 |
Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Federal Agency Name
Administration for Children and Families, Children's
Bureau
Funding Opportunity Title: Demonstration Projects in Post-Adoption Services and Marriage Education Education
Announcement Type: Competitive Grant-Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CO-0021
CFDA Number: 93.652
Due Date: The due date for receipt of applications is July 23, 2004
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support continuous
innovation and improvement in the quality of post-adoption services
designed to improve outcomes for adopted children and their families.
Funded projects will implement and evaluate post-adoption services
which include a marriage education component.
These post-adoption demonstration projects will provide services to
strengthen and preserve families who have adopted children from public
child welfare systems. The services provided must add to, not take the
place of services supported by any other funds available to the
applicant for the same general services.
These projects will include implementation and evaluation of an
articulated, specifiable program supporting marriage relationships
targeting adoptive parents. The program must promote healthy marriage
and family formation as a means of achieving safety, permanency, and
well-being for adopted children and their families, particularly those
in the child welfare system. By supporting adoptive couples through
marriage strengthening services, parents are expected to be better able
to meet the unique stresses of adopting a child. Marriage education
services that are provided will work to strengthen and protect the
well-being of both children and families.
The Children's Bureau is interested in projects that identify the
needs of adoptive families and propose a feasible and appropriate plan
for providing a wide range of services, including marriage education,
to meet these needs. The proposed design must include marriage
education. Additional services may include education and support for
families and children, services to prevent adoption disruption, and
crisis intervention. Services provided by the proposed project may
include respite care, individual, group and/or family counseling, case
management, and assistance to adoptive parents, adopted children, and
siblings of adopted children.
All projects must be administered by agencies that have child
welfare, adoption, post-adoption and marriage education experience.
This includes organizations with expertise in child welfare and
adoption, and organizations which currently serve children in the
public child welfare system. Collaborative efforts and
interdisciplinary approaches are acceptable. Applications from
collaborations must identify a primary applicant responsible for
administering the grants.
Background Information
According to 2003 estimates, 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.
Professionals in the adoption field have long realized that agency
services to adoptive families should not end with the legalization of
the adoption. These children and families still face many challenges in
achieving adoption stability. The Adoption Opportunities program,
section 205 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption
Reform Act of 1978, (Pub. L. 95-266), as amended by the Keeping
children and families Safe Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-36), authorizes
funds to meet these needs.
Research and practice experience over the past two decades have
shown that children once thought unadoptable can be placed in permanent
homes, but not all children placed remain with their adoptive parents.
Studies on adoption disruption indicate that children may have
difficulty adjusting to their adoptive families due to the loss and
trauma they experienced prior to placement; and psychological,
emotional and behavioral problems may emerge over time as these
children mature. Adoptive families also confront many challenges in
addressing the needs of these children; therefore, these children and
families have an on going, long-term need for services.
ACF has undertaken several crosscutting program and field
activities to promote the national marriage and responsible fatherhood
agenda, engaging States, communities, and faith-based organizations in
a partnership with ACF. This priority area provides a unique
opportunity to gather evidence about how communities can improve
outcomes for adopted children and their families by strengthening
marriage and promoting family life.
These demonstration grant activities will help spur new approaches
that will promote child safety, stability, and well-being by
strengthening the relationships between parents.
These programs will work to improve outcomes for adopted children
and their families by working closely with adoptive parents to
strengthen their relationship skills and improve the quality of family
life. Along with the skills that enable couples to communicate more
effectively, manage conflict, and work together as a team, these
demonstration programs can also teach the benefits that can be obtained
from identifying expected challenges in relationships so that these
challenges can be successfully negotiated when they arise.
Marriage education is based on the premise that couples can learn
how to build and maintain successful, stable marriages. One approach is
based on research into what distinguishes marriages that succeed from
those that fail. Research has found that it is not that successful
couples have fewer differences or less to fight about, but rather that
they are able to effectively handle their inevitable differences or
disagreements.\1\ Through marriage education couples can learn how to
do more of what makes marriages successful and less of what causes
marital unhappiness and breakdown. These projects will provide this
opportunity to strengthen parenting/marital skills within a healthy and
supportive relationship.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ ``Predicting Marital Happiness and Stability from Newlywed
Interactions'', Journal of Marriage and the Family; Minneapolis; Feb
1998; John M Gottman; James Coan; Sybil Carrere; Catherine Swanson.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Programs or specific elements of the proposed program must be based
on and supported by evidence from research or evaluations of the
programs. The programs proposed here may be refined from existing
programs or fully replicated programs that may have targeted
participants other than those identified here.
The programs submitted in response to this competition should test
the existing model with these participants and help the participants
develop a set of particular, measurable, and definable skills.
The partnership between the child welfare agency and
the experienced marriage education service provider must be described
as well.
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 improve outcomes for
adopted children and their families.
Note: Activities funded under this funding announcement are
demonstration projects. At the Children's Bureau a demonstration
project is one that puts into place and tests new, unique or
distinctive approaches for delivering services to a specific
population. Demonstration projects may test whether a program or
service that has proven successful in one location or setting can
work in a different context. Demonstration projects may test a
theory, idea, or method that reflects a new and different way of
thinking about service delivery. Demonstration projects may be
designed to address the needs of a very specific group of clients,
or focus on one service component available to all clients. The
scope of these projects may be broad and comprehensive or narrow and
targeted to specific populations. A demonstration project must:
(a) Develop and implement an evidence-based model 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 using multiple measures of results; and
(c) Produce detailed procedures and materials, based on the
evaluation, that will contribute to and promote evidence-based
strategies, practices and programs that may be used to guide
replication or testing in other settings.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total funding
for all awards under this funding opportunity in FY 2004 is $2 million.
Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that up to 7
projects will be funded.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The grant amount will not
exceed $300,000 in the first budget period. The Children's Bureau
reserves the right to change this amount in subsequent budget periods.
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: $300,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: The projects will be awarded for a
project period of 60 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 for these grants.
Additional Information on Eligibility: Non-profit organizations,
including community and faith-based organizations are eligible to
apply. Non-profit applicants must demonstrate proof of their 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.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$300,000. Applications exceeding the $300,000 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
$300,000 per budget period must include a match of at least $33,333 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 $300,000 grant:
$300,000 (Federal share)
divided by .90 (100%-10%)
equals $333,333 (total project cost including match)
minus $300,000 (Federal share)
equals $33,333 (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
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)
numberwhen 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.
Applications that exceed the $300,000 ceiling will be considered
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
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.
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, 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 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.
A duly authorized representative of the applicant organization must
certify that the applicant is in compliance with the Pro-children Act
of 1994 (Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke).
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.
Adoption Opportunities program applicants are not required to
submit their applications to 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.
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 a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of
the non-Federal share of project costs.
10. 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
the section titled Deadline at the beginning of the announcement. The
original copy of the application must have original signatures, signed
in black ink.
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.
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 form application copies (not
originals) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified
in the application budget. The copies may include summary salary
information.
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
Please see Section V. 1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing
the project summary/abstract and the full project description.
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 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/
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 receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time (EST) on July 23, 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 23, 2004 the
deadline date. 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 mails 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/grants/ | See application due date. |
|
2. SF424A
|
Per required form | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ | See application due date. |
|
3.a. SF424B
|
Per required form |
May
be found on May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ |
See application due date. |
|
3.b. Certification regarding
lobbying.
|
Per required form | May
be found on May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ |
See application due date. |
|
3.c. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL). |
Per required form | May be found on http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ | See application due date. |
|
3.d. Environmental Tobacco
Smoke Certification.
|
Per required form | May be found on http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ | 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
|
Responsiveness 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. |
| Total application
|
See above | See above | See application due date. |
Additional Forms: Private-non-profit organizations are encouraged
to 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), Notification under Executive
Order 12372.
Adoption Opportunities program applicants are not required to
submit their applications to 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.
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.
Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted:
http://www.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.
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. 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 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 applicant presents 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 stepsfor 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 applicant 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 adopted Children, adolescents and their families/
caregivers.
(4) The extent to which the applicant's review of the literature is
comprehensive and reflects a clear understanding of the research on
best practices and promising approaches in post-adoption services and
marriage education. 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 applicant provides a reasonable
timeline for implementing the proposed project, including major
milestones and target dates. The extent to which the applicant
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 the purpose and background sections of this funding announcement.
(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, implementing, and evaluating innovative
projects, programs, or service delivery systems in the post-adoption
and marriage education fields.
(2) The extent to which the applicant has sufficient organizational
resources to implement and evaluate 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 applicant's 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 applicant demonstrates that the project
cost and budget information submitted on the standard 424 and 424Afor
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 applicant 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.
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. The Federal government
may elect to fund applications in FY 2005 out of the pool of
applications submitted under this announcement, subject to the
availability of resources in FY 2005 and the number of acceptable
applications received.
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 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
Grantees are subject to the requirements of 45 CFR part 74
(nongovernmental) or 45 CFR part 92 (governmental).
3. Reporting
Reporting Requirements: All grantees are required to submit semi-
annual program and financial reports (SF269) with a final report 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.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact
Geneva Ware-Rice, 330 C St, SW., Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-
8354, gware-rice@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact
William Wilson, 330 C St SW., 20447, Washington, DC, 202-205-8913,
wwilson@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 websites: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/.
Dated: May 18, 2004.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, administration on Children, Youth and families.
[FR Doc. 04-11645 Filed 5-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P
