[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 140 (Thursday, July 22, 1999)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 39860-39876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-18511]



[[Page 39859]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part VII





Department of Health and Human Services





_______________________________________________________________________



Administration for Children and Families



_______________________________________________________________________



Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Availability, etc.; Developmental 
Disabilities; Projects of National Significance Program; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 140 / Thursday, July 22, 1999 / 
Notice 4184-01P  

[[Page 39860]]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families
[Program Announcement No. 93631-98-03]


Developmental Disabilities: Final Notice of Availability of 
Financial Assistance and Request for Applications to Support 
Demonstration Projects Under the Projects of National Significance 
Program

AGENCY: Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), ACF, DHHS.

ACTION: Invitation to apply for financial assistance.

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

SUMMARY: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 
Administration for Children and Families, announces that applications 
are being accepted for funding of Fiscal Year 1999 Projects of National 
Significance.
    This program announcement consists of five parts. Part I, the 
Introduction, discusses the goals and objectives of ACF and ADD. Part 
II provides the necessary background information on ADD for applicants. 
Part III describes the review process. Part IV describes the priority 
under which ADD requests applications for Fiscal Year 1999 funding of 
projects. Part V describes in detail how to prepare and submit an 
application.
    Grants will be awarded under this program announcement subject to 
the availability of funds for support of these activities.

DATES: The closing date for submittal of applications under this 
announcement is August 23, 1999. Mailed or handcarried applications 
received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be classified as 
late.

DEADLINE: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/
Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 L'Enfant Promenade 
SW, Mail Stop 326F-HHH, Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    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.
    Applications handcarried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, ACF/Administration on Developmental Disabilities, ACF Mail 
Center, 2nd Floor (near loading dock), Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, 
SW, Washington, DC 20024, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal 
holidays). This address must appear on the envelope/package containing 
the application with the note ``Attention: Lois Hodge''. Applicants 
using express/overnight services should allow two working days prior to 
the deadline date for receipt of applications. (Applicants are 
cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as 
agreed.) Any applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date 
will not be considered for competition.
    ADD cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or 
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to 
ADD electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time of 
submission and time of receipt.

LATE APPLICATIONS: Applications that do not meet the criteria above are 
considered late applications. ADD shall notify each late applicant that 
its application will not be considered in the current competition.

EXTENSION OF DEADLINES: ADD may extend the deadline for all applicants 
because of acts of God such as floods and hurricanes, or when there is 
widespread disruption of the mails. However, if ADD does not extend the 
deadline for all applicants, it may not waive or extend the deadline 
for any applicants.

ADDRESSES: Application materials are available from Pat Laird, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Rm. 300F, Washington, DC 20447, 202/690-7447; 
http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/ programs/add; or [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF), Pat Laird, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Rm. 300F, 
Washington, D.C., 20447, 202/690-7447; or [email protected].

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUBMIT APPLICATION: If you intend to submit an 
application, please send a post card with the number and title of this 
announcement and which priority area, your organization's name and 
address, and your contact person's name, phone and fax numbers, and e-
mail address to: Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade SW, Rm. 300F, Washington, DC, 20447, Attn: Projects 
of National Significance.
    This information will be used to determine the number of expert 
reviewers needed and to update the mailing list to whom program 
announcements are sent.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Part I. General Information

A. Goals of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is located 
within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department 
of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Although different from the other 
ACF program administrations in the specific populations it serves, ADD 
shares a common set of goals that promote the economic and social well-
being of families, children, individuals and communities. Through 
national leadership, ACF and ADD envision:
     Families and individuals empowered to increase their own 
economic independence and productivity;
     Strong, healthy, supportive communities having a positive 
impact on the quality of life and the development of children;
     Partnerships with individuals, front-line service 
providers, communities, States and Congress that enable solutions which 
transcend traditional agency boundaries;
     Services planned and integrated to improve client access;
     A strong commitment to working with Native Americans, 
persons with developmental disabilities, refugees and migrants to 
address their needs, strengths and abilities; and
     A community-based approach that recognizes and expands on 
the resources and benefits of diversity.
    Emphasis on these goals and progress toward them will help more 
individuals, including people with developmental disabilities, to live 
productive and independent lives integrated into their communities. The 
Projects of National Significance Program is one means through which

[[Page 39861]]

ADD promotes the achievement of these goals.

B. Purpose of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the lead 
agency within ACF and DHHS responsible for planning and administering 
programs that promote the self-sufficiency and protect the rights of 
persons with developmental disabilities.
    The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act 
(42 U.S.C. 6000, et seq.) (the Act) supports and provides assistance to 
States and public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations to 
assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families participate in the design of and have access to culturally 
competent services, supports, and other assistance and opportunities 
that promote independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into 
the community.
    In the Act, Congress expressly found that:
     Disability is a natural part of the human experience that 
does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental 
disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, productivity, 
integration and inclusion into the community;
     Individuals whose disabilities occur during their 
developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are 
likely to continue indefinitely;
     Individuals with developmental disabilities often require 
lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in a coordinated 
and culturally competent manner by many agencies, professionals, 
advocates, community representatives, and others to eliminate barriers 
and to meet the needs of such individuals and their families; The Act 
further established as the policy of the United States:
     Individuals with developmental disabilities, including 
those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of 
achieving independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into 
the community, and often require the provision of services, supports 
and other assistance to achieve such;
     Individuals with developmental disabilities have 
competencies, capabilities and personal goals that should be 
recognized, supported, and encouraged, and any assistance to such 
individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consistent 
with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, 
and capabilities of the individual;
     Individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families are the primary decision makers regarding the services and 
supports such individuals and their families receive; and play decision 
making roles in policies and programs that affect the lives of such 
individuals and their families; and
     It is in the nation's interest for people with 
developmental disabilities to be employed, and to live conventional and 
independent lives as a part of families and communities.
    Toward these ends, ADD seeks: to enhance the capabilities of 
families in assisting people with developmental disabilities to achieve 
their maximum potential; to support the increasing ability of people 
with developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice and self-
determination; to engage in leadership activities in their communities; 
as well as to ensure the protection of their legal and human rights.
    The four programs funded under the Act are:
     Federal assistance to State developmental disabilities 
councils;
     State system for the protection and advocacy of 
individuals rights;
     Grants to University Affiliated Programs for 
interdisciplinary training, exemplary services, technical assistance, 
and information dissemination; and
     Grants for Projects of National Significance.

C. Statutory Authorities Covered Under This Announcement

    The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 
1996, 42 U.S.C. 6000, et.seq. The Projects of National Significance is 
Part E of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights 
Act of 1996, 42 U.S.C. 6081, et.seq. 

Part II. Background Information For Applicants

A. Description of Projects of National Significance

    Under Part E of the Act, grants and contracts are awarded for 
projects of national significance that support the development of 
national and State policy to enhance the independence, productivity, 
and integration and inclusion of individuals with developmental 
disabilities through:
     Data collection and analysis;
     Technical assistance to enhance the quality of State 
developmental disabilities councils, protection and advocacy systems, 
and university affiliated programs; and
     Other projects of sufficient size and scope that hold 
promise to expand or improve opportunities for people with 
developmental disabilities, including:

--Technical assistance for the development of information and referral 
systems;
--Educating policy makers;
--Federal interagency initiatives;
--The enhancement of participation of minority and ethnic groups in 
public and private sector initiatives in developmental disabilities;
--Transition of youth with developmental disabilities from school to 
adult life; and
--Special pilots and evaluation studies to explore the expansion of 
programs under part B (State developmental disabilities councils) to 
individuals with severe disabilities other than developmental 
disabilities.

B. Comments on FY 1999 Proposed Priority Areas

    ADD received 46 letters in response to the public comment notice. 
Commentary was from the following sources:
     Advocacy agencies, including national organizations and 
associations, national advocacy groups and State/local advocacy groups;
     Service organizations, including agencies that provide 
services for individuals with developmental disabilities as well as 
providing advocacy services on behalf of a particular disability, 
including developmental disabilities councils;
     Educational systems, including schools, colleges, and 
universities, programs located within a university setting and 
University Affiliated Programs;
     Private agencies, including national, State, and local 
nonprofit organizations;
     Government agencies, including Federal, State, county, and 
local government agencies; and
     Private individuals.
    Comments ranged from general support to informative, clarifying 
responses for this year's proposed funding priorities and 
recommendations for other priority areas. The vast majority supported 
and expanded upon what we proposed in the announcement. Other comments 
relate specifically to the program goals and priorities of the 
particular agencies that responded to the announcement.
    The comments helped highlight the concerns of the developmental 
disabilities field and have been used in refining the final priority 
areas.
    Comment: Six letters were submitted to ADD recommending additional 
or other funding priorities for FY 1999. Suggestions included projects

[[Page 39862]]

addressing: business opportunities; fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS); 
welfare reform; postsecondary education; dissemination of information 
on past PNS projects; and siblings.
    Response: Increasing access to employment and postsecondary 
education are closely interwined if individuals with developmental 
disabilities are to be successfully included in their communities. ADD 
continues to have an interest in these areas and is supportive in 
various ways. Through a recent Small Business and Innovation Research 
project (SBIR), a feasibility study was conducted to determine the 
barriers and enhancers to self-operated home businesses for individuals 
with developmental disabilities or families with a member having a 
developmental disability and were receiving welfare assistance. The 
Commissioner, staff, and some ADD programs are actively involved in the 
President's Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities, which 
includes postsecondary education and transitional issues. Additionally, 
several of ADD's University-Affiliated Programs (UAPs) have undertaken 
projects concerning employment and specifically postsecondary 
education. For instance, the System Change Network, at the Iowa UAP, is 
a public policy effort for the passage of laws expanding eligibility 
for a state program supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities. Another 
is the Georgia UAP working with the Georgia Association of Disabilities 
Service Providers in Higher Education which is conducting research on 
ADA awareness and information on selecting a postsecondary institution; 
while the Mississippi UAP has initiated Project Advance: Postsecondary 
Educational Opportunities for People with Disabilities having a focus 
on African Americans and Native Americans.
    Regarding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, ADD funded a joint project with 
the Administration on Native Americans in the early 1990s. Many of our 
UAPs are involved in this area; their activities range from research, 
outreach, clinics, training, conference and teleconferencing support to 
assessments. Under new systems change grants for family support 
services funded by ADD families having children with FAS have a vital 
role to play in the development or enhancement of their state's system.
    The National Technical Assistance Center on Welfare Reform and 
Disability at the University of Kansas is a currently funded project 
under PNS. It is serving states, communities and stakeholders to 
implement effective welfare reform; it tracks trends and practices; 
reports through research summaries, and details best practices, 
promising approaches and lessons learned. Its website is www.welfare-
policy.org. Another ADD project at Wayne State University is studying 
the effects of welfare reform and children's health insurance on 
families whose children have disabilities. Also, there are numerous 
projects being funded through the Office of the Assistant Secretary on 
Planning and Evaluation/HHS that have as their focus the effect of 
welfare reform on people and families with disabilities.
    ADD understands the importance of knowledge sharing and promotes 
this effort in different ways. In all of our grant announcements it is 
stated that ADD will expect to fund only those applications that 
incorporate certain elements; one of those being the development of 
capacity to communicate and disseminate information and technical 
assistance through electronic and other effective, affordable, and 
accessible formats. Within our website is a listing of current PNS 
projects with contact information; other ADD programs can be contacted 
by using the lists contained there. ADD's National Information Center 
on Developmental Disabilities will list products and materials 
available from our programs and grantees.
    ADD recognizes the important role siblings can have in a family 
when another sibling has a disability, especially a cognitive 
disability. Often times we lose sight of the stresses, emotions, and 
needs of these siblings when parents are distracted by the various 
systems meant to serve their child. We are aware that many siblings 
take on the role of the parents when parents are no longer able to do 
so, or when they have passed away. For these reasons, ADD thinks this 
issue should be encompassed within state family support service 
systems. The development and growth of family support services is a 
significant effort in this country and within ADD. The issues expressed 
in the letters to ADD will sharpen our focus as we begin our effort to 
implement new family support systems change projects. The energy and 
feelings conveyed in these letters are valuable contributions that 
should be made as these projects and other actions are undertaken by 
the States to further family support services.
    Comment: 10 comments were received on Proposed Priority Area 1, 
Ongoing Data Collection and Information Dissemination. One letter of 
comment included 91 letters of endorsement of the Project on Data on 
Public Expenditures and Related Statistics. There were comments 
addressing the scope, content quality, and dissemination of data 
collection efforts. Other comments suggested specific studies on 
employment, the prevention of institutionalization, and the impact of 
various components of the service delivery system on people with 
developmental disabilities. Some comments suggested that data be 
collected at other than the state level.
    There were two comments regarding inclusive education, one of which 
endorsed such a study. The other letter commented that such a study 
would further marginalize ``inclusive education'' as a part of special 
education.
    Response: ADD remains committed to collecting data on public 
expenditures, employment and economic status, and residential services 
as they impact on the independence, productivity, integration, and 
inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Proposed data 
collection systems will be evaluated for their scope, content, quality 
and potential uses. Many issues concerned with employment, the 
effectiveness of the service system, and inclusion will be addressed in 
the data collection projects.
    Although ADD does acknowledge that collecting data on an individual 
basis and not from state records would be profitable, data collection 
through any mechanism other than state agency records would not be 
feasible in these projects.
    Comment/Response: ADD received 8 comments on Proposed Priority Area 
2, Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling to Attain First Class 
Citizenship. ADD is committed to strengthening the leadership and self-
determination of individuals with developmental disabilities and family 
members. We take seriously the continued growth of the self-advocacy 
movement and have reflected this by incorporating some of the comments 
in this priority area. We encourage partnerships between a self-
advocacy organization and another organization in submitting an 
application. The comments provided some useful ideas that assisted in 
clarifying some points and adding to others. Although we understand the 
concerns of one of the commenters regarding travel stipends, ADD would 
not be able to implement this initiative without the support of 
Developmental Disability Councils and University Affiliated Programs, 
(UAP) who did comment favorably in this matter. ADD doesn't think we 
need to formalize a national network of leaders; we believe this will 
occur as a natural outgrowth of this project, and that it is not 
properly

[[Page 39863]]

controlled by a federal agency. We expect that the knowledge and skills 
gained through participation in the academy will provide the 
interconnection between Federal and state systems thus strengthening 
leadership abilities at the state level. Contributions at both levels 
will be enhanced. The idea of sponsoring fellowships for academy 
graduates, as suggested by another commenter, has merit and would be a 
logical step; however, that step could be at least one year behind the 
academy. Possibly the project could offer guidance for those 
individuals who want to pursue this type of experience. ADD and the 
developmental disabilities community must continue to strive for the 
cultural diversity of our leadership. It is expected that the academy 
will reflect this. ADD began a PNS leadership initiative in this area 
in 1994 by funding four projects at the UAPs of Puerto Rico, Wisconsin 
and Georgia, and People First of Tennessee. This was a first step in 
developing new leadership from culturally diverse communities.
    Comment: ADD received 8 comments in response to the Proposed 
Priority Area 3, Reinventing Quality: Ensuring and Enhancing That 
Community Living Settings and Services Are Responsive to People With 
Developmental Disabilities. All expressed support for sponsoring more 
work on the development of consumer outcome quality assurance systems. 
The most detailed of the comments expressed concern, however, that the 
proposed priority took too narrow a focus by calling for individual 
demonstration projects using volunteers to assess the quality of 
programs and services. These letters stated that there are many 
programs around the country delivering consumer outcome-oriented 
services as well as various efforts to establish new programs and 
conduct consumer outcome quality assurance. Given the existence of 
these efforts, the comment letters noted that there is a need to learn 
more about the existing programs and to broadly disseminate the 
findings. Comment letters suggested that the emphasis of this area be 
broadened to a national level and designed more as an information 
dissemination or technical assistance effort rather than individual 
demonstration projects.
    Response: In response to these comments, ADD has changed this 
Proposed Priority Area to a best practices information dissemination 
project which will be conducted as a cooperative agreement with ADD. 
There are already various efforts within the U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services to promote quality community-based long-term care 
services such as developing a Primer to the Medicaid program which will 
clarify long-term care options in Medicaid that promote consumer 
responsive community-based long-term care and establishing a National 
Consortium on Home and Community-Based Long-Term Care. This ADD project 
will complement these efforts with a specific focus on services for 
people with developmental disabilities. More specific information is 
given in the revised Priority Area 3.

Part III. The Review Process

A. Eligible Applicants

    Before applications under this Announcement are reviewed, each will 
be screened to determine that the applicant is eligible for funding as 
specified under the selected priority area. Applications from 
organizations that do not meet the eligibility requirements for the 
priority area will not be considered or reviewed in the competition, 
and the applicant will be so informed.
    Only public or non-profit private entities, not individuals, are 
eligible to apply under any of the priority areas. All applications 
developed jointly by more than one agency or organization must identify 
only one organization as the lead organization and official applicant. 
The other participating agencies and organizations can be included as 
co-participants, subgrantees or subcontractors.
    Nonprofit organizations must submit proof of nonprofit status in 
their applications at the time of submission. One means of 
accomplishing this is by providing a copy of the applicant's listing in 
the Internal Revenue Service's 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.
    ADD cannot fund a nonprofit applicant without acceptable proof of 
its nonprofit status.

B. Review Process and Funding Decisions

    Timely applications under this Announcement from eligible 
applicants received by the deadline date will be reviewed and scored 
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside of 
the Federal government, will use the appropriate evaluation criteria 
listed later in this Part to review and score the applications. The 
results of this review are a primary factor in making funding 
decisions.
    ADD reserves the option of discussing applications with, or 
referring them to, other Federal or non-Federal funding sources when 
this is determined to be in the best interest of the Federal government 
or the applicant. It may also solicit comments from ADD Regional Office 
staff, other Federal agencies, interested foundations, national 
organizations, specialists, experts, States and the general public. 
These comments, along with those of the expert reviewers, will be 
considered by ADD in making funding decisions.
    In making decisions on awards, ADD will consider whether 
applications focus on or feature: services to culturally diverse or 
ethnic populations among others; a substantially innovative strategy 
with the potential to improve theory or practice in the field of human 
services; a model practice or set of procedures that holds the 
potential for replication by organizations administering or delivering 
of human services; substantial involvement of volunteers; substantial 
involvement (either financial or programmatic) of the private sector; a 
favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds available for 
the proposed project; the potential for high benefit for low Federal 
investment; a programmatic focus on those most in need; and/or 
substantial involvement in the proposed project by national or 
community foundations.
    This year, 5 points will be awarded in scoring for any project that 
includes partnership and collaboration with the 112 Empowerment Zones/
Enterprise Communities.
    To the greatest extent possible, efforts will be made to ensure 
that funding decisions reflect an equitable distribution of assistance 
among the States and geographical regions of the country, rural and 
urban areas, and ethnic populations. In making these decisions, ADD may 
also take into account the need to avoid unnecessary duplication of 
effort.

C. Evaluation Process

    Using the evaluation criteria below, a panel of at least three 
reviewers (primarily experts from outside the Federal government) will 
review the applications. To facilitate this review, applicants should 
ensure that they address each minimum requirement in the priority area 
description under the appropriate section of the Program Narrative 
Statement.
    Reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each 
application in terms of the evaluation

[[Page 39864]]

criteria listed below, provide comments, and assign numerical scores. 
The point value following each criterion heading indicates the maximum 
numerical weight that each section may be given in the review process.

D. Structure of Priority Area Descriptions

    The priority area description is composed of the following 
sections:
     Eligible Applicants: This section specifies the type of 
organization that is eligible to apply under the particular priority 
area. Specific restrictions are also noted, where applicable.
     Purpose: This section presents the basic focus and/or 
broad goal(s) of the priority area.
     Background Information: This section briefly discusses the 
legislative background as well as the current state-of-the-art and/or 
current state-of-practice that supports the need for the particular 
priority area activity. Relevant information on projects previously 
funded by ACF and/or other State models are noted, where applicable.
     Evaluation Criteria: This section presents the basic set 
of issues that must be addressed in the application. Typically, they 
relate to need for assistance, results expected, project design, and 
organizational and staff capabilities. Inclusion and discussion of 
these items is important since the information provided will be used by 
the reviewers in evaluating the application against the evaluation 
criteria. Applicants should review the section on the Uniform Project 
Description and the evaluation section under each priority area.
     Minimum Requirements for Project Design: This section 
presents the basic set of issues that must be addressed in the 
application. Typically, they relate to project design, evaluation, and 
community involvement. This section also asks for specific information 
on the proposed project. Inclusion and discussion of these items is 
important since they will be used by the reviewers to evaluate the 
applications against the evaluation criteria. Project products, 
continuation of the project after Federal support ceases, and 
dissemination/utilization activities, if appropriate, are also 
addressed.
     Project Duration: This section specifies the maximum 
allowable length of the project period; it refers to the amount of time 
for which Federal funding is available.
     Federal Share of Project Costs: This section specifies the 
maximum amount of Federal support for the project.
     Matching Requirement: This section specifies the minimum 
non-Federal contribution, either cash or in-kind match, required.
     Anticipated Number of Projects To Be Funded: This section 
specifies the number of projects ADD anticipates funding under the 
priority area.
     CFDA: This section identifies the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number and title of the program under which 
applications in this priority area will be funded. This information is 
needed to complete item 10 on the SF 424.
    Please note that applications under this Announcement that do not 
comply with the specific priority area requirements in the section on 
``Eligible Applicants'' will not be reviewed. Applicants under this 
Announcement must clearly identify the specific priority area under 
which they wish to have their applications considered, and tailor their 
applications accordingly. Experience has shown that an application 
which is broader and more general in concept than outlined in the 
priority area description is less likely to score as well as an 
application more clearly focused on, and directly responsive to, the 
concerns of that specific priority area.

E. Available Funds

    ADD intends to award new grants resulting from this announcement 
during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1999, subject to the 
availability of funding. The size of the awards will vary. Each 
priority area description includes information on the maximum Federal 
share of the project costs and the anticipated number of projects to be 
funded.
    The term ``budget period'' refers to the interval of time (usually 
12 months) into which a multi-year period of assistance (project 
period) is divided for budgetary and funding purposes. The term 
``project period'' refers to the total time a project is approved for 
support, including any extensions.
    Where appropriate, applicants may propose shorter project periods 
than the maximums specified in the various priority areas. Non-Federal 
share contributions may exceed the minimums specified in the various 
priority areas.
    For multi-year projects, continued Federal funding beyond the first 
budget period, but within the approved project period, is subject to 
the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.

F. Grantee Share of Project Costs

    Grantees must match $1 for every $3 requested in Federal funding to 
reach 25% of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved 
cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal 
share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind 
contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match 
requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project 
requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $100,000 per 
budget period) must include a match of at least $33,333 (total project 
cost is $133,333, of which $33,333 is 25%).
    An exception to the grantee cost-sharing requirement relates to 
applications originating from American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, 
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Applications from 
these areas are covered under Section 501(d) of P. L. 95-134, which 
requires that the Department waive ``any requirement for local matching 
funds for grants under $200,000.''
    The applicant contribution must generally be secured from non-
Federal sources. Except as provided by Federal statute, a cost-sharing 
or matching requirement may not be met by costs borne by another 
Federal grant. However, funds from some Federal programs benefiting 
Tribes and Native American organizations have been used to provide 
valid sources of matching funds. If this is the case for a Tribe or 
Native American organization submitting an application to ADD, that 
organization should identify the programs which will be providing the 
funds for the match in its application. If the application successfully 
competes for PNS grant funds, ADD will determine whether there is 
statutory authority for this use of the funds. The Administration for 
Native Americans and the DHHS Office of General Counsel will assist ADD 
in making this determination.

G. General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description

    The following ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD) has been 
approved under OMB Control Number 0970-0139.
    1. Introduction: Applicants required to submit a full project 
description shall prepare the project description statement in 
accordance with the following instructions.
    2. Project summary/abstract: Provide a summary of the project 
description (a page or less) with reference to the funding request.
    3. Objectives and need for assistance: Clearly identify the 
physical, economic,

[[Page 39865]]

social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a 
solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the 
principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly 
stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and 
testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be 
included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be 
included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate 
demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In 
developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be 
requested to provide information on the total range of projects 
currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of 
which may be outside the scope of the program announcement.
    4. Results or benefits expected: Identify the results and benefits 
to be derived. For example, when applying for a grant to establish a 
neighborhood child care center, describe who will occupy the facility, 
who will use the facility, how the facility will be used, and how the 
facility will benefit the community which it will serve.
    5. 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. 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.
    6. Organization Profile: 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.

G. Cooperation in Evaluation Efforts

    Grantees funded by ADD may be requested to cooperate in evaluation 
efforts funded by ADD. The purpose of these evaluation activities is to 
learn from the combined experience of multiple projects funded under a 
particular priority area.

H. Closed Captioning for Audiovisual Efforts

    Applicants are encouraged to include ``closed captioning'' in the 
development of any audiovisual products.

Part IV. Fiscal Year 1999 Priority Areas for Projects of National 
Significance--Description and Requirements

    The following section presents the final priority areas for Fiscal 
Year 1998 Projects of National Significance (PNS) and solicits the 
appropriate applications.

Fiscal Year 1999 Priority Area 1: Ongoing Data Collection and 
Information Dissemination

    Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private nonprofit 
organizations, institutions or agencies.
    Purpose: Under this priority area, ADD will award grant funds 
through a cooperative agreement which will collect data on public 
expenditures, residential services, employment and economic status, and 
other factors as they impact on the independence, productivity and 
integration into the community of persons with developmental 
disabilities. ADD is particularly interested in the maximum use of 
existing data bases and in fostering the broadest dissemination to, and 
use of, the data by consumers, families and advocacy audiences.
    Background Information: In the 1990s the United States modified how 
it provided certain financial assistance to citizens with and without 
disabilities. In addition, changes were made in how the nation provided 
enhanced employment opportunities. These changes included new 
legislation such as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
Reconciliation Act, the Work Incentives Improvement Act, and the 
Workforce Investment Act. Another national trend of the past decade has 
been the devolution of responsibility and authority for a variety of 
social programs to state governments.
    ADD is interested in the effect of these recent national 
initiatives on people with developmental disabilities, both in terms of 
whether they have been included in programs and whether participation 
in these programs generate measurable outcomes for people with 
developmental disabilities.
    Examples of successful projects that ADD has funded include:
    University of Minnesota: National Recurring Data Set Project on 
Residential Services--Ongoing National and State-by-State Data 
Collection and Policy/Impact Analysis on Residential Services for 
Persons with Developmental Disabilities (Charles Lakin: 612/624-2097)
    University of Illinois at Chicago: Fourth National Study of Public 
Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities Spending (David Braddock: 
312/413-1647)
    Boston Children's Hospital: Ongoing National Collection on Data and 
Employment Services for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (Bill 
Kiernan: 617/735-6506)
    Examples of projects include activities that would:
     Identify, collect and disseminate new data bases.
     Modify, expand and/or reformulate existing data bases.
     Connect, integrate or analyze available data bases.
     Project and model the cost-benefit impact of alternative 
future decisions based on the analysis of discrete programmatic options 
in the areas of residential services and employment.
    Minimum Requirements for Project Design: Given its interest in 
promoting the increased independence, productivity, and community 
integration of people with

[[Page 39866]]

developmental disabilities in a cost-beneficial manner, ADD emphasizes 
its desire to support projects that provide quantitative and 
qualitative analysis in the following areas:
     Trends in the movement of people with developmental 
disabilities from institutional to community settings (especially 
domiciles of their own) and the outcomes experienced by individuals 
with disabilities who receive publicly funded residential services.
     The impact of managed care plans on the delivery and 
efficacy of residential and support services to individuals with 
developmental disabilities, and on the relationship between Federal and 
State governments.
     The efficacy of various approaches to the full inclusion 
of people with developmental disabilities in local community activities 
where the majority of participants do not have a disability.
     The employment status of people with developmental 
disabilities on a state and national basis.
     Employment models that accurately predict employment 
outcomes of persons with developmental disabilities, and the systemic 
factors that lead to integrated employment.
     The inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in 
nation-wide legislatively-mandated efforts to alleviate welfare and 
unemployment.
     The use of generic community resources versus the existing 
special delivery system by people with developmental disabilities and 
their families.
    Any sampling techniques used as part of this analysis should be 
broadly representative of persons with developmental disabilities of 
working age on a national basis, including people with severe 
disabilities. Quantitative data should provide statistical information 
on current placement patterns and their cost as well as projections 
regarding future placement options and associated costs. It is also 
recognized that certain areas may be more appropriate for qualitative 
analysis, although a summary of any quantitative data (if available) 
should be included in the proposal.
    All projects funded under this priority area must provide evidence 
of the soundness of their proposed research methods and analytic 
techniques. In addition, proposals should clearly delineate (via a 
comprehensive literature review) data sets that are already in 
existence, how these data sets will be incorporated into the research 
design, and what new knowledge will be gained through the proposed 
project.
    All projects shall provide for the widespread distribution of their 
products (reports, summary documents, audio-visual materials, and the 
like) in accessible formats to a national audience consisting of, at a 
minimum, people with developmental disabilities and their families, 
advocacy groups, State Developmental Disabilities Councils, Protection 
and Advocacy Systems, University Affiliated Programs, State Mental 
Retardation/ Developmental Disabilities Directors, State Governor's 
Offices, Federal agencies represented on the Interagency Committee on 
Developmental Disabilities, as well as the Secretaries of Health and 
Human Services and Education at the federal level.
    The application should also respond to the following:
     Describe the physical setting, the administrative and 
organizational structure within which the program will function, and 
internal and external organizational relationships relevant to this 
project. Charts outlining these relationships, and any formal 
agreements defining them, should be included in the appendices.
     Describe staff, space, equipment, research facilities, and 
other supports available to carry out the program.
     Describe briefly how the additional resources sought to 
accomplish the purposes of this effort will be integrated into and 
augmented by other resources available or accessible by the applicant.
     Develop and implement an evaluation process to ensure that 
systematic, objective information is available about the utilization 
and effectiveness of the products of this project. Specific outcomes 
must be built into the project for evaluation. The evaluation should be 
performed by an independent evaluator.
    Applications should also include provisions for the travel of two 
key personnel during the first and last year of the project to 
Washington, DC for a one day meeting with ADD staff.
    In addition to the three national data projects, ADD is interested 
in a separate analysis of state-level supports and services for people 
who have disabilities and, within this population, people who have 
developmental disabilities. For this reason the recipient of the grant 
award to collect data on public expenditures will be provided 
additional funding to conduct a study focusing on state funding of 
human services programs for people with disabilities as compared to 
funding of programs for people with developmental disabilities. The 
analysis could be a nation-wide comparison of states or involve a 
selection of states. The study would not involve income maintenance 
programs but would include state expenditures for supports and services 
relating to housing, medical care, employment or vocational training, 
transportation, education including efforts to enhance inclusive 
education, and personal assistants and other supports for independent 
living. ADD anticipates that the activity will be a duration of 12 
months.
    As noted earlier, the award will be made as a cooperative 
agreement. While an organization receiving an award will not be 
conducting its project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardee will work 
cooperatively in the development and implementation of the project's 
agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardees 
will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the 
projects. Awardees will have the primary responsibility for developing 
and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will jointly 
participate with awardees in such activities as clarifying the specific 
issue areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and ongoing 
consultation, sharing with awardees its knowledge of the issues being 
addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to 
awardees about the usefulness to the field of written products and 
information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between 
ADD and awardees will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be 
developed and signed prior to issuance of the award.
    Project Duration: This announcement solicits applications for 
project periods of up to five years. Awards on a competitive basis will 
be for one-year budget periods, although project periods may be for 
five years. Applications for continuation grants funded under this 
priority beyond the one-year budget period, but within the five-year 
project period, will be entertained in subsequent years on a non-
competitive basis, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory 
progress of the grantee, and determination that continued funding would 
be in the interest of the Government.
    Evaluation Criteria: The four criteria that follow will be used to 
review and evaluate each application under this announcement. Each of 
these criteria should be addressed in the project description section 
of the application. The point values indicate the maximum numerical 
weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process. The 
specific information to be included under each of these headings is 
described in Section G of Part III,

[[Page 39867]]

General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description. Additional 
information that must be addressed is described below.
Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)
    The application must identify the precise location of the project 
and area to be served by the proposed project. Maps and other graphic 
aids should be attached.
Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points)
    The extent to which they are consistent with the objectives of the 
application, and the extent to which the application indicates the 
anticipated contributions to policy, practice, theory and/or research. 
The extent to which the proposed project costs is reasonable in view of 
the expected results.
Criterion 3: Approach (35 Points)
    Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results, and 
explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs 
identified and discussed are being met and if the results and benefits 
identified are being achieved.
Criterion 4: Organization Profile (25 Points)
    The application identifies the background of the project director/
principal investigator and key project staff (including name, address, 
training, educational background and other qualifying experience) and 
the experience of the organization to demonstrate the applicant's 
ability to effectively and efficiently administer this project. The 
application describes the relationship between this project and other 
work planned, anticipated or under way by the applicant which is being 
supported by Federal assistance.
    This section should consist of a brief (two to three pages) 
background description of how the applicant organization (or the unit 
within the organization that will have responsibility for the project) 
is organized, the types and quantity of services it provides, and/or 
the research and management capabilities it possesses. It may include 
descriptions of any current or previous relevant experience, or 
describe the competence of the project team and its demonstrated 
ability to produce a final product that is readily comprehensible and 
usable. An organization chart showing the relationship of the project 
to the current organization should be included.
    Project Duration: This announcement is soliciting applications for 
project periods up to three years under this priority area. 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 this priority area beyond the one-year budget 
period, but within the three-year project period, will be entertained 
in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to the 
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.
    Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share is not to 
exceed $200,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a maximum of 
$1,000,000 for a 5-year project period. The maximum Federal share for 
the additional study of state-level supports and services is not to 
exceed $100,000 for a 12-month budget period.
    Matching Requirement: Grantees must match $1 for every $3 requested 
in Federal funding to reach 25% of the total approved cost of the 
project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF 
share and the non-Federal share. Cash or in-kind contributions may meet 
the non-Federal share, although applicants are encouraged to meet their 
match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project 
requesting $200,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $200,000 per 
budget period) must include a match of at least $66,666 (the total 
project cost is $266,666, of which $66,666 is 25%).
    Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is anticipated that 
at least three data collection projects will be funded.
    CFDA: ADD's CFDA (Code of Federal Domestic Assistance) number is 
93.631--Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National Significance. 
This information is needed to complete item 10 on the SF 424.

Fiscal Year 1999 Priority Area 2: Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling to 
Attain First Class Citizenship

    Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private nonprofit 
organizations, institutions or agencies, including a consortia of some 
or all of the above.
    Purpose: To provide experiential learning opportunities at the 
national level for experienced state leaders who are adults with 
developmental disabilities and family members of children with 
developmental disabilities gain the necessary knowledge and skills to 
shape and guide the implementation of Federal and state policies, 
practices and approaches which enhance their own self determination. 
Specifically, this project would seek to strengthen and expand national 
leadership for the 21st Century by and for people with developmental 
disabilities and families of children with disabilities. To address 
this set of challenges and opportunities, ADD proposes to fund a 
national policy training academy by issuing an award through the 
instrument of a cooperative agreement.
    Background Information: The May 1998 publication of the 
``Disability Statistics Abstract'' reports that the 1994 Harris poll of 
Americans with Disabilities indicated that 63 per cent of respondents 
said their quality of life had improved during the previous four years. 
However, trend data show only slow improvements in the lives of people 
with disabilities as measured by such things as more opportunities for 
employment and improved economic status, greater freedom of movement 
and ease of access, and increased levels of social integration.
    In the release of its 1998 progress report on the status of 
disability policy, the National Council on Disability stated that ``The 
country continues to move forward, however the rate of progress is 
slower and less steady than many in the disability community had hoped 
when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990. 
Federal policy remains rife with inconsistent messages and unrealistic 
requirements for people with disabilities who rely on federal programs 
like Social Security disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, 
Medicaid, Medicare, special education, and Temporary Assistance for 
Needy Families (TANF). In addition, the backlash against civil rights 
for children and adults with disabilities continues to motivate 
attempts to weaken laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities 
Education Act (IDEA) and ADA.''
    Through Projects of National Significance, in particular, ADD has 
assisted its grantees in developing and replicating a variety of 
innovative and successful approaches to increased leadership 
development and self-determination among people with significant 
disabilities and their families. Most notably, this has taken the form 
of early and formative support of such endeavors as Partners in 
Policymaking, the active participation of families of children with 
disabilities in the design and implementation of State family support 
policies and programs, the Home of Your Own initiative, personal 
assistance system change projects and targeted leadership efforts

[[Page 39868]]

among people of color who have developmental disabilities.
    ADD's programs are State-based, and so are systems that serve 
Americans with developmental disabilities. In fact, data measuring the 
delivery of services and supports to people with developmental 
disabilities and their families show little comparability from State to 
State. To respond to State flexibility, devolution, and States' ongoing 
needs for input from stakeholders, DD network programs in most States 
provide some form of training or leadership development to people with 
developmental disabilities and their families. Many people have been 
trained to interact effectively on their own behalf with State systems 
designed to serve them, and with State policymakers.
    However, some issues, problems, programs and systems are inherently 
national (such as civil rights) or are national in scope (such as the 
design of federal systems including entitlements). ADD believes that 
devolution will increase, not decrease the demand for national 
stakeholders.
    Minimum Requirements for Project Design: ADD expects this project 
will be an equal partnership between people with developmental 
disabilities and family members and advocates.
    To be considered seriously for funding applicants must address the 
following elements:
     Building a leadership network of adults with developmental 
disabilities and family members.
     Developing systemic strategies for identifying, involving, 
supporting, and advancing grassroots leaders who live with 
developmental disabilities, especially self-advocates and family 
members of children with developmental disabilities.
     Disseminating best practices, curricula, guides, and 
informational materials on self-determination and leadership 
development especially those that have been adapted for individuals 
with cognitive disabilities.
     Providing experiential learning opportunities that will 
enable individuals to acquire and deepen their knowledge and skills in 
the areas of: (1) The operations of the legislative and executive 
branches; (2) the programs and processes of significant federal 
agencies; (3) the art of effective communication; (4) the analysis of 
current or new proposals, policies, guidelines, approaches, or 
regulations; (5) effective strategies to monitor and evaluate current 
and proposed oversight and enforcement activities of Federal and state 
agencies; (6) negotiation techniques; (7) the capacity of computer 
technology as a communication tool; (8) the resources of national 
advocacy organizations; (9) grant writing and reviewing; (10) using and 
influencing research and data collection, and making data-based 
arguments; and (11) the development of non-profit organizations.
     A selection process for participants using the following 
criteria: (a) Representation of various developmental disabilities, 
particularly cognitive disabilities; (b) distinguished graduates of 
State-based training programs including Leadership Today and Partners-
type projects, that are experienced, thoughtful, and responsible 
advocates as a result of these State-based training programs; (c) a 
range of age; (d) racial and ethnic diversity.
    It is highly recommended to ensure the appropriateness and 
understanding of materials and various teaching styles that self-
advocates are involved in the design of the training. In regard to 
sponsorships by Developmental Disability Councils and UAPs, ADD 
contemplates that up to two individuals from a state might be given a 
stipend to cover expenses related to attending the Academy. It is 
estimated that $10,000 per state, depending on the number of 
individuals sponsored (not on the state's proximity to Washington, 
D.C.), would be an appropriate amount. In selecting these individuals, 
ADD would expect the above criteria to be used and that half of the 
participants should be self-advocates.
    As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those applications 
that incorporate the following elements:
     Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.
     Key project personnel with direct life experience with 
living with a disability.
     Strong advisory components that consist of a majority of 
individuals with developmental or severe disabilities and a structure 
where individuals with disabilities make real decisions that determine 
the outcome of the grant.
     Research reflecting the principles of participatory 
action.
     Cultural competency.
     A description of how individuals with disabilities and 
their families will be involved in all aspects of the design, 
implementation, and evaluation of the project.
     Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals, 
having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural 
backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, migrant, homeless, and refugee 
families, with severe disabilities.
     Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended (29 U.S.C. 
794).
     Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.
     Development of the capacity to communicate and disseminate 
information and technical assistance through electronic and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible formats of communication.
     Development and establishment of practices and programs 
beyond project period.
     Dissemination of models, products, best practices, and 
strategies for distribution between the networks and beyond. A plan 
describing initial activities is needed between funded projects as well 
as at the end of the project period. These activities should maintain 
and share ongoing information, existing resources of consultants/
experts, and curriculum/materials with funded projects and within the 
network.
    Applications should also include provisions for the travel of two 
key personnel during the first and last year of the project to 
Washington, DC for a one day meeting with ADD staff.
    As noted earlier, the award will be made as a cooperative 
agreement. While an organization receiving an award will not be 
conducting its project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardee will work 
cooperatively in the development and implementation of the project's 
agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardee 
will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the 
project. The awardee will have the primary responsibility for 
developing and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will 
jointly participate with the awardee in such activities as clarifying 
the specific issue areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and 
ongoing consultation, sharing with awardee its knowledge of the issues 
being addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to 
awardee about the usefulness to the field of written products and 
information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between 
ADD and awardee will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be 
developed and signed prior to issuance of the award.
    Evaluation Criteria: The four criteria that follow will be used to 
review and evaluate each application under this announcement. Each of 
these criterion should be addressed in the project description section 
of the application. The point values indicate the maximum

[[Page 39869]]

numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process. 
The specific information to be included under each of these headings is 
described in Section G of Part III, General Instructions for the 
Uniform Project Description. Additional information that must be 
addressed is described below.
Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)
    The application must identify the precise location of the project 
and area to be served by the proposed project. Maps and other graphic 
aids should be attached.
Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points)
    The extent to which they are consistent with the objectives of the 
application, and the extent to which the application indicates the 
anticipated contributions to policy, practice, theory and/or research. 
The extent to which the proposed project costs is reasonable in view of 
the expected results.
Criterion 3: Approach (35 Points)
    Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results, and 
explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs 
identified and discussed are being met and if the results and benefits 
identified are being achieved.
Criterion 4: Organization Profile (25 Points)
    The application identifies the background of the project director/
principal investigator and key project staff (including name, address, 
training, educational background and other qualifying experience) and 
the experience of the organization to demonstrate the applicant's 
ability to effectively and efficiently administer this project. The 
application describes the relationship between this project and other 
work planned, anticipated or under way by the applicant which is being 
supported by Federal assistance.
    This section should consist of a brief (two to three pages) 
background description of how the applicant organization (or the unit 
within the organization that will have responsibility for the project) 
is organized, the types and quantity of services it provides, and/or 
the research and management capabilities it possesses. It may include 
descriptions of any current or previous relevant experience, or 
describe the competence of the project team and its demonstrated 
ability to produce a final product that is readily comprehensible and 
usable. An organization chart showing the relationship of the project 
to the current organization should be included.
    Project Duration: This announcement is soliciting applications for 
project periods up to three years under this priority area. 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 this priority area beyond the one-year budget 
period, but within the three-year project period, will be entertained 
in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to the 
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.
    Federal Share of Project Costs: The Federal share is a range of 
$200,000--$250,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a minimum of 
$600,000 for a three-year project period.
    Matching Requirement: Grantees must match $1 for every $3 requested 
in Federal funding to reach 25% of the total approved cost of the 
project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF 
share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by 
cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to 
meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a 
project requesting $200,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of 
$200,000 per budget period) must include a match of at least $66,666 
(the total project cost is $266,666, of which your $66,666 share is 
25%).
    Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is anticipated that 
up to one (1) project will be funded under this priority area.
    CFDA: ADD's CFDA (Code of Federal Domestic Assistance) number is 
93.631--Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National Significance. 
This information is needed to complete item 10 on the SF 424.

Fiscal Year 1999 Priority Area 3: Reinventing Quality: Best Practices 
Information Dissemination Project for Ensuring That Community Living 
Settings and Services Are Responsive to the Needs and Goals of People 
With Developmental Disabilities

    Eligible Applicants: State agencies, public or private nonprofit 
organizations, institutions or agencies, including a consortia of some 
or all of the above.
    Purpose: Under this priority area, ADD will issue an award through 
the instrument of a cooperative agreement that will outline the terms 
of ADD's involvement as well as the responsibilities of the recipient 
organization or agency in the development of an information 
dissemination project on best planning practices in consumer responsive 
services and quality assurance processes in programs for people with 
developmental disabilities. ADD is interested in helping states and 
others respond to the challenges of establishing and assuring the 
quality of consumer-outcome oriented community-based long-term support 
programs. Especially in light of the recent Supreme Court ``Olmstead'' 
decision which reaffirms the ADA provision that public entities must 
administer programs in the most integrated setting appropriate to the 
needs of qualified individuals with disabilities and to make reasonable 
modifications to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, ADD 
is interested in supporting work that will help public entities and 
others establish comprehensive plans for the appropriate provision of 
services to people with developmental disabilities. This project will 
provide information and broker technical assistance on existing 
successful approaches to assuring the quality and appropriateness of 
long-term supports for people with developmental disabilities.
    Background Information: In 1993, the Federal government presented 
its response to improving how it does business--The National 
Performance Review, the Federal government's ``reinvention'' project. 
When the Review asked Americans what they expect from government 
services this is what they heard:
     ``Ask us what we want.''
     ``Don't tell us, `That's not my department.' ''
     ``Treat us with courtesy, respect, and enthusiasm.''
     ``Make it easy.''
     ``Provide reliable, timely help.''
    Americans with disabilities and their families share these 
expectations of government services. According to the American 
Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) publication, ``Shaping Our 
Destiny--A Provider's Guide to Quality Community Services,'' people 
with developmental disabilities and their families ``should have an 
equal right to quality services and supports--including clear, relevant 
service standards, and reliable, timely help.''
    Assuring the quality of services for people with developmental 
disabilities means not only ensuring that abuse and neglect are 
prevented, but also that persons' life goals and potentials are

[[Page 39870]]

identified and addressed. As the provider's guide states, ``Merely 
delivering services in the community doesn't make them quality 
services. Community services are quality services when they are 
flexible, reliable, and complete enough to meet an individual's 
needs.'' The guide explains that the old system of service delivery is 
not based on individually-designed services; that new service standards 
must be developed that ensure that everybody understands how community 
services and supports are supposed to work and that the new standards 
focus on results or outcomes that are meaningful to the people who use 
the supports. Contained in the guide are examples of quality projects 
and ways for service providers to interact with stakeholders.
    The ``quality revolution'' described in the AAMR publication 
reflects a trend in the States toward systems that assure outcome-
focused quality assurance systems in residential services for 
individuals with developmental disabilities. The status of the States 
activities toward implementing an outcome-based approach was the 
subject of a 1996 report ``Compendium of State Outcome-Focused Quality 
Assurance Systems'' in ICF/MR settings by the Human Services Research 
Institute (HSRI). HRSI found that there was a general sense in the 
States ``that traditional quality assurance, in particular 
comprehensive licensure and certification surveys, focuses too heavily 
on environment and process and not enough on outcomes for the 
individual (consumer) or on `quality of life' issues. Across the States 
there appears to be a relationship between the evolution of the State's 
mental retardation/developmental disabilities service system and the 
degree of quality assurance reform toward an outcome-focused system.''
    It is obvious that ``monitoring'' in the traditional sense of the 
word is no longer an acceptable method for determining the quality of 
services and supports to people with developmental disabilities and 
their families. ``Reinventing Quality: The 1998 Sourcebook of 
Innovative Programs for the Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement 
of Community Services,'' produced by the Institute on Community 
Integration/University of Minnesota, reaffirms this trend in the States 
as reported by HSRI and reasserts the need to change the service 
standards to reflect the evolution to community-based services focused 
on individual needs and individual outcomes. The Sourcebook notes that 
``Recent years have seen a shift in long-term care for persons with 
developmental disabilities from large institutions to community 
settings. But people receiving community services can fully realize the 
potential for improved quality of life afforded by this movement only 
if quality assurance expectations and activities are changed 
significantly from those originally developed for institutional care.'' 
Many innovative and comprehensive quality assessment and enhancement 
practices are profiled in the Sourcebook. It is these efforts to 
improve the quality of community services that ``may help others to 
fashion their own responses that not only protect the basic safety and 
well-being of individuals, but also encourage and support their 
preferred choices, personal growth, and individual lifestyles.''
    On June 22, 1999, in its decision on the ``Olmstead'' case, the 
Supreme Court reaffirmed the Americans with Disabilities Act provision 
that public entities must administer programs in the most integrated 
setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with 
disabilities and to make reasonable modifications to avoid 
discrimination on the basis of disability. While public entities are 
not required to fundamentally alter the nature of their programs, 
efforts must be made to provide services in the most integrated 
setting. The Court concluded that under Title II of ADA, States are 
required to place persons with mental disabilities in community 
settings rather than in institutions when the State's treatment 
professionals have determined that community placement is appropriate, 
that transfer from institutional care to a less restrictive setting is 
not opposed by the affected individual, and the placement can be 
reasonably accommodated, taking into account the resources available to 
the State and the needs of others with mental disabilities.
    Under the Clinton Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) is already engaged in a variety of activities 
designed to promote the delivery of services in the most integrated 
setting. HHS activities include building on existing Medicaid 
flexibility in home health services, home and community-based waivers, 
the personal care option, and the mental health block grant. HHS is 
developing a Primer to the Medicaid program which will clarify long-
term care options in Medicaid that promote consumer responsive 
community-based long-term care and establishing a National Consortium 
on Home and Community-Based Long-Term Care.
    As part of the Department's overall efforts to promote quality home 
and community-based long-term care systems, ADD is interested in 
establishing a best practices information dissemination project. The 
project will help States and other entities to respond to the 
challenges of developing and assuring quality consumer-oriented service 
systems for people with developmental disabilities. The best practices 
information gathered and disseminated by the project can be used by 
services providers in such activities as:
     Developing comprehensive State plans for serving people 
with developmental disabilities in the most appropriate setting,
     Managing waiting lists for services by conducting 
assessments so that the most appropriate consumer-responsive services 
can be delivered,
     Changing existing programs to be more responsive to 
specific consumer needs and goals, Developing new consumer outcome-
oriented programs, and
     Developing quality assurance systems that measure and 
assess specific consumer outcomes.
    Minimum Requirements for Project Design: Significant research, best 
practices, and ``lessons learned'' exist in regard to planning and 
developing consumer outcome-oriented, community-based programs for 
people with developmental disabilities with new standards of consumer-
oriented quality assurance. States, communities, direct service 
providers, disability constituencies and others can benefit from 
information dissemination about existing and evolving best practices 
based on consumer-specific outcomes. Information dissemination about 
best planning practices should seek to better equip major stakeholders 
with the skills, knowledge and expertise necessary to apply what is 
already known in the process of developing a comprehensive state plan.
    The mission of the project would be to serve as a resource to 
States, the disability community, service providers, and others to 
enhance the development of new comprehensive state plans to develop 
consumer-oriented community-based programs as well as to develop 
appropriately linked quality assurance systems for new and existing 
programs. Specifically, the project would:
     Track and report on trends and best and promising 
practices in consumer outcome oriented community-based services and 
quality assurance systems affecting children and adults with 
developmental disabilities and their families;
     Convene working conferences to develop and share 
strategies for

[[Page 39871]]

developing new comprehensive state plans for consumer-outcome oriented 
programs and/or quality assurance methods;
     Disseminate relevant research findings pertaining to 
consumer-oriented programs and quality assurance methods for people 
with developmental disabilities;
     Broker technical assistance, especially peer-to-peer 
consultations, designed to assist stakeholders to work together to 
apply research and best practices regarding consumer-outcome oriented 
service and linked quality assurance systems for people with 
developmental disabilities;
     Sponsor forums, on-line conferences and other ongoing 
exchanges to facilitate a greater understanding of best practices in 
consumer-oriented community-based programs and quality assurance 
systems.
    These activities may be sequenced so that information gathering is 
the principal activity of the first year with dissemination (along with 
continued information gathering) beginning in the second and continued 
into the third year of the project.
    Applications should include provisions for the travel of two key 
personnel during the first and last year of the project to Washington, 
DC for a one day meeting with ADD staff.
    As noted earlier, the award will be made as a cooperative 
agreement. While an organization receiving an award will not be 
conducting its project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardee will work 
cooperatively in the development and implementation of the project's 
agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardee 
will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the 
project. The awardee will have the primary responsibility for 
developing and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will 
jointly participate with the awardee in such activities as clarifying 
the specific issue areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and 
ongoing consultation, sharing with awardee its knowledge of the issues 
being addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to 
awardee about the usefulness to the field of written products and 
information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between 
ADD and awardee will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be 
developed and signed prior to issuance of the award.
    As a general guide, ADD will expect to fund only those applications 
that incorporate the following elements:
     Consumer/self-advocate orientation and participation.
     Key project personnel with direct life experience with 
living with a disability.
     Strong advisory components that consist of a majority of 
individuals with disabilities and a structure where individuals with 
disabilities make real decisions that determine the outcome of the 
grant.
     Research reflecting the principles of participatory 
action.
     Cultural competency.
     A description of how individuals with disabilities and 
their families will be involved in all aspects of the design, 
implementation, and evaluation of the project.
     Attention to unserved and inadequately served individuals, 
having a range of disabilities from mild to severe, from multicultural 
backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, migrant, homeless, and refugee 
families, with severe disabilities.
     Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended (29 U.S.C. 
794).
     Collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.
     Development of the capacity to communicate and disseminate 
information and technical assistance through electronic and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible formats of communication.
     Development and establishment of practices and programs 
beyond project period.
     Dissemination of models, products, best practices, and 
strategies for distribution between the networks and beyond. A plan 
describing initial activities is needed between funded projects as well 
as at the end of the project period. These activities should maintain 
and share ongoing information, existing resources of consultants/
experts, and curriculum/materials with funded projects and within the 
network.
    Evaluation Criteria: The four criteria that follow will be used to 
review and evaluate each application under this announcement. Each of 
these criterion should be addressed in the project description section 
of the application. The point values indicate the maximum numerical 
weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process. The 
specific information to be included under each of these headings is 
described in Section G of Part III, General Instructions for the 
Uniform Project Description. Additional information that must be 
addressed is described below.
Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)
    The application must identify the precise location of the project 
and area to be served by the proposed project. Maps and other graphic 
aids must be attached.
Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points)
    The extent to which they are consistent with the objectives of the 
application, and the extent to which the application indicates the 
anticipated contributions to policy, practice, theory and/or research. 
The extent to which the proposed project costs is reasonable in view of 
the expected results.
Criterion 3: Approach (35 Points)
    Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results, and 
explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs 
identified and discussed are being met and if the results and benefits 
identified are being achieved.
Criterion 4: Organization Profile (25 Points)
    The application identifies the background of the project director/
principal investigator and key project staff (including name, address, 
training, educational background and other qualifying experience) and 
the experience of the organization to demonstrate the applicant's 
ability to effectively and efficiently administer this project. The 
application describes the relationship between this project and other 
work planned, anticipated or under way by the applicant which is being 
supported by Federal assistance.
    This section should consist of a brief (two to three pages) 
background description of how the applicant organization (or the unit 
within the organization that will have responsibility for the project) 
is organized, the types and quantity of services it provides, and/or 
the research and management capabilities it possesses. It may include 
descriptions of any current or previous relevant experience, or 
describe the competence of the project team and its demonstrated 
ability to produce a final product that is readily comprehensible and 
usable. An organization chart showing the relationship of the project 
to the current organization must be included.
    Project Duration: This announcement is soliciting applications for 
project periods up to three years under this priority area. Awards, on 
a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget period, although the 
project period may be for three years. Applications for

[[Page 39872]]

continuation grants funded under this priority area beyond the one-year 
budget period, but within the three-year project period, will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to 
the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.
    Federal Share of Project Costs: The Federal share is a range of 
$200,000-$250,000 for the first 12-month budget period or a minimum of 
$600,000 for a three-year project period. There is a possibility of 
increased funding in year two and three contingent on additional funds.
    Matching Requirement: Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of 
the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the 
project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-
Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although 
applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash 
contributions. Therefore, a project requesting $200,000 in Federal 
funds (based on an award of $200,000 per budget period) must include a 
match of at least $66,666 (the total project cost is $266,666, of which 
$66,666 is 25%).
    Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is anticipated that 
up to one (1) project will be funded under this priority area.

Part V. Instructions for the Development and Submission of 
Applications

    This Part contains information and instructions for submitting 
applications in response to this announcement. An application package 
containing forms can be obtained by any of the following methods: Pat 
Laird, ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, Washington, DC, 20447, 202/690-
7447; http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add; or [email protected].
    Potential applicants should read this section carefully in 
conjunction with the information contained within the specific priority 
area under which the application is to be submitted. The priority area 
descriptions are in Part IV.

A. Required Notification of the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)

    All applications under the ADD priority areas are required to 
follow the Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 process, ``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.

    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 22, 1997, 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 a State 
Single Point of Contact (SPOC). Applicants from these jurisdictions or 
for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes need 
take no action regarding 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 all required materials to the SPOC 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 and indicate the date of this 
submittal (or date SPOC was contacted, if no submittal is required) on 
the SF 424, item 16a.
    Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
due date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. 
However, there is insufficient time to allow for a complete SPOC 
comment period. Therefore, we have reduced the comment period to 30 
days from the closing date for applications. These comments are 
reviewed as part of the award process. Failure to notify the SPOC can 
result in delays in awarding grants.
    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 that 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, SW, Mail Stop 326F-HHH, Washington, 
DC 20447, Attn: 93.631 ADD--Projects of National Significance.
    Contact information for each State's SPOC is found in the 
application package or ADD's website.

B. Notification of State Developmental Disabilities Planning Councils

    A copy of the application must also be submitted for review and 
comment to the State Developmental Disabilities Council in each State 
in which the applicant's project will be conducted. A list of the State 
Developmental Disabilities Councils is included in the application 
package or ADD's website under Programs.

C. Deadline for Submittal of Applications

    One signed original and two copies of the application must be 
submitted on or before August 23, 1999 to: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, 
Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW, Mail Stop 326F-HHH, Washington, DC 20447, Attn: Lois Hodge.
    Applications may be mailed or hand-delivered. Hand-delivered 
applications are accepted during the normal working hours of 8:00 a.m. 
to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications shall be considered 
as meeting an announced deadline if received by the deadline date at 
the ACF Grants Office (Close of Business: 4:30 p.m., local prevailing 
time).
    Late applications: Applications that do not meet the criterion 
stated above are considered late applications. ACF/ADD shall notify 
each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the 
current competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend the deadline for all 
applicants due to acts of God, such as floods, hurricanes, or 
earthquakes; or when there is a widespread disruption of the mails. 
However, if the granting agency does not extend the deadline for all 
applicants, it may not waive or extend the deadline for any applicants.

D. Instructions for Preparing the Application and Completing 
Application Forms

    The SF 424, SF 424A, SF 424A-Page 2 and Certifications/ Assurances 
are contained in the application package. Please prepare your 
application in accordance with the following instructions:

[[Page 39873]]

1. SF 424 Page 1, Application Cover Sheet
    Please read the following instructions before completing the 
application cover sheet. An explanation of each item is included. 
Complete only the items specified.
    Top of Page. Enter the single priority area number under which the 
application is being submitted. An application should be submitted 
under only one priority area.
    Item 1. ``Type of Submission''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 2. ``Date Submitted'' and ``Applicant Identifier''--Date 
application is submitted to ACF and applicant's own internal control 
number, if applicable.
    Item 3. ``Date Received By State''--State use only (if applicable).
    Item 4. ``Date Received by Federal Agency''--Leave blank.
    Item 5. ``Applicant Information''.
    ``Legal Name''--Enter the legal name of applicant organization. For 
applications developed jointly, enter the name of the lead organization 
only. There must be a single applicant for each application.
    ``Organizational Unit''--Enter the name of the primary unit within 
the applicant organization which will actually carry out the project 
activity. Do not use the name of an individual as the applicant. If 
this is the same as the applicant organization, leave the 
organizational unit blank.
    ``Address''--Enter the complete address that the organization 
actually uses to receive mail, since this is the address to which all 
correspondence will be sent. Do not include both street address and 
P.O. box number unless both must be used in mailing.
    ``Name and telephone number of the person to be contacted on 
matters involving this application (give area code)''--Enter the full 
name (including academic degree, if applicable) and telephone number of 
a person who can respond to questions about the application. This 
person should be accessible at the address given here and will receive 
all correspondence regarding the application.
    Item 6. ``Employer Identification Number (EIN)''--Enter the 
employer identification number of the applicant organization, as 
assigned by the Internal Revenue Service, including, if known, the 
Central Registry System suffix.
    Item 7. ``Type of Applicant''--Self-explanatory.
    Item 8. ``Type of Application''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 9. ``Name of Federal Agency''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 10. ``Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and 
Title''--Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 
assigned to the program under which assistance is requested and its 
title. For all of ADD's priority areas, the following should be 
entered, ``93.631--Developmental Disabilities: Projects of National 
Significance.''
    Item 11. ``Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project''--Enter the 
project title. The title is generally short and is descriptive of the 
project, not the priority area title.
    Item 12. ``Areas Affected by Project''--Enter the governmental unit 
where significant and meaningful impact could be observed. List only 
the largest unit or units affected, such as State, county, or city. If 
an entire unit is affected, list it rather than subunits.
    Item 13. ``Proposed Project''--Enter the desired start date for the 
project and projected completion date.
    Item 14. ``Congressional District of Applicant/Project''--Enter the 
number of the Congressional district where the applicant's principal 
office is located and the number of the Congressional district(s) where 
the project will be located. If Statewide, a multi-State effort, or 
nationwide, enter ``00.''
    Items 15. Estimated Funding Levels--In completing 15a through 15f, 
the dollar amounts entered should reflect, for a 17-month or less 
project period, the total amount requested. If the proposed project 
period exceeds 17 months, enter only those dollar amounts needed for 
the first 12 months of the proposed project.
    Item 15a. Enter the amount of Federal funds requested in accordance 
with the preceding paragraph. This amount should be no greater than the 
maximum amount specified in the priority area description.
    Items 15b-e. Enter the amount(s) of funds from non-Federal sources 
that will be contributed to the proposed project. Items b-e are 
considered cost-sharing or ``matching funds.'' The value of third party 
in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines as 
applicable. For more information regarding funding as well as 
exceptions to these rules, see Part III, Sections E and F, and the 
specific priority area description.
    Item 15f. Enter the estimated amount of program income, if any, 
expected to be generated from the proposed project. Do not add or 
subtract this amount from the total project amount entered under item 
15g. Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of this program 
income in the Project Narrative Statement.
    Item 15g. Enter the sum of items 15a-15e.
    Item 16a. ``Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive 
Order 12372 Process? Yes.''--Enter the date the applicant contacted the 
SPOC regarding this application. Select the appropriate SPOC from the 
listing provided at the end of Part IV. The review of the application 
is at the discretion of the SPOC. The SPOC will verify the date noted 
on the application.
    Item 16b. ``Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive 
Order 12372 Process? No.''--Check the appropriate box if the 
application is not covered by E.O. 12372 or if the program has not been 
selected by the State for review.
    Item 17. ``Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt?''--
Check the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant 
organization, not the person who signs as the authorized 
representative. Categories of debt include audit disallowances, loans 
and taxes.
    Item 18. ``To the best of my knowledge and belief, all data in this 
application/preapplication are true and correct. The document has been 
duly authorized by the governing body of the applicant and the 
applicant will comply with the attached assurances if the assistance is 
awarded.''--To be signed by the authorized representative of the 
applicant. A copy of the governing body's authorization for signature 
of this application by this individual as the official representative 
must be on file in the applicant's office, and may be requested from 
the applicant.
    Item 18a-c. ``Typed Name of Authorized Representative, Title, 
Telephone Number''--Enter the name, title and telephone number of the 
authorized representative of the applicant organization.
    Item 18d. ``Signature of Authorized Representative'' --Signature of 
the authorized representative named in Item 18a. At least one copy of 
the application must have an original signature. Use colored ink (not 
black) so that the original signature is easily identified.
    Item 18e. ``Date Signed''--Enter the date the application was 
signed by the authorized representative.
2. SF 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs
    This is a form used by many Federal agencies. For this application, 
Sections A, B, C, E and F are to be completed. Section D does not need 
to be completed.
    Sections A and B should include the Federal as well as the non-
Federal funding for the proposed project covering (1) the total project 
period of

[[Page 39874]]

17 months or less or (2) the first year budget period, if the proposed 
project period exceeds 15 months.
    Section A--Budget Summary. This section includes a summary of the 
budget. On line 5, enter total Federal costs in column (e) and total 
non-Federal costs, including third party in-kind contributions, but not 
program income, in column (f). Enter the total of (e) and (f) in column 
(g).
    Section B--Budget Categories. This budget, which includes the 
Federal as well as non-Federal funding for the proposed project, covers 
(1) the total project period of 17 months or less or (2) the first-year 
budget period if the proposed project period exceeds 17 months. It 
should relate to item 15g, total funding, on the SF 424. Under column 
(5), enter the total requirements for funds (Federal and non-Federal) 
by object class category.
    A separate budget justification should be included to explain fully 
and justify major items, as indicated below. The types of information 
to be included in the justification are indicated under each category. 
For multiple year projects, it is desirable to provide this information 
for each year of the project. The budget justification should 
immediately follow the second page of the SF 424A.
    Personnel--Line 6a. Enter the total costs of salaries and wages of 
applicant/grantee staff. Do not include the costs of consultants, which 
should be included on line 6h, ``Other.''
    Justification: Identify the principal investigator or project 
director, if known. Specify by title or name the percentage of time 
allocated to the project, the individual annual salaries, and the cost 
to the project (both Federal and non-Federal) of the organization's 
staff who will be working on the project.
    Fringe Benefits--Line 6b. Enter the total costs of fringe benefits, 
unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a break-down of amounts and percentages that 
comprise fringe benefit costs, such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, etc.
    Travel--6c. Enter total costs of out-of-town travel (travel 
requiring per diem) for staff of the project. Do not enter costs for 
consultant's travel or local transportation, which should be included 
on Line 6h, ``Other.''
    Justification: Include the name(s) of traveler(s), total number of 
trips, destinations, length of stay, transportation costs and 
subsistence allowances.
    Equipment--Line 6d. Enter the total costs of all equipment to be 
acquired by the project. For State and local governments, including 
Federally recognized Indian Tribes, ``equipment'' is tangible, non-
expendable personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.
    Justification: Equipment to be purchased with Federal funds must be 
justified. The equipment must be required to conduct the project, and 
the applicant organization or its subgrantees must not have the 
equipment or a reasonable facsimile available to the project. The 
justification also must contain plans for future use or disposal of the 
equipment after the project ends.
    Supplies--Line 6e. Enter the total costs of all tangible expendable 
personal property (supplies) other than those included on Line 6d.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs.
    Contractual--Line 6f. Enter the total costs of all contracts, 
including (1) procurement contracts (except those which belong on other 
lines such as equipment, supplies, etc.) and (2) contracts with 
secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies. Also 
include any contracts with organizations for the provision of technical 
assistance. Do not include payments to individuals on this line. If the 
name of the contractor, scope of work, and estimated total costs are 
not available or have not been negotiated, include on Line 6h, 
``Other.''
    Justification: Attach a list of contractors, indicating the names 
of the organizations, the purposes of the contracts, and the estimated 
dollar amounts of the awards as part of the budget justification. 
Whenever the applicant/grantee intends to delegate part or all of the 
program to another agency, the applicant/grantee must complete this 
section (Section B, Budget Categories) for each delegate agency by 
agency title, along with the supporting information. The total cost of 
all such agencies will be part of the amount shown on Line 6f. Provide 
backup documentation identifying the name of contractor, purpose of 
contract, and major cost elements.
    Construction--Line 6g. Not applicable. New construction is not 
allowable.
    Other--Line 6h. Enter the total of all other costs. Where 
applicable, such costs may include, but are not limited to: insurance; 
medical and dental costs; noncontractual fees and travel paid directly 
to individual consultants; local transportation (all travel which does 
not require per diem is considered local travel); space and equipment 
rentals; printing and publication; computer use; training costs, 
including tuition and stipends; training service costs, including wage 
payments to individuals and supportive service payments; and staff 
development costs. Note that costs identified as ``miscellaneous'' and 
``honoraria'' are not allowable.
    Justification: Specify the costs included.
    Total Direct Charges--Line 6i. Enter the total of Lines 6a through 
6h.
    Indirect Charges--6j. Enter the total amount of indirect charges 
(costs). If no indirect costs are requested, enter ``none.'' Generally, 
this line should be used when the applicant (except local governments) 
has a current indirect cost rate agreement approved by the Department 
of Health and Human Services or another Federal agency.
    Local and State governments should enter the amount of indirect 
costs determined in accordance with HHS requirements. When an indirect 
cost rate is requested, these costs are included in the indirect cost 
pool and should not be charged again as direct costs to the grant.
    In the case of training grants to other than State or local 
governments (as defined in title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, part 
74), the Federal reimbursement of indirect costs will be limited to the 
lesser of the negotiated (or actual) indirect cost rate or 8 percent of 
the amount allowed for direct costs, exclusive of any equipment 
charges, rental of space, tuition and fees, post-doctoral training 
allowances, contractual items, and alterations and renovations.
    For training grant applications, the entry under line 6j should be 
the total indirect costs being charged to the project. The Federal 
share of indirect costs is calculated as shown above. The applicant's 
share is calculated as follows:
    (a) Calculate total project indirect costs (a*) by applying the 
applicant's approved indirect cost rate to the total project (Federal 
and non-Federal) direct costs.
    (b) Calculate the Federal share of indirect costs (b*) at 8 percent 
of the amount allowed for total project (Federal and non-Federal) 
direct costs exclusive of any equipment charges, rental of space, 
tuition and fees, post-doctoral training allowances, contractual items, 
and alterations and renovations.
    (c) Subtract (b*) from (a*). The remainder is what the applicant 
can claim as part of its matching cost contribution.
    Justification: Enclose a copy of the indirect cost rate agreement. 
Applicants subject to the limitation on the Federal

[[Page 39875]]

reimbursement of indirect costs for training grants should specify 
this.
    Total--Line 6k. Enter the total amounts of lines 6i and 6j.
    Program Income--Line 7. Enter the estimated amount of income, if 
any, expected to be generated from this project. Do not add or subtract 
this amount from the total project amount.
    Justification: Describe the nature, source, and anticipated use of 
program income in the Program Narrative Statement.
    Section C--Non-Federal Resources. This section summarizes the 
amounts of non-Federal resources that will be applied to the grant. 
Enter this information on line 12 entitled ``Totals.'' In-kind 
contributions are defined in title 45 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations, Parts 74.51 and 92.24, as ``property or services which 
benefit a grant-supported project or program and which are contributed 
by non-Federal third parties without charge to the grantee, the 
subgrantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant or subgrant.''
    Justification: Describe third party in-kind contributions, if 
included.
    Section D--Forecasted Cash Needs. Not applicable.
    Section E--Budget Estimate of Federal Funds Needed For Balance of 
the Project. This section should only be completed if the total project 
period exceeds 17 months.
    Totals--Line 20. For projects that will have more than one budget 
period, enter the estimated required Federal funds for the second 
budget period (months 13 through 24) under column ``(b) First.'' If a 
third budget period will be necessary, enter the Federal funds needed 
for months 25 through 36 under ``(c) Second.'' Columns (d) and (e) are 
not applicable in most instances, since ACF funding is almost always 
limited to a three-year maximum project period. They should remain 
blank.
    Section F--Other Budget Information.
    Direct Charges--Line 21. Not applicable.
    Indirect Charges--Line 22. Enter the type of indirect rate 
(provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) that will be in effect 
during the funding period, the estimated amount of the base to which 
the rate is applied, and the total indirect expense.
    Remarks--Line 23. If the total project period exceeds 17 months, 
you must enter your proposed non-Federal share of the project budget 
for each of the remaining years of the project.
3. Project Description
    The Project Description is a very important part of an application. 
It should be clear, concise, and address the specific requirements 
mentioned under the priority area description in Part IV. The narrative 
should also provide information concerning how the application meets 
the evaluation criteria, using the following headings:
    (a) Objectives and Need for Assistance;
    (b) Results and Benefits Expected;
    (c) Approach; and
    (d) Organization Profile.
    The specific information to be included under each of these 
headings is described in Section G of Part III, General Instructions 
for the Uniform Project Description.
    The narrative should be typed double-spaced on a single-side of an 
8\1/2\'' x 11'' plain white paper, with 1'' margins on all sides, using 
black print no smaller than 12 pitch or 12 point size. All pages of the 
narrative (including charts, references/footnotes, tables, maps, 
exhibits, etc.) must be sequentially numbered, beginning with 
``Objectives and Need for Assistance'' as page number one. Applicants 
should not submit reproductions of larger size paper, reduced to meet 
the size requirement.
    The length of the application, including the application forms and 
all attachments, should not exceed 60 pages. This will be strictly 
enforced. A page is a single side of an 8\1/2\ x 11'' sheet of paper. 
Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures or other 
printed material along with their application as these pose copying 
difficulties. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in 
the review process if they exceed the 60-page limit. Each page of the 
application will be counted to determine the total length.
4. Part V--Assurances/Certifications
    Applicants are required to file an SF 424B, Assurances--Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Both 
must be signed and returned with the application. Applicants must also 
provide certifications regarding: (1) Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; 
and (2) Debarment and Other Responsibilities. These two certifications 
are self-explanatory. Copies of these assurances/certifications are 
reprinted at the end of this announcement and should be reproduced, as 
necessary. A duly authorized representative of the applicant 
organization must certify that the applicant is in compliance with 
these assurances/certifications. A signature on the SF 424 indicates 
compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Requirements, and Debarment and 
Other Responsibilities certifications, and need not be mailed back with 
the application.
    In addition, applicants are required under Section 162(c)(3) of the 
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with 
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without 
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted 
under Part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to 
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each 
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
    For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a 
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a 
question regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the 
Office for Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301) 
496-7041.

E. Checklist for a Complete Application

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

____One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies. 
Applications for different priority areas are packaged separately;
____Application is from an organization that is eligible under the 
eligibility requirements defined in the priority area description 
(screening requirement);
____Application length does not exceed 60 pages, unless otherwise 
specified in the priority area description.

    A complete application consists of the following items in this 
order:

____Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);
____A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact 
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable.
____Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-88);
____Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
____Table of Contents;
____Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-profit 
status, if necessary;
____Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if 
appropriate;
____Project Description (See Part III, Section C);
____Any appendices/attachments;
____Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-
88);
____Certification Regarding Lobbying; and

[[Page 39876]]

____Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary.
____Certification of the Pro-Children Act of 1994; signature on the 
application represents certification.

F. The Application Package

    Each application package must include an original and two copies of 
the complete application. Each copy should be stapled securely (front 
and back if necessary) in the upper left-hand corner. All pages of the 
narrative (including charts, tables, maps, exhibits, etc.) must be 
sequentially numbered, beginning with page one. In order to facilitate 
handling, please do not use covers, binders or tabs. Do not include 
extraneous materials as attachments, such as agency promotion 
brochures, slides, tapes, film clips, minutes of meetings, survey 
instruments or articles of incorporation.

G. Paper Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13)

    The Uniform Project Description information collection within this 
announcement is approved under the Uniform Project Description (0970-
0139), Expiration Date 10/31/2000.
    Public reporting burden for this collection of information 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.

(Federal Catalog of Domestic Assistance Number 93.631 Developmental 
Disabilities--Projects of National Significance)

    Dated: July 13, 1999.
Sue Swenson,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 99-18511 Filed 7-21-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P