[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 58 (Tuesday, March 26, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13775-13786]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-7213]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[Program Announcement No. 93631-02-01]


Developmental Disabilities: Notice of Availability of Financial 
Assistance and Request for Applications To Fund Family Support Model 
Demonstration Projects Under the Projects of National Significance 
Program

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

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is accepting

[[Page 13776]]

applications for Fiscal Year 2002 Family Support Demonstration 
Projects.
    This Program Announcement No. 93631-02-01 consists of five parts. 
Part I, the Introduction, discusses the goals and objectives of ACF and 
ADD. Part II provides background information on ADD for applicants. 
Part III describes the application review process. Part IV contains 
several components including: description of eligible applicants, 
purpose of project funds, requirements of project design, and 
evaluation criteria. Part V describes the process for preparing and 
submitting the 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 May 28, 2002.

Deadline

Applications Submitted by Mail

    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/Office of 
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., Mail Stop 326F, 
Washington, DC 20447-0002, Attention: Lois B. Hodge. Any applications 
received after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date will not be considered 
for competition.
    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.

Application Submitted by Courier

    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, Monday through Friday (excluding Federal holidays), 
at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/Office of 
Grants Management, ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor (near Loading Dock), 
Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Applicants 
using express/overnight services should allow two working days (Monday 
through Friday, excluding holidays) prior to the deadline date for 
receipt of applications. (Note to applicants: Express/overnight mail 
services do not always deliver at the time to which they agreed.)
    Receipt of Applications: Applications must either be hand delivered 
or mailed to the addresses listed above (under DEADLINE). ACF cannot 
accommodate transmission of applications by fax or through other 
electronic media. Applications transmitted electronically will not be 
accepted. Videotapes and cassette tapes may not be included as part of 
a grant application for panel review.
    Additional material will not be accepted, or added to an 
application, unless it is postmarked by the deadline date.
    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: The Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF) may extend application deadlines when circumstances such 
as acts of God (e.g., floods, hurricanes) occur, or when there is 
widespread disruption of the mail service. Determinations to extend or 
waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants Management 
Officer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about the application 
process, program information and application materials contact, 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Joan Rucker, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 300-F, Washington, DC, 20447, 202/
690-7898; or [email protected].
    Copies of this program announcement and many of the required forms 
may be obtained electronically at the ADD World Wide Web Page: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add/.
    Notice of Intent To Submit Application: If you intend to submit an 
application, please contact, Joan Rucker of ADD at (202) 690-7898 
within 15 days of the date of this announcement. Please give the 
number, and title of this announcement, your organization's name and 
address, and your contact person's name, phone and fax numbers, and e-
mail address. The information will be used to determine the number of 
expert reviewers needed and to update the mailing list for Program 
Announcements.

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). ADD shares goals with other ACF 
programs that promote the economic and social well being of families, 
children, individuals and communities. 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.
    These goals will enable individuals, including people with 
developmental disabilities; to live productive and independent lives 
integrated into their communities.

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 to promote the self-sufficiency and protect the rights of 
persons with developmental disabilities. ADD implements the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (the DD 
Act) that was reauthorized in 2000. The DD Act defines developmental 
disabilities, reauthorizes four major programs under ADD, devolves 
advocacy authority to the States, promotes consumer oriented systems 
change and capacity building activities and facilitates network 
formations.
    This Act supports and provides assistance to States, public, 
private nonprofit agencies, and organizations to assure that 
individuals with

[[Page 13777]]

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.
    The Act established, in part, as the policy of the United States:
     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
     Services, supports, and other assistance should be 
provided in a manner that demonstrates respect for individual dignity, 
personal preference, and cultural differences.
    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 DD Act are:
    (1) State Council on Developmental Disabilities that engage in 
advocacy, capacity building and systematic change activities.
    (2) Protection and Advocacy System (P&A's) that protect the legal 
and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.
    (3) The National Network of University Centers for Excellence in 
Developmental Disabilities (UCDD's) that engages in training, outreach 
and dissemination activities.
    (4) The Projects of National Significance (PNS), including Family 
Support Grants, support the development of family centered and directed 
systems for families of children with disabilities.
    All ADD programs must engage in activities related to advocacy, 
capacity building and systems change in one or more areas of emphasis. 
These areas of emphasis are: child-care related activities; early 
intervention and education activities; employment-related activities; 
health-related activities; housing-related activities; recreation-
related activities; transportation-related activities; and quality 
assurance activities.

C. Statutory Authorities Covered Under This Announcement

    This announcement is covered under the Developmental Disabilities 
Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 15000, et.seq. The 
Projects of National Significance are Part E of the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 
15081, and et.seq. Provisions under this section provides for the award 
of grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for projects of 
national significance that support the development of national and 
state policies that reinforce and promote the self-determination, 
independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets 
of community life of individuals with developmental disabilities 
through family support activities, data collection and analysis, 
technical assistance to entities that provide family support and data 
collection activities and other projects of sufficient size and scope 
that hold promise to expand or improve opportunities for individuals 
with developmental disabilities.

Part II. Background Information For Applicants

A. Description of Family Support Program

    The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 
2000, 42 U.S.C., et. Seq. was authorized on October 30, 2000. The DD 
Act includes a new Title II, the ``Families of Children With 
Disabilities Support Act of 1999''. The purpose of this new family 
support program is for states to create or expand statewide systems 
change. It allows for the award of competitive, grants to conduct 
training, technical assistance, and other national activities designed 
to address the problems that impede the self-sufficiency of families 
with children with disabilities. Although funds have never been 
appropriated, ADD intends to promote the intent of Title II, by 
awarding Family Support Grants through the provisions stated in 
Subtitle E--Projects of National Significance.

Part III. The Application Review

A. Eligible Applicants

    Only public or non-profit private entities, not individuals, are 
eligible to apply under this announcement. All applications developed 
jointly by more than one agency or organization must identify only one 
organization as the lead organization and the official applicant. The 
other participating agencies and organizations can be included as co-
participants, subgrantees or subcontractors.
    Any nonprofit organization submitting an application must submit 
proof of its nonprofit status in its application at the time of 
submission. The nonprofit agency can accomplish this by submitting 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 a 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 is 
located. ADD cannot fund a nonprofit applicant without acceptable proof 
of its nonprofit status.
    Before applications under this Program Announcement are reviewed, 
each one will be screened to determine whether the applicant is 
eligible for funding. Applications from organizations that do not meet 
eligibility requirements will not be considered or reviewed in the 
competition, and the applicant will be so informed.
    Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for these family 
support grants if they meet the eligibility requirements stated above. 
All applicants must submit a letter of designation as the lead entity 
for coordinating the planning, development, implementation (or 
expansion and enhancement), and evaluation of a statewide system of 
family support services for families of children with disabilities. The 
designation must be by the Chief Executive Officer of their State.

B. Review Process and Funding Decisions

    Applications from eligible applicants received by the deadline date 
will be reviewed and scored by experts in the field, generally persons 
from outside of the Federal Government. Reviewers will use the 
evaluation criteria listed elsewhere in this announcement to review and 
to 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

[[Page 13778]]

sources when this is determined to be in the best interest of the 
Federal Government or the applicant.
    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 program description.
    ADD expects all applications to 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, an additional five (5) points will be awarded in scoring 
for any project that demonstrates in their application a partnership 
and collaboration with any of the 140 Empowerment Zones/Enterprise 
Communities. To receive the 5 points, the application must specify how 
the involvement of the EZ/EC is related to the objectives and/or the 
activities of the project. The application must also include a letter 
from an authorized representative of the EZ/EC indicating its agreement 
to participate and describing its role in the project. Applications 
submitted for implementation funds must include a letter from the EZ/EC 
pledging its continued support.
    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 and score the applications. To facilitate this review, 
applicants should ensure that they address each minimum requirement in 
the program description under each section of the Project Narrative 
Statement.
    Reviewers will: determine the strengths and weaknesses of each 
application in terms of the evaluation criteria listed below, provide 
comments, and assign numerical scores. The point value following each 
criterion heading indicates the maximum numerical weight that each 
applicant may receive per section in the review process.

D. Structure of Program Description

    The program description is composed of the following sections:
     Eligible Applicants: This section specifies the type of 
organization that is eligible to apply under the particular program 
description. Specific restrictions are also noted, where applicable.
     Purpose: This section presents the basic focus and/or 
broad goal(s) of the program description.
     Background Information: This section provides 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 
program 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.
     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 
program description.
     CFDA: This section identifies the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number and title of the program under which 
applications in this program description will be funded. This 
information is needed to complete item 10 on the SF 424.
    Applications that are more clearly focused on, and directly 
responsive to, the concerns of the program description usually score 
better than those that are less specific and generally defined. 
Applicants are encouraged to tailor their responses according to the 
specific requirements of the program description.

E. Available Funds

    Subject to the availability of funding, ADD intends to award new 
grants resulting from this announcement during the fourth quarter of 
fiscal year 2002. The size of the awards will vary. The program 
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.

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. 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 $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

[[Page 13779]]

the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Applications from 
these areas are covered under Section 501(d) of P. L. 95-134, as 
amended, 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.
    Applicants required to submit a full project description should 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions.
    Project summary/abstract: Provide a summary of the project 
description (a page or less) with reference to the funding request.
    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.
    Results or benefits expected: Identify the results and benefits to 
be derived. Extent to which the applicant is 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. Extent to which the proposed project cost is reasonable in 
view of the expected results.
    Approach: Outline a plan of action that 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.
    Organizational 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.

H. Closed Captioning for Audiovisual Efforts

    Applicants must include closed captioning and audio description in 
the development of any audiovisual products.

Part IV. Fiscal Year 2002 Families of ChildrenWith Disabilities 
Support Projects--Description and Requirements

    Eligible Applicants: Eligibility applicants include a State entity, 
unit or office designated by the chief executive officer of the state 
as the lead agency for this project. Proof of designation as lead 
agency by the governor/CEO must be submitted with the application. 
Applicants awarded new and implementation grants last year (FY 2001) 
under this announcement are not eligible. Applicants awarded grants in 
Fiscal Year 2000 are eligible to apply for implementation funds. 
Applicants who have never received grants under this announcement are 
eligible to apply for funds.
    Purpose: Project funds must be utilized to support systems change 
activities to assist each State with developing, implementing, 
expanding or enhancing, a statewide system of family support for 
families of children with disabilities designed to be family-centered, 
family-directed, culturally competent, community-centered, and 
comprehensive. This system will:
    (1) Ensure the full participation, choice and control of families 
of children with disabilities in decisions related to the provision of 
such family support for their family;
    (2) ensure the active involvement of families of children with 
disabilities in the planning, development, implementation, and 
evaluation of such a statewide system;
    (3) increase the availability of, funding for, access to, and 
provision of family support for families of children with disabilities;
    (4) promote training activities that are family-centered and 
family-directed and that enhance the ability of family members of 
children with disabilities to

[[Page 13780]]

increase participation, choice, and control in the provision of family 
support for families of children with disabilities;
    (5) increase and promote interagency coordination among State 
agencies, and between State agencies and private entities that are 
involved in these projects; and
    (6) increase the awareness of laws, regulations, policies, 
practices, procedures, and organizational structures that facilitate or 
impede the availability or provision of family support for families of 
children with disabilities.
    Background Information: Promoting family support for families with 
a child with a disability is a new stage in the federal goal 
development of disability policy. Historically, families with a child 
with a severe disability would only receive support once the child was 
placed in a state institution. In recent decades, disability policies 
have progressed to promote a more family-centered approach to service 
provision; indeed, many states have initiated family support 
legislation. This accomplishment is often the result of initiatives 
developed by the state developmental disabilities councils. Currently, 
all the states plus the District of Columbia offer some type of family 
support program. This support consists of any community-based service 
administered or financed by the state MR/DD agency providing for 
vouchers, direct cash payments to families, reimbursement, or direct 
payments to service providers which the state agency itself identified 
as family support. A broad range of services that fall within family 
support including--cash subsidy payments, respite care, family 
counseling, architectural adaptation of the home, in-home counseling, 
sibling support programs, education and behavior management services 
and the purchase of specialized equipment. Family support is a growing 
expenditure in state budgets. Family support expenditures advanced from 
$569 million for 279,266 families in 1996 to $1.0 billion for 385,414 
families in 2000. Family support spending constituted 3.6 percent of 
total MR/DD state resources in 2000, up from 2.3% in 1996. All 50 
states reported a family support initiative in either cash subsidy, or 
other family support activity. (Braddock, D., Hemp, R., Rizzolo, M.C., 
Parish, S. & Pomeranz, A. (2002). The State of the States in 
Developmental Disabilities: 2002 Study Summary. Boulder, CO: Coleman 
Institute for Cognitive Disabilities & Department of Psychiatry, 
University of Colorado).
    The Federal government's involvement in family support began in 
1982 with what is known as the ``Katie Beckett Waiver''. This provision 
amended the Medicaid law to give states the option to waive the deeming 
of parental income and resources for any child eighteen years of age 
and under who is eligible for placement in a Medicaid certified long 
term care institution or hospital, ICF/MR or nursing home. This waiver 
allows parents access to an array of family, home and community 
supports. Many states use this option, which requires states to 
determine that (1) the child requires the level of care provided in an 
institution; (2) it is appropriate to provide care outside the 
facility; and (3) the cost of care at home is no more than the cost of 
institutional care. In states that use this option, parents may choose 
either institutional or community care for their Medicaid eligible 
children.
    Federal disability policy in the 1980s increasingly began to 
reflect the principles of family-centered, community-based, coordinated 
care as Federal programs were established or reauthorized. Among these 
were:
    (1) The Temporary Respite Care and Crisis Nurseries Act of 1986 
that funded a variety of in-home and out-of-home respite programs;
    (2) a new Part H for infants, toddlers, and their families was 
added in 1986 to the then Education of the Handicapped Act;
    (3) the reauthorization of the Maternal and Child Health Care Block 
grant in 1989 emphasized these principles in it's Children with Special 
Health Care Needs program; and
    (4) a definition of family support services was added in 1990 to 
the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.
    Minimum Requirements for Project Design: ADD expects grant funds to 
maximize opportunities for systems change to ensure the provision of 
family support to families of children with disabilities through the 
collaboration and strengthening of community action service 
organizations. Project activities should accomplish any of the 
following:
     Establishment of a state policy council of families with 
children with disabilities or utilize an existing council which will 
advise and assist the lead entity in the performance of activities of 
this application. The State Policy Council shall be composed of a 
majority of participants who are family members of children with 
disabilities and/or who are youth with disabilities (ages 18-21);
     Training and technical assistance for family members, 
service providers, community members, professionals, members of the 
Policy Council, state agency staff, students and others;
     Interagency coordination of Federal and State policies, 
resources, and services; interagency workgroups to enhance public 
funding options and coordination; and other interagency activities that 
promote coordination;
     Outreach to locate families who are eligible for family 
support and to identify groups who are underserved or unserved;
     Policy studies that relate to the development and 
implementation, or expansion and enhancement, of a statewide system of 
family support for families of children with disabilities;
     Hearings and forums to solicit input from families of 
children with disabilities regarding family support programs, policies, 
and plans for such families;
     Public awareness and education to families of children 
with disabilities, parent groups and organizations, public and private 
agencies, students, policymakers, and the general public;
     Needs assessment;
     Data collection and analysis related to the statewide 
system of family support for families of children with disabilities;
     Implementation plans to utilize generic community service 
organizations in innovative partnerships to include families of 
children with disabilities;
     Pilot demonstration projects to demonstrate new approaches 
to the provision of family support for families of children with 
disabilities;
     Evaluation system using measurable outcomes based on 
family satisfaction indicators. Indicators include the extent to which 
a service or support meets a need, solves a problem, or adds value for 
a family, as determined by the individual family.
    ADD expects to fund applications that include or incorporate into 
these activities one or more of the following populations relevant to 
their state: (1) Unserved and underserved populations which includes 
populations such as individuals from racial and ethnic minority 
backgrounds, economically disadvantaged individuals, individuals with 
limited-English proficiency, and individuals from underserved 
geographic areas (rural or urban); (2) aging families of adult children 
with disabilities who are over age 21 with a focus on assisting those 
families and their adult child to be included as self-determining 
members of their communities; (3) foster/adoptive families of children 
with disabilities; (4) families participating in the state's Temporary 
Assistance to Needy

[[Page 13781]]

Families Program (TANF) , welfare-to-work, and/or SSI program; (5) 
veterans with families having a child with a disability; (6) parents 
with disabilities, especially with cognitive disabilities, having 
children with or without disabilities; and 7) families of children with 
behavioral/emotional issues.
    ADD intends to fund those applications that describe how the 
project intends to:
     Ensure consumer/self-advocate orientation and 
participation.
     Include key project personnel with direct life experience 
with living with a disability.
     Have 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.
     If applicable, research should reflect the principles of 
participatory action.
     Consider cultural competency (``cultural competency'' as 
defined in the DD Act as--services, supports, or other assistance that 
is conducted or provided in a manner that is responsive to the beliefs, 
interpersonal styles, attitudes, language, and behavior of individuals 
who are receiving the services, supports or other assistance, and in a 
manner that has the greatest likelihood of ensuring their maximum 
participation in the program involved.
     Will allow individuals with disabilities and their 
families to 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.
     Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the 
Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-220).
     Use collaboration through partnerships and coalitions.
     Develop the capacity to communicate and disseminate 
information and technical assistance through e-mail and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic 
communication.
     Develop and establish system change activities beyond 
project period.
    Disseminate models, products, best practices, and strategies for 
distribution between networks and beyond.
    Applications must also include provisions for the travel of a key 
staff person during the project period to Washington, DC.
    (1) Evaluation Criteria: Four (4) criteria 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 
possible for a criterion 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 included is described 
below.

Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum 25 points)

    The application must describe the context of the proposed 
demonstration project, including the geographic location, environment, 
magnitude and severity of the problem(s) to be solved and the needs to 
be addressed. Those eligible applicants applying for implementation 
funds, in addition to providing the following information, please 
submit a summary/abstract of the project goals and accomplishments 
during the first year of your grant.
    Applicant must:
    (1) Pinpoint any relevant physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, or other problems requiring a solution; (7 points)
    (2) Demonstrate the need for the assistance and state the principal 
and subordinate objectives for the project; (8 points)
    (3) Provide supporting documentation or other testimonies from 
concerned interests other than the applicant; (5 points)
    (4) Provide any relevant data based on planning studies; and (4 
points) provide maps and other graphic aids. (1 point)

Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum 20 points)

    Identify results and benefits to be derived. The anticipated 
contribution to policy, practice, theory and/or research should be 
indicated.
    Applicant must:
    (1) Clearly describe project benefits and/or results as they relate 
to the objectives of the project; (10 points); and
    (2) Provide information as to the extent to which the project will 
build on current theory, research, evaluation and best practices to 
contribute to increased knowledge of understanding the problems, issues 
or effective strategies and practices in family support. (10 points)

Criterion 3: Approach (Maximum 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. Applicants are expected to present a 
plan that (1) reflects an understanding of the characteristics, needs 
and services currently available to the targeted population; (2) 
provides services that directly address the needs of the target 
population; (3) is evidence based and grounded in theory and practice; 
(4) is appropriate and feasible; (5) can be reliably evaluated; and (6) 
if successfully implemented, can be sustained after Federal funding has 
ceased.
    Applicant must:
    (1) Outline a plan of action pertaining to the scope and detail how 
the proposed work will be accomplished for each project. Define goals 
and specific measurable objectives for the project; (8 points)
    (2) Cite factors which might accelerate or decelerate the work and 
provide reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others; (3 
points)
    (3) Describe any unusual features of the project, such as design or 
technological innovation, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary 
social and community involvement; (5 points)
    (4) Provide for each assistance program quantitative projects of 
the accomplishments to be achieved, if possible. When accomplishments 
cannot be quantified, the activities should be listed in chronological 
order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates; 
(4 points)
    (5) Identify the kinds of data to be collected and maintained, and 
discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results and success of 
the project. Describe how the proposed project will be evaluated to 
determine the extent to which it has achieved its stated goals and 
objectives; and whether the methods of evaluation include the use of 
performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes 
of the project; (8 points)
    (6) Describe the products to be developed during the implementation 
of the proposed project. This can include questionnaires, interview 
guides, data collection instruments, software, internet applications, 
reports, article outcomes and evaluation results. Also present a 
dissemination plan for conveying the information; (4 points)
    (7) List each organization, operator, consultant, or other key 
individuals

[[Page 13782]]

who will work on the project along with a short description of the 
nature of their effort of contribution. (3 points)

Criterion 4: Organizational Profile (20 points)

    This section should consist of a brief (two to three pages) 
background description of how the applicant organization (or the unit 
with the organization that will have responsibility for the project) is 
structured, the types and quantity of services, and/or the research and 
management capabilities it possesses. Applicants need to demonstrate 
that they have the capacity to implement the proposed project. Capacity 
includes (1) experience with similar projects; (2) experience with the 
target population; (3) qualifications and experience of the project 
leadership; (4) commitment to developing sustaining work among key 
stakeholders; (5) experience and commitment of any proposed consultants 
and subcontractors; and (6) appropriateness of the organizational 
structure, including its management information system, to carry out 
the project.
    Applicant must:
    (1) Identify the background of the project director/principal 
investigator and key project staff (including name, address, and 
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; present 
brief resumes; (5 points)
    (2) Provide a brief background description of how the applicant 
organization is organized, the types and quantity of services it 
provides, and/or the research and management capabilities it possesses; 
(5 points)
    (3) Provide an organization chart showing the relationship of the 
project to the current organization; (5 points) and
    (4) Describe the competence of the project team and its 
demonstrated ability to produce a final product that is readily 
comprehensible and usable. (5 points)
    Project Duration: This announcement is soliciting applications for 
a project period up to seventeen (17) months under this area. Awards, 
on a competitive basis, can be up to a seventeen-month (17) budget 
period.
    Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal shares for 
first time applicants shall not exceed $200,000 for a state or $100,000 
for a territory for the budget period. The maximum Federal share for 
applicants requesting implementation funds shall not exceed $100,000 
for a state and not to exceed $50,000 for a territory.
    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 
up to twenty-seven (27) 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.

Part V. Instructions for the Development and Submission of 
Applications

    This Part contains information and instructions for submitting 
applications in response to this announcement. Application forms and 
other materials can be obtained by any of the following methods: Joan 
Rucker, ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, Mailstop 300F, Washington, DC, 
20447, 202/690-7898; http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add; or 
[email protected]. Please copy and use these forms in submitting an 
application.
    Potential applicants should read this section carefully in 
conjunction with the information contained in the program description 
in Part IV of this announcement.

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

    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Program and Activities. Under this Order, States may design their own 
process 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 single point of contact 
(SPOC), if applicable, or to ACF.


    As of November 20, 1998, all States and territories, except 
Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, 
Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New 
Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, 
Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, 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 
not take any action regarding E.O. 12372. Otherwise, applicants should 
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the potential 
applications and to receive any necessary instructions.
    Applicants must submit all required materials to the SPOC as soon 
as possible. This will enable the program office to obtain and to 
review SPOC comments as part of the award process. It is imperative 
that an applicant submit all required materials and indicate the date 
of the 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. 
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, Office of Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, SW, Mail Stop 326F, Washington, DC 20447, Attn: 93.631 ADD--
Projects of National Significance.
    Contact information for each State's SPOC is found at the ADD Web 
site, (http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add), or by contacting Joan 
Rucker, ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, Mailstop 300F, Washington, DC, 
20447, 202/690-7898.

[[Page 13783]]

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 can be found at ADD's Web site: 
http:///www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add or by contacting ``Joan Rucker, 
ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, Mailstop 300F, Washington, DC, 20447, 
202/690-7898.

C. 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 that can be accessed as 
mentioned earlier in this announcement. Please prepare your application 
in accordance with the following instructions:
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. Please indicate if you are applying for first time 
funding or implementation funds.
    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 ADD's priority area, 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

[[Page 13784]]

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 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 fully explain 
and justify major items, as indicated below. The type 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; this 
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 the entire 
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

[[Page 13785]]

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 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 Summary/Abstract
    Clearly mark this separate page with the applicant name as shown in 
item 5 of the SF 424, the priority area number as shown at the top of 
the SF 424, and the title of the project as shown in item 11 of the SF 
424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words. These 300 
words become part of the computer database on each project.
    Provide a summary description that accurately and concisely 
reflects the proposal. The summary should describe the objectives of 
the project, the approaches to be used and the expected outcomes. The 
description should also include a list of major products that will 
result from the proposed project, such as software packages, materials, 
management procedures, data collection instruments, training packages, 
or videos (please note that audiovisuals must be closed captioned and 
audio described). The project summary description, together with the 
information on the SF 424, will constitute the project ``abstract.'' 
This is a major source of information about the proposed project and is 
usually the first part of the application that the reviewers read in 
evaluating the application.
4. 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, and under Part IV, and Evaluation 
Criteria.
    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 75 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 75-page limit. Each page of the 
application will be counted to determine the total length.
5. Part V--Assurances/Certifications
    Applicants are required to file a 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 can be 
obtained from the ADD Web site, http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add, 
or by contacting Joan Rucker, ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., Mailstop 
300F, Washington, DC, 20447, 202/690-7447. These forms can 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

[[Page 13786]]

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 75 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;
--Proof of designation as lead agency;
--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;
--Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary; and
--Certification of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 (Environmental Tobacco 
Smoke), 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. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)

    The Uniform Project Description information collection within this 
announcement is approved under the Uniform Project Description (0970-
0139), Expiration Date 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.

(Federal Catalog of Domestic Assistance Number 93.631 Developmental 
Disabilities--Projects of National Significance)
    Dated: March 19, 2002.
Patricia Morrissey,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 02-7213 Filed 3-25-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P