[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 89 (Friday, May 8, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25490-25493]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12215]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families
[Program Announcement No. OCSE 98SIP-1]


Child Support Enforcement Demonstration and Special Projects--
Special Improvement Projects

AGENCY: Office of Child Support Enforcement, ACF, DHHS.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The OCSE invites eligible applicants to submit competitive 
grant applications for special improvement projects which further the 
national child support mission, vision, and goals as outlined in the 
CSE Strategic Plan with Outcome Measures for Fiscal Years 1995-1999. A 
copy of the CSE Strategic Plan may be obtain upon request (See 
ADDRESSES of this announcement). Applications will be screened and 
evaluated as indicated in this program announcement. Awards will be 
contingent on the outcome of the competition and the availability of 
funds.

DATES: The closing date for submission of applications is July 7, 1998. 
See Part IV of this announcement for more information on submitting 
applications.

ADDRESSES: Application kits containing the necessary forms and 
instructions to apply for a grant under this program announcement and 
the CSE Strategic Plan are available from: Administration for Children 
and Families, Office of Child Support Enforcement, Office of Automation 
and Special Projects, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, 4th Floor, West Wing, 
Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Jay Adams, (202) 401-9240, 
[email protected], or (202) 401-5539 (FAX).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF), OCSE, Susan A. Greenblatt at (202) 401-4849, for 
specific program concerns regarding the announcement.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This program announcement consists of four 
parts:

    Part I: Background--program purpose, program objectives, 
legislative authority, funding availability, and CFDA Number.
    Part II: Project and Applicant Eligibility--project priorities, 
project considerations, eligible applicants, and project and budget 
periods.
    Part III: The Review Process--intergovernmental review, initial 
ACF screening, evaluation criteria and competitive review, and 
funding reconsideration.
    Part IV: The Application--application materials, application 
development, and application submission.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 20 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
reviewing the collection of information.
    The following information collections within this Program 
Announcement are approved under the following currently valid OMB 
control numbers: 424 (0348-0043); 424A (0348-0044); 424B (0348-0040); 
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (0348-0046); Uniform Project 
Description (0970-0139 Expiration date 10/31/00).
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.

Part I. Background

A. Program Purpose and Objectives

    To fund a number of special improvement projects which further the 
national child support mission, vision and goals as outlined in the 
Office of Child Support Enforcement Plan (1995-1999). Thus, proposed 
projects should further the accomplishment of national

[[Page 25491]]

goals: i.e. all children to have parentage established; all children in 
IV-D cases to have financial and medical support orders; and all 
children to receive financial and medical support. Specifically, we are 
looking for grants which will further OCSE's FY 1998 priorities to 
increase collections, support orders and paternities.
    The OCSE is committed to helping States make measurable program 
improvements that will enhance the lives of children.
    Special improvement projects undertaken for this announcement 
should be in furtherance of efforts under the Government Performance 
and Results Act (i.e. designing a performance based program), the goals 
of the national child support strategic plan stated above and advancing 
the requirements of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA).

B. Legislative Authority

    Section 452(j), 42 U.S.C. 652(j) of the Social Security Act 
provides Federal funds for technical assistance, information 
dissemination and training of Federal and State staff, research and 
demonstration programs and special projects of regional or national 
significance relating to the operation of State child support 
enforcement programs.

C. Availability of Funds

    Approximately $1.3 million is available for FY 1998. In order to 
fund a wide variety of projects, we plan to fund small to medium 
projects (e.g., $30,000--$150,000); however, we will consider higher 
amounts if the merit and benefits of the project are exceptional. All 
grant awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds. A 
non-Federal match is not required.

D. CFDA Number:

    93.601--Child Support Enforcement Demonstrations and Special 
Projects.

Part II. Applicant and Project Eligibility

A. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants for these special improvement project grants 
are State (including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) Human 
Services Umbrella agencies, other State agencies (including State IV-D 
agencies), Tribes and Tribal Organizations, local public agencies 
(including IV-D agencies), nonprofit organizations, and consortia of 
State and/or local public agencies. The Federal OCSE will provide the 
State CSE agency the opportunity to comment on the merit of local CSE 
agency applications before final award. Given that the purpose of these 
projects is to improve child support enforcement programs, it is 
critical that applicants have the cooperation of IV-D agencies to 
operate these projects.
    Preferences will be given to applicants representing CSE agencies 
and applicant organizations which have cooperative agreements with CSE 
agencies. All applications developed jointly by more than one agency 
organization must identify a single lead organization as the official 
applicant. The lead organization will be the recipient of the grant 
award. Participating agencies and organizations can be included as co-
participants, subgrantees, or subcontractors with their written 
authorization.

B. Project Priorities

    Eligible applicants should describe how the special improvement 
project will:
     Improve the effectiveness of Federal programs by promoting 
a new focus on results, service quality, management/organizational 
innovations, or public satisfaction;
     Significantly further national OCSE priorities as outlined 
in the OCSE Strategic Plan (1995-1999), i.e., all children to have 
parentage established; all children in IV-D cases to have financial and 
medical orders; and all children to receive financial and medical 
support;
     Improve effectiveness of the child support program by 
achieving project outcomes/results that further national goals and are 
transferable to other states/entities;
     Build on existing partnership agreements between State 
Child Support agencies and Federal Regional Offices or cooperative 
agreements between State Child Support agencies and Tribes.

C. Project Considerations

    In order to successfully compete under this announcement, the 
applicants should:
     Provide a description of the project and how it will 
change/impact the current operations of the Child Support Enforcement 
Program in the area(s) affected by this grant project;
     Provide a detailed description of what program 
improvement/innovations will be addressed. This should include an 
assessment of the current situation and how this project will address a 
problem area(s) and improve program results. Within the context of 
program improvement, applicants shall provide information on the extent 
of the problem and the environment in which they operate, e.g., number 
of cases affected, specific locality affected; and impact analysis, 
e.g., who/what is affected by the problem and impact on performance. 
Under this announcement, an applicant may undertake initiatives to 
improve performance in a wide variety of areas. We are looking for 
projects which will increase program effectiveness and achieve 
measurable results in child support enforcement collections, orders 
established and paternities acknowledged;
     Identify necessary qualifications for any consultants or 
contractors who would be used;
     Provide a detailed budget for the project. The staff 
required, equipment and facilities that would be leased or purchased, a 
detailed explanation of costs needed to accomplish all major project 
tasks. Grant funds cannot be used for capital improvements or the 
purchase of land or buildings;
     Explain why this project's resource requirements cannot be 
met by the state/local agency's regular program operating budget;
     Provide a management and staffing plan for the project 
undertaken under this announcement. The plan should outline the goals/
objectives and tasks to be accomplished by the project. Project 
methodology should logically outline the goals and tasks to be 
accomplished;
     Provide for an assessment strategy for determining overall 
project effectiveness relating to proposed outcomes/results. We are 
asking for: (a) Criteria against which a project's success can be 
measured, (b) a mechanism to make that assessment, and (c) clearly 
documented results. See Part III, The Review Process, (C. Competitive 
Review and Evaluation Criteria (3) Criterion III: Project 
Effectiveness) of this announcement for more information on an 
assessment strategy for determining overall project effectiveness 
relating to proposed outcomes/results.

D. Project and Budget Periods

    Generally, project and budget periods for these projects will be up 
to 17 months. However, OCSE will consider projects up to 36 months, if 
unique circumstances warrant.
    If OCSE approves a project for a time period longer than 17 months, 
OCSE will provide funding in discrete 12-month increments, or ``budget 
periods.'' Funding beyond the first 12-month budget period is not 
guaranteed. Rather, future funding will depend on the grantee's 
satisfactory performance and the availability of future appropriations.

[[Page 25492]]

Part III: The Review Process

A. Intergovernmental Review

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

    Note: State/Territory Participation in the Intergovernmental 
Review Process does not Signify Applicant Eligibilty for Financial 
Assistance Under a Program. A Potential Applicant Must Meet the 
Eligibility Requirements of the Program for Which it is Applying 
Prior to Submitting an Application to its Single Point of Contact 
(SPOC), if Applicable, or to ACF.

    As of May 15, 1997, the following jurisdictions have elected not to 
participate in the Executive Order process. Applicants from these 
jurisdictions or for projects administered by federally-recognized 
Indian Tribes need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, 
Alaska, American Samoa, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, 
Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, 
Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, 
Virginia, Washington.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities which have met the eligibility criteria of the 
program may still apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, 
Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining jurisdictions 
participate in the Executive Order process and have established SPOCs.
    Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their 
SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the prospective applications 
and receive instructions. Applicants must submit any required material 
to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that the program office can obtain 
and review SPOC comments as part of the award process. The applicant 
must indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no 
submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 
100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to 
comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and 
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants and Audit 
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W, Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, 
D.C. 20447. A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and 
Territory is included with the application materials for this program 
announcement.

B. Initial ACF Screening

    Each application submitted under this program announcement will 
undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received 
by the closing date and submitted in accordance with the instructions 
in this announcement and (2) the applicant is eligible for funding.

C. Competitive Review and Evaluation Criteria

    Applications which pass the initial ACF screening will be evaluated 
and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of specific 
evaluation criteria. The evaluation criteria were designed to assess 
the quality of a proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of 
its success. The evaluation criteria are closely related and are 
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. 
Points are awarded only to applications which are responsive to the 
evaluation criteria within the context of this program announcement. 
Proposed projects will be reviewed using the following evaluation 
criteria:
(1) Criterion I: Understanding and Analysis of the Problem (Maximum 25 
points)
    The application should demonstrate a thorough understanding and 
analysis of the problem(s) being addressed in the project and the 
importance of addressing these in improving the effectiveness of the 
child support program. Applicants should include a discussion of the 
child support program as it currently operates including its strengths 
and weaknesses regarding the area(s) addressed by the project. The 
applicant should describe how the project will address these problem(s) 
through implementation of changes, enhancements and innovative efforts.
(2) Criterion II: Project Plan and Project Staffing (Maximum: 30 
points)
    A well thought-out and practical management and staffing plan is 
mandatory. The application should include a detailed management plan 
that includes time-lines and detailed budgetary information. The main 
concern in this criterion is that the applicant should demonstrate a 
clear idea of the project's goals, objectives, and tasks to be 
accomplished. The plan to accomplish the goals and tasks should be set 
forth in a logical framework. The plan should identify what tasks are 
required of any contractors.
    Staff to be committed to the project (including supervisory and 
management staff) at the state and/or local levels must be identified 
by their role in the project along with their qualifications and areas 
of particular expertise. In addition, for any technical expertise 
obtained through a contract or subgrant, the desired technical 
expertise and skills of proposed positions should be specified in 
detail. The applicant should demonstrate that the staff positions 
needed to operate the project are filled or will be filled in a 
reasonable time.
(3) Criterion III: Project Effectiveness (Maximum: 30 points)
    The applicant should identify the specific goals and objectives of 
the project; describe the cost effective methods which will be used to 
achieve these goals; the specific results/products that will be 
achieved; and how the success of this project has broader application 
in furthering national child support initiatives and/or providing 
solutions that could be adapted by other states/jurisdictions. A 
discussion of data availability and outcome measures to be used should 
be included. Describe the collection and reporting system to be used.
(4) Criterion IV: Reasonable Costs (Maximum 10 points)
    The project costs are reasonable in relation to the identified 
tasks. All agency and other resources (i.e., state, community, other 
programs--TANF/Head Start) that will be committed to the project should 
be given in detail.
(5) Criterion V: Preferences (Maximum 5 points)
    Preference will be given to those grant applicants representing IV-
D agencies and applicant organizations who have cooperative agreements 
with IV-D agencies.

[[Page 25493]]

D. Funding Reconsideration

    After Federal funds are exhausted for this grant competition, 
applications which have been independently reviewed and ranked but have 
no final disposition (neither approved nor disapproved for funding) may 
again be considered for funding. Reconsideration may occur at any time 
funds become available within twelve (12) months following ranking. ACF 
does not select from multiple ranking lists for a program. Therefore, 
should a new competition be scheduled and applications remain ranked 
without final disposition, applicants are informed of their opportunity 
to reapply for the new competition, to the extent practical.

Part IV. The Application

A. Application Development

    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 ACF. Application materials including 
forms and instructions are available from the contact named under the 
ADDRESSES section in the preamble of this announcement. The length of 
the application, including the application forms and all attachments, 
should not exceed 20 pages. A page is a single-side of an 8\1/2\  x  
11'' sheet of plain white paper. The narrative should be typed double-
spaced on a single-side of an 8\1/2\''  x  11'' plain white paper, with 
1'' margins on all sides. Applicants are requested not to send 
pamphlets, maps, brochures or other printed material along with their 
application as these are difficult to photocopy. These materials, if 
submitted, will not be included in the review process. Each page of the 
application will be counted to determine the total length.

B. Application Submission

    1. Mailed applications postmarked after the closing date will be 
classified as late and will not be considered in the competition.
    2. Deadline. Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are either received on or before the 
deadline date or sent on or before the deadline date and received by 
ACF in time for the independent review to: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division 
of Discretionary Grants, Attention: Lois Hodge, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW, Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447. Applicants must ensure that 
a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or a legibly dated, 
machine-produced postmark of a commercial mail service is affixed to 
the envelope/package containing the application(s). To be acceptable as 
proof of timely mailing, a postmark from a commercial mail service must 
include the logo/emblem of the commercial mail service company and must 
reflect the date the package was received by the commercial mail 
service company from the applicant. Private metered postmarks shall not 
be acceptable as proof of timely mailing. (Applicants are cautioned 
that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.)
    Applications handcarried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by 
other representatives of the applicant will be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, 
between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the U.S. Department 
of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, 
Division of Discretionary Grants, ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor (near loading 
dock), Aerospace Building, 901 D Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024, 
between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). The address 
must appear on the envelope/package containing the application with the 
note ``Attention: Lois Hodge''. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. Extension of deadlines. ACF may extend an application deadline 
when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) 
occur, or when there are widespread disruptions of the mail service, or 
in other rare cases. Determinations to extend or waive deadline 
requirements rest with ACF's Chief Grants Management Officer.

    Dated: May 4, 1998.
David Gray Ross,
Commissioner, Office of Child Support Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 98-12215 Filed 5-7-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P