and gaps in service between such agencies. Supporting
documentation of need from other community groups may be included.
4. The extent to which the application describes the area to be
served, states the precise location(s) of program services, and
demonstrates that the services will be located in an area which is
frequented by and/or easily accessible by runaway and homeless youth.
5. The extent to which the application specifies the annual number
of qualifying runaway and homeless youth (RHY) and their families
expected to be directly served (i.e., sheltered and counseled) by the
BCP. The extent to which the application provides the number of beds
available for runaway and homeless youth. (This number is restricted to
a minimum of 4 RHY youth and a maximum shelter capacity of 20 youth
unless the applicant is required by State or local law or regulations
to meet a higher maximum to comply with licensure requirements for
child and youth serving facilities; proof is required for this
exception.)
Staff and Position Data (10 Points)
1. The extent to which the application describes key staff
(including key staff, consultants, and volunteers) skills, knowledge,
and experience as it relates to working with RHY generally and BCP
specifically.
2. The extent to which the application provides for key staff,
biographical sketches or resumes, and position descriptions that are
consistent with those described in the narrative budget justification.
Resumes must indicate what positions staff will fill; and position
descriptions must specifically describe each job as it relates to the
proposed project.
3. The extent to which the application describes the cultural
competencies of staff and how that competency relates to the youth
being served.
4. The extent to which the application describes a plan for
training project staff as well as staff of cooperating organizations
and individuals. Training should include at a minimum: organizational
policies and procedures, job responsibilities, and subject matter
knowledge of issues pertaining to runaway and homeless youth and at-
risk youth, such as positive youth development.
Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
1. The extent to which the application provides a detailed line
item budget and narrative budget justification for requested Federal
and non-Federal funds to implement the full scope of services and
related activities for the first year (12-months) of the project. The
Budget Categories described, must be the same as the categories listed
on the SF-424A, Section B: Personnel, fringe benefits, travel,
equipment, supplies, contractual, other, total direct charges, indirect
charges, and total budget. The non-Federal share, as appropriate, must
be reflected among the same categories in a separate column.
2. The extent to which the application describes how each category
of costs are derived, i.e., detailed calculations that include
estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, etc., that equate to the
total costs proposed in a particular category (e.g., travel costs
should be broken down into hotel costs, per diem rates, airfare, etc.).
3. The extent to which the applicant has appropriately allocated
funds toward the purchase of necessary computer equipment in order to
comply with the special requirements of statistical record keeping
through RHYMIS (Runaway and Homeless Youth Management information
System). (See Section VI.2. Administrative and National Policy
Requirements.)
4. The extent to which the application describes fiscal controls
(including accounting procedures and audit requirements) to ensure
prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate accounting of Federal
funds received as well as accounting for non-Federal resources.
Organizational Profiles (10 Points)
1. The extent to which the application describes the organization's
past experience in working with runaway, homeless, and street youth
populations. Experience does not have to pertain only to past FYSB
funded program experience. Note: Past experience means that a major
activity of the agency has been the provision of temporary shelter,
counseling, and referral services to runaway or otherwise homeless
youth and their families, either directly or through linkages
established with other community agencies.
2. The extent to which the application describes the role of other
organizations or multiple sites of the agency that will be involved in
direct services (through monetary or non-monetary arrangements) to
runaway and homeless youth through this grant. The application should
list all of these sites and include addresses, phone numbers and staff
contact names if different from the address and contact on the SF-424.
Letters of agreement and an Organizational Chart are required.
3. If the agency is a current recipient of funds from the
Administration for Children and Families for services to runaway and
homeless youth for programs other than those applied for in this
application, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which
it shows how the services supported by these funds are, or will be,
integrated with the existing services.
4. The extent to which the application provides a plan for project
continuance beyond grant support, including a plan for securing
resources and continuing project activities after Federal assistance
has ceased. A listing of the applicant's other funding sources must be
included. The extent to which the application either describes how the
activities implemented under this project will be continued by the
agency once Federal funding for the project has ended or describes
specific plans for accomplishing program phase-out in the event the
applicant cannot obtain new operating funds at the end of the 36-month
project period. Availability of funds is not guaranteed.
5. The extent to which the application includes letters of support
from community, public, and commercial leaders and organizations that
support the proposed project for funding.
2. Review and Selection Process
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application.
Applications will be reviewed and scored competitively. This review
will be conducted in Washington, DC, by a panel of experts in the
field, generally persons from outside the Federal Government. The
review panels will use the evaluation criteria listed in Section V.1.
of this announcement to review and score the applications. In addition,
the panels will assign a score (maximum score 100) to each application.
The panels will identify the application's strengths and weaknesses
based on the application's responsiveness to the evaluation criteria.
The results (scores) of this review will be a primary factor in making
funding decisions. Each application in the funding range will be
subject to an administrative review by the ACF Central and Regional
Offices after the panel review process. ACF may consider a variety of
factors in addition to the review criteria identified above, including
geographic location, relative
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needs for services, types of applicant organizations, and comments
solicited from the ACF regional offices, in order to ensure that the
interests of the Federal Government are met in making the final
selections.
As required by the RHY Act, in making grant award decisions,
priority for funding shall be given to private entities with past
experience in providing services to runaway, homeless and street youth.
Past experience means that a major activity of the agency has been the
provision of temporary shelter, counseling, and referral services to
runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their families, either directly
or through linkages established with other community agencies.
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the process,
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers, if
otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary
salary information.
Approved but Unfunded Applications
Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for
funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds,
for a period not to exceed one year.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Awards will be made by September 30, 2005. Unsuccessful applicants
will be notified in writing after the final awards have been made.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, (if applicable), and the
total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial
Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted
via postal mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-
governmental) and 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).
Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Administration Requirements (45 CFR,
Part 1351)
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.
Applicants are advised that no grant funds may be used for any
program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic
injection of any illegal drug. Prospective grantees are advised that
entities which receive Basic Center Program (BCP) grant funds and which
operate a program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for
hypodermic injections of illegal drugs must account for all funds used
for such programs separately from any expenditure of BCP grant funds.
(42 U.S.C. 5752.) See Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions.
Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS)
RHYMIS (Runaway and Homeless Youth Management information System)--
Grantees must agree to keep adequate statistical records profiling the
youth and families served under the Federal grant and to gather and
submit program and client data required by FYSB. This information is
required by the RHY program legislation and defined in user-friendly
Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS or
RHYMIS-LITE). Recipients of a grant administered through the Family and
Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) are required and expected to submit the
data via RHYMIS or in an approved format which RHYMIS can receive.
Grantees have the option of using RHYMIS for internal management
improvement or for research and other program needs. A RHYMIS hotline/
help desk is available at 888-749-6474, and/or at rhymis_help@csc.com.
The Family and Youth Services Bureau will fund computer software
for RHY program data collection through RHYMIS. An applicant lacking
the computer equipment (hardware) for RHYMIS data collection must
include an estimated cost for such equipment in their proposed budget.
If the applicant already has such equipment, this fact must be noted.
(See Section V.1. Evaluation Criteria/Budget and Budget Justification.)
(Note: Existing grantees generally report that their staff has been
able to easily train themselves to operate RHYMIS due to its user-
friendliness, prompts, help features, and FYSB's technical support
service.)
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L.
104-13) the data collection under RHYMIS is approved under OMB control
number 0970-0123, which expires September 30, 2007.
3. Reporting Requirements
Program Progress Reports: Semi-Annual.
Financial Reports: Semi-Annual.
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.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact
Dorothy W. Pittard, Family and Youth Services Bureau, c/o ACYF
Operations Center, 118 Q Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-2132. Phone:
866-796-1591. E-mail: fysb@dixongroup.com.
Grants Management Office Contact
Peter Thompson, ACYF Grants Officer, Family and Youth Services
Bureau, c/o ACYF Operations Center, 118 Q Street, NE, Washington, DC
20002-2132. Phone: 866-796-1591. E-mail: fysb@dixongroup.com.
VIII. Other Information
Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement 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.
[[Page 23188]]
Dated: April 28, 2005.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 05-8893 Filed 5-3-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P