[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 6 (Friday, January 9, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1475-1484]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-583]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families
[Program Announcement No. 93612-982]


Administration for Native Americans: Availability of Financial 
Assistance

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

ACTION: Announcement of availability of competitive financial 
assistance to assist eligible applicants in assuring the survival and 
continuing vitality of their Native American languages.

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SUMMARY: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) announces the 
availability of Fiscal Year 1998 funds and other available funds for 
Native American Language projects. Financial assistance provided by ANA 
is designed to assist applicants in designing projects which will 
promote the survival and continuing vitality of Native American 
languages.
    Application Kit: Application kits, (Approved by the OMB under 
control number 0980-0204, which expires August 31, 1999) 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, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, Mail Stop 
HHH 348F, Washington, D.C. 20447, Attention: 93612-982. You may telefax 
your request to: (202) 690-7441; confirm at (202)690-7776.
    Copies of this program announcement and many of the required forms 
may be obtained electronically at the ANA World Wide Web Page: http://
www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ana/index.html
    The printed Federal Register notice is the only official program 
announcement. Although reasonable efforts are taken to assure that the 
files on the ANA World Wide Web Page containing electronic copies of 
this Program Announcement are accurate and complete, they are provided 
for information only. The applicant bears sole responsibility to assure 
that the copy downloaded and/or printed from any other source is 
accurate and complete.

DATES: The closing date for submission of applications is March 27, 
1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deborah Yatsko, Program Analyst, 
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children 
and Families, Administration for Native Americans, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, Mail Stop HHH 348F, Washington, D.C. 20447, tel: (202) 690-
7843, fax: (202) 690-7441, or e-mail: [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Part I

A. Purpose and Availability of Funds

    The program announcement states the availability of fiscal year 
1998 financial assistance to eligible applicants for the purpose of 
assisting Native Americans in assuring the survival and continuing 
vitality of their languages. Financial assistance awards made under 
this program announcement will be on a competitive basis and the 
proposals will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria in this 
announcement.
    Approximately $2,000,000 in Fiscal Year 1998 has been allocated for 
category I and II grants. For Category I, Planning Grants (project 
length: 12 months), the funding level for a budget period of 12 months 
will be up to $50,000. For Category II, Design and or Implementation 
Grants (project length: up to 36 months), the funding level for a 
budget period of 12 months will be up to $125,000. In accordance with 
current agency policies, ANA may fund additional highly ranked 
applications if additional funds become available prior to the next 
competition.

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 500 years. Consequently, the 
Native American

[[Page 1476]]

Languages Act (Title 1, Pub. L. 101-477) was enacted to address this 
decline.
    This legislation 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 
declared 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.'' While the Congress 
made a significant first step in passing this legislation in 1990, it 
served only as a declaration of policy. No program initiatives were 
proposed, nor any funds authorized to enact any significant programs in 
furtherance of this policy.
    In 1992, Congressional testimony provided estimates that of the 
several hundred languages that once existed, about 150 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 by the most elderly.
    In response to this testimony, the Congress passed the Native 
American Languages Act of 1992 (the Act), P.L. 102-524, to assist 
Native Americans in assuring the survival and continuing vitality of 
their languages. Passage of the Act was an important second step in 
attempting to ensure the survival and continuation of Native Languages, 
as it provides the basic foundation upon which the Tribal nations can 
rebuild their economic strength and rich cultural diversity.
    While the Federal government recognizes that substantial loss of 
Native American languages over the past several hundred years, the 
nature and magnitude of the status of Native American languages will be 
better defined when eligible applicants under the Act have completed 
language assessments.
    The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) believes that the 
responsibility for achieving self-sufficiency rests with the governing 
bodies of Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and in the leadership 
of Native American groups. This belief supports the ANA principle that 
the local community and its leadership are responsible for determining 
goals, setting priorities, and planning and implementing programs which 
support the community's long-range goals.
    Therefore, since preserving a language and ensuring its 
continuation is generally one of the first steps taken toward 
strengthening a group's identity, activities proposed under this 
program announcement will contribute to the social development of 
Native communities and significantly contribute to their efforts toward 
self-sufficiency.
    The Administration for Native Americans recognizes that eligible 
applicants must have the opportunity to develop their own language 
plans, technical capabilities, and access to the necessary financial 
and technical resources in order to assess, plan, develop and implement 
programs to assure the survival and continuing vitality of their 
languages. ANA also recognizes that potential applicants may have 
specialized knowledge and capabilities to address specific language 
concerns at various levels. This program announcement reflects these 
special needs and circumstances.

C. Proposed Projects To Be Funded

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 and to establish community long-range 
goal(s) to ensure its surivival. Project activities may include, but 
are not limited to:
     data collection, compilation, organization and description 
of 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);
     Establishment of community long-range language goals; and
     Acquisition of necessary training and technical assistance 
to administer the project and achieve project goal(s).
Category II--Design and/or Implementation Grants
    The purposes of Design and/or Implementation Grants are (1) so 
tribes or communities may design and/or implement a language program to 
achieve their long-range goal(s); and to accomodate where the tribe or 
community is in their long-term language goal(s) 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 ANA may 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.
    It is ANA's policy that funds will not be awarded for projects 
addressing dead languages. For purposes of this announcement, dead 
languages are those languages that are no longer spoken by any tribal 
or community member.
Requirement
    The Commissioner shall determine the repository for copies of 
products from Native American language 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 as a non-profit 
or formed

[[Page 1477]]

with one or more Federally recognized tribes);
     Incorporated non-Federally recognized tribes;
     Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based 
Indian organizations;
     Urban Indian Centers;
     National or regional incorporated non-profit Native 
American organizations with Native American community-specific 
objectives;
     Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or non-profit village consortia;
     Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-purpose 
community-based organizations;
     Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/
Associations in Alaska with village-specific projects;
     Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with village-
specific projects;
     Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or tribal 
governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or traditional Councils) as 
recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
     Public and non-profit private agencies serving Native 
Hawaiians (the populations served may be located on these islands or on 
the continental United States);
     Public and non-profit 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);
     Tribally-controlled community colleges and 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 objective 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.
    Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit 
proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of 
submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a 
copy of the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) 
most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 
501(c)(3) of the IRS code or by providing a copy of the currently valid 
IRS tax exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles 
of incorporation bearing the seal of the State or tribe in which the 
corporation or association is domiciled.
    If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native Village 
government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans, Alaska 
Natives, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly elected or 
appointed board of directors is representative of the community to be 
served. To establish compliance with this requirement in the 
regulations, applicants must provide information establishing that at 
lease ninety (90) percent of the individuals serving on a non-profit 
applicant's board fall into one or more of the following categories: 
(1) A current or past member of the community to be served; (2) a 
prospective participant or beneficiary of the project to be funded; or 
(3) have a cultural relationship with the community to be served.

    Note: Under this program announcement, ANA will only accept one 
application which serves or impacts a reservation, tribe or Native 
American community. If a federally recognized Tribe or Alaska Native 
village chooses not to submit an application under this competitive 
area, it may support another applicant's project (e.g., a tribal 
organization) which serves or impacts a reservation. In this case, 
an applicant must include a tribal resolution which clearly 
demonstrates the tribe's approval of the application and the tribe's 
understanding that the other applicant's project supplants the 
tribe's authority to submit an application under the Native Language 
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 Federal 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 requirement through cash contributions. 
Therefore, a project requesting $125,000 in Federal funds must include 
a match of at least $31,250 (20% of total $156,250 project cost).
    As per 45 CFR 74.2, In-kind contributions are 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.''
    This may include other Federal funding sources where the 
legislation or regulations authorize using specific types of funds for 
match, provided the source relates to the ANA project (e.g., Indian 
Self-Determination and Education Assistance funds, through the 
Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human 
Services). In addition, certain funds distributed to a tribe, including 
interest, by the Federal government, may be used for the non-Federal 
share. For example:
     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.
    An itemized budget detailing the applicant's non-federal share, and 
its source(s), must be included in an application.
    If an applicant plans to charge or otherwise seek credit for 
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

    The proposed project should address the Native American languages 
purposes stated and described in the ``Background'' (section B) of this 
announcement.
    The evaluation criteria below are closely inter-related. Points are 
awarded only to applications which respond to these criteria. Proposed 
projects will be reviewed on a competitive basis using the following 
separate sets of evaluation criteria; one set for planning, the other 
for implementation grants:

[[Page 1478]]

I. Planning Grants

(1) Current Status of Native American Language(s) (15 points)

     The applicant fully describes the current status of Native 
American language(s) in the community.
    Since obtaining this data may be part of the planning grant 
application being reviewed, applicants 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. If documentation exists, 
describe it in terms of current language status.

(2) Goals and Available Resources (25 points)

    (a) The application describes the proposed project's long-range 
goals and strategies, including:
     How the specific Native American long-range community 
goal(s) relate to the proposed project; and
     How the goal(s) fit within the context of the current 
language status.
    (b) The application explains how the community and the tribal 
government (where one exists) intends to achieve these goals. Ways to 
demonstrate community and tribal government support for the project 
include:
     A resolution from tribes or tribal organizations stating 
that community involvement has occurred in project planning;
     Community surveys and questionnaires, including those 
developed to determine the level of community support for tribal 
resolutions; and
     Minutes of community meetings, tribal presentations and 
discussion forums; The type of community served will determine the type 
of documentation necessary to demonstrate participation. All tribes and 
communities, however, must indicate in their application how they 
intend to involve elders and other community members in their projects 
and include them in development of language goals and strategies and in 
evaluation of project outcomes.
    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. Such support letters 
and related documentation do not indicate a binding commitment and do 
not establish the authenticity of other resources.
     ``Letters and other documents of commitment'' are binding 
and specify the nature, amount and conditions under which another 
agency or organzation 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 an partnership arrangement 
with a school, college or university, documentation of this commitment 
must be included in the application.

(3) Project Objectives, Approach and Activities (30 points)

    The proposed objectives in the Objective Work Plan (s) relate to 
the goal to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native 
American language(s). More specifically, together they will achieve for 
the tribe or community's language goals for the proposed project.
    Each Objective Work Plan clearly describes:
     The tribal government's and community's active involvement 
in the continuing participation of Native American language speakers;
     Measurable or quantifiable results or outcomes;
     How the results or outcomes relate to the community's 
long-range goals or the establishment of those 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; and
     What the next steps may be after the Planning project is 
completed.

(4) Organizational capabilities/Qualifications (20 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 individual 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 proposed 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.

(5) Budget (10 points)

    A detailed and fully explained budget is provided 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.

    Note: Applicants from the Native American Pacific Islands are 
not required to provide a 20 percent 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.
II. Design and/or Implementation Grants

(1) Current Status of Native American Language(s) (10 points)

    (a) The application fully describes the current status of the 
Native American language to be addressed; current status is defined as 
data compiled within the previous 48 months. The description of the 
current status minimally includes the following information:

[[Page 1479]]

     Number of speakers
     Age of speakers
     Gender of speakers
     Level(s) of fluency
     Number of first language speakers (Native language as the 
first language acquired)
     Number of second language speakers (Native language as the 
second language acquired)
     Where Native language is used (e.g. home, court system, 
religious ceremonies; church, media, school, governance and cultural 
activities)
     Source of data (formal and/or informal)
     Rate of language loss or gain
    (b) The application fully describes existing community language or 
language training programs and projects, if any, in support of the 
Native American language to be addressed by the proposed project. 
Existing programs and projects may be formal (e.g., work by a linguist, 
and/or 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 48 months? (2) Within the last 10 years?
    If so, fully describe the program(s), and include the following:
     Program goals
     Number of program participants
     Number of speakers
     Age range of participants (e.g., 0-5, 6-10, 11-18, etc.)
     Number of language teachers
     Criteria used to acknowledge competency of language 
teachers
     Resources available to the applicant (e.g., valid 
grammars, dictionaries, and/or orthographics or describe other suitable 
resources)
     Program achievements
    If applicant has never had a language program, a detailed 
explanation of what barriers or circumstances prevented the 
establishment of a community language program should be included.

(2) Goals and Available Resources (20 points)

    (a) The application describes the proposed project's long-range 
goals and strategies, including:
     How the specific Native American long-range community 
goal(s) relate to the proposed project; and
     How the goal(s) fit within the context of the current 
language status;
     A clearly delineated strategy to assist in assuring the 
survival and continued vitality of the Native American languages 
addressed in the community.
    (b) The application explains how the community and the tribal 
government (where one exists) intends to achieve these goals. Ways to 
demonstrate community and tribal government support for the project 
include:
     A resolution from tribes or tribal organizations stating 
that community involvement has occurred in project planning;
     Community surveys and questionnaires; and
     Minutes of community meetings, tribal presentations and 
discussion forums.
    The type of community served will determine the type of 
documentation necessary to demonstrate participation. All tribes and 
communities, however, must indicate in their application how they 
intend to involve elders and other community members in their projects 
and include them in development of language goals and strategies.
    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. Such support letters 
and related documentation do not indicate a binding commitment and do 
not establish the authenticity of other resources.
     ``Letters and other documents of commitment'' are binding 
and specify 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 an partnership arrangement 
with a school, college or university, documentation of this commitment 
must be included in the application.

(3) Project Objectives, Approach and Activities (30 points)

    The proposed objectives in the Objective Work Plan(s) relate to the 
goal to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native American 
language(s). More specifically, together they will achieve for 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 clearly describes:
     The tribal government's and 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 goals or the 
establishment of those 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; and
     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) Organizational capabilities/Qualifications (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 individual 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 proposed activities. Either the position 
descriptions or the resumes contain the qualifications, and/or 
specialized skills, necessary for overall

[[Page 1480]]

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.

(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.

    Note: Applicants from the Native American Pacific Islands are 
not required to provide a 20 percent 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.

(6) Evaluation, Sharing and Preservation Plans (15 points)

    The application should include the following three plans:
    (a) 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.
    (b) A ``sharing plan'' that identifies how the project's 
methodology, research data, outcomes or other products can be shared 
and modified for use 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 the continuing 
vitality of Native Languages.
    (c) 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.

G. Application Due Date

    The closing date for submission of applications under this program 
announcement is March 27, 1998.

H. For Further Information Contact

    Deborah Yatsko, Program Analyst, Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration for 
Native Americans, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, Mail Stop HHH 348F, 
Washington, DC 20447, tel: (202) 690-7843; e-mail:[email protected]

Part II: General Guidance to Applicants

    The following is provided to assist applicants to develop a 
competitive application.

A. Definitions

     ``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.
     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.
     ``Real Property'' means land, including land improvements, 
structures and appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and 
equipment.
     ``Construction'' is the term which specifies a project 
supported through a discretionary grant or cooperative agreement, to 
support the initial building of a facility.

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.
     Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or 
technical assistance (T/TA) to other tribes or

[[Page 1481]]

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.
     The support of on-going social service delivery programs 
or the expansion, or continuation, of existing social service delivery 
programs.
     ANA will not fund the purchase of real property.
     ANA will not fund construction.
     Objectives or activities for the support of 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. 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 Section H, ``General 
Guidance to Applicants'', below.

D. Multi-Year Projects

    Only Category II ``Design and Implementation'' projects may be 
developed as multi-year projects, i.e. for up to three years. The 
information in this section is not applicable to planning projects.
    A multi-year project is a project on a single theme that requires 
more than 12 to 17 months to complete. It affords the applicant an 
opportunity to develop and address more complex and in-depth 
strategies. A multi-year project cannot be a series of unrelated 
objectives with activities presented in chronological order over a two 
or three year period. Initial awards, on a competitive basis, will be 
for a one-year budget period (up to 17 months), although project 
periods may be for three years.
    Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards 
beyond the one-year budget period, but within a two-to-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 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 CFR 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, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Mail 
Stop HHH 348F, Washington, D.C. 20447, Attention: 93612-982, Telephone: 
(202) 690-7776.
    Copies of this program announcement and many of the required forms 
may be obtained electronically at the ANA World Wide Web Page: 
www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ana/index.html
    The printed Federal Register notice is the only official program 
announcement. Although all reasonable efforts are taken to assure that 
the files on the ANA World Wide Web Page containing electronic copies 
of the Program Announcement are accurate and complete, they are 
provided for information only. The applicant bears sole responsibility 
to assure that the copy downloaded and/or printed from any other source 
is accurate and complete.
2. Application Submission
    One signed original, and two copies, of the grant application, 
including all attachments, must be mailed on or before the closing date 
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: 
Lois B. Hodge, ANA No. 93612-982.
    Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by 
overnight express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, 
between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm at: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division 
of Discretionary Grants, ACF Mail Room, Second Floor Loading Dock, 
Aerospace Center, 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 for one grant award under this program 
announcement.
    The Administration for Native Americans will accept only one 
application for program announcement from any one applicant. If an 
eligible applicant sends in two applications for this program 
announcement, 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 
ACF. An incomplete application is one that is:
     Missing Form SF 424
     Does not have a signature on Form SF 424
     Does not include proof of non-profit status, if applicable
    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 American Indian Tribes and 
Native American communities and organizations, and Native American 
languages evaluate each application using the published criteria in 
this announcement. As a result of the review, a normalized numerical 
score will be assigned to each application.
     The Commissioner's funding decision is based on the review 
panel's analysis of the application,

[[Page 1482]]

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.
     ANA staff cannot respond to requests for information 
regarding funding decisions prior to the official notification to the 
applicants.
     After the Commissioner has made decisions on all 
applications funded with fiscal year 1998 funds, unsuccessful 
applicants are notified in writing within 30 days. 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. 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 is signed and submitted by the deadline 
explained in section G, Application Due Date.
     The application narrative, forms and materials submitted 
are adequate to allow the review panel to undertake an in depth 
evaluation and the project described is an allowable type. (All 
required materials and forms are listed in the Grant Application 
Checklist in the Application Kit).
    Applications subjected to the pre-review described above which fail 
to satisfy one or more of the listed requirements will be ineligible or 
otherwise excluded from competitive evaluation.
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. Appeal of Ineligibility
    Applicants who are initially excluded 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 ranked on the basis of general 
financial need .
     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 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, language goals, 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.
    Applications which were not funded under a previous years closing 
date and revised for resubmission should make a reference to the 
changes, or reasons for not making changes, in their current ANA 
application which are based on ANA panel review comments.
2. 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

[[Page 1483]]

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.
     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 under this program announcement from any one applicant. 
If an eligible applicant sends in two applications, 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.
     ANA will only accept one application which serves or 
impacts a reservation, Tribe, or Native American community. If a 
federally recognized Tribe, or Alaska Native village chooses not to 
submit an application under this announcement, it may support another 
applicant's project (e.g., a tribal organization) which serves or 
impacts a reservation. In this case, the applicant must include a 
Tribal resolution which clearly demonstrates the Tribe's support 
approval of the application 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 Objective Work Plan proposed should be of sufficient 
detail to become a monthly staff guide for project responsibilities if 
the applicant is funded.
     Applicants proposing multi-year projects under Category II 
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 under Category II 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 deemed not 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. Grant Administrative Guidance
     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 and tabbing of the sections be provided. Simple
     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 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 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 the request. ANA may negotiate a reduction of the project period. 
The approved project period is shown on block 9 of a Financial 
Assistance Award.
     Line 15a of the Form 424 must specify the Federal funds 
requested for the first Budget Period, not the entire project period.
     Applicants may propose up to a 17 month project period 
under Category I and up to a 36 month project period under Category II.
4. Projects or Activities That Generally Will not Meet the Purposes of 
this Announcement
     Core administration functions, or other activities, which 
essentially support only the applicant's on-going administrative 
functions.
     Project goals which are not responsive to this program 
announcement.
     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.
     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

[[Page 1484]]

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 cannot accommodate transmission of 
applications by fax or through other electronic media. Therefore, 
applications transmitted to ANA electronically will not be accepted 
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt. 
Videotapes and cassette tapes may not be included as part of a grant 
application for panel review.
    Applications and related materials postmarked after the closing 
date will be classified as late.
1. Deadlines
     Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are either received on or before the 
deadline date or sent on or before the deadline date and received by 
ACF in time for the independent review to: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division 
of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, 
Washington, D.C. 20447.
     Applicants are cautioned to request a legibly dated U.S. 
Postal Service postmark or to obtain a legibly dated receipt from a 
commercial carrier or the U.S. Postal Service. Private metered 
postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.
     Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant 
couriers, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as 
meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the 
deadline date or postmarked on or before the deadline date, Monday 
through Friday (excluding Federal holidays), between the hours of 8:00 
am and 4:30 pm at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary 
Grants, ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 D 
Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024.

(Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.)
     ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax 
or through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted 
to ACF electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time 
of submission and time of receipt.
     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 above are considered 
late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its 
application will not be considered in the current competition.
3. Extension of Deadlines
    Administration for Children and Families may extend an application 
deadline for applicants affected by acts of God such as floods and 
hurricanes, or when there is a widespread disruption of the mails. A 
determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the 
Chief Grants Management Officer.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Numbers: 93.612 
Native American Programs; and 93.587 Promoting the Survival and 
Continuing Vitality of Native American Languages)

    Dated: December 31, 1997.
Gary N. Kimble,
Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.
[FR Doc. 98-583 Filed 1-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P