[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 23, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8826-8832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-4330]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families
[Program Announcement No. ACF/ACYF/HS 99-01]


Fiscal Year 1999 Discretionary Grant Announcement for Head Start 
Partnerships With Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and 
Universities; Availability of Funds and Request for Applications

AGENCY: Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), DHHS.

ACTION: Announcement of the availability of funds and request for 
applications for one priority area related to Head Start.

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SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), 
Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) announces the 
availability of funds to support training activities, Head Start and 
Early Head Start Partnerships with Tribally Controlled Land Grant 
Colleges/Universities.

DATES: The closing time and date for receipt of application is 4:30 
p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) April 26, 1999. Applications received after 
4:30 p.m. will be classified as late.

ADDRESSES: Mail applications to: ACYF Operations Center, 1815 North 
Fort Myer Drive, 3rd Floor, Arlington, Virginia 22209.
    Hand delivered, courier or overnight delivery applications are 
accepted during the normal working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, on or prior to the established closing date. All 
packages should be clearly labeled as follows: Application for Head 
Start Partnerships with Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/
Universities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Head Start Discretionary Grant 
Support Team (1-800-351-2293) is available to answer questions 
concerning application requirements and to refer you to the appropriate 
contact person in ACYF for programmatic questions. You may e-mail your 
questions to: [email protected]
    In order to help us determine the number of applications we will 
need to review, if you are going to submit an application, you must 
send a post card or call 800-351-2293 with the following information: 
the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the 
principal investigator and the name of the college/university at least 
four weeks prior to the submission deadline date to: ACYF Operations 
Center, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, 3rd Floor, Arlington, Virginia 
22209.

Part I. Purpose and Background

A. Purpose

    This announcement of financial assistance, to be competitively 
awarded to Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities, is to 
utilize the capabilities of these institutions of higher education to 
improve the quality and longterm effectiveness of Head Start and Early 
Head Start. This will be achieved by developing models of academic 
training and forming partnerships between the Tribally Controlled Land 
Grant Colleges/Universities and Head Start grantee and delegate 
agencies funded through the American Indian Programs Branch of Head 
Start.
    Throughout this announcement, the term Head Start program or Head 
Start agency refers to both Head Start and Early Head Start grantees or 
delegate agencies, funded by the American Indian Programs Branch of the 
Head Start Bureau, unless otherwise specifically noted.

B. Background

    The overall goal of Head Start is to bring about a greater degree 
of social competence in the children of low-income families. In order 
to accomplish this goal, Head Start provides comprehensive services to 
low-income children and their families. Head Start enhances children's 
physical, intellectual, social and emotional development. It supports 
parents in their efforts to fulfill their parental roles and provides 
for their involvement in implementing the Head Start program. Another 
goal of Head Start is to strengthen community supports for families 
with young children while they are working toward employment and self-
sufficiency.
    In an attempt to ensure quality services to low-income children and 
their families Head Start has conducted many demonstration projects, 
provided grantees with training and technical assistance and given 
grantees funds to implement their own training efforts. For example, 
Head Start supported the creation of the Child Development Associate 
(CDA) credential designed for early childhood development teaching 
staff, implemented the Head Start

[[Page 8827]]

Teaching Centers and other innovative projects.
    The Head Start/Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities 
Partnerships are in keeping with the Head Start tradition of creating 
innovative programs of working with low-income children and their 
families. This announcement is an initial effort to fund and recognize 
partnerships between Head Start programs funded through the American 
Indian Programs Branch and Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/
Universities.
    Under this announcement, except for applications addressing area 1 
below, Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities must form a 
partnership with one or more Head Start grantee, or Head Start grantee 
and delegate agencies, to provide education/training to the Head Start 
agencies.
    The partnership agreements must be beneficial to each partner, that 
is, the Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities must 
benefit and the participating Head Start grantees also must benefit. 
Partnership agreements must provide academic training and credit hours 
for a specified number of Head Start staff members. Partnership 
agreements can take many forms; however, they must clearly set out the 
reason the Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University and the 
Head Start program(s) are entering into the partnership and what each 
party expects to gain from the partnership. For example, a Head Start 
grantee may form a partnership with a Tribally Controlled Land Grant 
College/University that agrees to provide education for all Head Start 
staff members; including food service workers, classroom staff, home 
visitors and management staff. Another Tribally Controlled Land Grant 
College/University may agree to educate mental health staff at several 
grantee locations, and provide modeling of sound child development 
practices with follow-up education and mentoring for center-based staff 
that may want to improve the overall learning environment of their 
classrooms. Other Head Start agencies may form partnerships with 
institutions of higher learning that would provide education for all 
classroom staff and home visitors that would lead to academic degrees. 
Other grantees may need help in addressing the need for courses in how 
to involve males in the lives of their children and how to work with 
other community organizations that have similar concerns. In addition, 
if the Head Start grantee has formed partnerships with local child care 
agencies, education/training by the institution of higher education can 
be offered to those child care staff members of those agencies and 
collaborating family child care providers. Examples of benefits for the 
Tribal Colleges/Universities could include expansion of capacity in 
various instructional areas, and an increased institutional competence 
in the area of technology.
    All project applications shall address one of the following four 
areas:
    1. Identification of ``exemplary'' and or ``best'' practices which 
are occurring in Indian Head Start programs. Currently there is no 
professionally developed ``exemplary'' or ``best'' practices literature 
on Indian Head Start programs. Such information would be developed and 
available for electronic delivery by the American Indian Programs 
Branch. Head Start programs funded by the American Indian Programs 
Branch would be strengthened by providing clear, descriptive models 
that Head Start programs can replicate in their home settings.
    2. Model education (not training) programs done in partnership 
between Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities and Head 
Start programs that will result in an increase in the number of 
associate and bachelor degrees earned by Head Start staff members, 
parents and members of the community to create a bank of competent 
educators, social workers and other knowledge areas vital in building 
quality Head Start programs.
    3. Model programs that demonstrate how to design and implement 
tribal culture/language programs through a partnership between a 
Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University and Head Start 
program(s). Culture and language programs help ground children so that 
they can achieve a greater degree of social competence in their lives. 
Still, too little has been accomplished in developing ``best 
practices'' tribal culture/language-based curriculum and comprehensive 
program activities at Indian Head Start programs. All of the Tribally 
Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities have strong culture and 
language departments and should be prepared to model age-appropriate 
curriculum and program activities that can be replicated in Indian Head 
Start programs.
    4. Model technology programs between Tribally Controlled Land Grant 
Colleges/Universities and Indian Head Start programs designed to: (a) 
help Indian Head Start programs in planning to upgrade their technology 
infrastructure; (b) support the use of age-appropriate, technologically 
delivered materials for use by Head Start eligible families and 
children and; (c) implement technology training and/or education 
programs for staff and parents. As the Administration for Children and 
Families and the Head Start Bureau continue to increase their capacity 
to communicate using new advance technologies, programs must also 
develop their capacity to keep up with the work being completed 
nationally. American Indian Head Start programs need to develop a 
technology infrastructure and capacity in order to achieve and maintain 
consistent excellence in this rapidly evolving information era.
    Minimum Requirements for Project Design: In order to compete 
successfully under this priority area, the applicant should:
     Address no more than one of the areas outlined above.
     For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, document the need for such 
a training program in the community to be served, and indicate the 
number of staff needing the training.
     For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, have evidence that a 
partnership will be formed between the Head Start grantee(s) and any 
relevant child care agencies and the Tribally Controlled Land Grant 
College/University and how students will be recruited and retained.
     For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, the institution must be 
able to demonstrate that it is a Tribally Controlled Land Grant 
College/University.
     For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, the institution must be 
able to demonstrate and that all course work will offer academic 
credit.
     For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, describe the benefits to be 
gained by both the Head Start grantee(s) and the Tribally Controlled 
Land Grant College/University, including the number of Head Start staff 
that will be trained.
     For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, describe how the 
proposed project will be beneficial to the American Indian Programs 
Branch funded Head Start programs nationally.
     For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, describe the total 
approach to be taken in implementing this project, including responses 
to the following questions: Will the project provide education for all 
staff at either the associate or bachelors degree level? Will parents 
be allowed to participate in the education program developed? Will the 
project focus on a single Head Start area, such as mental health or 
childhood development? How will college/university staff be involved in 
assuring the success of the project. How will the ``best practices'' 
inquiry be conducted?
     For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, provide maps indicating 
the location of

[[Page 8828]]

the Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University and the Head 
Start agencies.
     For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, document that the 
Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University currently offers 
credit courses, and proposes to offer credit courses, in the areas 
valuable to Head Start such as Community Health Services, Mental 
Health, Education and Early Childhood Development, including infant/
toddler development, social work and social services, community 
partnerships, parental education, Head Start program administration and 
management and human resources development.
     For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, describe how the course 
work would be contextually and culturally relevant to the Head Start 
environment and would be available to all interested Head Start staff. 
Indicate how staff would be selected to participate in the program, 
including child care staff.
     For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, indicate how joint planning 
and assessment with the Head Start grantee(s) will be implemented with 
timelines and clear lines of responsibility.
     For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, provide assurances that 
no more than three months will be devoted to planning activities. A 
copy of the agreement(s) between the Head Start program(s) and the 
Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University, with specific plans 
on implementing the agreement(s) must be submitted to the ACYF at the 
end of that three month period.
     For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, assure that training/
coursework is offered at no cost to the grantee staff.
     For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, describe the relevant 
curricula which would be used; how the courses would be scheduled and 
where located; how students will earn credits, including credits toward 
degrees; what support activities would be provided to the students, 
such as textbooks, child care and transportation; the number of 
students that would be involved in the project, the recruitment 
strategies that would be employed and plans for the dissemination of 
information about the project.
     For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, describe the activities 
that would continue after the completion of this project that would 
maintain the institution of higher learning involvement with Head 
Start.
     For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, describe the approach 
that would be used for the ongoing assessment and monitoring of the 
effectiveness of the project. No more than 10% of the total project 
budget shall be set aside for the ongoing assessment and monitoring 
effort.

Part II. Program Information

A. Statutory Authority

    The Head Start Act, as amended, 42 U.S. C. 9801 et seq.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities are those 
institutions cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land 
Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), any other institution 
that qualifies for funding under the Tribally Controlled Community 
College Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and Navajo 
Community College, Authorized in the Navajo Community College 
Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, title II (25 U.S.C. 640a 
note). Eligible applicants should offer courses of study in a 
significant area of interest to Head Start. These areas include: human 
services delivery, infant/toddler development, early childhood 
education and care, health care services, community partnerships, human 
resource development, Head Start program administration and management, 
and/or tribal culture and history.

C. Project Duration

    The length of the project period must not exceed 36 months. This 
announcement is soliciting applications for project periods up to three 
years. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget 
period, although project periods may be for three years. Applications 
for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year 
budget period but within the three year project period will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to 
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.

D. Federal Share of Project Costs

    The Federal share for each project awarded in areas 1 and 2 ranges 
from $70,000 to an amount not to exceed $150,000 per year. The maximum 
Federal share for each project awarded in areas 3 and 4 is not to 
exceed $70,000 per year. It is anticipated that $700,000 will be 
awarded this fiscal year through the competitive process described in 
this announcement.

E. Number of Projects To Be Funded

    It is anticipated that up to 10 projects will be funded, with 
several projects funded in area 2.

F. Matching Requirement

    Although there are no matching requirements, applicants are 
encouraged to provide non-Federal contributions to the project.

G. Project Description

    The following Uniform Project Description (UPD) has been approved 
by OMB under control number 0970-0139
1. Purpose
    The project description provides a major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and 
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are 
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can 
present information clearly and succinctly. Applicants are encouraged 
to provide information on their organizational structure, staff, 
related experience, and other information considered to be relevant. 
Awarding offices use this and other information to determine whether 
the applicant has the capability and resources necessary to carry out 
the proposed project. It is important, therefore, that this information 
be included in the application. However, in the narrative the applicant 
must distinguish between resources directly related to the proposed 
project from those that will not be used in support of the specific 
project for which funds are requested.
2. General Instructions
    Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. ACF is 
particularly interested in specific factual information and statements 
of measurable goals in quantitative terms. Project descriptions are 
evaluated on the basis of substance, not length. Extensive exhibits are 
not required. (Supporting information concerning activities that will 
not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not 
directly pertain to an integral part of the grant funded activity 
should be placed in an appendix.) Pages should be numbered and a table 
of contents should be included for easy reference.
3. Project Description
    Applicants are required to submit a full project description and 
shall prepare the project description

[[Page 8829]]

statement in accordance with the following instructions.
    a. Project Summary/Abstract. Provide a summary of the project 
description (a page or less) with reference to the funding request.
    b. Results or Benefits Expected. Identify the results and benefits 
to be derived. For example, using a comprehensive review of the current 
literature, justify how the research questions and the findings will 
add new knowledge to the field or how it will improve services for 
children and families.
    c. Approach. Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and 
detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all 
functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors 
which might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for 
taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual 
features of the project such as design or technological innovations, 
reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community 
involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the proportion of data collection expected to be completed. 
When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list 
them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and 
their target dates.
    Identify the kinds of data to be collected, maintained, and/or 
disseminated. Note that clearance from the U.S. Office of Management 
and Budget might be needed prior to a ``collection of information'' 
that is ``conducted or sponsored'' by ACF. List organizations, 
cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will 
work on the project along with a short description of the nature of 
their effort or contribution.
4. Additional Information
    Following is a description of additional information that should be 
placed in the appendix to the application:
    a. Staff and Position Data. Provide a biographical sketch for each 
key person appointed and a job description for each vacant key 
position. A biographical sketch will also be required for new key staff 
as appointed.
    b. Organization Profiles. Provide information on the applicant 
organization(s) and cooperating partners such as organizational charts, 
financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed 
Public Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond 
carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses 
and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on 
compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation 
of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any 
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of 
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission. The 
non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the 
applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent 
list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the 
IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of 
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled.
    c. Dissemination Plan. Provide a plan for distributing reports and 
other project outputs to colleagues and the public. Applicants must 
provide a description of the kind, volume and timing of distribution.
    d. Budget and Budget Justification. Provide line item detail and 
detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the 
Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation 
methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail 
sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. The detailed budget 
must also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 
15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
5. General
    The following guidelines are for preparing the budget and budget 
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed 
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. For purposes 
of preparing the budget and budget justification, ``Federal resources'' 
refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. Non-Federal 
resources are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. It is 
suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a 
columnar format: first column, object class categories; second column, 
Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column, 
total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.
    a. Personnel. Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel 
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to 
be financed by the applicant.
    b. Fringe Benefits. Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits 
unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
    c. Travel. Description: Costs of project-related travel by 
employees of the applicant organization (does not include costs of 
consultant travel).
    Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
    d. Equipment. Description: Costs of tangible, non-expendable, 
personal property, having a useful life of more than one year and an 
acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. However, an applicant may 
use its own definition of equipment provided that such equipment would 
at least include all equipment defined above.
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the 
equipment definition.
    e. Supplies. Description: Costs of all tangible personal property 
other than that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information that supports 
the amount requested.

[[Page 8830]]

    f. Contractual. Description: Costs of all contracts for services 
and goods except for those which belong under other categories such as 
equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation 
contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient 
organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or 
businesses to be financed by the applicant, should be included under 
this category.
    Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a 
manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free 
competition. If procurement competitions were held or if procurement 
without competition is being proposed, attach a list of proposed 
contractors, indicating the names of the organizations, the purposes of 
the contracts, the estimated dollar amounts, and the award selection 
process. Justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to 
be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified acquisition 
threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) currently set at $100,000. 
Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award review 
and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or invitations 
for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

    Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the 
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed 
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency 
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in 
these instructions.

    g. Other. Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where 
applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to 
insurance, food, medical and dental costs (noncontractual), 
professional services costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and 
publication, computer use, training costs, such as tuition and 
stipends, staff development costs, and administrative costs.
    Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a 
justification for each cost under this category.
    h. Indirect Charges. Description: Total amount of indirect costs. 
This category should be used only when the applicant currently has an 
indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.
    Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the 
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the 
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or 
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an 
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal 
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the 
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for 
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant 
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals 
may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an 
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect 
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. 
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is 
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the 
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the 
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
    i. Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total Project 
Costs. Self explanatory.

Part III. Evaluation Criteria and Review Process

A. Evaluation Criteria

    In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities 
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial 
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following 
criteria:
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance: (25 Points)
    The extent to which the application identifies relevant physical, 
economic, social, financial, institutional or other problems requiring 
a grant; demonstrates the need for assistance; states the principal and 
subordinate objectives of the project; provides supporting 
documentation or other testimonies from concerned interests other than 
the applicant.
Criterion 2. Results or Benefits Expected: (10 Points)
    The extent to which the application identifies the results and 
benefits to be derived; describes the anticipated contribution to 
policy, practice, theory and/or research; specific benefits should be 
described for both the American Indian Tribal Colleges/ University and 
Head Start.
Criterion 3. Approach: (35 Points)
    The extent to which the application outlines an acceptable plan of 
action pertaining to the scope of the project which details how the 
proposed work will be accomplished, including a timeline; lists of each 
organization, consultants, including key individuals who will work on 
the project along with a short description of the nature of their 
effort or contribution; assures the adequacy of time devoted to the 
project by key staff, the key staff should be knowledgeable of Head 
Start, the applicant must fully describe the approach and/or 
methodology and delineate the relationship of each task to the 
accomplishment of the proposed objectives. There should be evidence 
that the planned approach reflects sufficient input from and 
partnership with American Indian Programs Branch funded Head Start 
programs.
Criterion 4. Geographic Location: (5 Points)
    The extent to which the application gives a precise location of the 
project and area to be served, including the location of the Head Start 
and Early Head Start grantees, by the project.
Criterion 5. Budget Appropriateness: (25 Points)
    The extent to which the project's costs are reasonable in view of 
the activities to be carried out and the anticipated outcomes.

B. The Review Process

    Applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored 
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the 
Federal government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in Part III 
of this announcement to review and score the applications. The results 
of this review are a primary factor in making funding decisions. ACYF 
may also solicit comments from ACF Regional Office staff and other 
Federal agencies.

Part IV. Instructions for Submitting Applications

A. Required Forms

    Eligible applicants interested in applying for funds must submit a 
complete application including the required forms included at the end 
of this program announcement in Appendix A. In order to be considered 
for a grant under this announcement, an application must be submitted 
on the Standard Form 424 (approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under Control Number 0348-0043). A copy has been provided. Each 
application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the 
applicant and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by 
the terms and conditions of the grant award. Applicants requesting 
financial assistance for non-construction projects must file the 
Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-Construction Programs (approved by 
the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-

[[Page 8831]]

0040). Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with 
their application. Applicants must provide a certification concerning 
lobbying. Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants 
shall furnish an executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved 
by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). 
Applicants must sign and return the certification with their 
application. Applicants must provide a Uniform Project Description 
(approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0970-0139).
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. By signing and 
submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification 
and need not mail back the certification with the application.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification that they are 
not presently debarred, suspended or otherwise ineligible for award. By 
signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification with the 
application.
    Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable 
for the smoking prohibition included within P.L. 103-227, Part C 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as The Pro-Children's Act of 
1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the 
smoking prohibition is included with the forms. By signing and 
submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification 
and need not mail back the certification with the application.
    All applicants for research projects must provide a Protection of 
Human Subjects Assurance as specified in the policy described on the 
HHS Form 596 (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 
control number 0925-0418) in Appendix A. If there is a question 
regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the Office for 
Protection from Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at 
(301)-496-7041. Those applying for or currently conducting research 
projects are further advised of the availability of a Certificate of 
Confidentiality through the National Institute of Mental Health of the 
Department of Health and Human Services. To obtain more information and 
to apply for a Certificate of Confidentiality, contact the Division of 
Extramural Activities of the National Institute of Mental Health at 
(301) 443-4673.

B. Application Limits

    The narrative of the application should be double-spaced and 
single-sided on 8\1/2\'' x 11'' plain white paper, with 1'' margins on 
all sides. Use only a standard size font no smaller than 12 pitch 
throughout the proposal. All pages of the narrative of the application 
(including appendices, resumes, charts, references/footnotes, tables, 
maps and exhibits) must be sequentially numbered, beginning on the 
first page after the budget justification, the principal investigator 
contact information and the Table of Contents. The length of the 
application, including the narrative, appendices and resumes must not 
exceed 75 pages. Anything over 75 pages will be removed and not 
considered by the reviewers. The project summary should not be counted 
in the 75 pages. Applicants should not submit reproductions of larger 
sized paper that is reduced to meet the size requirement. Applicants 
are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures, or other printed 
material along with their applications as these pose copying 
difficulties. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in 
the review process. In addition, applicants must not submit any 
additional letters of endorsement beyond any that may be required.
    Applicants are encouraged to submit curriculum vitae using 
``Biographical Sketch'' forms used by some government agencies.
    Please note that applicants that do not comply with the 
requirements in the section on ``Eligible Applicants'' will not be 
included in the review process.

C. Checklist for a Complete Application

    The checklist below is for your use to ensure that the application 
package has been properly prepared.

--One original, signed and dated application plus two copies.
--Attachments/Appendices, when included, should be used only to provide 
supporting documentation such as resumes, and letters of agreement/
support.

    Front Matter:

 Cover Letter
 Table of Contents
 Project Abstract

    (1) Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV. 4-92);
    (2) Budget information--Non-Construction Programs (SF424A&B REV.4-
92);
    (3) Budget Justification, including subcontract agency budgets;
    (4) Letter from the Head Start program certifying that the program 
is a partner of the Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University;
    (5) Application Narrative, Appendices and resumes (not to exceed 75 
pages);
    (6) Proof that the organization is a Tribally Controlled Land Grant 
College/University.
    (7) Assurances Non-Construction Programs;
    (8) Certification Regarding Lobbying;
    (9) Where appropriate, a completed SPOC certification with the date 
of SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424, REV.4-92;
    (10) Certification of Protection of Human Subjects.

D. Due Date for the Receipt of Applications

    Deadlines: The closing date for the submission of applications is 
4:30 p.m. (EDT) April 26, 1999. Applications postmarked after the 
closing date will be classified as late and not considered for funding. 
Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline if they 
are either received on or before the deadline date or sent on or before 
the deadline date and received by ACYF in time for the independent 
review. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations Center, 1815 
North Fort Myer Drive 3rd Floor, Arlington, Virginia 22209. Application 
for Head Start Discretionary Grants: Head Start Partnerships with 
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities.
    Applicants are cautioned to request a legibly dated U.S. Postal 
Service postmark or to obtain a legibly dated receipt from a commercial 
carrier or U.S. Postal Service. Private metered postmarks shall not be 
acceptable as proof of timely mailing.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, courier services, or by 
overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting the 
announced deadline only if they are received on or before the deadline 
date, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at the ACYF 
Operations Center, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA 
22209 between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). 
(Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.)
    ACYF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or 
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to 
ACYF 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.

[[Page 8832]]

    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend an application deadline for 
applicants affected by acts of God such as floods, hurricanes, or when 
there is widespread disruption of the mails, or when it is anticipated 
that many applications will come from rural or remote areas. A 
determination to waive or extend deadline requirements rests with the 
Chief Grants Management Officer.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    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. All information collections within this program 
announcement are approved under the following current valid OMB control 
numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, 0925-0418 and 0970-
0139.
    Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average 
10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection 
of information.
    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.

F. Required Notification of the State Single Point of Contact

    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, and 45 CFR part 100, 
Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Program and Activities. Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs.
     All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, 
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, 
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, 
Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, 
American Samoa and Palau have elected to participate in the Executive 
Order process and have established Single Points of Contact (SPOCs). 
Applicants from these twenty-four jurisdictions need take no action 
regarding E.O. 12372. Applicants for projects to be administered by 
Federally-recognized Indian Tribes are also exempt from the 
requirements of E.O. 12372. Otherwise, applicants should contact their 
SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the prospective applications 
and receive any necessary 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. It is imperative that the applicant 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: William Wilson, ACYF/Office of Grants Management, 330 C 
Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20447, Attn: Head Start Partnerships with 
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities. A list of the 
Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory can be found on 
the web site: http://www.hhs.gov/progorg/grantsnet/laws-reg/
spoq0695.htm

Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance 93.600

    Dated: February 17, 1999.
Patricia Montoya,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 99-4330 Filed 2-22-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P