[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 7, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58594-58603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-23662]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Public Comment on the Proposed Adoption of ANA Program Policies
and Procedures
AGENCY: Administration for Native Americans (ANA), HHS.
ACTION: Notice of Public Comment on the Proposed Adoption of ANA
Program Policies and Procedures.
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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 814 of the Native American Programs Act of
1974, as amended by 42 U.S.C. 2992b-1, the Administration for Native
Americans (ANA) herein describes its proposed interpretive rules,
general statements of policy and rules of agency procedure or practice
in relation to the following Program Announcements: Social and Economic
Development Strategies (hereinafter referred to as SEDS), Social and
Economic Development Strategies for Alaska (hereinafter referred to as
SEDS-AK), Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Assessment
(hereinafter referred to as Native Language Assessment), Native
Language Preservation and Maintenance Planning (hereinafter referred to
as Native Language Planning), Native Language Preservation and
Maintenance Implementation (hereinafter referred to as Native Language
Implementation), Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Immersion
(hereinafter referred to as Native Language Immersion), Family
Preservation--Improving the Well-Being of Children Project Planning
(hereinafter referred to as Family Preservation Planning), Family
Preservation--Improving the Well-Being of Children Project
Implementation (hereinafter referred to as Family Preservation
Implementation) and Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (hereinafter
referred to as ERE).
Under the statute, ANA is required to provide members of the public
an opportunity to comment on proposed changes in interpretive rules,
general statements of policy and rules of agency procedure or practice,
and to give notice of the final adoption of such changes at least 30
days before the changes become effective. This notice also provides
additional information about ANA's plan for administering the programs.
DATES: The deadline for receipt of comments is 30 days from the date of
publication in the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: Comments in response to this notice should be addressed to
Christopher Beach, Acting Director of Program Operations,
Administration for Native Americans, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail
Stop: Aerospace 2-West, Washington, DC 20447. Delays may occur in mail
delivery to Federal offices; therefore, a copy of comments should be
faxed to (202) 690-7441. Comments will be available for inspection by
members of the public at Administration for Native Americans, Aerospace
Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Beach at (877) 922-9262.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 814 of the Native American Programs
Act of 1974, as amended, requires ANA to provide notice of its proposed
interpretive rules, general statements of policy and rules of agency
organization, procedure or practice. The proposed clarifications,
modifications and new text will appear in the nine ANA FY 2009 Program
Announcements (PA): SEDS, SEDS-AK, Native Language Assessment, Native
Language Planning, Native Language Implementation, Native Language
Immersion, Family Preservation Planning, Family Preservation
Implementation and ERE. This notice serves to fulfill this requirement.
Introduction: This Notice of Public Comment (NOPC) addresses two
groups of changes:
Changes made across all program areas (Part I of NOPC).
Changes in Part I apply to all PAs.
Changes made to specific program areas (Part II of NOPC).
ANA has made significant changes to the SEDS, SEDS-AK, Native Language
Assessment, Native Language Planning, Native Language Implementation,
Native Language Immersion, Family Preservation Planning, Family
Preservation Implementation, and ERE. These changes are outlined in
Part II.
Note: The Environmental Mitigation program area is no longer
offered through ANA. Most funds from the appropriation under 8094A
of Pub. L. 103-335 were expended. A nominal amount of funding was
returned to the Treasury due to low public demand for the program
area.
I. All PAs will be revised to clarify program and application
submission requirements for the public. These changes appear in the
following sections: ANA Administrative Policies (Part A of NOPC),
Definitions (Part B of NOPC) and Application Evaluation Criteria (Part
C of NOPC).
(A) ANA Administrative Policies: Two statements will be revised to
clarify ANA's policies. The first statement relates to the CFDA number
and clarifies that grantees cannot be funded in more than one program
area at the same time. The division of program announcements from four
to nine does not impact this policy. Furthermore, the statement
clarifies that grantees cannot have both a SEDS project and a Family
Preservation Planning or a Family Preservation Implementation grant at
the same time. The second statement relates to applications from
Tribally authorized divisions.
The revised statements in the FY 2009 PA will be:
An applicant can have only one active ANA grant per CFDA number
operating at any given time.
ANA will not accept applications from Tribal components that are
Tribally chartered or authorized divisions of a Tribe unless the ANA
application includes a Tribal resolution.
(B) ANA Definitions: ANA has added two new definitions and
clarified the definition of two words. These new and revised
definitions are provided for areas that applicants have found difficult
to interpret, have previously prompted numerous questions or have
created application and project development inconsistencies. (Legal
authority: Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native American
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3.)
i. New Definitions: The FY 2009 PA includes definitions for the
following terms: contingency plan and governing body.
The FY 2009 PAs will include these new definitions:
Contingency plan: A plan that identifies specific actions to be
taken in the event a specific challenge arises. The purpose of a
contingency plan is to reduce the negative impacts on the project. The
contingency plan should ensure that the project will be successfully
completed within the proposed funding timeframe. A contingency plan is
not to pre-empt challenges, but rather to address challenges if they
arise.
Governing Body: A body: (1) Consisting of duly elected or
designated representatives, (2) appointed by duly elected officials or
(3) selected in accordance with traditional Tribal means. The body must
have authority to provide service to, and to enter into contracts,
agreements and grants under this part on behalf of the organization or
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individuals who elected, designated, appointed or selected them in
accordance with traditional Tribal means.
ii. Revised Definitions: The FY 2009 PA clarifies definitions for
the following terms: leveraged resources and resolution.
The FY 2009 PA revised definitions will be:
Leveraged Resources: The non-ANA resources, as expressed as a
dollar figure, acquired during the project period that support the
project and exceed the 20 percent applicant match required for ANA
grants. Such resources may include any natural, financial and physical
resources available within the Tribe, organization or community to
assist in the successful completion of the project. An example would be
an organization that agrees to provide a supportive action, product,
service, human or financial contribution that will add to the potential
success of the project.
Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed and
dated Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing
body) in support of the project for the entire project period. Tribally
chartered or authorized divisions must submit a Resolution from the
Tribe's official governing body if the division falls under the
jurisdiction of the Tribe. The Resolution must indicate who is
authorized to sign documents and negotiate on behalf of the Tribe or
organization. The Resolution must indicate that the community was
involved in the project planning process, and indicate the specific
dollar amount of any eligible matching funds (if applicable).
(C) ANA Application Evaluation Criteria: In order to clarify for
the applicant specific information requests in the evaluation criteria,
additional explanation is included for the following sub-criteria:
Community Involvement in Objectives and Need for Assistance criterion;
Project Strategy, Project Challenges and Contingency Planning, and
Objective Work Plan in Approach criterion; and Budget Justification/
Cost Effectiveness in Budget and Budget Justification criterion.
i. Community Involvement sub-criterion in Objectives and Need for
Assistance criterion. A sentence was added to identify for applicants
what details are needed for documentation of community meetings. (Legal
authority: Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native American
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3.)
The new FY 2009 PA text for Community Involvement will be:
Community Involvement (6 points): Describe in detail how the
community to be served was involved in the planning process and the
origins of the project idea. Describe within the project proposal how
the identified community participated in the development of the
project. Demonstrate and document community and/or Tribal government
support for the project. Discuss the relationship of any non-ANA-funded
activities supportive of the project. Documented support is a critical
element of this evaluation criterion and includes, but is not limited
to, materials such as letters of support, testimonials and community
meeting minutes.
Documented support should include the date and topic of the meeting
and a summary of the meeting outcome.
ii. Project Strategy sub-criterion in Approach criterion. The
description was expanded to clarify for applicants that the strategy
should be an overview of the Objective Work Plan and that the
applicants should clearly identify how the proposed project is
different from similar, previously ANA-funded projects. (Legal
authority: Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native American
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3.)
The new FY 2009 PA text for Project Strategy will be:
Project Strategy (10 points): Present a narrative on the project
strategy and implementation plan (Objective Work Plan--see below) for
the entire project period. Be clear and concise. Provide a clear
relationship between the proposed project goal and the project
objectives. Discuss how the project objectives will support and assist
the achievement of the project goal. Discuss how the project goal will
support and assist the achievement of the community's long-range goals.
Discuss how the current proposed project differs from previously ANA-
funded projects, which may be similar in nature to the current proposed
project.
iii. Project Challenges and Contingency Planning in Approach
criterion. The description was expanded to clarify for applicants what
ANA is requesting in a contingency plan. (Legal authority: Section
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3.)
The new FY 2009 PA text for Project Challenges and Contingency
Planning will be:
Project Challenges and Contingency Planning (5 points): Based on
ANA's project funding history and information gathered from project
impact evaluations, ANA has determined that all projects encounter
challenges and therefore need to have a contingency plan should a
significant challenge arise. Challenges can arise because applicants
make assumptions about critical events, conditions and/or decision
outside of the control of project management. The applicant needs to
identify challenges that may arise during the project's initial start
up and throughout the project period. Consider such challenges as
difficulty hiring and retaining key staff, difficulty recruiting
community members and/or volunteers for project activities, difficulty
recruiting target audience (e.g., students, children, elders),
difficulty securing agreed-upon support from partners to provide
services/funding, planning shortfalls, possible disruption of the
project timeline due to Tribal elections and difficulty securing
permits or licensing from government entities. Identify potential
challenges and explain the contingency plans (see Definitions) that
will be implemented to overcome those challenges. The contingency plan
should ensure that the project will be successfully completed within
the proposed funding timeframe. A contingency plan is not to pre-empt
challenges, but rather to address challenges if they arise.
iv. Objective Work Plan sub-criterion in Approach criterion. The
description was expanded to clarify for applicants the instructions for
completing the OWP form (OMB Control No. 0980-0204). (Legal authority:
Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native American Programs Act of
1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3.)
The new FY 2009 PA text for Project Strategy will be:
Objective Work Plan (20 points): The ANA Objective Work Plan (OWP)
form is the blueprint for the project. The OWP provides detailed
descriptions of the project goal, the project objectives, supporting
activities and the results and benefits to be expected. It provides the
what, how, when, where and by whom of the project. As such, it is a
stand-alone document that should provide sufficient information for an
application reviewer, ANA staff or a project manager to understand the
project and how it will be implemented. The OWP is the basis for
reporting on the project.
A project cannot exceed three objectives per project period.
Complete an ANA OWP form for each objective per budget period. If
submitting an electronic application, some objectives will require more
than one form. In addition, some objectives may last more than one
budget period. Ensure that the
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objective is correctly stated in the OWP, the project narrative and on
the ANA Abstract form.
The objective statement should contain the following basic
elements: what will be accomplished during the project period and when
it will be accomplished. Each objective should be Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Results-oriented and Time-bound (SMART).
For each objective, list activities that provide a road map to
achieve the objective. Each activity is a step in the logical
progression of the project. Include specific and significant activities
(e.g., hiring staff, developing first draft), ongoing activities (e.g.,
meetings and classes), the type of activity (e.g., workshops, retreats
and seminars), the type of audience, the submission of required ANA
reports and attendance at ANA post-award training. Especially useful
are activities that show progress and/or results on a quarterly basis.
Explain how the activities outlined in the OWP will lead to the
successful achievement of the project objectives and goal.
Identify the position responsible for the completion of each
activity by identifying the title(s) of the salaried project staff
person(s). Identify time periods that are realistic to complete each
activity. Use elapsed times from the start of the project (e.g., month
1, month 2) rather than absolute dates. September 30 is the start date
for each budget period. Identify the non-salary personnel hours,
including non-salaried contributors (paid or in-kind) to the project.
List hours according to who is providing them (e.g., Committee person--
10 hours; ABC Consultant--5 hours). Provide supporting documentation
for the hours listed in this column.
The preceding instructions are recommended for the OWP form found
on the ANA Web site http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/, which can be
added as an attachment to an application on http://www.grants.gov. This
form allows for an unlimited number of activities and characters so
applicants can adequately communicate the project plan. For applicants
using the form in http://www.grants.gov, note that each objective is
limited to eight activities and each section has a limitation of 180
characters, which may not allow the applicant enough space to
adequately communicate the project plan. Furthermore, those applicants
that use http://www.grants.gov must use absolute dates for timeframe
and can identify the source of the non-salaried personnel hours in the
narrative. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants use the OWP
available on the ANA Web site and attach the completed OWP to the
http://www.grants.gov submission.
The results and benefits section of the OWP is used to track the
grantee's quarterly progress of accomplishing an individual objective
and should be broken down by quarter. The results and benefits must
directly relate to the activities that support the accomplishment of an
objective in the OWP. The results and benefits are used to monitor the
project's quarterly progress and must include target numbers. The
criteria for evaluating the results and benefits expected are of the
applicant's choosing and need to be documented and verifiable.
v. Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness sub-criterion in Budget
and Budget Justification criterion. The first paragraph was expanded to
clarify for applicants that a separate justification is requested for
each budget period. (Legal authority: Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C
of the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
2991b and 2991b-3.)
The new first paragraph text for the FY 2009 PA Project Strategy
will be:
Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness (10 points): Submit
justification narratives that support and align with the Federal and
applicant match requirement. A budget justification narrative must be
submitted for each budget period. The justification should identify how
the calculations for each of the line items were developed and explain
how they are important to the project. Include the necessary details to
facilitate the determination of allowable costs and the relevance of
these costs to the proposed project.
II. ANA FY 2009 Program Specific Changes. ANA FY 2009 PAs will be
revised to break down Program subcategories into a stand-alone PA. ANA
is developing individual PAs to comply with new guidance established by
the Administration for Children and Families. Therefore, in FY 2009 ANA
will publish nine PAs. Furthermore, to support this new requirement for
separate PAs, it is necessary that ANA make additional programmatic
changes to support and clarify each new PA.
(A) ANA Native Language Preservation and Maintenance: The former
PA, Native Language Preservation and Maintenance, included all four
separate program categories under one PA; namely, Native Language
Preservation and Maintenance Assessment (hereinafter referred to as
Native Language Assessment), Native Language Preservation and
Maintenance Planning (hereinafter referred to as Native Language
Planning), Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Implementation
(hereinafter referred to as Native Language Implementation), Native
Language Preservation and Maintenance Immersion (hereinafter referred
to as Native Language Immersion). Except for where noted in this
notice, these four PAs are the same as the 2008 Native Languages PA,
but in order to clarify submission requirements and program areas for
the public, ANA will now release each category as a separate PA. (Legal
authority: Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native American
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3 and Pub.
L. 109-394.)
i. Native Language Assessment. The Executive Summary and Funding
Area Description were revised to reflect the separation of priority
areas. The Priority Area Description was revised to include analysis in
language assessment. (Legal authority: Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C
of the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
2991b and 2991b-3 and Pub. L. 109-394.)
1. Executive Summary
The FY 2009 PA Executive Summary will be:
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the
availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funds for new community-based
activities under ANA's Native Language Preservation and Maintenance
Assessment program area. Native Language Assessment grants are used to
conduct the assessments necessary to identify the current status of the
Native American language(s) to be addressed.
2. Funding Opportunity Description
Paragraphs seven and eight of the Funding Opportunity Description
for the FY 2009 PA will be:
ANA will release four separate program announcements for funding
opportunities for the Native Language Preservation and Maintenance
program area: Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Assessment,
Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Planning, Native Language
Preservation and Maintenance Implementation and Native Language
Preservation and Maintenance Immersion.
The ANA Native Language program areas of interest are projects that
ANA considers supportive to Native American communities. Funding is not
restricted to projects of the type listed in this program announcement.
[[Page 58597]]
3. Priority Area Description
The Priority Area Description for the FY 2009 PA will be:
The purpose of a Native Language Assessment project is to conduct
an assessment of the current status of the Native language(s) within an
established community. The program area of interest is:
A project that compiles, collects, analyzes and organizes
Native language data in order to have a current description of the
community's language status obtained through a ``formal'' method (e.g.,
work performed by a linguist and/or a language survey conducted by
community members) or an ``informal method'' (e.g., a community
consensus of the language status based on elders, Tribal scholars and/
or other community members).
ii. Native Language Planning. The Executive Summary and Funding
Area Description were revised to reflect the separation of priority
areas. The Priority Area Description was revised to include all areas
of language program planning. (Legal authority: Section 803(a) and (d)
and 803C of the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3 and Pub. L. 109-394.)
1. Executive Summary
The FY 2009 PA Executive Summary will be:
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the
availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funds for new community-based
activities under ANA's Native Language Preservation and Maintenance
Planning program area. Native Language Planning grants are used to plan
a language project.
2. Funding Opportunity Description
Paragraphs seven and eight of the Funding Opportunity Description
for FY 2009 PA will be:
ANA will release four separate program announcements for funding
opportunities for the Native Language Preservation and Maintenance
program area: Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Assessment,
Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Planning, Native Language
Preservation and Maintenance Implementation and Native Language
Preservation and Maintenance Immersion.
The ANA Native Language program areas of interest are projects that
ANA considers supportive to Native American communities. Funding is not
restricted to projects of the type listed in this program announcement.
3. Priority Area Description
The Priority Area Description for FY 2009 PA will be:
The purpose of a Native Language Planning project is to encourage
Tribes and Native organizations to plan and design Native language
projects. Applicants are encouraged to develop a project that results
in a comprehensive plan to preserve the Native language that uses
current community language assessment data, reviews innovative methods
that bring older and younger Native Americans together to teach and
learn the language, and considers all essential elements needed to
sustain and implement a language project. Planning projects are for
planning and design only, and do not include activities that call for
direct language learning or instruction. Testing of any material and
curriculum developed is limited to a maximum of five students. Program
areas of interest include:
Projects to plan and design Master/Apprentice programs;
Projects to plan and design comprehensive Native language
immersion programs for a language nest or survival school;
Projects that plan, design and test curriculum for
students, parents and language instructors;
Projects that plan and design teaching materials;
Projects to record, transcribe and archive oral testimony;
Projects to plan and design language resource materials
using recorded oral testimony;
Projects that plan and design multi-media language
learning tools;
Projects that plan and design teacher certification
programs;
Projects to train teachers, interpreters or translators of
Native languages.
iii. Native Language Implementation. The Executive Summary and
Funding Area Description were revised to reflect the separation of
priority areas. The Priority Area Description was revised to identify
all areas of language program implementation. (Legal authority: Section
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3 and Pub. L. 109-394.)
1. Executive Summary
The FY 2009 PA Executive Summary will be:
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the
availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funds for new community-based
activities under ANA's Native Language Preservation and Maintenance
Implementation program area. Native Language Implementation grants are
used to implement a preservation language project that will contribute
to the achievement of the community's long-range language goal(s).
2. Funding Opportunity Description
Paragraphs seven and eight of the Funding Opportunity Description
for FY 2009 PA will be:
ANA will release four separate program announcements for funding
opportunities for the Native Language Preservation and Maintenance
program area: Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Assessment,
Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Planning, Native Language
Preservation and Maintenance Implementation and Native Language
Preservation and Maintenance Immersion.
The ANA Native Language program areas of interest are projects that
ANA considers supportive to Native American communities. Funding is not
restricted to projects of the type listed in this program announcement.
3. Priority Area Description
The Priority Area Description for FY 2009 PA will be:
The purpose of Native Language Implementation grants is to provide
support to Tribes and Native organizations in the implementation of a
Native language project to achieve the community's long-range language
goal(s). Program areas of interest include:
Projects to produce and disseminate culturally relevant
printed stories for children using the Native language of the
community;
Projects to facilitate and encourage intergenerational
teaching of Native American language skills;
Projects to disseminate culturally relevant materials to
be used to teach and enhance the use of Native American languages;
Projects to implement an immersion, mentor or distance
learning model;
Projects to produce, distribute or participate in
television, radio or other media forms to broadcast Native languages;
Projects to implement an educational site-based immersion
project.
iv. Native Language Immersion. The Executive Summary and Funding
Area Description were revised to reflect the separation of priority
areas. Furthermore, in order to clearly identify the certification that
is required at the
[[Page 58598]]
time of application submission, a definition of certification was added
and statements about the certification were included in the following
sections: Forms, Assurances and Certifications, Program Areas of
Interest and Organizational Profiles evaluation criterion. In addition,
the weighted scores for the sub-criterion found in the Organizational
Profiles evaluation criterion were changed to highlight the importance
of the certification. (Legal authority: Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C
of the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
2991b and 2991b-3 and Pub. L. 109-394.)
1. Executive Summary
The FY 2009 PA Executive Summary will be:
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the
availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funds for new community-based
activities under ANA's Native Language Preservation and Maintenance
Immersion program area. Native Language Immersion grants will only be
awarded to applicants that meet the Statutory requirements for
immersion projects with language nests or language survival schools in
accordance with Pub. L. 109-394.
2. Funding Opportunity Description.
To clarify the new PAs for language, paragraphs seven and eight
were changed.
Paragraphs seven and eight of the Funding Opportunity Description
for FY 2009 PA will be:
ANA will release four separate program announcements for funding
opportunities for the Native Language Preservation and Maintenance
program area: Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Assessment,
Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Planning, Native Language
Preservation and Maintenance Implementation and Native Language
Preservation and Maintenance Immersion.
For the ANA Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Immersion
program areas of interest, applicants must abide by the parameters
established by Pub. L. 109-394.
3. Administrative Policies
An additional Administrative Policy will be added to FY 2009 PA:
Upon application submission, a certification is required that the
applicant has not less than three years of experience in operating and
administering a Native American language survival school, Native
American language nest, or any other educational program in which
instruction is conducted in a Native American language.
4. Definitions
An additional Definition will be added to FY 2009 PA:
Certification: A document on letterhead signed by the applicant
that shows the applicant has not less than three years of experience in
operating and administering a Native American language survival school,
Native American language nest or any other educational program in which
instruction is conducted in a Native American language. This document
is required by statue in order to consider an applicant eligible for
competition in this program area.
5. Program Area of Interest
An additional instruction will be included at the end of Program
Area of Interest description in the FY 2009 PA:
A certification needs to be included by the applicant (please see
certification definition).
6. Forms, Assurances and Certifications
The instruction for the FY 2009 PA on certification required for
Native Languages--Immersion projects will be:
The applicant must provide a certification by the applicant that
the applicant has not less than three years of experience in operating
and administering a Native American language survival school, Native
American language nest or any other educational program in which
instruction is conducted in a Native American language.
7. Evaluation Criteria--Organizational Profiles
The FY 2009 PA Organizational Profiles criterion will be:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES--17 Points
Organizational Capacity: This criterion will be evaluated to the
extent the applicant demonstrates their organizational capacity and
ability to staff and implement the proposed project.
Organizational Capacity (6 points): Provide information on the
management structure of the applicant, such as personnel and financial
policies. Describe the administrative structure of the applicant and
the systems used to track the funding and progress of the project.
Demonstrate the applicant's capacity and ability to administer and
implement a project of the proposed scope. Include an organizational
chart that indicates where the ANA project will fit in the existing
administrative structure.
List all sources of Federal funding the applicant currently
oversees. Include information on the funding agency, purpose of the
funding and amount. Provide the most recent certified signed audit
letter for the organization. If the applicant has audit exceptions,
these issues should be discussed within this criterion, detailing any
steps taken to overcome the exceptions.
Applicants are required to affirm that they will credit ANA and
reference the ANA-funded project on any audio, video and/or printed
materials developed in whole or in part with ANA funds.
A consortium applicant must identify the consortium membership and
describe their roles and responsibilities. One member of the consortium
must be the recipient of the ANA funds. A consortium applicant must be
an eligible entity as defined by this program announcement and the ANA
regulations.
Include documentation signed by the membership supporting the ANA
application. ANA will not fund activities by a consortium of Tribes
that duplicate activities for which member Tribes also receive funding
from ANA. Include a copy of the consortia legal agreement or memorandum
of agreement.
List all of the applicant's current and existing partners that will
be providing support to the project's implementation. Include
information on the current organizational relationship between the
applicant and partner. The experience and expertise of these partners
must align with the activities stated in the OWP that they will be
supporting. This information should state the nature, amount and
conditions under which another agency, organization or individual will
support a project funded by ANA.
Certification (6 points): Applicants applying for a Native Language
Immersion grant must include the certification at the time the
application is submitted for consideration. Applications will be
reviewed to the extent that the following area specific wording is
included on their Certification:
Native American Language Nest Certification
The (Name of Applicant) is seeking funding from the Administration
for Native Americans (ANA) under Native Language Preservation and
Maintenance Immersion program for a site-based
[[Page 58599]]
``Language Nest.'' In accordance with Pub. L. 109-394, (Name of
Applicant) certifies that it:
(1) Provides instruction and child care through the use of a Native
American language for at least 10 children under the age of 7 for an
average of at least 500 hours per year per student; and
(2) Provides classes in a Native American language for parents (or
legal guardians) of students enrolled in a Native American language
nest (including Native American language-speaking parents); and
(3) Ensures that a Native American language is the dominant medium
of instruction in the Native American language nest; and
(4) The applicant has not less than three years of experience in
operating and administering a Native American language nest.
Certification for a Native American language nest should include
all four requirements, be on letterhead and be signed by the applicant.
Native American Language Survival School Certification
The (Name of Applicant) is seeking funding from the Administration
for Native Americans (ANA) under Native Language Preservation and
Maintenance Immersion program for a site-based survival school. In
accordance with Pub. L. 109-394, (Name of Applicant) certifies that it:
(1) Provides an average of at least 500 hours of instruction
through the use of one or more Native American languages for at least
15 students for whom a Native American survival school is their
principal place of instruction; and
(2) Develops instructional courses and materials for learning
Native American languages and for instruction through the use of Native
American languages; and
(3) Provides for teacher training fluency in a Native American
language and academic proficiency in mathematics, reading (or language
arts) and science; and
(4) Is located in areas that have high numbers or percentages of
Native American students; and
(5) The applicant has not less than three years of experience in
operating and administering a Native American language survival school.
Certification for a Native American language survival school should
include all five requirements, be on letterhead and be signed by the
applicant.
Project Staffing Plan (5 points): Provide staffing and position
data that includes a proposed staffing pattern for the project.
Describe the process and general timeframe to hire staff (such as
advertising or recruiting from within the community). Explain how the
current and future staff will manage the proposed project. Full project
position descriptions are required to be submitted as an attachment.
Brief biographies and/or resumes of identified key positions or
individuals will be included as an attachment. Project positions
discussed in this section must match the positions identified in the
OWP and in the itemized budget. Note: Applicants are strongly
encouraged to give preference to qualified Native Americans, in
accordance with applicable laws, in hiring project staff and in
contracting services under an approved ANA grant.
(B) Family Preservation--Improving the Well-Being of Children: In
FY 2009, Family Preservation--Improving the Well-Being of Children
(hereinafter referred to as Family Preservation) program area will
replace the Native American Healthy Marriage Initiative program area.
This action was taken to broaden the ANA Native American Healthy
Marriage Initiative to include other children and family projects. In
addition, as per the Administration for Children and Families
requirement, two PAs will be published for FY2009. The PAs reflect the
two types of projects, project planning and project implementation. The
changes identified below are to clearly identify the expanded scope of
these program areas and separate the planning and implementation
project categories. (Legal authority: Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C
of the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
2991b and 2991b-3.)
i. Family Preservation--Project Planning.
a. Executive Summary
The FY 2009 PA Executive Summary will be:
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the
availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funds for projects that plan for
approaches to improve child well-being by removing barriers associated
with strengthening families (including fatherhood, parenting, foster
parenting, grandparents raising grandchildren and absentee parent
activities), forming and preserving healthy families, relationships and
marriages (including Traditional Native American and Pacific Basin
marriages) and sustaining healthy families, relationships and marriages
in Native American and Pacific Basin communities. ANA's FY 2009 goals
and program areas of interest are focused on strengthening children,
families and communities through financial assistance to community-
based organizations including faith-based organizations, Tribes and
Village governments.
The goals of the ANA Family Preservation PA is to increase the
well-being of children through family preservation activities; increase
the percentage of children who are raised in a healthy environment free
of child abuse and neglect; increase the percentage of youth and young
adults who have the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions
about healthy relationships; increase the percentage of couples who are
equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain
healthy relationships and marriages; increase the percentage of
children who are raised by two parents in a healthy family environment
that is also free of domestic violence; increase the percentage of
involvement by absentee parents in the lives of their children,
increase public awareness in communities about the value of healthy
families, relationships, marriages and responsible fatherhood and
encourage and support research on healthy families, relationships and
marriages and healthy marriage education.
b. Funding Opportunity Description
The FY 2009 PA Funding Opportunity Description will be:
This program announcement specifically promotes planning culturally
competent strategies for strengthening families, fostering child well-
being, healthy relationships and marriages and responsible fatherhood
to preserve healthy families within the Native American and Pacific
Basin Communities.
This program announcement seeks to fund projects that engage in the
planning of approaches to remove barriers to forming lasting families,
healthy relationships and healthy marriages in Native American and
Pacific Basin communities. Projects funded under this program
announcement will include activities that design and engage in a
community planning process that identifies barriers to forming healthy
families, relationships and marriages (including Traditional Native
American and Pacific Basin marriages); assesses the needs and interest
of the community to participate in a family strengthening project;
assesses existing absentee parenting programs, fatherhood programs,
grandparents raising grandchildren programs, and foster parent
programs; identifies strategies to implement a
[[Page 58600]]
family strengthening project; plans and develops curricula for family
strengthening programs; and develops projects that are designed to
reduce or eliminate the challenges and barriers identified by the
community.
c. Priority Area Description
The FY 2009 PA Priority Area Description will be:
The purpose of a planning project is to engage in a community-based
planning process that assesses the current status of available
resources and barriers to family preservation, healthy relationships,
healthy marriages and child well-being within an established Native
American or Pacific Basin community. Applicants are encouraged to
develop a project that results in a comprehensive plan that includes a
community assessment of the challenges and barriers that negatively
impact families, child well-being, relationships, marriages and
parenting within Native American and Pacific Basin communities;
identifies resources and partnerships; and develops a strategy to help
sustain healthy families, relationships, marriages and responsible
fatherhood within Native American and Pacific Basin communities.
Eligibility for funding is restricted to projects of the type listed in
this program announcement. Project Planning is for planning and design
of projects only.
Applicants may only choose one or more program areas of interest
from the list below:
Healthy Marriage:
Projects that develop a:
Curriculum focused on pre-marital and marital education.
Plan to provide youth education in high schools, youth
organizations and community centers on the value of healthy
relationships and marriages. This can include education on healthy
relationship skills including conflict resolution, communication and
commitment. Projects should use a pre-marital education focused on
youth.
Plan to offer marriage education and marriage skills,
which may include relationship skills, communication skills, conflict
resolution, commitment and parenting skills to expectant couples, both
married and unmarried, absentee parents, as well as new parents, both
married and unmarried.
Plan to offer pre-marital education and marriage skills
training for couples, individuals or engaged couples interested in
marriage. Training would include a marital educational course and
couples would learn the knowledge and skills (communication, conflict
resolution, commitment) necessary to choose marriage for themselves if
they so desire.
Plan to provide marriage enhancement/enrichment and
marriage skills training programs for married couples to improve or
strengthen their relationship through a certified marital education
course. The course should include lessons on communication, conflict
resolution and commitment.
Plan to use married couples as role models and mentors in
at-risk communities to teach healthy relationship and marriage skills.
Projects should include a marital educational course that emphasizes
communication, commitment and conflict resolution; weekend retreats;
and mentor groups.
Plan to conduct research on the benefits of healthy
relationships and marriages and healthy relationship and marriage
education.
Plan to provide public advertising campaigns in Native
American and Pacific Basin communities on the value of healthy
relationships and marriage as a way to improve relationships and
marriages and strengthen family relationships.
Family Strengthening/Preservation:
Projects that develop a:
Curriculum focused on responsible fatherhood and family
preservation education (including parenting, foster parenting,
grandparents raising grandchildren and absentee parent activities).
Plan to provide youth education in high schools, youth
organizations and community centers on the value of responsible
fatherhood and family preservation.
Plan to offer services to fathers to help them overcome
barriers to positive involvement in their children's lives.
Plan to offer education and activities focused on
Responsible Fatherhood and Parenting.
Plan to offer family preservation activities in a
culturally appropriate and traditional manner within Native American
and Pacific Basin communities.
Plan to offer absentee parents services that help them to
overcome barriers that prevent them from consistent involvement in
their children's lives. Services would include activities that provide
the absentee parents opportunities to interact with their children and
increase parental involvement and also promote the value and importance
of healthy families.
Plan to offer education on communication and conflict
resolution for absentee parents to improve the custodial and non-
custodial parental relationship and increase absentee parents'
involvement in their children's lives.
Plan to reduce child/infant abuse and neglect and family
domestic violence.
Plan to address the needs of grandparents raising
grandchildren.
Plan to recruit, train and certify new Native American
foster parents or promote appropriate extended family placements or to
assist abused, neglected and abandoned Native American children, youth
and their families.
Plan to target family strengthening services to
individuals with substance abuse issues as a way to support a strong
healthy family environment.
Plan to provide public advertising campaigns in Native
American and Pacific Basin communities on the value of parental
involvement, family preservation and responsible fatherhood as a way to
strengthen family relationships.
d. Funding Restrictions
The following funding restriction will be added to the FY 2009 PA:
Counseling or therapeutic activities that are medically based.
e. Evaluation Criteria. Changes were made to the Approach
evaluation criterion, specifically Project Strategy sub-criterion and
Objective Work Plan sub-criterion.
The FY 2009 PA Project Strategy sub-criterion will be:
Project Strategy (10 points): Present a narrative on the project
strategy and implementation plan (Objective Work Plan--see below*) for
the entire project period. Be clear and concise. Provide a clear
relationship between the proposed project goal and the project
objectives. Discuss how the project objectives will support and assist
the achievement of the project goal. Discuss how the project goal will
support and assist the achievement of the community's long-range goals.
Discuss how the current proposed project differs from previously ANA-
funded projects which may be similar in nature to the current proposed
project.
See section I.C.iv Objective Work Plan sub-criterion on
Approach Criterion in this Notice Of Public Comment for the Objective
Work Plan Instructions.
The FY 2009 PA Objective Work Plan sub-criterion will have the
following text added:
If planning a project focused on healthy relationships, healthy
marriages or fatherhood, include an activity to plan and design the
Domestic Violence Protocol (see Definitions) the proposed project will
use to identify and provide
[[Page 58601]]
appropriate referral or services for individuals or couples where
violence may be occurring.
ii. Family Preservation--Implementation Projects
a. Executive Summary
The FY 2009 PA Executive Summary will be:
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the
availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funds for projects that implement
approaches to improve child well-being by removing barriers associated
with strengthening families (including fatherhood, foster parenting,
absentee parent activities and grandparents raising grandchildren),
forming and preserving healthy families, relationships and marriages
(including Traditional Native American and Pacific Basin marriages).
ANA's FY 2009 goals and program areas of interest are focused on
strengthening children, families and communities through financial
assistance to community-based organizations including faith-based
organizations, Tribes and Village governments.
The goal of the ANA Family Preservation PA is to increase the well-
being of children through family preservation activities; increase the
percentage of children who are raised in a healthy environment free of
child abuse and neglect; increase the percentage of youth and young
adults who have the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions
about healthy relationships; increase the percentage of couples who are
equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain
healthy relationships and marriages; increase the percentage of
children who are raised by two parents in a healthy family environment
that is also free of domestic violence; increase the percentage of
involvement by absentee parents in the lives of their children,
increase public awareness in communities about the value of healthy
families, relationships, marriages and responsible fatherhood; and
encourage and support research on healthy families, relationships and
marriages and healthy marriage education.
b. Funding Opportunity Description
The FY 2009 PA Funding Opportunity Description will be:
This program announcement specifically promotes implementing
culturally competent strategies for strengthening families, fostering
child well-being, healthy relationships and marriages, and responsible
fatherhood to preserve healthy families within the Native American and
Pacific Basin communities.
This program announcement seeks to fund projects that engage in the
implementation of approaches to remove barriers to forming lasting
families and healthy relationships and marriages in Native American and
Pacific Basin communities. Projects funded under this program
announcement will include activities that provide community resources
such as family strengthening programs (fatherhood, parenting, absentee
parental involvement, foster parenting and grandparents raising
grandchildren); healthy relationships; healthy marriages (including
Traditional Native American and Pacific Basin marriages); marriage
education/enrichment training; pre-marital education; relationship
skills education on communication, conflict resolution and commitment;
and other support activities such as family outings, family
strengthening groups, and weekend pre-marital/marital education and
family retreats.
c. Priority Area Description
The FY 2009 PA Priority Area Description will be:
Family Preservation--Improving the Well-Being of Children Project
Implementation
The purpose of an implementation project is to support a community-
based project focused on family preservation, healthy relationships,
marriage, parenting, foster parenting, grandparents raising
grandchildren, fatherhood and absentee parent involvement in Native
American and Pacific Basin communities. ANA will not fund curriculum
development in an implementation project. Minor text and/or activity
modification to existing curricula to make the curricula community-
appropriate will be allowed in the first two months of an
implementation project. Eligibility for funding is restricted to
projects of the type listed in this program announcement. Project
Implementation is for implementation of projects only.
Applicants may only choose one or more program areas of interest
from the list below:
Healthy Marriage:
Projects that provide youth education in high schools,
youth organizations and community centers on the value of healthy
relationships and marriages. This can include education on healthy
relationship skills, including conflict resolution, communication and
commitment. Projects should use a pre-marital education focused on
youth.
Projects that offer marriage education and marriage
skills, that may include relationship skills, communication skills,
conflict resolution, commitment and parenting skills to expectant
couples, both married and unmarried, absentee parents, as well as new
parents, both married and unmarried.
Projects that offer pre-marital education and marriage
skills training for couples, individuals or engaged couples interested
in marriage. Training would include a marital educational course and
couples would learn the knowledge and skills (communication, conflict
resolution, commitment) necessary to choose marriage for themselves if
they so desire.
Projects that provide marriage enhancement/enrichment and
marriage skills training programs for married couples to improve or
strengthen their relationship through a certified marital education
course. The course should include lessons on communication, conflict
resolution and commitment.
Projects that use married couples as role models and
mentors in at-risk communities to teach healthy relationship and
marriage skills. Projects should include a marital educational course
that emphasizes communication, commitment and conflict resolution;
weekend retreats; and mentor groups.
Projects that conduct research on the benefits of healthy
relationships and marriages and healthy relationship and marriage
education.
Projects that provide public advertising campaigns in
Native American, and Pacific Basin communities on the value of healthy
relationships and marriage as a way to improve relationships and
marriages and strengthen family relationships.
Family Strengthening/Preservation:
Projects that provide youth education in high schools,
youth organizations and community centers on the value of responsible
fatherhood and family preservation.
Projects that offer services to fathers to help them
overcome the barriers to positive involvement in their children's
lives.
Projects that offer education and activities focused on
Responsible Fatherhood and Parenting.
Projects that offer family preservation activities in a
culturally appropriate and traditional manner within Native American
and Pacific Basin communities.
[[Page 58602]]
Projects that offer absentee parents services that help
them to overcome barriers that prevent them from consistent involvement
in their children's lives. Services would include activities that
provide the absentee parents opportunities to interact with their
children and increase parental involvement, and also promote the value
and importance of healthy families.
Projects that offer education on communication and
conflict resolution for absentee parents to improve the custodial and
non-custodial parental relationship and increase absentee parents'
involvement in their children's lives.
Projects to reduce child/infant abuse and neglect and
family domestic violence.
Projects that address the needs of grandparents raising
grandchildren.
Projects to recruit, train and certify new Native American
foster parents or promote appropriate extended family placements or to
assist abused, neglected, and abandoned Native American children, youth
and their families.
Projects that target family strengthening services to
individuals with substance abuse issues as a way to support a strong
healthy family environment.
Projects that provide public advertising campaigns in
Native American, and Pacific Basin communities on the value of parental
involvement, family preservation and responsible fatherhood as a way to
strengthen family relationships.
d. Funding Restrictions
The following funding restriction will be added to the FY 2009 PA:
Counseling or therapeutic activities that are medically based.
e. Evaluation Criteria
Changes were made to the Approach evaluation criterion, Project
Strategy sub-criterion and Organizational Profiles, Project Staffing
sub-criterion.
The FY 2009 PA Project Strategy sub-criterion will be:
Project Strategy (10 points): Present a narrative on the project
strategy and implementation plan (Objective Work Plan--see below*) for
the entire project period. Be clear and concise. Provide a clear
relationship between the proposed project goal and the project
objectives. Discuss how the project objectives will support and assist
the achievement of the project goal. Discuss how the project goal will
support and assist the achievement of the community's long-range goals.
Discuss how the current proposed project differs from previously ANA
funded projects which may be similar in nature to the current proposed
project.
Applicants should provide information on the curricula they will be
utilizing within their project and how it is community appropriate to
the project. ANA will not fund curriculum development in an
implementation grant. Minor text and/or activity modification to
existing curricula to make the curricula community-appropriate will be
allowed in the first two months of an implementation project.
Applicants are required to discuss the Domestic Violence Protocol
(see Definitions) that the proposed project will use to identify and
provide appropriate referral or services for individuals or couples
where violence is occurring if implementing a project focused on
healthy relationships, healthy marriages or fatherhood. Applicants
should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the information and services
provided by domestic violence coalitions within the community.
* See section I.C.iv Objective Work Plan sub-criterion on Approach
Criterion in this Notice Of Public Comment for the Objective Work Plan
Instructions.
The FY 2009 PA Project Staffing Plan sub-criterion will be:
Project Staffing Plan (5 points): Provide staffing and position
data that includes a proposed staffing pattern for the project.
Describe the process and general timeframe to hire staff (such as
advertising or recruiting from within the community). Explain how the
current and future staff will manage the proposed project. Full project
position descriptions are required to be submitted as an attachment.
Brief biographies and/or resumes of identified key positions or
individuals will be included as an attachment. Project positions
discussed in this section must match the positions identified in the
OWP and in the itemized budget. Note: Applicants are strongly
encouraged to give preference to qualified Native Americans, in
accordance with applicable laws, in hiring project staff and in
contracting services under an approved ANA grant. Applicants should
state any required training they will need in order to be certified in
a particular curriculum. Certification should occur within the first
two months of an implementation project.
(C) ANA SEDS: ANA FY 2009 PAs were revised from FY 2008 to split
categories into separate PAs, according to Administration for Children
and Families requirements. Therefore, ANA will publish two PAs, namely
Social and Economic Development Strategies (hereinafter referred to as
SEDS) and Social and Economic Development Strategies for Alaska
(hereinafter referred to as SEDS-AK). (Legal authority: Section 803(a)
and (d) and 803C of the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3.)
i. SEDS. The Priority Area Descriptions for social projects were
changed. The priority areas focused on family preservation have been
moved to the Family Preservation program area, see previous section.
(Legal authority: Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
American Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3
and Pub. L. 109-394.)
Priority Area Description for Social Development
The FY 2009 PA Priority Area Description for Social Development
Projects removes the following bullets:
Projects to reduce child/infant abuse and neglect and
family domestic violence.
Projects that address the needs of grandparents raising
grandchildren.
Projects to recruit, train and certify new Native American
foster parents or promote appropriate extended family placements or to
assist abused, neglected and abandoned Native American children, youth
and their families.
ii. SEDS-AK. The Executive Summary has been changed to reflect the
new PA for SEDS-AK. A priority area for economic development projects
was added addressing traditional energy activities. Three Priority
Areas for social projects were removed to reflect their movement to the
Family Preservation and Children program area, see previous section.
(Legal authority: Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
American Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3
and Pub. L. 109-394.)
1. Executive Summary
The FY 2009 PA Executive Summary will be:
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the
availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funds for new community-based
projects under the ANA Social and Economic Development Strategies for
Alaska (SEDS-AK) program. ANA's FY 2009 SEDS-AK goals and program areas
of interest are focused on strengthening children, families and
communities
[[Page 58603]]
through community-based organizations, Tribes and Village governments.
The purpose of ANA is to promote the goal of economic and social self-
sufficiency for American Indians, Native Hawaiians, Alaskan Natives and
other Native American Pacific Islanders, including American Samoa
Natives.
2. Priority Area Description for Economic Development
The FY2009 PA Priority Area Description for Economic Development
Projects adds the following bullet:
Projects to promote traditional energy activities and
practices that support conservation and help to mitigate the high costs
associated with the purchase, transportation, and storage of fuel in
remote Alaskan Villages.
3. Priority Area Description for Social Development
The FY 2009 PA Priority Area Description for Social Development
Projects removes the following bullets:
Projects to reduce child/infant abuse and neglect and
family domestic violence.
Projects that address the needs of grandparents raising
grandchildren.
Projects to recruit, train and certify new Native American
foster parents or promote appropriate extended family placements or to
assist abused, neglected and abandoned Native American children, youth
and their families.
(D) ANA ERE: The FY 2009 PA includes an additional instruction in
the Approach evaluation criterion, Project Strategy sub-criterion. This
change reflects the need for additional information related to the land
area and natural resources over which the applicant has jurisdiction.
(Legal authority: Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
American Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3
and Pub. L. 109-394.)
The FY 2009 PA Approach evaluation criterion, Project Strategy sub-
criterion will have the following statement added:
Applicants are required to describe a land base or other resources,
e.g., river or body of water, over which they exercise jurisdiction to
implement Tribal regulation of environmental quality. Maps and photos
of the area are encouraged.
Dated: September 30, 2008.
Quanah Crossland Stamps,
Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.
[FR Doc. E8-23662 Filed 10-6-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P