[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 27, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44122-44139]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-21712]



[[Page 44121]]


_______________________________________________________________________

Part II





Department of Health and Human Services





_______________________________________________________________________



Administration for Children and Families



_______________________________________________________________________



Administration for Native Americans: Availability of Financial 
Assistance;



Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 167 / Tuesday, August 27, 1996 / 
Notices  

[[Page 44122]]



DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families
[Program Announcement No. 93612-971]


Administration for Native Americans: Availability of Financial 
Assistance

AGENCY: Administration for Native Americans (ANA), Administration for 
Children and Families, (ACF), HHS.

ACTION: Announcement of availability of competitive financial 
assistance for projects in competitive areas administered by the 
Administration for Native Americans for American Indians, Native 
Hawaiian, Alaska Natives and Native American Pacific Islanders.

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SUMMARY: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) announces the 
anticipated availability of fiscal year 1997 funds in four competitive 
areas:
    (1) Governance and social and economic development;
    (2) Governance and social and economic development for Alaska 
Native entities;
    (3) Environmental regulatory enhancement; and
    (4) Native American languages preservation and enhancement.
    Financial assistance provided by ANA in support of projects in 
these four areas is intended to promote the goal of self-sufficiency 
for Native Americans.

APPLICATION KIT: Application kits, containing the necessary forms and 
instructions to apply for a grant under this program announcement, may 
be obtained from: Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Administration for Native 
Americans, Room 348F, Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence 
Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201-0001, Attention: 93612-971, 
Telephone: (202) 690-7776.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction and Purpose

    The purpose of this program announcement is to announce the 
anticipated availability of fiscal year 1997 funds, authorized under 
the Native American Programs Act (Act), as amended, to promote the goal 
of social and economic self-sufficiency for American Indians, Alaska 
Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native American Pacific Islanders in 
four competitive areas.
    In order to streamline the application process for eligible 
applicants under four competitive areas, ANA is issuing a single 
program announcement for fiscal year 1997 funds. Therefore, information 
regarding ANA's mission, policy, goals, application requirements, 
review criteria and closing dates for each competitive area is included 
in this comprehensive announcement.
    The Administration for Native Americans promotes the goal of self-
sufficiency in Native American communities primarily through Social and 
Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) projects. The Native American 
Programs Act also authorizes ANA to establish two additional programs 
for (1) environmental regulatory enhancement, and (2) Native American 
languages preservation and enhancement.
    Funding authorization is provided under sections [803(a), 803(d) 
and 803C of the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended 
(Public Law 93-644, 88 Stat. 2324, 42 U.S.C. 2991b).]
    The Indian Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Act of 1990 (Public 
Law 101-408) authorizes financial assistance for projects to address 
environmental regulatory concerns (Section 803(d) of the Native 
American Programs Act of 1974, as amended).
    The Native American Languages Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-524) 
authorizes financial assistance for projects to promote the survival 
and continuing vitality of Native American languages (Section 803C of 
the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended).
    This program announcement is being issued in anticipation of the 
appropriation of funds for fiscal year 1997 and the availability of 
funds for the four competitive areas is contingent upon sufficient 
final appropriations. Proposed projects will be reviewed on a 
competitive basis against the specific evaluation criteria presented 
under each competitive area in this announcement.
    Eligible applicants may compete for and receive a grant award in 
each of the three competitive areas (An Alaska Native entity may not 
submit an application under both Competitive Areas 1 and 2 for the same 
closing date.) However, ANA continues its policy that an applicant may 
only submit one application per competitive area.
    This program announcement consists of three parts.

Part I--ANA Policy and Goals

    Provides general information about ANA's policies and goals for 
the four competitive areas.

Part II--ANA Competitive Areas

    Describes the four competitive areas under which ANA is 
requesting applications:
     Governance, Social and Economic Development (SEDS);
     Governance, Social and Economic Development (SEDS) for 
Alaska Native entities;
     Environmental Regulatory Enhancement; and
     Native American Languages Preservation and Enhancement.
    Each competitive area includes the following sections which 
provide area-specific information to be used to develop an 
application for ANA funds:
    A--Purpose and Availability of Funds;
    B--Background;
    C--Proposed Projects to be Funded;
    D--Eligible Applicants;
    E--Grantee Share of the Project;
    F--Review Criteria;
    G--Application Due Date(s); and
    H--Contacts to Obtain Further Information

Part III--General Application Information and Guidance

    Provides important information and guidance that applies to all 
four competitive areas and that must be taken into account in 
developing an application for any of the four areas.

Part I--ANA Policy and Goals

    The mission of the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is to 
promote the goal of social and economic self-sufficiency for American 
Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Native American 
Pacific Islanders.
    The Administration for Native Americans believes that a Native 
American community is self-sufficient when it can generate and control 
the resources necessary to meet its social and economic goals, and the 
needs of its members.
    The Administration for Native Americans also believes that the 
responsibility for achieving self-sufficiency resides with the 
governing bodies of Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and in the 
leadership of Native American groups. A community's progress toward 
self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and direct 
resources in a comprehensive manner which is consistent with its 
established long-range goals.
    The Administration for Native Americans' policy is based on three 
interrelated goals:
    1. Governance: To assist tribal and Alaska Native village 
governments, Native American institutions, and local leadership to 
exercise local control and decision-making over their resources.
    2. Economic Development: To foster the development of stable, 
diversified local economies and economic activities which will provide 
jobs and promote economic well-being.
    3. Social Development: To support local access to, control of, and 
coordination of services and programs which safeguard the health, well-
being and culture of people, provide support

[[Page 44123]]

services and training so people can work, and which are essential to a 
thriving and self-sufficient community.
    The Administration for Native Americans assists eligible applicants 
for the four competitive areas to undertake one to three year 
development projects that are part of long-range comprehensive plans to 
move toward governance, social, and/or economic self-sufficiency.
    For each type of project, applicants must describe a concrete 
locally-determined strategy to carry out a proposed project with 
fundable objectives and activities.
    Local long-range planning must consider the maximum use of all 
available resources, how the resources will be directed to development 
opportunities, and present a strategy for overcoming the local issues 
that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the community.
    Under each competitive area, ANA will only accept one application 
which serves or impacts a reservation, Tribe, or Native American 
community.
    An application from a federally recognized Tribe, Alaska Native 
Village or Native American organization must be from the governing body 
of the Tribe or organization. ANA will not accept applications from 
tribal components which are tribally-authorized divisions of a larger 
tribe, unless the application includes a Tribal resolution which 
clearly demonstrates the Tribe's support of the project and the Tribe's 
understanding that the other applicant's project supplants the Tribe's 
authority to submit an application under that specific competitive area 
for the duration of the approved grant period.

    Note: If a Tribe or Alaska Native village chooses not to submit 
an application under a specific competitive area, it may support 
another applicant's project (e.g., a tribal organization) which 
serves or impacts the reservation. In this case, the applicant must 
include a Tribal resolution which clearly demonstrates the Tribe's 
support of the project and the Tribe's understanding that the other 
applicant's project supplants the Tribe's authority to submit an 
application under that specific competitive area for the duration of 
the approved grant period.

Part II--ANA Competitive Areas

    The four competitive areas under this Part describe ANA's funding 
authorities, priorities, special initiatives, requirements, and review 
criteria. However, most of the requirements are standard for all 
applications to be submitted under this program announcement. The 
standard requirements necessary for each application, as well as 
standard ANA program guidance and technical guidance are described in 
Part III of this announcement.
    An applicant may submit a separate application under any of the 
competitive areas described in this Part, as long as the applicant 
meets the eligibility requirements that are listed separately under 
each area. Applications for SEDS grants from Alaska Native entities may 
be submitted under either Competitive Area 1 or Competitive Area 2. An 
Alaska Native entity may not submit an application under both 
Competitive Areas 1 and 2 for the same closing date.

ANA Competitive Area 1. Social and Economic Development Strategies 
(SEDS) Projects

A. Purpose and Availability of Funds
    The purpose of this competitive area is to announce the anticipated 
availability of fiscal year 1997 financial assistance to promote the 
goal of social and economic self-sufficiency for American Indians, 
Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native American Pacific Islanders 
through locally developed social and economic development strategies 
(SEDS).
    Approximately $14 million of financial assistance is anticipated to 
be available under this priority area for governance, social and 
economic development projects. In fiscal year 1997, ANA anticipates 
awarding approximately 120 competitive grants ranging from $30,000 to 
$1,000,000 under this competitive area.
B. Background
    To achieve its goals, ANA supports tribal and village governments, 
and Native American organizations, in their efforts to develop and 
implement community-based, long-term governance, social and economic 
development strategies (SEDS). These strategies must promote the goal 
of self-sufficiency in local communities.
    The SEDS approach is based on ANA's program goals and incorporates 
two fundamental principles:
    1. The local community and its leadership are responsible for 
determining goals, setting priorities, and planning and implementing 
programs aimed at achieving those goals. The local community is in the 
best position to apply its own cultural, political, and socio-economic 
values to its long-term strategies and programs.
    2. Governance and social and economic development are interrelated. 
In order to move toward self-sufficiency, development in one area 
should be balanced with development in the others. Consequently, 
comprehensive development strategies should address all aspects of the 
governmental, economic, and social infrastructures needed to promote 
self-sufficient communities.
    ANA's SEDS policy is based on the use of the following definitions:
     ``Governmental infrastructure'' includes the 
constitutional, legal, and administrative development requisite for 
independent governance.
     ``Economic infrastructure'' includes the physical, 
commercial, industrial and/or agricultural components necessary for a 
functioning local economy which supports the life-style embraced by the 
Native American community.
     ``Social infrastructure'' includes those components 
through which health, economic well-being and culture are maintained 
within the community and that support governance and economic goals.
    These definitions should be kept in mind as a local social and 
economic development strategy is developed as part of a grant 
application.
    A community's movement toward self-sufficiency could be jeopardized 
if a careful balance between governmental, economic and social 
development is not maintained. For example, expansion of social 
services, without providing opportunities for employment and economic 
development, could lead to dependency on social services.
    Conversely, inadequate support services and training could 
seriously impede productivity and local economic development. 
Additionally, the necessary infrastructures must be developed or 
expanded at the community level to support social and economic 
development and growth. In designing their social and economic 
development strategies, ANA encourages an applicant to use or leverage 
all available human, natural, financial, and physical resources.
    In discussing their community-based, long-range goals, and the 
objectives for the proposed projects, ANA recommends that non-Federally 
recognized and off-reservation groups include a description of what 
constitutes their specific community.
    ANA encourages the development and maintenance of comprehensive 
strategic plans which are an integral part of attaining and supporting 
the balance necessary for successful activities that lead to self-
sufficiency.
C. Proposed Projects to be Funded
    This section provides descriptions of activities which are 
consistent with the SEDS philosophy. Proposed activities should be 
tailored to reflect the

[[Page 44124]]

governance, social and economic development needs of the local 
community and should be consistent and supportive of the proposed 
project objectives.
    The types of projects which ANA may fund include, but are not 
limited to, the following:

Governance

     Improvements in the governmental, judicial and/or 
administrative infrastructures of tribal and village governments (such 
as strengthening or streamlining management procedures or the 
development of tribal court systems);
     Increasing the ability of tribes, villages, and Native 
American groups and organizations to plan, develop, and administer a 
comprehensive program to support community social and economic self-
sufficiency (including strategic planning);
     Increasing awareness of and exercising the legal rights 
and benefits to which Native Americans are entitled, either by virtue 
of treaties, the Federal trust relationship, legislative authority, 
executive orders, administrative and court decisions, or as citizens of 
a particular state, territory, or of the United States.
     Status clarification activities for Native groups seeking 
Federal or State tribal recognition, such as performing research or any 
other function necessary to submit a petition for Federal 
acknowledgement or in response to any obvious deficiencies cited by the 
Bureau of Acknowledgement and Research (BAR), Department of the 
Interior, in a petition from a Native group seeking Federal 
recognition; and
     Development of and/or amendments to tribal constitutions, 
court procedures and functions, by-laws or codes, and council or 
executive branch duties and functions.

Economic Development

     Development of a community economic infrastructure that 
will result in businesses, jobs, and an economic support structure.
     Establishment or expansion of businesses and jobs in areas 
such as tourism, specialty agriculture, light and/or heavy 
manufacturing, construction, housing and fisheries or aquaculture;
     Stabilizing and diversifying a Native community's economic 
base through business development ventures;
     Creation of microenterprises or private sector 
development;
     Establishment or expansion of businesses and jobs that 
utilize Indian tax incentives passed in the Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act of 1993; and

Social Development

     Enhancing tribal capabilities to design or administer 
programs aimed at strengthening the social environment desired by the 
local community;
     Developing local and intertribal models related to 
comprehensive planning and delivery of services;
     Developing programs or activities to preserve and enhance 
tribal heritage and culture; and
     Establishing programs which involve extended families or 
tribal societies in activities that strengthen cultural identity and 
promote community development or self-esteem.
D. Eligible Applicants
    Current ANA SEDS grantees whose project period terminates in fiscal 
year 1997 (October 1, 1996-September 30, 1997) are eligible to apply 
for a grant award under this program announcement. (The Project Period 
is noted in Block 9 of the ``Financial Assistance Award'' document).
    Additionally, provided they are not current ANA SEDS grantees, the 
following organizations are eligible to apply under this competitive 
area:
     Federally recognized Indian Tribes;
     Consortia of Indian Tribes;
     Incorporated non-federally recognized Tribes;
     Incorporated nonprofit multi-purpose community-based 
Indian organizations;
     Urban Indian Centers;
     National or regional incorporated nonprofit Native 
American organizations with Native American community-specific 
objectives;
     Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or nonprofit village consortia;
     Incorporated nonprofit Alaska Native multi-purpose 
community-based organizations;
     Nonprofit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations 
in Alaska with village specific projects;
     Nonprofit Native organizations in Alaska with village 
specific projects;
     Public and nonprofit private agencies serving Native 
Hawaiians;
     Public and nonprofit private agencies serving native 
peoples from Guam, American Samoa, Palau, or the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands. (The populations served may be located on 
these islands or in the United States); and
     Tribally Controlled Community Colleges, Tribally 
Controlled Post-Secondary Vocational Institutions, and colleges and 
universities located in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Palau, or the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands which serve Native 
American Pacific Islanders.
    Proof of an applicant's nonprofit status, such as an IRS 
determination of nonprofit status under IRS Code 501(c)(3), must be 
included in the application.
    If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native Village 
government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans or 
Native Alaskans, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly 
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the 
community to be served. An organization can conclusively establish that 
it meets this requirement through a signed statement or resolution 
stating that its duly elected or appointed board of directors are 
either Native Americans or Native Alaskans or a copy of the 
organizational charter or by-laws that clearly states that the 
organization has a board drawn from members of those groups.

    Note: Under each competitive area, ANA will only accept one 
application which serves or impacts a reservation, Tribe, or Native 
American community. If a Tribe or Alaska Native village chooses not 
to submit an application under a specific competitive area, it may 
support another applicant's project (e.g., a tribal organization) 
which serves or impacts the reservation.

    In this case, the applicant must include a Tribal resolution which 
clearly demonstrates the Tribe's support of the project and the Tribe's 
understanding that the other applicant's project supplants the Tribe's 
authority to submit an application under that specific competitive area 
for the duration of the approved grant period.
E. Grantee Share of the Project
    Grantees must provide at least 20 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 must include 
a match of at least $75,000 (20% total project cost).
    As per 45 CFR Part 74.2, In-Kind contributions is defined as ``the 
value of non-cash contributions provided by non-Federal third parties. 
Third party-in kind contributions may be in the form of real property, 
equipment, supplies and other expendable property, and the value of 
goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to 
the project or program.''

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    In addition it may include other Federal funding sources where its 
legislation or regulations authorizes using specific types of funds for 
a match and provided the source relates to the ANA project, as follows:
     Indian Child Welfare funds, through the Department of the 
Interior;
     Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance funds, 
through the Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and 
Human Services; and
     Community Development Block Grant funds, through the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
    An itemized budget detailing the applicant's non-Federal share, and 
its source, must be included in an application.
    If an applicant plans to charge indirect costs in its ANA 
application, a current copy of its Indirect Cost Agreement must be 
included in the application.
    A request for a waiver of the non-Federal share requirement may be 
submitted in accordance with 45 CFR 1336.50(b)(3) of the Native 
American Program Regulations.

    Note: Applications originating from American Samoa, Guam, Palau, 
or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are covered 
under Section 501(d) of Public Law 95-134, as amended (48 U.S.C. 
1469a) under which HHS waives any requirement for local matching 
funds under $200,000 (including in-kind contributions).
F. Review Criteria
    A proposed project should reflect the purposes of ANA's SEDS policy 
and program goals (described in the Background section of this 
competitive area), include a social and economic development strategy 
which reflects the needs and specific circumstances of the local 
community, and address the specific developmental steps that the tribe 
or Native American community is undertaking toward self-sufficiency.
    The evaluation criteria are closely related to each other and are 
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. 
Points are awarded only to applications which are responsive to this 
competitive area and these criteria. Proposed projects will be reviewed 
on a competitive basis using the following evaluation criteria:
    (1) Long-Range Goals and Available Resources. (15 points)
    (a) The application describes the long-range goals and strategy, 
including:
     How specific social, governance and economic long-range 
community goals relate to the proposed project and strategy;
     How the community intends to achieve these goals;
     The relationship between the long-range goals and the 
applicant's comprehensive community social and economic development 
plan. (Inclusion of the community's entire development plan is not 
necessary); and
     A clearly delineated social and economic development 
strategy (SEDS).
    The application documents the type of involvement and support of 
the community in the planning process and implementation of the 
proposed project. A Tribe may meet this requirement by submitting a 
resolution stating that community involvement has occurred in the 
project planning. All other eligible applicants may meet this 
requirement by providing documentation of community support/
involvement. The type of community you serve will determine the type of 
documentation necessary.
    For example, a tribal organization may submit resolutions 
supporting the project proposal from each of its members tribes, as 
well as a resolution from the applicant organization. Other examples of 
documentation include: community surveys; minutes of community 
meetings; questionnaires; tribal presentations; and/or discussion/
position papers.
    Applications from National Indian and Native organizations must 
clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project was 
originated, state who the intended beneficiaries will be, and describe 
how the recipients will actually benefit from the project. National 
Indian and Native organizations should define their membership and 
describe how the organization operates.
    (b) Available resources (other than ANA and the non-Federal share) 
which will assist, and be coordinated with the project are described. 
These resources should be documented by letters or documents of 
commitment of resources, not merely letters of support.
     ``Letters of support'' merely express another 
organization's endorsement of a proposed project. Support letters are 
not binding commitment letters or do not factually establish the 
authenticity of other resources.
     ``Letters and other documents of commitment'' are binding 
when they specifically state the nature, the amount, and conditions 
under which another agency or organization will support a project 
funded with ANA funds.
    For example, a letter from another Federal agency or foundation 
pledging a commitment of $200,000 in construction funding to complement 
proposed ANA funded pre-construction activity is evidence of a firm 
funding commitment. These resources may be human, natural or financial, 
and may include other Federal and non-Federal resources. (Applicant 
statements that additional funding will be sought from other specific 
sources are not considered a binding commitment of outside resources.)

    Note: Applicants from the Native American Pacific Islands are 
not required to provide a 20% match for the non-Federal share if it 
is under $200,000 and may not have points reduced for this policy. 
They are, however, expected to coordinate non-ANA resources for the 
proposed project, as are all ANA applicants.

    (2) Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications. (10 points)
    (a) The management and administrative structure of the applicant is 
explained. Evidence of the applicant's ability to manage a project of 
the proposed scope is demonstrated. The application clearly shows the 
successful management of projects of similar scope by the organization, 
and/or by the individuals designated to manage the project.
    (b) Position descriptions and/or resumes of key personnel, 
including those of consultants, are presented. The position 
descriptions and/or resumes relate specifically to the staff proposed 
in the Approach Page and in the proposed Budget of the application. 
Position descriptions very clearly describe each position and its 
duties and clearly relate to the personnel staffing required to achieve 
the project objectives. Resumes demonstrate that the proposed staff are 
qualified to carry out the project activities. Either the position 
descriptions or the resumes contain the qualifications and/or 
specialized skills necessary for overall quality management of the 
project. Resumes must be included if individuals have been identified 
for positions in the application.

    Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give preference to 
Native Americans in hiring staff and subcontracting services under 
an approved ANA grant.

    (3) Project Objectives, Approach and Activities. (45 points)
    The application proposes specific project Objective Work Plans with 
activities related to each specific objective.
    The Objective Work Plan(s) in the application includes project 
objectives and activities for each budget period proposed and 
demonstrates that each of the objectives and its activities:
     Is measurable and/or quantifiable in terms of results or 
outcomes;
     Supports the community's social and economic development 
strategy;
     Clearly relates to the community's long-range goals;

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     Can be accomplished with the available or expected 
resources during the proposed project period;
     Indicates when the objective, and major activities under 
each objective, will be accomplished;
     Specifies who will conduct the activities under each 
objective; and
     Supports a project that will be completed, self- 
sustaining, or financed by other than ANA funds at the end of the 
project period.
    (4) Results or Benefits Expected. (20 points)
    Completion of the proposed objectives will result in specific, 
measurable results. The application shows how the expected results will 
help the community meet its long-range goals. The specific information 
provided in the narrative and objective work plans on expected results 
or benefits for each objective is the standard upon which its 
achievement can be evaluated at the end of each budget year.
    (5) Budget. (10 points)
    A detailed and fully explained budget is provided for each budget 
period requested which:
     Justifies each line item, with a well-written 
justification, in the budget categories in Section B of the Budget 
Information of the application, including the applicant's non-Federal 
share and its source;
     Includes and justifies sufficient cost and other necessary 
details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability and the 
relevance of these costs to the proposed project; and
     Requests funds which are appropriate and necessary for the 
scope of the proposed project.
    For business development projects, the proposal demonstrates that 
the expected return on the funds used to develop the project provides a 
reasonable operating income and return within a future specified time 
frame.

    Note: (Applicants from the Native American Pacific Islands are 
exempt from the $200,000 non-Federal share requirement).
G. Application Due Date
    The closing dates for submission of applications under this 
competitive area are: October 25, 1996, February 14, 1997, and May 23, 
1997.
H. For Further Information Contact
    Sharon McCully (202) 690-5780, Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration for 
Native Americans, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 348-F, 
Washington, D.C. 20201-0001

Competitive Area 2. Alaska-Specific Social and Economic Development 
Strategies (SEDS) Projects

A. Purpose and Availability of Funds
    The purpose of this competitive area is to announce the anticipated 
availability of fiscal year 1997 funds for Alaska Native social and 
economic development projects. Approximately $1.5 million of financial 
assistance is anticipated to be available under this competitive area 
for Alaska Native governance, social and economic development projects.
    ANA plans to award approximately 15-18 grants under this 
competitive area. For individual village projects, the funding level 
for a budget period of 12 months will be up to $100,000; for regional 
nonprofit and village consortia, the funding level for a budget period 
of 12 months will be up to $150,000, commensurate with approved multi-
village objectives.
B. Background
    Based on the three ANA goals described in Part I, ANA implemented a 
special Alaska social and economic development initiative in fiscal 
year 1984. This special effort was designed to provide financial 
assistance at the village level or for village-specific projects aimed 
at improving a village's governance capabilities and for social and 
economic development.
    This competitive area continues to implement this special 
initiative. ANA believes both the nonprofit and for-profit corporations 
in Alaska can play an important supportive role in assisting individual 
villages to develop and implement their own locally determined 
strategies which capitalize on opportunities afforded to Alaska Natives 
under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Public Law 92-
203.
    The Administration for Native Americans does not fund objectives or 
activities for the core administration of an organization. However, ANA 
will consider funding core administrative capacity building projects at 
the village government level if the village does not have governing 
systems in place.
C. Proposed Projects to be Funded
    Examples of the types of projects that ANA may fund include, but 
are not limited to, projects that will:

Governance

     Initiate demonstration programs at the regional level to 
allow Native people to become involved in developing strategies to 
maintain and develop their economic subsistence base;
     Assist villages in developing land use capabilities and 
skills in the areas of land and natural resource management and 
protection, resource assessment and conducting environmental impact 
studies;
     Assist village consortia in the development of tribal 
constitutions, ordinances, codes and tribal court systems;
     Develop agreements between the State and villages that 
transfer programs jurisdictions, and /or control to Native entities;
     Strengthen village government control of land management, 
including land protection, through coordination of land use planning 
with village corporations and cities, if appropriate;
     Assist in status clarification activities;
     Initiate village level mergers between village councils, 
village corporations and others to coordinate programs and services 
which safeguard the health, well being and culture of a community and 
its people;
     Strengthen local governance capabilities through the 
development of village consortia and regional IRAs (Indian 
Reorganization Act councils organized under the Indian Reorganization 
Act, 25 U.S.C. 473a);
     Assist villages in preparing and coordinating plans for 
the development and/or improvement of water and sewer systems within 
the village boundaries;
     Assist villages in establishing initiatives through which 
youth may participate in the governance of the community and be trained 
to assume leadership roles in village governments; and
     Consider strategies and plans to protect against, monitor, 
and assist when catastrophic events occur, such as oil spills or 
earthquakes.

Economic Development

     Assist villages in developing businesses and industries 
which: 1) use local materials; 2) create jobs for Alaska Natives; 3) 
are capable of high productivity at a small scale of operation; and 4) 
complement traditional and necessary seasonal activities;
     Substantially increase and strengthen efforts to establish 
and improve the village and regional infrastructure and the 
capabilities to develop and manage resources in a highly competitive 
cash-economy system;
     Assist villages, or consortia of villages, in developing 
subsistence compatible industries that will retain local dollars in 
villages;

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     Assist in the establishment or expansion of new native-
owned businesses; and
     Assist villages in labor export; i.e., people leaving the 
local communities for seasonal work and returning to their communities.

Social Development

     Assist in developing training and education programs for 
local jobs in education, government, and health-related fields; and 
work with these agencies to encourage job replacement of non-Natives by 
trained Natives;
     Develop local models related to comprehensive planning and 
delivery of social services;
     Develop new service programs, initially established with 
ANA funds, which will be funded for continued operation (after the ANA 
grant terminates) by local communities or the private sector;
     Develop or coordinate with State-funded projects, 
activities designed to decrease the incidence of child abuse and 
neglect, fetal alcohol syndrome, and/or suicides;
     Assist in obtaining licenses to provide housing or related 
services from State or local governments; and
     Develop businesses to provide relief for caretakers 
needing respite from human service-related care work.
D. Eligible Applicants
    Current ANA SEDS grantees in Alaska whose project period terminates 
in fiscal year 1997 (October 1, 1996-September 30, 1997) are eligible 
to apply for a grant award under this program announcement. (The 
Project Period is noted in Block 9 of the ``Financial Assistance 
Award'' document).
    Additionally, provided they are not current ANA SEDS grantees, the 
following organizations are eligible to apply under this competitive 
area:
     Federally recognized Indian Tribes in Alaska;
     Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or nonprofit village consortia;
     Incorporated nonprofit Alaska Native multi-purpose 
community-based organizations;
     Nonprofit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations 
in Alaska with village specific projects; and
     Nonprofit Native organizations in Alaska with village 
specific projects.
    Proof of an applicant's nonprofit status, such as an IRS 
determination of nonprofit status under IRS Code 501(c)(3), must be 
included in the application.
    If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native Village 
government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans or 
Native Alaskans, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly 
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the 
community to be served. An organization can conclusively establish that 
it meets this requirement through a signed statement or resolution 
stating that its duly elected or appointed board of directors are 
either Native Americans or Native Alaskans or a copy of the 
organizational charter or by-laws that clearly states that the 
organization has a board drawn from members of those groups.
    Although for-profit regional corporations established under ANCSA 
are not eligible applicants, individual villages and Indian communities 
are encouraged to use the for-profit corporations as subcontractors and 
to collaborate with them in joint-venture projects for promoting social 
and economic self-sufficiency. ANA encourages the for-profit 
corporations to assist the villages in developing applications and to 
participate as subcontractors in a project.

    Note: Under each competitive area, ANA will only accept one 
application which serves or impacts a reservation, Tribe, or Native 
American community. If a Tribe or Alaska Native village chooses not 
to submit an application under a specific competitive area, it may 
support another applicant's project (e.g., a tribal organization) 
which serves or impacts the reservation.

    In this case, the applicant must include a Tribal resolution which 
clearly demonstrates the Tribe's support of the project and the Tribe's 
understanding that the other applicant's project supplants the Tribe's 
authority to submit an application under that specific competitive area 
for the duration of the approved grant period.
E. Grantee Share of the Project
    Grantees must provide at least 20 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 $100,000 in Federal funds must include 
a match of at least $25,000 (20% total project cost).
    As per 45 CFR Part 74.2, In-Kind contributions is defined as ``the 
value of non-cash contributions provided by non-Federal third parties. 
Third party-in-kind contributions may be in the form of real property, 
equipment, supplies and other expendable property, and the value of 
goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to 
the project or program.''
    In addition it may include other Federal funding sources where its 
legislation or regulations authorizes using specific types of funds for 
a match and provided the source relates to the ANA project, as follows:
     Indian Child Welfare funds, through the Department of 
Interior;
     Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance funds, 
through the Department of Interior and the Department of Health and 
Human Services; and
     Community Development Block Grant funds, through the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
    An itemized budget detailing the applicant's non-Federal share, and 
its source, must be included in an application.
    If an applicant plans to charge indirect costs in its ANA 
application, a current copy of its Indirect Cost Agreement must be 
included in the application.
    A request for a waiver of the non-Federal share requirement may be 
submitted in accordance with 45 CFR 1336.50(b)(3) of the Native 
American Program Regulations.
F. Review Criteria
    A proposed project should reflect the purposes of ANA's SEDS policy 
and goals (described in the Background section of this competitive area 
and in the Background section of Competitive Area 1), include a social 
and economic development strategy which reflects the needs and specific 
circumstances of the local community, and address the specific 
developmental steps that the tribe or Native American community is 
undertaking toward self-sufficiency.
    The evaluation criteria are closely related to each other and are 
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. 
Points are awarded only to applications which are responsive to this 
competitive area and these criteria. Proposed projects will be reviewed 
on a competitive basis using the following evaluation criteria:
    (1) Long-Range Goals and Available Resources. (15 points)
    (a) The application describes the long-range goals and strategy, 
including:
     How specific social, governance and economic long-range 
community goals relate to the proposed project and strategy;
     How the community intends to achieve these goals;
     The relationship between the long-range goals and the 
applicant's

[[Page 44128]]

comprehensive community social and economic development plan. 
(Inclusion of the community's entire development plan is not 
necessary); and
     A clearly delineated social and economic development 
strategy (SEDS).
    The application documents the type of involvement and support of 
the community in the planning process and implementation of the 
proposed project. A Tribe may meet this requirement by submitting a 
resolution stating that community involvement has occurred in the 
project planning. All other eligible applicants may meet this 
requirement by providing documentation of community support/
involvement. The type of community you serve will determine the type of 
documentation necessary.
    For example, a tribal organization may submit resolutions 
supporting the project proposal from each of its members tribes, as 
well as a resolution from the applicant organization. Other examples of 
documentation include: community surveys; minutes of community 
meetings; questionnaires; tribal presentations; and/or discussion/
position papers.
    Applications from National Indian and Native organizations must 
clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project was 
originated, state who the intended beneficiaries will be, and describe 
how the recipients will actually benefit from the project. National 
Indian and Native organizations should describe their membership and 
define how the organization operates.
    (b) Available resources (other than ANA and the non-Federal share) 
which will assist, and be coordinated with the project are described. 
These resources should be documented by letters or documents of 
commitment of resources, not merely letters of support.
     ``Letters of support'' merely express another 
organization's endorsement of a proposed project. Support letters are 
not binding commitment letters or do not factually establish the 
authenticity of other resources.
     ``Letters and other documents of commitment'' are binding 
when they specifically state the nature, the amount, and conditions 
under which another agency or organization will support a project 
funded with ANA funds.
    For example, a letter from another Federal agency or foundation 
pledging a commitment of $200,000 in construction funding to complement 
proposed ANA funded pre-construction activity is evidence of a firm 
funding commitment. These resources may be human, natural or financial, 
and may include other Federal and non-Federal resources. (Applicant 
statements that additional funding will be sought from other specific 
sources are not considered a binding commitment of outside resources.)
    (2) Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications. (10 points)
    (a) The management and administrative structure of the applicant is 
explained. Evidence of the applicant's ability to manage a project of 
the proposed scope is demonstrated. The application clearly shows the 
successful management of projects of similar scope by the organization, 
and/or by the individuals designated to manage the project.
    (b) Position descriptions and/or resumes of key personnel, 
including those of consultants, are presented. The position 
descriptions and/or resumes relate specifically to the staff proposed 
in the Approach Page and in the proposed Budget of the application. 
Position descriptions very clearly describe each position and its 
duties and clearly relate to the personnel staffing required to achieve 
the project objectives. Resumes demonstrate that the proposed staff are 
qualified to carry out the project activities. Either the position 
descriptions or the resumes contain the qualifications and/or 
specialized skills necessary for overall quality management of the 
project. Resumes must be included if individuals have been identified 
for positions in the application.

    Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give preference to 
Native Americans in hiring staff and subcontracting services under 
an approved ANA grant.

    (3) Project Objectives, Approach and Activities. (45 points)
    The application proposes specific project objective work plans with 
activities related to each specific objective. The objective work 
plan(s) in the application includes project objectives and activities 
for each budget period proposed and demonstrates that each of the 
objectives and its activities:
     Is measurable and/or quantifiable in terms of results or 
outcomes;
     Supports the community's social and economic development 
strategy;
     Clearly relates to the community's long-range goals;
     Can be accomplished with the available or expected 
resources during the proposed project period;
     Indicates when the objective, and major activities under 
each objective, will be accomplished;
     Specifies who will conduct the activities under each 
objective; and
     Supports a project that will be completed, self-
sustaining, or financed by other than ANA funds at the end of the 
project period.
    (4) Results or Benefits Expected. (20 points)
    Completion of the proposed objectives will result in specific, 
measurable results. The application shows how the expected results will 
help the community meet its long-range goals. The specific information 
provided in the narrative and objective work plans on expected results 
or benefits for each objective is the standard upon which its 
achievement can be evaluated at the end of each budget year.
    (5) Budget. (10 points)
    A detailed and fully explained budget is provided for each budget 
period requested which:
     Justifies each line item, with a well-written 
justification, in the budget categories in Section B of the Budget 
Information of the application, including the applicant's non-Federal 
share and its source;
     Includes and justifies sufficient cost and other necessary 
details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability and the 
relevance of these costs to the proposed project; and
     Requests funds which are appropriate and necessary for the 
scope of the proposed project.
    For business development projects, the proposal demonstrates that 
the expected return on the funds used to develop the project provides a 
reasonable operating income and return within a future specified time 
frame.
G. Application Due Date
    The closing date for submission of applications under this 
competitive area is: May 23, 1997.
H. For Further Information Contact
    Sharon McCully (202) 690-5780, Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration for 
Native Americans, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 348-F, Washington, 
DC 20201-0001

Competitive Area 3. Indian Environmental Regulatory Enhancement 
Projects

A. Purpose and Availability of Funds
    The purpose of this competitive area is to announce the anticipated 
availability of fiscal year 1997 funds for environmental regulatory 
enhancement projects. Approximately $3 million of financial assistance 
is anticipated to be available under this announcement for 
environmental regulatory enhancement projects. ANA expects to award 
approximately 35 grants under this

[[Page 44129]]

competitive area. The funding level for a budget period of 12 months 
will be up to $250,000.
B. Background
    Despite an increasing environmental responsibility and growing 
awareness of environmental issues on Indian lands, there has been a 
lack of resources available to tribes to develop tribal environmental 
programs that are responsive to tribal needs. In many cases, this lack 
of resources has resulted in a delay in action on the part of the 
tribes.
    Some of the critical issues identified by tribes before 
Congressional committees include:
     the need for assistance to train professional staff to 
monitor and enforce tribal environmental programs;
     the lack of adequate data for tribes to develop 
environmental statutes and establish environmental quality standards; 
and
     the lack of resources to conduct studies to identify 
sources of pollution and the ability to determine the impact on 
existing environmental quality.
    As a result, Congress enacted the Indian Environmental Regulatory 
Enhancement Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-408) to strengthen tribal 
governments through building capacity within the tribes in order to 
identify, plan, develop, and implement environmental programs in a 
manner that is consistent with tribal culture. ANA is to support these 
activities on a government-to-government basis in a way that recognizes 
tribal sovereignty and is consistent with tribal culture.
    The Administration for Native Americans believes that 
responsibility for achieving environmental regulatory enhancement rests 
with the governing bodies of Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and 
with the leadership of Native American groups.
    ``Environmental regulatory enhancement'' includes (but is not 
limited to) the planning, development, and application of laws, 
training, monitoring, and enforcement procedures, tribal courts, 
environmental laboratories and other facilities, and associated 
regulatory activities to strengthen the tribal government's capacity to 
enhance the quality of reservation life as measured by the reduction of 
pollutants in the air, water, soil, food and materials encountered by 
inhabitants of tribes and villages.
    Progress toward the goal of environmental regulatory enhancement 
would include the strengthening of tribal environmental laws, providing 
for the training and education of those employees responsible for 
ensuring compliance with and enforcement of these laws, and the 
development of programs to conduct compliance and enforcement 
functions.
    Other functions leading toward enhancing local regulatory capacity 
include, but are not limited to:
     Environmental assessments;
     Development and use of environmental laboratories; and
     Development of court systems for enforcement of tribal and 
Federal environmental laws.
    Ultimate success in this program will be realized when the 
applicant's desired level of environmental quality is acquired and 
maintained.
C. Proposed Projects to be Funded
    Financial assistance provided by ANA is available for developmental 
projects designed to assist tribes in advancing their capacity and 
capability to plan for and:
     Develop or enhance the tribal environmental regulatory 
infrastructure required to support a tribal environmental program, and 
to regulate and enforce environmental activities on Indian lands 
pursuant to Federal and Indian law;
     Develop regulations, ordinances and laws to protect the 
environment;
     Develop the technical and program capacity to carry out a 
comprehensive tribal environmental program and perform essential 
environmental program functions;
     Promote environmental training and education of tribal 
employees;
     Develop technical and program capability to meet tribal 
and Federal regulatory requirements;
     Develop technical and program capability to monitor 
compliance and enforcement of tribal environmental regulations, 
ordinances, and laws; and
     Ensure the tribal court system enforcement requirements 
are developed in concert with and support the tribe's comprehensive 
environmental program.
D. Eligible Applicants
    The following organizations are eligible to apply under this 
competitive area:
     Federally recognized Indian tribes;
     Incorporated non-federally recognized Indian tribes;
     Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or nonprofit village consortia;
     Nonprofit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations 
with village specific projects; and
     Other tribal or village organizations or consortia of 
Indian tribes.
    The following organizations are not eligible to apply:
     Urban Indian Centers;
     Incorporated nonprofit multi-purpose community-based 
Indian organizations;
     Public and nonprofit private agencies serving: Native 
Hawaiians, peoples from Guam, American Samoa, Palau, or the 
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands;
     Incorporated nonprofit Alaska Native multi-purpose 
community based organizations; and
     National or regional incorporated nonprofit Native 
American organizations with Native American community-specific 
objectives.
    Proof of an applicant's nonprofit status, such as an IRS 
determination of nonprofit status under IRS Code 501(c)(3), must be 
included in the application.
    If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native Village 
government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans or 
Native Alaskans, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly 
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the 
community to be served. An organization can conclusively establish that 
it meets this requirement through a signed statement or resolution 
stating that its duly elected or appointed board of directors are 
either Native Americans or Native Alaskans or a copy of the 
organizational charter or by-laws that clearly states that the 
organization has a board drawn from members of those groups.

    Note: Under each competitive area, ANA will only accept one 
application which serves or impacts a reservation, Tribe or Native 
American community. If a Tribe or Alaska native village chooses not 
to submit an application under a specific competitive area, it may 
support another applicant's project (e.g., a tribal organization) 
which serves or impacts the reservation.

    In this case, the applicant must include a Tribal resolution which 
clearly demonstrates the Tribe's support of the project and the Tribe's 
understanding that the other applicant's project supplants the Tribe's 
authority to submit an application under that specific competitive area 
for the duration of the approved grant period.
E. Grantee Share of the Project
    Grantees must provide at least 20 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 requirement through cash contributions.

[[Page 44130]]

Therefore, a project requesting $250,000 in Federal funds must include 
a match of at least $62,500 (20% of total project cost).
    As per 45 CFR Part 74.2, In-Kind contributions is defined as ``the 
value of non-cash contributions provided by non-Federal third parties. 
Third party-in kind contributions may be in the form of real property, 
equipment, supplies and other expendable property, and the value of 
goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to 
the project or program.''
    In addition it may include other Federal funding sources where its 
legislation or regulations authorizes using specific types of funds for 
a match and provided the source relates to the ANA project, as follows:
     Indian Child Welfare funds, through the Department of 
Interior;
     Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance funds, 
through the Department of Interior and the Department of Health and 
Human Services; and
     Community Development Block Grant funds, through the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
    An itemized budget detailing the applicant's non-Federal share, and 
its source, must be included in an application.
    If an applicant plans to charge indirect costs in its ANA 
application, a current copy of its Indirect Cost Agreement must be 
included in the application.
    A request for a waiver of the non-Federal share requirement may be 
submitted in accordance with 45 CFR 1336.50(b)(3) of the Native 
American Program Regulations.
F. Review Criteria
    A proposed project should reflect the environmental regulatory 
purposes stated and described in the Background section of this 
competitive area. The evaluation criteria are closely related to each 
other and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of 
an application. Points are awarded only to applications which are 
responsive to this competitive area and these criteria. Proposed 
projects will be reviewed on a competitive basis using the following 
evaluation criteria:
    (1) Long-Range Goals and Available Resources. (15 points)
    (a) The application describes the long-range goals and strategy, 
including:
     how specific environmental regulatory enhancement long-
range goal(s) relate to the proposed project and strategy;
     how the community intends to achieve these goals;
     the applicant's specific environmental regulatory needs; 
and
     a clearly delineated strategy to improve the capability of 
the governing body of a tribe to regulate environmental quality through 
enhancing local capacity to perform necessary regulatory functions.
    The application documents the type of involvement and support of 
the community in the planning process and implementation of the 
proposed project. A Tribe may meet this requirement by submitting a 
resolution stating that community involvement has occurred in the 
project planning. All other eligible applicants may meet this 
requirement by providing documentation of community support/
involvement. The type of community you serve will determine the type of 
documentation necessary.
    For example, a tribal organization may submit resolutions 
supporting the project proposal from each of its member tribes, as well 
as a resolution from the applicant organization. Other examples of 
documentation include: community surveys; minutes of community 
meetings; questionnaires; tribal presentations; and/or discussion/
position papers.
    (b) Available resources (other than ANA and the non-Federal share) 
which will assist, and be coordinated with the project are described. 
These resources should be documented by letters or documents of 
commitment of resources, not merely letters of support.
     ``Letters of support'' merely express another 
organization's endorsement of a proposed project. Support letters are 
not binding commitment letters or do not factually establish the 
authenticity of other resources.
     ``Letters and other documents of commitment'' are binding 
when they specifically state the nature, the amount, and conditions 
under which another agency or organization will support a project 
funded with ANA funds.
    For example, a letter from another Federal agency or foundation 
pledging a commitment of $200,000 in construction funding to complement 
proposed ANA funded pre-construction activity is evidence of a firm 
funding commitment. These resources may be human, natural or financial, 
and may include other Federal and non-Federal resources. (Applicant 
statements that additional funding will be sought from other specific 
sources are not considered a binding commitment of outside resources.)
    (2) Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications. (15 points)
    (a) The management and administrative structure of the applicant is 
described and explained. Evidence of the applicant's ability to manage 
a project of the scope proposed is well documented. The application 
clearly shows the successful management of projects of similar scope by 
the organization, and/or by the individuals designated to manage or 
consult on the project. The tribe itself may not have experience to 
meet this requirement but the proposed staff and consultants should 
have the required qualifications and experience. The application should 
clearly describe any previous or current activities of the applicant 
organization or proposed staff and/or consultants in support of 
environmental regulatory enhancement.
    (b) Position descriptions and/or resumes of key personnel, 
including those of consultants, are presented. The position 
descriptions and/or resumes relate specifically to the staff proposed 
in the Approach Page and in the proposed Budget of the application. 
Position descriptions very clearly describe each position and its 
duties and clearly relate to the personnel staffing required to achieve 
the project objectives. Resumes indicate that the proposed staff are 
qualified to carry out the project activities. Either the position 
descriptions or the resumes contain the qualifications and/or 
specialized skills necessary for overall quality management of the 
project. Resumes must be included if individuals have been identified 
for positions in the application.

    Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give preference to 
Native Americans in hiring staff and subcontracting services under 
an approved ANA grant.

    (3) Project Objectives, Approach and Activities. (40 points)
    The application proposes specific project objective work plans with 
activities related to each specific objective. The objective work 
plan(s) in the application includes project objectives and activities 
for each budget period proposed and demonstrates that each of the 
objectives and its activities:
     Is measurable and/or quantifiable in terms of results or 
outcomes;
     Supports the community's strategy for environmental 
regulatory enhancement;
     Clearly relates to the community's long-range 
environmental goals;
     Can be accomplished with the available or expected 
resources during the proposed project period;
     Indicates when the objective, and major activities under 
each objective, will be accomplished;
     Specifies who will conduct the activities under each 
objective; and

[[Page 44131]]

     Supports a project that will be completed, self-
sustaining, or financed by other than ANA funds at the end of the 
project period.
    (4) Results or Benefits Expected. (20 points)
    Completion of the proposed objectives will result in specific, 
measurable results. The application shows how the expected results will 
help the community meet its long-range environmental goals. The 
specific information provided in the narrative and objective work plans 
on expected results or benefits for each objective is the standard upon 
which its achievement can be evaluated at the end of each budget year.
    (5) Budget. (10 points)
    A detailed and fully explained budget is provided for each budget 
period requested which:
     Justifies each line item, with a well-written 
justification, in the budget categories in Section B of the Budget 
Information of the application, including the applicant's non-Federal 
share and its source;
     Includes and justifies sufficient cost and other necessary 
details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability and the 
relevance of these costs to the proposed project; and
     Requests funds which are appropriate and necessary for the 
scope of the proposed project.
G. Application Due Date
    The closing date for submission of applications under this 
competitive area is March 7, 1997.
H. For Further Information Contact
    Sharon McCully (202) 690-5780, Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration for 
Native Americans, 200 Independence Ave., S.W., Room 348-F, Washington, 
D.C. 20201-0001

Competitive Area 4. Native American Languages Preservation and 
Enhancement Projects

A. Purpose and Availability of Funds
    The purpose of this competitive area is to announce the anticipated 
availability of fiscal year 1997 funds for projects which assist Native 
Americans to assure the survival and continuing vitality of their 
languages. Approximately $1 million of financial assistance is 
anticipated to be available under this competitive area.
    For Category I, Planning Grants, the funding level for a budget 
period of 12 months will be up to $50,000. For Category II, Design and/
or Implementation Grants, the funding level for a budget period of 12 
months will be up to $125,000.
B. Background
    The Congress has recognized that the history of past policies of 
the United States toward Indian and other Native American languages has 
resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of Native American 
languages that have survived over the past five hundred years. 
Consequently, the Native American Languages Act was enacted in 1990 
(Title I, Public Law 101-477) to address this decline.
    This Act invested the United States government with the 
responsibility to work together with Native Americans to ensure the 
survival of cultures and languages unique to Native America. This law 
declares that it is the policy of the United States to ``preserve, 
protect, and promote the rights and freedom of Native Americans to use, 
practice, and develop Native American languages.'' The Congress made a 
significant first step in passing this legislation in 1990, but it 
served only as a declaration of policy. No program initiatives were 
proposed, nor were funds authorized to begin a significant program to 
carry out this policy.
    In 1992, Congressional testimony highlighted that of the several 
hundred Native American languages that once existed, only about 155 
languages are still spoken or remembered today. However, only 20 are 
spoken by persons of all ages, 30 are spoken by adults of all ages, 
about 60 are spoken by middle-aged adults, and 45 are spoken only by 
the most elderly.
    In response to this testimony, the Congress passed the Native 
American Languages Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-524) to assist Indian 
tribes, Alaska villages, and Native American groups to assure the 
survival and continuing vitality of their languages. Passage of this 
law is an important second step to support the survival and 
continuation of Native American languages. It provides a basic building 
block foundation upon which Tribal nations can rebuild economic 
strength and maintain rich cultural diversity.
    The Federal government recognizes that substantial loss of Native 
American languages has occurred over the past several hundred years. 
The nature and magnitude of the status of Native American languages 
will become better defined as language assessments are made.
    The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) believes that 
responsibility for achieving language(s) project results rests with the 
governing bodies of Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and in the 
leadership of Native American groups. The local community and its 
leadership are responsible for determining its own goals, setting 
priorities, and planning and implementing programs which support the 
community's long-range language goals.
    Preserving a language and ensuring its continuation is generally 
one of the first steps taken toward strengthening a group's identity. 
Therefore, projects proposed under this program announcement will 
contribute to the balanced development in a native community and can 
significantly contribute to its path toward self-sufficiency.
    Under this competitive area eligible applicants will have the 
opportunity to develop their own language plans, increase their 
technical capabilities, and have access to financial and technical 
resources in order to assess, plan, develop and implement programs to 
address the survival and continuing vitality of their languages. ANA 
recognizes that potential applicants may have various levels of 
specialized knowledge and capabilities to address their specific 
language concerns. This competitive area is designed to take into 
account these special needs and circumstances.
    ``Language preservation'' is the maintenance of a language so that 
it will not decline into non-use.
    ``Language vitality'' is the active use of a language in a wide 
range of domains of human life.
    ``Language replication'' is defined as the application of a 
language program model developed in one community to other 
linguistically similar communities.
    ``Language survival'' is defined as the maintenance and 
continuation of language from one generation to another in a wide range 
of aspects of community life.
C. Proposed Projects to be Funded
    There are two types of projects applicants may apply for:
     Category I--``Planning Grants''--for projects up to 12 
months, the funding level will be up to $50,000 or,
     Category II--``Design and/or Implementation Grants''--for 
projects up to 36 months, the funding level for a budget period of 12 
months will be up to $125,000.

Category I--Planning Grants

    The purpose of a Planning Grant is to conduct an assessment and to 
develop the plan needed to describe the current status of the 
language(s) to be addressed

[[Page 44132]]

and to establish community long-range language goal(s) to ensure its 
survival.
    Project activities may include, but are not limited to:
     To collect data, organize it, and determine and describe 
current language status through a ``formal'' method (e.g., work 
performed by a linguist, and/or a language survey conducted by 
community members) or an ``informal'' method (e.g., a community 
consensus of the language status based on elders, tribal scholars, and/
or other community members);
     To establish the community's long-range language goals; 
and
     To get the necessary training and technical assistance to 
administer the project and achieve the project goal(s).

Category II--Design and/or Implementation Grants

    The purpose of providing an option for a Design and/or an 
Implementation Grant is:
    Option One: So tribes or communities can design and/or implement a 
language program to achieve the community's long-range language 
goal(s); and
    Option Two: To accommodate where the Tribe or community is in their 
long-term language(s) goals continuum.
    Applicants under Category II must be able to document that:
    (a) Language information has been collected and analyzed, and that 
it is current (compiled within 36 months prior to the grant 
application);
    (b) The community has established long-range language goals; and
    (c) Community representatives are adequately trained so that the 
proposed project goals can be achieved.
    Category II applications may include purchasing specialized 
equipment (including audio and video recording equipment, computers, 
and software) necessary to achieve the project objectives. The 
applicant must fully justify the need for this equipment and explain 
how it will be used to achieve the project objectives.
    The types of projects and activities ANA can fund under Category II 
include, but are not limited to:
     Establishment and support of a community Native American 
language project to bring older and younger Native Americans together 
to facilitate and encourage the teaching of Native American languages 
skills from one generation to another;
     Establishment of a project to train Native Americans to 
teach Native American languages to others or to enable them to serve as 
interpreters or translators of such languages;
     Development, printing, and dissemination of materials to 
be used for the teaching and enhancement of Native American languages;
     Establishment or support of a project to train Native 
Americans to produce or participate in television or radio programs to 
be broadcast in Native American languages; and
     Compilation, transcription, and analysis of oral testimony 
to record and preserve Native American languages.

Policy

    It is ANA's policy that funds will not be awarded for projects 
addressing dead languages.

Requirement

    The Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts 
Development has been established by the Act, or an alternative 
repository as determined by the Commissioner, shall be the repository 
for copies of products from Native American languages grants funded 
under this program announcement. At the end of the project period, 
products or project models of Native American languages grants funded 
by this program announcement should be sent to the designated 
repository. Specific information about the repository is in the ANA 
application kit.
    Federally recognized Indian Tribes are not required to comply with 
this requirement.
D. Eligible Applicants
    The following organizations are eligible to apply for funding under 
this competitive area:
     Federally recognized Indian Tribes;
     Consortia of Indian Tribes;
     Incorporated non-Federally recognized Tribes;
     Incorporated nonprofit multi-purpose community-based 
Indian organizations;
     Urban Indian Centers;
     National or regional incorporated nonprofit Native 
American organizations with Native American community-specific 
objectives;
     Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or nonprofit village consortia;
     Incorporated nonprofit Alaska Native multi-purpose 
community-based organizations;
     Nonprofit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations 
in Alaska with village specific projects;
     Nonprofit Native organizations in Alaska with village 
specific projects;
     Public and nonprofit private agencies serving Native 
Hawaiians;
     Public and nonprofit private agencies serving native 
peoples from Guam, American Samoa, Palau, or the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands. (The populations served may be located on 
these islands or in the United States); and
     Tribally Controlled Community Colleges, Tribally 
Controlled Post-Secondary Vocational Institutions, and colleges and 
universities located in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Palau, or the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands which serve Native 
American Pacific Islanders.

Participating Organizations

    If a tribal organization, or other eligible applicant, decides that 
the objectives of its proposed Native American language project would 
be accomplished more effectively through a partnership arrangement with 
a tribal school, college, or university, the applicant shall identify 
such school, college, or university as a participating organization in 
its application. Under a partnership agreement, the applicant will be 
responsible for the fiscal, administrative and programmatic management 
of the grant.
    Proof of an applicant's nonprofit status, such as an IRS 
determination of nonprofit status under IRS Code 501(c)(3), must be 
included in the application.
    If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native Village 
government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans or 
Native Alaskans, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly 
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the 
community to be served. An organization can conclusively establish that 
it meets this requirement through a signed statement or resolution 
stating that its duly elected or appointed board of directors are 
either Native Americans or Native Alaskans or a copy of the 
organizational charter or by-laws that clearly states that the 
organization has a board drawn from members of those groups.
    Under each competitive area, ANA will only accept one application 
which serves or impacts a reservation, Tribe or Native American 
community. If a Tribe or Alaska Native village chooses not to submit an 
application under a specific competitive area, it may support another 
applicant's project (e.g., a tribal organization) which serves or 
impacts the reservation.
    In this case, the applicant must include a Tribal resolution which 
clearly demonstrates the Tribe's support of the project and the Tribe's 
understanding that the other applicant's project supplants the Tribe's 
authority to submit an application under that

[[Page 44133]]

specific competitive area for the duration of the approved grant 
period.
E. Grantee Share of the Project
    Grantees must provide at least 20 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 $125,000 in Federal funds must include 
a match of at least $31,250 (20% total project cost).
    As per 45 CFR part 74.2, In-Kind contributions is defined as ``the 
value of non-cash contributions provided by non-Federal third parties. 
Third party-in kind contributions may be in the form of real property, 
equipment, supplies and other expendable property, and the value of 
goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to 
the project or program.''
    In addition the non-Federal share may include certain funds 
distributed to a tribe, including interest, by the Federal government:
     Funds from the satisfaction of a claim made under Federal 
law;
     Funds collected and administered on behalf of such tribe 
or its constituent members; or
     Funds for general tribal administration or tribal 
development under a formula or subject to a tribal budgeting priority 
system, such as, but not limited to, funds involved in the settlement 
of land or other judgment claims, severance or other royalty payments, 
or payments under the Indian Self-Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 450f et 
seq.) or tribal budget priority system.
    A complete itemized budget must also detail the applicant's non-
Federal share, and its source.
    If an applicant plans to charge indirect costs in its ANA 
application, a current copy of its Indirect Cost Agreement must be 
included in the application.
    A request for a waiver of the non-Federal share requirement may be 
submitted in accordance with 45 CFR 1336.50(b)(3) of the Native 
American Program Regulations.
    Applications submitted as a partnership arrangement with a school, 
college, or university, may use contributions from the ``partner'' 
organization(s) to meet the non-Federal share, as appropriate.
    Applications originating from American Samoa, Guam, Palau, or the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are covered under section 
501(d) of Public Law 95-134, as amended (48 U.S.C. 1469a) under which 
HHS waives any requirement for local matching funds under $200,000 
(including in-kind contributions).
F. Review Criteria
    The proposed project should address the Native American languages 
purposes stated and described in the Background (Section B) of this 
competitive area.
    Planning grant applications may not have all the information 
requested about their current language status, since obtaining this 
data may be part of the planning grant application being submitted.
    The evaluation criteria below are closely inter-related. They are 
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.
    Points are awarded only to applications which respond to this 
competitive area and to these criteria. Proposed projects will be 
reviewed on a competitive basis using the following evaluation 
criteria:
    (1) The Current Status of Native American Language(s) is Described 
and Description(s) of Existing Programs/Projects (if any) Which Support 
the Language(s) are Included. (10 points)
    (a) The application fully describes the current status of the 
Native American language(s) in the community. (``Current status'' is 
defined as data compiled within the previous 36 months.) Applicants 
applying for Category I--Planning grants can meet their current 
language status by providing a detailed description of any 
circumstances or barriers which have prevented the collection of 
community language data.
    The description of ``current status'' minimally includes the 
following information:
    (1) Number of speakers of the language(s);
    (2) Age of speakers;
    (3) Gender of speakers;
    (4) Level(s) of fluency;
    (5) Number of first language speakers (the Native language is the 
first language acquired);
    (6) Number of second language speakers (the Native language is the 
second language acquired);
    (7) Where the language is used (specific uses such as: home, court 
system, religious ceremonies, church, multimedia, school, governance 
activities and other, as appropriate to applicant);
    (8) Source of data; (formal and/or informal); and
    (9) Rate of language loss or gain.
    The application has clearly described the current status of the 
Native American language(s) to be addressed by the project.

    Note: Planning Grant applicants may not have all the information 
requested about their current language status, since obtaining this 
data may be part of the planning grant application being reviewed. 
Applicants applying for Category I--Planning Grants can meet this 
requirement by explaining their current language status and 
providing a detailed description of any circumstances or barriers 
which have prevented the collection of community language data.

    (b) The application fully describes existing community language or 
language training programs and projects, if any, that support the 
Native American language to be addressed by the proposed project.
    Existing programs and projects may be ``formal'' (e.g., work 
performed by a linguist, and/or a language survey conducted by 
community members) or ``informal'' (e.g., a community consensus of the 
language status based on elders, tribal scholars, and/or other 
community members).
    The description should answer the following:
    (1) Has applicant had a community language or language training 
program within the last 36 months?
    (2) Has applicant had a community language or language training 
program within the last 10 years?
    Applicants that answer ``no'' to either question (1) or (2) should 
provide a detailed explanation of what barriers or circumstances 
prevented the establishment or implementation of a community language 
program.
    Applicants that answer ``yes'' to either questions (1) or (2) 
should describe recent language program(s), including:
    (1) Program goal(s);
    (2) Number of program participants;
    (3) Number of speakers;
    (4) Age range of participants (e.g., 0-5; 6-10; 11-18;, etc.);
    (5) Number of language teachers;
    (6) Criteria used to acknowledge competency of language teachers;
    (7) Resources available, if any, to the applicant (e.g., valid 
grammars, dictionaries, and/or orthographics or describe other suitable 
resources); and
    (8) What has been achieved.
    (2) Long-Range Goals and Available Resources. (25 points)
    (a) The application describes the proposed project's long-range 
goal(s) and strategy, including:
     how the specific Native American(s) long range community 
goal(s) relate to the proposed project;
     how the goals fit within the context of the applicant's 
current language status; and
     a clearly delineated strategy to assist in assuring the 
survival and

[[Page 44134]]

continued vitality of the Native American language(s) addressed in the 
community.
    (b) The application explains how the community or tribal government 
(where one exists) intends to achieve these goals.
    The application documents the type of involvement and support of 
the community in the planning process and implementation of the 
proposed project. A Tribe may meet this requirement by submitting a 
resolution stating that community involvement has occurred in the 
project planning. All other eligible applicants may meet this 
requirement by providing documentation of community support/
involvement. The type of community served will determine the type of 
documentation necessary.
    For example, a tribal organization may submit resolutions 
supporting the project proposal from each of its member's tribes, as 
well as a resolution from the applicant organization. Other examples of 
documentation include: community surveys; minutes of community 
meetings; questionnaires; tribal presentations; and/or discussion/
position papers.
    Applications from National Indian and Native organizations must 
clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project was 
originated, state who the intended beneficiaries will be, and describe 
how the recipients will actually benefit from the project. National 
Indian and Native organizations should describe their membership and 
define how the organization operates.
    (c) Available resources (other than ANA and the non-Federal share) 
which will assist and be coordinated with the project are described. 
These resources should be documented by letters or documents of 
commitment of resources, and not ``letters of support.''
     ``Letters of support'' merely express another 
organization's endorsement of a proposed project. Support letters are 
not binding commitment letters or documents that factually establish 
the authenticity of other resources.
     ``Letters and other documents of commitment'' are binding 
and specifically state the nature, amount and conditions under which 
another agency or organization will support a project funded with ANA 
funds. These resources may be human, natural or financial, and may 
include other Federal and non-Federal resources.
    Applicant statements that additional funding will be sought from 
other specific sources are not considered a binding commitment of 
outside resources.
    If the applicant proposes to enter into a partnership arrangement 
with a school, college, or university, documentation of this commitment 
must be included in the application.

    Note: Applicants from the Native American Pacific Islands are 
not required to provide a 20% match for the non-Federal share if it 
is under $200,000 and may not have points reduced for this policy. 
They are, however, expected to coordinate non-ANA resources for the 
proposed project, as are all ANA applicants.

    (3) Project Objectives, Approach and Activities. (25 points)
    The proposed objectives in the Objective Work Plan(s) relate to the 
competitive area goal to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of 
Native American language(s). More specifically, together they will 
achieve the Tribe or community's language goals for the proposed 
project. If the project is for more than one year, the application 
includes Objective Work Plans for each year (budget period) proposed.
    Each Objective Work Plan proposed clearly describes:
     The Tribal government's, or community's active involvement 
in the continuing participation of Native American language speakers;
     Measurable or quantifiable results or outcomes;
     How they relate to the community's long-range language 
goals;
     How the project can be accomplished with the available or 
expected resources during the project period;
     How the main activities will be accomplished;
     Who specifically will conduct the activities under each 
objective;
     For Category I projects, what the next steps may be after 
the Planning project is completed; and
     For Category II projects, how the project will be 
completed, become self-sustaining, or be financed by other than ANA 
funds at the end of the project period.
    (4) Evaluation Plan. (15 points)
    A section of the application includes an ``Evaluation Plan'' with a 
baseline to measure project outcomes, including, but not limited to, 
describing effective language growth in the community (e.g., an 
increase of Native American language use). This plan will be the basis 
for evaluating the community's progress in achieving its language goals 
and objectives.
    (5) Sharing Plan and Plan to Preserve Project Products (10 points).
    A section of the application includes two plans:
    (a) A Sharing Plan that identifies how the project's methodology, 
research data, outcomes or other products can be shared and used or 
modified, by other tribes or communities. If this is not feasible or 
culturally appropriate, provide the reasons. The goal is to provide 
opportunities to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native 
American languages.
    (b) A Plan to Preserve Project Products describes how the products 
of the project will be preserved through archival or other culturally 
appropriate methods, for the benefit of future generations.
    (6) Organizational Capabilities/Qualifications and Budget. (15 
points)
    (a) The management and administrative structure of the applicant is 
explained. Evidence of the applicant's ability to manage a project of 
the proposed scope is well defined. The application clearly 
demonstrates the successful management of projects of similar scope by 
the organization and/or by the individuals designated to manage the 
project.
    (b) Position descriptions and/or resumes of key personnel, 
including those of consultants, are presented. The position 
descriptions and/or resumes relate specifically to the staff proposed 
in the Approach Page and in the proposed Budget of the application. 
Position descriptions very clearly describe the position and its duties 
and clearly relate to the personnel staffing required to achieve the 
project objectives. Resumes demonstrate that the proposed staff are 
qualified to carry out the project activities. Either the position 
descriptions or the resumes contain the qualifications, and/or 
specialized skills, necessary for overall quality management of the 
project. Resumes must be included if individuals have been identified 
for positions in the application.

    Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give preference to 
Native Americans in hiring staff and subcontracting services under 
an approved ANA grant.

    (c) A detailed and fully explained budget is provided for each 
budget period requested which:
     Justifies each line item, with a well-written 
justification, in the budget categories in Section B of the Budget 
Information of the application, including the applicant's non-Federal 
share and its source;
     Includes and justifies sufficient cost and other necessary 
details to facilitate the determination of cost allowability and the 
relevance of these costs to the proposed project; and
     Requests funds which are appropriate and necessary for the 
scope of the proposed project.


[[Page 44135]]


    Note: (Applicants from the Native American Pacific Islands are 
exempt from the $200,000 non-Federal share requirement).
G. Application Due Date
    The closing date for submission of applications under this 
competitive area is March 21, 1997.
H. For Further Information Contact
    Deborah Yatsko, (202) 690-7843, Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration for 
Native Americans, 200 Independence Ave., S.W., Room 348-F, Washington, 
D.C. 20201-0001.

Part III--General Application Information and Guidance

A. Definitions
    Funding areas in this program announcement are based on the 
following definitions:
     A ``multi-purpose community-based Native American 
organization'' is an association and/or corporation whose charter 
specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors and/or 
officers of the organization through an elective procedure and that the 
organization functions in several different areas of concern to the 
members of the local Native American community. These areas are 
specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization. 
They may include, but need not be limited to, economic, artistic, 
cultural, and recreational activities, and the delivery of human 
services such as health care, day care, counseling, education, and 
training.
     A ``multi-year project'' is a project on a single theme 
that requires more than 12 months to complete and affords the applicant 
an opportunity to develop and address more complex and in-depth 
strategies than can be completed in one year. A multi-year project 
cannot be a series of unrelated objectives with activities presented in 
chronological order over a two or three year period.
     ``Budget Period'' is the interval of time (usually 12 
months) into which the project period is divided for budgetary and 
funding purposes.
     ``Core administration'' is funding for staff salaries for 
those functions which support the organization as a whole, or for 
purposes unrelated to the actual management or implementation of work 
conducted under an ANA approved project.
     ``Environmental regulatory enhancement'' includes (but is 
not limited to) the planning, development, and application of laws, 
training, monitoring, and enforcement procedures, tribal courts, 
environmental laboratories and other facilities, and associated 
regulatory activities to strengthen the tribal government's capacity to 
enhance the quality of reservation life as measured by the reduction of 
pollutants in the air, water, soil, food and materials encountered by 
inhabitants of tribes and villages.
     ``Language preservation'' is the maintenance of a language 
so that it will not decline into non-use.
     ``Language vitality'' is the active use of a language in a 
wide range of domains of human life.
     ``Language replication'' is the application of a language 
program model developed in one community to other linguistically 
similar communities.
     ``Language survival'' is the maintenance and continuation 
of language from one generation to another in a wide range of aspects 
of community life.
B. General Considerations
    Non-ANA resources should be leveraged to strengthen and broaden the 
impact of the proposed project in the community. Project designs should 
explain how those parts of projects which ANA does not fund will be 
financed through other sources. For example, ANA does not fund 
construction. Applicants must show the relationship of non-ANA funded 
activities to those objectives and activities that are funded with ANA 
grant funds.
    Costs of fundraising, including financial campaigns, endowment 
drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses 
incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions are 
unallowable under a grant award. However, even though these costs are 
unallowable for purposes of computing charges to Federal awards, they 
must be treated as direct costs for purposes of determining indirect 
cost rates and be allocated their share of the organization's indirect 
costs if they represent activities which (1) include the salaries of 
personnel, (2) occupy space, and (3) benefit from the organization's 
indirect costs.
    All projects funded by ANA must be completed, or self-sustaining or 
supported with other than ANA funds at the end of the project period. 
``Completed'' means that the project ANA funded is finished, and the 
desired result(s) have been attained. ``Self-sustaining'' means that a 
project will continue without outside resources. ``Supported by other 
than ANA funds'' means that the project will continue beyond the ANA 
project period, but will be supported by funds other than ANA's.
C. Activities That Cannot be Funded by ANA
    The Administration for Native Americans does not fund projects that 
operate indefinitely or require ANA funding on a recurring basis. The 
Administration for Native Americans does not fund objectives or 
activities for the core administration of an organization. ``Core 
administration'' is funding for staff salaries for those functions 
which support the organization as a whole, or for purposes unrelated to 
the actual management or implementation of work conducted under an ANA 
approved project.
    Under Competitive Area 2, ANA will consider funding core 
administrative capacity building projects at the village government 
level if the village does not have governing systems in place.
    However, functions and activities that are clearly project related 
are eligible for grant funding. For example, the management and 
administrative functions necessary to carry out an ANA approved project 
are not considered ``core administration'' and are, therefore, eligible 
costs. Additionally, ANA will fund the salaries of approved staff for 
time actually and reasonably spent to implement a funded ANA project.
    Projects or activities that generally will not meet the purposes of 
this announcement are discussed further in Part III, Section H, General 
Guidance to Applicants, below.
D. Multi-Year Projects
    Applicants may apply for projects of up to three years. A multi-
year project is a project on a single theme that requires more than 12 
months to complete and affords the applicant an opportunity to develop 
and address more complex and in-depth strategies than can be completed 
in one year. Applicants are encouraged to develop multi-year projects. 
A multi-year project cannot be a series of unrelated objectives with 
activities presented in chronological order over a two or three year 
period.
    Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget 
period, although project periods may be for three years. Applications 
for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year 
budget period, but within the three-year project period, will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to 
the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and 
determination that

[[Page 44136]]

continued funding would be in the best interest of the Government. 
Therefore, this program announcement does not apply to current ANA 
grantees with multi-year projects that apply for continuation funding 
for their second or third year budget periods.
E. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs
    This program is not covered by Executive Order 12372 or 45 C.F.R. 
Part 100.
F. The Application Process
1. Availability of Application Forms
    In order to be considered for a grant under this program 
announcement, an application must be submitted on the forms supplied 
and in the manner prescribed by ANA. The application kits containing 
the necessary forms and instructions may be obtained from: Department 
of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, 
Administration for Native Americans, Room 348F, Hubert H. Humphrey 
Building, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201-0001, 
Attention: 93612-971, Telephone: (202) 690-7776.
2. Application Submission
    One signed original, and two copies, of the grant application, 
including all attachments, must be mailed on or before the specific 
closing date of each ANA competitive area to: Department of Health and 
Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of 
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Mail Stop 6C-462, 
Washington, D.C. 20447, Attention: William J. McCarron, ANA No. 93612-
971.
    Hand delivered applications are accepted during the normal working 
hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, on or prior to 
the established closing date at: Administration for Children and 
Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, Aerospace Center, ACF Mail 
Room, Second Floor Loading Dock, 901 D Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 
20024.
    The application (Form 424) must be signed by an individual 
authorized (1) to act for the applicant tribe or organization, and (2) 
to assume the applicant's obligations under the terms and conditions of 
the grant award, including Native American Program statutory and 
regulatory requirements.
    Each tribe, Native American organization, or other eligible 
applicant may compete and receive a grant award in each of the three 
competitive areas under this announcement. The Administration for 
Native Americans will accept only one application per competitive area 
from any one applicant. Alaska Native entities may submit a SEDS 
application under either competitive area 1 or 2, but not under both.
    If an eligible applicant sends in two applications for the same 
competitive area, the one with the earlier postmark will be accepted 
for review unless the applicant withdraws the earlier application.
3. Application Consideration
    The ANA Commissioner determines the final action to be taken on 
each grant application received under this program announcement.
    The following points should be taken into consideration by all 
applicants:
     Incomplete applications and applications that do not 
conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review. 
Applicants will be notified in writing of any such determination by 
ANA.
     Complete applications that conform to all the requirements 
of this program announcement are subjected to a competitive review and 
evaluation process (discussed in section G below). Independent review 
panels consisting of reviewers familiar with (1) American Indian Tribes 
and Native American communities and organizations, (2) environmental 
issues, and (3) Native American languages, as appropriate, evaluates 
each application using the published criteria in each funding 
competitive area. As a result of the review, a numerical score will be 
assigned to each application.
     The Commissioner's funding decision is based on the review 
panel's analysis of the application, recommendation and comments of ANA 
staff, State and Federal agencies having contract and grant performance 
related information, and other interested parties.
     The Commissioner makes grant awards consistent with the 
purpose of the Act, all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, 
this program announcement, and the availability of funds.
     After the Commissioner has made decisions on all 
applications, unsuccessful applicants are notified in writing within 
approximately 120 days of the closing date. The notification will be 
accompanied by a critique including recommendations for improving the 
application. Successful applicants are notified through an official 
Financial Assistance Award (FAA) document. ANA staff cannot respond to 
requests for information regarding funding decisions prior to the 
official notification to the applicants. The FAA will state the amount 
of Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms and 
conditions of the grant award, the effective date of the award, the 
project period, the budget period, and the amount of the non-ACF 
matching share requirement.
G. The Review Process
1. Initial Application Review
    Applications submitted by the closing date and verified by the 
postmark under this program announcement will undergo a pre-review to 
determine that:
     The applicant is eligible in accordance with the Eligible 
Applicants Section of this announcement; and
     The application narrative, forms and materials submitted 
are adequate to allow the review panel to undertake an in depth 
evaluation. (All required materials and forms are listed in the Grant 
Application Checklist in the Application Kit).
2. Competitive Review of Accepted Applications
    Applications which pass the pre-review will be evaluated and rated 
by an independent review panel on the basis of the specific evaluation 
criteria listed in Part II. These criteria are used to evaluate the 
quality of a proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its 
success.
3. Determination of Ineligibility
    Applicants who are initially rejected from competitive evaluation 
because of ineligibility, may appeal an ANA decision of applicant 
ineligibility. Likewise, applicants may also appeal an ANA decision 
that an applicant's proposed activities are ineligible for funding 
consideration. The appeals process is stated in the final rule 
published in the Federal Register on August 19, 1996 (61 FR 42817).
H. General Guidance to Applicants
    The following information is provided to assist applicants in 
developing a competitive application.
1. Program Guidance
     The Administration for Native Americans funds projects 
that demonstrate the strongest prospects for addressing the stated 
purposes of this program announcement. Projects will not be funded on 
the basis of need alone.
     In discussing the goals, strategy, and problems being 
addressed in the application, include sufficient background and/or 
history of the community concerning these issues and/or progress to 
date, as well as the

[[Page 44137]]

size of the population to be served. This material will assist the 
reviewers in determining the appropriateness and potential benefits of 
the proposed project.
     In the discussion of community-based, long-range goals, 
non-Federally recognized and off-reservation groups are encouraged to 
include a description of what constitutes their specific ``community.''
     Applicants must document the community's support for the 
proposed project and explain the role of the community in the planning 
process and implementation of the proposed project. For tribes, a 
current signed resolution from the governing body of the tribe 
supporting the project proposal stating that there has been community 
involvement in the planning of this project will suffice as evidence of 
community support/involvement. For all other eligible applicants, the 
type of community you serve will determine the type of documentation 
necessary. For example, a tribal organization may submit resolutions 
supporting the project proposal from each of its members tribes, as 
well as a resolution from the applicant organization. Other examples of 
documentation include: community surveys; minutes of community 
meetings; questionnaires; tribal presentations; and/or discussion/
position papers.
     Applications from National Indian and Native American 
organizations must demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the 
project was originated, state who the intended beneficiaries will be, 
and describe how the recipients will actually benefit from the project.
     An application should describe a clear relationship 
between the proposed project, the social and economic development 
strategy, or environmental or language goals, as appropriate, and the 
community's long-range goals or plan.
     The project application, including the Objective Work 
Plans, must clearly identify in measurable terms the expected results, 
benefits or outcomes of the proposed project, and the positive or 
continuing impact that the project will have on the community.
     Supporting documentation, including letters of support, if 
available, or other testimonies from concerned interests other than the 
applicant should be included to demonstrate support for the feasibility 
of the project and the commitment of other resources to the proposed 
project.
     In the ANA Project Narrative, Section A of the application 
package, ``Resources Available to the Proposed Project,'' the applicant 
should describe any specific financial circumstances which may impact 
on the project, such as any monetary or land settlements made to the 
applicant, and any restrictions on the use of those settlements. When 
the applicant appears to have other resources to support the proposed 
project and chooses not to use them, the applicant should explain why 
it is seeking ANA funds and not utilizing these resources for the 
project.
     Reviewers of applications for ANA indicate they are better 
able to evaluate whether the feasibility has been addressed and the 
practicality of a proposed economic development project, or a new 
business, if the applicant includes a business plan that clearly 
describes its feasibility and the approach for the implementation and 
marketing of the business. (ANA has included sample business plans in 
the application kit). It is strongly recommended that an applicant use 
these materials as guides in developing a proposal for an economic 
development project or business that is part of the application.
     Applications which were disapproved under a previous 
closing date and revised for resubmission should make reference to the 
changes in their current application which are based on ANA panel 
review comments.
Technical Guidance
     It is strongly suggested that the applicant follow the 
Supplemental Guide included in the ANA application kit to develop an 
application. The Guide provides practical information and helpful 
suggestions, and is an aid to help applicants prepare ANA applications.
     Applicants are encouraged to have someone other than the 
author apply the evaluation criteria in the program announcement and 
score the application prior to its submission, in order to gain a 
better sense of the application's quality and potential competitiveness 
in the ANA review process.
     For purposes of developing an application, applicants 
should plan for a project start date approximately 120 days after the 
closing date under which the application is submitted.
     The Administration for Native Americans will not fund 
essentially identical projects serving the same constituency.
     If a project could be supported by other Federal funding 
sources, the applicant should fully explain its reasons for not 
pursuing other Federal funds for the project.
     Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit proposals 
addressing environmental regulatory enhancement and Native American 
languages preservation and enhancement under the issue-specific 
competitive areas described in this announcement.
     For purposes of this announcement, ANA is using the Bureau 
of Indian Affairs' list of Federally recognized Indian tribes which 
includes nonprofit Alaska Native community entities or tribal governing 
bodies (IRA or traditional councils). Other Federally recognized Indian 
tribes which are not included on this list (e.g., those Tribes which 
have been recently recognized or restored by the United States 
Congress) are also eligible to apply for ANA funds.
     The Administration for Native Americans will accept only 
one application, per competitive area, from any one applicant. If an 
eligible applicant sends in two applications for the same competitive 
area, the one with the earlier postmark will be accepted for review 
unless the applicant withdraws the earlier application.
     An application from a federally recognized Tribe, Alaska 
Native Village or Native American organization must be from the 
governing body of the Tribe or organization. ANA will not accept 
applications from tribal components which are tribally-authorized 
divisions of a larger tribe, unless the application includes a Tribal 
resolution which clearly demonstrates the Tribe's support of the 
project and the Tribe's understanding that the other applicant's 
project supplants the Tribe's authority to submit an application under 
that specific competitive area for the duration of the approved grant 
period.
     Under each competitive area, ANA will only accept one 
application which serves or impacts a reservation, Tribe, or Native 
American community. If a Tribe, or Alaska Native village chooses not to 
submit an application under a specific competitive area, it may support 
another applicant's project (e.g., a tribal organization) which serves 
or impacts the reservation. In this case, the applicant must include a 
Tribal resolution which clearly demonstrates the Tribe's support of the 
project and the Tribe's understanding that the other applicant's 
project supplants the Tribe's authority to submit an application under 
that specific competitive area for the duration of the approved grant 
period.
     The application's Form 424 must be signed by the 
applicant's representative authorized to act with full authority on 
behalf of the applicant.
     The Administration for Native Americans recommends that 
the pages of the application be numbered sequentially and that a table 
of contents

[[Page 44138]]

be provided. Simple tabbing of the sections of the application is also 
helpful to the reviewers.
     An application with an original signature and two 
additional copies are required.
     The Cover Page (included in the Kit) should be the first 
page of an application, followed by the one-page abstract.
     The Approach page (Section B of the ANA Program Narrative) 
for each Objective Work Plan proposed should be of sufficient detail to 
become a monthly staff guide for project responsibilities if the 
applicant is funded.
     The applicant should specify the entire project period 
length on the first page of the Form 424, Block 13, not the length of 
the first budget period. Should the application's contents propose one 
length of project period and the Form 424 specify a conflicting length 
of project period, ANA will consider the project period specified on 
the Form 424 as governing.
     Line 15a of the Form 424 must specify the Federal funds 
requested for the first Budget Period, not the entire project period.
     If a profit-making venture is being proposed, profits must 
be reinvested in the business in order to decrease or eliminate ANA's 
future participation. Such revenue must be reported as general program 
income. A decision will be made at the time of grant award regarding 
appropriate use of program income. (See 45 CFR part 74 and part 92.)
     Applicants may propose a 17 month project period. However, 
the project period for the first year of a multi-year project may only 
be 12 months.
     Applicants proposing multi-year projects must fully 
describe each year's project objectives and activities. Separate 
Objective Work Plans (OWPs) must be presented for each project year and 
a separate itemized budget of the Federal and non-Federal costs of the 
project for each budget period must be included.
     Applicants for multi-year projects must justify the entire 
time-frame of the project (i.e., why the project needs funding for more 
than one year) and clearly describe the results to be achieved for each 
objective by the end of each budget period of the total project period.
     The Administration for Native Americans will critically 
evaluate applications in which the acquisition of equipment is a major 
component of the Federal share of the budget. ``Equipment is tangible, 
non-expendable personal property having a useful life of more than one 
year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.'' During 
negotiation, such expenditures may be deleted from the budget of an 
otherwise approved application, if not fully justified by the applicant 
and not deemed appropriate to the needs of the project by ANA.
     Applicants are encouraged to request a legibly dated 
receipt from a commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service as proof of 
timely mailing.
3. Projects or Activities That Generally Will Not Meet the Purposes of 
This Announcement
     Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or 
technical assistance (T/TA) to other tribes or Native American 
organizations which are otherwise eligible to apply to ANA (``third 
party T/TA''). However, the purchase of T/TA by a grantee for its own 
use or for its members' use (as in the case of a consortium), where T/
TA is necessary to carry out project objectives, is acceptable. In 
addition, T/TA is an allowable activity for environmental regulatory 
enhancement projects submitted under Competitive Area 3, and Native 
American languages projects submitted under Competitive Area 4.
     Projects that request funds for feasibility studies, 
business plans, marketing plans or written materials, such as manuals, 
that are not an essential part of the applicant's long-range 
development plan. As an objective of a larger project, business plans 
are allowable. However, ANA is not interested in funding ``wish lists'' 
of business possibilities. ANA expects written evidence of the solid 
investment of time and consideration on the part of the applicant with 
regard to the development of business plans. Business plans should be 
developed based on market analysis and feasibility studies regarding 
the potential success to the business prior to the submission of the 
application.
     The support of on-going social service delivery programs 
or the expansion, or continuation, of existing social service delivery 
programs.
     Core administration functions, or other activities, which 
essentially support only the applicant's on-going administrative 
functions. However, under Competitive Area 2, ANA will consider funding 
core administrative capacity building projects at the village 
government level if the village does not have governing systems in 
place.
     Project goals which are not responsive to one or more of 
the funding competitive areas.
     Proposals from consortia of tribes that are not specific 
with regard to support from, and roles of, member tribes. ANA expects 
an application from a consortium to have goals and objectives that will 
create positive impacts and outcomes in the communities of its members. 
Proposals from consortia of tribes should have individual objectives 
which are related to the larger goal of the proposed project. Project 
objectives may be tailored to each consortia member, but within the 
context of a common goal for the consortia. In situations where both a 
consortia of tribes and the tribes who belong to the consortia receive 
ANA funding, ANA expects that consortia groups will not seek funding 
that duplicates activities being conducted by their member tribes.
     Projects that will not be completed, self-sustaining, or 
supported by other than ANA funds, at the end of the project period.
     ANA will not fund the purchase of real estate (see 45 CFR 
1336.50 (e)) or construction (see ACF Grants Administration Manual 
Sec. 3.12).
     ANA will not fund investment capital for purchase or 
takeover of an existing business, for purchase or acquisition of a 
franchise, or for purchase of stock or other similar investment 
instruments.
     Renovation or alteration unless it is essential for the 
project. Renovation or alteration costs may not exceed the lesser of 
$150,000 or 25 percent of the total direct costs approved for the 
entire budget period.
     Projects originated and designed by consultants who 
provide a major role for themselves in the proposed project and are not 
members of the applicant organization, tribe or village.
I. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13, the 
Department is required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) for review and approval any reporting and record keeping 
requirements in regulations including program announcements. This 
program announcement does not contain information collection 
requirements beyond those approved for ANA grant applications under the 
Program Narrative Statement by OMB.
J. Receipt of Applications
    Applications must either be hand delivered or mailed to the address 
in Section F, The Application Process: Application Submission. The 
Administration for Native Americans will not accept applications 
submitted

[[Page 44139]]

via facsimile (FAX) equipment. Videotapes and cassette tapes may not be 
included as part of a grant application for panel review.
1. Deadlines
    Applications mailed through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial 
delivery service shall be considered as meeting an announced closing 
date if they are either:
     Received on or before the deadline date at the address 
specified in Section F2, Application Submission; or
     Sent on, or before, the deadline date and received in time 
for the ANA independent review. (Applicants are cautioned to request a 
legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service 
or a legible postmark date from the U.S. Postal Service. Private 
metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.)
     No additional material will be accepted, or added to an 
application, unless it is postmarked by the deadline date.
2. Late applications
    Applications which do not meet the criteria in the above paragraph 
of this section are considered late applications and will be returned 
to the applicant. The Administration for Children and Families shall 
notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered 
in the current competition.
3. Extension of Deadlines
    The Administration for Children and Families may extend the 
deadline for all applicants because of acts of God such as floods, 
hurricanes, etc., or when there is a widespread disruption of the 
mails. However, if ACF does not extend the deadline for all applicants, 
it may not waive or extend the deadline for any applicant.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Numbers: 93.612 
Native American Programs; 93.581 Improving the Capability of Indian 
Tribal Governments to Regulate Environmental Quality; and 93.587 
Promoting the Survival and Continuing Vitality of Native American 
Languages.)

    Dated: August 21, 1996.
Gary N. Kimble,
Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.
[FR Doc. 96-21712 Filed 8-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P