[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 104 (Wednesday, June 1, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-13274]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: June 1, 1994]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Office of the Secretary
Human Services Transportation Technical Assistance Project
AGENCY: The Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation and the
Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) of the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
ACTION: Request for applications for technical assistance in the area
of human services transportation from national organizations with a
record of assisting rural and special transportation needs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This announcement solicits applications and describes the
application process for the award of the cooperative agreement. It is
the intent of HHS to fund one project which address the various task
areas in this announcement. The project period will be for three years.
However, an award will be funded only for the first year with funding
for years two and three subject to the government's determination to
continue the project. A total of $400,000 is available for this
cooperative agreement.
DATES: The closing date for submittal of applications under this
announcement is July 1, 1994.
ADDRESSES: Send application to Grants Officer, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health and Human
Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., room 405-F, Hubert H. Humphrey
Building, Washington, DC 20201. Attn: Al Cutino.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical Questions, Dianne L. McSwain, HHS/IGA, 200 Independence
Avenue, SW., room 621-E, Washington, DC 20201, Telephone: (202) 690-
6036. Questions may be faxed to (202) 690-5672 (applications may not be
faxed for submission). Application Instructions and Forms, should be
requested from and submitted to: Grants Officer, Department of Health
and Human Services, ASPE/IO, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., room 405-F,
Washington, DC 20201, phone (202) 401-3951. No faxes will be accepted.
Questions concerning the preceding information should be submitted to
the Grants Officer at the same address.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are national organizations or large
institutions with a record of assisting rural and special
transportation needs. However, for-profit organizations are advised
that no cooperative agreement funds may be paid as profit to any
recipient of a grant or subgrant. Profit is any amount in excess of
allowable direct or indirect costs of the grantee. Congress has
indicated that the funded organization should have experience in
administering a national toll-free hotline and electronic informational
bulletin boards. It should regularly publish a national technical
assistance periodical, maintain a national network of local and State
affiliates, and have demonstrated experience in providing information
and technical assistance on human service transportation to local
agencies and programs.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Part I
Legislative Authority
The Transportation Coordination Technical Assistance Project
cooperative agreement(s) are authorized by section 1110 of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1310) and awards will be made from funds
appropriated under Public Law 103-112 (DHHS Appropriation Act for FY
1994).
Project History and Purpose
In FY 1990, Congress authorized $250,000 for the provision of
technical assistance to human service transportation providers. This
effort included the compilation of data on specific target populations,
the development of mechanisms for dissemination of information, and the
preparation of a report to the Secretary on the provision of
transportation services to human service clients. For FYs 1991, 1992
and 1993, the Congress authorized $500,000 for this effort, adding
funding for specific technical assistance and research and analysis in
the implementation of the requirements of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). For FY 1994, the Congress has again authorized
$500,000 for continued technical assistance in human services
transportation.
The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications for the
provision of technical assistance to those organizations, agencies and
individuals involved in the planning and provision of human services
transportation to the clients of HHS-funded programs. This announcement
represents a follow-on activity to the efforts funded in FYs 1991-1993.
It is the policy of HHS to coordinate related programs at the
Federal level wherever possible and to promote maximum feasible
coordination at the State and local level. Coordination and
collaborative effort maximize the resources available to address
specific needs. Reflecting this policy, HHS and the DOT have
established the Joint DHHS/DOT Coordinating Council on Human Services
Transportation (Coordinating Council) as a focal point for the effort
to coordinate HHS and DOT resources for transportation of HHS program
client populations. The goals of the Coordinating Council are as
follows: (1) To achieve the most cost-effective use of Federal, State
and local resources for specialized and human services transportation;
(2) to encourage State and local governments to take a more active role
in the management and coordination of programs supporting specialized
and human services transportation; (3) to adopt administrative and
management practices in the implementation of Federal programs which
encourage coordination among service providers and increase access to
specialized and human services transportation; (4) to share technical
resources and information with recipients of Federal assistance and
transportation providers; and (5) to encourage the most efficient
system of providing services, including consideration of private sector
providers and use of competitive bidding.
In support of these goals, HHS has identified the following
objectives for the Human Services Transportation Technical Assistance
Project: (1) to promote more efficient use of equipment, facilities,
and staff resources at the State local level; and (2) to provide
information, technical data, and assistance to State and local agencies
to improve management of transportation services and the acquisition of
appropriate equipment and facilities. Applicants should reflect an
understanding of these goals and objectives in their applications.
Available Funds
HHS intends to award one cooperative agreement in the amount of
$400,000 resulting from this announcement.
Period of Performance
The start-up date of the project will be July 1, 1994 for a project
period of 36 months. However, an award will be funded only for the
first year with funding for years two and three subject to the
government's determination to continue the project.
Part II--Human Services Transportation Technical Assistance Project--
Responsibilities of the Awardees and the Federal Government
Awardee Responsibilities
The Human Services Technical Assistance project requires the
development and maintenance of mechanisms to provide information,
technical assistance, and training to HHS human services transportation
planners and providers on the efficient use of transit resources,
equipment and facilities. Applicants should be aware of and be
sensitive to the need to coordinate the activities herein with the
activities of the Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) funded
through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the Department of
Transportation (DOT) and ongoing relevant transportation efforts by
other federal departments. Knowledge of the universe of federal efforts
pertaining to the transportation of human services clients will be
considered partially indicative of ability to perform the required
tasks.
The following tasks are to be specifically addressed in the project
narrative of the application. Applicants are encouraged to be
innovative and to suggest additional or alternative approaches through
subtasks that may improve the potential for successful completion of
the task. However, applicants are cautioned to provide suggestions for
additional subtasks judiciously with concern for the overall cost of
the project. There will be no additional funds beyond those
appropriated by Congress for this project.
Task I: Project Planning and Coordination
Task I entails the preparation of a detailed work plan of the
activities proposed to meet the stated objectives of the project,
including monthly meetings with the federal project staff, quarterly
written progress reports and a final report due at the end of the
project period. The work plan provides detailed descriptions of task
activities and specific time frames for the accomplishment of the
activities in measurable terms and reflects consultation with the
Federal Project Officer (FPO). In the second and third year, additional
planning with the FPO should be reflected to allow for the annual minor
project adjustments needed to keep the tasks relevant to consumer need.
Task II: Development and Maintenance of Human Services Transportation
Resource Center
Task II addresses the development and maintenance of a central
repository of information and technical assistance materials for
developing or improving coordinated transportation systems (hereafter
known as the Resource Center). Access to the Resource Center should be
available to State and local human service agencies, planning entities,
government decision-makers and transportation service providers. The
Resource Center will be the focal point for the ongoing collection and
dissemination of information on issues of specific concern to human
services transportation planners and providers as the issues evolve. A
priority of the Resource Center will be the support of regional, State
or local groups that seek to improve coordination of human services
transportation.
The Resource Center collection of materials will represent the
universe of reports, studies, and additional written and video
materials that represent the current knowledge base in human services
transportation. The Resource Center will include, at a minimum,
federal- and State-produced reports, technical assistance and training
materials, federal human service transit-related legislation and
regulations, training and technical assistance materials that will be
developed through this effort, and other relevant materials as
identified by HHS, the Coordinating Council, or the awardee. A thorough
listing of proposed initial holdings for the Resource Center will be
considered partially indicative of the ability to undertake this task.
Although the awardee is encouraged to minimize costs by referral to
other resources for acquisition of documents, a minimum of one copy of
each identified referral piece will be maintained in the Resource
Center for research purposes. In order to encourage students and
practitioners to further the knowledge base, the Resource Center will
be made available, within reasonable constraints, to individuals or
organizations wishing to do research in the area of human services
transportation.
Activities that might be undertaken to accomplish this task
include: (1) Providing ready access to the technical assistance and
information of the Center such as through the use of physical access,
``hotlines'' and electronic bulletin boards; (2) developing a mechanism
for periodic systematic searches of appropriate online information
services to identify new materials; (3) maintaining ongoing
relationships with the recognized individuals undertaking research in
relevant fields in order to identify new work and to provide feedback
on new issues to be explored; (4) identifying and maintaining contact
with relevant transportation-related programs in colleges and
universities; (5) developing and maintaining a calendar of the
meetings, conferences and events of major organizations that would be
of interest to the human services transportation field; and (6)
developing procedures to ensure that organizations or individuals
obtain requested materials or information in a timely manner
(Applicants are encouraged to disseminate information through links
with other agencies rather than attempting to store and disseminate
documents large quantities of documents).
Task III: Development and Coordination of a Resource Network of
Knowledgeable Practitioners of Human Services Transportation
Task III represents the establishment and coordination of a network
of identified, certified practitioners in the field of human services
transportation whose expertise can be made available to transportation
planners or providers. Such expertise might be called upon for
presentations at conferences or meetings, through telephone or written
exchange, or on-site visits. If the level of expertise that was
required was significant, the certified peer might be assisted to visit
the site of the requesting party to assist first-hand with the problem.
The following activities at a minimum, might be undertaken to
complete this task; (1) develop a set of criteria against which
practitioners may be certified; (2) develop and implement a plan to
identify practitioners for certification; (3) develop an automated
database to manage the certified practitioner data, including name,
contact information, specific expertise, title and description of
current transportation position, and record of activity within the peer
network; (4) develop a mechanism for screening requests for technical
assistance which will identify the need for practitioner assistance and
that assistance can be provided by telephone, in writing, or if an on-
site visit is warranted; and (5) develop a process for documenting the
practitioner contacts for inclusion in the Resource Center and to be
summarized in the quarterly reports. Emphasis might be placed on the
use of certified peers in ways to meet the most need.
Task IV: Disseminate Information on the Provision of Human Services
Transportation
Task IV addresses the dissemination of the information compiled
through the Resource Center activities, information accumulated under
Task III, and information that the federal government deems necessary
for distribution to the human services transportation network. The
dissemination of information and materials relating to the
implementation of the ADA transportation requirements and the effective
coordination of transportation resources is of priority under this
task.
Project dissemination activities under Task IV will be coordinated
with those of regional, State and other federal human services
transportation coordination efforts to avoid duplication of efforts and
to construct complementary and mutually beneficial activities. Under no
circumstances should the awardee undertake the development of technical
assistance or training information or materials that knowingly
duplicate existing information or materials without prior written
permission of the FPO.
At a minimum the awardee would be expected to undertake the
following activities in support of Task IV: (1) Identifying
opportunities to disseminate information through the existing
publications of relevant human services organizations on human services
transportation issues (a minimum of 6 articles during the project
period); (2) identifying and coordinating through the practitioner
network request for conveners and facilitators for regional, State and
local-level human services organizations and forums (a minimum of 6
opportunities); (3) identifying, tracking and coordinating activities
of other major national or regional human services organizations
interested in human services transportation with activities planned
this project including identifying opportunities to participate in
national or regional conferences (present at a minimum of 5 human
services meetings); (4) planning, organizing and presenting training
conferences on coordination and ADA implementation issues (a minimum of
two regional meetings linked to major human services meetings where
feasible); (5) ensuring the availability of current information on the
project resources and the Resource Center including the dissemination
of a basic information package on the Resource Center through the major
human services networks, at a minimum of once a year; (6) compile
information on the transportation requirements of the ADA, as well as
additional transportation requirements such as drug and alcohol testing
and blood born pathogins handling, prepare summaries on these
requirements and assist HHS programs in the dissemination of this
information to the appropriate HHS grantees; (7) compiling information
on the usage of the Resource Center and dissemination activities,
including but not limited to the data on the rate of use, kinds of
inquiries, and types of requesting organizations, to be included in the
monthly project meetings; and (8) indicate a process for screening
requests for information and technical assistance which will identify
the appropriate level and type of technical assistance, such as
immediate telephone response, research and compilation of a written
response, practitioner network assistance by telephone, in writing, or
through an on-site visit.
Federal Government Cooperative Agreement Responsibilities
HHS or its representatives will provide: (1) Consultation and
technical assistance in planning, operating, and evaluating the
technical assistance activities of the project; (2) up-to-date
information on federal government regulations identified as affecting
the provision of transportation services to human service clients; (3)
assistance in the evaluation of project effectiveness; (4) assistance
in collaborating with appropriate State and local governmental entities
in the performance of the project activities; (5) assistance in the
identification of HHS information and technical assistance resources
pertinent to the success of this project; and (6) assistance in the
transfer of ``successful practices'' in the human services
transportation to other Federal, State and local entities.
Part III--Application Preparation and Evaluation Criteria
This part contains information on the preparation of an application
for submission under this announcement, the forms necessary for
submission and the evaluation criteria under which the applications
will be reviewed. Potential applicants should read this part carefully
in conjunction with the information provided in Part II.
To ensure that organizations with the greatest capacity for
providing quality services participate in this effort, applicants for
funding under the announcement should reflect, in the program narrative
section of the application, how they will be able to fulfill the
responsibilities and requirements described in this section of the
announcement. Applicants must address all the identified tasks. It is
the intent of HHS to make an award sufficient to accomplish the entire
scope of effort described in this announcement, if submissions of
sufficient scope and quality are received to permit it.
The applicant should include: (1) A management plan, which sets
forth how the project will be managed and who will be the key personnel
involved, including a Gantt chart and other graphics which specifically
display the management information provided in text; and (2) a budget
plan, which specifically delineates the costs associated with the
project. When the applicant chooses to suggest additional efforts to
support a task, the cost of those additional efforts (not required by
this announcement) should be separately identified. However, at no time
will a proposed budget in excess of $400,000 for all the Tasks listed
in the Announcement be considered for funding, unless the amount in
excess of $400,000 represents grantee cost-sharing.
Review Process and Funding Information
Applications that are submitted by the deadline date and which meet
the screening criteria will be reviewed and scored competitively. The
applications will be reviewed using the evaluation criteria listed
below to score the applications. These review results will be a primary
factor in funding decisions.
HHS reserves the option to discuss applications with other Federal
agencies, Central or Regional Office staff, specialists, experts,
States and the general public. Comments from these sources, along with
those of the reviewers, will be considered in making funding decisions.
State Single Point of Contact (E.O. No. 12372)
The Department of Health and Human Services has determined that
this program is not subject to Executive Order No. 12372,
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, because it is a program
that is national in scope and the only impact on State and local
governments would be through subgrants. Applicants are not required to
seek intergovernmental review of their applications within the
constraints of E.O. No. 12372.
Deadline for Submittal of Applications
The closing date for submittal of applications under this
announcement is July 1, 1994. Applications must be postmarked or hand-
delivered to the application receipt point no later than 5 p.m. on July
1, 1994.
Hand-delivered applications will be accepted Monday through Friday
prior to and on July 1, 1994 during the working hours of 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. in the lobby of the Hubert H. Humphrey building located at 200
Independence Avenue SW., in Washington, DC. When hand-delivering an
application, call 690-8794 from the lobby for pick up. A staff person
will be available to receive applications.
An application will be considered as meeting the deadline if it is
either: (1) Received at, or hand-delivered to, the mailing address on
or before July 1, 1994; or (2) Postmarked before midnight of the
deadline date, and received in time to be considered during the
competitive review process (within two weeks of the deadline date).
When mailing application packages, applicants are strongly advised
to obtain a legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier (such as
UPS, Federal Express, etc.) or from the U.S. Postal Service as proof of
mailing by the deadline date. If there is a question as to when an
application was mailed, applicants will be asked to provide proof of
mailing by the deadline date. When proof is not provided, an
application will not be considered for funding. Private metered
postmarks are not acceptable as proof of timely mailing.
Applications which do not meet the July 1, 1994 deadline are
considered late applications and will not be considered or reviewed in
the current competition. HHS will send a letter to this effect to each
late applicant.
HHS reserves the right to extend the deadline for all applications
due to acts of God, such as floods, hurricanes or earthquakes; due to
acts of war; if there is widespread disruption of the mail; or if HHS
determines a deadline extension to be in the best interest of the
Government. However, HHS will not waive or extend the deadline for any
applicant unless the deadline is waived or extended for all applicants.
Application Requirements: Applicants are advised to read and follow
this section very carefully. Applications which do not meet these
initial requirements may not be considered or reviewed in the
competition, and the applicant will be so informed. A complete and
conforming application must meet the following requirements:
Eligible applicants are national organizations or large
institutions with a record of assisting rural and special
transportation needs. Congress has indicated that the funded
organization should have experience in administering a national toll-
free hotline and electronic informational bulletin boards. It should
regularly publish a national technical assistance periodical, maintain
a national network of local and State affiliates, and have demonstrated
experience in providing information and technical assistance on human
service transportation to local agencies and programs. However, for-
profit organizations are advised that no cooperative agreement funds
may be paid as profit to any recipient of a grant or subgrant. Profit
is any amount in excess of allowable direct or indirect costs of the
grantee.
Application Forms: See section entitled ``Components of a Complete
Application''. All of these documents must accompany the application
package.
Maximum Length: No specific limit will be set for the length of the
application. However, applications that are overly long and/or contain
superfluous material will be viewed as indicating an inefficient
approach.
Evaluation Criteria: The evaluation criteria correspond to the
outline for the development of the Program Narrative Statement of the
application. Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that
applications be prepared with the format indicated by this outline.
Applications which meet the initial requirements will be reviewed
by a panel of at least three reviewers. Reviewers will determine the
strengths and weaknesses of each application in terms of the evaluation
criteria listed below, provided comments and assign numerical scores.
The point value following each criterion heading indicates the maximum
numerical weight that each section will be given in the review process.
1. Understanding of the Effort
The application discusses in detail the applicant's understanding
of the need for the project, the background and evolution of the effort
to coordinate human services transportation, the significant
participants in the coordination effort, the universe of current
federal activities, and the specific relevance of the proposed tasks to
the identified need. The application relates the project to the goals
and objectives described in the first section of this announcement. 20
points
2. Project Approach
The application outlines a sound and workable approach to the
effort and details how the proposed tasks will be accomplished; cites
factors which might accelerate or decelerate the work, giving
acceptable reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others;
describes and supports any unusual features of the project, such as
design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or
extraordinary collaborative involvements; and provides for projections
of the accomplishments to be achieved. It lists the activities to be
carried out in chronological order, showing a reasonable schedule of
accomplishments and target dates.
To the extent applicable, the application identifies the kinds of
data to be collected and/or maintained, and discusses the criteria to
be used to evaluate the results and successes of the project. It
describes the evaluation methodology that will be used to determine if
the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the results and
benefits identified are being achieved. The application also lists each
organization, agency, consultant, or other key individuals or groups
who will work on the project, along with a description of the
activities and nature of their effort or contribution. 35 points.
3. Staffing Utilization, Staff Background and Experience
The application identifies the background of the principal project
staff members. The name, address, training, educational background, and
other qualifying experience are provided for the project director and
the key project staff. Any staff to be added as a result of the award
of this cooperative agreement should be clearly delineated. The
applicant provides assurance that the proposed staff will be available
to work on the project effort upon award of the cooperative agreement.
The principal author of the application is identified and that person's
role in the project is identified. 20 points
4. Organizational Experience
The application identifies the qualifying experience of the
organization to demonstrate the applicant's ability to effectively and
efficiently administer this project. Congress has directed HHS to
identify the applicant as a national organization or large institution
with a record of assisting rural and special transportation needs. The
organization should have experience in administering a national toll
free assistance hotline and electronic informational bulletin boards.
It should regularly publish a national technical assistance periodical,
maintain a national network of local and state affiliates, and have
demonstrated experience in providing information and technical
assistance on human services transportation to local agencies and
programs. Previous specific experience with work similar to the tasks
proposed is clearly and specifically described.
The relationship between this project and other work planned,
anticipated, or underway by the applicant is described, including a
chart which lists all related Federal assistance received within the
last five years. In the event a consortium of applicants is proposed,
the project history of prior joint work should be provided. The
previous Federal assistance is identified by project number, Federal
agency, and grants or contracting officer. 25 points
Components of a Complete Application
A complete application consists of the following items in this
order:
1. Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424, REV 4-
88);
2. Budget Information--Non-construction Programs (Standard Form
424B, REV 4-88);
3. Assurances--Non-construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV
4-88);
4. Table of Contents;
5. Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
6. Proof of non-profit status, if appropriate;
7. Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement,
if necessary;
8. Project Narrative Statement, organized in four sections
addressing the following areas:
(a) Understanding of the Effort,
(b) Project Approach,
(c) Staffing Utilization, Staff Background, and Experience
(d) Organizational Experience;
9. Any appendices/attachments;
10. Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace;
11. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other
Responsibility Matters; and
12. Certification and, if necessary, Disclosure Regarding Lobbying.
13. Supplement to Section II--Key Personnel.
14. Application for Federal Assistance Checklist.
Dated: May 17, 1994.
David T. Ellwood,
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation.
[FR Doc. 94-13274 Filed 5-31-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4151-04-M