[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 51 (Thursday, March 15, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15100-15105]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-6394]


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CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE


Availability of Funds for Providing Training and Technical 
Assistance on a National Service Web-Based Reporting System

AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service.

ACTION: Notice of availability of funds.

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SUMMARY: The Corporation for National and Community Service 
(hereinafter the ``Corporation'') announces (1) its intention to enter 
into a three-year cooperative agreement with an organization selected 
under this Notice to provide the training and technical assistance 
national service programs need to make effective use of a web-based 
reporting system (WBRS); and (2) the availability of up to $245,000 for 
the agreement's initial phase beginning on or about July 1, 2001. WBRS 
is an internet-based system that allows AmeriCorps grantees and sub-
grantees (see Glossary in Section VI), using World-Wide-Web browsers, 
to transmit information about AmeriCorps members and submit periodic 
progress and financial status reports electronically. The system has a 
number of reporting functions that can be used as management tools, and 
includes security, audit, and surveillance features that control 
access, track transactions, and detect irregularities.
    The organization selected under this Notice will enter into a 
cooperative agreement with the Corporation to provide training and 
technical assistance on WBRS management services to system users. This 
will include maintaining and administering the system; programming 
system enhancements; developing materials; and providing training, 
technical assistance, and technical support.
    We expect that the initial funding will represent roughly one 
quarter of the first year's budget. We expect the balance for the first 
year to be available on or about October 1, 2001, pending Congressional 
appropriation. Up to two additional years of funding may be available. 
Applicants must submit a work plan and budget for three years, 
including details for Year One (as outlined below) and summary 
information for Years Two and Three. The maximum period of award is 
three years.

    Note: This Notice concerns the selection of an organization to 
provide WBRS training and technical assistance. This is not a Notice 
for program grant proposals.


DATES: Proposals must be received by the Corporation at the address 
below by

[[Page 15101]]

3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight time on April 30, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit proposals to the Corporation for National and 
Community Service, 1201 New York Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20525, 
Attention: Cathy Harrison, Room 9612A.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Ekstrom at the Corporation for 
National and Community Service, (202) 606-5000, ext. 414, TTY (202) 
565-2799; e-mail [email protected]. This Notice is available on the 
Corporation's web site, http://www.nationalservice.org/whatshot/notices/. Upon request, this information will be made available in 
alternate formats for people with disabilities.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

A. The Corporation

    The Corporation for National and Community Service was established 
in 1993 to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to 
their communities. It provides assistance to organizations that carry 
out AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and National Senior Service 
Corps programs. These programs provide opportunities for participants 
to serve full-time and part-time, with or without stipend, as 
individuals or as part of a team.
    AmeriCorps programs engage thousands of Americans at over 1,000 
locations. AmeriCorps*State and AmeriCorps*National Direct programs, 
which involve over 40,000 Americans each year in results-driven 
community service, are grant programs managed by (1) state commissions 
that select and oversee programs operated by local organizations; (2) 
national non-profit organizations that act as parent organizations for 
operating sites across the country; (3) U.S. Territories; or (4) Indian 
tribes. Through AmeriCorps* Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) 
programs, about 6,000 VISTA members serve to develop grassroots 
programs, mobilize resources, and build capacity for service programs 
across the nation. The AmeriCorps* National Civilian Community Corps 
(NCCC) provides an opportunity for approximately 1,000 individuals 
between the ages of 18 and 24 to participate in a residential service 
program located mainly on downsized military bases.
    Learn and Serve America integrates service into the academic life 
of more than one million youth from kindergarten through higher 
education. It does this by awarding grants to state education agencies, 
state commissions, schools, colleges and universities, nonprofit 
organizations, U.S. Territories, and Indian tribes to carry out school-
based, community-based, and higher-education service-learning programs.
    The National Senior Service Corps uses the skills, talents, and 
experience of over 500,000 older Americans to help make communities 
stronger, safer, healthier, and smarter. It operates through grants to 
local organizations for Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs, Foster 
Grandparent Programs, and Senior Companion Programs to provide service 
to their communities.
    For additional information on the national service programs 
supported by the Corporation, go to http://www.nationalservice.org.

B. Web-Based Reporting System

    WBRS is a mission-critical, online operating system that enables 
the Corporation, state commissions, national direct parent 
organizations, and AmeriCorps state, national direct, and NCCC programs 
to manage AmeriCorps activities more efficiently. Initiated in 1997 and 
implemented in 1999, this internet-based system permits the electronic 
processing of AmeriCorps member data (enrollments, status changes, 
exits, and education awards) and electronic reporting on project 
progress, expenditures, and financial match requirements. The system 
has other reporting functions that serve as management tools (e.g., 
enrollment, retention, attrition, and service-hour analyses), and 
includes security-protocol, audit-trail, and intelligent-agent features 
that control access, track transactions, and detect irregularities that 
could indicate fraud or mismanagement.
    WBRS is a dynamic, interactive reporting system built in Lotus 
Notes/Domino, which makes heavy use of Java script, Lotus script, and 
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) programming. The system is built with 
approximately 200 databases comprising data from 500,000 documents, and 
involves over 50,000 lines of `CGI' code maintained in code libraries. 
In total, the WBRS dataset requires approximately 40 gigabytes on three 
servers. Site activity is about 20,000-30,000 hits a day.
    Aguirre International, Incorporated, headquartered in San Mateo, 
California, is the current WBRS provider. Aguirre's WBRS oversight 
involves staffing in the following categories: project management, 
information technology, programming, technical support, training, and 
documentation/administration. Hosting services for WBRS are currently 
provided by Interliant Inc., headquartered in Purchase, New York. 
(http://www.interliant.com).
    Prospective applicants interested in becoming familiar with the 
function and operation of WBRS should e-mail Jim Ekstrom at the 
Corporation ([email protected]; subject WBRS NOFA) for instructions on 
accessing a WBRS training database and online help desk.

II. Eligibility

    Public-sector agencies, non-profit organizations, institutions of 
higher education, Indian tribes, and for-profit companies are eligible 
to apply. Pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an 
organization described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4), which engages in lobbying, is not 
eligible to apply. Organizations that operate or intend to operate 
Corporation-supported programs are eligible. The Corporation will 
consider proposals from single applicants and applicants in 
partnership. Organizations may apply to provide the services required 
by this Notice in partnership with organizations seeking other 
Corporation funds. Based on previous training and technical assistance 
competitions and the Corporation's estimate of potential applicants, 
the Corporation expects fewer than ten applications to be submitted in 
response to this Notice.

III. Period of Assistance and Other Conditions

A. Cooperative Agreement

    Funding awarded under this Notice will be via cooperative 
agreement. Administration of cooperative agreements is controlled by 
the Corporation's regulations, 45 CFR part 2541 (for agreements with 
state and local government agencies) and 45 CFR part 2543 (for 
agreements with institutions of higher education, non-profit 
organizations, and other entities). The awardee must comply with 
reporting requirements, including submitting semi-annual financial 
reports and semi-annual progress reports linking progress on 
deliverables to expenditures.

B. Use of Materials

    To ensure that materials generated for training and technical 
assistance purposes are available to the public and readily accessible 
to grantees and sub-grantees, the Corporation retains royalty-free, 
non-exclusive, and irrevocable license to obtain, use, reproduce, 
publish or disseminate products, including data produced

[[Page 15102]]

under the agreement, and to authorize others to do so. To the extent 
practicable, the awardee must agree to make products available to the 
national service field as identified by the Corporation at no cost or 
at the cost of reproduction. All materials developed at the 
Corporation's request must be produced consistent with Corporation 
editorial and publication guidelines.

C. Time Frame

    The Corporation expects that work under the agreement awarded 
through this Notice will commence on or about July 1, 2001, following 
the conclusion of the Corporation's selection and award process. The 
Corporation will make an award covering a period not to exceed three 
years. Applications must include a proposed budget and proposed 
activities for the entire award period, with a line-item budget and 
detailed work plan for the first budget year only. If the Corporation 
approves an application and enters into a multi-year award agreement, 
at the outset it will provide funding only for an initial phase of the 
award period. The Corporation has no obligation to provide additional 
funding. Additional funding is contingent upon satisfactory 
performance, the availability of funds, and any other criteria 
established in the award agreement.

D. Legal Authority

    Section 198 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as 
amended, 42 U.S.C. 12653, authorizes the Corporation to provide, 
directly or through contracts or cooperative agreements, training and 
technical assistance in support of activities under the national 
service laws.

IV. Scope of Activities To Be Supported

A. General Requirements

    The applicant selected under this Notice (the provider) must 
address the general requirements listed below in delivering its 
services.
1. Outreach
    a. Develop and implement a plan to promote services to grantees and 
sub-grantees in collaboration with Corporation training and technical 
assistance staff.
    b. Work with grantees and sub-grantees who request assistance to 
clarify their needs and determine an appropriate response.
2. Training
    a. Ensure that curricula are based on an assessment of participant 
needs and skill levels.
    b. Ensure that course outlines, descriptions, and schedules are 
approved by Corporation staff and, when appropriate, submitted to the 
National Service Resource Center (Glossary) for the national training 
calendar.
    c. Deliver training that is interactive, experiential, and 
consistent with the principles of adult learning. Use train-the-trainer 
models and other transfer-of-skills methods to enhance the capacity of 
the field to function independently.
    d. Ensure that training is accessible to persons with disabilities 
as required by law, including applicable provisions of the Electronic 
and Information Technology Accessibility Standards, 36 CFR part 1194, 
published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2000 (65 FR 80500).
    e. Electronically track training requests, referrals, and services 
provided based on Corporation guidance.
    f. Disseminate materials produced under this agreement.
    g. Use other training methods, including the use of CD-ROMs, online 
materials, and web-based training, to complement training conducted in 
classroom and other in-person settings.
3. Reporting
    a. Progress Report. Submit a progress report semi-annually in three 
copies to the Training and Technical Assistance Office beginning 
October 31, 2001, for the period ending September 30, 2001. During the 
final year of the agreement, the provider must submit, in lieu of the 
last semi-annual progress report, a final progress report that is 
cumulative over the entire award period. This final report will be due 
not later than 90 days after the close of the agreement, unless the 
Corporation approves an extension. The provider must have or develop 
the capacity to submit progress reports electronically. At minimum, 
progress reports must provide the following information:
    (1) A comparison of accomplishments with the goals and objectives 
for the reporting period;
    (2) An annotated version of the approved budget that compares 
actual costs with budgeted costs by line item, and explains 
differences. The explanation should include, as appropriate, an 
analysis of cost overruns and high-cost units and a description of 
service requests not anticipated in the original budget;
    (3) A description of the services provided, including:
    (a) Number of requests received by topic area and source;
    (b) Activity conducted to address each request (e.g., training, on-
site technical assistance, phone consultation and other electronic 
communication, materials development and shipment) and mode of delivery 
(e.g., staff, consultant, other);
    (c) Number of participants in each training or technical assistance 
event;
    (d) Client feedback on the services rendered (including the 
aggregate evaluation of each event);
    (e) Problems encountered in delivering services with 
recommendations for correcting them.
    (4) List and dates of upcoming activities and events;
    (5) Recommended training and technical assistance focus areas as 
suggested by analyses of service activity and trends;
    (6) Discussion of developments that hindered, or may hinder, 
compliance with the cooperative agreement;
    (7) List of materials submitted to the National Service Resource 
Center;
    (8) List of effective practices and materials submitted to 
EpiCenter (Glossary).
    b. Financial Report. Submit a Financial Status Report (SF Form 
269A) semi-annually in three copies to the Office of Grants Management 
beginning October 31, 2001, for the period ending September 30, 2001. 
During the final year of the agreement, the provider must submit, in 
lieu of the last semi-annual financial status report, a final financial 
status report that is cumulative over the entire award period. This 
final report will be due not more than 90 days after the end of the 
agreement, unless the Corporation approves an extension. The provider 
must develop the capacity to submit financial status reports 
electronically.
    c. Special Reports. Submit such special reports as requested by the 
Corporation.
4. Other Requirements
    a. Assure that provider staff and consultants are knowledgeable of 
the Corporation's background, objectives, and programs.
    b. Help plan and implement national provider meetings and training 
events as requested by the Corporation.
    c. Collaborate in materials development and training events 
organized by other providers or the Corporation, as requested.

B. WBRS Requirements

    The applicant selected under this Notice must provide services to 
system users in two areas: (1) System administration and management; 
and (2) end-user training and support. The

[[Page 15103]]

requirements in these areas are addressed below.
1. System Administration and Management
    The provider must base its need for system administration and 
management personnel, at minimum, on the system specifications, size, 
and activity level described above in the background segment of Section 
IV, Scope of Activities to be Supported. To ensure continuity, the 
provider will be required to establish at least a provisional 
arrangement with Interliant, Incorporated--the current web-hosting 
provider `` and to make arrangements for continuing to secure a web-
hosting service for the balance of the cooperative agreement period. 
The applicant must include the cost of providing web-hosting services 
in its proposal.
    a. Supervising the WBRS servers and web site, including any web-
hosting contractor responsibilities. Supervising includes monitoring 
application efficiency, analyzing user activity, monitoring and 
preventing system downtime, and supervising and arranging for the 
archiving of data. Accordingly, the provider must:
    (1) Regularly provide the Corporation an analysis of archive logs 
and site use that includes, at minimum, hit analyses, path analyses, 
page statistics, and session length. The provider must assist the 
Corporation in using these data to improve site usability and 
performance.
    (2) In collaboration with the web-hosting provider, carefully 
monitor the site for downtime, brownouts, and other system delays. The 
provider must inform the Corporation whenever a system-performance 
issue arises.
    b. Rectifying system problems. From time to time, WBRS requires 
reprogramming to address application bugs or incompatibilities with the 
National Service Trust (Glossary). The provider must coordinate closely 
with the Trust programming staff to ensure the smooth uploading of 
member and program data.
    c. Effecting system enhancements. The Corporation may determine 
that certain system enhancements are required either to implement a 
change in policy or law or to increase the effectiveness of WBRS. To 
effect these changes, the provider must have:
    (1) Staff proficient in Lotus Notes/Domino, Javascript, Lotus 
script, and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) programming to address simple to 
highly complex tasks.
    (2) Programming and design capacity to develop a new version of 
WBRS should the Corporation direct it to do so.
2. End-User Training and Support
    This requirement includes several parts. The ultimate goal of these 
elements is to ensure that WBRS users are well trained in using the 
system and have access to resources when they need additional help. At 
a minimum, provider services to satisfy this requirement must include 
the following elements: (1) A system for training WBRS users; (2) a 
technical assistance system; (3) a means for capturing and 
disseminating effective WBRS practices; and (4) a process for 
evaluating WBRS services. The following sections describe each of these 
requirements.
    a. A system for training WBRS users. WBRS currently has over 5,000 
users, most of whom have been trained by the current provider. As a 
result of staff turnover and program growth, however, there is a 
continuing need to deliver basic WBRS training. Advanced training is 
also required to prepare staff to make effective use of WBRS' 
management features. Finally, to institutionalize the use of WBRS, the 
Corporation has required that every state commission, national direct 
parent organization, tribe, and territory have at least one staff 
member who has been certified as a local WBRS administrator and 
therefore can train basic WBRS users, provide technical assistance on 
basic WBRS questions, and otherwise act as a resource within their 
network of programs. The provider must deliver training to satisfy 
these three requirements.
    (1) Basic WBRS training. The provider must be able to train up to 
600 individuals per year, nationwide, in the basic operation of WBRS. 
In so doing, the provider must assess the training needs among user 
groups and schedule training sessions in a way that balances ease of 
user access against cost.
    (2) Advanced WBRS training. In Year One of the agreement, the 
provider must design a training session on using WBRS as a management 
tool (for example, in managing a budget or tracking member progress 
toward completion). The provider must determine the number and location 
of staff who wish to receive advanced training, and then schedule 
training sessions in a way that balances ease of user access against 
cost. In subsequent years, the provider must determine the need for 
additional advanced training prior to creating a training schedule.
    (3) Local WBRS administrator training. In Year One of the 
agreement, the provider must assist the Corporation in identifying 
individuals who could become local WBRS administrators, who would 
assist grantees with their administration of WBRS. The provider must 
also design and conduct training that will provide those selected to be 
local WBRS administrators the requisite knowledge and skills. In 
subsequent years, the provider must assist the Corporation in 
determining the need for additional administrator training and provide 
it as necessary, balancing ease of user access against cost.
    b. Technical Assistance System.
    The provider must establish a technical assistance system that will 
enable WBRS users to request and receive help with system operations 
problems via e-mail or telephone. In so doing, the provider must, at 
minimum, provide the services outlined below (over the past 12 months, 
WBRS help desk requests have averaged 50 per week, and programming 
associated with system maintenance, repair, and enhancements has 
totaled about 5,700 hours):
    (1) Maintain the present online WBRS help system to keep it current 
with WBRS operations;
    (2) Specify the response-time standard it intends to maintain when 
addressing assistance requests;
    (3) Maintain database tracking logs of all user-help and technical-
assistance requests to ensure that all requests are addressed and that 
standards for customer service are maintained;
    (4) Develop and implement a system for referring technical 
assistance requests to Corporation staff, WBRS programmers or others, 
as appropriate, if the help desk is not the appropriate source for 
addressing user needs or if user questions raise programming or policy 
issues.
    c. Capturing and disseminating effective WBRS practices. The 
provider must facilitate the use of effective WBRS practices among 
system users by employing the following means:
    (1) Documenting and transmitting effective practices through all 
training and technical assistance services;
    (2) Submitting information on effective WBRS practices in the 
stipulated formats to EpiCenter and, as appropriate, to the National 
Service Resource Center, and encouraging their use.
    d. Evaluating WBRS services. To facilitate improving WBRS services, 
the provider must evaluate its services and their effectiveness. At 
minimum, the provider must:
    (1) Develop and submit a plan for evaluating the impact of training 
and technical assistance services, especially as they relate to 
training event

[[Page 15104]]

objectives and the general requirements of this Notice;
    (2) Conduct an assessment after each training and technical 
assistance event;
    (3) Maintain records of these assessments and provide them to the 
Corporation or an authorized representative upon request.

    Note: The Corporation may choose to conduct an independent 
assessment of provider performance.

V. Application Guidelines

A. Proposal Content and Submission

    Applicants must submit one unbound, original proposal and two 
copies. Proposals may not be submitted by facsimile. Proposals must 
include the following:
1. Cover Page
    The cover page must include the name, address, phone number, fax 
number, e-mail address, and World Wide Web site URL (if available) of 
the applicant organization and contact person; a 50-100 word summary of 
proposed activities.
2. Outline
    A one-two page outline of all proposed activities and materials.
3. Service Delivery Plan
    A bulleted narrative of no more than 20 double-spaced, single-
sided, typed pages in no smaller than 12-point font that includes:
    a. Proposed Strategy. The applicant's proposed strategy and 
rationale for providing WBRS training and technical assistance services 
to WBRS users for one year. The applicant must include the specific 
deliverables and requirements outlined in Section IV of this Notice as 
a starting point for a plan, and should present these deliverables and 
requirements in a way that reflects the applicant's areas of expertise 
and knowledge of national service audiences. It is not appropriate 
simply to re-list the tasks stated in this Notice. As appropriate, the 
applicant should also include the following information for each 
proposed activity, product, and event: type, number, frequency, 
audience and estimated audience size, content, skill level, desired 
learning outcomes, and proposed needs-assessment and continuous-
improvement strategies.
    b. Work Plan. A detailed one-year work plan and timeline for 
completing all system administration and management and end-user 
training and support activities. The work plan must include all 
deliverables and the tasks leading to them.
    c. Evaluation Plan. A plan for regularly evaluating system 
performance and service delivery and reporting findings and proposed 
improvements to the Corporation.
4. Course Outlines and Descriptions
    A 75-100 word sample course description and off-the-shelf course 
outline for each of two courses in the applicant's specialty area. One 
course should be a basic two-five day introductory course for 15-20 
inexperienced participants and the other should be a two-five day 
advanced course for 15-20 experienced participants. Course outlines 
should include desired learning outcomes and the activities that will 
lead to them.
5. Technology Strategy
    A one-page description of how the applicant proposes to use 
technology, especially e-learning, to broaden and extend effectively 
the reach of training. The description should include the rationale for 
the proposed approach, the target audience, course level, concepts and 
skills to be delivered, desired learning outcomes, and how the outcomes 
will be achieved.
6. Description of Organizational Capacity
    a. Organizational Chart. A chart that depicts the applicant's 
organization and, as applicable, its position within a parent 
organization.
    b. Narrative. A narrative of no more than three double-spaced, 
single-sided, typed pages in no smaller than 12-point font which 
describes:
    (1) The organization's capacity to provide system administration, 
management, training, and technical assistance services to 
geographically dispersed users, and discusses recent work similar to 
that being proposed.
    (2) The organization's knowledge of AmeriCorps.
    (3) The organization's knowledge of and proficiency in the 
programming and use of Lotus Notes/Domino. Include references related 
to this work.
    (4) Staff backgrounds and strengths. (Include in an appendix a list 
and resumes of management staff and their anticipated rates of pay; for 
other staff and/or expert consultants include a summary of their 
relevant background. This information is not subject to the page limits 
that are otherwise applicable).
7. Budget
    A detailed, line-item budget with hours and costs organized by 
personnel, task and sub-task and related to the activities and 
deliverables outlined in the introductory narrative and work plan.
    a. Include staff and expert-consultant hours and pay rates being 
proposed by task and sub-task, and indicate by task and sub-task the 
types and quantities of other direct costs being proposed (for example, 
amounts of travel; volume of other task-related resources, such as 
communications, postage, etc.). Costs in proposed budgets must consist 
solely of costs allowable under applicable cost principles found in OMB 
Circulars.
    b. Provide a budget narrative that includes an explanation of the 
basis for the cost estimates. The organization of the budget narrative 
should parallel that of the line-item budget. Each of the elements and 
sub-elements that comprise the totals of the individual budget lines 
must be fully explained in the narrative. The narrative should show how 
each cost was derived, using equations to reflect all factors 
considered. Also provided should be the anticipated unit cost (with 
derivation) of the various deliverables, such as training events and 
technical assistance interventions.

B. Selection Criteria

    To ensure fairness to all applicants, the Corporation reserves the 
right to take remedial action, up to and including disqualification, in 
the event a proposal fails to comply with the requirements relating to 
page limits, line spacing, and font size. The Corporation will assess 
applications based on the criteria listed below.
1. Quality (30%)
    The Corporation will consider the quality of the proposed 
activities based on:
    a. Understanding of the Needs of AmeriCorps Programs. Evidence of 
the applicant's understanding of the needs of AmeriCorps programs, the 
principles of adult learning, and the training and technical assistance 
principles and requirements outlined in this Notice.
    b. Soundness of Proposed Strategy. Evidence of the responsiveness, 
comprehensiveness, and creativity of the applicant's approach.
2. Organizational and Personnel Capacity (30%)
    The Corporation will consider the organizational capacity of the 
applicant to deliver the proposed services based on:
    a. Experience. Evidence of experience in providing systems 
management and administration services, providing online and telephone-
based technical support, designing or maintaining online reporting 
systems, and delivering

[[Page 15105]]

high-quality training and technical assistance to adults.
    b. Staff. Evidence of training or experience in relevant content 
areas.
    c. Grant Experience. Demonstrated ability to manage a federal grant 
or apply sound fiscal management principles to grants and cost 
accounting.
    d. Capacity. Demonstrated ability to provide systems 
administration, software development, and training and technical 
assistance services nationwide.
3. Evaluation (10%)
    a. Scope of Plan. Proposed method for assessing the need for and 
effectiveness of services and products delivered under the award.
    b. Continuous Improvement. Proposed method for using assessments of 
services and products to modify and improve subsequent services and 
products.
4. Budget (30%)
    The Corporation will consider the budget based on the factors 
below. Applicants should be mindful that a demonstrated commitment to 
providing services in the most cost-effective manner possible will be a 
major consideration in the evaluation of proposals. (Provider match is 
not required.)
    a. Cost-effectiveness. Cost of each proposed activity in relation 
to the scope and depth of the services proposed (i.e., the number of 
states, programs, and individuals the proposed activities are intended 
to reach).
    b. Scope. Scope of the proposed service activity (e.g., the number 
of states, programs, and individuals the proposed activities are 
intended to reach).
    c. Clarity. The clarity and thoroughness of the budget and budget 
narrative.

VI. Glossary of Terms

EpiCenter

    A database-enabled web site designed to share effective program 
practices and knowledge across the national service network, EpiCenter 
disseminates ideas and information that lead to program improvement and 
successful outcomes for beneficiaries, participants, institutions, and 
communities. These practices are based on knowledge gleaned from 
practical experience, technical assistance efforts, and empirical 
research. The evolving database currently contains practices related to 
education, the environment, public safety and other human needs 
(including health and housing), service-learning, and common program 
management concerns (e.g., recruiting, volunteer management, 
partnership, and sustainability). The database can be visited at 
www.nationalservice.org/resources/epicenter/.

Grantees

    Entities funded directly by the Corporation. These include, but are 
not limited to, state commissions; state education agencies; Tribes and 
U.S. Territories; national direct parent organizations; institutions, 
consortia, and organizations of higher education; local governments; 
and non-profit organizations.

National Service Resource Center (NSRC)

    Currently managed by ETR Associates, Inc., Scotts Valley, 
California, the National Service Resource Center (NSRC) serves as a 
repository of information on all aspects of national service. The NSRC 
manages most of the Corporation's listservs, and its web site includes 
a calendar of training events and links to all current providers. The 
NSRC also has a lending library. Training and technical assistance 
publications are posted or distributed by the NSRC. Providers will be 
required to submit copies of their training materials and scripts to 
the NSRC.

National Service Trust

    Provides a secure repository for education awards earned by 
eligible AmeriCorps participants. It is based on enrollment and exit 
data provided by AmeriCorps grantees and members. The data are subject 
to the scrutiny of annual, systematic financial audit. The systems used 
to enter and store the data use edit and range checks. Optical scanning 
techniques are used to enter the data electronically.

Sub-grantees

    Many Corporation grantees sub-grant a significant portion of their 
funds to other entities. Examples include state commissions that, 
through a competitive process, fund AmeriCorps programs throughout a 
state, and state education agencies that, through competition, fund 
school systems throughout a state. By regulation, Senior Corps grantees 
are not permitted to sub-grant.

    Dated: March 9, 2001.
David B. Rymph,
Director (Acting), Department of Evaluation and Effective Practices, 
Corporation for National and Community Service.
[FR Doc. 01-6394 Filed 3-14-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6050-$$-P