[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 83 (Monday, April 30, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21389-21396]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10640]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[Program Announcement No. ACYF-PA-CCB-2001-03]


Early Learning Opportunities Act Discretionary Grants

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

ACTION: Announcement of the availability of competitive grants 
to Local Councils.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this program announcement is to 
announce the availability of Fiscal Year 2001 Discretionary Funds, 
authorized by Congress under the FY 2001 Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, for grants to Local Councils.

DATES: The closing date for submission of applications is June 
14, 2001. Mailed applications postmarked after the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as 
meeting an announced deadline if they are either received on or before 
the deadline date, or sent on or before the deadline date and received 
by ACF in time for the independent review to: Administration on 
Children, Youth and Families, Child Care Bureau Program Announcement 
No. ACYF-PA-CCB-2001-03, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, 
Arlington, VA 22209, Telephone: 1-800-351-2293.
    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 a 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 hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by 
other representatives of the applicant shall be considered as meeting 
an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline 
date, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, Monday through 
Friday (excluding Federal holidays) at the address above. (Applicants 
are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always 
deliver as agreed.)
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or 
through other electronic media, regardless of date or time of 
submission and receipt. Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF 
electronically will not be accepted.
    Late Applications. Applications that do not meet the 
criteria stated above are considered late applications. ACF shall 
notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered 
in the current competition.
    Extension of Deadlines. ACF may extend an application 
deadline for applicants affected by acts of God such as floods and 
hurricanes, when there is widespread disruption of mail service, or for 
other disruptions of services, such as a prolonged blackout, that 
affect the public at large. A determination to extend or waive deadline 
requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
    Notice of Intent to Submit Application: If you intend to 
submit an application, please contact ACYF's Operations Center at 1-
800-351-2293 with the following information: the number and title of 
this announcement; your organization's name and address; and your 
contact person's name, phone number, fax number, and e-mail address. 
The information will be used to determine the number of expert 
reviewers needed to evaluate applications and to update the mailing 
list for program announcements.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Administration on Children, 
Youth and Families, Child Care Bureau, Room 2046, Mary E. Switzer 
Building, 330 C Street, Southwest, Washington, DC 20447, Phone: 202-
690-6243 or 202-401-5130, Fax: 202-690-5600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ACF Uniform Discretionary Grant 
Application, covering all ACF announcements contained in the 
Application Kit, and this Supplementary Information section, contains 
all the forms and instructions needed to apply for a grant under this 
announcement. No additional application materials are needed.
    The Supplementary Information section consists of seven parts. Part 
I includes general information about funding requirements, and 
application procedures for child care grants under this program 
announcement. Part II provides background information on the Child Care 
Bureau and the Early Learning Opportunities Act as well as relevant 
definitions. Part III describes goals and priorities related to this 
announcement. Part IV provides instructions for the Uniform Project 
Description. Part V describes the evaluation criteria and selection 
process. Part VI describes the application process. Part VII provides 
information on the content of the application and submission 
instructions. The contents are outlined below:

Table of Contents

Part I. General Information
    A. Purpose
    B. Citations
    C. Number of Awards
    D. Project Duration
    E. Funding Levels and Budget Periods

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    F. Non-Federal Share of Project Costs
    G. Other Financial Requirements
    H. Eligibility
    I. Protections
Part II. Background and Context
    A. The Child Care Bureau
    B. The Early Learning Opportunities Act
    C. Definitions
Part III. Early Learning Opportunities Act Grants--Goals and 
Priorities
Part IV. General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description
    A. Project Summary/Abstract
    B. Objectives and Need for Assistance
    C. Results or Benefits Expected
    D. Approach
    E. Evaluation
    F. Geographic Location
    G. Additional Information
    H. Budget and Budget Justification
Part V. Evaluation Criteria
    Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Criterion 2. Results and Benefits Expected
    Criterion 3. Approach
    Criterion 4. Geographic Location
    Criterion 5. Staff and Position Data and Organizational Profile
    Criterion 6. Budget and Budget Justification
Part VI. Application Process
    A. Assistance to Prospective Grantees
    B. Application Requirements
    C. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    D. Notification under Executive Order 12372
    E. Availability of Forms and Other Materials
    F. Application Consideration
Part VII. Application Content and Submission Instructions
    A. Application Content
    B. Application Submission

Part I. General Information

A. Purpose

    The purpose of this program announcement is to announce the 
availability of fiscal year 2001 funds, authorized under the Early 
Learning Opportunities Act (ELOA), for early learning programs likely 
to produce sustained gains in early learning.

B. Citations

    1. Sponsorship. Grants being awarded under this 
announcement are sponsored by the Child Care Bureau (the Bureau) of the 
Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) in the 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services (DHHS). The Bureau will manage the projects.
    2. Funding Authority. Funding is provided by ACF under the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554).
    3. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 93.577.

C. Number of Awards

    Up to 25 projects will be funded in fiscal year 2001 (by September 
30, 2001) subject to the availability of funds and the results of the 
review process.

D. Project Duration

    The project period will be 17 months. It is anticipated that the 
project period will be September 23, 2001 to February 28, 2003.

E. Funding Levels and Budget Periods

    Awards will be for 17-month project and budget periods. Individual 
awards will be between $250,000 and $1,000,000 depending on the size of 
the population to be served as well as geographic area to be served and 
the reasonableness of the budget in relationship to the services to be 
provided. While this will vary depending on the scope of the 
applications submitted, awards are expected to average $700,000.
    The Act (section 809) provides that the Secretary shall reserve a 
portion of each year's total appropriation for the Early Learning 
Opportunities Act (ELOA) for Indian Tribes, Regional Corporations, and 
Native Hawaiian entities. ACF anticipates competitively awarding funds 
to at least one Local Council designated by an Indian Tribe and one 
Local Council designated by an Alaska Native Regional Corporation or 
Native Hawaiian entity, subject to receipt of applications meeting the 
requirements of the Act as reflected in this announcement. ACF intends 
to award no less than one percent of the FY 2001 ELOA appropriation in 
grants to Indian Tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

F. Non-Federal Share of Project Costs

    Grantees must provide at least 15 percent of the total approved 
project cost. The total approved cost is the sum of the Federal share 
and the non-Federal share. Therefore, a project requesting $500,000 in 
Federal funds must include a match of at least $88,236 (15 percent 
total project cost). The non-Federal share may be contributed in cash 
or in-kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or 
services, which may be provided from State or local public sources, or 
through donations from private entities. For the purposes of this 
paragraph, the term ``facilities'' includes the use of facilities, but 
the term ``equipment'' means donated equipment and not the use of 
equipment. Grantees will be held accountable on the grant award for 
commitments of non-Federal resources even if the approved amount 
exceeds the minimum match required. Failure to provide the amount 
specified on the grant award can result in a disallowance of Federal 
funds.

G. Other Financial Requirements

    Amounts received shall be used to supplement and not supplant other 
Federal, State, and local public funds expended to promote early 
learning. No funds provided shall be used to carry-out an activity 
funded under another provision of law providing for Federal child care 
or early learning programs, unless an expansion of such activity is 
identified in the local needs assessment and performance goals.
    Not more than three percent of the Federal funds received by the 
Local Council through this announcement shall be used to pay for the 
administrative costs (as defined in Part II.C.) of the Local Council in 
carrying out activities funded under the grant.

H. Eligibility

    An eligible applicant for these grants must be designated by a 
local government entity (or Indian Tribe, Regional Corporation, or 
Native Hawaiian entity) as a ``Local Council'' to serve one or more 
localities. Applicants must include a letter from the designating 
entity in their application (see Part V, Evaluation Criteria, Criterion 
4). Membership of the governing body of the applicant organization must 
include representatives as follows:
    1. Local agencies that will be directly affected by early learning 
programs assisted under the Early Learning Opportunities Act and this 
announcement;
    2. Parents;
    3. Other individuals concerned with early learning issues in the 
locality, such as representatives of entities providing elementary 
education, child care resource and referral services, early learning 
opportunities, child care, and health services; and
    4. Other key community leaders.
    Local Councils that have been formed prior to the date of enactment 
of the Early Learning Opportunities Act and have similar membership 
will also be considered eligible. It is critical that Councils be able 
to demonstrate organizational and fiscal capabilities. Further, it is 
not recommended that Local Councils provide direct services to the 
children and families in their communities.
    A Local Council may enter into an agreement with an entity with a 
demonstrated capacity for administering grants that is affected by, or 
concerned with, early learning issues, including the State, to serve as 
fiscal agent for the

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administration of grant funds received by the Local Council under this 
program. The Local Council, however, must be the applicant under this 
announcement, and if selected for a grant, must be responsible for 
ensuring compliance with the activities and terms of the grant.
    Non-profit organizations submitting an application must submit 
proof of their non-profit status in their applications at the time of 
submission. This can be accomplished 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.

I. Protections

    1. No person, including a parent, shall be required to participate 
in any program of early childhood education, early learning, parent 
education, or developmental screening pursuant to the provisions of the 
Early Learning Opportunities Act.
    2. Nothing in the Early Learning Opportunities Act shall be 
construed to affect the rights of parents otherwise established in 
Federal, State, or local law.
    3. No entity that receives funds under this title shall be required 
to provide services under this title through a particular instructional 
method or in a particular instructional setting to comply with this 
title.

Part II. Background and Context

A. The Child Care Bureau

    The Child Care Bureau was established in 1994 to provide leadership 
to efforts to enhance the quality, affordability, and supply of child 
care. The Child Care Bureau administers the Child Care and Development 
Fund (CCDF), a $4.6 billion child care program that includes funding 
for child care subsidies and activities to improve the quality and 
availability of child care. CCDF was created after amendments to ACF 
child care programs by Title VI of the Personal Responsibility and Work 
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 consolidated four Federal child 
care funding streams including the Child Care and Development Block 
Grant, AFDC/JOBS Child Care, Transitional Child Care, and At-Risk Child 
Care.
    The Bureau works closely with ACF Regions, States, Territories and 
Tribes to assist with, oversee, and document implementation of new 
policies and programs in support of State, local and private sector 
administration of child care services and systems. In addition, the 
Bureau collaborates extensively with other offices throughout the 
Federal government to promote integrated, family-focused services and 
coordinated child care delivery systems. In all of these activities, 
the Bureau seeks to enhance the quality, availability, and 
affordability of child care services, support children's healthy growth 
and development in safe child care environments, enhance parental 
choice and involvement in their children's care, and facilitate the 
linkage of child care with other community services.

B. The Early Learning Opportunities Act

    The Early Learning Opportunities Act (ELOA) was passed by Congress 
to award grants to States to enable them to increase, support, expand 
and better coordinate early learning opportunities for children and 
their families through local community organizations. The purposes of 
the Act are to: (1) Increase the availability of voluntary programs, 
services, and activities that support early childhood development, 
increase parent effectiveness, and promote the learning readiness of 
young children so that young children enter school ready to learn; (2) 
support parents, child care providers, and caregivers who want to 
incorporate early learning activities into the daily lives of young 
children; (3) remove barriers to the provision of an accessible system 
of early childhood learning programs in communities throughout the 
United States; (4) increase the availability and affordability of 
professional development activities and compensation for caregivers and 
child care providers; and (5) facilitate the development of community-
based systems of collaborative service delivery models characterized by 
resource sharing, linkages between appropriate supports, and local 
planning for services.
    The Act provides that if the amount appropriated for this program 
in any fiscal year is less than $150 million, the Department of Health 
and Human Services (DHHS) shall award grants on a competitive basis 
directly to Local Councils. DHHS is administering the program under 
this special provision in FY 2001.

C. Definitions

    Administrative Costs--Administrative costs are defined as 
costs related to the overall management of the program which do not 
directly relate to the provision of program services. These costs can 
be in both the personnel and non-personnel budget categories and 
include, but are not limited to: salaries of managerial and 
administrative staff, indirect costs, and other costs associated with 
administrative functions such as accounting, payroll services or 
auditing.
    Caregiver--The term ``caregiver'' means an individual, 
including a relative, neighbor, or family friend, who regularly or 
frequently provides care, with or without compensation, for a child for 
whom the individual is not the parent.
    Child Care Provider--The term ``child care provider'' means 
a provider of non-residential child care services (including center-
based, family-based, and in-home child care services) for compensation 
who or that is legally operating under State law, and complies with 
applicable State and local requirements for the provision of child care 
services.
    Early Learning--used with respect to a program or activity, 
means learning designed to facilitate the development of cognitive, 
language, motor, and social-emotional skills for, and to promote 
learning readiness in, young children (see definition of young child).
    Early Learning Program--is a program of services or 
activities that helps parents, caregivers, and child care providers to 
incorporate early learning into the daily lives of young children; or a 
program that directly provides early learning to young children.
    Indian Tribe--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the meaning 
given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
    Local Council--The term ``Local Council'' means a Local 
Council established or designated by a local government, Indian Tribe, 
Regional Corporation, or Native Hawaiian entity to serve as applicant 
under this announcement and that serves one or more localities.
    Locality--The term ``locality'' means a city, county, 
borough, township, or area served by another general purpose unit of 
local government, an Indian Tribe, a Regional Corporation, or a Native 
Hawaiian entity.
    Native Hawaiian Entity--A private non-profit organization 
that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians, and is recognized by the 
Governor of Hawaii for the purpose of planning, conducting, or 
administering programs (or parts of programs) for the benefit of Native 
Hawaiians.
    Parent--``parent'' means a biological parent, an adoptive 
parent, a stepparent, a foster parent, or a legal guardian of, or

[[Page 21392]]

a person standing in loco parentis to a child.
    Regional Corporation--Native Alaska Regional Corporation; 
an entity listed in section 419(4)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 619(4)(B)).
    Young Child--for purposes of this program, the term ``young 
child'' means any child from birth to the age of mandatory school 
attendance in the State where the child resides.

Part III. Early Learning Opportunities Act Grants--Goals and 
Priorities

    For FY 2001, grants will be awarded directly to Local Councils that 
can best assess their community needs and create a plan to facilitate 
the development of community-based systems and collaborative service 
delivery models.
    These grants will be available to Local Councils that have been so 
designated by a local government, Indian Tribe, Regional Corporation, 
or Native Hawaiian entity. Multiple applications from the same locality 
and applications that cover overlapping geographic areas will not be 
considered. Local Councils will be required to submit a current needs 
and resources assessment, documenting the needs of the young children 
and families in their locality, as well as a local plan that addresses 
the most significant needs. The plan will include three or more of the 
required Early Learning Activities (listed below) and clarify the 
outcome measures for each activity being proposed. Grants will be 
awarded to Councils for seventeen months through a competitive process.
    Local Councils must include three or more of the following 
activities in their implementation plan to be eligible for grants.
    1. Helping parents, caregivers, child care providers, and educators 
increase their capacity to facilitate the development of cognitive, 
language comprehension, expressive language, social-emotional, and 
motor skills, and promote learning readiness.
    2. Promoting effective parenting.
    3. Enhancing early childhood literacy.
    4. Developing linkages among early learning programs within a 
community and between early learning programs and health care services 
for young children.
    5. Increasing access to early learning opportunities for young 
children with special needs including developmental delays, by 
facilitating coordination with other programs serving such young 
children.
    6. Increasing access to existing early learning programs by 
expanding the days or times that the young children are served, by 
expanding the number of young children served, or by improving the 
affordability of the programs for low-income families.
    7. Improving the quality of early learning programs through 
professional development and training activities, increased 
compensation, and recruitment and retention incentives, for early 
learning providers.
    8. Removing ancillary barriers to early learning, including 
transportation difficulties and absence of programs during 
nontraditional work times.

Part IV. General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description

    The following ACF Uniform Project Description has been approved 
under OMB Control Number 0970-0139. This format is to be used to submit 
an application under this announcement.

A. Project Summary/Abstract

    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.

B. Objectives and Need for Assistance

    Clearly identify the physical, economic, 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.

C. Results or Benefits Expected

    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, 
describe who will receive early learning services, where and how these 
services will be provided, the anticipated numbers of children and 
families to be served, and how the services will benefit the young 
children, families and community to be served.

D. Approach

    Outline a plan of action, which describes the scope and detail of 
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions 
or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others.
    Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or 
technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary 
social and community involvement. Provide quantitative monthly or 
quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each 
function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served 
and the number of activities accomplished. When accomplishments cannot 
be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order 
to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates.
    If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``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.

E. Evaluation

    Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and 
the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the 
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which 
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which 
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. 
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are 
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the 
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being 
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and 
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's 
effectiveness.

F. Geographic Location

    Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the 
area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids 
may be attached.

G. Additional Information

    Following are requests for additional information that need to be 
included in the application.

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    1. Staff and Position Data: Provide a biographical sketch 
for each key person appointed and a job description for each vacant key 
position. A biographical sketch will also be required for new key staff 
as appointed.
    2. Plan for Project Continuance Beyond Grant Support: 
Provide a plan for securing resources and continuing project 
activities after Federal assistance has ceased.
    3. Organizational Profiles: Provide information on the 
applicant organization(s) and cooperating partners such as 
organizational charts, financial statements, audit reports or 
statements from CPAs/Licensed Public Accountants, Employer 
Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, contact persons and 
telephone numbers, child care licenses and other documentation of 
professional accreditation, information on compliance with Federal/
State/local government standards, documentation of experience in the 
program area, and other pertinent information. Any non-profit 
organization submitting an application must submit proof of its non-
profit status in its application at the time of submission. The non-
profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the 
applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent 
list of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the 
IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles 
of incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation 
or association is domiciled.
    4. Third-Party Agreements: Include written agreements 
between grantees and subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating 
entities. These agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, 
work schedules, remuneration, and other terms and conditions that 
structure or define the relationship.
    5. Letters of Support: Provide statements from community, 
public and commercial leaders that support the project proposed for 
funding. All submissions should be included in the application OR 
by application deadline.

H. Budget and Budget Justification

    Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget 
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed 
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, 
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to 
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the 
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
    General: The following guidelines are for proposing the 
budget and budget justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources 
shall be detailed and justified in the budget and narrative 
justification. For purposes of preparing the budget and budget 
justification, ``Federal resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for 
which you are applying. Non-Federal resources are all other Federal and 
non-Federal resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and 
computations be presented in a columnar format: first column, object 
class categories; second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-
Federal budget(s), and last column, total budget. The budget 
justification should be a narrative.
    1. Personnel: Description: Costs of employee salaries and 
wages. Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel 
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to 
be financed by the applicant.
    2. Fringe Benefits: Description: Costs of employee fringe 
benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate. 
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that 
comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
    3. Travel: Description: Costs of project-related travel by 
employees of the applicant organization (does not include costs of 
consultant travel). Justification: For each trip, show the total number 
of traveler(s), travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage 
allowances, if privately owned vehicles will be used, and other 
transportation costs and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key 
staff to attend ACF-sponsored workshops should be detailed in the 
budget.
    4. Equipment: Description: ``Equipment'' means an article 
of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of 
more than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the 
lesser of (a) the capitalization level established by the organization 
for the financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition 
cost means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, 
including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, or 
auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for 
which it is acquired. Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, 
protective in-transit insurance, freight, and installation shall be 
included in or excluded from acquisition cost in accordance with the 
organization's regular written accounting practices.) Justification: 
For each type of equipment requested, provide a description of the 
equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, the total cost, and 
a plan for use in the project, as well as use or disposal of the 
equipment after the project ends. An applicant organization that uses 
its own definition for equipment should provide a copy of its policy or 
section of its policy which includes the equipment definition.
    5. Supplies: Description: Costs of all tangible personal 
property other than that included under the Equipment category. 
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their costs. 
Show computations and provide other information that supports the 
amount requested.
    6. Contractual: Description: Costs of all contracts for 
services and goods except for those which belong under other categories 
such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation 
contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient 
organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or 
businesses to be financed by the applicant, should be included under 
this category. Justification: All procurement transactions shall be 
conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open 
and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States 
that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any 
anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without 
competition and exceeds $100,000. Recipients might be required to make 
available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such as 
request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost 
estimates, etc. Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part 
of the project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed 
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency title, 
along with the required supporting information referred to in these 
instructions.
    7. Non-Federal Resources: Description: Amounts of non-
Federal

[[Page 21394]]

resources that will be used to support the project as identified in 
Block 15 of the SF-424. Justification: The firm commitment of these 
resources must be documented and submitted with the application in 
order to be given credit in the review process. A detailed budget must 
be prepared for each funding source.
    8. Program Income: Description: The estimated amount of 
income, if any, expected to be generated from this project. 
Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of 
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application 
which contain this information.

Part V. Evaluation Criteria

    The six evaluation criteria that follow will be used to review and 
evaluate each application. Each of the 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. Note that the highest possible score an 
application can receive is 100 points.

A. Evaluation Criteria

Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)
    1. The extent to which the applicant specifies the goals and 
objectives of the project and describes how implementation will fulfill 
the purposes of the Early Learning Opportunities Act. The applicant 
must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the importance of early 
learning services and activities that help parents, caregivers, and 
child care providers incorporate early learning into the daily lives of 
young children, as well as programs that directly provide early 
learning to young children.
    2. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the need for 
assistance including identification and discussion of its needs and 
resources assessment concerning early learning services. Relevant data 
from the assessment should be included. Participant and beneficiary 
information must also be included.
    3. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates how it will give 
preference to supporting activities/projects that maximize the use of 
resources through collaboration with other early learning programs, 
provide continuity of services for young children across the age 
spectrum, and help parents and other caregivers promote early learning 
with their young children. The applicant must provide information about 
how decisions will be made about who will provide each early learning 
service and/or activity funded through this grant.
    4. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that it has 
worked with local education agencies to identify cognitive, social, and 
emotional, and motor developmental abilities which are necessary to 
support children's readiness for school; that the programs, services, 
and activities assisted under this title will represent developmentally 
appropriate steps toward the acquisition of those abilities; and, that 
the programs, services, and activities assisted provide benefits for 
children cared for in their own homes as well as children placed in the 
care of others.
Criterion 2. Results and Benefits Expected (10 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant:
    1. Specifies the number of children and families to be served and 
how the services to be provided will be funded consistent with the 
assessment.
    2. Explains how the expected results will benefit the population to 
be served in meeting its needs for early learning services and 
activities.
    3. Describes how it will assess the effects that services provided 
under this grant have had in addressing the needs identified under its 
needs and resources assessment. Particular attention must be paid to 
discussing how the effectiveness of the activities included in their 
implementation plan (approach) will be assessed.
    4. Demonstrates that completion of the proposed objectives will 
result in specific, measurable results. The specific information 
provided in the narrative and plan on expected results or benefits for 
each objective is the standard upon which its achievement can be 
evaluated at the end of the project period (i.e., 17 months).
Criterion 3. Approach (35 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant:
    1. Includes a detailed plan that identifies goals and objectives, 
relates those goals and objectives to the findings of its needs and 
resources assessment, and provides a work plan identifying specific 
activities necessary to accomplish the stated goals and objectives. The 
plan must demonstrate that each of the project objectives and 
activities supports the current needs and resource assessment and can 
be accomplished with the available or expected resources during the 
proposed project period. In addition, the plan must:
     Indicate when the objective and major activities under 
each objective will be accomplished (a timeline is recommended);
     Specify who will conduct the activities under each 
objective;
     Describe how subcontractors will be chosen and held 
accountable for carrying out activities in compliance with this 
application and grant terms and conditions;
     Describe how actual and perceived conflict of interest 
will be avoided if the Local Council is also a direct service provider; 
and,
     Indicate how programs, services, and activities are 
provided based on the family's ability to pay (for services that 
customarily require a payment).
    2. Describes how the project will form collaborations among local 
early learning, youth, social service, and educational providers to 
maximize resources and concentrate efforts on areas of greatest need.
    3. Includes a feasible plan for securing resources and continuing 
early learning activities after Federal assistance has ended.
Criterion 4. Geographic Location (5 Points)
    1. The applicant must describe the precise location of the project 
and boundaries of the area to be served. Maps or other graphic aids 
that are easily duplicated may be attached. Applications from multiple 
applicants proposing to serve the same or overlapping geographic areas 
will be disqualified.
    2. The applicant must include a letter from an entity of local 
government (or Indian Tribe, Regional Corporation, or Native Hawaiian 
entity) designating the applicant as a ``Local Council'' to serve one 
or more localities.
Criterion 5. Staff and Position Data and Organizational Profiles (20 
Points)
    The extent to which the applicant:
    1. Demonstrates its staff and organizational experience 
particularly in areas of facilitating needs and resources assessments 
and collaborative activities as they relate to early learning services. 
The applicant must also document its experience in facilitating such 
activities and the length of time the applicant has been involved in 
these activities. Evidence of the applicant's ability to manage a 
project of the proposed scope is demonstrated. The application clearly 
shows the successful management of projects of similar scope by the 
organization, and/or by the individuals designated to manage the 
project.
    2. Provides position descriptions and/or resumes of key personnel, 
including those of consultants. The position

[[Page 21395]]

descriptions and/or resumes relate specifically to the staff proposed 
in the applicant's plan and proposed budget. Position descriptions must 
clearly describe each position and its duties and clearly relate to the 
personnel staffing required to achieve the project objectives. Resumes 
and/or proposed position descriptions demonstrate that the proposed 
staff are or will be qualified to carry out the project activities. 
Either the position descriptions or the resumes contain the 
qualifications and/or specialized skills necessary for overall quality 
management of the project. Resumes must be included if individuals have 
been identified for positions in the application. Resumes must indicate 
what position the individual will fill and position descriptions must 
specifically describe the job as it relates to the proposed project. 
The applicant must also list organizations and consultants who will 
work on the program along with a short description of the nature of 
their effort or contribution.
    3. Describes the applicant agency including the types, quantities 
and costs of services it provides. The applicant must discuss the role 
of other organizations that will be involved in providing direct 
services to children and families through this grant. This discussion 
must include information about the written agreements that will be 
executed with subgrantees, subcontractors, or other cooperating 
entities. These agreements, or proposed agreements, must detail the 
scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and other 
terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.
    4. If the Local Council will work with a fiscal agent, that entity, 
its qualifications, and its relationship to the Council must be 
described. List all sites, including addresses, phone numbers and staff 
contacts. Organizational charts must be provided.
Criterion 6. Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant demonstrates:
    1. That the funds requested will be used for early learning 
services that will be provided under this announcement. The discussion 
must refer to (1) the budget information presented on Standard Forms 
424 and 424A and the applicant's budget justification and (2) the 
results or benefits identified under Criterion 2 above. Funds must be 
designated to allow two representatives from the Local Council to 
attend one grantee meeting in Washington D.C.
    2. That the project's costs are reasonable in view of the 
activities to be carried out, that the funds are appropriately 
allocated across component areas, and that the budget is sufficient to 
accomplish the objectives.
    3. That it has sufficient fiscal and accounting capacity to ensure 
prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate accounting of funds, and 
that unanticipated problems can be resolved and that the project will 
be completed on time and with a high degree of quality.

Part VI. Application Process

A. Assistance to Prospective Grantees

    Potential grantees can direct questions about application forms 
to the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Child Care 
Bureau Program Announcement, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, 
Arlington, VA 22209; Telephone: 1-800-351-2293; electronic mail: 
[email protected]. Questions about program requirements may be directed to 
the Child Care Bureau at 202-690-6243 or 202-401-5130, Fax: 202-690-
5600.

B. Application Requirements

    To be considered for a grant, each application must be submitted on 
the forms provided in the Application Kit and in accordance with the 
guidance provided in Part VII below.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-13)

    The Uniform Project Description information collection within this 
Program Announcement is approved under Uniform Project Description 
(0970-0139) which expires 12/31/2003.
    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.

D. Notification Under Executive Order 12372

    This program announcement is not covered under Executive Order 
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR 
Part 100, ``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human 
Services Program and Activities.''

E. Availability of Forms and Other Materials

    A copy of the forms that must be submitted as part of an 
application and instructions for completing the application are 
provided in the Application Kit. Legislation referenced in Part I, 
section B.2 of this announcement may be found in major public libraries 
and on the Child Care Bureau's website at http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ccb/policy1/index.htm. Additional copies of this announcement 
may be obtained by calling 1-800-351-2293. Many standard forms can also 
be downloaded and printed from the following ACF webpage: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/oa/form.htm.
    An Application Kit containing the necessary forms may be obtained 
from: Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Child Care Bureau 
Program Announcement, No. ACYF-PA-CCB 2001-03, 1815 North Fort Myer 
Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209, Telephone: 1-800-351-2293, 
Electronic Mail: [email protected].

F. Application Consideration and Selection

    Each application will undergo an eligibility and conformance review 
by Federal Child Care Bureau staff. Applications that pass the 
eligibility and conformance review will be evaluated on a competitive 
basis according to the evaluation criteria listed in Part V of this 
program announcement. This review will be conducted in Washington, DC, 
by panels of Federal and non-Federal experts knowledgeable in the areas 
of early learning, child care, early childhood education and other 
relevant areas.
    Application review panels will assign a score to each application, 
identifying its strengths and weaknesses. The Child Care Bureau will 
conduct an administrative review of the applications and results of the 
competitive review panels and make recommendations for funding to the 
Commissioner, ACYF.
    The Commissioner, ACYF, will make the final selection of the 
applications to be funded. Applications may be funded in whole or in 
part depending on: (1) The ranked order of applicants resulting from 
the competitive review; (2) staff review and consultations; (3) the 
combination of projects that best meets the Bureau's objectives; (4) 
the funds available; (5) the statutory requirement that reserves funds 
for Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Regional Corporations, and Native 
Hawaiian entities; and (6)

[[Page 21396]]

other relevant considerations. The Commissioner may also elect not to 
fund any applicants having known management, fiscal, reporting, 
program, or other problems which make it unlikely that they would be 
able to provide effective services.
    Successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a 
Financial Assistance Award that sets forth the amount of funds granted, 
the terms and conditions of the grant award, the effective date of the 
award, and the budget period for which support is given, and the total 
project period for which support is provided. Organizations whose 
applications will not be funded will be notified in writing by the 
Commissioner, ACF. Every effort will be made to notify all unsuccessful 
applicants as soon as possible after final decisions are made.

Part VII. Application Content and Submission Instructions

A. Application Content

    Each application must contain the following items in the order 
listed:
    1. A signed cover letter. The application must include a cover 
letter that includes the announcement number, contact information for 
the applicant, and information about the entity that has designated the 
Local Council (local government, Indian Tribe, Regional Corporation, or 
Native Hawaiian entity). The letter must be signed by an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility 
for the obligations imposed by terms and conditions of the grant award.
    2. Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424, REV 4-
92). Follow the instructions in the Application Kit. In Item 8 of Form 
424, check ``New.'' In Item 10 of the 424, clearly identify the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and 
number: Early Learning Opportunities Act, 93.577.
    3. Budget and Budget Justification (Standard Form 424A, REV 4-92). 
Follow the instructions in the Application Kit. The budget 
justification should be typed on standard size plain white paper, 
provide breakdowns for major budget categories and justify significant 
costs. List amounts and sources of all funds, both Federal and non-
Federal, to be used for this project.
    4. Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.'' A 
duly authorized representative of the applicant organization must 
certify that the applicant is in compliance with these assurances and 
certifications.
    5. Assurances/Certifications. The applicant must certify its 
compliance with: (1) Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; (2) Debarment 
and Other Responsibilities; (3) Pro-Children Act of 1994 (Certification 
Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke). A signature on the SF 424 
indicates compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Requirements, 
Debarment and Other Responsibilities and Environmental Tobacco Smoke 
Certifications. A signature on the application constitutes an assurance 
that the applicant will comply with the pertinent Departmental 
regulations contained in 45 CFR Part 74. In addition, applicants must 
provide a certification concerning Lobbying. Prior to receiving an 
award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish an executed copy 
of the lobbying certification. Applicants must sign and return the 
certification with their applications.
    6. Table of Contents.
    7. Project Summary/Abstract (one page maximum). Clearly mark this 
page with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the SF 424, identify 
the title of the proposed project as shown in item 11 and the service 
area as shown in item 12 of the SF 424. The summary description should 
not exceed 300 words. Care should be taken to produce a summary that 
accurately and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should 
describe the objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the 
results and benefits expected.
    8. The Project Description. The applicant is strongly encouraged to 
use the evaluation criteria in Part V to organize its response to Part 
IV, the Uniform Project Description. Specific information should be 
provided that addresses all components of each criterion. It is in the 
applicant's best interest to ensure that the project description is 
easy to read, logically developed in accordance with the evaluation 
criteria, and adheres to page limitations. In addition, the applicant 
should be mindful of the importance of preparing and submitting 
applications using language, terms, concepts, and descriptions that are 
generally known to the field of early learning as defined under this 
announcement.
    9. The pages of the project description must be numbered and are 
limited to 40 typed pages, double spaced, printed on only one side, 
with at least 1/2 inch margins. Pages over the limit will be removed 
from the application and will not be reviewed. In addition, please note 
that previous attempts by applicants to circumvent space limitations or 
to exceed page limits by using small print have resulted in negative 
responses from reviewers because of the difficulty in reviewing the 
application.
    10. Documents of Support. The maximum number of pages for 
supporting documentation is 30 pages, double-spaced, exclusive of 
letters of support or agreement. These documents must be numbered and 
might include excerpts from the needs and resources assessment, 
resumes, photocopies of news clippings, evidence of the program's 
efforts to coordinate child care services at the local level, etc. 
Documentation over the 30-page limit will not be reviewed. The 
applicant may, however, include as many letters of support or agreement 
as are appropriate.

B. Application Submission

    To be considered for funding, the applicant must submit one signed 
original and two additional copies of the application, including all 
attachments, to the application receipt point specified above. The 
original copy of the application must have original signatures, signed 
in black ink. Each copy must be stapled (back and front) in the 
upper left corner. All copies of an application must be submitted in a 
single package.
    Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include 
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, brochures 
or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a photocopy 
machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in 
any way separate subsections of the application, including supporting 
documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the 
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the 
Federal government for review.

    Dated: April 24, 2001.
Gail E. Collins,
Acting Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and 
Families.
[FR Doc. 01-10640 Filed 4-27-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P