On March 29, 2004, the Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) filed a charging letter against the respondent, Petrom GmbH International Trade (“Petrom”), that alleged one violation of Section 764.2(d), and six violations each of Sections 764.2(c) and 764.2(e) of the Export Administration Regulations (“Regulations”), 1 which were issued under the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended (50 U.S.C. app. 2401-2420 (2000)) (“Act”). 2

Specifically, the charging letter alleged that from on or about March 1999 to on or about May 2000, Petrom conspired and acted in concert with others, known and unknown, to bring about acts that constitute violations of the Regulations by arranging the export from the United States to Iran via Germany of items subject to the Regulations and the Iran Transaction Regulations without the required U.S. Government authorizations. In doing so, Petrom committed one violation of Section 764.2(d) of the Regulations. These items included check valves, regulatory valves, test kits, electrical equipment, ship tire curing bladders, and other spare parts, all of which were classified as EAR99 items under the Regulations.

The charging letter also alleged that from on or about March 1999 to on or about May 2000, Petrom solicited on six separate occasions violations of the Regulations by ordering the shipment of the items at issue from the United States to Iran via Germany. Petrom thereby committed six violations of Section 764.2(c) of the Regulations. Furthermore, the charging letter alleged that in making each of these six unlawful solicitations, Petrom acted with knowledge that a violation of the Regulations was intended to occur, as Iran was the intended ultimate destination of the items. The charging letter alleged that at all relevant times, Petrom knew that prior authorization was required from the U.S. Government to ship the items at issue to Germany for further shipment to Iran, and ordered the shipment of the items knowing that the shipment would occur without the required authorizations. In doing so, Petrom violated Section 764.2(e) of the Regulations.

On July 5, 2004, Petrom filed an answer denying the formal charges. As ordered by the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”), on October 20, 2004, BIS filed a Memorandum and Submission of Evidence To Supplement the Record (“Agency Brief”) and, on November 26, 2004, Petrom filed its submission to supplement the record. On January 24, 2005, BIS filed a Memorandum of Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law. Petrom did not submit any further filings to the ALJ.

Based on the record before it, on April 25, 2005, the ALJ issued a Recommended Decision and Order (“Recommended Decision and Order”) in which he found that Petrom committed the 13 violations of the Regulations described above. In considering the record as a whole, the ALJ found that Petrom conspired or acted in concert with others, mainly Sunshine Technology and Supplies, Inc. (“Sunshine”), to export items subject to the Regulations to Iran without authorization from the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) in violation of Section 746.7 of the Regulations. According to the ALJ, Petrom developed a scheme to facilitate the ordering of parts, equipment, and other items from U.S. companies, mainly through Sunshine, for export to Germany with the intent to reexport the items to Iran. The ALJ found that Sunshine was established in March 1999 to serve as a front company in the United States for procuring U.S.-origin items. See Recommended Decision and Order, 39. Indeed, the agreement that Petrom was the “actual owner” of Sunshine, and that Sunshine was established to “exclusively carry out [the] business activities of Petrom. Petrom shall provide the necessary info, instructions, payment etc. for such business activities.” Agency Brief, Exhibit 25.

In addition, the ALJ found that BIS proved by the preponderance of evidence that Petrom solicited on six separate occasions unauthorized exports for parts, equipment, and other items subject to the EAR from the United States to Iran via Germany in violation of Section 764.2(c) of the Regulations. According to the ALJ, based on “pertinent, reliable, and credible” evidence provided by the German Customs Authority, Petrom used a client identification system in its orders, invoices, and correspondence that included unique identifiers for Iranian customers. Recommended Decision and Order, 32. Based on these unique identifiers, as well as invoices, facsimiles, letters, and other documents related to the specific transactions at issue, BIS established that Petrom ordered parts, equipment, and items subject to the EAR for export to Iran, as alleged in the charging letter. See Recommended Decision and Order, 32-33.

In each of these six solicitations, the ALJ found by the preponderance of the evidence that Petrom ordered the parts, equipment, and other items at issue with knowledge that a violation of the Regulations was intended to occur. According to the ALJ, Petrom possessed “actual knowledge” that the United States maintained an embargo against Iran. Recommended Decision and Order, 38. In February 2000, in correspondence to the German Customs Authority, Petrom states that “it is the expressed business policy of our company to also consider embargo regulations of other States,” and that a particular transaction involving Iran would have been executed only “after clarification if it is permissible according to American regulations.” Agency Brief, Exhibit 28. In June 1992, Petrom directed a company in the United States to obtain export licenses from the Department of Commerce for a shipment to Iran. See Recommended Decision and Order, 38. In light of these facts, the ALJ held that Petrom committed one violation of Section 764.2(d), and six violations each of Sections 764.2(c) and 764.2(e) of the Regulations. He also recommended the penalty proposed by BIS—denial of Petrom's export privileges for 20 years and a civil monetary sanction of $143,000.

Pursuant to Section 766.22 of the Regulations, the ALJ's Recommended Decision and Order has been referred to me for final action. Based on my review of the entire record, 3 I find that the record supports the ALJ's findings of fact and conclusions of law regarding the above-referenced charge. 4 I also find that the penalty recommended by the ALJ is appropriate given Petrom's severe disregard and contempt for U.S. export control laws, the extensive and far-reaching nature of the violations, and the importance of preventing future unauthorized exports to Iran, a country against which the United States maintains an economic embargo because of its support for international terrorism. Specifically, Petrom attempted to circumvent U.S. export control laws by setting up and conspiring with a front company in the United States in an effort to order U.S.-origin items for ultimate delivery to Iran though Germany. It ordered these items for export to Iran knowing that such exports would violate the U.S. embargo on Iran. In addition, the proposed denial order is consistent with penalties imposed in recent cases under the Regulations involving shipments to Iran. See In the Matter of Adbulamir Mahdi, 68 FR 57406 (October 3, 2003) (affirming the recommendations of the ALJ that a 20-year denial was appropriate where violations involved multiple shipments of EAR99 items as part of a conspiracy to ship such items through Canada to Iran); In the Matter of Arian Transportvermittlungs GmbH, 69 FR 28120 (May 18, 2004) (affirming the recommendations of the ALJ that a 10-year denial order was appropriate where knowing violations involved a shipment of a controlled item to Iran); and In the Matter of Jabal Damavand General Trading Company, 67 FR 32009 (May 13, 2002) (affirming the recommendations of the ALJ that a 10-year denial was appropriate where knowing violations involved a shipment of an EAR99 item to Iran). In light of these circumstances, I affirm the findings of fact and conclusions of law of the ALJ's Recommended Decision and Order.

It is hereby ordered,

First, that a civil penalty of $143,000 is assessed against Petrom GmbH International Trade (“Petrom”), which shall be paid to the U.S. Department of Commerce within 30 days from the date of entry of this Order. Payment shall be made in the manner specified in the attached instructions.

Second, that, pursuant to the Debt Collection Act of 1982, as amended (31 U.S.C. §§ 3701-3702E (2000)), the civil penalty owed under this Order accrues interest as more fully described in the attached Notice, and, if payment is not made by the due date specified herein, Petrom will be assessed, in addition to the full amount of the civil penalty and interest, a penalty charge and an administrative charge, as further described in the attached Notice.

Third, that, for a period of twenty years from the date on which this Order takes effect, Petrom GmbH International Trade, Maria-Theresa Strasse 26, Munich 81675, Germany, and all of its successors or assigns, and when acting for or on behalf of Petrom, its officers, representatives, agents, and employees (individually referred to as “a Denied Person”), may not, directly or indirectly, participate in any way in any transaction involving any commodity, software, or technology (hereinafter collectively referred to as “item”) exported or to be exported from the United States that is subject to the Regulations, or in any other activity subject to the Regulations, including, but not limited to:

A. Applying for, obtaining, or using any license, License Exception, or export control document;

B. Carrying on negotiations concerning, or ordering, buying, receiving, using, selling, delivering, storing, disposing of, forwarding, transporting, financing, or otherwise servicing in any way, any transaction involving any item exported or to be exported from the United States that is subject to the Regulations, or in any other activity subject to the Regulations; or

C. Benefiting in any way from any transaction involving any item exported or to be exported from the United States that is subject to the Regulations, or in connection with any other activity subject to the Regulations.

Fourth , that no person may, directly or indirectly, do any of the following:

A. Export or reexport to or on behalf of a Denied Person any item subject to the Regulations;

B. Take any action that facilitates the acquisition or attempted acquisition by a Denied Person of the ownership, possession, or control of any item subject to the Regulations that has been or will be exported from the United States, including financing or other support activities related to a transaction whereby a Denied Person acquires or attempts to acquire such ownership, possession, or control;

C. Take any action to acquire from or to facilitate the acquisition or attempted acquisition from a Denied Person of any item subject to the Regulations that has been exported from the United States.

D. Obtain from a Denied Person in the United States any item subject to the Regulations with knowledge or reason to know that the item will be, or is intended to be, exported from the United States; or

E. Engage in any transaction to service any item subject to the Regulations that has been or will be exported from the United States an that is owned, possessed, or controlled by a Denied Person, or service any item, of whatever origin, that is owned, possessed, or controlled by a Denied Person if such service involves the use of any item subject to the Regulations that has been or will be exported from the United States. For purposes of this paragraph, “servicing” means installation, maintenance, repair, modification, or testing.

Fifth, that, after notice and opportunity for comment as provided in Section 766.23 of the Regulations, any person, firm, corporation, or business organization related to a Denied Person by affiliation, ownership, control, or position of responsibility in the conduct of trade or related services may also be made subject to the provisions of this Order.

Sixth, that this Order shall be served on the Denied Person and on BIS, and shall be published in the Federal Register. In addition, the ALJ's Recommended Decision and Order, except for the section related to the Recommended Order, shall be published in the Federal Register.

This Order, which constitutes the final agency action in this matter, is effective upon publication in the Federal Register.

1. The civil penalty check should be made payable to: U.S. Department of Commerce.

2. The check should be mailed to: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Export Enforcement Team, Room H-6883, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230, Attn: Sharon Gardner.

The Order to which this Notice is attached describes the reasons for the assessment of the civil monetary penalty. It also specifies the amount owed and the date by which the civil penalty is due and payable.

Under the Debt Collection Act of 1982, as amended (31 U.S.C. 3701-3720E (2000)), and the Federal Claims Collection Standards (31 CFR parts 900-904 (2002)), interest accrues on any and all civil monetary penalties owed and unpaid under the Order, from the date of the Order until paid in full. The rate of interest assessed respondent is the rate of the current value of funds to the U.S. Treasury on the date that the Order was entered. However, interest is waived on any portion paid within 30 days of the date of the Order. See 31 U.S.C.A. 3717 and 31 CFR 901.9.

The civil monetary penalty will be delinquent if not paid by the due date specified in the Order. If the penalty becomes delinquent, interest will continue to accrue on the balance remaining due and unpaid, and respondent will also be assessed both an administrative charge to cover the cost of processing and handling the delinquent claim, and a penalty charge of six percent per year. Although the penalty charge will be computed from the date that the civil penalty becomes delinquent, it will be assessed only on sums due and unpaid for over 90 days after that date. See 31 U.S.C.A. 3717 and 31 CFR 901.9.

The foregoing constitutes the initial written notice and demand to respondent in accordance with section 901.2(b) of the Federal Claims Collection Standards (31 CFR 901.2(b)).

Applications Available: June 13, 2005.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: August 5, 2005.

Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: October 4, 2005.

Eligible Applicants: To be eligible for an emergency repair grant, a local educational agency (LEA) must enroll a high percentage (at least 40 percent) of federally connected children in average daily attendance (ADA) who reside on Indian lands or who have a parent on active duty in the U.S. uniformed services, have a school that enrolls a high percentage of one of these types of students, or be eligible for funding for heavily impacted LEAs under section 8003(b)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (Act), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). In making emergency grant awards, the Secretary must also consider the LEA's total assessed value of real property that may be taxed for school purposes, its use of available bonding capacity, and the nature and severity of the school facility emergency.

In this notice, the Secretary is soliciting only applications for emergency repair grants. We will not accept applications for modernization grants at this time. Applications for emergency repair grants are considered in two priority categories. Detailed information about the eligibility requirements for these two priorities is in 34 CFR 222.177 through 222.179.

Except as provided in 34 CFR 222.190, all eligible applications in the “first priority” emergency category must be funded before applications in the next priority can be funded. As prescribed in section 8007(b)(5)(A)(vi) of the Act and the implementing regulations in 34 CFR 222.189(b)(4), unfunded applications in any of the four priorities are retained for one year and considered along with the following fiscal year's pool of applicants. For each of the FY 2002, 2003, and 2004 competitions, the number of fundable “first priority” emergency repair applications exceeded the funds available. Approximately 20 unfunded “first priority” emergency repair applications submitted for FY 2004 will be reconsidered for FY 2005 funding, along with new emergency repair applications submitted in response to this notice.

The Secretary will not subject “second priority” emergency repair applications to the panel review process if the need for funds in the first priority and the number of eligible applications received greatly exceeds the available appropriation. Should funds remain available for modernization awards following this competition, the Secretary will announce a separate competition for modernization grant applications.

Estimated Available Funds: $26,290,000.

Estimated Range of Awards: $50,000-$5,000,000.

Estimated Average Size of Awards: $1,500,000.

Estimated Number of Awards: 18.

Project Period: We will determine each project period based on the project proposed and will specify this period in the grant award document.

Purpose of Program: The Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Program provides grants to eligible Impact Aid school districts to assist in addressing their school facility emergency and modernization needs. The eligible Impact Aid school districts have a limited ability to raise revenues for capital improvements because they have large areas of Federal land within their boundaries. As a result, these districts find it difficult to respond when their school facilities are in need of emergency repairs or modernization.

Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7707(b).

Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75 (except for 34 CFR 75.600 through 75.617), 77, 79, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The regulations for this program in 34 CFR part 222.

Type of Award: Discretionary grants.

Estimated Available Funds: $26,290,000.

Estimated Range of Awards: $50,000-$5,000,000.

Estimated Average Size of Awards: $1,500,000.

Estimated Number of Awards: 18.

Project Period: We will determine each project period based on the project proposed and will specify this period in the grant award document.

1. Eligible Emergency Repair Applicants: To be eligible for an emergency repair grant, an LEA must enroll a high percentage (at least 40 percent) of federally connected children in ADA who reside on Indian lands or who have a parent on active duty in the U.S. uniformed services, have a school that enrolls a high percentage of one of these types of students, or be eligible for funding for heavily impacted LEAs under section 8003(b)(2) of the Act. In making emergency grant awards, the Secretary must also consider the LEA's total assessed value of real property that may be taxed for school purposes, its use of available bonding capacity, and the nature and severity of the school facility emergency.

In this notice, the Secretary is soliciting only applications for emergency repair grants. We will not accept applications for modernization grants at this time. Applications for emergency repair grants are considered in two priority categories. Detailed information about the eligibility requirements for these two priorities is in 34 CFR 222.177 through 222.179.

Except as provided in 34 CFR 222.190, all eligible applications in the “first priority” emergency category must be funded before applications in the next priority can be funded. As prescribed in section 8007(b)(5)(A)(vi) of the Act and the implementing regulations in 34 CFR 222.189(b)(4), unfunded applications in any of the four priorities are retained for one year and considered along with the following fiscal year's pool of applicants. For each of the FY 2002, 2003, and 2004 competitions, the number of fundable “first priority” emergency repair applications exceeded the funds available. Approximately 20 unfunded “first priority” emergency repair applications submitted for FY 2004 will be reconsidered for FY 2005 funding, along with new emergency repair applications submitted in response to this notice.

The Secretary will not subject “second priority” emergency repair applications to the panel review process if the need for funds in the first priority and the number of eligible applications received greatly exceeds the available appropriation. Should funds remain available for modernization awards following this competition, the Secretary will announce a separate competition for modernization grant applications.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: See 20 U.S.C. 7707(b) and 34 CFR 222.174 and 222.191 through 222.193. In reviewing proposed awards, the Secretary considers the funds available to the grantee from other sources, including local, State, and other Federal funds. Consistent with 34 CFR 222.192, applicants will be required to submit financial reports for FYs 2003, 2004, and 2005 showing closing balances for all school funds. If significant amounts are available at the close of FY 2005 that are not obligated for other purposes, those funds will be considered as available for the proposed emergency repair project, which may reduce or eliminate the award for an emergency grant.

Except for applicants with no practical capacity to issue bonds, as defined in 34 CFR 222.176, an eligible applicant's award amount may not be more than 50 percent of the total cost of an approved project and it may not exceed four million dollars during any four-year period. As outlined in 34 CFR 222.174, this program also involves supplement, not supplant funding provisions.

1. Address to Request Application Package: Marilyn Hall, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3C153, Washington, DC 20202-6244. Telephone: (202) 260-3858. You can also download the FY 2005 application forms at: http://www.ed.gov/programs/8007b/applicant. An electronic application is available at: http://e-grants.ed.gov.

If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.

Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of the application package in an alternative format ( e.g. , Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the program contact person listed in this section.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission:

a. Content Restrictions: The application narrative should provide concise information on the nature of the emergency condition, including detail of the facilities system(s) that require emergency repair and how they adversely affect the health, safety, and well-being of occupants, the scale of the project in relation to the size of the school facility, and cost estimates to address the conditions. This information should be succinct and well-organized. Applications should not include drawings, designs, or other extraneous documents regarding proposed projects, because reviewers will not consider them.

b. Page Limit: We have found that reviewers are able to conduct the highest-quality review when applications are concise and easy to read. We strongly recommend that applicants limit their response in each applicable narrative section to two pages.

c. Other: Other requirements concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you must submit, are in the application package for this program.

3. Submission Dates and Times:

Applications Available: June 13, 2005.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: August 5, 2005.

Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted electronically using the Electronic Grant Application System (e-Application) accessible through the Department's e-Grants system, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery. For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically, or by mail or hand delivery, please refer to section IV. 6. Other Submission Requirements in this notice.

We do not consider an application that does not comply with the deadline requirements.

Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: October 4, 2005.

4. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 12372 is in the application packages for this program.

5. Funding Restrictions: We specify unallowable costs in 34 CFR 222.173. Grant recipients must, in accordance with Federal, State and local laws, use emergency grants for permissible construction activities at public elementary and secondary school facilities. The scope of a selected facilities project will be identified as part of the final grant award conditions. A grantee must also ensure that its construction expenditures under this program meet the requirements of 34 CFR 222.172 (allowable program activities) and 34 CFR 222.173 (prohibited activities). We reference additional regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.

6. Other Submission Requirements:

Applications for grants under this competition may be submitted electronically or in paper format by mail or hand delivery.

a. Electronic Submission of Applications.

If you choose to submit your application to us electronically, you must use e-Application available through the Department's e-Grants system, accessible through the e-Grants portal page at: http://e-grants.ed.gov.

While completing your electronic application, you will be entering data online that will be saved into a database. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.

Please note the following:

• Your participation in e-Application is voluntary.

• You must complete the electronic submission of your grant application by 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. The e-Application system will not accept an application for this competition after 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process.

• The regular hours of operation of the e-Grants Web site are 6 a.m. Monday until 7 p.m. Wednesday; and 6 a.m. Thursday until midnight Saturday, Washington, DC time. Please note that the system is unavailable on Sundays, and between 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and 6 a.m. on Thursdays, Washington, DC time, for maintenance. Any modifications to these hours are posted on the e-Grants Web site.

• You will not receive additional point value because you submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit your application in paper format.

• You must submit all documents electronically, including the Application for Discretionary Construction Program under Section 8007(b), and all necessary assurances and certifications.

• Any narrative sections of your application must be attached as files in a .DOC (document), .RTF (rich text), or .PDF (Portable Document) format.

• Your electronic application must comply with any page limit requirements described in this notice.

• Prior to submitting your electronic application, you may wish to print a copy of it for your records.

• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement that will include a PR/Award number (an identifying number unique to your application).

• Within three working days after submitting your electronic application, mail a signed copy of the Application for Discretionary Construction Program under Section 8007(b) to the Impact Aid Program after following these steps:

(1) Print the Application for Discretionary Construction Program under Section 8007(b) from e-Application.

(2) The LEA's Authorized Representative must sign this form on the cover page and on all of the assurances pages. The local certifying official must sign the certification in an emergency application.

(3) Place the PR/Award number in the upper right hand corner of the hard copy cover page of the Application for Discretionary Construction Program under Section 8007(b).

(4) Mail the signed Application for Discretionary Construction Program under Section 8007(b) to the Impact Aid Program at the address listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT elsewhere in this notice (see VII. Agency Contact).

• We may request that you provide us original signatures on other forms at a later date.

Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of System Unavailability: If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline date because the e-Application system is unavailable, we will grant you an extension of one business day in order to transmit your application electronically, by mail, or by hand delivery. We will grant this extension if—

(1) You are a registered user of e-Application and you have initiated an electronic application for this competition; and

(2)(a) The e-Application system is unavailable for 60 minutes or more between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date; or

(b) The e-Application system is unavailable for any period of time between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date.

We must acknowledge and confirm these periods of unavailability before granting you an extension. To request this extension or to confirm our acknowledgement of any system unavailability, you may contact either (1) the person listed elsewhere in this notice under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ( see VII. Agency Contact) or (2) the e-Grants help desk at 1-888-336-8930. If the system is down and therefore the application deadline is extended, an e-mail will be sent to all registered users who have initiated an e-Application.

Extensions referred to in this section apply only to the unavailability of the Department's e-Application system. If the e-Application system is available, and, for any reason, you are unable to submit your application electronically or you do not receive an automatic acknowledgement of your submission, you may submit your application in paper format by mail or hand delivery in accordance with the instructions in this notice.

b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.

If you submit your application in paper format by mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier), you must mail the original and two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline date, to the Impact Aid Program at the address listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT elsewhere in this notice ( see VII. Agency Contact).

You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:

(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark,

(2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service,

(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier, or

(4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:

(1) A private metered postmark, or

(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

If your application is postmarked after the application deadline date, we will not consider your application.

c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery.

If you submit your application in paper format by hand delivery, you (or a courier service) must deliver the original and two copies of your application by hand, on or before the application deadline date, to the Impact Aid Program at the address listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT elsewhere in this notice (see VII. Agency Contact). We will accept hand deliveries daily between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, except Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.

1. Selection Criteria: Consistent with 34 CFR 75.209, the selection criteria for this program are based on the specific statutory program elements identified in 34 CFR 222.183 through 222.187 and are described in the following paragraphs.

The Secretary gives distinct weight to the listed selection criteria. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses. Within each criterion, the Secretary evaluates each factor equally, unless otherwise specified. The maximum score that an application may receive is 100 points.

(1) Need for project/severity of the school facility problem to be addressed by the proposed project. (up to 30 points)

(a) Justification that the proposed project will address a valid emergency; and consistency of the emergency description and the proposed project with the certifying local official's statement.

(b) Impact of the emergency condition on the health and safety of the building occupants or on program delivery (examples: the systems or areas of the facility involved, e.g. , HVAC, roof, floor, windows); the type of space affected, such as instructional, resource, food service, recreational, general support, or other areas; the percentage of building occupants affected by the emergency; and the importance of the facility or affected area to the instructional program.

(2) Project Urgency. (up to 28 points)

(a) Risk to occupants if the facility condition is not addressed; projected increased future costs; effect of the proposed project on the useful life of the facility or the need for major construction; or age and condition of the facility and date of last renovation of affected areas.

(b) The justification for rebuilding, if proposed.

(3) Effects of Federal Presence. (up to 30 points total)

(a) Amount of non-taxable Federal property in the applicant district (percentage of Federal property divided by 10); (up to 10 points)

(b) The number of federally connected children identified in sections 8003(a)(1)(A), (B), (C), and (D) of the Act in the LEA (percentage of identified children in LEA divided by 10); (up to 10 points)

(c) The number of federally connected children identified in sections 8003(a)(1)(A), (B), (C), and (D) of the Act in the school facility (percentage of identified children in school facility divided by 10); (up to 10 points)

(4) Ability to respond or pay. (up to 12 points total)

(a) The percentage an LEA has used of its bonding capacity. Four points will be distributed based on the LEA's quartile so that an LEA that has used 100 percent of its bonding capacity receives all four points and an LEA that has used less than 25 percent of its bond limit receives only one point. LEAs that do not have limits on bonded indebtedness established by their States will be evaluated by assuming that their bond limit is 10 percent of the assessed value of real property in the LEA. LEAs deemed to have no practical capacity to issue bonds will receive all four points. (up to 4 points)

(b) Assessed value of real property per student (applicant LEA's total assessed valuation of real property per pupil as a percentile ranking of all LEAs in the State. Four points will be distributed by providing all four points to LEAs in the poorest quartile and only one point to LEAs in the wealthiest quartile). (up to 4 points)

(c) Total tax rate for capital or school purposes (applicant LEA's tax rate for capital or school purposes as a percentile ranking of all LEAs in the State. If the State authorizes a tax rate for capital expenditures, then these data must be used; otherwise, data on the total tax rate for school purposes are used. Four points will be distributed by providing all four points to LEAs in the highest taxing quartile and only one point to LEAs in the lowest quartile). (up to 4 points)

2. Review and Selection Process: Upon receipt, Impact Aid program staff will screen all applications to identify any that should not be included in the panel review process. Applications that do not meet the eligibility standards or are incomplete or late will be rejected. Program staff will also calculate the objective scores for each application under criteria (3) and (4). Panel reviewers will assess the applications under criteria (1) and (2).

1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notification (GAN). We may also notify you informally.

If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify administrative and national policy requirements in the application package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.

We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also incorporates your approved application as part of your binding commitments under the grant.

3. Reporting: At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary. If you receive a multi-year award, you must submit an annual performance report that provides the most current performance and financial expenditure information as specified by the Secretary in 34 CFR 75.118 and 34 CFR 222.195. In general, grantees must comply with applicable reporting requirements in 34 CFR parts 75 and 80. In addition, grantees will be required to provide periodic performance and financial reports, as specified in individual grant award conditions and 34 CFR 222.195.

4. Performance Measures: The Department has established the following performance measure for this program: an increasing percentage of LEAs receiving Impact Aid Construction funds will report that the overall condition of their school buildings is adequate. Data for this measure will be reported to the Department on Table 10 of the application for Impact Aid Section 8003 Basic Support Payments.

The following filings have been made with the Commission. The filings are listed in ascending order within each docket classification.

Take notice that on May 5, 2005, Alpena Power Generation, L.L.C., (Alpena Generation) located at 310 North Second Avenue, Alpena, Michigan 49707, filed with the Commission an application for determination of exempt wholesale generator status pursuant to part 365 of the Commission's regulations. Alpena Generation states that it is a Michigan limited liability corporation located in the City of Alpena in Alpena County, Michigan, that owns and operates 30 diesel generators with an aggregate capacity rating of 54.6 mega-watts. Alpena Generation further states that all of the electric energy produced by the Facilities will be sole wholesale.

Comment Date: 5 p.m. on June 6, 2005.

Take notice that on May 23, 2005, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, (Niagara Mohawk) a National Grid Company, submitted a revision to its April 12, 2005 compliance filing in Docket Nos. ER97-1523-084, OA97-470-076, OA97-470-074, and OA96-194-012. Niagara Mohawk states that its revised compliance filing was submitted to correct certain errors in its original compliance filing.

Comment Date: 5 p.m. on June 13, 2005.

Take notice that on May 23, 2005, the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (Midwest ISO) and Midwest ISO Transmission Owners (collectively Applicants) jointly submitted for filing revisions to Schedule 22 of the Midwest ISO Open Access Transmission and Energy Markets Tariff in compliance with the Commission's November 18, 2004 order in Docket Nos. ER05-6, EL04-135, EL02-111, and EL03-212, Midwest Indep. Transmission Sys. Operator, Inc. 109 FERC ¶ 61,168 (2004) to reflect recent revisions in the PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) transmission owners lost revenues as shown for the first time in the PJM transmission owners' April 29, 2005 filing, in Docket Nos. ER05-6-21; EL04-135-023; EL02-111-041; and EL03-212-037.

Applicants state that copies of the filing were served on the parties on the official service list in the above-captioned proceeding.

Comment Date: 5 p.m. on June 6, 2005.

Take notice that on May 23, 2005, Astoria Energy LLC (Astoria) submitted for filing a supplemental application pursuant to section 205 of the Federal Power Act for: (1) the triennial renewal of its market-based rate authority and (2) the acceptance of a modification to its sole rate schedule to comply with Order No. 652. Astoria requests an effective date of March 6, 2005.

Comment Date: 5 p.m. on June 13, 2005.

Take notice that on May 20, 2005, Bridgeport Energy, LLC (Bridgeport) tendered for filing its responses to the April 20, 2005 deficiency letter from the Commission requesting additional information to assist in its decision on the cost-of-service agreement between Bridgeport and ISO-New England, Inc. (ISO-NE) filed February 18, 2005. Bridgeport states that the cost-of-service agreement compensates Bridgeport for the provision of reliability services to ISO-NE.

Comment Date: 5 p.m. on June 13, 2005.

Take notice that on May 23, 2005, Southwest Power Pool, Inc. (SPP) submitted a compliance filing providing for revisions to its Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) pursuant to the Commission's order issued April 22, 2005, in Southwest Power Pool, Inc., 111 FERC ¶ 61,118 . SPP requests an effective date of May 5, 2005.

SPP states that it has served a copy of its transmittal letter on each of its Members and Customers. SPP further states that a complete copy of this filing will be posted on the SPP Web site http://www.spp.org , and is also being served all affected state commissions.

Comment Date: 5 p.m. on June 13, 2005.

Take notice that on May 23, 2005, Southwest Power Pool, Inc. (SPP) submitted additional information pursuant to the Commission's deficiency letter issued April 21, 2005, in Docket No. ER05-666-000. Specificially, SPP submitted a response to several inquiries by the Commission regarding the proposed liability and indemnification provisions of SPP's March 1, 2005, filing in this proceeding.

SPP states that it has served a copy of this filing upon each of the parties to this proceeding.

Comment Date: 5 p.m. on June 13, 2005.

Take notice that on May 23, 2005, Aquila, Inc. (Aquila), filed with the Commission, pursuant to section 205 of the Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 824d, and part 35 of the Commission's regulations, 18 CFR part 35, Incremental Energy Agreements with the Cities of Ashland, Attica, Greensburg, Hoisington, Kingman, Lincoln, Osborne, Pratt, Stockton, and Washington, Kansas. Aquila requests an effective date of June 1, 2005.

Comment Date: 5 p.m. on June 13, 2005.

Take notice that on May 25, 2005, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) submitted an amendment to its May 23, 2005, filing in Docket No. ER05-1010-000 by submitting an unexecuted substitute interconnection service agreement among PJM, Neptune Regional Transmission System, L.L.C. and Jersey Central Power & Light Company a FirstEnergy company. PJM requests an effective date of May 20, 2005.

PJM states that copies of this filing were served upon the parties to the agreements and the state regulatory commissions within the PJM region.

Comment Date: 5 p.m. on June 3, 2005.

Take notice that on April 28, 2005, the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) tendered for filing a Notice of Cancellation of Supplement No. 1 (Service Schedule A) to the Interconnection Agreement of July 19, 1966, between El Paso Electric Company and PNM (PNM Rate Schedule FERC No. 9). Included in the filing are revised sheets to PNM's Rate Schedule FERC No. 9 to reflect the cancellation of Service Schedule A of the Interconnection Agreement. PNM requests an effective date of June 30, 2005.

PNM states that copies of the filing have been served on El Paso Electric Company, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, and the New Mexico Attorney General. PNM also states that copies of the filing are available for public inspection at PNM's offices in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Comment Date: 5 p.m. on June 1, 2005.

Any person desiring to intervene or to protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5 p.m. eastern time on the specified comment date. It is not necessary to separately intervene again in a subdocket related to a compliance filing if you have previously intervened in the same docket. Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Anyone filing a motion to intervene or protest must serve a copy of that document on the Applicant. In reference to filings initiating a new proceeding, interventions or protests submitted on or before the comment deadline need not be served on persons other than the Applicant.

The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper, using the FERC Online links at http://www.ferc.gov. To facilitate electronic service, persons with Internet access who will eFile a document and/or be listed as a contact for an intervenor must create and validate an eRegistration account using the eRegistration link. Select the eFiling link to long on and submit the intervention or protests.

Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the intervention or protests to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426.

The filings in the above proceedings are accessible in the Commission's eLibrary system by clicking on the appropriate link in the above list. They are also available to review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an eSubscription link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TYY, call (202) 502-8659.

In accordance with § 271.25 of its rules regarding availability of information (12 CFR part 271), there is set forth below the domestic policy directive issued by the Federal Open Market Committee at its meeting held on March 22, 2005. 1

The Federal Open Market Committee seeks monetary and financial conditions that will foster price stability and promote sustainable growth in output. To further its long-run objectives, the Committee in the immediate future seeks conditions in reserve markets consistent with increasing the federal funds rate to an average of around 3 percent.

The vote encompassed approval of the paragraph below for inclusion in the statement to be released shortly after the meeting:

“The Committee perceives that, with appropriate monetary policy action, the upside and downside risks to the attainment of both sustainable growth and price stability should be kept roughly equal. With underlying inflation expected to be contained, the Committee believes that policy accommodation can be removed at a pace that is likely to be measured. Nonetheless, the Committee will respond to changes in economic prospects as needed to fulfill its obligation to maintain price stability.”

The purpose of this grant is to provide funding for the administrative expenses of the NFCDC. An illustrative, non-exhaustive list of administrative expenses includes administrative personnel salaries, benefits, and expenses; administrative travel; administrative equipment; office supplies; utilities, such as water, electricity, and gas; printing; postage; communications; and rent.

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this program is 93.283.

Assistance will be provided only to National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Inc. (NFCDC). No other applications are solicited.

Approximately $500,000 is available in FY 2005 to fund this award. It is expected that the award will begin on or before August 15, 2005, and will be made for a 12-month budget period within a project period of up to five years. Funding estimates may change.

For general comments or questions about this announcement, contact: Technical Information Management Section, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, telephone: 770-488-2700.

For technical questions about this program, contact: Michelle Wilson, MSW, Project Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road NE., Mailstop D-28, Atlanta, GA 30333, telephone: 404-639-5947, e-mail: MWilson2@cdc.gov.

Announcement Type: New.

Funding Opportunity Number: PA AA123.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 93.067.

Key Dates: Application Deadline: July 6, 2005.

Background: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s global programs are an essential component of promoting health and preventing disease in the United States and abroad, including ensuring rapid detection and response to emerging health threats. CDC cannot accomplish these efforts alone and therefore seeks to further its work and interests through partnerships with other organizations. The Office of Global Health seeks to collaborate with an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in a public-private partnership. Working with a NGO with a strong international presence will leverage existing resources to achieve health goals. CDC's knowledge and abilities as a scientific organization can be effectively joined with an international NGO that has demonstrated ability to effectively implement public health interventions in many different countries. This international NGO's experience in community-based interventions in a variety of health topic areas will enable public health science to be readily disseminated into the field. The intent of this announcement is to enhance collaboration through building a public-private partnership, and to create impact in health protection and promotion goals.

This partnership will focus in two areas: Global Disease Detection (GDD) and a selection of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The goal of the GDD initiative is to develop national and international capacity to better detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks of potential worldwide importance, whether natural or intentional. CDC is working to recognize infectious disease outbreaks faster, improve the ability to control and prevent outbreaks, and to detect emerging microbial threats. Through this cooperative agreement CDC intends to work with an international NGO partner to pilot a program to increase disease detection and surveillance in non-traditional or resource poor settings. The goal of this pilot is to build disease response and detection capacity in an international NGO at the local level through communities, organizations, and the Ministry of Health (MOH).

The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) are a framework of eight goals, 18 targets, and 48 measures that were developed by experts from the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). These goals were unanimously adopted by the member states of the UN in September 2000 to focus on outcomes that promote human development as the key to sustaining social and economic progress. Several of these goals target areas of focus for the CDC including maternal mortality, environmental health, and early childhood health and development. Although the MDGs are visionary in nature, projects supported through this cooperative agreement have the potential for being antecedent steps toward attaining these goals through increased service provision, learning capacity, and demonstrated competence. The MDGs are eight goals that outline areas of action, 18 targets that further define this involvement, and 48 indicators that provide measurable benchmarks for interventions. See the following UN Web site ( http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals ).

Purpose: The purpose of this announcement is to create an inter-institutional relationship between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that will serve as a bridge between CDC's public health science and the selected grantee's community-based programming in several functional areas in multiple countries. This cooperative agreement will leverage resources and utilize different knowledge and perspective between these two distinctive types of organizations. This announcement will also provide a flexible mechanism for synergistic activities.

This cooperative agreement will leverage capacity in distinct areas of: Global Disease Detection (GDD), Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Reduction, Safe Water Systems (SWS)/Environmental Health Practices, and Early Childhood Health and Development. This collaboration will promote innovative solutions in a global partnership with extensive diversity, resources, and experience. Initial funding is provided at this time for Global Disease Detection and Maternal and Perinatal Mortality Reduction activities. Other activities mentioned may be included, pending the availability of supplemental funds in the future.

Initial collaboration and activities will be in support of the following goals:

Global Disease Detection (GDD): This cooperative agreement is in support of CDC's Global Disease Detection program and its goals of increasing global capacity to prepare for, detect and verify, respond to, and recover from naturally occurring and deliberate threats to health. This will occur through objectives of strengthening sustainable capacity in areas of epidemiology, laboratory, outbreak response, disease monitoring, communications, and management.

Other projects in this announcement are in support of several Millennium Development Goals (MDG) including:

Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Reduction:

Millennium Development Goal 5: Improve maternal health.

Target 6: Reduce by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio.

Indicator 16: Maternal mortality ratio (United Nations Children's Fund—World Health Organization (UNICEF-WHO)).

Indicator 17: Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel (UNICEF-WHO).

Safe Water Systems (SWS)/Environmental Health Practice:

Target 10: Halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Indicator 30: Proportion of population with sustainable access to an improved water source, urban and rural (UNICEF-WHO).

Indicator 31: Proportion of population with access to improved sanitation, urban and rural (UNICEF-WHO).

Early Childhood Health and Development:

Millennium Development Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality.

Target 5: Reduce by two thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate.

Indicator 13: Under-five mortality rate (UNICEF-WHO).

This announcement is only for non-research activities supported by CDC/ATSDR. If research is proposed, the application will not be reviewed. For the definition of research, please see the CDC Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/ads/opspoll1.htm.

Activities: Awardee activities for this program are as follows:

General: The CDC and the selected grantee will work together to develop a long-term relationship, with logistical and multi-sectoral outreach and education. This collaboration will establish a clear understanding and protocols in areas of this undertaking. The grantee must have the ability to work with multiple local country offices to link and integrate projects in an international setting and liaison with the CDC. Project findings in one country may be translated and implemented in other settings; therefore the partnering organization must have a worldwide network that includes a resident staff presence in at least 60 countries worldwide.

The selected grantee in collaboration with the CDC will work to determine appropriate sites for project implementation. The grantee will explore the strategic interests of the country offices and their on-the-ground staff, in order to identify the best possible sites for collaboration. Once collaboration is established the grantee will move from technical assistance to leadership and collaboration with sound programming. The grantee will also devote the necessary resources and time to monitor and evaluate the impact on the health system and the health of the communities targeted. It is also expected that the grantee will liaison with other CDC in-country programs in order to avoid duplication and to identify areas for collaboration.

This cooperative agreement will function under the guidance of a technical advisory group. As this agreement will cover a variety of activities, the selected grantee must nominate a single point of contact for all communication and information with CDC in order to streamline the development and implementation of this collaboration.

Initial Funding is provided for the following activities:

Global Disease Detection (GDD): One focus of this announcement will be to create emerging/reemerging disease detection capacity in a major international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that has resident staff in sixty or more countries.

In general, CDC expectations of the Global Disease Detection (GDD) program are to: recognize infectious disease outbreaks faster, improve the ability to control and prevent outbreaks, detect emerging microbial threats, and to work with global partners. CDC will develop a partnership with the chosen grantee to increase disease detection and surveillance in non-traditional or resource poor settings. With CDC assistance, the grantee will develop preparedness, recognition, and response standards and protocols for emerging/re-emerging diseases. Although final pilot project sites will be determined in collaboration with CDC advisors, initial pilot project areas may include Vietnam and India. Therefore, applicants must have a demonstrated capacity in Vietnam and India in health and disease prevention.

Activities conducted under this cooperative agreement include but are not limited to:

• Assess current disease detection capacity and public health infrastructure in pilot locations and plan resource appropriate interventions.

• Develop and improve local early warning systems.

• Enhance collaboration with multinational organizations and their partners.

• Create evidence-based tools/practices for emerging/reemerging diseases that can be realistically implemented in resource poor communities.

• Provide standardized GDD criteria for grantee response to disease outbreaks.

• Identify areas where coordinated detection and response can occur.

• Improve syndromic surveillance capabilities at a local level.

• Assess and utilize, if applicable, existing information technology tools and evidence-based best practices to track infectious disease outbreaks and their epidemiology.

• Provide approaches that can be simultaneously coordinated with ongoing surveillance initiatives— e.g. WHO's Global Outbreak Alert Response Network (GOARN).

• Utilize/apply geographic information system (GIS) based approaches to outbreak detection.

• Provide realistic “threshold” based approaches for cluster detection and signal generation for outbreaks.

• Develop plans to implement sustainable collaborations between community animal-health workers or veterinary scientists and public health agencies involved in human disease outbreak surveillance program(s).

• Outline roles of automated laboratory systems/Web-based reporting in disease outbreak surveillance programs.

• Identify ways to strengthen local and national laboratory capacity.

• Develop information on sources of infection, symptoms, prevention techniques, and cross-species dangers.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data.

• Identify appropriate communication media and messages.

• Develop long-term plans to move beyond the initial implementation phase and develop and disseminate interventions to other countries.

• Pilot a community-based intervention in the area of emerging disease surveillance and detection within a grantee country office. Funds will be provided for materials, training, and a workshop in this area. It is envisaged that this pilot will occur in Vietnam or India in response to concerns regarding avian influenza, or other possible emerging/reemerging diseases.

Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Reduction: This cooperative agreement will also focus on perinatal and maternal mortality reduction. The focus will be on ensuring quality emergency obstetrics care for women, creating strong referral systems in community-based health services, improving community-based reproductive health programs, and working with communities to address key barriers that prevent women from receiving health services related to maternal health. CDC's Division of Reproductive Health (DRH) and the Global AIDS Program (GAP) will use this cooperative agreement to further collaboration with grantees and to streamline their ability to implement international projects. The CDC envisages perinatal and maternal mortality reduction collaboration to initially begin in the countries of: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, as well as other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Although final project sites will be determined in collaboration between the selected grantee and CDC advisors, applicants must have a demonstrated capacity in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and sub-Saharan Africa in this capacity.

Activities conducted under this cooperative agreement include but are not limited to:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate community-based approaches, including but not limited to capacity building, empowerment and other participatory approaches that promote maternal and child health.

• Implement a participatory model of community mobilization; examine the capacity of the existing infrastructure to respond to reproductive health needs; and address issues identified by communities ( e.g. , assessing the need for maternity waiting homes for the at-risk patient).

• Implement maternal and infant health community surveillance systems.

• Survey and evaluate special populations, e.g. , adolescents, refugees and HIV-infected population.

• Analyze and define the parameters of reproductive health programs.

• Review quality of care provided in maternal child health clinics ( e.g. , clinic management, patient flow analysis).

• Expand and improve Prevention of Mother to Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) services.

Safe Water Systems (SWS)/Environmental Health Practice:

The safe water systems/environmental health practice component of this announcement will work on several small discrete projects determined in cooperation by the CDC and the selected grantee. Projects will focus on working to develop the capacity to detect and monitor emerging diseases as well as bacterial, foodborne, and waterborne illnesses. Collaboration will also include the implementation of point-of-use interventions including Safe Water System (SWS) approaches and SWS trainings in both routine and emergency situations. The grantee may expand these activities to include partnering with other organizations in hand hygiene and SWS design.

The selected grantee will also conduct environmental health practice projects. These projects may include providing the technical assistance and expertise needed to develop sustainable environmental health programs to ensure the identification and control of environmental conditions contributing to disease. The Community Environmental Health Assessment (CEHA) is one such process that builds environmental health risk monitoring and develops local environmental health capacity. Although final project sites will be determined in collaboration between the selected grantee and CDC advisors, initial environmental health practice project sites may focus on Latin America.

Therefore, applicants must have a demonstrated capacity in environmental work in Latin America.

Activities conducted under this area of the cooperative agreement include but are not limited to:

• Strengthen collaboration between epidemiology, laboratory, and environmental health services to monitor environmental and health risks.

• Identify and strengthen local and national laboratory capacity.

• Develop strategies to promote and strengthen community participation in community-based environmental health and general health assessments.

• Develop local environmental health risk monitoring systems.

• Strengthen health surveillance activities at the primary level in communities.

• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret health and environmental data.

Early Childhood Health and Development: This cooperative agreement will also seek to improve the health and development of orphaned and vulnerable preschool-aged children through interventions provided at a locally organized and managed daycare center that can be replicated in other communities and sustained through community resources. In areas of the world heavily impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, young children are often part of families in which one or both parents have died. Preschool aged children are particularly vulnerable to the lack of adequate physical, cognitive, and socioemotional nurturing. With a loss of parents, and a breakdown of household structures, many communities have resorted to forming daycare centers, run by widows or adolescent orphans. If properly staffed and resourced, these centers can provide much for attending young children including nutrition, developmental stimulation, and emotional support. Such nutrition, development, and emotional support can have a large impact in the overall health of the child and may impact childhood mortality rates. Integrated with the socio-emotional development of the child are several health interventions including: nutrition, health assessment, deworming (anti-helmentics), and other basic health interventions. The goal of this project will be to determine whether community daycare centers can provide interventions and services that promote the health and development of young children in resource-poor settings in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. Although final project sites will be determined in collaboration between the selected grantee and CDC advisors, an initial project site may include Kenya. Therefore, applicants must have a demonstrated capacity in Kenya, in education and child development.

Activities conducted under this cooperative agreement include but are not limited to:

• Assess and evaluate the developmental and health status of pre-school aged children in HIV/AIDS impacted households in a pilot community.

• Evaluate whether developmental and health parameters of orphaned and vulnerable children improve with participation in a community daycare center.

• Establish a minimum package of interventions in a community daycare center, that includes health, cognitive, and socioemotional development interventions.

• Determine whether effective interventions for improving early childhood development and health can be modified to be delivered by minimally trained individuals and can utilize available local materials.

• Identify appropriate local partners.

• Conduct evaluation and monitoring of projects, including a cost-benefit analysis.

In a cooperative agreement, CDC staff is substantially involved in the program activities, above and beyond routine grant monitoring.

CDC Activities for this cooperative agreement include, but are not limited to:

• Determining project site locations and length of implementation.

• Assessing current disease detection capacity and public health infrastructure in pilot locations and planning resource appropriate interventions.

• Creating evidence-based tools/practices for emerging/reemerging diseases.

• Developing plans to implement sustainable collaborations in human disease outbreak surveillance program(s).

• Identifying ways to strengthen local and national laboratory capacity.

• Piloting a Global Disease Detection community-based intervention within a grantee country.

• Collaborating on, developing, implementing, training for, and integrating perinatal and maternal mortality surveillance systems at the local level.

• Training and implementation assistance on Safe Water System (SWS) approaches.

• Collaboration in conducting Community Environmental Health Assessments (CEHA), and determining appropriate next steps.

• Establishing a minimum package of early childhood health and development interventions in a community daycare center.

Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement. CDC involvement in this program is listed in the Activities Section above.

Fiscal Year Funds: 2005.

Approximate Total Funding: $100,000.

$50,000 for Global Disease Detection and $50,000 for Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Reduction.

Approximate Number of Awards: One.

Approximate Average Award: $100,000: $50,000 for Global Disease Detection Activities and $50,000 for Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Reduction Activities. (This amount is for the first budget period and includes direct and indirect costs).

Floor of Award Range: None.

Ceiling of Award Range: $50,000 for Global Disease Detection and $50,000 for Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Reduction Activities (For the first 12 month budget period).

Anticipated Award Date: August 1, 2005.

Budget Period Length: 12 months.

Project Period Length: Five years.

Throughout the project period, CDC's commitment to continuation of awards will be conditioned on the availability of funds, evidence of satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the Federal Government.

• Applications may be submitted by public and private nonprofit and for profit organizations, and by governments and their agencies, such as: Public nonprofit organizations; private nonprofit organizations; for profit organizations; small, minority, women-owned businesses; universities; colleges; research institutions; hospitals; community-based organizations; and faith-based organizations that possess the experience and ability to select and manage these projects.

Matching funds are not required for this program.

If you request a funding amount greater than the ceiling of the award range, your application will be considered non-responsive, and will not be entered into the review process. You will be notified that your application did not meet the submission requirements.

Special Requirements: Eligible applicants must have a history of experience and collaboration in the following areas: Global Disease Detection (GDD), Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Reduction, Safe Water Systems (SWS)/Environmental Health Practice, and Early Childhood Health and Development.

Applicants must also follow the necessary procurement and grants and reporting guidelines established by CDC. In addition, eligible applicants will be a legal entity with approval to work, and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Ministries of Health (MOH) in: Vietnam, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Kenya, and India. Initial areas of collaboration include these countries and therefore the grantee must have ten years of experience and legal authority to work in these countries. For environmental health practice projects, the grantee must also demonstrate environmental capacity in Latin America through evidence and history of related environmental projects.

CDC seeks to expand its global capacity through an NGO partnership in an organization that has a strong international presence. Project findings in one country may be translated and implemented in other settings; therefore the partnering organization must have a worldwide network that includes resident staff presence in at least 60 countries worldwide.

Eligible grantees must also have demonstrated experience working at a community-based level in a resource challenged environment including experience in settings of extreme poverty and working with disenfranchised individuals. Eligible entities must also possess surveillance capacity with permanent staff on the ground, including capacity at the local, district, and national level.

In addition for project specific portions, eligible entities must:

Global Disease Detection (GDD): In addition to previously discussed areas, the selected partnering organization must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• In-depth knowledge of the domestic situation in the selected countries including but not limited to experience in: Education, health, and development.

• A broad international knowledge base with global experience in areas such as: Health, HIV/AIDS, Emergency Humanitarian Assistance, and Education.

• Ability to work with local partners on areas of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) as well as Behavioural Change Communication (BCC).

• Ability to identify and implement projects within established infrastructure, thus avoiding the creation of a vertical program.

• Capacity to carefully assess public health infrastructure challenges such as the availability of personnel involved in field epidemiology and public health laboratory functioning.

Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Reduction: In addition to previously discussed areas, the selected partnering organization must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• Experience operating from a community to health facility, rather than a facility to community approach so that the local community and its needs and concerns are incorporated from the inception of the project.

• Experience in both community organization and health promotion in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality and promoting women and newborn health.

Safe Water Systems (SWS)/Environmental Health Practice: In addition to previously discussed areas, the selected partnering organization must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• Capacity to detect and monitor emerging diseases as well as bacterial, foodborne, and waterborne illnesses in settings of extreme poverty with disenfranchised individuals.

• Demonstrated experience with SWS in both routine and emergency situations.

• Familiarity with the SWS and training other organizations and individuals in hand hygiene and SWS.

• Familiarity in designing and implementing SWS.

• Pre-existing agreements to operate in this area with necessary local, and regional authorities.

• Experience in strengthening local/regional/national environmental health service infrastructure.

• Experience in environmental risk monitoring, and community involvement, including building local environmental health capacity.

Early Childhood Health and Development: In addition to previously discussed areas, the selected partnering organization must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• Capacity in educational and health programming including experience in working in settings of extreme poverty and working with disenfranchised individuals.

• Experience working with community-level organizations to address educational, health and developmental needs.

• Capacity in addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS on education programs.

• Training local caregivers and other organizations in education, health, and development.

• Evaluation and monitoring capacity in education, health and development.

If your application is incomplete or non-responsive to the special requirements listed in this section, it will not be entered into the review process. You will be notified that your application did not meet submission requirements.

• Late applications will be considered non-responsive. See section “IV.3. Submission Dates and Times” for more information on deadlines.

• Note: Title 2 of the United States Code Section 1611 states that an organization described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds constituting an award, grant, or loan.

To apply for this funding opportunity use application form PHS 5161-1.

Electronic Submission: CDC strongly encourages you to submit your application electronically by utilizing the forms and instructions posted for this announcement on http://www.Grants.gov , the official Federal agency wide E-grant Web site. Only applicants who apply online are permitted to forego paper copy submission of all application forms.

Paper Submission: Application forms and instructions are available on the CDC Web site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/forminfo.htm.

If you do not have access to the Internet, or if you have difficulty accessing the forms on-line, you may contact the CDC Procurement and Grants Office Technical Information Management Section (PGO-TIM) staff at: 770-488-2700. Application forms can be mailed to you.

Electronic Submission: You may submit your application electronically at: http://www.grants.gov. Applications completed online through Grants.gov are considered formally submitted when the applicant organization's Authorizing Official electronically submits the application to http://www.grants.gov. Electronic applications will be considered as having met the deadline if the application has been submitted electronically by the applicant organization's Authorizing Official to Grants.gov on or before the deadline date and time.

It is strongly recommended that you submit your grant application using Microsoft Office products (e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, etc.). If you do not have access to Microsoft Office products, you may submit a PDF file. Directions for creating PDF files can be found on the Grants.gov Web site. Use of file formats other than Microsoft Office or PDF may result in your file being unreadable by our staff.

CDC recommends that you submit your application to Grants.gov early enough to resolve any unanticipated difficulties prior to the deadline. You may also submit a back-up paper submission of your application. Any such paper submission must be received in accordance with the requirements for timely submission detailed in Section IV.3. of the grant announcement. The paper submission must be clearly marked: “BACK-UP FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.” The paper submission must conform with all requirements for non-electronic submissions. If both electronic and back-up paper submissions are received by the deadline, the electronic version will be considered the official submission.

Paper Submission: If you plan to submit your application by hard copy, submit the original and two hard copies of your application by mail or express delivery service. Refer to section IV.6. Other Submission Requirements for submission address.

You must submit a project narrative with your application forms. The narrative must be submitted in the following format:

• Maximum number of pages: 30. If your narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first pages which are within the page limit will be reviewed.

• Font size: 12 point unreduced.

• Double spaced.

• Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches.

• Page margin size: One inch.

• Printed only on one side of page.

• Held together only by rubber bands or metal clips; not bound in any other way.

Your narrative should address activities to be conducted over the entire project period, and must include the following items in the order listed.

For Global Disease Detection and Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Reduction please provide a Plan, Methods, Objectives, Timeline, Participating Staff, Performance Measures, and a Budget Justification. This budget justification should be for the first year only and include direct as well as indirect costs. The budget justification will not be counted in the stated page limit.

For Safe Water System (SWS)/Environmental Health Practice and Early Childhood Health and Development Activities, please provide a brief general description (one page per activity) that responds to the activities outlined, in the case that funding is provided in the future. Please also include evidence of appropriate eligible entity criteria.

For all subject areas, please provide a description of your demonstrated international capacity. Additionally, please describe your minimum ten years of experience in Kenya, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and India. Please mention your appropriate evidence and capacity in environmental projects in Latin America. Emphasis should be placed on your international network, including a description on your resident staff in a minimum of sixty countries worldwide.

Additional information may be included in the application appendices. The appendices will not be counted toward the narrative page limit. This additional information includes: Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Ministries of Health, Curriculum Vitaes, Resumes, Organizational Charts, Letters of Support, and additional reporting requirement information.

You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant or cooperative agreement from the Federal government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711.

For more information, see the CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/pubcommt.htm. If your application form does not have a DUNS number field, please write your DUNS number at the top of the first page of your application, and/or include your DUNS number in your application cover letter.

Additional requirements that may require you to submit additional documentation with your application are listed in section “VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.”

Application Deadline Date: July 6, 2005.

Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received in the CDC Procurement and Grants Office by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date. If you submit your application by the United States Postal Service or commercial delivery service, you must ensure that the carrier will be able to guarantee delivery by the closing date and time. If CDC receives your submission after closing due to: (1) Carrier error, when the carrier accepted the package with a guarantee for delivery by the closing date and time, or (2) significant weather delays or natural disasters, you will be given the opportunity to submit documentation of the carriers guarantee. If the documentation verifies a carrier problem, CDC will consider the submission as having been received by the deadline.

This announcement is the definitive guide on application content, submission address, and deadline. It supersedes information provided in the application instructions. If your submission does not meet the deadline above, it will not be eligible for review, and will be discarded. You will be notified that you did not meet the submission requirements.

Electronic Submission: If you submit your application electronically with Grants.gov, your application will be electronically time/date stamped which will serve as receipt of submission. In turn, you will receive an e-mail notice of receipt when CDC receives the application. All electronic applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. eastern time on the application due date.

Paper Submission: CDC will not notify you upon receipt of your paper submission. If you have a question about the receipt of your application, first contact your courier. If you still have a question, contact the PGO-TIM staff at: 770-488-2700. Before calling, please wait two to three days after the submission deadline. This will allow time for submissions to be processed and logged.

Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.

Restrictions, which must be taken into account while writing your budget, are as follows:

• Funds may not be used for research.

International Funding Restrictions:

• Funds may be spent for reasonable program purposes, including personnel, travel, supplies, and services. Equipment may be purchased if deemed necessary to accomplish program objectives, however, prior approval by CDC officials must be requested in writing.

• The costs that are generally allowable in grants to domestic organizations are allowable to foreign institutions and international organizations, with the following exception: With the exception of the American University, Beirut and the World Health Organization, Indirect Costs will not be paid (either directly or through sub-award) to organizations located outside the territorial limits of the United States or to international organizations regardless of their location.

• The applicant may contract with other organizations under this program; however the applicant must perform a substantial portion of the activities (including program management and operations, and delivery of prevention services for which funds are required.)

• All requests for funds contained in the budget, shall be stated in U.S. dollars. Once an award is made, CDC will not compensate foreign grantees for currency exchange fluctuations through the issuance of supplemental awards.

• You must obtain annual audit of these CDC funds (program-specific audit) by a U.S.-based audit firm with international branches and current licensure/authority in-country, and in accordance with International Accounting Standards or equivalent standard(s) approved in writing by CDC.

• A fiscal Recipient Capability Assessment may be required, prior to or post award, in order to review the applicant's business management and fiscal capabilities regarding the handling of U.S. Federal funds.

HIV Programs (GAP) language that may also be applicable:

• Funds received from this announcement will not be used for the purchase of antiretroviral drugs for treatment of established HIV infection (with the exception of nevirapine in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) cases and with prior written approval), occupational exposures, and non-occupational exposures and will not be used for the purchase of machines and reagents to conduct the necessary laboratory monitoring for patient care.

• No funds appropriated under this act shall be used to carry out any program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.

The U.S. Government is opposed to prostitution and related activities, which are inherently harmful and dehumanizing, and contribute to the phenomenon of trafficking in persons.

Any entity that receives, directly or indirectly, U.S. Government funds in connection with this document (“recipient”) cannot use such U.S. Government funds to promote or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution or sex trafficking. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to preclude the provision to individuals of palliative care, treatment, or post-exposure pharmaceutical prophylaxis, and necessary pharmaceuticals and commodities, including test kits, condoms, and, when proven effective, microbicides. A recipient that is otherwise eligible to receive funds in connection with this document to prevent, treat, or monitor HIV/AIDS shall not be required to endorse or utilize a multisectoral approach to combating HIV/AIDS, or to endorse, utilize, or participate in a prevention method or treatment program to which the recipient has a religious or moral objection. Any information provided by recipients about the use of condoms as part of projects or activities that are funded in connection with this document shall be medically accurate and shall include the public health benefits and failure rates of such use.

In addition, any recipient must have a policy explicitly opposing prostitution and sex trafficking. The preceding sentence shall not apply to any “exempt organizations” (defined as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the World Health Organization, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative or to any United Nations agency), but does apply to any non-governmental, non-exempt organization entity receiving U.S. Government funds from an exempt organization in connection with this document.

The following definition applies for purposes of this clause:

• Sex trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act. 22 U.S.C. 7102(9).

All recipients must insert provisions implementing the applicable parts of this section, “Prostitution and Related Activities,” in all subagreements under this award. These provisions must be express terms and conditions of the subagreement, must acknowledge that compliance with this section, “Prostitution and Related Activities,” is a prerequisite to receipt and expenditure of U.S. Government funds in connection with this document, and must acknowledge that any violation of the provisions shall be grounds for unilateral termination of the agreement prior to the end of its term. Recipients must agree that HHS may, at any reasonable time, inspect the documents and materials maintained or prepared by the recipient in the usual course of its operations that relate to the organization's compliance with this section, “Prostitution and Related Activities.”

All prime recipients receiving U.S. Government funds (“prime recipients”) in connection with this document must certify compliance (pending OMB clearance) prior to actual receipt of such funds in a written statement referencing this document ( e.g. , “[Prime recipient's name] certifies compliance with the section, ‘Prostitution and Related Activities.’ ”) addressed to the agency's grants officer. Such certifications by prime recipients are prerequisites to the payment of any U.S. Government funds in connection with this document.

Recipients' compliance with this section, “Prostitution and Related Activities,” is an express term and condition of receiving U.S. Government funds in connection with this document, and any violation of it shall be grounds for unilateral termination by HHS of the agreement with HHS in connection with this document prior to the end of its term. The recipient shall refund to HHS the entire amount furnished in connection with this document in the event it is determined by HHS that the recipient has not complied with this section, “Prostitution and Related Activities.”

If you are requesting indirect costs in your budget, you must include a copy of your indirect cost rate agreement. If your indirect cost rate is a provisional rate, the agreement should be less than 12 months of age.

Guidance for completing your budget can be found on the CDC Web site, at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/budgetguide.htm.

Electronic Submission: CDC strongly encourages applicants to submit electronically at: http://www.Grants.gov. You will be able to download a copy of the application package from http://www.Grants.gov, complete it offline, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. E-mail submissions will not be accepted. If you are having technical difficulties in Grants.gov they can be reached by E-mail at support@grants.gov or by phone at 1-800-518-4726 (1-800-518-GRANTS). The Customer Support Center is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday.

Paper Submission: If you chose to submit a paper application, submit the original and two hard copies of your application by mail or express delivery service to:

You may submit your application electronically at: http://www.grants.gov, OR submit the original and two hard copies of your application by mail or express delivery service to: Technical Information Management-PA #AA123, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341.

Applicants are required to provide measures of effectiveness that will demonstrate the accomplishment of the various identified objectives of the cooperative agreement. Measures of effectiveness must relate to the performance goals stated in the “Purpose” section of this announcement. Measures must be objective and quantitative, and must measure the intended outcome. These measures of effectiveness must be submitted with the application and will be an element of evaluation.

Evaluation Criteria: The budget although not scored, will be reviewed. Questions to be considered include: Is the itemized budget for conducting the project, along with the justification, reasonable, and consistent with the stated objectives and planned program objectives?

Your application will be evaluated against the following criteria.

Global Disease Detection and Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Reduction Plan (35 Points): Is the plan adequate to carry out the proposed objectives?

Does the plan cover all necessary components?

How complete and comprehensive is the plan for the entire project period?

Does this plan include quantitative process and outcome measures?

Does the plan maintain adequate surveillance, monitoring, evaluation and data collection and analysis components?

Overall Methods (20 points): Are the proposed methods feasible? To what extent will they accomplish the program goals?

Overall Reach and Capacity (20 points): Eligible applicants will be a legal entity with approval to work and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Ministries of Health (MOH) in: Vietnam, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Kenya, and India. Initial areas of collaboration include these countries and therefore the grantee must have ten years of experience and legal authority to work in these countries.

Does the applicant have demonstrated capacity in the listed countries?

Does the applicant have MOUs and a minimum of ten years of experience in the listed countries?

Does the eligible entity have experience of working in environmental health practice in Latin America?

Does the applicant have programmatic capacity in all areas?

Does the applicant have demonstrated ability to implement public health interventions internationally in resource-poor and non-traditional settings?

Does the applicant have experience working with disenfranchised populations?

Does the applicant have worldwide reach and partnership for the dissemination of information, i.e. , a resident staff presence in at least sixty countries?

Does the applicant have sufficient community-based knowledge and practice?

Does the applicant have the ability/capacity to work with local on the ground staff to establish programs?

Overall Personnel (15 points): Do the staff members have the appropriate experience?

Are the staff roles clearly defined?

As described, will the staff be sufficient to accomplish the program goals?

Safe Water Systems (SWS)/Environmental Health Practice/Early Childhood Health and Development Plan (10 Points): Is the plan adequate to carry out the proposed objectives?

Does the plan cover all necessary components?

How complete and comprehensive is the plan for the entire project period?

Does this plan include quantitative process and outcome measures?

Does the plan maintain adequate surveillance, monitoring, evaluation and data collection and analysis components?

Applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Procurement and Grants Office (PGO) staff, and for responsiveness by an objective review panel. Incomplete applications and applications that are non-responsive to the eligibility criteria will not advance through the review process. Applicants will be notified that their application did not meet submission requirements.

An objective review panel will evaluate complete and responsive applications according to the criteria listed in the “V.1. Criteria” section above. The review will occur by CDC Employees from outside the Office of Global Health. Applications will be funded in order by score and rank determined by the review panel.

August 1, 2005.

Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NoA) from the CDC Procurement and Grants Office. The NoA shall be the only binding, authorizing document between the recipient and CDC. The NoA will be signed by an authorized Grants Management Officer, and mailed to the recipient fiscal officer identified in the application.

Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of the application review by mail.

Successful applicants must comply with the administrative requirements outlined in 45 CFR Part 74 as Appropriate. For more information on the Code of Federal Regulations, see the National Archives and Records Administration at the following Internet address: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html.

An additional Certifications form from the PHS5161-1 application needs to be included in your Grants.gov electronic submission only. Refer to http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/PHS5161-1Certificates.pdf. Once the form is filled out attach it to your Grants.gov submission as Other Attachments Form.

The following additional requirements apply to this project:

• AR-4 HIV/AIDS Confidentiality Provisions.

• AR-5 HIV Program Review Panel Requirements.

• AR-6 Patient Care.

• AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements.

• AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions.

• AR-13 Prohibition on Use of CDC Funds for Certain Gun Control Activities.

• AR-14 Accounting System Requirements.

• AR-15 Proof of Non-Profit Status.

Additional information on these requirements can be found on the CDC Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/ARs.htm.

You must provide CDC with an original, plus two hard copies of the following reports:

1. Interim progress report, due no less than 90 days before the end of the budget period. The progress report will serve as your non-competing continuation application, and must contain the following elements:

a. Current Budget Period Activities Objectives.

b. Current Budget Period Financial Progress.

c. New Budget Period Program Proposed Activity Objectives.

d. Budget.

e. Measures of Effectiveness.

f. Additional Requested Information.

2. Financial status report and annual progress report, no more than 90 days after the end of the budget period.

3. Final financial and performance reports, no more than 90 days after the end of the project period.

These reports must be mailed to the Grants Management or Contract Specialist listed in the “Agency Contacts” section of this announcement.

We encourage inquiries concerning this announcement.

For general questions, contact: Technical Information Management Section, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone: 770-488-2700.

For program technical assistance, contact: Aaron Rak, MA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS D-58, Atlanta, Georgia 30333. Telephone: (404) 498.4486. E-mail: arak@cdc.gov. Patricia Riley, CNM MPH Project Officer, Office of Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS D-69, Atlanta, Georgia 30333. Telephone: (404) 639.1492. E-mail: PRiley@cdc.gov.

For financial, grants management, or budget assistance, contact: Steward Nichols, Grants Management Specialist, CDC Procurement and Grants Office, 2920 Brandywine Road, Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone: 770-488-2788. E-mail: shn8@cdc.gov.

This and other CDC funding opportunity announcements can be found on the CDC Web site, Internet address: http://www.cdc.gov. Click on “Funding” then “Grants and Cooperative Agreements.”

In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the following meeting:

Name: Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Occupational Health and Safety Research; NIOSH Exploratory/Developmental Grant Program, and NIOSH Support Conferences and Scientific Meetings, Program Announcements 04-038, 04-030, and 05-005.

Times and Dates: 1 p.m.-5 p.m., June 30, 2005 (Closed).

Place: Teleconference—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 24 Executive Park Drive, NE., Room 1419, Atlanta, GA 30329, Telephone (404) 498-2556.

Status: The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with provisions set forth in section 552b(c)(4) and (6), Title 5 U.S.C., and the Determination of the Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463.

Matters to be Discussed: The meeting will include the review, discussion, and evaluation of applications received in response to Occupational Health and Safety Research; NIOSH Exploratory/Developmental Grant Program, and NIOSH Support Conferences and Scientific Meetings, Program Announcements 04-038, 04-030, and 05-005.

Contact Person for More Information: Pam Wilkerson, MPA, Scientific Review Administrator, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC, 24 Executive Park Drive, NE., MS E-74, Atlanta, GA 30329, Telephone (404) 498-2556.

The Director, Management Analysis and Services Office, has been delegated the authority to sign Federal Register notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Title: OCSE-157 Child Support Enforcement Program Annual Data Report.

OMB No.: 0970-0177.

Description: The information obtained from this form will be used to report Child Support Enforcement activities to the Congress as required by law, to complete incentive measure and performance indicators utilized in the program, and to assist the Office of Child Support Enforcement in monitoring and evaluating State Child Support programs.

Respondents: The 50 States, the Territories and the Virgin Islands.

Annual Burden Estimates:

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 378.0

Additional Information:

Copies of the proposed collection may be obtained by writing to the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Administration, Office of Information Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Attn: ACF Reports Clearance Officer. All requests should be identified by the title of the information collection. E-mail address: grjohnson@acf.hhs.gov .

OMB Comment:

OMB is required to make a decision concerning the collection of information between 30 and 60 days after publication of this document in the Federal Register . Therefore, a comment is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent directly to the following: Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project, Attn: Desk Officer for ACF, e-mail address: Katherine_T._Astrich@omb.eop.gov .

Title: Evaluation of the Community Healthy Marriage Initiative.

OMB No.: New collection.

Description: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is assisting states and local partners in improving child and family well-being by launching Community Healthy Marriage Initiatives (CHMIs) in several communities. Currently, several states are implementing CHMI demonstrations with support under section 1115 child support demonstration waivers. These projects are designed to promote child support enforcement objectives, including increasing parental responsibility and the financial well-being of children. Our project objective is to assess the effectiveness of community interventions designed to support healthy marriages by examining the way the projects operate and by evaluating the community impacts of these interventions on marital, child well-being and child support outcomes among low-income families. A unique feature of our study is the focus on evaluation of community-level approaches to encourage community changes in norms that increase support for healthy marriages.

All CHMI sites will receive an implementation evaluation that describes the nature of the community activities and their evolution over time. Primary data for the implementation evaluation will come from observations, interviews and records. This request is for semi-structured interviews and focus groups for the implementation evaluation.

In addition, an impact evaluation will take place in selected sites and will be integrated with the implementation evaluation. At a later date, comments will be sought on information collection for the impact evaluation. This evaluation will use detailed data collection through surveys to focus on the changes in marital, child well-being, and child support outcomes among low-income families in the community that result from CHMI activities. We will assess the impact of healthy marriage initiatives by comparing outcomes in the CHMI communities with similar outcomes in comparison communities that are well-matched to the project sites.

Respondents: Lead Project Staff, Service Provider Organization Staff, Key Community and Civic Stakeholders.

Annual Burden Estimates:

Additional Information:

Copies of the proposed collection may be obtained by writing to the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Administration, Office of Information Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Attn: ACF Reports Clearance Officer. All requests should be identified by the title of the information collection. E-mail address: grjohnson@acf.hhs.gov .

OMB Comment:

OMB is required to make a decision concerning the collection of information between 30 and 60 days after publication of this document in the Federal Register . Therefore, a comment is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent directly to the following: Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project, Attn: Desk Officer for ACF, e-mail address: Katherine_T._Astrich@omb.eop.gov .

Title: Child Care and Development Fund Tribal Plan (Form ACF-118-A).

OMB No.: 0970-0198.

Description: The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Tribal Plan serves as the agreement between the applicant (Indian Tribes, tribal consortia and tribal organizations) and the Federal government that describes how tribal applicants will operate CCDF Block Grant programs. The Tribal Plan provides assurances that the CCDF funds will be administered in conformance with legislative requirements. Federal regulations at 49 CFR parts 98 and 99 and other applicable instructions or guidelines issued by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Tribes must submit a new CCDF Tribal plan every two years in accordance with 45 CFR 98.17.

Respondents: Tribal CCDF Programs (265 in total).

Annual Burden Estimates:

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 5,035

Additional Information:

Copies of the proposed collection may be obtained by writing to The Administration for Children and Families, Office of Information Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Attn: ACF Reports Clearance Officer. E-mail address: grjohnson@acf.hhs.gov.

OMB Comment:

OMB is required to make a decision concerning the collection of information between 30 and 60 days after publication of this document in the Federal Register . Therefore, a comment is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent directly to the following: Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project, Attn: Desk Officer for ACF, e-mail address: Katherine_T._Astrick@omb.eop.gov.

Funding Opportunity Title: Model Development or Replication to Implement the CAPTA Requirement to Identify and Serve Substance Exposed Newborns.

Announcement Type: Initial.

Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-CB-0050.

CFDA Number: 93.551.

Due Date for Applications: Application is due August 5, 2005.

Executive Summary: The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide financial support to develop or replicate and test a model of policies and procedures that implement the new provisions of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) regarding substance exposed newborns. Applicants may choose to develop new models, replicate existing models or replicate key components of existing models of policies and procedures for identifying and serving families with children prenatally exposed to illegal drugs, and to test the effectiveness of the model in other settings. The projects funded under this priority area will incorporate features and components that hold promise for contributing to an expansion of the knowledge base about the development of effective policies and procedures for states and communities to use in identifying and providing services to these children and their families.

Model Development or Replication to Implement the CAPTA Requirement to Identify and Serve Substance Exposed Newborns.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide financial support to develop or replicate and test a model of policies and procedures that implement the new provisions of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) regarding substance exposed newborns. Applicants may choose to develop new models, replicate existing models or replicate key components of existing models of policies and procedures for identifying and serving families with children prenatally exposed to illegal drugs, and to test the effectiveness of the model in other settings. The projects funded under this priority area will incorporate features and components that hold promise for contributing to an expansion of the knowledge base about the development of effective policies and procedures for states and communities to use in identifying and providing services to these children and their families.

Priority Area:

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide financial support to develop or replicate and test a model of policies and procedures that implement the new provisions of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) regarding substance exposed newborns. Applicants may choose to develop new models, replicate existing models or replicate key components of existing models of policies and procedures for identifying and serving families with children prenatally exposed to illegal drugs, and to test the effectiveness of the model in other settings. The projects funded under this priority area will incorporate features and components that hold promise for contributing to an expansion of the knowledge base about the development of effective policies and procedures for states and communities to use in identifying and providing services to these children and their families.

Background Information: State and local child welfare agencies, hospitals and other health care facilities, substance abuse treatment and other community-based agencies have been serving families with children prenatally exposed to illegal drugs for many years. In addition, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), recently reauthorized under the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, established new legislative responsibilities regarding prenatally exposed infants.

Under the new CAPTA requirement, States must have in place:

“(ii) Policies and procedures (including appropriate referrals to child protection service systems and for other appropriate services) to address the needs of infants born and identified as being affected by illegal substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure, including a requirement that health care providers involved in the delivery or care of such infants notify the child protective services system of the occurrence of such condition in such infants, except that such notification shall not be construed to:

(I) Establish a definition under Federal law of what constitutes child abuse; or

(II) Require prosecution for any illegal action;

(iii) The development of a plan of safe care for the infant born and identified as being affected by illegal substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms (106(b)(2)(A)(ii)(I) and (II) and (b)(2)(A)(iii))”.

Although there is a considerable body of knowledge regarding the impact of illegal drug use by pregnant women on their newborn children and a growing body of research on the benefits of early identification and appropriate service provision for children prenatally exposed to illegal drugs, information about successful policies and procedures for identifying and serving this population has only recently become available. Currently, both the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare and the Abandoned Infants Assistance Resource Center are undertaking efforts to identify State policies, practices, programs and related challenges in implementing the new CAPTA requirements.

The National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare, a joint project of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT) and the Administration for Children and Families' Children's Bureau (ACF/CB), is conducting a task to collect information on State policies and practices and exemplary programs for working with families identified with substance exposed newborns. In addition, the Abandoned Infants Assistance Resource Center, is conducting a complementary project to examine policies and practices, identify promising practices and examine the impact of the new CAPTA legislation. (For information on the work of these two organizations, go to http://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov/ and http://aia.berkeley.edu/. ) It is anticipated that both studies will identify examples of strong approaches, promising practices, and model policies and procedures that could be considered for replication under this grant program. However, other models may be developed or selected for replication.

Applications for grants under this priority area must explain why a new model is being developed, or, if a replication, why that model was chosen. The model and its key components must be described in detail. Applicants must propose to develop or replicate a policy and procedural model that is useful, effective, and positive in its approach to identifying these newborns and working with other relevant systems in establishing a safe care plan for children.

Need/Rationale: CAPTA was reauthorized in June 2003 as part of the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003. A number of new requirements were added for State Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies including the requirement that States have policies and procedures in place for the referral to CPS of substance exposed newborns and the development of a plan of safe care for these children. This new requirement is especially significant, given that it has been estimated that more than 50% of child welfare cases have parental substance abuse as a contributing factor. In recent years, some States have implemented procedures to deal with substance exposed newborns. In some States, the identification of a substance exposed newborn has required an automatic referral to CPS, while in other States, women giving birth to substance exposed newborns may have been subject to prosecution. Responses to the complex problems of substance exposed newborns have varied greatly from State to State from a minimal response to a punitive response. A comprehensive approach to addressing these issues should include developing appropriate mechanisms to identify the substance exposed newborns, ensuring the safety of the child, engaging parents in treatment, and fostering collaboration among child welfare, substance abuse, health care and other relevant community supports.

It is anticipated that the projects funded under this priority area will contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the development of effective State and local policies and procedures that ensure: (1) Appropriate and productive collaborations among child welfare, substance abuse and the health care communities, and other relevant community agencies, and (2) identification, early assessment and intervention for children and families. Models to be developed or replicated should be consistent with the new CAPTA requirements that call for policies and procedures that ensure notification of child protective services and the establishment of a plan of safe care to address the needs of infants born and identified as being affected by illegal substance abuse or withdrawal symptoms resulting from pre-natal drug exposure. Model policies and procedures should also provide parents and other caregivers with treatment interventions and case management that ensure proper infant care. Special attention should be given to the development of effective policies and procedures to improve the ability of States to meet the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR) safety and well-being indicators and outcomes related to child maltreatment. The legislation requires that health care personnel notify CPS in the event of a substance exposed birth. Therefore, special attention should also be given to effective collaboration among multiple child serving agencies and organizations.

A unique feature of this priority area is that the first year of these projects is to be used for planning and developing the collaborative relationship among relevant agencies and programs. The projects are to be implemented and evaluated and findings are to be disseminated during the second and third years. The final report at the end of the third year must include a written product describing the model, the policies, and the evaluation of the project. At the end of the third year, there is potential for an additional two years of funding for the purposes of further dissemination and implementation of the project in other jurisdictions.

As a part of their proposal, applicants are required to describe their strategy for a 12-month planning phase for the development of the model or the replication of the existing model or the selected components, and their strategy for a 24-month implementation and evaluation phase. Applicants are not expected to describe their strategy for possible years four and five of funding for dissemination and implementation.

The Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program (Section 430, Title IV-B, subpart 2, of the Social Security Act) (42 U.S.C. 629a).

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Section 105(b)(5) (42 U.S.C. 5106).

Public Law 100-505, the Abandoned Infants Act of 1988 as amended by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-36).

Projects funded under this announcement will be expected to:

1. Have the project fully functioning within 90 days following the notification of the grant award.

2. Participate if the Children's Bureau chooses to do a national evaluation or a technical assistance contract that relates to this funding announcement.

3. Submit all performance indicator data, program and financial reports in a timely manner, in recommended format (to be provided), and submit the final report on disk or electronically using a standard word-processing program.

4. Submit a copy of the final report, the evaluation report, and any program products to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, within 90 days of project end date. 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, the evaluator and other key partners to attend an annual 3-day grantees' meeting in Washington, DC.

(b) Provide for the project director, the evaluator and other key partners 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; and

(c) Provide for 10-15 percent of the proposed budget to project evaluation.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.

Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $600,000.

Anticipated Number of Awards: 0 to 4.

Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $250,000 per budget period.

Average Projected Award Amount: $150,000.

Length of Project Periods: 60-month project with five 12-month budget periods; Other.

Explanation of Other: In the FIRST budget period, the maximum Federal share of each project is not to exceed $150,000. In each SUBSEQUENT budget period, the maximum Federal share of each project is not to exceed $250,000. The projects awarded will be for a project period of 60 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation 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.

State governments,

County governments,

City or township governments,

Special district governments,

State controlled institutions of higher education,

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized),

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized

tribal governments),

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education,

Private institutions of higher education,

For-profit organization other than small businesses,

Small businesses.

Additional Information on Eligibility:

If the applicant is not the State/county child welfare/CPS agency, they should demonstrate a strong existing collaboration with the State/county child welfare/CPS agency that has the authority/responsibility for developing and implementing the relevant policies, procedures and plans.

Non-profit and for-profit applicants should be hospitals serving the target population.

Applications should demonstrate strong collaboration between the relevant child welfare/CPS, substance abuse and health care organizations.

Collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts are acceptable, but applications should identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the grant.

Fatherhood organizations that are otherwise eligible to apply are eligible to apply.

Yes.

Grantees must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project requesting $150,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $150,000 per budget period) must provide a match of at least $16,667 (10 percent of the total approved project costs). Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if over the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in disallowance of Federal dollars.

Cost-sharing will not be used as a preference and/or evaluation criterion in the review of applications.

All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27, 2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal ( http://www.Grants.gov ). A DUNS number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.

Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.

Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status.

Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:

• A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code.

• A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.

• A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

• A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.

• Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

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 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for which funds are being requested as stated in this funding opportunity announcement.

Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and Budget Justification.

Follow the instructions provided here and those in Section V. Application Review Information. 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 non-construction projects must file the Standard Form 424B, “Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.” Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must provide a certification regarding lobbying when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their applications.

Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.

Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application, the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the applications.

If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.

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.

Project Abstract/Summary (one-page maximum, double spaced). 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.

Project Description for Evaluation . Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: (1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; (2) Approach; (3) Organizational Profiles; (4) Budget and Budget Justification.

Match. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs (see Section III.2).

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.

The application limit is 75 pages total including all forms and attachments. Pages over this page limit will be removed from the application and will not be reviewed.

The Children's Bureau strongly prefers that the entire application (including all forms, assurances, and letters of commitment) be sent in one package.

To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award.

To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed original and two additional copies of the application, including all forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in the section titled Deadline at the beginning of the announcement. The original copy of the application must have original signatures.

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 New Roman or Courier). Pages must be numbered.

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 that 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; however, each complete copy must be stapled securely in the upper left corner. Applicants are advised that the copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the Federal government for review.

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 applicable legislation. 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 websites. 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 announcement will be used to review and evaluate each application. The applicant should address each of these specific evaluation criteria in the project description. Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: (1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; (2) Approach; (3) Organizational Profiles; (4) Budget and Budget Justification; and should use 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/opre/other_resrch/pm_guide_eval/reports/pmguide/pmguide_toc.html.

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/outcome/outcome_logicmdir.html.

Use of Human Subjects. If your evaluation plan includes gathering data from or about clients, there are specific procedures that 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. If applicable, applicants must include a completed Form 310, Protection of Human Subjects. For more information about use of human subjects and IRB's you can visit these Web sites: http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2 and http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm

You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile transmission.

Please note the following if you plan to submit your application electronically via Grants.gov

• Electronic submission is voluntary but strongly encouraged.

• When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov.

• We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your application to fully understand the process and requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight. If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the system.

• To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.

• You will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.

• You may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.

• Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.

• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.

• We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a later date.

• You may access the electronic application for this program on www.Grants.gov

• You must search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA number.

Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit an original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Standard Forms and Certifications:

The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section V Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms required for making applications for awards under this announcement.

Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs; SF-424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application

Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application

Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within P.L. 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the application

Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm

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

Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status, please refer to Section III.3.

Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description.

Application is due August 5, 2005.

Explanation of Due Dates:

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.

Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date.

Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).

ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.

Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition.

Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date will not be considered for competition.

Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.

Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer.

Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov .

Checklist:

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

Additional Forms:

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” and 45 CFR Part 100, “Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities.” Under the Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs.

As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).

A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations which may trigger the “accommodate or explain” rule.

When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th floor, Washington, DC 20447.

Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.

The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html .

Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.

Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this solicitation.

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, Attention: Children's Bureau.

Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be delivered to: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, Attention: Children's Bureau.

Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov.

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to averag 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 April 30, 2007.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

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

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

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

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.

Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.

Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished.

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.

Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit status in its application.

The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.

Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs.

Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed and justified in the budget and narrative justification. “Federal resources” refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying.

“Non Federal resources” are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories; second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column, total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant.

Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).

Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

Funding Opportunity Title: Community Food and Nutrition Program.

Announcement Type: Initial.

Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OCS-EN-0018.

CFDA Number: 93.571.

Due Date for Applications: Application is due July 21, 2005.

Executive Summary:

Authority: The Community Services Block Grant Act (the Act), as amended, authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make funds available under several programs to support program activities that will result in direct benefits targeted to low-income people. This program announcement covers the grant authority found at Section 681 of the Act, (Pub. L. 97-35), as amended by the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285). The Act authorizes the Secretary to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible agencies for community-based, local, statewide, and national programs (1) to coordinate private and public food assistance resources, wherever the grant recipient involved determines such coordination to be inadequate, to better serve low-income populations; (2) to assist low-income communities to identify potential sponsors of child nutrition programs and to initiate such programs in underserved or unserved areas; and (3) to develop innovative approaches at the State and local level to meet the nutrition needs of low-income individuals.

Purpose: The Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services (OCS), invites eligible agencies to submit competitive grant applications for the award of one cooperative agreement to support the Community Food and Nutrition Program's (CFNP) Nationwide Initiative: Youth Obesity, An American Crisis.

The problem of overweight children and adolescents is an American crisis. The Surgeon General reports that:

• In 2001-2002, 16 percent of children aged 6 to 19 years in the United States were overweight, and 31 percent were at risk for being overweight. This prevalence has nearly tripled for adolescents in the past 2 decades.

• Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency in overweight children and adolescents compared to children with a healthy weight.

• Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweightness and obesity are closely linked to Type 2 diabetes.

• Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.

• The most immediate consequence of being overweight, as perceived by the children themselves, is social discrimination. This is associated with poor self-esteem and depression.

Recently, Federal and State governments, industry, schools, and numerous organizations nationwide have taken comprehensive and ambitious actions to reverse the rapid rise in obesity among children and youth. In 2005, the Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, released “Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005” (DGAs). The DGAs establish Federal nutrition standards for food and nutrition programs, including nutrition assistance programs.

ACF/OCS is seeking assistance, through a cooperative agreement, to identify, complement, coordinate, and promote the numerous youth-obesity programs nationwide. The goal will be to identify and compile data on youth obesity, specifically focusing on the prevalence of youth obesity throughout rural, urban, and suburban locations nationwide. Socioeconomic factors, demographics, income level and percentage of youth obesity in low-income households will be assessed. This information will be utilized to recommend intervention as warranted. The cooperative agreement will require active partnership between ACF/OCS and the successful applicant.

The Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services (OCS), invites eligible agencies to submit competitive grant applications for the award of one cooperative agreement to support the Community Food and Nutrition Program's (CFNP) Nationwide Initiative: Youth Obesity, An American Crisis.

The problem of overweight children and adolescents is an American crisis. The Surgeon General reports that:

• In 2001-2002, 16 percent of children aged 6 to 19 years in the United States were overweight, and 31 percent were at risk for being overweight. This prevalence has nearly tripled for adolescents in the past 2 decades.

• Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency in overweight children and adolescents compared to children with a healthy weight.

• Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweightness and obesity are closely linked to Type 2 diabetes.

• Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. As overweight or obese adults, they are at risk for a number of health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer.

• The most immediate consequence of being overweight, as perceived by the children themselves, is social discrimination. This is associated with poor self-esteem and depression.

Recently, Federal and State governments, industry, schools, and numerous organizations nationwide have taken comprehensive and ambitious actions to reverse the rapid rise in obesity among children and youth. In 2005, the Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, released “Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005” (DGAs). The DGAs establish Federal nutrition standards for food and nutrition programs, including nutrition assistance programs. The Federal Government makes available health and obesity prevention grants and a major health insurance company now offers obesity prevention benefits.

ACF/OCS is seeking assistance, through a cooperative agreement, to identify, complement, coordinate, and promote the numerous youth obesity programs nationwide. The goal will be to identify and compile data on youth obesity, specifically focusing on the prevalence of youth obesity throughout rural, urban, and suburban locations nationwide. Socioeconomic factors, demographics, income level, and percentage of youth obesity in low-income households will be assessed. This information will be utilized to recommend intervention as warranted. The cooperative agreement will require active partnership between ACF/OCS and the successful applicant.

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act (the Act) (Pub.L. 97-35), as amended, authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make funds available under several programs to support program activities that will result in direct benefits targeted to low-income people. This program announcement covers the grant authority found at Section 681 of the Act, as amended by the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285). The Act authorizes the Secretary to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible agencies for non-profit, faith-based, community-based, local, statewide, and national programs (1) to coordinate private and public food assistance resources, wherever the grant recipient involved determines such coordination to be inadequate, to better serve low-income populations; (2) to assist low-income communities to identify potential sponsors of child nutrition programs and to initiate such programs in underserved or unserved areas; and (3) to develop innovative approaches at the State and local level to meet the nutrition needs of low-income individuals.

This announcement uses a cooperative agreement as the vehicle for funding the nationwide initiative. A cooperative agreement is an assistance instrument for which substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding office and the recipient during performance of the funded activity. Substantial involvement may include collaboration or participation by the designated awarding office staff in activities specified in the award and, as appropriate, decision-making at specified milestones related to performance. Potential types of substantial involvement under a cooperative agreement include, but are not limited to, collaborating in the design of a research protocol or a training or service delivery model; approving research protocols or analytical approaches or approving the initiation of a subsequent phase in a phased activity; training project staff in participating organizations; assisting in the evaluation of potential contractors; participating in the presentation of research results, including co-authorship of papers; or providing other assistance in program management or technical performance.

ACF/OCS and the recipient will each be responsible for particular duties and responsibilities throughout the project.

Responsibilities of ACF/OCS:

• Throughout the term of the cooperative agreement, provide the time and expertise of ACF/OCS to help the applicant implement the goals and objectives of the project. Specifically, ACF/OCS will organize periodic consultations and teleconferences to review planned activities, to share information, and to promote nationwide coordination;

• Provide to the applicant a complete list of current Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP) grantees;

• Organize a 2-3 day meeting in Washington, DC to discuss and finalize the major goals and objectives of the overall project and the fiscal year work plan, to exchange program information, and to share information on strategies for achieving the goals and objectives of the project;

• Review and comment on quarterly progress reports and other relevant materials prior to their finalization;

• Make available to the applicant program information and/or products from ACF/OCS activities that are available and relevant to the project;

• Promote the involvement of the applicant in meetings, conferences, and other initiatives to strengthen its knowledge and resource base for providing effective assistance to ACF/OCS and CFNP grantees;

• Provide consultation to the grantee with regard to the development of the work plan approaches to address problems that arise, and identification of areas needing technical assistance;

• Consult with and provide the grantee the data collection requirements of ACF/OCS, and keep the grantee informed of policy developments as they affect the implementation of the project;

• Provide timely review, comment and decisions on significant project documents;

• Work together to address issues or problems with regard to the grantee's ability to carry out the full range of activities included in the approved application in the most efficient and effective manner; and

• Promptly review written requests for approval of deviations from the project description or approved budget. Any changes that affect the terms and conditions of the grant award or revisions/amendments to the cooperative agreement or to the approved scope of activities will require prior written approval by the ACF Grants Management Officer.

Responsibilities of the Grantee:

• In collaboration with ACF/OCS, design, coordinate, and implement the project;

• Attend a 2-3 day meeting in Washington, DC to discuss and finalize the major goals and objectives of the overall project and the fiscal year work plan, exchange and share information on strategies for achieving the goals and objectives of the project;

• Establish subordinate objectives to guide the focus of their research based upon the needs assessed in the major objectives;

• Develop a CFNP database for use and maintenance by ACF/OCS;

• Implement activities described in the approved project description;

• Develop and implement work plans that will ensure that the services and activities included in the approved application address the goals and objectives of the approved project in an efficient, effective and timely manner;

• Submit regular semi-annual Financial Status (Standard Form 269) and progress reports that describe activities including, at a minimum, (a) information about the actions taken to implement the proposed project, and (b) the proposed plan for outcomes measurement and program evaluation of the activities supported with Federal funds;

• Work cooperatively and collaborately with ACF officials, other Federal agency officials conducting related activities, and other entities or organizations contracted by ACF to assist in carrying out the purposes of the Community Food and Nutrition Program; such cooperation and collaboration shall include, but not be limited to, providing requested financial and programmatic information, creating opportunities for interviews with agency officials and staff, and allowing on-site observation of activities supported under the cooperative agreement;

• Notify the Community Food and Nutrition Project Officer if revisions are needed to the cooperative agreement; and

• Consult with the Office of Community Services Project Officer in implementing the activities on an ongoing and frequent basis during each phase of the project.

The following definitions apply:

The interval of time into which a grant period of assistance (project period) is divided for budgetary and funding purposes.

An award instrument of financial assistance when substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding agency of the Federal Government and the recipient during performance of the contemplated project. Substantial involvement may include collaboration or participation by the designated awarding office staff in activities specified in the award and, as appropriate, decision-making at specified milestones related to performance. The involvement may range from joint conduct of a project to awarding office approval prior to the recipient's undertaking the next phase of a project.

Public and private non-profit agencies, including organizations benefiting Indians and migrant and seasonal farm workers. Faith-based organizations and community-based organizations are eligible to apply for this Community Food and Nutrition Program grant.

A tribe, band, or other organized group of Native American Indians recognized in the State or States in which it resides, or considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian tribe or an Indian organization.

One that departs from, or significantly modifies, past program practices and tests a new approach.

An individual who works in agricultural employment of a seasonal or other temporary nature who is required to be absent from his/her place of permanent residence in order to secure such employment.

Refers to an organization, including a faith-based or community-based organization, which meets the requirement for proof of non-profit status in the III. Eligibility Information 3. Other section of this announcement and has demonstrated experience in providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and communities.

Guidelines published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS establishes the level of poverty defined as low-income for individuals and their families. The guideline information is posted on the Internet at the following address: http://www.aspe.hhs.gov/poverty.

Any individual employed in agricultural work of a seasonal or other temporary nature who is able to remain at his/her place of permanent residence while employed.

The total time for which a project is approved for support, including any approved extensions.

A condition where an individual or family does not need, and is not eligible to receive, TANF assistance under Title I of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act.)

(As it pertains to child nutrition programs) A locality in which less than one-half of the low-income children eligible for assistance participate in any child nutrition program.

Mobilization of Resources —There is no match requirement for the Community Food and Nutrition Program. However, ACF/OCS would like to mobilize as many resources as possible to enhance this nationwide initiative. The lack of a cost share or match will not affect application responsiveness or screening, review or scoring, or selection for funding.

Administrative Costs/Indirect Costs —There is no predetermined administrative cost ceiling for projects funded under this program. Indirect costs consistent with approved indirect cost rate agreements are allowable. Applicants should enclose a copy of the current approved rate agreement. However, it should be understood that indirect costs are part of, and not in addition to, the amount of funds awarded in the subject grant.

Multiple Submittals —There is no limit to the number of applications that can be submitted by an eligible applicant as long as each application is for a different project. However, no applicant will receive more than one grant.

Repeat Grantee —Applicants receiving ACF/OCS funds for CFNP projects completed within the last five years must submit with the application an abstract for each such project. The abstract should include the applicant's name, address, CFNP grant number and amount, the title of the project, and a summary of accomplishments.

The Community Food and Nutrition Program—Nationwide Initiative is a national research project to study the impact of current CFNP projects on low-income communities, families, and children nationwide. The applicant selected to manage the Nationwide Initiative will be responsible for performing this task in coordination with the Office of Community Services.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.

Federal Substantial Involvement With Cooperative Agreement: This announcement uses a cooperative agreement as the vehicle for funding the nationwide initiative. A cooperative agreement is an assistance instrument for which substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding office and the recipient during performance of the funded activity. Substantial involvement may include collaboration or participation by the designated awarding office staff in activities specified in the award and, as appropriate, decision-making at specified milestones related to performance. Potential types of substantial involvement under a cooperative agreement include, but are not limited to, collaborating in the design of a research protocol or a training or service delivery model; approving research protocols or analytical approaches or approving the initiation of a subsequent phase in a phased activity; training project staff in participating organizations; assisting in the evaluation of potential contractors; participating in the presentation of research results, including co-authorship of papers; or providing other assistance in program management or technical performance.

ACF/OCS and the recipient will each be responsible for particular duties and responsibilities throughout the project.

Responsibilities of ACF/OCS:

• Throughout the term of the cooperative agreement, provide the time and expertise of ACF/OCS to help the applicant implement the goals and objectives of the project. Specifically, ACF/OCS will organize periodic consultations and teleconferences to review planned activities, to share information, and to promote nationwide coordination;

• Provide to the applicant a complete list of current Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP) grantees;

• Organize a 2-3 day meeting in Washington, DC to discuss and finalize the major goals and objectives of the overall project and the fiscal year work plan, to exchange program information, and to share information on strategies for achieving the goals and objectives of the project;

• Review and comment on quarterly progress reports and other relevant materials prior to their finalization;

• Make available to the applicant program information and/or products from ACF/OCS activities that are available and relevant to the project;

• Promote the involvement of the applicant in meetings, conferences, and other initiatives to strengthen its knowledge and resource base for providing effective assistance to ACF/OCS and CFNP grantees;

• Provide consultation to the grantee with regard to the development of the work plan approaches to address problems that arise, and identification of areas needing technical assistance;

• Consult with and provide the grantee the data collection requirements of ACF/OCS, and keep the grantee informed of policy developments as they affect the implementation of the project;

• Provide timely review, comment and decisions on significant project documents;

• Work together to address issues or problems with regard to the grantee's ability to carry out the full range of activities included in the approved application in the most efficient and effective manner; and

• Promptly review written requests for approval of deviations from the project description or approved budget. Any changes that affect the terms and conditions of the grant award or revisions/amendments to the cooperative agreement or to the approved scope of activities will require prior written approval by the ACF Grants Management Officer.

Responsibilities of the Grantee:

• In collaboration with ACF/OCS, design, coordinate, and implement the project;

• Attend a 2-3 day meeting in Washington, DC to discuss and finalize the major goals and objectives of the overall project and the fiscal year work plan, exchange and share information on strategies for achieving the goals and objectives of the project;

• Establish subordinate objectives to guide the focus of their research based upon the needs assessed in the major objectives;

• Develop a CFNP database for use and maintenance by ACF/OCS;

• Implement activities described in the approved project description;

• Develop and implement work plans that will ensure that the services and activities included in the approved application address the goals and objectives of the approved project in an efficient, effective and timely manner;

• Submit regular semi-annual Financial Status (Standard Form 269) and progress reports that describe activities including, at a minimum, (a) information about the actions taken to implement the proposed project, and (b) the proposed plan for outcomes measurement and program evaluation of the activities supported with Federal funds;

• Work cooperatively and collaborately with ACF officials, other Federal agency officials conducting related activities, and other entities or organizations contracted by ACF to assist in carrying out the purposes of the Community Food and Nutrition Program; such cooperation and collaboration shall include, but not be limited to, providing requested financial and programmatic information, creating opportunities for interviews with agency officials and staff, and allowing on-site observation of activities supported under the cooperative agreement;

• Notify the Community Food and Nutrition Project Officer if revisions are needed to the cooperative agreement; and

• Consult with the Office of Community Services Project Officer in implementing the activities on an ongoing and frequent basis during each phase of the project.

Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $236,019.

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1.

Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $236,019.

An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range specified will be considered non-responsive.

Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period: $236,019.

Length of Project Periods: 36-month project with three 12-month budget periods.

Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, public agencies, other than institutions of higher education; Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, public agencies, other than institutions of higher education; and State, county and local public agencies.

Additional Information on Eligibility:

Faith-based and community-based organizations are eligible to apply.

No. There is no match requirement for the Community Food and Nutrition Program. However, OCS would like to mobilize as many resources as possible to enhance this nationwide initiative. While OCS supports and encourages applications submitted by applicants whose programs include a voluntary cost share, either cash or third party in-kind, the presence or level of a proposed voluntary cost share or match will not affect application responsiveness or screening, review or scoring, or selection for funding.

All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27, 2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal ( http://www.Grants.gov ). A DUNS number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.

Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com .

Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status.

Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:

• A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code.

• A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.

• A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

• A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.

• Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm .

Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non- responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

Catherine Beck, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services' Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, Phone: 202-401-9352, Fax: 703-528-0716, e-mail: OCSGRANTS@acf.hhs.gov ; URL: http://www.lcgnet.com .

Application Content —An original and two copies of each application are required. Each application must include the following components:

• Table of Contents. The Table of Contents must include page numbers.

• Abstract of the Proposed Project. Very brief, not to exceed 250 words. The abstract should be suitable for use in an announcement that the application has been selected for a grant award and that identifies the type of project, the target population and the major elements of the work plan

• Completed Standard Form 424. Must be signed by an official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the organization legally.

• Standard Form 424A. Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs.

• Narrative Budget Justification. Justify each object class category required under Section B, Standard Form 424A. Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) of specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget.

• Project Narrative. A narrative that addresses issues described in Section V of this announcement, “Application Review Information.”

Application Format —Submit application materials on white 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper only. Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials. Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional materials, slides, films, clips, etc. The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins must be at least one inch on all sides. Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package, beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one. Please present application materials either in loose-leaf notebooks or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center and fastened separately with a slide paper fastener.

Page Limitation —The application package including sections for the Table of Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives must not exceed 45 pages. The page limitation does not include the following attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this announcement.

Required Standard Forms —Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-construction project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-Construction Programs with their applications. Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying. Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish an executed copy of the lobbying certification. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke.

You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper format.

To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile transmission.

Please note the following if you plan to submit your application electronically via Grants.gov:

• Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.

• When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov.

• To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.

• You will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.

• You may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.

• Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.

• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.

• We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a later date.

• You may access the electronic application for this program on http://www.Grants.gov .

• You must search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA number.

Applicants who are submitting their application in paper format should submit an original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm .

Standard Forms and Certifications:

The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section V Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms required for making applications for awards under this announcement.

Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the Standard Form SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF 424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs; SF 424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application.

Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application.

Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice that implements the smoking prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the application.

Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm .

Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the full project description.

Due Date for Applications: August 5, 2005.

Explanation of Due Dates:

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.

Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date.

Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).

ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.

Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via Grants.gov.

Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition.

Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date will not be considered for competition.

Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.

Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer.

Checklist:

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

Additional Forms:

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Funding Opportunity Title: Discretionary Funds for Projects to Establish Individual Development Account (IDA) Programs for Refugees.

Announcement Type: Initial.

Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ORR-ZI-0093.

CFDA Number: 93.576.

Due Date for Applications: Application is due July 21, 2005.

Executive Summary:

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) invites eligible entities to submit competitive grant applications for projects to establish and manage Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) for low-income refugee participants. Eligible refugee participants who enroll in these projects will open and contribute systematically to IDAs for specified Savings Goals, including home ownership, business capitalization, vehicles for educational or work purposes, and postsecondary education. Grantees may use ORR funds to provide matches for the savings in the IDAs up to $2,000 per individual refugee and $4,000 per refugee household. Applications will be screened and evaluated as indicated in this program announcement. Awards will be contingent on the outcome of the competition and the availability of funds.

Legislative Authority: Section 412(c)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)(8 U.S.C. 1522(c)(1)(A)) authorizes the Director “to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or private nonprofit agencies for projects specifically designed—(i) to assist refugees in obtaining the skills which are necessary for economic self-sufficiency, including projects for job training, employment services, day care, professional refresher training, and other recertification services; (ii) to provide training in English where necessary (regardless of whether the refugees are employed or receiving cash or other assistance); and (iii) to provide services where specific needs have been shown and recognized by the Director, health (including mental health) services, social services, educational and other services.”

1. Description:

Program Purpose and Objectives: The Office of Refugee Resettlement invites qualified entities to submit competing grant applications for new projects that will establish, support, and manage Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) for eligible low-income refugee individuals and families. The Refugee IDA Program represents an anti-poverty strategy built on asset accumulation for low-income refugee individuals and families with the goal of promoting refugee economic independence. In particular, the objectives of this program are to: encourage regular saving habits among refugees; promote their participation in the financial institutions of this country; promote refugee acquisition of assets to build individual, family, and community resources; increase refugee knowledge of financial and monetary topics; assist refugees in advancing their education; increase home ownership among refugees; and assist refugees in gaining access to capital. These new projects will accomplish these objectives by establishing programs that combine the provision of matched savings accounts with financial training and counseling.

Eligibility:

Eligibility for this program is limited to refugees:

• Who are not yet citizens regardless of their date of arrival in the U.S. (However, refugees who arrived in the U.S. within the last five years have priority for services.);

• Who have earned income;

• Whose household earned income at time of enrollment does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level; and

• Whose assets at time of enrollment do not exceed $10,000, excluding the value of a primary residence and one vehicle.

Please refer to the Definition of Terms section for the definition of “household”. The 2004 Poverty Guidelines may be found at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/04poverty.shtml .

Asset Goals:

Grantees, in partnership with qualified financial institutions, will create Individual Development Accounts for refugee participants. Refugee participants will systematically contribute to the IDAs out of earned income to purchase specified Savings Goals. The primary focus of the Savings Goals in their IDA program should be the following:

• Home Purchase;

• Postsecondary Education, Vocational Training, or Recertification; and

• Microenterprise Capitalization.

In cases of documented necessity, the purchase of an automobile is allowable for the purposes of employment or education. Automobiles may only constitute 10 percent of a program, with 90 percent of the match funds obligated to the other goals. The purpose of an automobile purchase must be thoroughly justified and well documented. Additional information on these Savings Goals is provided in the Definition of Terms section of this announcement.

Supplemental IDA and Administrative Funds:

ORR strongly recommends applicants to include in their applications commitment, or plan for developing a commitment of, additional public or private funds for matching IDA deposits, operational overhead, and training. These funds will supplement ORR funds in order to serve greater numbers of refugees and assist the program in its future sustainability. If additional funds have been secured, documentation should be provided in the application in writing, executed with the entity providing the non-ORR contribution on letterhead of the entity, and signed by a person authorized to make a commitment on behalf of the entity.

Savings Plan Agreement and Documentation:

The grantee will establish a “Savings Plan Agreement” with each refugee participant. The Savings Plan Agreement must include:

(1) A proposed schedule of savings deposits by the participant;

(2) The rate at which the participant's savings will be matched;

(3) The Savings Goal(s) for which the account is maintained;

(4) Any training or counseling which the participant agrees to attend;

(5) An agreement that the participant will not withdraw funds except for the specified Savings Goal or for an emergency and only after notification to the grantee;

(6) A statement by the participant that the participant has not received the maximum allowable match from any other ORR-funded IDA program;

(7) A procedure for amending the Agreement;

(8) A date by which asset must be purchased or the date on which the program will end;

(9) A designation of beneficiary; and

(10) If saving for a vehicle, a statement by the participant that the vehicle will be used for the purpose of maintaining or upgrading employment or for the purpose of transportation for postsecondary education, vocational training, or recertification.

Applicants under this grant announcement may propose additional provisions to be included in Savings Plan Agreements. In addition to the Savings Plan Agreement, grantees must collect and maintain documentation showing supplementary confirmation of the client's household budget, assets and liabilities, and earned income (this can be in the form of pay stubs, tax returns, etc.). ORR strongly suggests that each participant provide an overall household budget plan, describing how their IDA savings will derive from their discretionary income.

Appropriate documentation for the usage of an automobile could include: calculation of long distances from the participant's home to their place of employment or educational institution, bus schedules showing unreasonable time tables and connections, and the anticipation of increased wages due to more time on the job or access to better wages or employment due to reduced commuting time.

Accounts and Drawdown of Funds:

The IDA contains only the refugee participant's deposits and interest earned on those deposits. Grantees may establish non-interest bearing IDA accounts for participants only with ORR approval. The grantee will create one Parallel Account, separate from the participants' IDAs, at a qualified financial institution in which all matching ORR grant funds will be deposited and maintained on behalf of the refugee participants. Drawdown of the ORR grant funds and deposit of those funds into the Parallel Account will be permitted no earlier than the time of the refugee's deposit to the IDA. Grantees must draw down ORR funds for matching IDA deposits within three months of the date that the refugee participant makes the deposit, and must continue to draw down at least on a quarterly basis thereafter as participants make deposits.

Program Income:

The interest that accrues on the ORR matching funds deposited in the parallel account must be used to enroll additional refugee participants or to match interest earned on the refugee participant's deposits. The interest on the match funds in the parallel account may not be retained by the grantee for any purpose, including program administration, participant support services, or program data collection. (See 45 CFR 74.24(b)(1))

Match Funds:

ORR funds may be used at a matching rate no greater than one-to-one for each dollar deposited in the IDA by the refugee participant. Grantees may choose to vary the amount of the match by type of Savings Goal and/or by income level of the refugee participants, such as limiting the total match for automobiles to $1,000. Over the course of the five-year project period, not more than $2,000 in ORR grant funds may be provided through matching contributions to any one refugee individual and not more than $4,000 may be provided to any one refugee household (see the Definition of Terms section for the definition of “household”). When the refugee purchases the Savings Goal, the grantee must provide payment of the participant's IDA matching funds directly to the asset vendor. Applicants must provide ORR with information on the impact of IDA savings and match on refugee eligibility for public benefits, and must submit alternative maximum match limits to ORR for review if necessary.

Training:

Applicants must incorporate in these projects financial training for the refugee participants. The training may be provided directly by the grantee or the grantee may choose to provide the training through subgrantees or other providers; grantees are strongly encouraged to partner with other community agencies already providing general financial or asset-specific training. The training provided by a grantee should reflect both the refugee population and the Savings Goals to be included in the program. Such training should include budgeting, cash management, savings, investment, and credit counseling. Specialized training and technical assistance should be provided for refugee participants for each Savings Goal provided through the program. Although the applicant listed on the Savings Plan Agreement should be the person who attends the training, the entire household should be encouraged to participate.

Close Out and Client Withdrawals:

Under these projects, grantees should schedule their account activities so that all IDA accounts reach their maximum savings, and refugee participants have purchased their Savings Goal, within the five-year project period. If educational tuition or fees are paid in installments to an institution, grantee must establish a plan to return funds to the government if all of the match money is not utilized by the student. If the participant stops contributing towards their IDA for a period of three months without grantee approval, or fails to meet his/her savings goal, the grantee may use those funds to enroll another participant. If a participant has failed to meet their savings goal and purchase their asset at the end of the project period, the grantee must return the matching funds to the government in accordance with 45 CFR 74.71.

Definition of Terms:

Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) are leveraged, or matched, savings accounts. IDAs are established in insured accounts in qualified financial institutions. The funds are intended for the Savings Goals specified in this announcement. Although the refugee participant maintains control of all funds that the participant deposits in the IDA, including all interest that may accrue on the funds, the participant must sign a Savings Plan Agreement with the grantee that specifies that the funds in the account will be used only for the participant's Savings Goal or for an emergency withdrawal. A signed Savings Plan Agreement is required for the refugee participant to be eligible for matching funds.

A “household” is an applicant and all other persons living as an individual economic unit at one address that submits a single federal tax return.

The Savings Goals, as specified below, are the purchases/investments for which the matching funds are available when used in conjunction with the savings from the IDAs of refugee participants. The Savings Goal specified by a participant in the Savings Plan Agreement may be for the benefit of the refugee participant or of a refugee dependent (children under 21 years of age who are dependent on an adult for their livelihood) of the refugee participant. Purchase of any savings goal should not create an excessive debt burden for the refugee participant. Primary Savings Goals are defined as follows:

• Home Ownership: includes costs of a principal residence including the down payment and closing costs when purchasing a home. The purchaser must be a first-time homebuyer. Prior to approval for a client to save for this asset, the grantee must assess the likelihood that the client can obtain appropriate financing prior to the end of the project period. Grantee must also assess client's abilities to maintain a mortgage and the upkeep of a home.

• Microenterprise Capitalization: means costs for a micro-business described in a qualified business plan, such as capital, plant, equipment, working capital, and inventory expenses. The business plan must be approved by a financial institution, a microenterprise development organization, or a non-profit loan fund. The plan must also describe services or goods to be sold and include a marketing plan and projected financial statements.

• Post-secondary Education, Vocational Training, and Recertification: Tuition or fees, professional recertification fees, books, supplies, and equipment, including a computer, related to the enrollment or attendance of a refugee student at an educational institution. Funds may be used for a dependent refugee if that child begins postsecondary education or vocational training within the project period. Proof of enrollment must be documented in the client's file.

The Purchase of an Automobile is defined as a vehicle that is a documented necessity for the purpose of maintaining or upgrading employment or for the purpose of transportation for postsecondary education, vocational training, or recertification. Accounts established for automobiles must represent less than 10 percent of all those established. Funds can be used for the actual cost of the vehicle as well as one-time fees and taxes associated with the purchase of the vehicle. Vehicles may not be purchased through auctions.

Qualified financial institution means a Federally insured bank or credit union or a State-insured bank or credit union if no Federally insured bank or credit union is available.

A Parallel Account is an insured account opened by the grantee in a qualified financial institution for the purpose of depositing the matching funds for the savings deposited by refugee participants in their individual IDAs. Interest earned on the matching funds must remain in the Parallel Account and be used to enroll additional refugee participants or to match the interest earned on the refugee participant's deposits. The matching funds must be made available to the refugee participant at the time that the participant purchases the Savings Goal. The matching funds are not available to the refugee participant except for the Savings Goals defined in this announcement.

An emergency withdrawal is a withdrawal of funds, or a portion of funds, deposited by the refugee participant in his/her Individual Development Account. The withdrawal may also include any of the interest that may have accrued to the participant's savings in the account but does not include any matching funds. The participant must notify the project grantee of the withdrawal prior to the withdrawal. Causes for emergency withdrawals include, but are not limited to, medical expenses, payments to prevent eviction or foreclosure, or payments for necessary living expenses. If funds withdrawn for emergency purposes are not repaid within 12 months, the refugee participant forfeits the match on those funds. Emergency withdrawals may never be authorized from the Parallel Account(s).

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.

Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,500,000.

Anticipated Number of Awards: 7 to 8.

Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $400,000.

Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period: $200,000.

Length of Project Periods: 60 month project with five 12 month budget periods.

Funds designated for the purpose of providing matches for the refugee IDA accounts should be approximately 75 percent of the total project. ORR funds not used for such matches may be used for such other purposes to include, but not be limited to, the administrative and operational costs of the project and for financial training, counseling, and technical assistance. “Administrative and operational costs” are defined as anything pertaining to the management of the operation of the grant by the grantee or subgrantee (if applicable); these costs may be slightly higher or lower in any one budget period.

The Director reserves the right to award more or less than the funds described in the absence of worthy applications or such other circumstances as may be deemed to be in the best interest of the government. Applicants may be required to reduce the scope of selected projects based on the amount of the approved grant award.

State Governments, County governments, City or township governments, Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Additional Information on Eligibility:

Eligible non-profit organizations include faith-based and community organizations. Applicants must also provide documentation of participation of a qualified financial institution(s) in the project. This documentation must be in writing, on letterhead of the financial institution, and signed by a person authorized to make the commitment on behalf of the financial institution. The documentation must include a commitment by the financial institution to establish IDAs for the refugee participants, to establish a parallel account (or accounts) for the matching funds, and to provide the grantee with account activity data on the IDAs and the parallel account(s) in a timely manner.

Successful grantees will be expected to coordinate their policies and procedures for developing and administering refugee IDA projects with ORR and with the existing refugee IDA network. To ensure an exchange of technical and training information among programs, all grantees are encouraged to attend up to two ORR training meetings during each year of their participation in this program area. Grant funds may be used to offset the cost of attendance. Additionally, agencies may be asked to participate in an ORR-initiated program evaluation.

No.

All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27, 2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal ( http://www.Grants.gov ). A DUNS number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.

Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.

Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status.

Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:

• A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code.

• A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.

• A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

• A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.

• Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

Sylvia Johnson, Grants Management Officer, Office of Grants Management, Administration for Children and Families, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447, Phone: 202-401-5513. E-mail: ACFOGME-Grants@acf.hhs.gov. URL: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr.

ACF is particularly interested in specific factual information and statements of measurable goals in quantitative terms. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix. A table of contents and an executive summary should be included. The application narrative should be in a 12-pitch font with a 25 page narrative limit (up to an additional 20 pages of attachments are allowable, not including letters of support, table of contents, executive summary, or standard forms and certifications). Reviewers may disregard any narrative over the page limit. Each page should be numbered sequentially, including any attachments or appendices. Please do not staple or in any way bind the application other than with a rubber band or clip. Please do not include books or videotapes as they are not easily reproduced and are, therefore, inaccessible to reviewers.

You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper format.

To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile transmission.

Please note the following if you plan to submit your application electronically via Grants.gov

• Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.

• When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov.

• We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your application to fully understand the process and requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight. If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the system.

• To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.

• You will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.

• You may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.

• Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.

• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.

• We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a later date.

• You may access the electronic application for this program on http://www.Grants.gov.

• You must search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA number.

Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit an original and two copies of the complete application. An original and two copies of the complete application are required. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Standard Forms and Certifications:

The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section V Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms required for making applications for awards under this announcement.

Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs; SF-424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application.

Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application.

Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within P.L. 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the application.

Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status, please refer to Section III.3.

Please see Section V.1, for instructions on preparing the full project description.

Due Date for Applications: August 5, 2005.

Explanation of Due Dates:

The closing date for submission of applications is referenced above. Mailed applications postmarked after the closing date will be classified as late.

Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are either received on or before the deadline date or sent on or before the deadline date and received by ACF in time for the independent review referenced in Section IV.6.

Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the application(s). To be acceptable as a proof of timely mailing, a postmark from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of the commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the package was received by the commercial mail service company from the applicant. Private Metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing. (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.)

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., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.

ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax. Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.

Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov.

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, or in other rare cases. Determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants Management Officer.

Checklist:

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

Additional Forms:

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” and 45 CFR Part 100, “Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities.” Under the Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs.

As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).

A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations which may trigger the “accommodate or explain” rule.

When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th floor, Washington, DC 20447.

When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.

Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.

The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.

See Section II for information on IDA match requirements.

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: Sylvia Johnson, Grants Management Officer, Office of Grants Management, Administration for Children and Families, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447.

Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be delivered to: Sylvia Johnson, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, ACF Mailroom, Second Floor (near loading dock), Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.

Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov. Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically.

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 4/30/2007.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the “project summary/abstract” and “full project description” sections of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).

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

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

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

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

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.

Identify the results and benefits to be derived.

For example, ORR is particularly interested in the projected outcomes for the refugee participants, including the number of IDAs established, the amount of savings by refugee participants, the number and size of withdrawals for each of the Savings Goals, and the impact of the purchase of the Savings Goal on the refugee participant's movement toward self-sufficiency.

Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.

Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished.

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

Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached.

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

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

Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit status in its application.

The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) a reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate; (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status; (e) any of the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.

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

Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.

Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant.

Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).

Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

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.

Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.

Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be generated from this project.

Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application which contain this information.

Evaluation Criteria:

The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information ( i.e. , from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).

In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria:

(a) Narrative Work Plan—The application provides a clear explanation of a feasible, appropriate, and complete plan for establishing and managing IDAs for the refugee participants and for leveraging any additional non-Federal financial matching resources that may have been or may be committed. The plan clearly describes the structure, uses, requirements, and management of the IDAs and includes procedures for managing the Parallel Account, ensuring that interest on the matches is utilized to enroll additional refugee participants or to match interest earned on the refugee participant's deposits, providing financial training appropriate to the refugee population and to the Savings Goals included in the project, and closing all IDAs within the project period. Describes all major elements, activities, and procedures such as those listed below. (Provide expected outcomes for each activity.)

(i) Selecting and training key staff for the project.

(ii) After researching public benefits and the impact of IDAs on benefits for the applicant's clients, provide a proposed plan to ensure public benefits are not adversely affected by the IDA.

(iii) Establishing and maintaining the Parallel Account.

(iv) Developing protocols for managing the Parallel Account, including a system for allocating interest income to enroll additional project participants or to match interest earned on the refugee participant's deposits.

(v) Establishing strong working relationships with one or more financial institution(s) that will participate in the project.

(vi) Establishing and maintaining IDAs for each participant.

(vii) Providing basic financial education and asset-specific training to participants.

(viii) Developing Savings Plan Agreements with participants and working with them to save in accordance with the plan.

(ix) Providing payments of participants' IDA match directly to the asset vendors for each of the Savings Goals.

(x) Assisting participants who have difficulty completing the financial education or meeting the requirements of their Savings Plan Agreement.

(xi) Ensuring that participants use IDA funds appropriately.

(xii) Ensuring that project participants purchase an eligible asset within the project period.

(xiii) Providing required financial and programmatic reports to ACF.

(xiv) Self-evaluation of the overall project goals and accomplishments.

(b) Timeline—Applicant should provide a timeline of services, keeping in mind that generally the first and last years of the project require a higher concentration on administrative services. The timeline should be consistent with the proposed budget, reflect key activities outlined in the narrative work plan, and ensure that all project participants complete their financial education, finish saving, and purchase their asset prior to the end of the project period. Applicants are strongly encouraged to present the timeline in the format of a Gantt chart.

(c) Additional Financial Resources—To the extent possible, applicants provide a plan for obtaining cash or in-kind funds from other sources using the ORR IDA funds to leverage these additional non-Federal financial matching resources.

The outcomes and benefits proposed are reasonable and reflect the objectives of this announcement. Explain how the project will produce results by specifying short and long-term measurable outcomes. Describe the strategy for collecting and validating data for use in program management, monitoring and evaluation. Describe the electronic management information system that the applicant will use for project data. The methodology proposed for collecting outcome data should be reasonable.

Applicant organization, staff and partner organizations have demonstrated capability to implement and manage new programs and to recruit and work with the refugee population. The applicant has developed a partnership with a financial institution(s) to implement the IDAs. Applicant should discuss previous IDA grants administered by the agency and the IDA program outcomes, fiscal abilities, and evidence that they have gained the trust of the refugee community. Discuss instances of managing grants of the same size as you are requesting here.

Additionally, applicant should list public and private non-profit and for-profit organization(s), qualified financial institution(s), or microenterprise development organization(s) that will participate in the proposed project. For example, list partner organization(s) to review and approve refugee business plans for a microenterprise asset. Provide a description of the roles and responsibilities of each organization. Describe how additional partners will be recruited throughout the project period.

The budget is reasonable and clearly justified. The methodologies for estimating the number of refugee participants and amount of matching funds are reasonable. Seventy-five percent of the ORR grant funds are designated for the purpose of providing matches for the refugee IDA accounts.

The application identifies the refugee population to be assisted by this project and describes the need for assistance of this population. Indicators of the need for assistance include low rates of home ownership, education, access to capital, and use of financial institutions and high rates of reliance on public assistance and of incomes below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level. Applicant should demonstrate knowledge of refugee communities and potential clients.

No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application.

The ORR Director and program staff use review panel scores when considering competing applications. Review panel scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications generally will be considered in order of the average scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important factors are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not guaranteed funding. These other considerations include the timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded with ORR funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of reviewers and government officials; ORR staff evaluation and input; amount and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's consistency and harmony with ORR goals and policy; administrative costs associated with any sub-grantees; geographic distribution of applications; previous program performance of applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous ORR or other Federal agency grants.

Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle pending the availability of funds for a period not to exceed one year.

The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail.

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified in writing.

Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).

Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under this Program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this Program. Regulations pertaining to the prohibition of Federal funds for inherently religious activities can be found on the HHS Web site at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.

Program Progress Reports: Quarterly.

Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.

Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF 269) throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. In addition, final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period.

Program Office Contact: Lisa Campbell, Project Officer, Office of Refugee Resettlement, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447, phone: 202-205-4597, e-mail: lcampbell@acf.hhs.gov.

Grants Management Office Contact: Sylvia Johnson, Grants Management Officer, Office of Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447, phone: 202-401-5513, e-mail: ACFOGME-Grants@acf.hhs.gov.

Notice: Beginning with FY 2005, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the Federal Register . Beginning October 1, 2005, applicants will be able to find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically for opportunities via: http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to find the complete text of http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.

Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications.

ORR typically sponsors two training workshops per year, and applicants should budget accordingly.

Program Office: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation.

Funding Opportunity Title: Healthy Marriage Research Initiative.

Announcement Type: Grant—Initial.

Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OPRE-OJ-0090.

CFDA Number: 93.647.

Due Date For Letter of Intent or Preapplications: June 27, 2005.

Due Date for Applications: July 26, 2005.

Executive Summary: The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE), within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the availability of funds to support new research under the Healthy Marriage Research Initiative. Applications for both short-term (12-17 months) and long-term (up to 60 months) studies will be considered. OPRE will consider applications in three broad categories of evaluation and research: intervention studies; basic studies; and methodological and analytical studies.

Program Purpose: To stimulate and fund short- and long-term studies focused on healthy marriage in population groups for which a limited body of research exists. This means, primarily, lower-income individuals and couples, including but not limited to those in poverty, as well as ethnic and racial minority groups. Federal funding under this announcement will be approved to support research and evaluation activities only, not program operation or service provision.

This funding is intended to support different types of studies including: Basic studies to understand the determinants and barriers to sustained, healthy marriage among low-income couples and differences among racial/ethnic minorities; methodological and measurement studies to improve the quality of marital research related to low-income and racial/ethnic minorities; and intervention evaluation research to understand effective ways to help interested low-income couples achieve their desire for a healthy marriage. Studies under this announcement are intended to inform the design and operation of programs to support healthy marriages, and are intended to complement other ACF research initiatives related to building and sustaining healthy marriages (described below).

As indicated, OPRE anticipates funding both short-term projects ( e.g. , 12-17 months) and longer-term studies (up to 60 months). Recipients of multi-year project awards will be allowed to apply for additional funding in subsequent years, within the overall approved project period, on a non-competitive basis. Short-term projects may include one-time awards for project and budget periods of up to 17 months.

OPRE may provide sole funding for projects, provide principal funding, or support individual components of projects which have other funders. The latter types of applications ( i.e. , those with other funding sources) should include information about the funding sources for all components of the project in addition to the detailed budget information (as discussed in Section III) for the component(s) for which funding under this announcement is being sought.

In cases where more applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding consideration in a later competition of the same program. These applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed in rank order along with other applications in later competitions.

Background: The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 authorizing the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, outlined critical goals for assistance to needy families. The following three objectives relate directly to building and sustaining healthy marriages:

• To end dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage;

• To encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families;

• To reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies.

There is mounting evidence that children raised by their married, biological parents fare better on many outcome measures and that high rates of non-marital childbearing and marital dissolution put children at increased risk. In addition, although not a panacea, research points to healthy marriage as an important factor in keeping children and families out of poverty. Research also suggests that marriage is a key source of greater economic security, health, and happiness for adults, and a vital resource for healthy communities.

Over the past several years, varied approaches to broadening access to supports for healthy marriage have emerged. The initiatives vary in many ways including the types of organizations or entities involved ( e.g. , state and local governments, community organizations, faith-based organizations, coalitions of organizations or partnerships), the types of individuals or families targeted, and the types of activities supported ( e.g. , training for high school and college students on healthy dating and relationships, pre-marital inventories, marriage education and enrichment classes, mentoring). In some instances, approaches include adding healthy marriage components to ongoing programs serving or utilized by lower-income families, such as community family resource centers, parenting programs, refugee assistance programs, or childbirth classes/clinics. We have limited information about the effectiveness of interventions among low-income populations.

Research has shown that individuals and couples across the economic spectrum are similar in their desire to have stable, healthy marriage and family relationships for themselves and their children. However, those dealing with economic difficulties often face additional challenges to achieving these goals relative to couples who are more economically secure. Research shows that lower-income is associated with higher rates of divorce. We have limited information about the factors that contribute to these differences, across economic and racial/ethnic groups. We also have limited information about factors that contribute to marital quality and stability and child well-being within lower-income groups and different racial and ethnic groups and whether the factors are the same or different across population groups.

OPRE has developed a research agenda related to healthy marriage that will help provide additional information in some of these areas. OPRE's current and recent projects are briefly described below. Where reports are available, they are referenced.

1. Building Strong Families (BSF). This project builds upon recent research showing that most unmarried, low-income couples are living together or romantically involved when their child is born. Moreover, most have strong hopes for marriage to each other. Unfortunately, only a small fraction will realize those hopes. BSF is a long-term experimental demonstration and evaluation study of intervention programs designed to help lower-income, unmarried parents gain the skills and knowledge needed to sustain a healthy relationship and achieve a healthy marriage if that is the path they choose. Information is available at http://www.buildingstrongfamilies.info.

2. Supporting Healthy Marriage (SHM). This project builds upon research that shows that, while lower-income individuals highly value marriage, they experience higher break-up rates. SHM is a long-term, experimental, demonstration and evaluation study of intervention programs designed to help lower-income couples who are either married or plan to marry gain the skills and knowledge needed to sustain a healthy marriage. Information is available at http://www.supportinghealthymarriage.org.

3. Community Healthy Marriage Initiatives (CHMI) Evaluation. A growing number of communities are initiating grass-roots efforts to help couples build and sustain healthy marriages through public awareness campaigns and saturating the community with educational opportunities. CHMI is a major, long-term effort to evaluate the implementation of such community-wide programs and evaluate impacts in selected sites.

4. Service Delivery Settings and Evaluation Design Options for Strengthening and Promoting Healthy Marriages. This project examined existing and potential service delivery systems for marriage education and provided recommendations for evaluation approaches and designs. In addition, the project involved a systematic review of studies on the effectiveness of interventions to strengthen marriage. Reports may be accessed at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/strengthen/serv_delivery/index.html .

5. Economic Disincentives to Marriage Project. This project is building a comprehensive database of the state and federal incentives and disincentives for low-income couples who marry, as well as developing a dynamic software application that can accurately portray the costs and benefits to a particular couple of the decision to marry.

6. Conceptualizing and Measuring Healthy Marriages for Empirical Research and Evaluation Studies. This project is reviewing the state of the art of measurement in marriage and couple relationship research. The project includes a compendium of measures and a framework for addressing measurement questions and improving the battery of measures related to marriage and couple relationships. See Brief at: http://www.childtrends.org/_catdisp_page.cfm?LID=141#MarriageFamily.

As stated previously, the purpose of this announcement is to stimulate and fund short and long-term research or evaluation studies focused on healthy marriage in population groups for which a limited body of research exists. This means, primarily, lower-income individuals and couples, including but not limited to those in poverty, and ethnic and racial minority groups ( e.g. , Latino/Hispanic, African-American, Native American, Asian and Pacific Islander). We are particularly interested in research and evaluation that would benefit two special initiatives within ACF: the African-American Healthy Marriage Initiative and the Hispanic Healthy Marriage Initiative. ACF strongly encourages applicants to consider domestic violence in proposed research activities. The research funded under this announcement will be germane to the government's goal of ensuring that more children grow up in stable homes with their own two parents (biological or adoptive) in a healthy marriage. Proposed research studies should not duplicate the efforts of ongoing ACF research studies.

Proposed studies may be applied, basic, or methodological. By applied we mean to include intervention and evaluation studies that increase knowledge about the effectiveness of an array of approaches designed to help individuals and couples build and sustain healthy marriages. By basic research we mean projects that will explore patterns and processes related to building and sustaining healthy marriages. Methodological studies are those that address conceptual, analytic, and measurement issues in studying marriage and couple relationships.

In addition to empirical research, proposals may include conceptual studies and meta-analyses that synthesize existing work and point in fertile directions for research and policy and program development. In addition to quantitative, empirical studies, applicants may propose to conduct qualitative studies that help illuminate relationship processes and the social context that enhances or diminishes the prospects of healthy marriage for population groups of interest. Original projects as well as enhancements to ongoing research will be considered.

Because the study of marriage and intimate relationships is complex and multidimensional, we are interested in proposals that will approach a research question from multiple disciplinary perspectives and via numerous methods. For example, some proposed studies will benefit from the joint participation of scholars and marriage practitioners.

Below we address in more detail the kinds of studies that are of interest to OPRE and that will advance ACF's healthy marriage research agenda. The discussion below is intended to be illustrative; it does not represent established priorities. Proposals may involve elements from more than one category discussed below. Studies that directly involve participants or individual level data must include plans for ensuring the confidentiality of participant identifiers and information.

We are interested in studies that test the effectiveness of approaches, programs and curricula to help low-income individuals and couples to improve their relationship skills and build and sustain a healthy marriage. We are interested in studies that would examine a range of questions regarding marriage education that will help to strengthen the practice of marriage education in general. Examples of such studies include but are not limited to: evaluation of curricula not previously tested; evaluation of variation in intensity or dosage; or tests of alternative methods or approaches for content presentation.

This work may include conceptual and empirical studies, both quantitative and qualitative, and both broad, macroscopic research and more focused work with clear application to the marriage initiative and program issues. We are interested in basic research on how individuals and couples build and sustain strong marriages as well as on factors that help or hinder the goals for a healthy marriage for youth and young adults. We are also interested in studies that replicate research on higher income couples' interaction processes with lower-income couples and studies that examine other/external stressors related to socio-economic status and other factors. We are also interested in studies with blended or step-families.

We are also interested in supporting research that has a strong or exclusive methodological focus with excellent potential for improving marriage research. We are interested in both measurement studies and analytical studies.

Measurement studies may address questions about how researchers conceptualize and operationalize key concepts in a study and the measurement tools used and needed. In this area we are interested not only in self-reports of marital satisfaction but also in different conceptual lenses that highlight important constructs such as commitment, partnership, and sacrifice and effective measurement tools to capture the depth of marital and other unions. Development of observational measures and development or refinement of valid measures for use with under-studied population groups are also needed.

Improved analytical studies that utilize stronger theoretical frameworks and more sophisticated analytical tools to help overcome the limitations of correlational research in supporting causal interpretations are of interest. We are interested in studies using conceptual frameworks and analytical tools that link sets of variables at multiple levels of analysis: personal characteristics, dyadic relationships, family processes, and external or ecological factors. In addition, because quantitative research of marriage and couple relationships often leaves researchers speculating about the processes underlying their findings, we are interested in studies that integrate quantitative and qualitative work. Further, we are interested in quantitative studies that build on qualitative investigations by attempting to map the prevalence of processes found in qualitative research.

The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE), within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the availability of FY 2005 funds to support new research under the Healthy Marriage Research Initiative. If applications cannot be funded before September 30, 2005 using FY 2005 funds, awards will be made after October 1 using FY 2006 funds.

Applications for both short-term (12-17 months) and long-term (up to 60 months) studies will be considered. OPRE will consider applications in three broad categories of evaluation and research: applied research (intervention studies); basic studies; and methodological and analytical studies.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.

Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $900,000.

Anticipated Number of Awards: 4 to 8.

Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $200,000 per budget period.

Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: None.

Average Projected Award Amount: $150,000 per budget period.

Length of Project Periods: Other.

Explanation of Other: For FY 2005, approximately $900,000 is expected to be available for the total group of approved projects. We estimate that this level of funding will support 4 to 8 separate projects under this announcement in FY 2005, depending on scope and scale. On average, we anticipate funding two to four multi-year projects at $150,000-$200,000 per budget period and approximately three to four one-time, smaller grants at $90,000 or less for 12-17 months. For longer-term projects, OPRE anticipates providing funding at approximately the same level for up to four additional years, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and the best interests of the Government. All grants are expected to be awarded by September 30, 2005. If applications cannot be funded before September 30, 2005 using FY 2005 funds, awards will be made after October 1 using FY 2006 funds.

• Unrestricted ( i.e. , open to any type of entity subject to exceptions specified in Additional Information on Eligibility)

Additional Information on Eligibility:

Faith-based and community organizations are also eligible applicants.

No grant funds may be paid as profit to any recipient even if the recipient is a commercial organization. Profit is any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs (45 CFR 74.81).

While a variety of organizations and entities are eligible to apply for funding under this announcement, potential applicants should carefully review the evaluation criteria to determine that they meet the requirements for experience and expertise for conducting rigorous, well-designed evaluations and studies of the type and scope discussed herein. Applicants are reminded that funding under this announcement is not available to support programs or service provision, but rather research and evaluation.

Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project costs, in accordance with section 1110 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1310], which provides for making grants for paying part of the cost of research projects. Grantees must provide at least 5 percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project requesting $300,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $100,000 per budget period) must provide a match of at least $15,790 ( 5% of the total approved project costs). Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if over the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the amount which the applicant indicates is committed to the project may result in a disallowance of Federal dollars. Lack of supporting documentation at the time of application will not impact the responsiveness of the application for competitive review.

All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27, 2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal ( www.Grants.gov ). A DUNS number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.

Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.

Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:

• A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code.

• A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.

• A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

• A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.

• Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

Letters of Intent: Those parties expecting to submit an application in response to this announcement are requested to submit a letter of intent by email that includes the funding opportunity title and number and the name and address of the applicant organization.

Due Date for Letters of Intent: 20 calendar days from date of publication in the Federal Register . Letters of Intent are strongly encouraged but not required.

Address to Submit Letters of Intent:

The length of the application, excluding application forms, certifications, resumes and budget justification should not exceed 25 pages, double-spaced, using 12-point font or larger. Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures or other printed materials with the application. Such materials and/or pages exceeding the 25 page limit, if submitted, will not be reviewed. Applicants have the option of omitting from application copies (not originals) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget. The copies may include summary salary information.

You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile transmission.

Please note the following if you plan to submit your application electronically via Grants.gov:

• Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.

• When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov.

• We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your application to fully understand the process and requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight. If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the system.

• To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.

• You will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.

• You may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.

• Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.

• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.

• We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a later date.

• You may access the electronic application for this program on http://www.Grants.gov

• You must search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA number.

Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit an original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section V Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms required for making applications for awards under this announcement.

Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs; SF-424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application.

Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application.

Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within P.L. 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the application.

Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Use of Human Subjects. If your evaluation plan includes gathering data from or about individuals, unless the project meets specified exemption criteria (see http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/exmpt-pb.htm ), 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. If applicable, applicants must include a completed Form 310, Protection of Human Subjects. For more information about use of human subjects and IRB's you can visit these Web sites: http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2

Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status, please refer to Section III.3. Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description.

Due Date For Letter of Intent or Preapplications: June 27, 2005.

Due Date for Applications: July 26, 2005.

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.

Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date.

Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).

ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.

Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition.

Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date will not be considered for competition.

Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.

Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer.

Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov.

Checklist:

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

Additional Forms: Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm .

This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” and 45 CFR Part 100, “Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities.” Under the Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs.

As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).

A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations which may trigger the “accommodate or explain” rule.

When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th floor, Washington, DC 20447.

Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.

The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html .

Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.

Grant awards are for research and evaluation costs only, not for program services or the support of conferences. This limitation does not preclude inclusion of costs associated with dissemination or presentation of findings by authors.

No grant funds may be paid as profit to any recipient even if the recipient is a commercial organization. Profit is any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs (45 CFR 74.81).

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182.

Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be delivered to: OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182.

Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov .

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information.

The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139 which expires 4/30/2007.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the “project summary/abstract” and “full project description” sections of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).

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

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

Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included for easy reference.

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

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

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.

Identify the results and benefits to be derived.

Clearly state the ways in which knowledge about what works will be improved through the funding of a project to evaluate a marriage education program for low-income couples, using an experimental design with random assignment of couples or individuals.

Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.

Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished.

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.

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

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

Provide a plan for distributing reports and other project outputs to colleagues and the public. Applicants must provide a description of the kind, volume and timing of distribution.

Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.

Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.

Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant.

Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).

Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

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.

Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.

Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.

Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be documented and submitted with the application so the applicant is given credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for each funding source.

The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information ( i.e. , from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).

In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria:

Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the proposed approach, methods, and analytic techniques are appropriate and sufficient for addressing the questions proposed in the application.

Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the approach is the most rigorous appropriate, including the use of random assignment for evaluation studies. Further, the review will assess the extent to which the planned analyses reflect knowledge and use of state-of-the-art analytic techniques and can be expected to advance the state of the art and knowledge in relation to research on healthy marriage, particularly among low-income populations and racial and ethnic minorities.

Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the project plan reflects careful and appropriate consideration of differences in low-income populations and racial and ethnic minorities in a study focused on healthy marriage.

Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the overall project plan is reasonable and can be expected to be successfully accomplished on the schedule proposed, at the funding and staffing levels proposed.

Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the results expected, as described in the application, will lead to knowledge and improvements that can be straightforwardly applied and used by those providing direct services in the field of healthy marriage.

Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the project and expected findings/results will substantially improve knowledge and understanding regarding family formation and healthy marriage among low-income populations and racial and ethnic minorities within the context of direct services or research in the field of healthy marriage.

Applications will be evaluated on the demonstrated relevance of the experience and expertise of the proposed principal investigator and other key staff for carrying out the proposed project.

Applicants should describe relevant prior experience for all key personnel in carrying out the activities and the types of analyses expected to be necessary in the proposed project. Listings or descriptions of prior studies are not sufficient.

Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which proposed key staff have demonstrated experience working with or studying low-income populations and racial and ethnic minorities in the area of family formation and/or healthy marriage.

Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the time to be devoted to the project by the principal investigator is sufficient to ensure a high level of professional input and attention to all aspects of the study.

Applications will be evaluated on the clarity of the statement of the problem or issue they will address and the relevance of that problem/issue to the objectives of ACF's Healthy Marriage Initiative and the purposes of this announcement.

Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they demonstrate that the project or study will address an important need related to the study of or direct services for healthy marriage, particularly among low-income populations and racial and ethnic minorities.

Applications will be evaluated on the reasonableness and appropriateness of the budget in relation to the proposed scope and scale of the project.

Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the budget items are well justified in support of the proposed project and objectives and do not include superfluous items.

Applications will be evaluated on the extent of the cost-share provided. Grantees must provide at least 5 percent of the total approved cost of the project.

No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application.

Timely applications from eligible applicants will be reviewed and scored competitively. Reviewers will use the evaluation criteria listed above to review and score the application.

In addition, ACF may solicit comments from ACF Regional Office staff, other Federal agencies, and, if determined to be appropriate, other knowledgeable individuals. These comments along with those of the reviewers will be considered by ACF in making the funding decision.

In making award decisions, ACF will aim to fund a group of studies that together address a wide range of questions of the greatest importance to ACF, states, other governmental agencies, and the general public. In order to ensure that a wide array of questions, topics, and issues will be addressed through projects funded under this announcement, in making the final selections, in addition to the review criteria identified below, ACF may consider additional factors including geographic diversity, racial/ethnic populations studied, project type, opportunities to analyze particular sub-groups of the population, methods being used and the issues being examined.

Further, to maximize the benefit of the Federal investment to stimulate research and advance knowledge about healthy marriages, ACF may give preference to applicants who provide evidence of other sources of funding for the project (e.g., applicant resources or private foundation funding) beyond the cost share.

On the basis of the review of an application, ACF will: (a) Approve the application for funding; or (b) disapprove the application; or (c) approve the application but not fund it for such reasons as a lack of funds or a need for further review.

Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the process, 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.

Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year.

Awards are expected to be made by September 30, 2005. If applications cannot be funded before September 30, 2005 using FY 2005 funds, awards will be made after October 1 using FY 2006 funds.

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing after award actions are made.

The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail.

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified in writing.

Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).

Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).

Direct federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under this Program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this Program. Regulations pertaining to the prohibition of Federal funds for inherently religious activities can be found on the HHS Web site at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.

Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm ) throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period.

Program Progress Reports: Semi-Annually.

Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.

Grantees' programmatic reports should indicate progress and accomplishments in carrying out the approved study to date compared to what was expected or proposed in the application and actions that have been taken to correct problems or delays. To the extent relevant based on study design/approach, programmatic progress reports should include interim findings. The progress report should also include information on completed and planned presentations on the project.

Program Office Contact: OPRE Grant Review Team, Xtria, LLC, 8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 400, Vienna, VA 22182, phone: 877-663-0250, e-mail: opre@xtria.com.

Grants Management Office Contact: Sylvia Johnson, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 4th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447, phone: 202-401-4524, e-mail: syjohnson@acf.hhs.gov.

Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the Federal Register . Beginning October 1, 2005 applicants will be able to find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically for opportunities via: http://www.Grants.gov . Applicants will also be able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF Web site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html. Information about existing OPRE sponsored research projects and publications may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre . and information about the ACF Healthy Marriage Initiative may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/index.html.

Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications.

Funding Opportunity Title: National Quality Improvement Center on the Privatization of Child Welfare Services.

Announcement Type: Initial.

Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-CA-0027.

CFDA Number: 93.670.

Due Date for Applications: Application is due August 5, 2005.

Executive Summary: The purpose of this funding announcement is to award a cooperative agreement for the creation of a national Quality Improvement Center (QIC) focused on identifying effective practices in the privatization of child welfare services. The QIC will assess needs and resources, then plan and implement research and demonstration activities to develop knowledge about improving child welfare services and systems through privatization.

The QIC will be awarded funds for a planning period and an implementation phase. During the planning period, the QIC will engage in a collaborative process to review the literature, clarify the focus and refine the implementation plan for the remainder of its child welfare privatization knowledge-building activities. During the implementation phase, the QIC will sponsor (through sub-grants), monitor and evaluate research or demonstration projects that test a variety of privatization models or hypotheses at multiple sites. The QIC will also provide technical assistance to its sub-grantees, funded under this initiative.

The purpose of this funding announcement is to award a cooperative agreement for the creation of a national Quality Improvement Center (QIC) focused on identifying effective practices in the privatization of child welfare services. The QIC will assess needs and resources, then plan and implement research and demonstration activities to develop knowledge about improving child welfare services and systems through privatization.

The QIC will be awarded funds for a planning period and an implementation phase. During the planning period, the QIC will engage in a collaborative process to review the literature, clarify the focus and refine the implementation plan for the remainder of its child welfare privatization knowledge-building activities. During the implementation phase, the QIC will sponsor (through sub-grants), monitor and evaluate research or demonstration projects that test a variety of privatization models or hypotheses at multiple sites. The QIC will also provide technical assistance to its sub-grantees, funded under this initiative.

The purpose of this funding announcement is to award a cooperative agreement for the creation of a national Quality Improvement Center (QIC) focused on identifying effective practices in the privatization of child welfare services. The QIC will assess needs and resources, then plan and implement research and demonstration activities to develop knowledge about improving child welfare services and systems through privatization.

The QIC will be awarded funds for a planning period and an implementation phase. During the planning period, the QIC will engage in a collaborative process to review the literature, clarify the focus and refine the implementation plan for the remainder of its child welfare privatization knowledge-building activities. During the implementation phase, the QIC will sponsor (through sub-grants), monitor and evaluate research or demonstration projects that test a variety of privatization models or hypotheses at multiple sites. The QIC will also provide technical assistance to its sub-grantees, funded under this initiative.

Our nation's child welfare systems are faced with the challenge of producing positive outcomes for the children and families they serve. Over the past several years, many States have embarked on system improvement efforts in response to changes in Federal laws, shrinking State budgets, and/or emerging trends and innovations in the field of child welfare. System improvements have been further spurred by the CB's approach to monitoring the performance of State child welfare systems by assessing outcomes. These reviews seek to determine what is actually happening to children and families as they are engaged in State child welfare services, and to assist States to enhance their capacity to help children and families achieve positive outcomes.

In October, 2004, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF)/Children's Bureau released its report on findings from the initial Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs). This report includes data from all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico regarding States' conformity with Federal standards for child welfare. General findings from the Federal Child and Family Services Review may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/cwrp/results/statefindings/genfindings04/index.htm. The report discusses common challenges that States face in providing for the safety, permanency and well-being of children. One common challenge pertains to conducting risk and safety assessments that are sufficiently comprehensive to capture underlying family problems that might contribute to child maltreatment. Other common challenges pertain to providing sufficient services to children and parents when children remain in their own homes, monitoring participation in services, and determining on an ongoing basis whether the family situation has altered enough to reduce risk of harm to the child. Another key challenge for many States is having a sufficient number and type of placement options to ensure that a child's out-of-home placement is based on appropriateness rather than availability. Many States also are experiencing challenges in implementing concurrent planning on a consistent basis.

Some States and counties are turning to privatization of their child welfare services. They believe this will move the system toward innovation through competition with incentives for good results. Their goals are to increase efficiency and effectiveness, improve outcomes for children and families, and control costs. Given the Children's Bureau's mission of child safety, permanency of placement, and well-being of children and families, it is incumbent that new and promising approaches to supporting children and families be tested.

Some child welfare services have already been privatized, some are in the process of being privatized and some States are considering privatization. Kansas and Florida have implemented statewide privatization efforts, while in Missouri; Maine; Hamilton County, Ohio; and Wayne County, Michigan, initiatives are targeted to specific populations such as foster care and low-risk families (An Assessment of the Privatization of Child Welfare Services: Challenges and Successes; 2003, Freundlich, M.; Gerstenzang, S; Children's Rights, Inc., New York, NY).

Growing numbers of public child welfare agencies are entering into arrangements with private entities to provide services for children and families. However, experts do not always agree on the value of these efforts, in terms of cost savings, efficiency, and improved outcomes (Experts Disagree About Benefits of Child Welfare Privatization, Children's Bureau Express, March, 2003 http://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/nonissart.cfm?issue_id=2003-03&disp_art=610&hlt=1.

Privatization can take a variety of forms. Privatization—

○ can be State wide or limited to certain parts of States.

○ can include all of child welfare, or just parts, such as investigation, family preservation, in-home services, adoption and/or foster care.

○ can be done all at once, or phased in gradually.

○ approaches include purchase-of-service, managed care and network development ( i.e. , contract with local lead agencies that in turn subcontract to create comprehensive service networks).

○ service providers may be non-profit or for-profit organizations.

The success of privatization initiatives—

○ can be judged by the extent to which it improves outcomes for children and families and/or saves money.

○ can depend on the quality of the performance-based contract.

Privatization efforts take place against a backdrop of Federal law and regulations that must be considered as public agencies strategically use contracting to help them achieve their goals. These include, but are not limited to:

○ Section 471(a) (2) of the Social Security Act, which requires that a single State agency administer or supervise the administration of the title IV-E programs to assure the uniform statewide operation of these programs and proper accountability to the Federal government.

○ 45 CFR-205.100(b), which provide for this uniformity and accountability by requiring the designated single State agency to perform those administrative functions that require the exercise of discretion. The regulations prohibit the State agency from delegating (to other than its own officials) its authority for exercising administrative discretion in the administration or supervision of the [State] plan.

○ Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76, “Performance of Commercial Activities,” which in pertinent part sets the parameters for identifying inherently governmental function.

When privatizing child welfare services, the State maintains administrative control and ultimate responsibility for the components of the Child Welfare system that are being contracted out to the private sector.

In 1998 the Child Welfare League of America stated “Twenty-nine states reported to the Child Welfare League of America that they utilized a managed care or privatization model for the delivery of child welfare services. The states identified a total of 47 initiatives that were designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of services through changes in management tools and funding or contract strategies. Most of the initiatives have transferred responsibility for the management and delivery of services to private nonprofit agencies. However, the public agency has a primary role in decision making.” (Managed Care and Privatization Child Welfare Tracking Project: 1998 State and County Survey Results, McCullough, C.;Schmitt, B.; Child Welfare League of America).

Through the national Quality Improvement Center on the Privatization of Child Welfare Services, the ACF/Children's Bureau will develop and disseminate knowledge about what works to States or counties which are considering or have chosen to privatize part or all of their Child Welfare system. This support is intended to improve the likelihood that these privatization activities will result in better outcomes for children and families.

The Children's Bureau has an interest in finding answers to questions about privatization of child welfare services, including—

○ What is currently known about challenges, successful strategies, lessons learned, recommendations, best practices?

○ What knowledge gaps exist regarding challenges, successful strategies, lessons learned, recommendations, best practices?

○ Is enough now known about privatization of child welfare services to promote it, or does the field first need to find out more about it? Are there aspects that can be promoted now, like best practices in contracting, while more is learned about other issues?

○ Are there aspects of child welfare privatization that are more commonly practiced, or that are more effectively practiced?

○ What is known about the role of faith-based child welfare agencies and their congregational partners in the privatization of the child welfare system? Is there any evidence of effective models of collaboration?

○ Are there portions of the child welfare system that lend themselves to privatization more than other portions?

○ Are there some areas that should not be privatized?

○ What kind of contract monitoring capacity should exist within child welfare agencies before they undertake these efforts?

○ Are there certain jurisdictions ( e.g. urban/rural) or populations (youth, children with special needs) for which privatization is more appropriate?

○ How is child welfare privatization similar to/different from privatization of other social services like child care, child support enforcement, health care, etc.? If there are similarities, what can be learned from these other privatization initiatives that can be applied to child welfare privatization?

The Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, Title IV-B, subpart 2 of the Social Security Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 629 et seq. ); see Section 435 (42 U.S.C. 629(e)).

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Section 105(b)(5)a (42 U.S.C. 5106).

Projects funded under this announcement will be expected to:

1. Have the project fully functioning within 90 days following the notification of the grant award.

2. Participate if the Children's Bureau chooses to do a national evaluation or a technical assistance contract that relates to this funding announcement.

3. Submit all performance indicator data, program and financial reports in a timely manner, in recommended format (to be provided), and submit the final report on disk or electronically using a standard word-processing program.

4. Submit a copy of the final report, the evaluation report, and any program products to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, within 90 days of project end date. 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, the evaluator and other key partners to attend an annual 3-day grantees' meeting in Washington, DC.

(b) Provide for the project director, the evaluator and other key partners 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; and

(c) Provide for 10-15 percent of the proposed budget to project evaluation.

The Quality Improvement Center on the Privatization of Child Welfare Services is expected to perform the following functions:

(a) Develop knowledge about improving outcomes for children and family in the child welfare system through privatization;

(b) Promote collaborative problem solving among sub-grantees;

(c) Develop and implement privatization research and demonstration projects to promote innovation, evidence-based practice improvements, and advancement of knowledge about privatization of child welfare services;

(d) Establish an information-sharing network to disseminate information on promising practices; and

(e) Evaluate the impact of privatization on the quality, availability, cost-effectiveness and overall effectiveness of child welfare services.

It must be emphasized that the QIC on the Privatization of Child Welfare Services will not assume training, technical assistance and information dissemination functions and responsibilities currently performed by the Children's Bureau National Resource Centers, Clearinghouses, and other T/TA Network partners.

One distinctive function of the QIC that separates it from other support resources provided by the Children's Bureau is that the QIC will build knowledge in the area of child welfare service privatization by announcing and disbursing sub-grant funding to conduct research and demonstration projects. The QIC will also monitor and evaluate these research or demonstration projects and provide technical assistance and support to these sub-grantees.

Research and demonstration projects sponsored by the QIC under this initiative must:

(a) Develop and implement an evidence-based privatization model or innovative improvement through privatization of the Child Welfare system with specific components or strategies that are based on theory, research, or evaluation data;

(b) Conduct an evaluation and cost analysis to determine the effectiveness and cost-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.

Applicants are required to submit a design that clearly and concisely describes a strategy for a 12-month planning phase (Phase I) for the development of the QIC to be followed by a 48-month implementation phase (Phase II). In Phase II, the QIC will announce, award, monitor and evaluate 48-month, research and demonstration project sub-grants. The QIC will also provide technical assistance (using its own resources or through sub-contracts with other technical assistance providers) to sub-grantees funded under this initiative.

The QIC will be required to cooperate fully with any evaluation requested by the ACF/Children's Bureau. The QIC will also be required to conduct an evaluation of the research and demonstration projects they sponsor.

Within two months after the award of the 12-month planning phase of the cooperative agreement, the project director of the QIC will be required to attend a 1-day work planning meeting in Washington, DC, with the Federal Project Officer and other staff of the ACF/Children's Bureau for the purpose of discussing details of the project work plan and cooperative agreement.

Additionally, 10 months after the award of the 12-month planning cooperative agreements, the QIC awardee will be required to make an oral presentation to the ACF/Children's Bureau staff in Washington, DC, to describe and defend their plan for the Phase II-Version A implementation (described below). Applicants are advised to propose sending three project staff to make the presentation—the project director, the evaluator and one other key partner).

The budget for the 12-month planning grant should include funding for these three meetings in Washington, DC: the project director's meeting within two months, the three-person presentation meeting at month 10, and two key staff persons to the ACF/Children's Bureau annual grantees meeting, usually held in the spring. In each of the four implementation years, the QIC awardee will be expected to send only the project director and the evaluator to the annual grantee meeting.

Applicants are expected to present a Phase I plan that addresses the components described in the Background section of this announcement and includes, but is not limited to: (1) An analysis of the current state of privatization in child welfare, and the issues and opportunities privatization presents for improving child welfare practice and (2) a feasible and appropriate method for conducting a comprehensive needs assessment; (3) a systematic approach for fine tuning the topic focus and refining the implementation plan; (4) a strategy for developing a comprehensive review of the literature and best practices; (5) an approach and method for the timely development of the Phase II implementation plan; and (6) a preliminary design for the Phase II-Version A implementation plan that presents a clear and comprehensive vision of how the proposed QIC would operate.

Although applicants will be accorded considerable flexibility in developing a strategy tailored to the needs and resources they identify in their Year 1 comprehensive needs assessment, it is anticipated that applications for the first year of funding must present a method for completing the following tasks during Phase I:

(a) Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment that describes and evaluates the effectiveness of current child welfare service privatization efforts and identifies service gaps, knowledge gaps, and other issues (e.g., legal, cultural, administrative) related to the effective privatization of child welfare services. This assessment should include, but not be limited to, the collection and analysis of data on the following factors, as appropriate:

• Demographic characteristics of the children and families receiving privatized child welfare services and the disposition of these cases (e.g., investigated, referred to social services, or referred to court);

• Availability of agencies and community-based organizations that can provide privatized services (including drug/alcohol and mental health treatment facilities and programs) for families involved in the child welfare system;

• Legal, administrative, court, social service, financial and other issues related to the effective privatization of child welfare services;

• Strengths and weaknesses of current privatization practices pertaining to engagement, assessment, case planning and service delivery, monitoring and evaluation, case closure and outcomes for children;

• Agencies on the national, regional, State and local level that are engaged in child welfare service privatization activities;

• Availability of resources on the national, regional, State and local level; and

• Gaps in knowledge and resources on the national, regional, State and local level.

In developing a strategy for conducting the needs assessment, applicants are advised to propose methods that do not require respondents to complete written surveys or questionnaires, because these surveys will require prior approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB approval process takes approximately 5-6 months. Methods that do not require prior OMB approval include conference calls, focus groups, and unstructured telephone or in-person interviews.

(b) Conduct a literature review that provides a comprehensive analysis of the research and promising practices nationally and regionally on privatization of child welfare services, including cultural, financial, legal, bureaucratic and other barriers to the effective privatization of child welfare services;

In the implementation phase (Phase II), the QIC will focus on 4 years of research/demonstration projects. Therefore, the work plan has to be of sufficient scope and magnitude to merit intensive investigation. The activities identified in the work plan and the findings from the research and demonstration projects sponsored by the QIC should have a high probability of significantly advancing theory, policy and evidence-based practice in the field. Additionally, and as explained below, the research and demonstration projects implemented in Phase II should be designed to evaluate multiple approaches and/or multi-site interventions on the selected focus topic. This strategy dictates that the number of subjects (e.g., children, families, social service providers, case workers, supervisors) be large enough to sustain a rigorous, methodologically sound implementation and evaluation plan.

Because the QIC initiative is funded through a cooperative agreement, the work plan will be subject to final approval by the Children's Bureau.

In Phase I, the QIC will be required to develop and submit a Phase II—Version A plan for announcing and awarding research and demonstration sub-grants, and monitoring and evaluating these projects. These plans are expected to build on knowledge gained from a review of the literature and promising practices in the field, the results from the comprehensive needs assessment, and input from other sources.

Applicants are required to submit a preliminary design for Phase II—Version A in this application that presents a clear and comprehensive vision of how the proposed QIC would operate. Applicants are expected to describe the approach and processes that will be used to develop the implementation plan, and address anticipated logistical and administrative issues. The Phase II—Version A plan will be due 9 months after the award of the cooperative agreement and must include, but not be limited to, the following components:

1. Comprehensive review of the literature developed during the planning phase (Phase I);

2. Conceptual framework or logic model describing the linkages between and among the (a) attributes of the populations, problems, conditions, and systems that are the target of the interventions; (b) strategies; (c) resources; (d) traditional and innovative services/strategies to be provided; and (e) short- and long-term outcomes;

3. Administrative structure for announcing the availability of funding, and reviewing and awarding sub-grants, including program description, eligibility, funding levels, application evaluation criteria and selection process. Eligible applicants for sub-grants will be those agencies that have authority over the child welfare functions to be privatized;

4. The QIC will be required to provide technical assistance to prospective sub-grantees to assist them in designing initiatives that meet the standards for research and demonstration projects funded under this initiative. The design of these projects must be evidence-based with specific components or strategies that are based on theory, research, or evaluation data. They must also pertain to issues of national scope and incorporate logic models and an evaluation framework.

At a minimum, technical assistance provided by the QIC to prospective sub-grantees should consist of instructions and materials providing information on grant application requirements, suitable grant topics, the role of partnerships and collaborations, program and research designs, data sources and data collection strategies, and evaluation designs and analytic techniques. Other vehicles for providing technical assistance may be proposed. For example, QIC applicants may propose conducting a 1-day workshop open to all prospective grantees in the designated geographical region. The workshop should be designed to provide information and answer questions of attendees;

5. Technical assistance to sub-grantees awarded funding by the QIC. The QIC will be required to not only monitor the operations of the sub-grantee projects, but also provide ongoing support, guidance, and technical assistance to sub-grantees to assist them in project implementation, data collection and evaluation;

6. Administrative and management structure for ensuring that sub-projects are implemented within 90-days of the award of their funding by the QIC, monitoring sub-grants funded under this initiative, including appropriate plans for fiscal accountability from the sub-grantees;

7. Mechanisms for forming and maintaining a consortium and information-sharing network consisting of partnerships with and among sites awarded grants sponsored by the QIC (The Children's Bureau anticipates that the members of the consortium will meet regularly to exchange information and engage in collaborative problem-solving efforts.);

8. Methodology for evaluating sub-grantee research and demonstration projects, including ensuring that appropriate qualitative and quantitative process and outcome data are collected by sub-grantees and participating agencies and organizations;

9. Strategy for information dissemination, including fostering and strengthening communication and coordination activities with National Resource Centers and Clearinghouses including, but not limited to, the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect and the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information; and

10. Institutionalize linkages with appropriate agencies, organizations and resources on the local, State or Federal level that are addressing issues pertaining to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect and the functions and operations of child welfare services.

Presentation. Ten months after the award of the cooperative agreement, the grantee will be required to make an oral presentation to the ACF/Children's Bureau staff in Washington, D.C., to describe and defend their Phase II—Version A implementation plan.

One month after the presentation, the QIC will be required to submit a revised implementation work plan (Plan for Phase II—Version B) incorporating the recommendations of the Children's Bureau staff. This plan will be subject to further review and approval by the ACF/Children's Bureau prior to continuation funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.

Federal Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding Federal assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective responsibilities of the ACF/Children's Bureau and the grantee prior to the award. The ACF/Children's Bureau anticipates that agency involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to them for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration includes ACF/Children's Bureau review and approval of planning stages of the activities before implementation phases may begin; ACF/Children's Bureau involvement in the establishment of policies and procedures that maximize open competition, and rigorous and impartial development, review and funding of grant or sub-grant activities, if applicable; and ACF/Children's Bureau and recipient joint collaboration in the performance of key programmatic activities ( i.e. , strategic planning, implementation, information technology enhancements, training and technical assistance, publications or products, and evaluation). It also includes close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of the requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational structure and management processes, coupled with close ACF/Children's Bureau monitoring during performance, which may, in order to ensure compliance with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal stewardship responsibilities customary for grant activities.

Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $900,000.

Anticipated Number of Awards: 0 to 1.

Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $900,000.

Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period: $900,000.

Length of Project Periods: 60 month project with five 12 month budget periods; Other.

Explanation of Other: The maximum Federal share of this project is not to exceed $900,000 per period. In years 2-5 the grantee will use $550,000 per year for operating the QIC and will award the balance of the grant funds ($350,000 per year) to sub-grantees. The project awarded will be for a project period of 60 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation 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.

State controlled institutions of higher education, Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.

Additional Information on Eligibility: Partnerships are encouraged between for-profit and non-profit agencies and universities with experience in child welfare and privatization issues, but applications should identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the grant.

Faith-based and community organizations that meet all other eligibility criteria are eligible to apply.

Yes.

In year 1 the required match is 10 percent of the total project, based on the $900,000 Federal share. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project requesting $900,000 in Federal funds for the first budget period must provide a match of at least $100,000 (10 percent of the total approved project costs) in the first budget period. In years 2-5 the required match is 10 percent based on the $550,000 of the Federal share which the QIC uses to operate the project. In years 2-5 the QIC will not be required to match the $350,000 which is awarded by the QIC to its sub-grantees.

The project or activity will have a greater likelihood of success if the grantee contributes to the costs of the project. Cost-sharing will not be used as a preference and/or evaluation criterion in the review of applications.

All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27, 2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal ( http://www.Grants.gov ). A DUNS number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.

Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com .

Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status.

Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:

• A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code.

• A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.

• A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

• A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.

• Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm .

Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this announcement.

Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: ACF/Children's Bureau, 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.

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 in this funding opportunity announcement.

In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single funding opportunity the application addresses.

In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the specific geographic area to be served.

In Item 14 of Form 424, identify Congressional districts of both the applicant and project.

Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and Budget Justification.

Follow the instructions provided here and those in Section V. Application Review Information. 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 non-construction projects must file the Standard Form 424B, “Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.” Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must provide a certification regarding lobbying when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their applications.

Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.

Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application, the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the applications.

If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.

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.

Project Abstract/Summary (one page maximum, double spaced). 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.

Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: (1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; (2) Approach; (3) Organizational Profiles; (4) Budget and Budget Justification.

Match. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs (see Section III.2).

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.

The application limit is 90 pages total including all forms and attachments. Pages over this page limit will be removed from the application and will not be reviewed.

The ACF/Children's Bureau strongly prefers that the entire application (including all forms, assurances and letters of commitment) be sent in one package.

To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award.

To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed original and two additional copies of the application, including all forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in the section titled Deadline at the beginning of the announcement. The original copy of the application must have original signatures.

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.

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; however, each complete copy must be stapled securely in the upper left corner. Applicants are advised that the copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the Federal government for review.

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 applicable legislation. Reviewers expect applicants to understand the goals of the legislation and the ACF/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 ACF/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 announcement will be used to review and evaluate each application. The applicant should address each of these specific evaluation criteria in the project description. Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: (1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; (2) Approach; (3) Organizational Profiles; (4) Budget and Budget Justification; and should use 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 ACF/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.

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. If applicable, applicants must include a completed Form 310, Protection of Human Subjects. For more information about use of human subjects and IRB's you can visit these Web sites: http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2 and http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm.

You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile transmission.

Please note the following if you plan to submit your application electronically via Grants.gov:

• Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.

• When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov.

• We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your application to fully understand the process and requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight. If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the system.

• To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.

• You will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.

• You may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.

• Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.

• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.

• We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a later date.

• You may access the electronic application for this program on www.Grants.gov

• You must search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA number.

If submitting your application in paper format, an original and two copies of the complete application are required. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Standard Forms and Certifications: The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section V Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms required for making applications for awards under this announcement.

Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs; SF-424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application.

Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application.

Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the application.

Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status, please refer to Section III.3.

Please see Section V.1, for instructions on preparing the full project description.

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on the date noted above. Mailed or hand carried 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 ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: ACF/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, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: ACF/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. 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. Any application received after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date will not be considered for competition. Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications. (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed).

Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer.

Checklist:

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

Additional Forms:

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” and 45 CFR Part 100, “Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities.” Under the Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs.

As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).

A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations which may trigger the “accommodate or explain” rule.

When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 4th floor, Washington, DC 20447.

When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.

Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.

The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.

Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this solicitation.

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: c/o The Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: ACF/Children's Bureau, Attention: ACYF Operations Center, 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.

Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be delivered to: c/o The Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: ACF/Children's Bureau, Attention: ACYF Operations Center, 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.

Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically.

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 April 30, 2007.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the “project summary/abstract” and “full project description” sections of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).

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

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

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

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

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.

Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.

Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished.

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.

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.

Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit status in its application.

The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.

Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant.

Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).

Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

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.

Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.

Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.

Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be documented and submitted with the application so the applicant is given credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for each funding source.

Evaluation Criteria:

The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information ( i.e. , from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).

In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria:

In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be considered: (50 points)

1. The extent to which there is a sound timeline for effectively implementing the proposed project, including major milestones and target dates. The extent to which the proposed project would complete all the activities described in this funding announcement within the 5 year project time frame.

2. The extent to which the overall design and strategies to be used by the proposed QIC demonstrate an understanding of issues in the child welfare system and in child welfare service privatization, and the characteristics, needs and services currently available to children and families brought to the attention of the child welfare system.

3. The extent to which the plan for conducting the needs assessment is: (a) Appropriate and feasible; (b) likely to result in the development of a comprehensive description and evaluation of the current state of child welfare privatization; and (c) likely to identify knowledge gaps and barriers to the effective privatization of child welfare services.

4. The extent to which the strategy for refining the focus for the QIC during the planning year will involve input from a wide range of stakeholders, including key national, regional, State, and local agencies and organizations.

5. The extent to which the Phase I plan presents a feasible and appropriate method for conducting a comprehensive review of the literature that includes the identification of best practices and promising approaches in child welfare service privatization.

6. The extent to which the applicant's preliminary design for Phase II-Version A:

a. Demonstrates that the implementation plan would be developed in a manner which is likely to result in the timely production of a plan that is feasible and appropriate, and includes input from a wide range of relevant sources.

b. Presents a viable conceptual framework or logic model describing the linkages between and among the (1) attributes of the populations, problems, conditions, and systems that are the target of the interventions; (2) resources; (3) traditional and innovative services to be provided; and (4) short- and long-term outcomes.

c. Presents an appropriate and feasible approach for creating an administrative structure for announcing the availability of funding, and reviewing and awarding sub-grants, including program description, agency eligibility, funding levels, application evaluation criteria, and selection process.

d. Presents an appropriate and feasible plan for providing technical assistance to prospective sub-grantees to assist them in designing initiatives that meet the standards for research and demonstration projects funded under this initiative.

e. Presents an appropriate and feasible plan for providing support, guidance and technical assistance to sub-grantees to assist them in project implementation, data collection and evaluation.

f. Presents an appropriate and feasible plan constructing an administrative and management structure for ensuring that sub-grantee projects are implemented within 90-days of the award of their funding by the QIC, monitoring and managing sub-grants funded under this initiative, including appropriate plans for fiscal accountability from the sub-grantee projects.

g. Presents a feasible and appropriate approach to the formation of a consortium and information-sharing network consisting of partnerships with and among sites awarded grants sponsored by the QIC.

h. Presents a feasible and appropriate methodology for evaluating and conducing a cost analysis of sub-grantee research and demonstration projects, including ensuring that appropriate qualitative and quantitative process and outcome data are collected by sub-grantee sites and participating agencies and organizations.

i. Presents feasible and appropriate strategies for information dissemination, including fostering and strengthening communication and coordination activities with National Resource Centers and Clearinghouses including the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect and the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information.

j. Identifies and addresses the conceptual, management and logistical issues involved in developing and implementing the QIC-sponsored research and demonstration projects.

k. Presents a clear and comprehensive vision of how the proposed QIC would operate once sub-grants are awarded.

7. The extent to which there will be an effective administrative and organizational interface between the applicant and key partners. The extent to which the application includes appropriate letters of commitment from these partner organizations.

8. The extent to which the project's evaluation plan would address both the entire project, and each of its sub-parts. The extent to which the evaluation would measure achievement of project objectives, customer satisfaction, acquisition of competencies, effectiveness of program services and project strategies, the efficiency of the implementation process, the effect of privatizing services on outcomes for children and family in the child welfare system, the cost-effectiveness of privatized services, and the impact of the project. The extent to which the methods of evaluation would provide performance feedback, support periodic assessment of program progress and provide a sound basis for program adjustments. The extent to which the proposed evaluation plan would be likely to yield useful 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. The extent to which applicants that do not have the in-house capacity to conduct an objective, comprehensive evaluation of the project present a sound plan for contracting with a third-party evaluator specializing in social science or evaluation, or a university or college to conduct the evaluation.

9. The extent to which there is a sound plan for documenting project activities and results, including the development of a data collection infrastructure that is sufficient to support a methodologically sound and rigorous evaluation. The extent to which relevant data would be collected. The extent to which there is a sound plan for collecting these data, securing informed consent and implementing an Institutional Review Board (IRB) review, if applicable.

10. The extent to which there is a sound plan for developing useful products during the proposed project and a reasonable schedule for developing these products. The extent to which the intended audience ( e.g. , researchers, policymakers, and practitioners) for product dissemination is comprehensive and appropriate. The extent to which the dissemination plan includes appropriate mechanisms and forums that would effectively convey the information and support successful replication by other interested agencies.

In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors will be considered: (20 points)

(1) The extent to which the application evidences sufficient experience and expertise in administration, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of similar projects. The extent to which each participating organization (including partners and/or subcontractors) possesses the organizational capability to fulfill their assigned roles and functions effectively (if the application involves partnering and/or subcontracting with other agencies/organizations).

(2) The extent to which the proposed project director and key project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and complexity effectively ( e.g. , resumes). The extent to which the role, responsibilities and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.

(3) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with Federal assistance by the applicant.

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 this Quality Improvement Center on Privatization of Child Welfare Services initiative. The extent to which the application presents a clear vision for the proposed project to be developed and implemented. The extent to which the applicant makes 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 closely relate to objectives of this funding announcement. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates how the proposed project would contribute to achieving these goals and objectives.

2. The extent to which the application demonstrates an understanding of the Child Welfare System and applicable laws, and Federal policies regarding the contracting of Child Welfare services.

3. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates an understanding the challenges facing the child welfare system and the current status of existing services.

4. The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough understanding of the need for developing and disseminating knowledge about child welfare privatization. The extent to which the applicant clearly describes and documents the types and extent of barriers to privatizing child welfare services; and the potential benefits of child welfare service privatization.

5. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a clear and concise vision of the role of the QIC in implementing the proposed project.

6. The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough understanding of the challenges of privatizing child welfare services. The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough understanding of the challenges that the proposed project will have in developing knowledge about child welfare service privatization. The extent to which the applicant provides a sound plan explaining how the project would successfully overcome these challenges.

7. The extent to which the proposed QIC, if successfully implemented, would build the knowledge base about best practices in child welfare service privatization.

8. The extent to which the application presents a thorough review of the relevant literature that reflects a clear understanding of the research on best practices and promising approaches as it relates to the child welfare system and privatization of child welfare services. The extent to which the review includes a description of the cultural, financial, legal, bureaucratic and other types of barriers to the efficient and effective privatization of child welfare services. The extent to which the review of the literature sets a sound context and rationale for the project. The extent to which it provides evidence that the proposed project is innovative and, if successfully implemented and evaluated, likely to contribute to the knowledge base on child welfare service privatization.

9. The extent to which the proposed QIC would build an infrastructure of collaborative partnerships and information networks that will promote research and innovative demonstration projects that will contribute to increased knowledge or understanding of the problems, issues, and effective strategies and practices in the field of child welfare service privatization.

10. The extent to which the proposed QIC, if successfully implemented, would be likely to yield findings or results that may be used by other agencies and organizations interested in privatization of child welfare services. The extent to which the lessons learned through the proposed project would benefit policy, practice and theory development related to privatization of child welfare services.

11. The extent to which the proposed QIC, if successfully implemented, is likely to develop strategies and sponsor research and demonstration projects that can be replicated by other regions and/or agencies addressing the same or similar problems and, as appropriate, the potential for implementation in a variety of settings.

In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following factors will be considered: (10 points)

(1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are reasonable and appropriate, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected results and benefits. The extent to which the applicant will provide the required match (see Section III.2).

(2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this program announcement.

Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) of specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget.

No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application.

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.

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 underserved 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.

Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year.

Applications will be reviewed in the summer of 2005. Grant awards will have a start date no later than September 30, 2005.

The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail.

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified in writing.

Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).

Direct federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this program. Regulations pertaining to the prohibition of Federal funds for inherently religious activities can be found on the HHS web site at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf

None.

Program Progress Reports: Semi-annually.

Financial Reports: Semi-annually.

Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269) throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. In addition, final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period.

Performance Indicator Data, Programmatic Reports and Financial Reports are required semi-annually. All required reports will be submitted in a timely manner, in recommended formats (to be provided), and the final report will also be submitted on disk or electronically using a standard word-processing program.

Within 90 days of project end date, the applicant will submit a copy of the final report and any program products to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 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.

Program Office Contact: Jan Shafer, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, phone: 202-205-8172, e-mail: jshafer@acf.hhs.gov.

Grants Management Office Contact: Peter Thompson, Grants Officer, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau, 330 C Street, SW. Room 2070, Washington, DC 20447, phone: 202-401-4608, e-mail: pathompson@acf.hhs.gov.

Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the Federal Register . Beginning October 1, 2005 applicants will be able to find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically for opportunities via: http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF Web site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.

Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located on the following Web sites: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/.

For general questions regarding this announcement please contact: ACYF Operations Center, The Dixon Group ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington DC 20002-2132, Telephone: 866-796-1591.

Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received applications.

SUMMARY: Pursuant to § 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190, as amended), and the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR part 1500-1508), the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, has prepared a final general management plan (GMP) and environmental impact statement (EIS) for Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. The final EIS identifies and analyzes four GMP alternatives which respond to both NPS planning requirements and to the issues identified during the public scoping process. The “no-action” alternative (Alternative 1) describes the existing conditions and trends of park management and serves as a baseline for comparison in evaluating the other alternatives. The three “action” alternatives variously address visitor use, natural and cultural resource management, and park development. Alternative 2, the preferred alternative, emphasizes increased opportunities in recreational diversity, resource preservation, research and resource education. Under Alternative 3 visitors would experience a greater range of natural and cultural resources through recreational opportunities and education. The focus of Alternative 4 would be on preservation and restoration of natural processes.

Background: Public meetings and newsletters have been used to keep the public informed and involved in the conservation planning and environmental impact analysis process for the GMP. A mailing list was compiled that consisted of members of government agencies, nongovernmental groups, businesses, legislators, local governments, and interested citizens. The Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS was published in the Federal Register on May 25, 2001. A newsletter issued January 2001 introduced the GMP planning process (a total of 72 written comments were received in response). Public meetings were held during April 2001 in Klamath Falls, Medford, Roseburg, and Salem and were attended by 96 people. A second newsletter issued in July 2001 summarized all comments received in the meetings and in response to newsletter 1. These comments were used to complete the park purpose and significance statements that serve as the foundation for the rest of the GMP planning (and were referred to throughout development of the GMP).

A third newsletter distributed in the spring of 2002 described the draft alternative concepts and management zoning proposed for managing the park (a total of 95 comments were received in response). In general, opinions were fairly divided in support of individual alternatives and potential ways to address issues. A number of letters favored continued snowmobile use, while other people favored eliminating snowmobiles in the park. Opinions were also divided regarding ways to manage traffic congestion on Rim Drive—maintaining current two-way traffic, converting part of the road to one-way traffic, using shuttles, or closure of the road to traffic. Most respondents favored use of shuttles. A number of people who opposed partnering with private industry were concerned with potential for large-scale commercialization within the park.

The Notice of Availability for the Draft EIS and GMP was printed August 3, 2004. The public comment period was open until October 6, 2004. A total of 646 comments were received. Forty-seven letters and e-mails were sent in by individuals. Four agencies responded. Three different form letters accounted for the remaining 599 comments. The most common comment issues were snowmobiles (24 letters/e-mails and all 3 form letters), road closure (15 letters/e-mails and 2 of 3 form letters), shuttles (7 letters/e-mails and 1 of 3 form letters), and snow coachers (4 letters/e-mails and 1 of 3 form letters). Comments and representative letters received on the Draft document have been incorporated into the Final EIS and GMP.

Proposed Plan and Alternatives: Alternative 1 is the “no action” alternative and represents continuation of the current management direction and approach at the park. It is a way of evaluating the proposed actions of the other three alternatives. Existing buildings and facilities in the park would remain; some historic structures would be adaptively used. Munson Valley would continue to serve as the center of NPS administration, maintenance, and housing. The existing road access and circulation system within the park would continue, and visitor recreational opportunities and interpretive programs in the park would continue.

Alternative 2 is the “agency preferred” alternative and has also been determined to be the “environmentally preferred” alternative. Management of the park would emphasize increased opportunities for recreational diversity and research and education. Most recreational opportunities would remain, but new opportunities along Rim Drive would allow visitors to directly experience the primary resource of Crater Lake in ways other than driving. Any new uses around the rim would be non-motorized and low impact. Research and educational opportunities would be enhanced. A new science and learning center would form the core of the new research. The park would expand and encourage partnerships with universities, scientists, and educational groups. The information gathered would be disseminated throughout the park to rangers, interpretive staff, and visitors.

Alternative 3 emphasizes enjoyment of the natural environment. This alternative would allow visitors to experience a greater range of natural and cultural resources significant and unique to the park through recreational opportunities and education. A wider range of visitor experiences would reach out to greater diversity of visitor groups. Recreational programs, which would focus on minimizing impact, would provide the focus for interpretation and education. Resources would be managed to permit recreation while protecting the resources. Opportunities for recreation would be viewed in a regional context, where the park could serve as a source of information for regional recreational opportunities. Use of most current facilities would continue. News trails, new interpretive signs and other media, and expanded tour programs would be possible in Alternative 3.

In Alternative 4, park management would be focused on resource preservation and restoration. The park would be an active partner in a regional conservation strategy that would include other agencies and environmental groups. Most park operations and visitor contact facilities would be outside the park and shared with other agencies and communities. Areas that have been altered would be restored to their natural conditions. Cultural resources would be preserved at the highest level possible. The visitor experience would stress activities that have low environmental impacts on and are harmonious with the resources. More emphasis would be placed on self-guided and discovery education, and interpretive programs would focus on stewardship. Vehicular transportation would be altered to reinforce the visitor experience. The Rim Road would be closed between Cleetwood Cove and Kerr Notch. Winter use of the park would change to allow natural processes to proceed with fewer disturbances than current management practices allow. Winter plowing of the road to the rim would stop, except for spring opening. Snowmobiling along North Junction Road would no longer be allowed. Facilities that are not historic and not essential to park functions would be removed and the area rehabilitated. Functions that are, by necessity park-based, would be retained in the park.

Public Review: The Final EIS/GMP is now available. Interested persons and organizations wishing to express any concerns or provide relevant information are encouraged to obtain the document from the Superintendent, Crater Lake National Park, P.O. Box 7, Highway 62, Crater Lake, Oregon, or via telephone at (541) 594-3001. The document may also be viewed at area libraries, or obtained electronically via the park's Web site at http://www.planning.nps.gov . Please note that names and addresses of people who comment become part of the public record. If individuals commenting request that their name or / and address be withheld from public disclosure, it will be honored to the extent allowable by law. Such requests must be stated prominently in the beginning of the comments. There also may be circumstances wherein the NPS will withhold from the record a respondent's identity, as allowable by law. As always: The NPS will make available to public inspection all submissions from organizations or businesses and from persons identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations and businesses; and, anonymous comments may not be considered.

Decision: Following release of the Final EIS/GMP, a Record of Decision (ROD) will be prepared and approved not sooner than 30 days after the EPA has published its notice of filing of the document in the Federal Register . A notice of the approved ROD would be similarly published, as well as announced through local and regional press media. As a delegated EIS, the official responsible for the decision is the Regional Director, Pacific West Region, National Park Service; subsequently the official responsible for implementing the approved GMP is the Superintendent, Crater Lake National Park.

The Department of Labor (DOL) has submitted the following public information collection requests (ICRs) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35). A copy of each ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by contacting Darrin King on 202-693-4129 (this is not a toll-free number) or e-mail: king.darrin@dol.gov.

Comments should be sent to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, 202-395-7316 (this is not a toll-free number), within 30 days from the date of this publication in the Federal Register .

The OMB is particularly interested in comments which:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g. , permitting electronic submission of responses.

Agency: Employee Benefits Security Administration.

Type of Review: Extension of currently approved collection.

Title: Procedure for Application for Exemption from the Prohibited Transaction Provisions of Section 408(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

OMB Number: 1210-0060.

Frequency: On occasion.

Type of Response: Reporting and Third party disclosure.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; and Individuals or households.

Number of Respondents: 84.

Number of Annual Responses: 143.

Estimated Time Per Response: Varies from 15 hours for an attorney to prepare and application to 2 minutes for a clerical person to notify interested parties.

Total Burden Hours: 0.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

Total Annual Costs (Operating/Maintaining Systems or Purchasing Services): $372,581.

Description: Section 408(a) of ERISA authorizes the Secretary of Labor to grant exemptions from the prohibited transaction sections of 406 and 407(a) of ERISA and directs the Secretary to establish a procedure with respect to such provisions. This regulation provides a procedure that requires applications for exemption to make certain disclosures to the Department of Labor and to participants and beneficiaries.

Agency: Employee Benefits Security Administration.

Type of Review: Extension of currently approved collection.

Title: Application for EFAST-1 Electronic Signature and Codes for EFAST Transmitters and Software Developers.

OMB Number: 1210-0117.

Frequency: On occasion.

Type of Response: Reporting.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; and Individuals or households.

Number of Respondents: 5,200.

Number of Annual Responses: 5,200.

Estimated Time Per Response: 20 minutes.

Total Burden Hours: 1,716.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

Total Annual Costs (Operating/Maintaining Systems or Purchasing Services): $1,976.

Description: The information provided by the applicants on EFAST-1, combined with the codes supplied to the applicants by the program, allow EFAST to verify a filer, transmitter, or software developer's standing as a qualified participant in the EFAST electronic filing program for the Form 5500 and 5500-EZ. EFAST-1 information also establishes a means of contact between the EFAST program and filers, transmitters, and software developers for information exchange.

Agency: Employee Benefits Security Administration.

Type of Review: Extension of currently approved collection.

Title: Consent to Receive Employee Benefit Plan Disclosure Electronically.

OMB Number: 1210-0121.

Frequency: On occasion.

Type of Response: Recordkeeping and Third party disclosure.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; and Individuals or households.

Number of Respondents: 41,000.

Number of Annual Responses: 41,000.

Estimated Time Per Response: Varies from 2 hours for an attorney to develop disclosure materials to 1 minute for clerical staff to photocopy materials.

Total Burden Hours: 683.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

Total Annual Costs (Operating/Maintaining Systems or Purchasing Services): $716,000.

Description: Regulations at 29 CFR 2520.104b-1 and 2520.107-1 govern the use of electronic technologies to satisfy information disclosure and recordkeeping requirements under title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). Generally, consent is required to be obtained prior to providing disclosures electronically to participants and beneficiaries at a location other than the workplace.

Pursuant to Section 11A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”), 1 and Rule 11Aa3-2 thereunder, 2 notice is hereby given that on April 27, 2005, the Intermarket Trading System Operating Committee (“ITSOC”) submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) a proposed amendment (“Twenty First Amendment”) to the restated ITS Plan. 3 The purpose of the proposed amendment is to recognize the automatic generation of outgoing ITS commitments in circumstances where members in the Participants' markets send such commitments contemporaneously with trading at inferior prices, disseminating a locking bid/offer in their own market, or a block trade.

The ITSOC proposes to amend the restated ITS Plan to recognize the automatic generation of outgoing ITS commitments in circumstances where members in the Participants' markets send such commitments contemporaneously with trading at inferior prices, disseminating a locking bid/offer in their own market, or a block trade.

The ITSOC proposes to amend the restated ITS Plan to add a new paragraph (G) to section 6(a)(ii). Proposed new language is italicized.

Notwithstanding the descriptions set forth in section 6(a)(ii)(A), (B), (D) and (F) above, a Participant (and, in the case of the NASD, ITS/CAES Market Makers) may automatically format and automatically send a commitment to trade to one or more other Participants, under the following circumstances: Each such commitment is sent contemporaneously with: (i) One or more transactions on the market of the sending Participant that, absent the commitment(s), would be considered an Exchange trade-through(s) or a third market participating market center trade-through(s) (both as defined in Exhibit B); (ii) the dissemination by the sending Participant of a locking bid (offer) (as defined in Exhibit B); or (iii) a block trade (as defined in Exhibit C). The term “one or more transactions on the market of the sending Participant” used in clause (i) in the preceding sentence means, in addition to the transaction that would be priced lower than superior priced bid(s) or higher than superior priced offer(s) of another Participant(s), those one or more transactions priced at such superior priced bid(s) or offer(s).

The ITSOC provided the following example that demonstrates the functioning of clause (i) in subsection G, utilizing the CHX as the sending Participant:

a. CHX Receives Order: Buy 2000 at-the-market. Member handling execution of order determines to complete order at 45.56, necessitating satisfaction of superior priced offers on other Participant markets.

NBBO: N—45.50, 45.53; B—5x2.

b. CHX Executions: Customer buying/member selling as principal 2000 shares: 200 at 45.53; 300 at 45.54; 500 at 45.55; 1000 at 45.56.

c. CHX Computer Generated Commitments: Member buying to partially off-set sales on CHX: M to B—Buy—200 at 45.53; M to T—Buy—300 at 45.54; M to N—Buy—500 at 45.55.

Not applicable.

The Participants have manifested their approval of the proposed amendment to the Plan by means of their execution of the proposed amendments. The proposed amendment would become effective upon the Commission's approval of the amendment.

Not applicable.

The Participants believe that the proposed amendment does not impose any burden on competition.

Not applicable.

Under section 4(c) of the restated ITS Plan, the requisite approval of the amendment is achieved by execution of the amendment on behalf of each ITS Participant and by Commission approval. The amendment is so executed.

Not applicable.

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed Plan amendment is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

Electronic Comments:

• Use the Commission's Internet comment form ( http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml ); or

• Send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include File No. 4-208 on the subject line.

Paper Comments:

• Send paper comments in triplicate to Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549-0609.

All submissions should refer to File No. 4-208. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission's Internet Web site ( http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml ). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed Plan amendment that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed Plan amendment between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and copying in the Commission's Public Reference Room. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the ITS. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File No. 4-208 and should be submitted on or before June 27, 2005.

Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”), 1 and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, 2 notice is hereby given that on April 29, 2005, the Boston Stock Exchange (“BSE” or “Exchange”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. On May 12, 2005, the Exchange filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change. 3 The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change, as amended, from interested persons.

The BSE proposes to amend its Membership Dues fee. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the BSE's Web site ( http://www.bostonstock.com ), at the BSE's Office of the Secretary, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

In its filing with the Commission, the BSE included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The BSE has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.

The BSE proposes to amend its Membership and Other Fees fee schedule by increasing its Membership Dues fee from $750 per quarter to $1,000 per quarter. These fees will be used to fund the ongoing administration of Membership Services. This change will also better reflect the current value of a seat on the Boston Stock Exchange.

The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b) of the Act, 4 in general, and furthers the objectives of Section 6(b)(4) of the Act, 5 in particular, in that it provides for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among its members.

The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition.

The Exchange has neither solicited nor received comments on the proposed rule change.

The proposed rule change has become effective upon filing pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act  6 and subparagraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b-4 thereunder, 7 because it establishes or changes a due, fee, or other charge imposed by the BSE. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. 8

Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change, as amended, is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

• Use the Commission's Internet comment form ( http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml ); or

• Send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR-BSE-2005-13 on the subject line.

• Send paper comments in triplicate to Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549-0609.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-BSE-2005-13. This file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission's Internet Web site ( http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml ). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and copying in the Commission's Public Reference Room. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal offices of the BSE. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-BSE-2005-13 and should be submitted on or before June 27, 2005.

Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) 1 and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, 2 notice is hereby given that on April 20, 2005, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (“CBOE” or “Exchange”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the CBOE. On May 18, 2005, the CBOE submitted Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change. 3 The CBOE has designated this proposal as one establishing or changing a due, fee, or other charge imposed by the CBOE under Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act, 4 and Rule 19b-4(f)(2) thereunder, 5 which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested parties.