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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: Field Initiated Service Demonstration Projects in the Adoption Field
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CO-0019
CFDA Number: 93.652
Due Date: The due date for receipt of applications is July 13, 2004.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support continuous
innovation and improvement in the quality of adoption services on
topics identified by the field as cutting edge or to test new solutions
to continuing problems. Projects must address one of the ACF key
priorities: Healthy Marriage, Fatherhood, Rural Initiatives, Faith-
based and Community Initiatives, Positive Youth Development and
Prevention. Topics of interest to the Children's Bureau also include,
but are not limited to, special recruitment, retention, and support for
the adoption of children age nine and older, sibling groups and
children with disabilities. Other topics of interest include
assessment of adoption services and services that expedite adoptions.
Background Information
The number of children in out-of-home care is approximately
534,000. Children entering substitute care have complex problems that
require intensive services. Many of these children have special needs
because they are born to mothers who did not receive prenatal care, are
born with life-threatening conditions or disabilities, are born
addicted to alcohol or other drugs, have been exposed to infection with
the etiologic agent for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or have
been victims of child abuse and neglect. Each year thousands of
children are in need of placement in a permanent home. Most of these
children are difficult to place because they are older or may be part
of a sibling group. Currently there are approximately 126,000 children
waiting for adoption.
This funding opportunity is intended to support projects that
contribute to the continued expansion of knowledge about the familial
and systemic aspects of successful adoptions, as well as the benefits
of support for healthy marriages, responsible fatherhood, and positive
youth development to successful adoptions. It is believed that the
inclusion of faith-based and community organizations is important to
developing and sustaining programs that support safety, permanency and
well-being for children and families within urban and rural
communities. Applicants are encouraged to develop projects that are
highly innovative and demonstrate approaches that shorten the time
required to achieve permanency for sibling groups, children with
disabilities, and adolescents; reduce the number of adoption
disruptions; eliminate barriers to inter-jurisdictional adoption; and/
or develop and support innovative models for adoption exchanges,
networking among agencies and parent support groups across
jurisdictional boundaries.
Projects must incorporate one or more of the ACF priorities:
. Prevention: Dedicating resources to prevent the need for
intervention services.
. Rural Initiative: Strengthening rural families and
communities.
. Positive Youth Development: Promoting ongoing
relationships with adult role models; safe places with structured
activities; healthy life styles; opportunities to acquire marketable
skills; and opportunities for community service and civic
participation.
. Faith-based/Community Initiatives: Removing barriers to
the full participation of faith-based and other community services in
the delivery of social services.
. Healthy Marriage: Helping couples who choose marriage for
themselves to develop the skills and knowledge to form and sustain
healthy marriages.
. Fatherhood: Helping men become responsible, committed,
involved fathers.
For more information:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region10/priorities/index.html.
Service demonstration grants are awarded to the field to develop
collaboration strategies and models designed to increase the number of
adoptions, to provide innovative services and to test new service
delivery models designed to strengthen families who have adopted
children. Projects previously funded by the Children's Bureau have
demonstrated that adoptions can be facilitated by designing and
implementing plans for permanency early in the child's placement
process.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total for all
awards under this funding opportunity in FY2004 is $2 million.
Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that up to 5
projects will be funded.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The grant amount will not
exceed $400,000 in the first budget period. An application received
that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range specified will be
considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without
further review.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $400,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: The projects will be awarded for a
project 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
State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
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
For-profit organizations other than small businesses
Small businesses
Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply
Additional Information on Eligibility: All applicants must have
child welfare and/or adoption experience. Organizations with expertise
in child welfare and adoption, and organizations which currently serve
children in the public child welfare system are eligible to apply.
Applicants without direct access or responsibility for targeted
children must apply in partnership with States, local government
entities, or public or private licensed child welfare agencies.
Non-profit organizations, including community and faith-based
organizations are eligible to apply. Non-profit organizations applying
for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status.
Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
(a) 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.
Private non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants''
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$400,000. Applications exceeding the $400,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
The grantee must 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
$400,000 per budget period must include a match of at least $44,444 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 required 10% match
amount for a $400,000 grant:
$400,000 (Federal share) divided by .90 (100%-10%) equals $444,444
(total project cost including match) minus $400,000 (Federal share)
equals $44,444 (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 even if
over the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the required
amount will result in a disallowance of Federal funds.
Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for
funding under this announcement.
3. Other
All applicants must have a Dun and Bradstreet Number. On June 27,
2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal
Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant
applicants. The policy requires 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
online at http://www.dnb.com.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's
Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132; Telephone: (866)
796-1591.
URL to Obtain Application: http://www.Grants.gov.
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 from Grants.gov.
. We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
. You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.Grants.gov.
. You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
Private, non-profit organizations may voluntarily submit with their
applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and
Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Please see Section V.1. Criteria for instructions on preparing the
project summary/abstract and the full project description.
Each application must contain the following items in the order
listed:
--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, email 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 at the end of 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.
--Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and Budget
Justification.
Follow the instructions provided. Note that Federal funds provided
to States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds
may not be used to match project grants.
--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'' Form
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.
Adoption Opportunities program applicants are not required to
submit their applications to State Single Points of Contact (SPOC).
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:
1. The applicant will have the project fully functioning 90 days of
the notification of the grant award.
2. The applicant will participate if the Children's Bureau chooses
to do a national evaluation or a technical assistance contract that
relates to this priority area.
3. All reports will be submitted in a timely manner, in recommended
format (to be provided), and the final report will also be submitted on
disk or electronically using a standard word-processing program.
4. 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 Adoption Information Clearinghouse, 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.
5. Allocate sufficient funds in the budget to:
a. Provide for the project director and evaluator to attend an
annual 3-day grantees' meeting in Washington, DC.
b. Provide for the project director and evaluator to attend an
early kickoff meeting for grantees funded under this priority area to
be held within the first three months of the project (first year only)
in Washington, DC.
c. Provide for 10-15 percent of the proposed budget to project
evaluation.
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 part 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.
--Project Summary/Abstract (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 (see Section V. Application
Review Information). It should describe the objectives of the project,
the approach to be used and the results or benefits expected.
--Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize their
project description according to the Evaluation Criteria described in
Section V. Application Review Information of this funding opportunity
announcement providing information that addresses all the components.
--Proof of non-profit status (if applicable). See Section III.
Eligibility Information for submission information.
--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.
--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.
--Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of the
non-Federal share of project costs.
--The application limit is 80 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) 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
Section IV.3. Submission Dates and Times. 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.
Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies
(not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers if
otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary
salary information.
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 Web
site.
Organizing Your Application: The specific evaluation criteria in
Section V. Application Review Information of this funding opportunity
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 time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
eastern standard time (e.t.) on July 13, 2004. Mailed or handcarried
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on 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 the deadline time
and date at the following address: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The
Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20002-2132.
Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications
are received on or before the deadline time and date.
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., e.t., at ACYF
Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 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. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of
applications by fax.
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: Numbers for each required item correspond to the
numbering of the description of these items in Section IV.2. Content
and Form of Application Submission.
| 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. |
3. b. Certification Regarding Lobbying |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | See application due date. |
3. 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 opportunity announcement. | See application due date. |
5.
Project Description |
Responsive-ness to evaluation criteria. | See instructions in this funding opportunity 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.
Non-Federal share letter |
See above. | See above. | See application due date. |
10.
Total application |
See above. | Application limit 80 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 voluntary survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and
Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
| 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 at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. | See application due date. |
4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
The Adoption Opportunities program is not covered under Executive
Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45
CFR Part 100, ``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and
Human Services Programs and Activities.'' Therefore, applicants are not
required to submit their applications to State Single Points of Contact
(SPOC).
5. Funding Restrictions
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this
solicitation.
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 even if
over the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the required
amount will result in a disallowance of Federal funds.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: Mailed applications shall be considered as
meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the
deadline time and date at the following address: ACYF Operations
Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications
are received on or before the deadline time and date.
Hand Delivery: 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.,
e.t., at ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 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. ACF
cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax.
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
1. Criteria
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.
General Instruction for Preparing Full Project Description
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.
Project Summary/Abstract. Provide a summary of the project
description (a page or less) with reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance. Clearly identify the physical,
economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s)
requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and
the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly
stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and
testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be
included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be
included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate
demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In
developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be
requested to provide information on the total range of projects
currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of
which may be outside the scope of the program announcement.
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 application demonstrates an
understanding of the goals and objectives of the Adoption Opportunities
legislation. This includes the extent to which the proposed project
will contribute to achieving those goals and objectives, including
goals stated in the purpose and background sections of this funding
opportunity announcement.
(2) The extent to which the application present a clear vision of
the service system for the target population, including a clear
statement of the goals (end products of an effective project) and
objectives (measurable steps for reaching these goals) of the proposed
project. The extent to which these goals and objectives are based on a
thorough understanding of the characteristics of the clients and the
context of the proposed intervention.
(3) The extent to which the application demonstrates a clear
understanding of the ACF priorities (Prevention, Rural Initiatives,
Positive Youth Development, Faith and Community Initiatives, Healthy
Marriage, and Fatherhood) which are addressed by the project. The
extent to which the project will effectively incorporate and promote
one or more of these priorities in program implementation.
(4) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough
understanding of the characteristics of the target population, the
service needs of this population and community, and the status of
existing services for children, adolescents and their families/
caregivers.
(5) The extent to which the application's review of the literature
is comprehensive and reflects a clear understanding of the research on
best practices and promising approaches as it relates to the proposed
project. This includes the extent to which the review of literature
provides evidence that the proposed project is innovative and, if
successfully implemented and evaluated, likely to yield findings or
results that will contribute to and promote evidence-based practices
that will be useful to other agencies and organizations in developing
effective services and programs to address the issues effectively.
Criterion 2. Approach
In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be
considered: (50 points).
(1) The extent to which the application provides a reasonable
timeline for implementing the proposed project, including major
milestones and target dates. The extent to which the application
describes the factors that could speed or hinder project
implementation, and explains how these factors would be managed.
(2) The extent to which there is a detailed description of the
services to be provided by the program. The extent to which this
program will bridge gaps or substantially improve the current service
delivery system and benefit the target population. The extent to which
the proposed services are comprehensive in scope, will address a broad
range of the target population's needs, and include services identified
in Section I. Funding Opportunity Description.
(3) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is
evidence-based, reflects up-to-date knowledge from the research and
literature on known effective practices, and builds on current theory,
research, evaluation data and best practices. The extent to which the
project will contribute to increased knowledge or understanding of the
problem, issues, or effective strategies and practices in the field.
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. The extent to which the logic model
clearly shows how the achievement of these outcomes would be measured.
(4) The extent to which the project will be culturally responsive
to the target population.
(5) The extent to which the proposed services will involve the
collaboration of appropriate partners for maximizing the effectiveness
of service delivery. The extent to which there are letters of
commitment or memoranda of understanding from organizations, agencies,
and consultants that will be partners or collaborators in the proposed
project. The extent to which these documents describe the role of the
agency, organization, or consultant and detail specific tasks to be
performed.
(6) The extent to which there is a sound plan for effectively
evaluating the achievement of the project's objectives, customer
satisfaction, processes, outcomes, impact, the effectiveness of project
strategies and the efficiency of the implementation process. The extent
to which there is a reasonable plan for securing an external evaluator,
if not using internal resources for project evaluation.
(7) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use
of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the
intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and
qualitative outcome data. 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.
(8) The extent to which useful data on individuals and families,
types of services provided, services used, and types and nature of
needs identified and met will be effectively collected. The extent to
which there is a sound plan for an Institutional Review Board (IRB)
review, if applicable.
(9) The extent to which the products that would be developed during
the proposed project would provide information on strategies utilized
and the outcomes achieved that would support evidence-based
improvements of practices in the field. The extent to which the plan
for developing and disseminating these products is reasonable and
appropriate in scope and budget.
(10) 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, through appropriate mechanisms and forums, that will
successfully convey the information to, and support replication by,
other interested agencies.
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 any
partnering organizations collectively have sufficient experience and
expertise in developing and implementing innovative projects, programs,
or service delivery systems in the adoption, kinship, foster care, or
child welfare field.
(2) The extent to which the application evidences sufficient
organizational resources to implement the proposed project effectively,
including sufficient capacity for administration, program operations,
data processing and analysis, reporting and dissemination of findings.
(3) The extent to which the proposed project director, key project
staff, and consultants have the necessary technical skill, knowledge,
and experience to carry out their responsibilities effectively,
including administration, program operations, data collection and
analysis, reporting and dissemination of findings. The extent to which
current and proposed staff has the capacity to fill the described roles
effectively. 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 the management plan details a realistic
approach to achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time
and within budget. The extent to which this plan includes clearly
defined responsibilities timelines and benchmarks for accomplishing
project tasks. 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
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following
factors will be considered: (10 points).
(1) The extent to which the application demonstrates that the
project cost and budget information submitted on the standard 424 and
424A for the proposed program are reasonable and justified in terms of
the proposed tasks and anticipated outcomes. The extent to which fiscal
controls and accounting procedures are in place to ensure prudent use,
proper and timely disbursement, and accurate accounting of funds
received under this program announcement.
(2) The extent to which the application documents allocation of
sufficient funds in the budget to:
a. Provide for the project director and evaluator to attend an
annual 3-day grantees' meeting in Washington, DC.
b. Provide for the project director and evaluator to attend an
early kickoff meeting for grantees funded under this priority area to
be held within the first three months of the project (first year only)
in Washington, DC.
c. Provide for 10-15 percent of the proposed budget to project
evaluation.
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.
Approved but unfunded applications: 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 the later competition.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Applications will be
reviewed in the 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, the effective date of the grant, the
budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal
share to be provided, if applicable, and the total project period for
which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be
signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail.
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 Requirements
Programmatic Reports and Financial Reports are required semi-
annually with final reports due 90 days after the project end date. 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 Adoption Information Clearinghouse, 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.
Original reports and one copy should be mailed to: Administration
for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC
20447.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact
Geneva Ware-Rice, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447,
Telephone: 202-205-8354, E-mail: gware-rice@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact
William Wilson, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Telephone:
202-205-8913, E-mail: wwilson@acf.hhs.gov.
General Contact
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/.
Copies of the following Forms, Assurances, and Certifications are
available online at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Standard Form 424: Application for Federal Assistance
Standard Form 424A: Budget Information
Standard Form 424B: Assurances--Non-Construction Programs
Certification Regarding Lobbying
Form LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Standard Form 310: Protection of Human Subjects
Dated: May 6, 2004.
Frank Fuentes,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-10966 Filed 5-13-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P
