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Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Federal Agency Name
Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau
Funding Opportunity Title: Previous Abandoned Infant Comprehensive Service Demonstration Projects
Announcement Type: Competitive Grant-Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CB-0018
CFDA Number: 93.551
Due Date: The due date for receipt of applications is July 12, 2004.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide support for
the comprehensive service demonstration projects initially funded in FY
2000. Applicants should document continuing need for the project and
propose ways of improving service provision to meet the needs of
abandoned infants and young children or those who are at risk of
abandonment and their families. Applicants should also propose methods
to continue the program evaluation including proposed outcome measures
and summary evaluative data on the current program. Applicants applying
under this funding opportunity should be advised that this is a
competitive funding process and that applications approved for funding
will be given a new grant number. Further, existing award activities
cannot overlap with the new grant's project period; and finally, funds
from the currently existing grants cannot be expended for new grant
activities. Projects supported under this funding opportunity are
expected to serve as models for service provision to children and
adolescents affected by HIV/AIDS. A model project funded under this
initiative must:
(a) Develop and implement an evidence-based project with specific
components or strategies that are based on theory, research, or
evaluation data; or, replicate or test the transferability of
successfully evaluated program models;
(b) Determine the effectiveness of the model and its components or
strategies; and
(c) Produce materials that will enable others to replicate the
model.
Background
The purposes of Public Law 100-505, the Abandoned Infants Act of
1988 as amended, are to establish a program of demonstration projects
to prevent the abandonment in hospitals of infants and young children,
particularly those who have been perinatally exposed to a dangerous
drug and those with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or who have
been perinatally exposed to the virus; to identify and address the
needs of those infants and children who are, or might be, abandoned; to
develop a program of comprehensive support services for these infants
and young children and their natural families (see Definitions) that
include, but are not limited to, foster family care services, case
management services, family support services, parenting skills, in-home
support services, counseling services and group residential home
services; and to recruit and train health and social services
personnel, foster care families, and residential care providers to meet
the needs of abandoned children and infants and children who are at
risk of abandonment. The legislation also allows for the provision of a
technical assistance training program to support the planning,
development and operation of the service demonstration projects. The
reauthorized legislation allows the Secretary to give priority to
applicants located in States that have developed and implemented
procedures for expedited termination of parental rights and placement
for adoption of infants determined to be abandoned under State law.
Definitions
Abandoned and Abandonment--The terms ``abandoned'' and
``abandonment,'' used with respect to infants and young children, mean
that the infants and young children are medically cleared for discharge
from acute-care hospital settings, but remain hospitalized because of a
lack of appropriate out-of-hospital placement alternatives.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome--The term ``acquired immune
deficiency syndrome'' includes infection with the etiologic agent for
such syndrome, any condition indicating that an individual is infected
with such etiologic agent, and any condition arising from such
etiologic agent.
Dangerous Drug--The term ``dangerous drug'' means a controlled
substance, as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act
(21 U.S.C. 802).
Natural Family--The term ``natural family'' shall be broadly
interpreted to include natural parents, grandparents, family members,
guardians, children residing in the household, and individuals residing
in the household on a continuing basis who are in a care-giving
situation, with respect to infants and young children covered under
this Act.
Projects funded under this program must do the following things:
Projects funded under this announcement must collect descriptive
data on characteristics of individuals and families served, types and
nature of needs identified and met, the services provided, measures of
client outcomes, child development and well-being, client satisfaction,
parenting skills, parent/child interaction, cost benefit, service
utilization information, and any other such information as may be
required by ACYF. (For additional information on outcome measures,
suggested data collection instruments, and specific data
characteristics, please contact the National Abandoned Infants
Assistance Resource Center's Web site http://aia.berkeley.edu.
Projects must also submit descriptive data on the clients served
and the services provided annually to the National Abandoned Infants
Assistance Resource Center. Timeframes for the submission of data on
outcome measures will be negotiated within six months after grant
award.
Projects must also comply with ACYF/CB requirements for a third
party evaluation of the project. In order to evaluate the competence of
the third-party evaluator and to assure that the evaluation methodology
and design are appropriate, the third party evaluator must write the
evaluation section of the application. This means that the evaluator
must be selected as soon as possible after an applicant has decided to
compete for a demonstration project. In selecting an evaluator,
applicants are reminded that it is a regulatory requirement to
encourage maximum free and open competition, using the applicant's own
procurement policies and procedures. The application must indicate
whether the third party evaluator was competitively selected, or
whether the applicant is proposing a sole source contract for the
evaluator. Sole source procurements must be fully justified in the
application. For those applicants who plan to continue the services of
their current third party evaluator, the applicant must include in the
application a sole source justification for review, by the program
office and the Office of Grants Management, ACYF.
Applications including residential care services should make that
component a part of and integral to a larger system of services
directed toward achieving permanency for the children. These
residential services should be transitional (i.e., three to six months
and no longer) to a permanent placement.
Applicants should commit no less than 10% of the total approved
project cost for the evaluation component. For example, a $450,000
grant award with a $50,000 match should commit no less than $50,000
annually to the evaluation effort or a total of no less than $200,000
during the entire project period.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: The anticipated total for
all awards under this funding announcement in FY 2004 is $2.7 million.
Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that 3 to 6
projects will be funded.
Ceiling on amount of individual Awards: The maximum Federal share
of the project is $450,000 in the first budget period. An application
received that exceeds that amount will be considered ``non-responsive''
and be returned to the applicant without further review.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: none.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $450,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: The projects will be awarded for a
period of 48 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-month
budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-month
budget period will be subject to the availability of funds,
satisfactory progress on the part 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 governments
County governments
City or township governments
State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized
tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education
Non-profits that do not have 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Additional Information on Eligibility: Only those Abandoned Infants
Comprehensive Service Demonstration Projects that were funded in FY
2000 are eligible to apply.
Non-profit applicants must submit proof of their non-profit status
and this proof must be included in their applications. Proof of non-
profit status is any one of the following:
(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 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.
Applications that exceed the $450,000 ceiling will be considered
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
The grantee should provide at least 10 per cent of the total
approved cost of the project. The total approved cost is the sum of the
Federal share and the non-Federal share. Therefore, a project
requesting $450,000 per budget period should include a match of at
least $50,000 per budget period. Applicants should provide a letter of
commitment verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of
project costs.
The following example shows how to calculate the 10% match amount
for a $450,000 grant: $450,000 (Federal share) divided by .90 (100% -
10%) equals $500,000 (total project cost including match) minus
$450,000 (federal share) equals $50,000 (required 10% match).
The non-federal share may be cash or in-kind contributions,
although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements
through cash contributions. If approved for funding, grantees will be
held accountable for the commitment of non-Federal resources and
failure to provide the required amount will result in a disallowance of
unmatched Federal funds.
3. Other (if applicable)
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 all Federal grant applicants to
provide a Dun and 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.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132; Telephone: (866) 796-1591.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
You may submit your application to us either in 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. You may
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grants.gov.
. Electronic submission is voluntary.
. When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.gov.
. To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
. You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in paper format.
. You may submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF424 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 form 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.
Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted: Grants.gov.
Address Where Hard Copy Applications Will Be Accepted: Children's
Bureau Grant Receipt Point, ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-2132.
Each application must contain the following items in the order
listed:
1. Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424). Follow
the instructions below and those that accompany the form.
In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS number in ``Organizational DUNS:''
box.
In Item 5 of Form 424, include name, phone number, and, if
available, e-mail and fax numbers of the contact person.
In Item 8 of Form 424, check ``New.''
In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for
which funds are being requested as stated in this funding opportunity
announcement.
In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single funding opportunity the
application addresses.
In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the specific geographic area to be
served.
In Item 14 of Form 424, identify Congressional districts of both
the applicant and project.
2. Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and
Budget Justification. Follow the instructions provided and those in the
Uniform Project Description. Note that Federal funds provided to States
and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds may not be
used to match project grants.
3. Certifications/Assurances. Applicants requesting financial
assistance for nonconstruction projects must file the Standard Form
424B, ``Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign
and return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants
must provide a certification regarding lobbying when applying for an
award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the
certification with their applications.
Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form
LLL 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 to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding
environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application,
the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the
certification with the applications.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC
contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
By signing the ``Signature of Authorized Representative'' on the SF
424, the applicant is providing a certification and need not mail
assurances for completing the following grant and cooperative agreement
requirements: Participation in any evaluation or technical assistance
effort supported by ACYF; submission of all required semi-annual and
final Financial Status Reports (SF269) and Program Performance Reports
in a timely manner, in hard-copy and electronic formats (preferably MS
WORD and PDF) as negotiated with the Federal Project Officer; and
attendance of a key staff person and evaluator from the project at an
annual 3-5 day grantees' meeting (to be determined by the Children's
Bureau) in Washington, DC and at a ``kick-off'' meeting following award.
The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services provides website information and policy
guidance on the Federal regulations pertaining to protection of human
subjects (45 CFR 46), informed consent, informed consent checklists,
confidentiality of personal identification information, data collection
procedures, and internal review boards:
http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/polasur.htm.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed Form 310,
Protection of Human Subjects.
In implementing their projects, grantees are expected to comply
with all applicable administrative regulations regarding extent or
types of costs. Applicable DHHS regulations can be found in 45 CFR part
74 or 92.
4. Project Abstract/Summary (one page maximum). Clearly mark this
page with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the Form 424,
identify the competitive grant funding opportunity and the title of the
proposed project as shown in item 11 and the service area as shown in
item 12 of the Form 424. The summary description should not exceed 300
words.
Care should be taken to produce an abstract/summary that accurately
and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the
objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the results or
benefits expected.
5. Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize
their project description according to the Evaluation Criteria
described in this funding opportunity announcement providing
information that addresses all the components.
6. Proof of non-profit status (if applicable). Any non-profit
organization submitting an application must submit proof of its non-
profit status in its application at the time of submission. Any of the
following constitutes acceptable proof of such status:
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 earning
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.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs,
provide documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost
rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
8. Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If
applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of
Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their
role, detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing
commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded.
9. Provide letters of support and commitment from faith and
community-based agencies whose cooperation will be critical to your
program's success.
10. For those applicants who propose to continue the services of
their current third party evaluator, the applicant must include in the
application a sole source justification for review by the program
office, the Office of Grants Management, and ACF.
11. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of
the non-Federal share of project costs.
12. The application limit is 90 pages total including all forms and
attachments. Submit one original and two copies.
To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted
with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this
announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following
the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual
authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility
for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant
award.
To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the application, including all
forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in
the section titled Deadline at the beginning of the announcement. The
original copy of the application must have original signatures, signed
in black ink.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the
top and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
Pages over the page limit stated within this funding opportunity
announcement will be removed from the application and will not be
reviewed. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single
package, and a separate package must be submitted for each funding
opportunity. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific
funding opportunity it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps,
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the
Federal government for review. Each copy must be stapled securely in
the upper left corner.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application: It is essential that
applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before
preparing an application and include all of the required application
forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough
understanding of the purpose and objectives of the Children's Bureau
priority-area initiatives. Reviewers expect applicants to understand
the goals of the legislation and the Children's Bureau's interest in
each topic. A ``responsive application'' is one that addresses all of
the evaluation criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding.
Applications that are considered to be ``unresponsive'' generally
receive very low scores and are rarely funded.
The Children's Bureau's Web site (http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb)
provides a wide range of information and links to other relevant
web sites. Before you begin preparing an application, we suggest that
you learn more about the mission and programs of the Children's Bureau
by exploring the website.
Organizing Your Application: The specific evaluation criteria in
Section V of this funding announcement will be used to review and
evaluate each application. The applicant should address each of these
specific evaluation criteria in the project description. It is strongly
recommended that applicants organize their proposals in the same
sequence and using the same headings as these criteria, so that
reviewers can readily find information that directly addresses each of
the specific review criteria.
Project Evaluation Plan: Project evaluations are very important. If
you do not have the in-house capacity to conduct an objective,
comprehensive evaluation of the project, then the Children's Bureau
advises that you propose contracting with a third-party evaluator
specializing in social science or evaluation, or a university or
college, to conduct the evaluation. A skilled evaluator can assist you
in designing a data collection strategy that is appropriate for the
evaluation of your proposed project. Additional assistance may be found
in a document titled ``Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation.'' A copy
of this document can be accessed at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/core/pubs_reports/prog_mgr.html or
ordered by contacting the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and
Neglect Information, 330 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20447; phone
(800) 394-3366; fax (703) 385-3206; e-mail nccanch@calib.com.
Logic Model: A logic model is a tool that presents the conceptual
framework for a proposed project and explains the linkages among
program elements. While there are many versions of the logic model,
they generally summarize the logical connections among the needs that
are the focus of the project, project goals and objectives, the target
population, project inputs (resources), the proposed activities/
processes/outputs directed toward the target population, the expected
short- and long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve,
and the evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which proposed
processes and outcomes actually occur. Information on the development
of logic models is available on the Internet at
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/ or
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cyfar/capbuilding/
Use of Human Subjects: If your evaluation plan includes gathering
data from or about clients, there are specific procedures which must be
followed in order to protect their privacy and ensure the
confidentiality of the information about them. Applicants planning to
gather such data are asked to describe their plans regarding an
Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. For more information about use
of human subjects and IRB's you can visit these Web sites:
http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2 and
http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The closing date for submission of applications is July 12, 2004.
Mailed applications received after the closing date will be classified
as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before July 12, 2004, and
received by ACF in time for the independent review. Applications must
be mailed to the following address: ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group,
ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-2132.
Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by
other representatives of the applicant 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., EST, at ACYF
Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE,
Washington, DC 20002-2132, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal
holidays). This address must appear on the envelope/package containing
the application with the note ``ATTN: Children's Bureau.'' Applicants
are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always
deliver as agreed.
Late applications: Applications which 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.
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. Determinations
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants
Management Officer.
Required Forms:
| What to submit | Required Content | Required Form or Format | When to Submit |
|---|---|---|---|
1. SF424 |
Per required form. |
May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm |
See application due date. |
2. SF424A |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | See application due date. |
3. a. SF424B |
Per required form. |
May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | See application due date. |
b. Certification Regarding Lobbying |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | See application due date. |
c. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | See application due date. |
4. Project Summary/Abstract |
Summary of application request. | See instructions in this funding announcement. | See application due date. |
5. Project Description |
Responsive-ness to evaluation criteria date. | See instructions in this funding announcement. | See application due date. |
6. Proof of non-profit status |
See above. | See above. | See application due date. |
|
7. Indirect cost rate agreement |
See above. | See above. | See application due date. |
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs |
See above. | See above. | See application due date. |
9.
Letters of Support |
See above. | See above. | See application due date. |
10.
Sole source justification |
See above. | See above. | See application due date. |
11.
Non-Federal share letter |
See above. | See above. | See application due date. |
Total Application |
See above. | Application limit 90 pages total including all forms and attachments. Submit one original and two copies. | See application due date. |
Additional Forms: Private-non-profit organizations may submit with
their applications the additional survey located under ``Grant Related
Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant
Applicants.''
| What to submit | Required content | Required form or format | When to submit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants. | Per required form...... | May be found on http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. | By application due date. |
4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 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 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action
in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in
the process, entities which have met 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. All remaining
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a) (2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are
requested to differentiate clearly 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: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
5. Funding Restrictions
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this
solicitation.
Available Funds: Applicants should note that grants to be awarded
under this program announcement are subject to the availability of
funds. The size of the actual awards will vary. In cases where more
applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money
available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of
approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of
carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding
consideration in a later competition of the same program. These
applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's
evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed
in rank order along with other applications in later competitions.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the
address below by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on or before the
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations, The
Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE, Washington, DC
20002-2132.
For Hand Delivery: 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 Standard Time on or before the closing date. Applications
that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to:
ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q Street,
NE, Washington, DC 20002-2132. It is strongly recommended that
applicants obtain documentation that the application was hand delivered
on or before the closing date. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV. 2. Content and Form
of Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when
submitting applications electronically.
V. Application Review Information
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 40 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 3/31/2004. 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.
Instruction
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more
program-specific information that is needed.
1. Criteria
General Instruction for Preparing Full Project Description
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Approach
Outline a plan of action which 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 which might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
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. Any
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.
The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of
the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most
recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3)
of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or
association is domiciled.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide 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. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Contractual
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except
for those which belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. 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, should be included under this category.
Justification: All procurement transactions shall 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). 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, it should immediately upon notification that an
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the
principles set forth in 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. It should be noted that 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.
Specific Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria will be used to review and evaluate each
application. The applicant should address each criterion in the project
description. The point values (summing up to 100) indicate the maximum
numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process.
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance
In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, the following
factors will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the applicant clearly demonstrates that
there is a continuing need for the program (e.g. sharing the results of
a thorough assessment of community needs and including letters of
support for the proposed program from community-based agencies).
(2) The extent to which the applicant clearly describes appropriate
goals (end results of an effective project) and objectives (measurable
steps for reaching these goals) for the proposed project. The extent to
which these goals and objectives will effectively address community
needs.
(3) The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a clear
understanding of the population to be served by the project, including
the needs of the target population. The extent to which the proposed
project responds appropriately to needs of this target population. The
extent to which the estimated number of infants and families to be
served by the project is reasonable and appropriate.
(4) The extent to which the geographic location to be served by the
project is clearly defined and justified based on factors such as the
key socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the targeted
community as they relate to women of childbearing age, the needs of
women and families who are affected by substance abuse and HIV/AIDS,
and the current availability of needed services that serve substance-
abusing and/or AIDS/HIV-infected women and their families in the
community.
(5) The extent to which the applicant describes significant results
or benefits that can be expected for substance-abusing women and/or
women with HIV/AIDS and their children, and community-wide results, if
any.
(6) The extent to which the program results will benefit national
policy and practice, and lead to additional research in this field.
(7) The extent to which the proposed project is based and builds on
an outcome analysis of prior evaluation(s). The extent to which this
project would improve evidence-based practices to prevent child
maltreatment. The extent to which the applicant presents a concise
summary of the literature that reflects an understanding of the
research on best practices and promising approaches in the field.
Criterion 2. Approach
In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be
considered: (50 points)
(1) The extent to which the timeline for implementing the proposed
project, including major milestones and target dates, is comprehensive
and reasonable. The extent to which the applicant's plan for managing
factors which could speed or hinder project implementation is feasible.
(2) The extent to which the specific services which would be
provided under the proposed project are appropriate and are described
in detail.
(3) The extent to which the proposed project will accomplish the
provision(s) of the legislation as stated in the Background section of
this announcement. The extent to which the need for short-term,
transitional residential care services for small groups of infants or
young children is justified (if these services are provided).
(4) The extent to which the applicant will work effectively with
terminally ill parent(s), if present in the program, to make stand-by
guardianship or stand-by adoption arrangements for their children to
ensure the smooth transition to another caregiver and prevent a
possible out-of home placement.
(5) The extent to which the project will be culturally responsive
to the target population.
(6) The extent to which any revision or expansion of project goals
and objectives is based on a review of the development and
implementation of the previously funded Abandoned Infants Comprehensive
Service Demonstration Project. The extent to which the review is based
on an assessment of the effectiveness of the approaches (and revised
approaches if appropriate) and intervention strategies initially
proposed. The extent to which this review process includes a thorough
assessment of problems in program implementation and improved
strategies to address those barriers.
(7) The extent to which the proposed approach will effectively
organize, make accessible and implement a comprehensive range of
services for substance-abusing women and women with HIV/AIDS and their
families. The extent to which the proposed range of services includes
enhanced services based on prior year's experience in conducting a
service program.
(8) The extent to which the logic model for this project
demonstrates strong links between proposed inputs and activities and
intended short-term and long-term outcomes, and shows how the
achievement of these outcomes will be accurately measured.
(9) The extent to which the qualitative and quantitative data the
program will collect will accurately measure progress towards the
stated results or benefits. The extent to which the evaluation methods
and procedures used will accurately determine the degree to which the
program has achieved the stated objectives. The extent to which the
applicant will comply with ACYF/CB requirements for third party
evaluation and for collecting and submitting descriptive, process and
outcome data as described in this announcement. The extent to which the
applicant provides a sound plan for collecting this data and securing
informed consent. The extent to which the plan includes appropriate
procedures for an Institutional Review Board (IRB) review, if
applicable.
(10) The extent to which the proposed evaluation plan would be
likely to yield findings or results about effective strategies, and
contribute to and promote evaluation research and evidence-based
practices that could be used to guide replication or testing in other
settings.
(11) The extent to which the products (if any) that would be
developed during the proposed project would provide useful information
on strategies utilized and the outcomes achieved that would effectively
support evidence-based improvements of practices in the field. The
extent to which the schedule for developing these products is
reasonable, and the proposed dissemination plan is appropriate in scope
and budget. The extent to which the intended audience (e.g.,
researchers, policymakers, and practitioners) for product dissemination
is appropriate to the goals of the proposed project. The extent to
which the project's products would be useful to each of these
audiences. The extent to which there is a sound plan for effectively
disseminating information, using appropriate mechanisms and forums to
convey the information and support replication by other interested
agencies.
(12) The extent to which there is a sound plan for continuing this
project beyond the period of Federal funding.
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles
In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors
will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the applicant organization and its staff
have sufficient experience in successfully providing comprehensive
services to substance-abusing women and women who have HIV/AIDS and
their infants and/or young children, and in collaborating effectively
with community-based agencies. The extent to which the applicant's
history and relationship with the targeted community will assist in the
effective implementation of the proposed project. The extent to which
the applicant organization's capabilities and experience relative to
this project, including experience with administration, development,
implementation, management, and evaluation of similar projects, will
enable them to implement the proposed project effectively.
(2) If the applicant represents a consortium of partner agencies,
the extent to which their background and experience with children and
families impacted by substance abuse and HIV/AIDS will support the
planning and implementation of the proposed project. The extent to
which there are letters of commitment from each partner authorizing the
applicant to apply on behalf of the consortium and agreeing to
participate if the proposal is funded.
(3) The extent to which the applicant's project director and key
project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and
capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and
complexity effectively. The extent to which the role, responsibilities
and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including
consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and
appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
The extent to which the author of this proposal will be closely
involved throughout the implementation of the proposed project.
(4) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within
budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The
extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any
partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent
to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the
proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with
Federal assistance by the applicant.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification (10 points)
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following
factors will be considered: (10 points)
(1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are
reasonable and programmatically justified, in view of the targeted
population and community, the activities to be conducted and the
expected results and benefits. (The size of a prior grant award is not,
in and of itself, adequate justification to request the same amount
under this announcement.)
(2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this
program announcement.
2. Review and Selection Process
When the Operations Center receives your application it will be
screened to confirm that your application was received by the deadline.
Federal staff will verify that you are an eligible applicant and that
the application contains all the essential elements. Applications
received from ineligible organizations and applications received after
the deadline will be withdrawn from further consideration.
A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside
the Federal government) will use the evaluation criteria described in
this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will
determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide
comments about the strengths and weaknesses and give each application a
numerical score.
All applications will be reviewed and evaluated using four major
criteria: (1) Objectives and need for assistance, (2) approach, (3)
organizational profiles, and (4) budget and budget justification. Each
criterion has been assigned a point value. The point values (summing up
to 100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion may be
given in the review and evaluation process.
Reviewers also are evaluating the project products and materials
that you propose. They will be interested in your plans for sustaining
your project without Federal funds if the evaluation findings are
supportive. Reviewers will be looking to see that the total budget you
propose and the way you have apportioned that budget are appropriate
and reasonable for the project you have described. Remember that the
reviewers only have the information that you give them--it needs to be
clear, complete, and concise.
The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in
making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts
administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results
of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to
the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF reserves the option of discussing
applications with other funding sources when this is in the best
interest of the Federal government. ACYF may also solicit and consider
comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions.
ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or
programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community
foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds
for the proposed project; or the potential for high benefit from low
Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants having
known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other problems
which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective
services or effectively complete the proposed activity.
With the results of the peer review and the information from
Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding
decisions. The Commissioner may give special consideration to
applications proposing services of special interest to the Government
and to achieve geographic distributions of grant awards. Applications
of special interest may include, but are not limited to, applications
focusing on unserved or inadequately served clients or service areas
and programs addressing diverse ethnic populations.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Applications will be
reviewed summer 2004. Grant awards will have a start date no later than
September 30, 2004.
Award Notices: Successful applicants will receive a Financial
Assistance Award which will set forth the amount of funds granted, the
terms and conditions of the grant or cooperative agreement, 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 Grants Management Office issues the award notice.
The Commissioner will notify organizations in writing when their
applications will not be funded. Every effort will be made to notify
all unsuccessful applicants as soon as possible after final decisions
are made.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
45 CFR part 74 and 45 CFR part 92.
3. Reporting
Reporting Requirements: Programmatic Reports and Financial Reports
are required semi-annually. All required reports will be submitted in a
timely manner, in recommended formats (to be provided), and the final
report will also be submitted on disk or electronically using a
standard word-processing program.
Within 90 days of project end date, the applicant will submit a
copy of the final report, the evaluation report, and any program
products to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect, 330
C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447. This is in addition to the
standard requirement that the final program and evaluation report must
also be submitted to the Grants Management Specialist and the Federal
Project Officer.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact
Pat Campiglia, 330 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-8060,
pcampiglia@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact
Bill Wilson, 330 C St SW., Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-8913,
wwillson@acf.hhs.gov.
General
The Dixon Group, ACYF Operations Center, 118 Q Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20002-2132, Telephone: (866) 796-1591.
VIII. Other Information
Additional information about this program and its purpose can be
located on the following Web sites: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/.
Dated: May 4, 2004.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-10556 Filed 5-10-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P
