[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 248 (Monday, December 28, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71479-71492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-34279]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Request for Applications Under the Office of Community Services' 
Fiscal Year 1999 Combined Program Announcement No. OCS.99.01

AGENCY: Office of Community Services, ACF, DHHS.

ACTION: Announcement of availability of funds and request for 
applications under the Office of Community Services' Fiscal Year (FY) 
1999 Combined Program Announcement No. OCS.99.01.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Community Services (OCS) invites eligible 
entities

[[Page 71480]]

to submit applications for FY 1999 funding of competitive grants 
serving low income persons and families under the following OCS 
programs:

    (1) Urban and Rural Community Economic Development
    (2) Community Food and Nutrition
    (3) Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals
     Residential Energy Assistance CHallenge (REACH) Option Program

The Office of Community Services intends to publish a second Fiscal 
Year 1999 Combined Program Announcement at a later date to include the 
following programs: (1) CSBG/Training, Technical Assistance and 
Capacity Building; and (2) Family Violence Prevention and Services. In 
addition, OCS intends to publish in the Federal Register a separate 
program announcement soon for a new program, The Assets for 
Independence Demonstration Program. Applications received in response 
to this FY 1999 Combined Program Announcement OCS.99.01 will be 
screened and evaluated as indicated in this document. Awards will be 
contingent on the outcome of the competition and the availability of 
funds. There is no limit on the number of applications that can be 
submitted under a specific Program/Priority Area as long as each 
application contains a proposal for a different project. However, an 
applicant can receive only one grant in each Program/Priority Area. 
Also, applicants that receive more than one grant for a common budget/
project period must be mindful that salaries and wages claimed for the 
same persons cannot collectively exceed 100% of total annual salary.

ADDRESSES: Prior to submitting an application, potential applicants 
must obtain a copy of the Application Kit, containing additional 
program information, forms, and instructions. Application Kits are 
available by writing or calling the Office of Community Services at 5th 
Floor West, Aerospace Building, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Washington, 
DC 20447.
    To obtain a copy of the applicable Application Kit, call:

(202) 401-9354 and 401-9345 for Community Economic Development
(202) 401-9354 and 401-9345 for Community Food and Nutrition Kit
(202) 401-1195 for REACH and/or JOLI Kit

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for program-specific 
technical information should be directed to the Program Contact Person 
identified for each program covered by FY 1999 Combined Program 
Announcement OCS.99.01.
    A copy of the Federal Register containing FY 1999 Combined Program 
Announcement OCS.99.01 is available for reproduction at most local 
libraries and Congressional District Offices. It is also available on 
the Internet through GPO Access at the following web address:

http://www.access.gpo.gov/su__docs/aces/aces140.html

If FY 1999 Combined Program Announcement OCS.99.01 is not available at 
these sources, it may be obtained by writing to the office listed under 
ADDRESSES above.

APPLICATION DEADLINES: The closing dates for submission of applications 
are provided in the Supplementary Information section of the FY 1999 
Combined Program Announcement. Mailed applications postmarked after the 
closing date will be classified as late. Refer to APPLICATION 
SUBMISSION below for other details.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Program Announcements

    Individual Program Announcements for FY 1999 will not be published 
in the Federal Register. Rather, OCS is publishing FY 1999 Combined 
Program Announcement OCS.99.01 in the Federal Register. Where 
applicable, FY 1999 Combined Program Announcement OCS.99.01 contains 
the following information for each of the above-listed programs: 
Program Contact Person; Date of Application Kit; Application Deadline; 
Legislative Authority; Eligible Activities; Type of Awards; Project 
Periods and Budget Periods; Eligible Applicants and Availability of 
Funds; and Review Criteria. Detailed information on how to obtain 
Application Kits containing additional program information, forms, and 
instructions for preparing and submitting applications can be found in 
the next paragraph.

B. General Instructions

    In order to be considered for a grant under the FY 1999 Combined 
Program Announcement OCS.99.01, an application must be submitted on the 
forms supplied and in the manner prescribed by OCS in the applicable 
Application Kit. When requesting an Application Kit, the applicant must 
specify the particular Program for which detailed information is 
desired. This is to ensure receipt of all necessary forms and 
information, including any program-specific evaluation criteria. 
Application Kits for each program include all necessary forms and 
instructions; they are available for reading and downloading from the 
Internet at the OCS Website at:

http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ocs

C. Application Submission

    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 and Audit Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Mail Stop 
6C-462, Washington, D.C. 20447; with the note ``Attention: [insert Name 
of Program or CFDA No.]''.
    Mailed applications for the REACH program should be addressed to: 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Community Services, Division of 
Community Demonstration Programs, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., 5th 
Floor West, Washington, D.C. 20447; Attention: Application for REACH 
Program.
    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 shall be considered as meeting 
an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline 
date, between the hours of 8:00 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 and Audit Resolution, 
ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, 
S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024, between Monday and Friday (excluding 
Federal holidays). The address must appear on the envelope/ package 
containing the application with the note ``Attention: [insert Program 
Name or CFDA No.]''. (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight 
mail services do not always deliver as agreed.)

[[Page 71481]]

    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.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of the mail service. 
Determinations to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with ACF's 
Chief Grants Management Officer.

D. Programs Included in This Combined Program Announcement

    Pertinent information of concern for potential applicants for each 
of the above-listed programs is set forth below:
    1. Urban and Rural Community Economic Development (CFDA No. 93.570) 
Deadline Date: April 23, 1999.
    (A) Program Contact Person: Thornell Page (202) 401-5333 or Thelma 
Woodland (202) 401-5294.
    (B) Date of Application Kit: January 22, 1999.
    (C) Application Deadline: Applications must be POSTMARKED by April 
23, 1999. Detailed application submission instructions are included in 
the Application Kit.
    (D) Legislative Authority: Section 681(a) and 681(b)(2) of the 
Community Services Block Grant Act, as amended; and the Coats Human 
Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-285).
    (E) Type of Awards: Grants.
    (F) Project Periods and Budget Periods: For Sub-Priority Areas 1.1, 
1.2, and 1.4, applicants with projects involving construction only may 
request a project period of up to 60 months and a budget period of up 
to 36 months. Applicants for non-construction projects under these 
priority areas may request project periods of up to 36 months and 
budget periods of up to 17 months. Sub-Priority Areas 1.5 and 1.6 may 
request project and budget periods of up to 17 months. For Sub-Priority 
Area 2.1, grantees will be funded for 24 month project and budget 
periods. For Sub-Priority Area 1.3, applicants may request project and 
budget periods of up to 12 months.
    (G) Eligible Applicants and Availability of Funds: The OCS is 
authorized to make funds available to support program activities of 
national or regional significance to alleviate the causes of poverty in 
distressed communities with special emphasis on community and economic 
development activities:
    (1) Operational Grants (Sub-Priority Area 1.1): Funds are awarded 
for the purpose of providing employment and ownership opportunities for 
low-income people through business, physical or commercial development. 
Eligible applicants are private, locally initiated, non-profit 
community development corporations (CDCs), governed by a board 
consisting of low income residents of the community and business and 
civic leaders which have as a principal purpose planning, developing, 
or managing low income housing or community development projects.
    Funds Available: $17,000,000. Approximately 30 grants will be 
awarded competitively.
    (2) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Sub-Priority Area 
1.2): Funds are awarded to CDCs in conjunction with HBCUs for the 
purposes stated above. The CDC must partner with an HBCU and the HBCU 
must play a significant role in the project. Maximum grant award will 
not exceed $350,000.
    Funds Available: $2,100,000. Approximately 6 grants will be awarded 
competitively.
    (3) Pre-Development Grants (Sub-Priority Area 1.3): Funds are 
provided to recently established CDCs which need funds for evaluating 
the feasibility of potential projects which address identified needs in 
low income communities, develop a business plan related to one of those 
projects, and mobilize resources to be contributed to one of those 
projects. Eligible applicants are private, locally initiated, non-
profit community development corporations (CDCs), governed by a board 
consisting of low income residents of the community and business and 
civic leaders. In addition, the CDCs must not have received prior OCS 
funding; have been in existence for no more than 3 years or have been 
in existence longer than 3 years, but have no record of participating 
in economic development-type projects. Maximum grant award will not 
exceed $75,000.
    Funds Available: $750,000. Approximately 10 grants will be awarded 
competitively.
    (4) Developmental Grants (Sub-Priority Area 1.4): Funds are awarded 
in the form of discretionary grants through a competitive process to 
provide employment and community development opportunities for low 
income individuals through business, physical or commercial 
development. Maximum grant award will not exceed $250,000. Eligible 
applicants are organizations which received pre-development grants from 
OCS in FY 1997 and FY 1998.
    Funds Available: $2,500,000. Approximately 10 grants will be 
awarded competitively.
    (5) Administration and Management Expertise (Sub-Priority Area 
1.5): Funds are awarded in the form of discretionary grants through a 
competitive process to provide administrative and management expertise 
to OCS-funded grantees who have less experience in dealing with the 
day-to-day issues and challenges presented in promoting community 
economic development as well as to those grantees who have encountered 
difficulties in operationalizing their work program.
    Eligible applicants are OCS-funded grantees that have completed 
several successful projects.
    Funds Available: $500,000. Approximately 1 grant will be awarded 
competitively.
    (6) Training and Technical Assistance (Sub-Priority Area 1.6): 
Funds are awarded in the form of discretionary grants through a 
competitive process to develop instructional programs, national 
conferences, seminars, and other activities to assist community 
development corporations (CDCs).
    Eligible applicants are private non-profit organizations. 
Applicants must operate on a national basis and have significant and 
relevant experience in working with CDCs.
    Funds Available: $210,000. Approximately 1 grant will be awarded 
competitively.
    (7) Rural Community Development Activities (Sub-Priority 2.0): 
Funds are provided to help low income rural communities develop the 
capability and expertise to establish and/or maintain affordable, 
adequate and safe water and waste water treatment facilities.
    Eligible applicants are multi-state, regional private non-profit 
organizations that can provide training and technical assistance to 
small, rural communities in meeting their community facility needs.
    Funds Available: $3,500,000. Approximately 8 grants will be awarded 
competitively.
    (H) Review Criteria for Urban and Rural Community Economic 
Development Applications (Criteria Listed Below):

[[Page 71482]]

1. Criteria for Review and Evaluation of All Applications Submitted 
Under Sub-Priority Areas 1.1, 1.2, and 1.4

    (a) Criterion I: Analysis of Need (Maximum: 5 points)
    The application documents that the project addresses a vital need 
in a distressed community. (0-3 points)
    Most recent available statistics and other information are provided 
in support of its contention. (0-2 points)
    (b) Criterion II: Organizational Experience in Program Area and 
Staff Responsibilities (Maximum: 25 points).
    (i) Organizational Experience in Program Area (sub-rating: 0-15 
points).
    Documentation provided indicates that projects previously 
undertaken have been relevant and effective and have provided permanent 
benefits to the low-income population. (0-5 points)
    The applicant has demonstrated the ability to implement major 
activities in such areas as business development, commercial 
development, physical development, or financial services; the ability 
to mobilize dollars from sources such as the private sector 
(corporations, banks, etc.), foundations, the public sector, including 
State and local governments, or individuals; that it has a sound 
organizational structure and proven organizational capability; and an 
ability to develop and maintain a stable program in terms of business, 
physical or community development activities that will provide needed 
permanent jobs, services, business development opportunities, and other 
benefits to community residents. (0-10 points)
    (ii) Staff Skills, Resources and Responsibilities (sub rating: 0-10 
points).
    The application describes in brief resume form the experience and 
skills of the project director who is not only well qualified, but his/
her professional capabilities are relevant to the successful 
implementation of the project. If the key staff person has not yet been 
identified, the application contains a comprehensive position 
description which indicates that the responsibilities to be assigned to 
the project director are relevant to the successful implementation of 
the project. (0-5 points)
    The applicant has adequate facilities and resources (i.e. space and 
equipment) to successfully carry out the work plan. (0-2 points)
    The assigned responsibilities of the staff are appropriate to the 
tasks identified for the project and sufficient time of senior staff 
will be budgeted to assure timely implementation and cost-effective 
management of the project. (0-3 points)
    (c) Criterion III: Project Implementation (Maximum: 25 points).
    The Work Plan, or Business Plan where appropriate, is both sound 
and feasible. Briefly, the plan should describe the key work tasks and 
show how the project objectives will be accomplished including the 
development of business and creation of jobs for low-income persons 
during the allowable OCS project period. The project is responsive to 
the needs identified in the Analysis of Need. (0-5 points).
    It sets forth realistic quarterly time targets by which the various 
work tasks will be completed. (0-5 points).
    Critical issues or potential problems that might impact negatively 
on the project are defined and the project objectives can be reasonably 
attained despite such potential problems. (0-5 points).
    The application contains a full and accurate description of the 
proposed use of the requested financial assistance. Also, if the 
project proposes the development of a new or expanding business, 
service, physical or commercial activity, the application must address 
applicable elements of a business plan. Refer to the section on 
``Instructions for Completing Application Package'' found in the 
Application Kit for details. Special attention should be given to 
assure that the financial plan element, which indicates the project's 
potential and timetable for financial self-sufficiency, is included. It 
must include the following exhibits for the first three years (on a 
quarterly basis) of business' operations:
    Profit and Loss Forecasts, Cash Flow Projections and Proforma 
Balance Sheets. Also, an initial Source and Use of Funds statement for 
all project funding must be included. (0-10 points)
    (d) Criterion IV: Significant and Beneficial Impact (Maximum: 20 
points)
    (i) Significant and Beneficial Impact (sub-rating: Maximum: 0-5 
points)
    The proposed project will produce permanent and measurable results 
that will reduce the incidence of poverty and AFDC/TANF assistance in 
the community. (0-3 points)
    The OCS grant funds, in combination with private and/or other 
public resources, are targeted into low-income communities, distressed 
communities, and/or designated enterprise zones and enterprise 
communities. (0-2 points)
    (ii) Community Empowerment Consideration and Partnership with Child 
Support Enforcement Agency (Maximum: 0-5 points)
    Special consideration will be given to applicants who are located 
in areas which are characterized by poverty and other indicators of 
socio-economic distress such as a poverty or AFDC/TANF assistance rate 
of at least 20%, designation as an Empowerment Zone or Enterprise 
Community (EZ/EC), high levels of unemployment, high levels of 
incidences of violence, gang activity, crime, drug use and low-income 
noncustodial parents of children receiving AFDC/TANF. (0-3 points)
    Applicants should document that they were involved in the 
preparation and implementation of a comprehensive community-based 
strategic plan to achieve both economic and human development in an 
integrated manner; and how the proposed project will support the goals 
of that plan. Also applicants should document that they have entered 
into partnership agreements with local Child Support Enforcement 
agencies to increase capability of low-income parents and families to 
fulfill their parental responsibilities. (0-2 points)

    Note: Applicants that have projects located in EZ/EC target 
areas or those who have included signed current agreements with 
child support enforcement agencies will automatically receive the 
maximum 2 points.

    (iii) Cost-per-Job (sub-rating: 0-5 points)
    During the project period, the proposed project will create new, 
permanent jobs or maintain permanent jobs for low-income residents at a 
cost-per-job below $15,000 in OCS funds unless there are extenuating 
circumstances, i.e., Alaska where the cost of living is much higher.

    Note: The maximum number of points will be given to those 
applicants proposing estimated cost-per-job for low-income residents 
of $10,000 or less of OCS requested funds. Higher cost-per-job 
estimates will receive correspondingly fewer points unless 
adequately justified by extenuating circumstances.)

    (iv) Career Development Opportunities (sub-rating: 0-5 Points)
    The application documents that the jobs to be created for low-
income people have career development opportunities which will promote 
self-sufficiency.
    (e) Criterion V: Public-Private Partnerships (Maximum: 20 Points)
    (i) Mobilization of resources: (sub-rating: 15 points)
    The application documents that the applicant will mobilize from 
public and/or private sources cash and/or in-kind contributions valued 
at an amount equal to the OCS funds requested. Applicants documenting 
that the value of such contributions will be at least equal to the OCS 
funds requested will receive the maximum number of points

[[Page 71483]]

for this sub-criterion. Lesser contributions will be given 
consideration based upon the value documented.

    Note 1: Cash resources such as cash or loans contributed from 
all project sources (except for those contributed directly by the 
applicant) must be documented by letters of commitment from third 
parties making the contribution. Third party in-kind contributions 
such as equipment or real property contributed by applicant or third 
parties must be documented by an inventory for equipment and a copy 
of deed or other legal document for real property. In addition, 
future or projected program income such as gross or net profits from 
the project or business operations will not be recognized as 
mobilized or contributed resources.

    Note 2: Applicants under Sub-Priority Area 1.2 who have a 
signed, written agreement for a partnership with Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities are deemed to have fully met this 
criterion and will receive the maximum number of points if they 
include the agreement with the HBCU.

    (ii) Integration/coordination of services: (sub-rating: 5 points).
    The applicant demonstrates a commitment to or agreements with local 
agencies responsible for administering, child support enforcement, 
employment, education and training programs (such as JTPA) to ensure 
that welfare recipients, at-risk youth, displaced workers, public 
housing tenants, homeless and low-income individuals and low-income 
noncustodial parents will be trained and placed in the newly created 
jobs. The applicant provides written agreements from the local AFDC/
TANF or other employment, education and training office, and child 
support enforcement agency indicating what actions will be taken to 
integrate/coordinate services that relate directly to the project for 
which funds are being requested. (0-2 points.)
    Specifically, the agreements should include: (1) the goals and 
objectives that the applicant and (a) the AFDC/TANF or other 
employment, education and training office and/or (b) child support 
enforcement agency expect to achieve through their collaboration; (2) 
the specific activities/actions that will be taken to integrate/
coordinate services on an on-going basis; (3) the target population 
that this collaboration will serve; (4) the mechanism(s) to be used in 
integrating/coordinating activities; (5) how those activities will be 
significant in relation to the goals and objectives to be achieved 
through the collaboration; and (6) how those activities will be 
significant in relation to their impact on the success of the OCS-
funded project. (0-2 points.)
    The applicant should also provide documentation that illustrates 
the organizational experience related to the employment education and 
training program (refer to Criterion II for guidelines). (0-1 points.)
    (f) Criterion VI: Budget Appropriateness and Reasonableness 
(Maximum: 5 points.)
    Funds requested are commensurate with the level of effort necessary 
to accomplish the goals and objectives of the project. (0-2 points.)
    The application includes a detailed budget break-down for each of 
the budget categories in the SF-424A. The applicant presents a 
reasonable administrative cost. (0-2 points.)
    The estimated cost to the government of the project also is 
reasonable in relation to the anticipated results. (0-1 point.)

2. Criteria for Review and Evaluation of Applications Submitted Under 
Sub-Priority Area 1.3

(a) Criterion I: Analysis of Need (Maximum: 15 points.)
    The application documents that there are clearly identified needs 
in a low-income community not being effectively addressed. (0-10 
points.)
    Most recent available statistics and other information are provided 
in support of its contention. (0-5 points)
(b) Criterion II: Organizational Capability and Capacity (Maximum: 20 
Points)
    (i) Organizational experience in program area (sub-rating: 5 
Points).
    Each applicant must briefly show why their organization can 
successfully implement the project for which they are requesting funds. 
(0-3 points)
    If an applicant has a history of prior achievements in economic 
development within the past three (3) years, it should address the 
relevance and effectiveness of those projects undertaken, especially 
their cost effectiveness and the relevance and effectiveness of any 
services and the permanent benefits provided to the targeted 
population. (0-2 points)
    (ii) Management capacity (sub-rating: 5 points).
    Applicants must fully detail their ability to implement sound and 
effective management practices and if they have been recipients of 
other Federal or other governmental grants, they must also detail that 
they have consistently complied with financial and program progress 
reporting and audit requirements. (0-3 points)
    Applicants should submit any available documentation on their 
management practices and progress reporting procedures along with a 
statement by a Certified or Licensed Public Accountant as to the 
sufficiency of the applicant's financial management system to protect 
adequately any Federal funds awarded under the application submitted. 
(0-2 points)

    Note: The documentation of the applicant's management practices, 
etc., and statement from the Accountant on the financial management 
system must address the applicant organization's own internal system 
rather than an external system of an affiliate, partner or 
management support organization, etc.

    (iii) Staffing (sub-rating: 5 points).
    The application must fully describe (e.g., resumes) the experience 
and skills of key staff showing that they are not only well qualified 
but that their professional capabilities are relevant to the successful 
implementation of the project.
    (iv) Staffing responsibilities (sub-rating: 5 points).
    The application must describe how the assigned responsibilities of 
the staff are appropriate to the tasks identified for the project.
(c) Criterion III: Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation 
(Maximum: 30 Points)
    (i) Project implementation component (sub-rating: 25 points.)
    The work plan must address a clearly identified need in the low-
income community described in Criterion I. The plan must include a 
methodology to evaluate the feasibility of potential projects that 
conform to the type projects and activities allowable under Sub-
priority areas 1.1, 1.2, and 1.4. (0-10 points.)
    It must set forth realistic quarterly time schedules of work tasks 
by which the objectives (including the development of a business plan 
and mobilization of resources) will be accomplished. Because quarterly 
time schedules are used by OCS as a key instrument to monitor progress, 
failure to include these time targets will seriously reduce an 
applicant's point score in this criterion. (0-10 points.)
    It must define critical issues or potential problems that might 
impact negatively on the project and it must indicate how the project 
objectives will be attained notwithstanding any such potential 
problems. (0-5 points)
    (ii) Evaluation component (sub-rating: 5 points).
    All proposals should include a self-evaluation component. The 
evaluation data collection and analysis procedures should be 
specifically oriented to assess

[[Page 71484]]

the degree to which the stated goals and objectives are achieved. (0-3 
points)
    Qualitative and quantitative measures reflective of the scheduling 
and task delineation in (1) above should be used to the maximum extent 
possible. This component should indicate the ways in which the 
potential grantee would integrate qualitative and quantitative measures 
of accomplishment and specific data into its program progress reports 
that are required by OCS from all pre-development grantees. (0-2 
points)
    (d) Criterion IV: Significant and Beneficial Impact (Maximum: 25 
Points)
    Funding under this Sub-priority area is targeted to result in a 
Business Plan for a proposed project. The proposed project around which 
the Business Plan is to be developed with the use of OCS grant funds 
must be targeted into low-income communities, and/or designated 
empowerment zones or enterprise communities with the goals of 
increasing the economic conditions and social self-sufficiency of 
residents. Also the project proposes to produce permanent and 
measurable results that will reduce the incidence of poverty and AFDC/
TANF recipients in the low-income area targeted. (0-20 points)

    Note: This Sub-priority area permits applicants to conduct 
several feasibility studies related to various potential projects. 
However on completion of the studies, one proposed project must be 
selected and a business plan prepared for the selected project. The 
activity targets mobilization of non-discretionary program dollars 
from private sector individuals, public resources, corporations, and 
foundations including the utilization of Historically Black Colleges 
and Universities, if the proposed project is implemented. (0-5 
points)

    (e) Criterion V: Budget Appropriateness and Reasonableness 
(Maximum: 10 points)
    Funds requested are commensurate with the level of effort necessary 
to accomplish the goals and objectives of the project. The estimated 
cost to the government of the project also is reasonable in relation to 
the anticipated results. (0-5 points)
    The application includes a narrative detailed budget break-down for 
each of the budget categories in the SF 424-A. The applicant presents a 
reasonable administrative cost. (0-5 points)

3. Criteria for Review and Evaluation of Applications Submitted Under 
Sub-Priority Area 1.5

    (a) Criterion I: Organizational Experience in Program Area and 
Staff Responsibilities (Maximum: 20 points)
    (i) Organizational Experience in Program Area (sub-rating: 0-10 
points)
    Applicant has documented the capability to provide leadership in 
solving long-term and immediate problems locally and/or nationally in 
such areas as business development, commercial development, 
organizational and staff development, board training, and micro-
entrepreneurship development. (0-2 points)
    Applicant must document a capability (including access to a network 
of skilled individuals and/or organizations) in two or more of the 
following areas: Business Management, including strategic planning and 
fiscal management; Finance, including development of financial packages 
and provision of financial/accounting services; and Regulatory 
Compliance, including assistance with zoning and permit compliance. (0-
2 points)
    Further, the applicant has the demonstrated ability to mobilize 
dollars from sources such as the private sector (corporations, banks, 
foundations, etc.) and the public sector, including state and local 
governments. (0-2 points)
    Applicant also demonstrates that it has a sound organizational 
structure and proven organizational capability as well as an ability to 
develop and maintain a stable program in terms of business, physical or 
community development activities that have provided permanent jobs, 
services, business development opportunities, and other benefits to 
poverty community residents. (0-2 points)
    Applicants must indicate why they feel that their successful 
experiences would be of assistance to existing grantees which are 
experiencing difficulties in implementing their projects. (0-2 points)
    (ii) Staff Skills, Resources and Responsibilities (sub-rating: 0-10 
points)
    The application describes in brief resume form the experience and 
skills of the project director who is not only well qualified, but who 
has professional capabilities relevant to the successful implementation 
of the project. If the key staff person has not yet been identified, 
the application contains a comprehensive position description which 
indicates that the responsibilities to be assigned to the project 
director are relevant to the successful implementation of the project. 
(0-5 points)
    The applicant has adequate facilities and resources (i.e. space and 
equipment) to successfully carry out the work plan. (0-3 points)
    The assigned responsibilities of the staff are appropriate to the 
tasks identified for the project and sufficient time of senior staff 
will be budgeted to assure timely implementation and cost effective 
management of the project. (0-2 points)
    (b) Criterion II: Work Program (Maximum: 30 points)
    Based upon the applicant's knowledge and experience related to 
OCS's Discretionary Grants Program (particularly community economic 
development), the application should demonstrate in some specificity a 
thorough understanding of the problems a grantee may encounter in 
implementing a successful project. (0-15 points)
    The application should include a strategy for assessing the 
specific nature of the problems, outlining a course of action and 
identifying the resources required to resolve the problems. (0-15 
points)
    (c) Criterion III: Significant and Beneficial Impact (Maximum: 30 
points)
    Project funds under this sub-priority area must be used for the 
purposes of transferring expertise directly, or by a contract with a 
third party, to other OCS funded grantees. Applicants must document how 
the success or failure of collaboration with these grantees will be 
documented. (0-15 points)
    Applicants must demonstrate an ability to disseminate results on 
the kinds of programmatic and administrative expertise transfer efforts 
in which they participated and successful strategies that they may have 
developed to share expertise with grantees during the grant period. (0-
10 points)
    Applicants must also state whether the results of the project will 
be included in a handbook, a progress paper, an evaluation report or a 
general manual and why the particular methodology chosen would be most 
effective. (0-5 points)
    (d) Criterion IV: Public-Private Partnerships (15 Points)
    The applicant demonstrates that it has worked with local, regional, 
state or national offices to ensure that AFDC/TANF recipients, at-risk 
youth, displaced workers, public housing tenants, low-income 
noncustodial parents, homeless and otherwise low-income individuals 
have been trained and placed in newly created jobs. (0-10 points)
    Applicant should demonstrate how it will design a comprehensive 
strategy which makes use of other available resources to resolve 
typical and recurrent grantee problems. (0-5 points)
    (e) Criterion V: Budget Appropriateness and Reasonableness 
(Maximum: 5 points)

[[Page 71485]]

    Applicant documents that the funds requested are commensurate with 
the level of effort necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives of 
the project. The application includes a narrative detailed budget 
break-down for each of the appropriate budget categories in the SF-
424A. (0-3 points)
    The estimated cost to the government of the project also is 
reasonable in relation to the anticipated results. (0-2 points)

4. Criteria for Review and Evaluation of Applications Submitted Under 
Sub-Priority Area 1.6

    (a) Criterion I: Need for Assistance (Maximum: 10 points)
    The application documents that the project addresses a vital 
nationwide need related to the purposes of Priority Area 1.0 and 
provides data and information in support of its contention.
    (b) Criterion II: Organizational Experience in Program Area and 
Staff Responsibilities (Maximum: 20 points)

(i) Organizational Experience

    Applicant has documented the capability to provide leadership in 
solving long-term and immediate problems locally and/or nationally in 
such areas as business development, commercial development, 
organizational and staff development, board training, and micro-
entrepreneurship development. Applicant must document a capability 
(including access to a network of skilled individuals and/or 
organizations) in two or more of the following areas: Business 
Management, including strategic planning and fiscal management; 
Finance, including development of financial packages and provision of 
financial/accounting services; and Regulatory Compliance, including 
assistance with zoning and permit compliance. (0-10 points)

(ii) Staff Skills

    The applicant's proposed project director and primary staff are 
well qualified and their professional experiences are relevant to the 
successful implementation of the proposed project. (0-10 points)
    (c) Criterion III: Work Plan (Maximum 35 points)
    Based upon the applicant's knowledge and experience related to 
OCS's Discretionary Grants Program (particularly community economic 
development), the applicant must develop and submit a detailed and 
specific work plan that is both sound and feasible. Specifically, the 
work plan should include the following elements:
    (i) Demonstrate that all activities are comprehensive and 
nationwide in scope, and adequately described and appropriately related 
to the goals of the program. (0-10 points)
    (ii) Demonstrate in some specificity a thorough understanding of 
the kinds of training and technical assistance that can be provided to 
the network of Community Development Corporations. (0-10 points)
    (iii) Delineate the tasks and sub-tasks involved in the areas 
necessary to carry out the responsibilities to include training, 
technical assistance, research, outreach, seminars, etc. ( 0-5 points)
    (iv) State the intermediate and end products to be developed by 
task and sub-task. (0-5 points)
    (v) Provide realistic time frames and chronology of key activities 
for the goals and objectives. (0-5 points)
    (d) Criterion IV: Significant and Beneficial Impact (Maximum: 25 
points)
    Project funds under this sub-priority area must be used for the 
purpose of providing training and technical assistance on a national 
basis to the network of Community Development Corporations.
    Applicant must document how the success or failure of the 
assistance provided will be documented.
    (i) Application should adequately describe how the project will 
assure long-term program and management improvements for Community 
Development Corporations; (0-10 points)
    (ii) The project will impact on a significant number of Community 
Development Corporations; (0-10 points)
    (iii) Applicant should document how the project will leverage or 
mobilize significant other non-federal resources for the direct benefit 
of the project; (0-5 points)

(e) Criterion V: Budget Reasonableness (Maximum 10 points)

    (i) The resources requested are reasonable and adequate to 
accomplish the project. (0-5 points)
    (ii) Total costs are reasonable and consistent with anticipated 
results. (0-5 points)

5. Criteria for Review and Evaluation of all Applications Under 
Priority Area 2.1

    (a) Criterion I: Analysis of Need (Maximum: 5 points)
    The application documents that the project addresses a vital need 
in a distressed community and provides statistics and other data and 
information in support of its contention.
    (b) Criterion II: Organizational Experience in Program Area and 
Staff Responsibilities (Maximum: 15 points)
    (i) Organizational Experience in Program Area (sub-rating: 0-5 
points)
    Documentation provided indicates that projects previously 
undertaken have been relevant and effective and have provided permanent 
benefits to the low-income population.
    Organizations which propose providing training and technical 
assistance have detailed competence in the specific program priority 
area and as a deliverer with expertise in the fields of training and 
technical assistance. If applicable, information provided by these 
applicants also addresses related achievements and competence of each 
cooperating or sponsoring organization.
    (ii) Staff Skills, Resources and Responsibilities (sub-rating 0-10 
points)
    The application describes in brief resume form the experience and 
skills of the project director who is not only well qualified, but his/
her professional capabilities are relevant to the successful 
implementation of the project. If the key staff person has not yet been 
identified, the application contains a comprehensive position 
description which indicates that the responsibilities to be assigned to 
the project director are relevant to the successful implementation of 
the project. The applicant has adequate facilities and resources (i.e. 
space and equipment) to successfully carry out the work plan. The 
assigned responsibilities of the staff are appropriate to the tasks 
identified for the project and sufficient time of senior staff will be 
budgeted to assure timely implementation and cost effective management 
of the project.
    (c) Criterion III: Project Implementation (Maximum: 25 points)
    The Business Plan is both sound and feasible. The project is 
responsive to the needs identified in the Analysis of Need. It sets 
forth realistic quarterly time targets by which the various tasks will 
be completed. Critical issues or potential problems that might impact 
negatively on the project are defined and the project objectives can be 
reasonably attained despite such potential problems.
    (d) Criterion IV: Significant and Beneficial Impact (Maximum: 30 
points)
    The application contains a full and accurate description of the 
proposed use of the requested financial assistance. The proposed 
project will produce permanent and measurable results that will reduce 
the incidence of poverty in the areas targeted and significantly 
enhance the self sufficiency of program participants. Results are 
quantifiable in terms of program area expectations, e.g., number of 
units of housing rehabilitated, agricultural and non-agricultural job 
placements, etc. The

[[Page 71486]]

OCS grant funds, in combination with private and/or other public 
resources, are targeted into low-income and/or distressed communities 
and/or designated empowerment zones and enterprise communities.
    (e) Criterion V: Public-Private Partnerships (Maximum: 20 points)
    The application documents that the applicant will mobilize from 
public and/or private sources cash and/or in-kind contributions valued 
at an amount equal to the OCS funds requested. Applicants documenting 
that the value of such contributions will be at least equal to the OCS 
funds requested will receive the maximum number of points for this 
Criterion. Lesser contributions will be given consideration based upon 
the value documented.
    (f) Criterion VI: Budget Appropriateness and Reasonableness 
(Maximum: 5 points)
    Funds requested are commensurate with the level of effort necessary 
to accomplish the goals and objectives of the project. The application 
includes a narrative detailed budget break-down for each of the budget 
categories in the SF-424A. The applicant presents a reasonable 
administrative cost. The estimated cost to the government of the 
project also is reasonable in relation to the anticipated results.
    2. Community Food and Nutrition (CFN) (CFDA No. 93.571) Deadline 
Date: March 26, 1999
    (A) Program Contact Person: Thornell Page (202) 401-5333 or 
Catherine Rivers (202) 401-5252.
    (B) Date of Application Kit: January 25, 1999.
    (C) Application Deadline: Applications must be POSTMARKED by March 
26, 1999. Detailed application submission instructions are included in 
the Application Kit.
    (D) Legislative Authority: Section 681 of the Community Services 
Block Grant Act, as amended; and the Coats Human Services 
Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285).
    (E) Eligible Activities: The OCS is authorized to make funds 
available for the purpose of coordinating existing private and public 
food assistance resources, whenever such coordination is determined to 
be inadequate, to better serve low income populations; assisting low 
income communities to identify potential sponsors of child nutrition 
programs and to initiate new programs in underserved or unserved areas; 
and developing innovative approaches to meet the nutrition needs of low 
income people. Funds are provided to improve the health and nutrition 
status of low income persons through improved access to healthy 
nutritious foods or by other means.
    (F) Type of Awards: Grants.
    (G) Project Period and Budget Period: For most projects, OCS will 
grant funds for 1 year. However, in rare instances, depending on the 
characteristics of any individual project and on the justification 
presented by the applicant in its application, a grant may be made for 
up to 17 months.
    (H) Eligible Applicants and Availability of Funds: Eligible 
applicants are States and public and private non-profit agencies/ 
organizations with a demonstrated ability to successfully develop and 
implement such programs and activities.
    Funds Available: $2,000,000. Approximately 33 grants will be 
awarded competitively.
    (I) Review Criteria for Community Food and Nutrition Applications 
(Criteria Listed Below):

Criteria for Review and Evaluation of Community Food and Nutrition 
Applications

    Criterion I: Analysis of Needs/Priorities (Maximum: 10 Points)
    (a) Target area and population to be served are adequately 
described. (0-4 Points) In addressing the above Criterion, the 
applicant should include a description of the target area and 
population to be served including specific details on any minority 
population(s) to be served.
    (b) Nature and extent of problem(s) and/or need(s) to be addressed 
are adequately described and documented. (0-6 Points) In addressing the 
above Criterion, the applicant should include a discussion of the 
nature and extent of the problem(s) and/or need(s), including specific 
information on minority populations(s).
    Criterion II: Adequacy of Work Program (Maximum: 25 Points)
    (a) Realistic quarterly time targets are set forth by which the 
various work tasks will be completed. (0-10 Points)
    (b) Activities are adequately described and appear reasonably 
likely to achieve results which will have a desired impact on the 
identified problems and/or needs. (0-15 Points) In addressing the above 
Criterion, the applicant should address the basic criteria and 
legislatively-mandated activities and should include:
    1. Project priorities and rationale for selecting them which relate 
to the specific nutritional problem(s) and/or need(s) of the target 
population which were identified under Criterion I;
    2. Goals and objectives which speak to the(se) problem(s) and/or 
need(s); and
    3. Project activities which if successfully carried out can be 
reasonably expected to result in the achievement of these goals and 
objectives.
    Criterion III: Significant and Beneficial Impact (Maximum: 30 
Points)
    (a) Applicant proposes to significantly improve or increase 
nutrition services to low-income people and such improvements or 
increases are quantified. (0-15 Points)
    (b) Project incorporates promotional health and social services 
activities for low-income people, along with nutritional services. (0-5 
Points)
    (c) Project will significantly leverage or mobilize other community 
resources and such resources are detailed and quantified. (0-5 Points)
    (d) Project addresses problem(s) which can be resolved by one-time 
OCS funding or demonstrates that non-Federal funding is available to 
continue the project without Federal support. (0-5 Points)
    In addressing the above Criterion, the applicant must include 
quantitative data for Items (a), (b), and (c), and discuss how the 
beneficial impact relates to the relevant legislatively-mandated 
program activities and the problems and/or needs described under 
Criterion I.
    Criterion IV: Coordination/Services Integration (Maximum: 15 
Points)
    (a) Project shows evidence of coordinated community-based planning 
in its development, including strategies in the Work Program to carry 
on activities in collaboration with other locally funded Federal 
programs (such as DHHS health and social services and USDA Food and 
Consumer Service programs) in ways that will eliminate duplication and 
will, for example: 1) unite funding streams at the local level to 
increase program outreach and effectiveness, 2) facilitate access to 
other needed social services by coordinating and simplifying intake and 
eligibility certification processes for clients, or 3) bring project 
participants into direct interaction with holistic family development 
resources in the community where needed. (0-10 Points)
    (b) Community Empowerment Consideration--Special consideration will 
be given to applicants who are located in areas which are characterized 
by poverty and other indicators of socio-economic distress such as a 
poverty rate of at least 20 percent, designation as an Empowerment Zone 
or Enterprise Community, high levels of unemployment, and high levels 
of incidences of violence, gang activity, crime, or drug use. 
Applicants should document that they were involved in the preparation 
and planned

[[Page 71487]]

implementation of a comprehensive community-based strategic plan to 
achieve both economic and human development in an integrated manner. 
(0-5 Points)
    If the applicant is receiving funds from the State for community 
food and nutrition activities, the applicant should address how the 
funds are being utilized, and how they will be coordinated with the 
proposed project to maximize the effectiveness of both. If State funds 
are being used in the project for which OCS funds are being requested, 
their usage should be specifically described.
    Criterion V: Organization Experience in Program Area and Staff 
Responsibilities (Maximum: 15 Points)
    (a) Organizational experiences in program area (0-5 Points) 
Documentation provided indicates that projects previously undertaken 
have been relevant and effective and have provided permanent benefits 
to the low-income population. Organizations which propose providing 
training and technical assistance have detailed competence in the 
program area and as a deliverer with expertise in the fields of 
training and technical assistance. If applicable, information provided 
by these applicants also addresses related achievements and competence 
of each cooperating or sponsoring organization.
    (b) Management History (0-5 Points) Applicants must demonstrate 
their ability to implement sound and effective management practices and 
if they have been recipients of other Federal or other governmental 
grants, they must also document that they have consistently complied 
with financial and program progress reporting and audit requirements. 
Such documentation may be in the form of references to any available 
audit or progress reports and should be accompanied by a statement by a 
Certified or Licensed Public Accountant as to the sufficiency of the 
applicant's financial management system to protect adequately any 
Federal funds awarded under the application submitted.
    (c) Staffing Skills, Resources and Responsibilities (0-5 Points)
    The application adequately describes the experience and skills of 
the proposed project director showing that the individual is not only 
well qualified, but that his/her professional capabilities are relevant 
to the successful implementation of the project. If the key staff 
person has not yet been identified, the application contains a 
comprehensive position description which indicates that the 
responsibilities to be assigned to the project director are relevant to 
the successful implementation of the project. The application must 
indicate that the applicant has adequate facilities and resources (i.e. 
space and equipment) to successfully carry out the work plan.
    In addressing the above Criterion, the applicant must clearly show 
that sufficient time of the Project Director and other senior staff 
will be budgeted to assure timely implementation and oversight of the 
project and that the assigned responsibilities of the staff are 
appropriate to the tasks identified for the project.
    Criterion VI: Adequacy of Budget (Maximum: 5 Points)
    The budget is adequate and administrative costs are appropriate in 
relation to the services proposed. (0-5 Points)
    3. Job Opportunities for Low Income Individuals (JOLI) (CFDA No. 
93-593) Deadline Date: April 22, 1999
    (A) Program Contact Person: Thornell Page (202) 401-5333 or Nolan 
Lewis (202) 401-5282.
    (B) Date of Application Kit: January 22, 1999.
    (C) Application Deadline: Applications must be POSTMARKED by April 
22, 1999. Detailed application submission instructions are included in 
the Application Kit.
    (D) Legislative Authority: Section 505 of the Family Support Act of 
1988, Public Law 100-485, as amended, authorizes the Secretary of DHHS 
to enter into agreements with non-profit organizations (including 
community development corporations) for the purpose of conducting 
projects designed to create employment and business opportunities for 
certain low income individuals. The Personal Responsibility and Work 
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Public Law 104-193, 
reauthorized Section 505 of the Family Support Act of 1988 with certain 
amendments effective July 1, 1997.
    (E) Eligible Activities: Projects funded under the JOLI Program are 
for the creation of new jobs and employment opportunities, through 
micro-business/ self-employment, the start-up of a new business, or the 
expansion of an existing business. Project activities may include 
training assistance, and support of participants to enable them 
successfully to fill such jobs; but proposed projects for the training 
and placement of low income individuals in already existing jobs or 
jobs expected to be available independent of any job creation activity 
of the proposed project, will not be considered for funding.
    (F) Type of Awards: Grants.
    (G) Project Periods and Budget Periods: Refer to Application Kit 
for details.
    (H) Eligible Applicants and Availability of Funds: Applicants 
eligible to apply for grants under the JOLI program must be not-for-
profit organizations exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) or 
(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants are encouraged to mobilize 
resources.
    Funds Available: $5,500,000. Approximately 5 to 10 grants will be 
awarded. JOLI grant awards are approved for up to 3 year project 
periods and are funded for up to a maximum of $500,000 for the full 
project period.

(I) Review Criteria for Job Opportunities for Low Income Individuals 
Applications (Criteria Listed Below)

Criteria for Review of JOLI Applications

    Applications which pass the pre-rating review will be assessed and 
scored by reviewers. Each reviewer will give a numerical score for each 
application reviewed. These numerical scores will be supported by 
explanatory statements on a formal rating form describing major 
strengths and weaknesses under each applicable criterion published in 
the Announcement.
    The in-depth assessment and review process will use the following 
criteria coupled with the specific requirements described in Part III 
of the Application Kit. Scoring will be based on a total of 100 points.
    The ultimate goals of the projects to be funded under the JOLI 
Program are: 1) to achieve, through project activities and 
interventions, the creation of employment opportunities for TANF 
recipients and other low-income individuals which can lead to economic 
self-sufficiency of members of the communities served; 2) to evaluate 
the effectiveness of these interventions and of the project design 
through which they were implemented; and 3) thus to make possible the 
replication of successful programs. As noted here, OCS intends to make 
the awards of all the above grants on the basis of brief, concise 
applications.
    In order to simplify the application preparation and review 
process, OCS seeks to keep grant proposals cogent and brief. 
Applications with project narratives (excluding appendices) of more 
than 30 letter-sized pages of 12 c.p.i. type or equivalent on a single 
side will not be reviewed for funding. Applicants should prepare and 
assemble their project description using

[[Page 71488]]

the following outline of required project elements. They should, 
furthermore, build their project concept, plans, and application 
description upon the guidelines set forth for each of the project 
elements.
    For each of the Project Elements or Sub-Elements below, there is at 
the end of the discussion a suggested number of pages to be devoted to 
the particular element or sub-element. These are suggestions only; but 
the applicant must remember that the overall Project Narrative cannot 
be longer than 30 pages.
    The competitive review of proposals will be based on the degree to 
which applicants:
    (1) incorporate each of the Elements and Sub-Elements below into 
their proposals, so as to:
    (2) describe convincingly a project that will develop new 
employment or business opportunities for TANF recipients and other low 
income individuals that can lead to a transition from dependency to 
economic self-sufficiency;
    (3) propose a realistic budget and time frame for the project that 
will support the successful implementation of the work plan to achieve 
the project's goals in a timely and cost effective manner; and
    (4) provide for the testing and evaluation of the project design, 
implementation, and outcomes so as to make possible replication of a 
successful program.

Element I: Organizational Experience in Program Area and Staff 
Skills, Resources and Responsibilities

    Sub Element I(a). Agency's Experience and Commitment in Program 
Area: Weight of 0-10 points
    Applicants should cite their organization's capability and relevant 
experience in developing and operating programs which deal with poverty 
problems similar to those to be addressed by the proposed project. They 
should also cite the organization's experience in collaborative 
programming and operations which involve evaluations and data 
collection. Applicants should identify agency executive leadership in 
this section and briefly describe their involvement in the proposed 
project and provide assurance of their commitment to its successful 
implementation.
    The application should include documentation which briefly 
summarizes two similar projects undertaken by the applicant agency and 
the extent to which the stated and achieved performance targets, 
including permanent benefits to low-income populations, have been 
achieved. The application should note and justify the priority that 
this project will have within the agency, including the facilities and 
resources that it has available to carry it out.
    It is suggested that applicants use no more than 2 pages for this 
Sub-Element.

    Note: The maximum number of points will be given only to those 
organizations with a demonstrated record of achievement in promoting 
job creation and enterprise opportunities for low-income people.

    Sub Element I(b). Staff Skills, Resources and Responsibilities: 
Weight of 0-10 points
    The application must identify the two or three individuals who will 
have the key responsibility for managing the project, coordinating 
services and activities for participants and partners, and for 
achieving performance targets. The focus should be on the 
qualifications, experience, capacity and commitment to the program of 
the Executive Officials of the organization and the key staff persons 
who will administer and implement the project. The person identified as 
Project Director should have supervisory experience, experience in 
finance and business, and experience with the target population. 
Because this is a demonstration project within an already-established 
agency, OCS expects that the key staff person(s) would be identified, 
if not hired.
    The application must also include a resume of the third party 
evaluator, if identified or hired; or the minimum qualifications and a 
position description for the third-party evaluator, who must be a 
person with recognized evaluation skills who is organizationally 
distinct from, and not under the control of, the applicant. (See 
Element IV, Project Evaluation, below, for fuller discussion of 
Evaluator qualifications.)
    Actual resumes of key staff and position descriptions should be 
included in an Appendix to the proposal.
    It is suggested that applicants use no more than 3 pages for this 
Sub-Element.

Element II. Project Theory, Design, and Plan

    OCS seeks to learn from the application why and how the project as 
proposed is expected to lead to the creation of new employment 
opportunities for low-income individuals which can lead to significant 
improvements in individual and family self-sufficiency.
    Applicants are urged to design and present their project in terms 
of a conceptual cause-effect framework. In the following paragraphs, a 
framework is described that suggests a way to present a project so as 
to show the logic of the cause-effect relations between project 
activities and project results. Applicants don't have to use the exact 
language described; but it is important to present the project in a way 
that makes clear the cause-effect relationship between what the project 
plans to do and the results it expects to achieve.
    Sub-Element II(a). Description of Target Population, Analysis of 
Need, and Project Assumptions: (Weight of 0-10 points)
    The project design or plan should begin with identifying the 
underlying assumptions about the program. These are the beliefs on 
which the proposed program is built. The assumptions about the needs of 
the population to be served; about the current services available to 
that population, and where and how they fail to meet their needs; about 
why the proposed services or interventions are appropriate and will 
meet those needs; and about the impact the proposed interventions will 
have on the project participants.
    In other words, the underlying assumptions of the program are the 
applicant's analysis of the needs and problems to be addressed by the 
project, and the applicant's theory of how its proposed interventions 
will address those needs and problems to achieve the desired result. 
Thus a strong application is based upon a clear description of the 
needs and problems to be addressed and a persuasive understanding of 
the causes of those problems.
    In this sub-element of the proposal, the applicant must precisely 
identify the target population to be served. The geographic area to be 
impacted should then be briefly described, citing the percentage of 
residents who are low-income individuals and TANF recipients, as well 
as the unemployment rate, and other data that are relevant to the 
project design.
    The application should include an analysis of the identified 
personal barriers to employment, job retention and greater self-
sufficiency faced by the population to be targeted by the project. 
(These might include such problems as illiteracy, substance abuse, 
family violence, lack of skills training, health or medical problems, 
need for child care, lack of suitable clothing or equipment, or poor 
self-image.) The application should also include an analysis of the 
identified community systemic barriers which the project will seek to 
overcome. These might include lack of jobs (high unemployment rate); 
lack of public transportation; lack of markets; unavailability of 
financing, insurance or bonding; inadequate social

[[Page 71489]]

services (employment service, child care, job training); high incidence 
of crime; inadequate health care; or environmental hazards (such as 
toxic dumpsites or leaking underground tanks). Applicants should be 
sure not to overlook the personal and family services and support that 
might be needed by project participants after they are on the job which 
will enhance job retention and advancement. If the jobs to be created 
by the proposed project are themselves designed to fill one or more of 
the needs, or remove one or more of the barriers so identified, this 
fact should be highlighted in the discussion (e.g. jobs in child care, 
health care, or transportation).
    It is suggested that applicants use no more than 4 pages for this 
Sub-Element.
    Sub-Element II(b). Project Strategy and Design: Interventions, 
Outcomes, and Goals: Weight of 0-10 points
    The work plan must describe the proposed project activities, or 
interventions, and explain how they are expected to result in outcomes 
which will meet the needs of the program participants and assist them 
to overcome the identified personal and systemic barriers to 
employment, job retention and self-sufficiency. In other words, what 
will the project staff do with the resources provided to the project 
and how will what they do (interventions) assist in the creation and 
sustaining of employment and business opportunities for program 
participants in the face of the needs and problems that have been 
identified.
    The underlying assumptions concerning client needs and the theory 
of how they can be effectively addressed, which are discussed above, 
lead in the project design to the conduct of a variety of project 
activities or interventions, each of which is assumed to result in 
immediate changes, or outcomes.
    The immediate changes lead to intermediate outcomes; and the 
intermediate outcomes lead to the attainment of the final project 
goals.
    The applicant should describe the major activities, or 
interventions, which are to be carried out to address the needs and 
problems identified in Sub-Element II(a); and should discuss the 
immediate changes, or outcomes, which are expected to result. These are 
the results expected from each service or intervention immediately 
after it is provided. For example, a job readiness training program 
might be expected to result in clients having increased knowledge of 
how to apply for a job, improved grooming for job interviews, and 
improved job interview skills; or business training and training in 
bookkeeping and accounting might be expected to result in project 
participants making an informed decision about whether they were suited 
for entrepreneurship.
    At the next level are the intermediate outcomes which result from 
these immediate changes. Often an intermediate project outcome is the 
result of several immediate changes resulting from a number of related 
interventions such as training and counseling. Intermediate outcomes 
should be expressed in measurable changes in knowledge, attitudes, 
behavior, or status/condition. In the above examples, the immediate 
changes achieved by the job readiness program, coupled with technical 
assistance to an employer in the expansion of a business could be 
expected to lead to intermediate outcomes of creation of new job 
openings and the participant applying for a job with the company. The 
acquisition of business skills, coupled with the establishment of a 
loan fund, could be expected to result in the actual decision to go 
into a particular business venture or seek the alternative track of 
pursuing job readiness and training.
    Finally, the application should describe how the achievement of 
these intermediate outcomes will be expected to lead to the attainment 
of the project goals: employment in newly created jobs, new careers in 
non-traditional jobs, successful business ventures, or employment in an 
expanded business, depending on the project design. Applicants must 
remember that if the major focus of the project is to be the 
development and start-up of a new business or the expansion of an 
existing business, then a Business Plan which follows the outline in 
the JOLI Application Kit must be submitted as an Appendix to the 
Proposal.
    Applicants don't have to use the exact terminology described above, 
but it is important to describe the project in a way that makes clear 
the expected cause-and-effect relationship between what the project 
plans to do--the activities or interventions, the changes that are 
expected to result, and how those changes will lead to attainment of 
the project goals of new employment opportunities and greater self-
sufficiency. The competitive review of this Sub-Element will be based 
on the extent to which the application makes a convincing case that the 
activities to be undertaken will lead to the projected results.
    It is suggested that applicants use no more than 4 pages for this 
Sub-Element.
    Sub-Element II(c). Work Plan: Weight of 0-10 points.
    Once the project strategy and design framework are established, the 
applicant should present the highlights of a work plan for the project. 
The plan should explicitly tie into the project design framework and 
should be feasible, i.e., capable of being accomplished with the 
resources, staff, and partners available. The plan should briefly 
describe the key project tasks, and show the timelines and major 
milestones for their implementation. Critical issues or potential 
problems that might affect the achievement of project objectives should 
be explicitly addressed, with an explanation of how they would be 
overcome, and how the objectives will be achieved notwithstanding any 
such problems. The plan should be presented in such a way that it can 
be correlated with the budget narrative included earlier in the 
application.
    Applicant may be able to use a simple Gantt or time line chart to 
convey the work plan in minimal space.
    It is suggested that applicants use no more than 3 pages for this 
Sub-Element.

Element III. Significant and Beneficial Impact

    Sub-Element III(a). Quality of Jobs/Business Opportunities: Weight 
of 0-10 points.
    The proposed project is expected to produce permanent and 
measurable results that will reduce the incidence of poverty in the 
community and lead welfare recipients from welfare dependency toward 
economic self-sufficiency. Results are expected to be quantifiable in 
terms of: the creation of permanent, full-time jobs; the development of 
business opportunities; the expansion of existing businesses; or the 
creation of non-traditional employment opportunities. In developing 
business opportunities and self-employment for TANF recipients and low-
income individuals, the applicant proposes, at a minimum, to provide 
basic business planning and management concepts, and assistance in 
preparing a business plan and loan package.
    The application should document that:

--the business opportunities to be developed for eligible participants 
will contribute significantly to their progress toward self-
sufficiency; and/or
--jobs to be created for eligible participants will contribute 
significantly to their progress toward self-sufficiency. For example, 
they should provide salaries that exceed the minimum wage, plus 
benefits such as health insurance, child care

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and career development opportunities.
    It is suggested that applicants use no more than 3 pages for this 
Sub-Element.
    Sub-Element III(b). Community Empowerment Consideration: Weight of 
0-3 points.
    Special consideration will be given to applicants who are located 
in areas which are characterized by conditions of extreme poverty and 
other indicators of socio-economic distress such as a poverty rate of 
at least 20%, designation as an Empowerment Zone or Enterprise 
Community, high levels of violence, gang activity or drug use; and who 
document that in response to these conditions they have been involved 
in the preparation and planned implementation of a comprehensive 
community-based strategic plan to achieve both economic and human 
development in an integrated manner; and how the proposed project will 
support the goals of that plan.
    It is suggested that applicants use no more than 2 pages for this 
Sub-Element.
    Sub-Element III(c). Support for Noncustodial Parents: Weight of 0-2 
points.
    Applicants who have entered into partnership agreements with local 
Child Support Enforcement Agencies to develop and implement innovative 
strategies to increase the capability of low-income parents and 
families to fulfill their parental responsibilities; and specifically, 
to this end, to provide for referrals to the funded projects of 
identified income eligible families and noncustodial parents 
economically unable to provide child support, will also receive special 
consideration.
    To receive the full credit of two points, applicants should include 
as an appendix to the application, a signed letter of agreement with 
the local CSE Agency for referral of eligible noncustodial parents to 
the proposed project.
    It is suggested that applicants use no more than 1 page for this 
Sub-Element.
    Sub-Element III(d). Cost-per-Job: Weight of 0-5 points.
    The Application should document that during the project period, the 
proposed project will create new, permanent jobs through business 
opportunities or non-traditional employment opportunities for low-
income residents at a cost-per-job below $15,000 in OCS funds. The cost 
per job should be calculated by dividing the total amount of grant 
funds requested (e.g., $420,000) by the number of jobs to be created 
(e.g., 60) which would equal the cost-per-job ($7,000)). If any other 
calculations are used, include the methodology and rationale in this 
section. In making calculations of cost-per-job, only jobs filled by 
low-income project participants may be counted. (See Part III, Section 
I of the Application Kit.) [Note: Except in those instances where 
independent reviewers identify extenuating circumstances related to 
business development activities, or high wage levels and living costs 
such as in Hawaii or Alaska, the maximum number of points will be given 
only to those applicants proposing cost-per-job created estimates of 
$5,000 or less of OCS requested funds. Higher cost-per-job estimates 
will receive correspondingly fewer points.] It is suggested that 
applicants use no more than 1 page for this Sub-Element.

Element IV. Project Evaluation: Weight of 0-15 points.

    Sound evaluations are essential to the JOLI Program. OCS requires 
applicants to include in their applications a well thought through 
outline of an evaluation plan for their project. The outline should 
explain how the applicant proposes to answer the key questions about 
how effectively the project is being/was implemented; whether the 
project activities, or interventions, achieved the expected immediate 
outcomes, and why or why not (the Process Evaluation); and whether and 
to what extent the project achieved its stated goals, and why or why 
not (the Outcome Evaluation). Together, the Process and Outcome 
Evaluations should answer the question ``what did this program 
accomplish and why did it work/not work?''.
    Applicants are not being asked to submit a complete and final 
Evaluation Plan as part of their proposal; but they must include:
    (1) A well thought through outline of an evaluation plan which 
identifies the principal cause-and-effect relationships to be tested, 
and which demonstrates the applicant's understanding of the role and 
purpose of both Process and Outcome Evaluations (see previous 
paragraph);
    (2) a reporting format based on the grantee's documentation of its 
activities (interventions) and their effectiveness, to be included in 
the grantee's semi-annual Program Progress Report, which will provide 
OCS with insights and lessons learned, as they become evident, 
concerning the various aspects of the Work Plan, such as recruitment, 
training, support, public-private partnerships, and coordination with 
other community resources, as they may be relevant to the proposed 
project;
    (3) the identity and qualifications of the proposed third-party 
evaluator, or if not selected, the qualifications which will be sought 
in choosing an evaluator, which must include successful experience in 
evaluating social service delivery programs, and the planning and/or 
evaluation of programs designed to foster self-sufficiency in low 
income populations; and
    (4) a commitment to the selection of a third-party evaluator 
approved by OCS, and to completion of a final evaluation design and 
plan, in collaboration with the approved evaluator and the OCS 
Evaluation Technical Assistance Contractor during the six-month start-
up period of the project, if funded.
    Applicants should ensure, above all, that the evaluation outline 
presented is consistent with their project design. A clear project 
framework of the type recommended earlier identifies the key project 
assumptions about the target populations and their needs, as well as 
the hypotheses, or expected cause-effect relationships to be tested in 
the project; the proposed project activities, or interventions, that 
will address those needs in ways that will lead to the achievement of 
the project goals of self-sufficiency. It also identifies in advance 
the most important process and outcome measures that will be used to 
identify performance success and expected changes in individual 
participants, the grantee organization, and the community.
    Finally, as noted above, the outline should provide for prompt 
reporting, concurrently with the semi-annual program progress reports, 
of lessons learned during the course of the project, so that they may 
be shared without waiting for the final evaluation report.
    For all these reasons, it is important that each successful 
applicant have a third-party evaluator selected and performing at the 
very latest by the time the work program of the project is begun, and 
if possible before that time so that he or she can participate in the 
final design of the program, and in order to assure that data necessary 
for the evaluation will be collected and available. Plans for selecting 
an evaluator should be included in the application narrative. A third-
party evaluator must have knowledge about and have experience in 
conducting process and outcome evaluations in the job creation field, 
and have a thorough understanding of the range and complexity of the 
problems faced by the target population.
    The competitive procurement regulations (45 CFR Part 74, Sections 
74.40-74.48, esp. 74.43) apply to service contracts such as those for 
evaluators.
    It is suggested that applicants use no more than 3 pages for this 
Element, plus

[[Page 71491]]

the Resume or Position Description for the evaluator, which should be 
in an Appendix.

Element V. Public/Private Partnerships: Weight of 0-10 points

    The proposal should briefly describe any public/private 
partnerships which will contribute to the implementation of the 
project. Where partners' contributions to the project are a vital part 
of the project design and work program, the narrative should describe 
undertakings of the partners, and a partnership agreement, specifying 
the roles of the partners and making a clear commitment to the 
fulfilling of the partnership role, must be included in an Appendix to 
the Proposal. The firm commitment of mobilized resources must be 
documented and submitted with the application in order to be given 
credit under this Element. The application should meet the following 
criteria:

    --Where other resources are mobilized, the application must provide 
documentation that public and/or private sources of cash and/or third-
party in-kind contributions will be available, in the form of letters 
of commitment from the organization(s)/individual(s) from which 
resources will be received. Applications that can document dollar for 
dollar contributions equal to the OCS funds and demonstrate that the 
partnership agreement clearly relates to the objectives of the proposed 
project, will receive the maximum number of points for this criterion. 
Lesser contributions will be given consideration based upon the value 
documented.

    (Note: Even though there is no matching requirement for the JOLI 
Program, grantees will be held accountable for any match, cash or 
in-kind contribution proposed or pledged as part of an approved 
application.) Partners involved in the proposed project should be 
responsible for substantive project activities and services. 
Applicants should note that partnership relationships are not 
created via service delivery contracts.

    It is suggested that applicants use no more than 4 pages for this 
Element.
    Element VI. Budget Appropriateness and Reasonableness: Weight of 0-
5 points
    Applicants are required to submit Federal budget forms with their 
proposals to provide basic applicant and project information (SF 424) 
and information about how Federal and other project funds will be used 
(424A). (See Part VI of the Application Kit.) Immediately following the 
completed Federal budget forms, (Attachments B and C) applicants must 
submit a Budget Narrative, or explanatory budget information which 
includes a detailed budget break-down for each of the budget categories 
in the SF-424A. This Budget Narrative is not considered a part of the 
Project Narrative, and does not count as part of the thirty pages; but 
rather should be included in the application following the budget 
forms.
    The duration of the proposed project and the funds requested in the 
budget must be commensurate with the level of effort necessary to 
accomplish the goals and objectives of the project. The budget 
narrative should briefly explain how grant funds will be expended and 
show the appropriateness of the Federal funds and any mobilized 
resources to accomplish project purposes within the proposed timeframe. 
The estimated cost to the government of the project should be 
reasonable in relation to the project's duration and to the anticipated 
results, and include reasonable administrative costs, if an indirect 
cost rate has not been negotiated with a cognizant Federal agency.
    Applicants are encouraged to use job titles and not specific names 
in developing the application budget. However, the specific salary 
rates or amounts for staff positions identified must be included in the 
application budget.
    Resources in addition to OCS grant funds are encouraged both to 
augment project resources and to strengthen the basis for continuing 
partnerships to benefit the target community. The amounts of such 
resources, their appropriateness to the project design, and the 
likelihood that they will continue beyond the project time frame will 
be taken into account in judging the application. As noted in Element 
V, above, even though there is no matching requirement for the JOLI 
Program, grantees will be held accountable for any match, cash or in-
kind contribution proposed or pledged as part of an approved 
application.
    Applicants should include funds in the project budget for travel by 
Project Directors and Chief Evaluators to attend two national 
evaluation workshops in Washington, D.C. The score for this element 
will be based on the budget form (SF-424A) and the associated detailed 
budget narrative.
    4. Residential Energy Assistance Challenge (REACH) Option Program 
(CFDA No. 93.568) Deadline Date: May 3, 1999
    (A) Program Contact Person: Anna Guidery (202) 401-5318 or Richard 
Saul (202) 401-9341
    (B) Date of Application Kit: February 1, 1999
    (C) Application Deadline: Applications must be POSTMARKED by May 3, 
1999. Detailed application submission instructions are included in the 
Application Kit.
    (D) Program Priority Areas: Under Priority Area 1.0, funds will be 
awarded to States, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico for REACH 
projects administered by non-profit Community Based Organizations, with 
a priority given to Community Action Agencies and other eligible 
entities under Section 673 of the Community Services Block Grant Act 
[42 U.S.C. 9902(1)]. Under Priority Area 2.0, funds will be awarded to 
Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations and other Insular Areas.
    (E) Legislative Authority: Section 2607B of the Low Income Home 
Energy Assistance Act, Title XXVI of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation 
Act of 1981, Public Law 97-35, as amended [42 U.S.C. 8626b].
    (F) Eligible Activities: The OCS is authorized to provide 
competitive grants to LIHEAP grantees that develop innovative programs, 
administered by community-based organizations, to reduce the energy 
vulnerability of LIHEAP-eligible households.
    (G) Type of Awards: Grants.
    (H) Eligible Applicants and Availability of Funds: Eligible 
applicants are States, Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations 
(including Alaskan Native Villages), and Insular Areas that receive 
direct grants from the Department of HHS under LIHEAP which are 
expended for implementing a LIHEAP program. Funds are awarded to LIHEAP 
grantees on the basis of a competitive application process. Funds 
available: Approximately $6,875,000. Up to 10 grants will be awarded 
competitively to States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico under 
Priority Area 1.0. Approximately 4 to 12 grants will be awarded 
competitively to Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and other insular 
areas under Priority Area 2.0.
    (I) Review Criteria for REACH Plans (Criteria Listed Below):

1. Program Elements, Review and Assessment Criteria for REACH Plans 
under Priority Area 1.0 (States, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico)

    (a) Criterion I: Organizational Experience and Capability (Maximum: 
20 points)
    (b) Criterion II: Project Theory, Design and Plan (Maximum: 30 
points)
    (c) Criterion III: Holistic Program Strategies, Mobilization of 
Resources, and Project Innovations (Maximum: 10 points)
    (d) Criterion IV: Budget Appropriateness (Maximum: 10 points)

[[Page 71492]]

    (e) Criterion V: Significant and Beneficial Impact (Maximum: 10 
points)
    (f) Criterion VI: Community Empowerment Consideration (Maximum: 5 
points)
    (g) Criterion VII: Management and Organization of Project (Maximum: 
5 points)
    (h) Criterion VIII: Project Evaluation (Maximum: 10 points)

2. Program Elements, Review and Assessment Criteria for REACH Plans 
under Priority Area 2.0 (Tribes and Insular Areas other than Puerto 
Rico)

    (a) Criterion I: Organizational Experience and Capability (Maximum: 
10 points)
    (b) Criterion II: Project Theory, Design and Plan (Maximum: 50 
points)
    (c) Criterion III: Management and Organization of Project (Maximum: 
10 points)
    (d) Criterion IV: Budget Appropriateness (Maximum: 10 points)
    (e) Criterion V: Significant and Beneficial Impact (Maximum: 10 
points)
    (f) Criterion VI: Project Evaluation (Maximum: 10 points)
    Additional Requirements: Applicants for grants must also meet the 
following requirements:
A. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 #0970-0062
    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the 
Department is required to submit to OMB for review and approval any 
reporting and record keeping requirements in regulations, including 
Program Announcements. 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. This Combined 
Program Announcement does not contain information collection 
requirements beyond those approved for ACF grant announcements/
applications under OMB Control Number 0970-0062.
B. Intergovernmental Review
    With the exception of the REACH program, the programs discussed in 
this Combined Program Announcement are 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 
eligibility 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 SPOC, if 
applicable, or to ACF.
    As of September 1998, a number of 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. A list of 
these non-participating jurisdictions can be found in each Application 
Kit.
    Although the non-participating jurisdictions no longer participate 
in the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of 
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. 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 submit all 
required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this 
submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the 
Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 
days from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or 
competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the 
submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations.
    Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between 
mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations 
which may trigger the ``accommodate or explain'' rule. When comments 
are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to: 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.

    Dated: December 18, 1998.
Donald Sykes,
Director Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 98-34279 Filed 12-24-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P