FR Doc 05-9073

[Federal Register: May 6, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 87)]
[Notices]
[Page 24057-24068]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06my05-83]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

American Indian--Alaska Native Head Start Research Center

Program Office: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE).
Funding Opportunity Title: American Indian-Alaska Native Head
Start-Research Center.
Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OPRE-YF-0067.
CFDA Number: 93.600.
Due Date for Letter of Intent or Preapplications: 6/3/2005.
Due Date for Applications: 7/1/2005.
Executive Summary: Funds are provided for the creation of an
American Indian Alaska Native (AI-AN) Head Start Research Center that
will provide leadership and collaborate with researchers with diverse
areas of expertise in order to facilitate early childhood research
within the Head Start AI-AN context, engage in capacity building, and
establish model research partnerships between local researchers, Head
Start American Indian Alaska Native program staff and members of tribal
communities.
This cooperative agreement is part of a larger Head Start research
effort. Three other grant funding mechanisms are being offered
concurrently with the one described in this announcement. They include:
(1) American Indian-Alaska Native Head Start Research Center, (2) Head
Start Graduate Student Research Grants, and (3) Head Start Graduate
Student Research Partnership Development Grants. For more information,
please see these other Head Start Research announcements listed in the
Federal Register or listed on http://www.Grants.gov.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Purpose

The purpose of this opportunity is to fund an American Indian
Alaska Native Head Start Research Center that will provide leadership
and offer support in the development and facilitation of local
research, and strengthen the ability of local researchers to conduct
model research projects (based in universities and other non-profit
research institutions) in collaboration with Head Start American
Indian, Alaska Native program staff and members of tribal communities.
The Center is expected to engage in a variety of activities that are
designed to promote excellence in early childhood research, make a
significant contribution to the knowledge base, improve research
capacity, and provide leadership and support for research on the early
development of American Indian Alaska Native children. The successful
applicant should be aware of and be able to collaborate with local
researchers who are conversant with tribal communities; be familiar
with the available strengths and needs of tribal communities; be
knowledgeable of the particular histories of tribal Head Start
programs; and be able to build the trust and support of local tribes so
they may become valuable partners in developing research goals and
questions.
The Center will also be responsible for assuring that each
successful partnership will be able to provide evidence that the
research projects are developing information to improve the early
learning environments for American Indian Alaska Native Head Start
children. Therefore, such affiliations necessitate that researchers
become familiar with the goals and approaches of existing AI-AN Head
Start programs.
It is expected that the lessons learned from model partnerships
will then be shared with the larger research community, both through
the Head Start network and by other means. Examples of approaches and
lessons learned from these partnerships that could be shared include,
but are not limited to: methodological approaches for sampling;
assessment and analysis at the local program level; plans for reporting
data to teachers, parents, and management staff; integrated curricular
and assessment approaches; and professional development approaches
including coursework and training materials.

B. Statutory Authority

Section 649 of the Head Start Act, as amended by the Coats Human
Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285) codified at 42
U.S.C. 9844.

C. Background

The American Indian Alaska Native Program Branch funds Head Start
and Early Head Start programs operated by tribes, consortia, and/or
corporations. The majority of grantees serve and reside on tribal
reservations. Generally, grants are awarded to tribal governments, with
tribal presidents, governors, executive directors or administrators as
authorizing officials.
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI-AN) Head Start programs
reflect the diversity of languages and traditions that exist in AI-AN
cultures. Substantial numbers of children served by the AI-AN Branch
speak an American Indian language or language other than English or
Spanish as their dominant language. The programs vary greatly in size,
with the smallest grantee serving about 15 children and the largest,
more than 4,000 children and families. The programs also are
geographically diverse, and are located in isolated rural settings as
well as in urban areas. AI-AN grantees provide comprehensive services
to children and families through center and home-based options, as well
as combinations and locally designed configurations.
Historically, the diversity of many different tribes participating
in Head Start has posed methodological challenges to their inclusion in
nationally representative samples for evaluation research. For
instance, current national research and evaluation activities of Head
Start, such as the Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) and the
Head Start Impact Study, exclude tribal programs from the population
eligible for inclusion in the samples.
While there are reporting challenges that are unique to AI-AN
populations, Tribal Head Start programs have the same performance
standards and requirements for assessing program outcomes as other Head
Start programs. However, there is little prior research evidence
available to provide guidance to programs about effective

[[Page 24058]]

instructional, service delivery, or assessment approaches in tribal
settings.
American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start programs need to be
included in Head Start Bureau efforts to enhance the quality of Head
Start programming, and to improve accountability by strengthening
screening and assessment of child outcomes and program monitoring.
There is a need, however, to provide leadership and guidance in order
to increase the evidence base and provide direction for program
enhancements, and such activities must be conducted in a manner that
takes into account the unique cultural values of tribes implementing
Head Start programs.
For historical and ethical reasons tribal communities must have a
significant voice in how research is designed and conducted in those
settings. To support the development and implementation of research
within and by tribal communities, ACF undertook in FY2002 an effort to
document the existing knowledge base concerning early childhood
programming and assessment in tribal settings, and to collect
information on the research needs and priorities of tribal Head Start
programs. Little was known about what research was currently being
conducted by tribal Head Start programs, what the experiences of tribal
programs in research partnerships with colleges and universities had
been, and how ACF might support these partnerships. The project
resulted in a review and synthesis of available research literature,
both published and unpublished, that pertained to young children and
families in American Indian and Alaska Native populations. That report
is available online at: http:// www. acf. dhhs. gov/ programs/ core/

ongoing -- research/ hs/ hs -- aian -- report.html.
A second part of this effort was to conduct a series of visits to
tribes to assess their own views about the following questions: (1)
What kind of research is needed and desired in tribal Head Start
settings; (2) what outcomes are important for American Indian and
Alaska Native Head Start; (3) what programmatic and service delivery
issues need to be studied; and (4) what are the issues in conducting
research among American Indian and Alaska Native populations? Visits
were arranged with 19 tribes to conduct ``listening sessions'' with
tribal leadership, Head Start personnel, Head Start family members, and
other community stakeholders. Other sessions were held in conjunction
with national meetings of American Indian Alaska Native Head Start
grantees and technical assistance staff.
These efforts documented the scarcity of existing research that
directly informs early childhood programming for American Indian and
Alaska Native children and families. Few studies have taken into
account the unique cultural and linguistic characteristics of the AI-AN
population, and existing studies tend to be small, methodologically
weak, and of limited generalizability to other surroundings. There is a
need to develop the capacity for early childhood research in tribal
settings both to improve the ability of tribal members themselves to
initiate research projects and to increase the number of qualified
individuals who have the ability to effectively partner with tribes to
implement research.
At the same time, there is widespread recognition within tribal
communities of the need for culturally relevant research, as well as
substantial support among tribal members for research that will advance
the knowledge base and improve the lives of the children and families
who are served by Head Start in their communities. Indeed, tribal
communities have affirmed that they must have a significant voice in
how the research is designed and conducted among their members.
Cultural issues must be addressed in the development of methodologies,
study procedures, and data collection instruments for use in conducting
research among tribal Head Start programs. Differences among American
Indian-Alaskan Native groups must be acknowledged and respected in
developing the methodology and conducting the research. In addition to
Head Start personnel, tribal leaders and community elders often must be
part of the process in designing and conducting research in tribal
settings.
Building on the needs identified both by participants in the
listening sessions, and other consultants, this announcement is
intended to ensure that future research is responsive to the changing
needs of American Indian-Alaska Native children and families, and that
researchers who are focusing on early childhood research within tribal
communities are provided with the necessary leadership and support for
capacity building that is currently needed. Therefore, Head Start's
commitment to a partnership between researchers and a national AI-AN
Head Start Research Center is essential. The unique relationship forged
between the Center, the researcher and the tribal community within the
Head Start and early childhood research context will serve as a model
for the establishment of other partnerships within the community (e.g.,
researcher-Head Start staff, researcher-family, etc.). This foundation
will help bolster the skills necessary to build on early childhood
research paradigms by fostering successful collaborations between the
AI-AN population and the scientific community.
Thus, the goal of the Head Start American Indian Alaska Native
Research Center is to pull together researchers with diverse areas of
expertise that will focus on early childhood research within the Head
Start context, as well as in tribal communities as a whole. It is
anticipated that the Center will make a significant contribution to the
knowledge base and support the research on the early development of
American Indian-Alaska Native children and families. The types of
topics that have previously been identified as particularly relevant to
research within AI-AN settings are listed below; the Center may wish to
propose other relevant topics as well.
Identifying and addressing the unique characteristics and
needs of American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start children and
families that may affect learning;
Examining the role of Head Start in promoting and
maintaining native languages and culture by documenting and addressing
cultural diversity within tribal Head Start settings;
Comparing outcomes for bilingual children vs. English-only
speakers;
Investigating long-term outcomes for AI-AN Head Start
children, including studies of factors that promote or inhibit the
successful transition to school and studies that compare outcomes for
AI-AN Head Start children with those for other Head Start children;
Comparing tribal Head Start children to non-tribal
children;
Studying the effectiveness of instructional practices
tailored to the unique characteristics of tribal children that promote
school readiness;
Documenting and assessing the availability of resources to
meet unique tribal needs;
Evaluating programs that are aimed at health and
development, including health delivery models as well as preventive
programs for adverse health and mental health outcomes;
Exploring staff development issues, including wage and
benefit comparability between AI-AN and non-tribal early childhood
educators, causes of staff turnover, ways to retain staff,
identification of staff members' academic and non-academic skills that
best promote child development within

[[Page 24059]]

a cultural context, and providing staff development opportunities in
geographically isolated communities;
Developing and utilizing culturally appropriate screening,
assessment, and outcome measures;
Building and promoting methods for enhancing communication
and cooperation among Head Start personnel, parents, tribal
governments, and school district personnel;
Identifying special needs among AI-AN Head Start children,
and recommending and testing, or developing and evaluating programs for
addressing them;
Examining the effectiveness of methods for enhancing
parent involvement, including promotion of knowledge about child
development among parents, promotion of adult literacy, and promotion
of father involvement;
Investigating the impact of adverse conditions on child
development, including geographic isolation and poverty, adverse family
circumstances such as domestic violence or substance abuse, and
historical experiences of racism and discrimination of AI-AN culture;
and
Promoting professional and educational opportunities for
undergraduates, pre-doctoral and medical students, residents, post-
doctoral trainees and senior scholars who are interested in AI-AN
research.
The Center will advance the research field and Head Start by
facilitating capacity building with local researchers, scholars,
American Indian Alaska Native Head Start staff, tribal authorities,
tribal communities and families. The objectives of the project are to:
(1) Create a national research center that will contribute to the
knowledge base on early development of American Indian Alaska Native
children and families within the Head Start program; (2) support local
research projects that focus on the development of young children and
families in American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start and Early Head
Start programs; and (3) build capacity and promote partnerships between
the local research community and Head Start tribal communities.
The Center will achieve this by facilitating and supporting the
development of partnership opportunities between researchers, and AI-AN
Head Start communities in order to begin to build a portfolio of
research projects related to early childhood development in AI-AN
settings. It is expected that a working consortium of researchers will
be established that will identify and further develop particular
research approaches targeted toward better describing the unique
characteristics and developmental needs of American Indian Alaska
Native children and their families, evaluating or enhancing program
practices, and developing approaches to outcomes assessment based on
the needs of the population served. The Center and consortium will
develop research activities and topics that are decided through the
cooperative agreement between OPRE, the Center and in consultation with
the AI-AN Head Start staff and other tribal stakeholders that have
agreed to participate in research projects, and that clearly reflect
the interests of the American Indian Alaska Native Head Start programs
and communities. Note that all studies, reports, proposals, and data
produced or developed with federal funds under Head Start American
Indian-Native Alaskan Research Center Program ``shall become the
property of the United States.'' pursuant to Section 649(f) of the Head
Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9844.
The types of activities that may be undertaken to support the
development of research partnerships include, but are not limited to:
providing financial support through competitions or other selection
mechanisms to research projects that will be undertaken through
partnerships between research institutions and AI-AN Head Start
communities; supporting or augmenting research projects already in
development or underway in AI-AN settings; piloting or implementing
specific research projects with AI-AN Head Start communities; and
providing training or career development opportunities to build
research capacity for AI-AN Head Start communities. Significant
involvement in the planning and implementation of all activities by the
AI-AN Head Start communities themselves will be an important feature.
Although applicants are expected to propose specific activities for
accomplishing the goals of the project, final work plans will be
developed in conjunction with ACF and Head Start staff.

Priority Area

1. Description.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: ACF expects to
work closely with the organization that receives funding to ensure
monies are used appropriately and in the most effective manner possible
and that the services and activities included in the approved
application address the establishment of a consortium of local research
partners and that the needs of the research partners and the American
Indian Alaska Native communities be clearly stated in an efficient,
effective, and timely manner. Therefore, the organization selected to
receive the award will be responsible for implementing activities
specified in a work plan that will be jointly developed by the Center
and staff from OPRE, in consultation with the Head Start Bureau.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $800,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $800,000 per budget period.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: $800,000 per budget period.
Length of Project Periods: 36 month project with three 12 month
budget periods.
The Federal share of project costs shall not exceed $800,000 for
the first 12-month budget period inclusive of indirect costs and shall
not exceed $1,000,000 per year for the second through third 12-month
budget periods. An application that exceeds the upper value of the
dollar range specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be
returned to the applicant without further review. The project period
will be up to three years. The initial award will be for the first one-
year budget period. Requests for a second and/or third year of funding
within the project period should be identified in the current
application (on SF-424A), but such requests will be considered in
subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to the applicant's
eligibility status, the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of
the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the
best interest of the Government. An application for a continuation
funded under this award beyond the three-year budget and three-year
project period for an additional two years will be entertained in
subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of
funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a determination that
continued funding would be in the best interest of the Government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants:
State controlled institutions of higher education

[[Page 24060]]

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
Private institutions of higher education
Additional Information on Eligibility: Applicants are universities,
four-year colleges, and not-for profit institutions on behalf of
researchers who hold a doctorate degree or equivalent in their
respective fields. The Principal Investigator who will head up the
Center must conduct research as a primary professional responsibility,
and have published or have been accepted for publication in the major
peer-reviewed research journals in the field as a first author or
second author.
An important element of this announcement is the requirement that
the applicant, and any proposed researchers that will eventually make
up the consortium, demonstrate a partnership or partnerships with Head
Start or Early Head Start programs as part of all research.
The application must contain a detailed process on how the
applicant intends on awarding local research projects and clearly
communicate the stipulation that one of the requirements of any local
Principal Investigator is a letter of agreement from the Head Start or
Early Head Start program the local P.I. intends on working with,
certifying that they have entered into a partnership with the applicant
and the application has been reviewed and approved by tribal
authorities.
The Principal Investigator must agree to attend two meetings each
year. The first is an annual grantee meeting that is typically
scheduled during the summer or fall of each year and is held in
Washington, DC. All local P.I.'s that make up the consortium are also
expected to attend. The second meeting each year alternates between the
biennial Head Start National Research Conference in Washington, DC,
June 26th through June 29th, 2006 and the biennial meeting of the
Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD). The budget should
reflect travel funds for such purposes.
Please see section V.1 Evaluation Criteria for further information
on how applications will be scored based on program requirements.
Faith-based and community organizations that meet all other
eligibility criteria are eligible to apply.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching: None.
3. Other: All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On
June 27, 2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the
Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant
applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a
Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide
electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be

required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.

Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to
submit proof of their non-profit status.
Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net
earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your
proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Disqualification Factors: Applications that exceed the ceiling
amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be 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: Head Start Research
Support Technical Assistance Team, OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC,
8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182; phone: 877-663-0250;
e-mail: opre@xtria.com.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission:
Letter of Intent: Those who plan to submit an application are
encouraged to submit notice via a letter of intent by fax or e-mail by
June 3, 2005. This information will be used only to determine the
number of expert reviewers needed to review the applications. Include
only the following information in this fax or e-mail: the number and
title of this announcement; the name, address, telephone and fax
number, e-mail address of the principal investigator(s), the fiscal
agent (if known); and the name of the university, non-profit
institution, or other organization. Applicants should not enclose a
description of their proposed project. Send this information to: ``Head
Start Research Support Technical Assistance Team'' at: E-mail:
opre@xtria.com, or fax to: 1-703-356-0472.
Application Requirements: An original and two copies of the
complete application are required. The original copy must include all
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed
by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be
submitted unbound. The two additional copies of the complete
application must include all required forms, certifications,
assurances, and appendices and must also be submitted unbound.
Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not
the original) of 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.
Format and Organization. Applicants are strongly encouraged to
limit their application to 100 pages, double-spaced,

[[Page 24061]]

with standard one-inch margins and 12-point fonts. This page limit
applies to both narrative text and supporting materials but not the
Standard Federal Forms (see list below). Applicants must number the
pages of their application beginning with the Table of Contents.
Applicants are advised to include all required forms and materials
and to organize these materials according to the format, and in the
order, presented below:
a. Cover Letter.
b. Contact information sheet (see details below).
c. Standard Federal Forms.
Standard Application for Federal Assistance (form 424) Budget
Information--Non-construction Programs (424A) Certifications Regarding
Lobbying Disclosures of Lobbying Activities (if necessary);
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke Assurance Regarding
Non-construction Programs (form 424B) Assurance Regarding Protection of
Human Subjects.
d. Table of Contents.
e. Project Narrative Statement (see details below).
f. Appendices.
Proof of Non-profit Status (see Section V.1.F), Letter(s) of
agreement with Head Start program(s) (see details below), Letter(s) of
agreement with Head Start Policy Council(s) (see details below),
Curriculum Vitae for Principal Investigators.
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
encouraged.
When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.gov.
We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior
to filing your application to fully understand the process and
requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to
submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties
are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight.
If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk
at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the
system.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize
you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary
assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.Grants.gov
You must search for the downloadable application package

by the CFDA number.
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 smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with this form. 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.

Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status,
please refer to Section III.3.
Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full
project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times:
Due Date For Letter of Intent or Preapplications: 06/03/2005.
Due Date for Applications: 07/01/2005.

[[Page 24062]]

Explanation of Due Dates

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced
above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
closing date will be classified as late.
Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of
the application due date.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile.
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two
working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications.
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not
always deliver as agreed.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
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.

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Abstract.............. See Sections IV.2 Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
and V. and V.
Project Description........... See Sections IV.2 Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
and V. and V.
Budget Narrative/Justification See Sections IV.2 Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
and V. and V.
SF424......................... See Section IV.2. See http:// By application due date.

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

forms.htm.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding See Section IV.2. See http:// By date of award.

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

forms.htm.
Certification Regarding See Section IV.2. See http:// By date of award.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/

forms.htm.
Assurances.................... See Section IV.2. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By date of award.

programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Support Letters............... IV.2............. IV.2.................. By application due date.
Non-Federal Commitment Letters IV.2............. IV.2.................. By application due date.
Proof of Non-Profit Status.... See Section III.3 Found in Section III.3 By date of award.
Assurance Regarding Protection IV.2............. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due date.

of Human Subjects. programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Grant Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
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

[[Page 24063]]

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.
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: Head Start
Research Support Technical Assistance Team, OPRE Grant Review Team,
Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182.
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: Head Start Research Support Technical Assistance Team,
OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400,
Vienna, VA 22182.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and
requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov
.

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 25 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: 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).

Part 1--The Project Description Overview

Purpose

The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation
criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application in a
manner that is clear and complete.

General Instructions

ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition.
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an
appendix.
Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included
for easy reference.

Introduction

Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.

Project Summary/Abstract

Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.

Objectives and Need for Assistance

Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.

Results or Benefits Expected

Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
For example, explain how your proposed project will achieve the
specific goals and objectives you have set. Estimate the number of
consortium members you expect to identify. You may also specify
particular individuals who have agreed to become affiliated with the
Center as examples of your knowledge and experience in the areas

[[Page 24064]]

of early childhood development and American Indian Alaska Native
research. If there are particular areas of research where you have a
limited amount of experience, you may propose individuals either at
your institution or another institution that would be willing to be
affiliated with the Center. If you choose this option, please make sure
that a letter of commitment is included with your application. Explain
how the expected results will benefit the population to be served.
Specifically, in meeting its needs for the advancement of American
Indian Alaska Native research that will benefit the larger American
Indian Alaska Native Head Start and early childhood community and for
early learning services and activities: how will the research community
benefit from this project? What benefits will families derive from
these services? How will the services help them? What lessons will be
learned which might help other agencies and organizations that are
addressing the needs of a similar client population?

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.

Evaluation

Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and
the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project.
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's
effectiveness.

Additional Information

Following are requests for additional information that need to be
included in the application:

Staff and Position Data

Provide a biographical sketch and job description for each key
person appointed. Job descriptions for each vacant key position should
be included as well. As new key staff is appointed, biographical
sketches will also be required.

Organizational Profiles

Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit
status in its application.
The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) a
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of
the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Letters of Support

Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should
be included in the application OR by application deadline.

Budget and Budget Justification

Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form.
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.

General

Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. ``Federal
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying.
``Non Federal resources'' are all other Federal and non-Federal
resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be
presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories;
second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s),
and last column, total budget. The budget justification should be a
narrative.

Personnel

Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.

Fringe Benefits

Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.

Travel

Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant

[[Page 24065]]

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 (i.e., 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--45 Points

[cir] The extent to which the proposal provides evidence that the
Center will be fully operational within 12 months, including the
establishment of formal relationships with local researchers who will
make up the consortium.
[cir] The extent to which the application clearly states the
activities that the Center will undertake and how they meet the goals
specified.
[cir] The extent to which the proposal develops a plan on how it
will collaborate on research with consortium members, what kinds of
assistance it will provide, and any capacity building activities. It is
important to remember that any research plans should be jointly
developed by the local research institutions and the Head Start or
Early Head Start programs, as well as other relevant tribal
stakeholders they plan to partner with, and approved by the Center in
conjunction with OPRE. The application demonstrates a detailed process
on how the applicant intends on awarding local research projects and
clearly communicate the stipulation that one of the requirements of any
local Principal Investigator is a letter of

[[Page 24066]]

agreement from the Head Start or Early Head Start program the local
P.I. intends on working with, certifying that they have entered into a
partnership with the applicant and the application has been reviewed
and approved by tribal authorities.
[cir] The extent to which the proposal describes in detail how it
will promote professional and educational opportunities for
undergraduates, pre-doctoral and medical students, residents, post-
doctoral trainees and senior scholars who are interested in AI-AN
research.
[cir] The extent to which the proposal is responsive to the
requirements outlined in the ``Additional Information on Eligibility''
section.
[cir] The extent to which the applicant clearly lays out the
planning process it will develop with consortium members. This includes
reviewing and approving any research designs to make sure they are
appropriate and sufficient for addressing the questions of each of the
studies in conjunction with OPRE.
[cir] The extent to which the applicant specifies procedures for
the selecting of research projects and activities that conform to the
highest scientific standards, and the extent to which those selection
procedures are objective and inclusive.
[cir] The extent to which the applicant develops and
operationalizes management processes that clearly stipulate that the
proposed Center will:
[cir] Review and approve the extent to which any planned research
project specifies an appropriate design, including approaches to
sampling, the measures to be used and their psychometric properties,
and the analyses to be conducted;
[cir] Review and approve any planned procedures and measures to
make sure they will be appropriate and sufficient for the questions of
studies and the cultural contexts of the population to be studied;
[cir] Review and approve any planned measures and analyses to make
sure that they will reflect knowledge and use of state-of-the-art
measures and analytic techniques and/or advance the field;
[cir] Review and approve any analytic techniques and make sure they
are appropriate for the questions under consideration;
[cir] Review and approve any proposed sample sizes to make sure
they will be sufficient;
[cir] Review and approve any planned approaches to make sure they
will include techniques for successful documentation and dissemination;
and
[cir] Review and approve any budgets and budget justifications to
make sure they are appropriate for carrying out the proposed projects.
[cir] The extent to which the activities listed above are
incorporated into a detailed technical assistance and capacity building
strategy to ensure that each research project will receive the
necessary guidance and oversight needed to successfully complete its
project.
[cir] The extent to which the applicant provides a detailed
information and dissemination plan that includes the Head Start network
and the field as a whole. Examples of potential products that may
result from the Center and its research partners should also be
included.

Staff and Position Data--35 Points

[cir] The extent to which the applicant is a university, four-year
college, and not-for-profit institution applying on behalf of the
Principal Investigator and other key Center staff possess both the
multidisciplinary expertise to conduct early childhood research, and
the management experience necessary to create and operate the Center.
The applicant must also discuss how Center staff will build the
consortium and then assist consortium members with implementing
interventions and any technical experience that will benefit local
researchers as they conduct research, as demonstrated in the
application and information contained in their vitae. It is expected
that the Principal Investigator(s) has earned a doctorate or equivalent
in the relevant field and has publications in major peer-reviewed
research journals.
[cir] The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the capacity
to establish working relationships with researchers or researchers
outside the applicant's own institution, and the extent to which there
is evidence of prior successful partnerships to conduct research with
AI-AN communities.
[cir] The extent to which the applicant can provide a detailed plan
on how it will advance the scholarship of AI-AN early childhood
research by promoting professional opportunities and leadership for
undergraduates, pre-doctoral and medical students, residents, post-
doctoral trainees and senior scholars who are interested in AI-AN
research.
[cir] The extent to which the proposed staff reflect an
understanding of and sensitivity to the issues of working in a tribal
community setting and in partnership with American Indian Alaska Native
Head Start program staff and parents.
[cir] The extent to which there is enough time devoted to this
project by the Principal Investigator and other key staff in order to
ensure a high level of professional input and attention.
[cir] The extent to which the research plan offers opportunities
for American Indian and Alaska Native personnel to be engaged or
employed in the research activities.
[cir] The extent to which the institution the applicant is
affiliated with can provide the technological, academic, research,
logistical and human capital that will either directly or indirectly
benefit the proposed AI-AN Head Start Research Center.

Results or Benefits Expected--20 Points

[cir] The extent to which project goals and objectives are clearly
stated.
[cir] The extent to which the proposed research project is
justified as meeting the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native
children and families and the research community that represents them.
[cir] The extent to which the applicant's proposed Center and its
design makes a significant contribution to the knowledge base and
support the research on the early development of American Indian and
Alaska Native children and their families.
[cir] The extent to which the literature review is current and
comprehensive and justifies the knowledge of the applicant and any
understanding of potential research that may be conducted.
[cir] The extent to which the applicant understands and can provide
professional support to research questions that may be addressed or
hypotheses that may be tested by consortium members.
[cir] The extent to which the proposal contains sufficient details
for meeting the stated objectives.
[cir] The extent to which the proposal contains a dissemination
plan that encompasses both professional and practitioner-oriented
products, and meets the needs of the Head Start and/or community
partners.
[cir] The extent to which the questions are of importance and
relevance for AI-AN children's development and welfare.
[cir] The extent to which the application provides for the
Principal Investigator to attend two meetings each year. The first is
an annual grantee meeting that is typically scheduled during the summer
or fall of each year and is held in Washington, DC. All local P.I.'s
that make up the consortium are also expected to attend. The second
meeting each year alternates between the biennial Head Start National
Research Conference in Washington, DC, June 26th through June 29th,
2006 and the

[[Page 24067]]

biennial meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development-SRCD.
2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under
this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application.
Each application will undergo an eligibility and conformance review
by Federal staff. Applications that pass the eligibility and
conformance review will be evaluated on a competitive basis according
to the specified evaluation criteria. The competitive review will be
conducted in the Washington, DC metropolitan area by panels of Federal
and non-Federal experts knowledgeable in the areas of early childhood
education and intervention research, early learning, child care, and
other relevant program areas.
Application review panels will assign a score to each application
and identify its strengths and weaknesses.
OPRE will conduct an administrative review of the applications and
results of the competitive review panels and make recommendations for
funding to the Director of OPRE.
The Director of OPRE, in consultation with the Commissioner of the
Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF), will make the
final selection of the applications to be funded. Applications may be
funded in whole or in part depending on: (1) The ranked order of
applicants resulting from the competitive review; (2) staff review and
consultations; (3) the funds available; and (4) other relevant
considerations. The Director may also elect not to fund any applicants
with known management, fiscal, reporting, program, or other problems,
which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective
services.

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 (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) or 45
CFR part 92 (governmental).
ACF expects to work closely with the organization that receives
funding to ensure monies are used appropriately and in the most
effective manner possible and that the services and activities included
in the approved application address the establishment of a consortium
of local research partners and that the needs of the research partners
and the American Indian Alaska Native communities be clearly stated in
an efficient, effective, and timely manner. Therefore, the organization
selected to receive the award will be responsible for implementing
activities specified in a work plan that will be jointly developed by
the Center and staff from ACF, in consultation with the Head Start
Bureau.
The successful applicant will be responsible for submitting for
Federal review and approval regular semi-annual financial status and
progress reports that describe project activities, and will work
cooperatively and collaboratively with ACF officials, other Federal
agency officials conducting related activities, and other entities or
organizations contracted by ACF to assist in carrying out the purposes
of the Head Start program; and ensuring that key staff attend and
participate in ACF sponsored workshops and meetings. All applicants are
responsible for conforming to the United States Executive Branch Code
of Federal Regulations (http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html). The

following regulations have been identified as having particular
relevance for ACF grants: 45 CFR parts 74 and 92.
Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under this ACF
program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities
such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore,
organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their
inherently religious activities from the services funded under this
program. Regulations pertaining to the prohibition of Federal funds for
inherently religious activities can be found on the HHS Web site at
http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.

3. Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to submit
program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
) throughout the project period.

Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the
reporting period. Final programmatic and financial reports are due 90
days after the close of the project period.
Program Progress Reports: Semi-Annually.
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.
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.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact: Head Start Research Support Technical
Assistance Team, OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg
Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182, phone: 877-663-0250; e-mail:
opre@xtria.com.
Grants Management Office Contact: Attention: Tim Chappelle,
Division of Discretionary Grants, Office of Grants Management,
Administration for Children and Families, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW.,
Washington, DC 20447, phone: 202-401-4855; e-mail:
tichappelle@acf.hhs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

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.

Applicants under this announcement are advised that subsequent sale
and distribution of products developed under this grant will be subject
to the Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, part 74 or part 92. The
use of secondary data analysis in order to refine and validate newly-
developed measures in relation to already standardized measures is
strongly advised.
Definitions: Budget Period--for the purposes of this announcement,
budget period means the 12-month period of time for which ACF funds are
made available to a particular grantee (e.g., beginning on September
16, 2005, and ending on September 15, 2006).
Project Period--for the purposes of this announcement, project
period means the 36-month period starting by

[[Page 24068]]

September 2005, and ending by September, 2008.
The Head Start Act mandates that all studies, reports, proposals,
and data produced or developed with Federal funds awarded under the Act
shall become the property of the United States (see S. 649(f) of the
Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9845). HHS authorizes grantee institutions,
their researchers and other persons to make use of all studies,
reports, proposals, and data produced or developed under grants funded
under Section 649 of the Head Start Act in activities in furtherance of
the purposes of the Head Start program.
Grantees must provide copies of all materials produced with Head
Start grant funds to ACF as soon as they become available.
Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of
received applications.

Dated: May 2, 2005.
Naomi Goldstein,
Director, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation.
[FR Doc. 05-9073 Filed 5-5-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184-01-P