[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 184 (Monday, September 23, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59736-59746]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-24122]



[[Page 59735]]

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Part IV





Department of Health and Human Services





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Administration for Children and Families



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Administration for Native Americans: Availability of Financial 
Assistance; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 184 / Monday, September 23, 2002 / 
Notices  

[[Page 59736]]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[Program Announcement No. 93612-2003]


Administration for Native Americans: Availability of Financial 
Assistance

AGENCY: Administration for Native Americans ACF, HHS.

ACTION: Announcement of availability of competitive financial 
assistance for projects in competitive areas administered by the 
Administration for Native Americans for American Indians, Native 
Hawaiians, Alaska Natives and Native American Pacific Islanders.

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SUMMARY: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) announces the 
anticipated availability of fiscal year 2003 funds in two competitive 
areas:

Area (1) Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS)--closing 
dates are January 17, 2003; and May 2, 2003.
Area (2) Social and Economic Development Strategies for Alaska Natives 
(AK-SEDS)--closing date is May 2, 2003.

    Financial assistance provided by ANA in support of projects in 
these two areas is intended to promote the goal of self-sufficiency for 
Native Americans. The printed Federal Register notice is the only 
official program announcement. Although all reasonable efforts are 
taken to assure that the files on the ANA World Wide Web Page 
containing electronic copies of this Program Announcement are accurate 
and complete, they are provided for information only. The applicant 
bears sole responsibility to assure that the copy downloaded and/or 
printed from any other source is accurate and complete. Copies of this 
program announcement and many of the required forms may be obtained 
electronically at the ANA World Wide Web address http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/.

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the ANA Applicant Help Desk at 
202-690-7776 or toll free at 1-877-922-9262 for assistance.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction and Purpose

    The purpose of this program announcement is to announce the 
anticipated availability of fiscal year 2003 funds, authorized under 
the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (Act), as amended, to promote 
the goal of social and economic self-sufficiency for American Indians, 
Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native American Pacific Islanders 
in two competitive areas. Funding authorization is provided under 
sections 803(a), of the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as 
amended (Pub. L. 93-644, 88 Stat. 2324, 42 U.S.C. 2991b).
    The Administration for Native Americans assists eligible applicants 
for the two competitive areas to undertake 12 to 36 month development 
projects that are part of long-range comprehensive plans to move toward 
governance, social, and/or economic self-sufficiency.
    In order to streamline the application process for eligible 
applicants under two competitive areas, ANA is issuing a single program 
announcement for fiscal year 2003 funds. Information regarding ANA's 
mission, policy, goals, application requirements, review criteria and 
closing dates for the two competitive areas are included in this 
announcement.
    The Administration for Native Americans promotes the goal of self-
sufficiency in Native American communities primarily through Social and 
Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) projects. This program 
announcement is being issued in anticipation of the appropriation of 
funds for fiscal year 2003 and the availability of funds for these 
competitive areas is contingent upon sufficient final appropriations. 
Proposed projects are reviewed on a competitive basis against the 
specific evaluation criteria presented under each competitive area in 
this announcement.

    Notice: Organizations from Palau are no longer eligible for 
assistance under ANA programs. See Part II, Section D: Eligible 
Applicants for additional information.

    White House Initiatives: In support of the executive order on Asian 
American and Pacific Islanders, ANA encourages greater participation 
from Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Executive Order on 
People with Disabilities encourages all communities to address the 
needs of people with disabilities in all programs in accordance with 
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ANA encourages all Native 
communities to address the needs of People with Disabilities in all 
aspects of their programs. ANA also encourages greater participation 
from Native organizations serving People with Disabilities.
    Departmental Initiatives: In FY 2003, a special emphasis is 
announced for incorporating capacity-building for tribes who are 
operating or plan to operate Tribal Child Support Enforcement programs 
either solely or in conjunction with a tribal TANF program. As a part 
of a tribal social development project, capacity building can include 
cooperative agreements with States to deliver critical elements of a 
comprehensive child support program or such capacity-building of tribal 
governments to run solely tribal programs with no cooperative agreement 
with a state.
    The Division of Children and Families has several initiatives that 
support and foster strong families and healthy communities. Four of 
those initiatives the ANA is particularly interested in are access for 
faith-based and community programs, support for rural communities, 
prevention and intervention services for youth, and the promotion of 
healthy relationships and strengthening families.
    Faith-based and Community Initiative: Such organizations are 
eligible entities when they meet the ANA eligibility criteria.
    Healthy Relationships and Strengthening Families Initiative: 
Because of the benefits of marriage for children, adults, and society, 
ANA is interested in promoting healthy marriage and responsible 
fatherhood among the populations it serves. The funds may be used to 
provide premarital programs and marriage education and enrichment 
programs to couples. These programs should provide the knowledge and 
skills necessary to form and sustain a healthy marriage. It may be 
appropriate to develop partnerships with other agencies and 
organizations that have experience in the field of marriage education, 
preparation and enrichment.
    This program announcement consists of three parts.

Part I. ANA Policy and Goals

    Provides general information about ANA's policies and goals for 
these two competitive areas. This section contains information 
pertaining to all applicants.

Part II. ANA Competitive Areas

    Describes the competitive areas under which ANA is requesting 
applications:
    Competitive Area (1): Governance, Social and Economic Development 
(SEDS); Competitive Area (2): Governance, Social and Economic 
Development (AK-SEDS) for Alaska Natives.
    Each competitive area includes the following sections, which 
provide information to be used to develop an application:

A. Purpose and Availability of Funds
B. Background
C. Proposed Projects To Be Funded
D. Eligible Applicants

[[Page 59737]]

E. Grantee Share of the Project
F. Review Criteria
G. Application Due Date(s)
H. Contact Information

Part III. General Application Information and Guidance

    Provides important information and guidance that applies to all 
competitive areas and must be taken into account in developing an 
application for either of the two competitive areas.

A. Definitions
B. Activities That Cannot Be Funded
C. Multi-Year Projects
D. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs
E. The Application Process
F. The Review Process
G. General Guidance to Applicants
H. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
I. Deadlines

Part I--ANA Policy and Goals

    The mission of the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is to 
promote the goal of social and economic self-sufficiency for American 
Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Native American 
Pacific Islanders.
    The Administration for Native Americans believes that a Native 
American community is self-sufficient when it can generate and control 
the resources necessary to meet its social and economic goals, and the 
needs of its members.
    The Administration for Native Americans also believes that the 
responsibility for achieving self-sufficiency resides with the 
governing bodies of Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and in the 
leadership of Native American groups. A community's progress toward 
self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and direct 
resources in a comprehensive manner, which is consistent with its 
established long-range goals.
    The Administration for Native Americans' policy is based on three 
interrelated goals:
    1. Governance: To assist tribal and Alaska Native village 
governments, Native American institutions, and local leadership to 
exercise local control and decision-making over their resources.
    2. Social Development: To support local access to, control of, and 
coordination of services and programs which safeguard the health, well-
being and culture of people, provide support services and training so 
people can work, and which are essential to a thriving and self-
sufficient community in the spirit of respect for indigenous peoples' 
cultural and intellectual property rights.
    3. Economic Development: To foster the development of stable, 
diversified local economies and economic activities that will provide 
jobs and promote economic well being.
    Applicants must comply with the following ANA administrative 
policies:
    [sbull] ANA continues a variety of requirements directed towards 
enforcing its policy that an eligible grant recipient may only have one 
active ANA grant awarded from a competitive area at any time. 
Therefore, while eligible applicants may compete for a grant in each of 
the competitive areas, an applicant may only submit one application per 
competitive area and no applicant may receive more than one grant in 
each competitive area, including any existing ANA grant. In addition, 
an Alaska Native entity may not submit an application under both 
Competitive Areas 1 and 2 for the May closing date. Alaska Native 
entities may receive a grant under either competitive area 1 or 2, but 
not under both.
    [sbull] Current grantees whose project period extends beyond 
September 29, 2003, or who have requested an extension of the project 
period beyond that date, are not eligible to apply for a grant under 
the same program area. The Project Period is noted in Block 9 of the 
Financial Assistance Award document.
    [sbull] Applicants for any competitive area may propose 12 to 36 
month projects.
    [sbull] Applicants must describe a locally determined strategy to 
carry out a proposed project with fundable objectives and activities.
    [sbull] Local long-range planning must consider the maximum use of 
all available resources, how the resources will be directed to 
development opportunities, and present a strategy for overcoming the 
local issues that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the 
community.
    [sbull] An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native Village or 
Native American organization must be from the governing body.
    [sbull] ANA will not accept applications from tribal components, 
which are tribally authorized divisions of the tribe, unless the 
application includes a Tribal resolution which clearly demonstrates the 
Tribe's support of the project and the Tribe's understanding that the 
applicant's project supplants the Tribe's authority to submit an 
application under that specific competitive area both for the current 
competition and for the duration of the approved project period, should 
the application be funded.
    [sbull] Under each competitive area, ANA will accept only one 
application that serves or impacts a reservation, Tribe, or Native 
American community.
    [sbull] For the May closing, applications for SEDS grants from 
Alaska Native entities may be submitted under either Competitive Area 1 
or Competitive Area 2, but not both.
    [sbull] Any non-profit organization submitting an application must 
submit proof of its non-profit status in the application at the time of 
submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by (1) 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 (2) providing a copy of the currently 
valid IRS tax exemption certificate, or (3) providing a copy of the 
articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the State or federally-
recognized Tribe in which the corporation or association is domiciled. 
Organizations incorporating in American Samoa are cautioned that the 
Samoan government relies exclusively upon IRS determinations of non-
profit status; therefore, articles of incorporation approved by the 
Samoan government do not establish non-profit status for these 
organizations for the purpose of eligibility for ANA funds.
    [sbull] An applicant, other than a Federally-recognized tribe or an 
Alaska Native Village government, proposing a project benefiting Native 
Americans must provide assurance that its duly elected or appointed 
board of directors is representative of the community identified to be 
served. To establish compliance with the requirement, applicants should 
provide information establishing that at least a majority of the 
individuals serving on the non-profit's governing board fall into one 
or more of the following categories: (1) A current or past member of 
the community to be served; (2) a prospective participant or 
beneficiary of the project to be funded; or (3) have a cultural 
relationship with the community to be served.
    [sbull] An applicant must provide a 20% non-federal share match of 
the approved project costs.
    [sbull] An applicant must submit an itemized budget detailing the 
applicant's Federal and non-Federal share with source(s) cited.
    [sbull] A request for a waiver of the non-Federal share requirement 
may be submitted in accordance with 45 CFR 1336.50(b)(3) of the Native 
American Program Regulations. Applications originating from American 
Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are 
covered under section 501(d) of Public Law 95-134, as amended (48 
U.S.C. 1469a) under which HHS waives any requirement for matching funds 
under

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$200,000 (including in-kind contributions). Therefore, for the ANA 
grants under these announced programs, no match is required for grants 
to these insular areas.

Part II--ANA Competitive Areas

    The competitive areas under this Part describe ANA's funding 
authorities, priorities, special initiatives, special application 
requirements, and review criteria. The standard requirements necessary 
for each application, as well as standard ANA program guidance and 
technical guidance are described in Part III of this announcement.
    Competitive Area (1): Social and Economic Development Strategies 
(SEDS) Projects

A. Purpose and Availability of Funds

    This competitive area promotes the goal of social and economic 
self-sufficiency for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native 
Hawaiians, and Native American Pacific Islanders through locally 
developed social and economic development strategies (SEDS). 
Approximately $20 million of financial assistance is anticipated to be 
available under this priority area for governance, social, and economic 
development projects. ANA anticipates awarding approximately 150 
competitive grants ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000.

B. Background

    A community's movement toward self-sufficiency could be jeopardized 
if a careful balance between governmental, social and economic 
development is not maintained. For example, expansion of social 
services, without providing opportunities for employment and economic 
development, could lead to dependency on social services. Conversely, 
inadequate support services and training could seriously impede 
productivity and local economic development. Additionally, the 
necessary infrastructures must be developed or expanded at the 
community level to support social and economic development and growth. 
In designing their social and economic development strategies, ANA 
encourages an applicant to use or leverage all available human, 
natural, financial, and physical resources. ANA encourages the 
development and maintenance of comprehensive strategic plans, which are 
an integral part of attaining and supporting the balance necessary for 
successful activities that lead to self-sufficiency.
    ANA assists tribal and village governments, and Native American 
organizations, in their efforts to develop and implement community-
based, long-term governance, social, and economic development 
strategies. These strategies must promote the goal of self-sufficiency 
in local communities. The SEDS approach is based on ANA's program goals 
and incorporates two fundamental principles:
    1. The local community and its leadership are responsible for 
determining goals, setting priorities, and planning and implementing 
programs aimed at achieving those goals. The local community is in the 
best position to apply its own cultural, political, and socio-economic 
values to its long-term strategies and programs.
    2. Governance and social and economic development are interrelated. 
In order to move toward self-sufficiency, development in one area 
should be balanced with development in the others. Consequently, 
comprehensive development strategies should address all aspects of the 
governmental, economic, and social infrastructures needed to promote 
self-sufficient communities.
    These definitions should be kept in mind as a local social and 
economic development strategy is developed as part of a grant 
application. ANA's SEDS policy uses the following definitions:
    Governmental infrastructure includes the constitutional, legal, and 
administrative development requisite for independent governance.
    Social infrastructure includes those components through which 
health, economic well being and culture are maintained within the 
community and that support governance and economic goals.
    Economic infrastructure includes the physical, commercial, 
technological, industrial and/or agricultural components necessary for 
a functioning local economy, which supports the life-style, embraced by 
the Native American community.

C. Proposed Projects To Be Funded

    This section provides descriptions of activities, which are 
consistent with the SEDS philosophy. Proposed activities should be 
tailored to reflect the governance, social and economic development 
needs of the local community and should be consistent and supportive of 
the proposed project objectives. The types of projects which ANA may 
fund include, but are not limited to, the following:

Governance

    [sbull] Improvements in the governmental, judicial and/or 
administrative infrastructures of tribal and village governments (such 
as strengthening or streamlining management procedures or the 
development of tribal court systems);
    [sbull] Increasing the ability of tribes, villages, and Native 
American groups and organizations to plan, develop, and administer a 
comprehensive program to support community social and economic self-
sufficiency (including strategic planning);
    [sbull] Increasing awareness of and exercising the legal rights and 
benefits to which Native Americans are entitled, either by virtue of 
treaties, the Federal trust relationship, legislative authority, 
executive orders, administrative and court decisions, or as citizens of 
a particular state, territory, of the United States;
    [sbull] Status clarification activities for Native groups seeking 
Federal tribal recognition. Activities such as performing research, 
responding to deficiencies cited by the Bureau of Acknowledgment and 
Research (BAR) or any other function necessary to submit a petition for 
Federal acknowledgment to the Department of Interior. Applicants should 
submit a copy of their Letter of Intent to Petition and indicate their 
progress within the BIA process; and
    [sbull] Development of and/or amendments to tribal constitutions, 
court procedures and functions, by-laws or codes, and council or 
executive branch duties and functions.

Economic Development

    [sbull] Development of a community economic infrastructure that 
will result in businesses, jobs, and an economic support structure;
    [sbull] Establishment or expansion of businesses and jobs in areas 
such as tourism, specialty agriculture, energy development, light and/
or heavy manufacturing, technology and Internet activities, fabrication 
and construction companies, housing and fisheries or aqua-culture
    [sbull] Stabilizing and diversifying a Native community's economic 
base through business development and enterprise zone ventures.

Social Development

    [sbull] Enhancing tribal capabilities to design or administer 
programs aimed at strengthening the social environment desired by the 
local community;
    [sbull] Developing local and intertribal models related to 
comprehensive planning and delivery of services;
    [sbull] Developing programs or activities to preserve and enhance 
tribal heritage and culture; and
    [sbull] Establishing programs, which involve extended families or 
tribal

[[Page 59739]]

societies in activities that strengthen cultural identity and promote 
strong relationships and healthy community development.
    Other SEDS Relationships. ANA encourages projects designed to use 
the SEDS approach to help achieve current initiatives and priorities of 
the Administration for Children and Families that are to:
    [sbull] Address welfare reform initiatives such as moving families 
to work.
    [sbull] Help ensure child support from both parents.
    [sbull] Create access to affordable childcare for low income 
working families.
    [sbull] Reach and help enroll children in quality pre-school 
programs to promote full development, including Head Start, Early Head 
Start and Child Care.
    [sbull] Provide safety, permanency and well-being for children and 
double the number of adoptions from the public child welfare system.

D. Eligible Applicants

    Applications from the Republic of Palau are no longer eligible for 
assistance under ANA programs. Palau ceased to be a Trust Territory of 
the United States by virtue of the compact of Free Association Act.
    The following are eligible to apply under this competitive area:
    [sbull] Federally recognized Indian Tribes;
    [sbull] Consortia of Indian Tribes;
    [sbull] Incorporated non-federally recognized Tribes;
    [sbull] Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based 
Indian organizations;
    [sbull] Urban Indian Centers;
    [sbull] National or regional incorporated non-profit Native 
American organizations with Native American community-specific 
objectives;
    [sbull] Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or non-profit village consortia;
    [sbull] Incorporated nonprofit Alaska Native multi-purpose 
community-based organizations;
    [sbull] Nonprofit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations 
in Alaska with village specific projects;
    [sbull] Nonprofit Native organizations in Alaska with village-
specific projects;
    [sbull] Public and nonprofit private agencies serving Native 
Hawaiians (The populations served may be located on these islands or on 
the continental United States);
    [sbull] Public and nonprofit private agencies serving native 
peoples from Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands. (The populations served may be located on these 
islands or in the United States); and
    [sbull] Tribally-controlled community colleges, Tribally-controlled 
post-secondary vocational institutions, colleges and universities 
located in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands which serve Native American Pacific Islanders.
    [sbull] Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or tribal 
governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or traditional Councils) as 
recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

E. Grantee Share of the Project

    Grantees must provide at least 20 percent of the total approved 
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is defined 
as the sum of the Federal request and the non-Federal share. The non-
Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although 
applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash 
contributions. For example, a project requesting $100,000 in Federal 
funds must provide a non-federal share match of at least $25,000 (20% 
total approved project cost or 25% of federal request).
    Grantees will be held accountable for the commitments of non-
Federal resources as proposed, even if over the amount of the required 
match. Failure to provide the amount will result in disallowance of 
Federal match. As per 45 CFR Part 74.2, in-kind contributions are 
defined as the value of non-cash contributions provided by non-Federal 
third parties. Third party in-kind contributions may be in the form of 
real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property, and 
the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically 
identifiable to the project or program.
    In addition, an applicant may include other Federal funding sources 
where legislation authorizes use of funds for match and provided the 
source relates to the ANA project; examples are: Indian Child Welfare 
funds, through the Department of Interior; Indian Self-Determination 
and Education Assistance funds, through the Department of Interior and 
the Department of Health and Human Services; and Community Development 
Block Grant funds, through the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development. (Under 45 CFR 74.23(a) (5) use of funds under another 
Federal Program for non-federal match must be authorized by statute)

F. Review Criteria

    A proposed project should reflect the purposes of ANA's SEDS policy 
and program goals described in the Background section of this 
competitive area; include a social and economic development strategy 
which reflects the needs and specific circumstances of the local 
community; and address the specific developmental steps that the tribe 
or Native American community is undertaking toward self-sufficiency. 
The evaluation criteria are closely related to each other and are 
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.
    Points are awarded only to applications, which are responsive to 
this competitive area and these criteria. Proposed projects will be 
reviewed on a competitive basis using the following evaluation 
criteria.
(1) Long-Range Goals and Available Resources (15 Points)
    Long-range goal(s) and a strategy. The applicant provides:
    [sbull] The specific governance, social, or economic, long-range 
community goal(s) that the project relates to;
    [sbull] How the community intends to achieve the goal(s) (Inclusion 
of the community's entire development plan is not necessary);
    [sbull] The relationship between the community's goals and plans, 
and the applicant's proposed plan; and
    [sbull] A clearly delineated social and economic development 
strategy (SEDS).
    [sbull] A description of what constitutes the applicant's specific 
community.
    [sbull] The application identifies and documents pre-existing 
involvement and support of the community in the planning process.
    [sbull] Describes how the community will be involved in the 
implementation of the proposed project. Except for those communities, 
such as Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, where the systems of governance 
make such involvement inappropriate.
    Applicants must document the community's support for the proposed 
project and explain the role of the community in the planning process 
and implementation of the proposed project. For tribes, a current 
signed resolution from the governing body of the tribe supporting the 
project proposal and stating that there has been community involvement 
in the planning of this project will suffice as evidence of community 
support/involvement.
    The type of community you serve and nature of the proposal being 
made will influence the type of documentation necessary. For example, a 
Federally-recognized Tribe may choose to address this requirement by 
submitting a resolution stating that community involvement has occurred 
in the project planning or may determine that

[[Page 59740]]

additional community support work is necessary. A tribal organization 
may submit resolutions supporting the project proposal from each of its 
member tribes, as well as a resolution from the applicant 
organization's governing body. Other examples of documentation include 
community surveys, minutes of community meetings, questionnaires, 
tribal presentations, and/or discussion/position papers that make 
specific reference to the proposed project submitted for funding.
    In the discussion of community-based, long-range goals, non-
Federally recognized and off-reservation groups are strongly encouraged 
to include a description of what constitutes their specific community.
    Applications from National and Regional Indian and Native 
organizations must clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain 
how the project was originated, state who the intended beneficiaries 
will be, and describe how the recipients will actually benefit from the 
project. National Indian and Native organizations should define their 
membership and describe how the organization operates.
    In discussing the goals, strategy, and problems being addressed in 
the application, include sufficient background and/or history of the 
community concerning these issues and/or progress to date, as well as 
the size of the population to be served. This material will assist the 
reviewers in determining the appropriateness and potential benefits of 
the proposed project.
    For all other eligible applicants, the type of community you serve 
will determine the type of documentation necessary. For example, an 
Inter-tribal organization may submit resolutions supporting the project 
proposal from each of its member's tribes, as well as a resolution from 
the applicant organization. Other examples of documentation include: 
community surveys; minutes of community meetings; questionnaires; 
tribal presentations; and/or discussion/position papers that make 
specific reference to the proposed project submitted for funding.
    (b) Available resources (other than ANA request and the non-Federal 
share) which will assist, and be coordinated with the project are 
described. Non-ANA resources should be leveraged to strengthen and 
broaden the impact of the proposed project in the community. Project 
designs should explain how those parts of projects which ANA does not 
fund will be financed through other sources. For example, ANA does not 
fund construction. Applicants must show the relationship of non-ANA 
funded activities to those objectives and activities that are funded 
with ANA grant funds.
    In the proposal narrative section, ``Resources Available to the 
Proposed Project'' the applicant should describe any specific financial 
circumstances which may impact on the project, such as any monetary or 
land settlements made to the applicant, and any restrictions on the use 
of those settlements. When the applicant appears to have other 
resources to support the proposed project and chooses not to use them, 
the applicant should explain why it is seeking ANA funds and not using 
these resources for the project.
(2) Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (20 Points)
    (a) Organizational capabilities are described.
    [sbull] The management structure of the applicant is explained. 
Evidence of the applicant's ability to successfully manage projects of 
similar scope as the proposed project is demonstrated by the 
organization, and/or by the individuals designated to manage the 
project.
    [sbull] The administrative structure of the applicant is explained. 
Where the proposed ANA project will fit within the current 
organizational structure is described. A project staffing pattern is 
presented.
    (b) Position descriptions and qualifications of current and/or 
proposed staff are presented.
    [sbull] Position descriptions and/or resumes of personnel, 
including those of consultants, are presented. Resumes must be included 
if individuals have been identified for positions in the application.
    [sbull] The position descriptions and/or resumes relate 
specifically to the staff proposed in the Objective Work Plan and in 
the proposed budget.
    [sbull] Position descriptions clearly describe each position's 
duties and clearly relate to the personnel staffing pattern required to 
achieve the project objectives.
    [sbull] 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.

    Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give preference to 
Native Americans in hiring project staff and in contracting services 
under an approved ANA grant.


(3) Project Approach: Objectives, Activities and Outcomes (50 Points)
    The application provides a narrative on the overall approach and 
operation of proposed project throughout entire project period.
    (a) The application proposes a specific project Objective Work Plan 
(OWP). The OWP includes project objectives and specific activities for 
each budget period proposed and demonstrates that each of the 
objectives and its activities:
    [sbull] Is measurable and/or quantifiable in terms of outcomes;
    [sbull] Supports the community's social and economic development 
strategy;
    [sbull] Clearly relates to the community's long-range goals;
    [sbull] Can be accomplished with the available or expected 
resources during the proposed project period;
    [sbull] Indicates when the objective, and major activities under 
each objective, will be accomplished;
    [sbull] Specifies who will conduct the activities under each 
objective; and
    [sbull] The approach supports a project that will be completed, or 
self-sustaining, or financed by other than ANA funds at the end of the 
project period.
    The Objective Work Plan proposed should be of sufficient detail to 
become a monthly staff guide for project responsibilities. Applicants 
are encouraged to follow the recommended ANA application kit format 
however, it is not a requirement. The relevant information included in 
an Objective Work Plan should indicate what is to be achieved, how, by 
whom, when and indicators of evaluation.
    (b) Completion of the proposed objectives will result in specific, 
measurable outcomes.
    [sbull] The application shows how the expected outcomes will help 
the community meet its long-range goals.
    [sbull] The specific information provided in the narrative and 
objective work plans on expected outcomes for each objective is the 
standard upon which its achievement can be evaluated at the end of each 
budget year.
(4) Budget (15 Points)
    Detailed Federal and Non-federal share budgets and detailed budget 
justifications are provided for each budget period requested. The 
budget includes a line item justification for each requested budget 
category as listed in Section B of the Budget Categories Section on the 
SF 424A. The budget includes the necessary details to facilitate the 
determination of allowable costs and the relevance of these costs to

[[Page 59741]]

the proposed project. The applicant requests funds that are appropriate 
and necessary for the scope of the proposed project.
    [sbull] The non-federal share budget should identify the source and 
is supported by letters of commitment.

--Letters of commitment are binding when they specifically state the 
nature, the amount, and conditions under which another agency or 
organization will support a project funded with ANA funds. These 
resources may be human, natural or financial, and may include other 
Federal and non-Federal resources. For example, a letter from another 
Federal agency or foundation pledging a commitment of $200,000 in 
construction funding to complement proposed ANA funded pre-construction 
activity is evidence of a firm funding commitment. Statements that 
additional funding will be sought from other specific sources are not 
considered a binding commitment of outside resources
--Letters of support merely express another organization's endorsement 
of a proposed project. Support letters are not binding commitment 
letters or do not factually establish the authenticity of other 
resources and do not offer or bind specific resources to the project

    [sbull] Applicants from American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern 
Mariana Islands are not required to provide a 20% match since the level 
of funding would not invoke a required match for grants to these 
insular areas. Therefore, applicants from these insular areas may not 
have points reduced for the lack of matching funds. However, they are 
expected to coordinate and organize the delivery of any non-ANA 
resources they propose for the project.
    [sbull] If an applicant plans to charge or otherwise seek credit 
for indirect costs in its ANA application, a current copy of its 
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement must be included in the application.
    [sbull] The budget includes sufficient funds for principal 
representatives, such as the chief financial officer or project 
director from the applicant organization to travel to one ANA post-
award grant training and technical assistance workshop. This 
expenditure is mandatory for new grant recipients and optional for 
grantees that have had previous ANA grant awards. This travel and 
training should occur as soon as practical.
    [sbull] For business development projects, the proposal 
demonstrates that the expected return on the funds used to develop the 
project provides a reasonable operating income and return within a 
future specified period.
    [sbull] If a profit-making venture is being proposed, profits must 
be reinvested in the business in order to decrease or eliminate ANA's 
future participation. Such revenue must be reported as general program 
income. A decision will be made at the time of grant award regarding 
appropriate use of program income. (See 45 CFR part 74 and part 92.)
    [sbull] The budget may include an employee fringe benefit that 
provides grant-funded employees with a retirement plan in addition to 
Social Security. The applicant is strongly encouraged to provide a 
retirement plan fringe benefit for grant-funded employees' salaries up 
to five (5) percent. ANA supports a retirement plan as a necessary, 
reasonable and allowable cost in accordance with OMB rules. Minimum 
recommended standards for a retirement fringe benefit plan are (1) the 
plan exists for the exclusive benefit of the participants; funds are to 
be used for retirement and certain other pre-retirement needs, not for 
the organization's needs. (2)The plan must have a vesting schedule that 
does not exceed the initial budget period of the ANA grant. (3) Other 
alternatives may be submitted for review and approval during grant 
award negotiations. Alternate proposals may include the use of 
Individual Retirement Accounts, Money Purchase Pension Plans, Defined 
Benefit Pension Plans, Combination Plans, etc.

G. Application Due Date(s)

    The closing dates for submission of applications under this 
Competitive Area 1 area: January 17, 2003 and May 2, 2003.

H. Contact Information

    Contact the ANA Applicant Help Desk at 202-690-7776 or toll free at 
1-877-922-9262 for assistance.

Part II--Competitive Area (2): Alaska-Specific Social and Economic 
Development Strategies (AK-SEDS) Projects

A. Purpose and Availability of Funds

    This competitive area funds Alaska Native social and economic 
development projects. Approximately $2.0 million is anticipated to be 
available for Alaska Native governance, social and economic development 
projects. ANA plans to award approximately 10-15 grants under this 
competitive area. For individual village projects, the funding level 
for a budget period of 12 months will be up to $125,000; for regional 
nonprofit and village consortia, the funding level for a budget period 
of 12 months will be up to $175,000, commensurate with approved multi-
village objectives.

B. Background

    Based on the ANA goals described in Part I, ANA implemented a 
special Alaska Social and Economic Development initiative in fiscal 
year 1984. This special effort was designed to provide financial 
assistance at the village level or for village-specific projects aimed 
at improving a village's governance capabilities and for social and 
economic development. This competitive area continues to implement this 
special initiative. ANA believes both the non-profit and for-profit 
corporations in Alaska can play an important supportive role in 
assisting individual villages to develop and implement their own 
locally determined strategies which capitalize on opportunities 
afforded to Alaska Natives under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement 
Act (ANCSA), Public Law 92-203.

C. Proposed Projects To Be Funded

    While the Administration for Native Americans does not fund 
objectives or activities for the core administration of an 
organization. ANA will consider funding core administrative capacity 
building projects at the village government level if the village does 
not have governing systems in place.
    Examples of the types of projects that ANA may fund include but are 
not limited to, projects that will:
Governance
    [sbull] Initiate demonstration programs at the regional level to 
allow Native people to become involved in developing strategies to 
maintain and develop their economic subsistence base;
    [sbull] Assist villages in developing land use capabilities and 
skills in the areas of land and natural resource management and 
protection, resource assessment and conducting environmental impact 
studies;
    [sbull] Assist village consortia in the development of tribal 
constitutions, ordinances, codes and tribal court systems;
    [sbull] Develop agreements between the State and villages that 
transfer programs jurisdictions, and/or control to Native entities;
    [sbull] Strengthen village government control of land management, 
including land protection, through coordination of land use planning 
with village corporations and cities, if appropriate;

[[Page 59742]]

    [sbull] Assist in status clarification activities;
    [sbull] Initiate village level mergers between village councils, 
village corporations and others to coordinate programs and services 
which safeguard the health, well being and culture of a community and 
its people;
    [sbull] Strengthen local governance capabilities through the 
development of village consortia and regional IRAs (Indian 
Reorganization Act councils organized under the Indian Reorganization 
Act, 25 U.S.C. 473a);
    [sbull] Assist villages in preparing and coordinating plans for the 
development and/or improvement of water and sewer systems within the 
village boundaries;
    [sbull] Assist villages in establishing initiatives through which 
youth may participate in the governance of the community and be trained 
to assume leadership roles in village governments; and
    [sbull] Consider strategies and plans to protect against, monitor, 
and assist when catastrophic events occur, such as oil spills or 
earthquakes.
Social Development
    [sbull] Assist in developing training and education programs for 
local jobs in education, government, and health-related fields; and 
work with these agencies to encourage job replacement of non-Natives by 
trained Natives;
    [sbull] Develop local models related to comprehensive planning and 
delivery of social services;
    [sbull] Develop new service programs, initially established with 
ANA funds, which will be funded by local communities or the private 
sector for continued operation after the ANA grant expires.
    [sbull] Develop or coordinate with State-funded projects, 
activities designed to decrease the incidence of child abuse and 
neglect, fetal alcohol syndrome, and/or suicides;
    [sbull] Assist in obtaining licenses to provide housing or related 
services from State or local governments; and
    [sbull] Develop businesses to provide relief for caretakers needing 
respite from human service-related care work.
    [sbull] Develop and implement researched-based programs to sustain 
healthy relationships and communities.
Economic Development
    [sbull] Assist villages in developing businesses and industries 
which: (1) Use local materials; (2) create jobs for Alaska Natives; (3) 
are capable of high productivity at a small scale of operation; and (4) 
complement traditional and necessary seasonal activities;
    [sbull] Substantially increase and strengthen efforts to establish 
and improve the village and regional business infrastructure and the 
capabilities to develop and manage resources in a highly competitive 
cash-economy system;
    [sbull] Assist villages, or consortia of villages, in developing 
subsistence compatible industries that will retain local dollars in 
villages;
    [sbull] Assist in the establishment or expansion of native-
businesses; and
    [sbull] Assist villages in labor export; i.e., people leaving the 
local communities for seasonal work and returning to their communities.

D. Eligible Applicants

    The following organizations are eligible to apply under this 
competitive area:
    [sbull] Federally recognized Indian Tribes in Alaska;
    [sbull] Alaska Native villages as defined in the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or nonprofit village consortia;
    [sbull] Incorporated nonprofit Alaska Native multi-purpose 
community-based organizations;
    [sbull] Nonprofit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations 
in Alaska with village specific projects; and
    [sbull] Nonprofit Native organizations in Alaska with village 
specific projects.
    Although for-profit regional corporations established under ANCSA 
are not eligible applicants, individual villages and Indian communities 
are encouraged to use for-profit regional corporations as 
subcontractors and to collaborate with them in joint-venture projects 
for promoting social and economic self-sufficiency. ANA encourages the 
for-profit corporations to assist the villages in developing 
applications and to participate as subcontractors in a project.
    For purposes of this announcement, ANA is using the Bureau of 
Indian Affairs' list of Federally recognized Indian tribes which 
includes non-profit Alaska Native community entities and tribal 
governing bodies (IRA or traditional councils). Other Federally 
recognized Indian tribes, which are not included on this list (e.g., 
those Tribes that have been recently recognized or restored by the 
United States Congress), are also eligible to apply for ANA funds.
    Further information on eligibility requirements is presented in 
PART I, ANA Policy and Goals.

E. Grantee Share of the Project

    Grantees must provide at least 20 percent of the total approved 
cost of the project; i.e. the sum of the Federal share and the non-
Federal share. Further information on this requirement is in PART I ANA 
Policy and Goals, and in PART II SEDS, Section E, and section F, Review 
Criteria, sub-section (4) Budget Criteria.

F. Review Criteria

    A proposed project should reflect the purposes of ANA's SEDS policy 
and goals as described in the Background section of this competitive 
area. Points are awarded only to applications, which are responsive to 
this competitive area and these criteria. Proposed projects are 
reviewed on a competitive basis using the following evaluation 
criteria:

(1) Long-Range Goals and Available Resources (15 Points)
(2) Organizational Capabilities and Qualifications (20 Points)
(3) Project Approach: Objectives, Activities and Outcomes (50 Points)
(4) Budget (15 Points)

    Further information on requirements is in PART II SEDS, section F, 
Review Criteria.

G. Application Due Date

    The closing date for submission of applications under this 
competitive area is May 2, 2003. Applicants are reminded that for this 
May closing, applications for SEDS grants from Alaska Native entities 
may be submitted under either Competitive Area 1 or Competitive Area 2, 
but not both. The cover page of the application must clearly indicate 
the correct competitive area.

H. Contact Information

    Contact the ANA Applicant Help Desk at 202-690-7776 or toll free at 
1-877-922-9262 for assistance.

Part III--General Application Information and Guidance

A. Definitions

    Funding areas in this program announcement are based on the 
following definitions:
    Multi-purpose Community-based Native American Organization: Is an 
association and/or corporation whose charter specifies that the 
community designates the Board of Directors and/or officers of the 
organization through an elective procedure and that the organization 
functions in several different areas of concern to the members of the 
local Native American community. These areas are specified in the by-
laws and/or policies adopted by the organization. They may include, but 
need not be limited to, economic, artistic, cultural, and recreational 
activities, and the delivery of human services such as health care, day 
care, counseling, education, and training.

[[Page 59743]]

    Multi-year Project: Is a project on a single theme that requires 
more than 12 months to complete and affords the applicant an 
opportunity to develop and address more complex and in-depth strategies 
than can be completed in one year. A multi-year project cannot be a 
series of unrelated objectives with activities presented in 
chronological order over a two or three year period.
    Budget Period: Is the interval of time (usually 12 months) the 
project period is divided for budgetary and funding purposes.
    Core Administration: Is funding for salaries for those functions 
which support the organization as a whole, or for purposes unrelated to 
the actual management or implementation of work conducted under an ANA 
approved project. Under Competitive Area 2, ANA will consider funding 
core administrative capacity building projects at the village 
government level if the village does not have governing systems in 
place. However, functions and activities that are clearly project 
related are eligible for grant funding. For example, the management and 
administrative functions necessary to carry out an ANA approved project 
are not considered core administration and are, therefore, eligible 
costs. Additionally, ANA will fund the salaries of approved staff for 
time actually and reasonably spent to implement a funded ANA project.
    Real Property: Means land, including land improvements, structures 
and appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
    Construction: Is the term, which specifies a project, supported 
through a discretionary grant or a cooperative agreement, to support 
the initial building of a facility.
    Equipment: Is tangible, non-expendable personal property having a 
useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or 
more per unit.
    Renovation or Alteration: May not exceed the lesser of $150,000 or 
25 percent of the total direct costs approved for the entire budget 
period. The work required to change the interior arrangements or other 
physical characteristics of an existing facility or installed equipment 
so that it may be more effectively used for the project. Alteration and 
renovation may include work referred to as improvements, conversion, 
rehabilitation, remodeling, or modernization, but is distinguished from 
construction and large-scale permanent improvements.

B. Activities That Cannot Be Funded

    The Administration for Native Americans does not fund:
    [sbull] Projects that operate indefinitely or require ANA funding 
on a recurring basis.
    [sbull] Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or 
technical assistance (T/TA) to other tribes or Native American 
organizations which are otherwise eligible to apply to ANA (third party 
T/TA). However, the purchase of T/TA by a grantee for its own use or 
for its members' use (as in the case of a consortium), where T/TA is 
necessary to carry out project objectives, is acceptable.
    [sbull] The support of on-going social service delivery programs or 
the expansion, or continuation, of existing social service delivery 
programs.
    [sbull] ANA will not fund the purchase of real property.
    [sbull] ANA will not fund construction.
    [sbull] ANA will not fund objectives or activities for the support 
of core administration of an organization. (exception Alaska-SEDS)
    [sbull] Costs of fund raising, including financial campaigns, 
endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar 
expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions are 
unallowable under an ANA grant award. However, even though these costs 
are unallowable for purposes of computing charges to Federal awards, 
they must be treated as direct costs for purposes of determining 
indirect cost rates and be allocated their share of the organization's 
indirect costs if they represent activities which (1) include the 
salaries of personnel, (2) occupy space, and (3) benefit from the 
organization's indirect costs.
    Projects or activities that generally will not meet the purposes of 
this announcement are further discussed in Part III, Section G, General 
Guidance to Applicants, below.

C. Multi-Year Projects

    A multi-year project is a project on a single theme that requires 
more than 17 months to complete and affords the applicant an 
opportunity to develop and address more complex and in-depth strategies 
than can be completed in one year. Applicants are encouraged to develop 
multi-year projects. A multi-year project cannot be a series of 
unrelated objectives with activities presented in chronological order 
over a two or three year period. Awards, on a competitive basis, will 
be for a one-year budget period, although project periods may be for up 
to three years. Applications for continuation grants funded under these 
areas beyond the one-year budget period, but within a two-to-three year 
project period, will be entertained in subsequent years on a non-
competitive basis, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory 
progress of the grantee and determination that continued funding would 
be in the best interest of the Government. Therefore, this program 
announcement does not apply to current ANA grantees with multi-year 
projects that apply for continuation funding for their second or third 
year budget periods.
    Applicants proposing multi-year projects must fully describe each 
year's project objectives and activities. Separate Objective Work Plans 
(OWPs) must be presented for each project year and a separate itemized 
budget of the Federal and non-Federal costs of the project for each 
budget period must be included.
    Applicants for multi-year projects must justify the entire time-
frame of the project (i.e., why the project needs funding for more than 
one year) and clearly describe the results to be achieved for each 
objective by the end of each budget period of the total project period.

D. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

    This program is not covered by Executive Order 12372 or 45 CFR part 
100.

E. The Application Process

1. Application Submission
(a) By Mail
    One original, signed by an authorized representative, and two 
copies of the grant application, including all attachments, must be 
mailed on or before the specific closing date of each ANA competitive 
area to: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, ACYF/Office of Grants Management, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop: Aerospace Center 8th Floor-West, 
Washington, DC 20447-0002, Attention: Lois B. Hodge, ANA No. 93612-
2003.
(b) By Hand Delivery
    One original signed by an authorized representative, and two copies 
of the grant application, including all attachments may be hand 
delivered. Applications are accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. They are either received on or before 
the deadline date or postmarked on or before the established closing 
date at: Administration for

[[Page 59744]]

Children and Families, ACYF/Office of Grants Management, ACF Mail Room, 
Second Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20024,Attention: Lois B. Hodge, ANA No. 93612-2003.
    Applicants are encouraged to request a legibly dated receipt from a 
commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service as proof of timely mailing.
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or 
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to 
ACF electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time of 
submission and time of receipt.
2. Application Consideration
    The ANA Commissioner determines the final action on each grant 
application received under this program announcement. The 
Commissioner's funding decision is based on the review panel's analysis 
of the application, recommendation and comments of ANA staff, State and 
Federal agencies having contract and grant performance related 
information, and other parties. The Commissioner makes grant awards 
consistent with the purpose of the Act, all relevant statutory and 
regulatory requirements, this program announcement, and the 
availability of funds.
    The Administration for Native Americans funds projects that 
demonstrate the strongest prospects for addressing the stated purposes 
of this program announcement. All applicants should consider the 
following points: incomplete applications and applications that do not 
conform to this announcement will not be accepted for review. ANA will 
notify applicants in writing of any such determination.
    (a) An incomplete application is one that is:
    [sbull] Missing Form SF 424
    [sbull] Does not have an authorized signature on the SF 424. The 
Standard Form 424 must be signed by an individual authorized (1) to act 
for the applicant tribe or organization, and (2) to assume the 
applicant's obligations under the terms and conditions of the grant 
award, including Native American Program statutory and regulatory 
requirements.
    [sbull] Does not include proof of non-profit status, if applicable.
    (b) Complete applications that conform to all the requirements of 
this program announcement are subject to a competitive review and 
evaluation process (discussed in section G below). Independent review 
panels consisting of reviewers familiar with American Indian Tribes and 
Native American communities and organizations, as appropriate, evaluate 
each application using the published criteria in each competitive area. 
As a result of the review, a normalized numerical score will be 
assigned to each application. A normalized score reflects the average 
score from the reviewers, adjusted to reflect the average score from 
the panels.
    Successful applicants are notified through an official Financial 
Assistance Award (FAA) document. The FAA will state the amount of 
Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms and 
conditions of the grant award, the effective date of the award, the 
project period, the budget period, and the amount of the non-ACF 
matching share requirement.
    Each tribe, Native American organization, or other eligible 
applicant may compete for a grant award however, no applicant may 
receive more than one SEDS grant. The Administration for Native 
Americans will accept only one application per competitive area from 
any one applicant. If an eligible applicant sends in two applications 
for the same competitive area, the one with the earlier postmark will 
be accepted for review unless the applicant withdraws the earlier 
application.
    Applications for SEDS grants from Alaska Native entities may be 
submitted under either Competitive Area 1 or Competitive Area 2, but 
not both at the same time.

F. The Review Process

1. Initial Application Review
    Applications submitted by the closing date and verified by the 
postmark under this program announcement will undergo a pre-review 
screening to determine that:
    [sbull] The applicant is eligible in accordance with the Eligible 
Applicants Section of this announcement; and
    [sbull] The application is signed and submitted by the deadline 
explained in section G, Application Due Date, in each competitive area 
of this announcement.
    [sbull] The application narrative, forms and materials submitted 
are adequate to allow the review panel to undertake an in-depth 
evaluation and the project described is an allowable type. (All 
required materials and forms are listed in the Grant Application 
Checklist in the Application Kit).
    Applications subjected to the pre-review described above which fail 
to satisfy one or more of the listed requirements will be ineligible or 
otherwise excluded from competitive evaluation.
2. Competitive Review of Accepted Applications
    Applications which pass the pre-review will be evaluated and rated 
by an independent review panel on the basis of the specific evaluation 
criteria listed in Part II. These criteria are used to evaluate the 
quality of a proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its 
success.
    ANA staff cannot respond to requests for information regarding 
funding decisions prior to the official notification to the applicants. 
After the Commissioner has made decisions on all applications, 
unsuccessful applicants are notified in writing within 30 days. The 
notification will be accompanied by a critique including 
recommendations for improving the application.
    Projects will not be ranked based on general financial need.
3. Appeal of Ineligibility
    Applicants, who are initially excluded from competitive evaluation 
because of ineligibility, may appeal an ANA decision of applicant 
ineligibility. Likewise, applicants may also appeal an ANA decision 
that an applicant's proposed activities are ineligible for funding 
consideration. The appeals process is stated in the final rule 
published in the Federal Register on August 19, 1996 (61 FR 42817 and 
45 CFR part 1336, subpart C).

G. General Guidance to Applicants

    The following information is provided to assist applicants in 
developing a competitive application.
1. Program Guidance
    [sbull] Applications from National Indian and Native American 
organizations must demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the 
project was originated, state who the intended beneficiaries will be, 
and describe how the recipients will actually benefit from the project.
    [sbull] An application should describe a clear relationship between 
the proposed project, the social and economic development strategy and 
the community's long-range goals or plan.
    [sbull] The project application, including the Objective Work 
Plans, must clearly identify in measurable terms the expected results, 
benefits or outcomes of the proposed project, and the positive or 
continuing impact that the project will have on the community.
    [sbull] Supporting documentation, including letters of support, if 
available, or other specific testimonies from concerned interests other 
than the applicant should be included to demonstrate support for the 
feasibility

[[Page 59745]]

of the project and the commitment of other resources to the proposed 
project.
    [sbull] Applicants proposing an Economic Development project should 
address the project's feasibility. A business plan describing the 
project's feasibility and approach for the implementation and marketing 
of the business is recommended.
    [sbull] Applications, which were not funded under a previous 
closing date and revised for resubmission, should refer to the changes, 
or reasons for not making changes, in their current application.
2. Technical Guidance
    Application Kit (OMB 0980-0204, expires April 30, 2003). 
The Application Kit contains the necessary forms and instructions to 
apply for a grant under this program announcement. Application kits may 
be obtained from ANA training and technical assistance providers. It is 
strongly encouraged that the applicants follow the ANA application kit 
to develop an application. The Kit provides practical information and 
helpful suggestions, and is an aid to help applicants prepare ANA 
applications.
    Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA): ANA employs contractors 
to provide short-term training and technical assistance to eligible 
applicants. T/TA is available under these contracts for a wide range of 
needs however, the contractors are not authorized to write 
applications. The T/TA is provided at no cost to the eligible entity. 
To obtain an application kit and/or, training and technical assistance, 
applicants are encouraged to contact the T/TA provider within the 
appropriate service area. To locate the T/TA provider currently serving 
the region you are located in you may call the ANA Help Desk at 1-877-
922-9262; or visit the ANA Web site at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/.
    [sbull] The Cover Page (included in the Kit) should be the first 
page of an application, followed by the one-page abstract.
    [sbull] The SF 424, Block 13, must specify the entire project 
period length requested and not just the length of the first budget 
period. Should the application narrative propose one length of project 
period and the SF 424 specify a conflicting length of project period, 
ANA will consider the project period specified on the SF 424 as the 
official request.
    [sbull] The SF 424, line 15a, must specify the Federal funds 
requested for the first Budget Period only and not the entire Project 
Period.
    [sbull] For purposes of developing an application, applicants 
should plan for a project start date approximately 120 days after the 
closing deadline date.
    [sbull] The Administration for Native Americans will not fund 
essentially identical projects serving the same constituency.
    [sbull] If other Federal funding sources could support a project, 
the applicant should fully explain its reasons for not pursuing other 
Federal funds for the project.
    [sbull] The Administration for Native Americans will critically 
evaluate applications in which the acquisition of equipment is a major 
component of the Federal share of the budget. During negotiation, ANA 
may delete such expenditures from the budget of an otherwise approved 
application, if not fully justified by the applicant and deemed not 
appropriate to the needs of the project.
    [sbull] The Administration for Native Americans recommends that the 
pages of the application be numbered sequentially and that a table of 
contents is provided. Simple tabbing of the criterion sections of the 
application is also helpful.
    [sbull] Applicants may propose a 17-month budget and project 
period. However, the budget period for the first year of a multi-year 
project may only be 12 months.
3. Projects or Activities That Generally Will Not Meet the Purposes of 
This Announcement
    [sbull] Projects that request funds for feasibility studies, 
business plans, marketing plans or written materials, such as manuals, 
that are not an essential part of the applicant's long-range 
development plan. As an objective of a larger project, business plans 
are allowable. ANA expects written evidence of the solid investment of 
time and consideration on the part of the applicant with regard to the 
development of business plans. Business plans should be developed based 
on market analysis and feasibility studies regarding the potential 
success to the business prior to the submission of the application.
    [sbull] Core administration functions, or other activities, which 
essentially support only the applicant's on-going administrative 
functions. However, under Competitive Area 2, ANA will consider funding 
core administrative capacity building projects at the village 
government level if the village does not have governing systems in 
place.
    [sbull] Project goals, which are not responsive to one or more of 
the funding competitive areas.
    [sbull] Proposals from consortia of tribes that are not specific 
with regard to support from, and roles of, member tribes. ANA expects 
an application from a consortium to have goals and objectives that will 
create positive impacts and outcomes in the communities of its members. 
Proposals from consortia of tribes should have individual objectives, 
which are related to the larger goal of the proposed project. Project 
objectives may be tailored to each consortia member, but within the 
context of a common goal for the consortia. In situations where both a 
consortia of tribes and the tribes who belong to the consortia receive 
ANA funding, ANA expects that consortia groups will not seek funding 
that duplicates activities being conducted by their member tribes.
    [sbull] Projects that will not be completed, self-sustaining, or 
supported by other than ANA funds, at the end of the project period. 
All projects funded by ANA must be completed, or self-sustaining or 
supported with other than ANA funds at the end of the project period. 
Completed means that the project ANA funded is finished, and the 
desired outcome(s) have been attained. Self-sustaining means that a 
project will continue without outside resources. Supported by other 
than ANA funds means that the project will continue beyond the ANA 
project period, but will be supported by funds other than ANA's.
    [sbull] ANA will not fund investment capital for purchase or 
takeover of an existing business, for purchase or acquisition of a 
franchise, or for purchase of stock or other similar investment 
instruments.
    [sbull] Renovation or alteration unless it is essential for the 
project.
    [sbull] Projects originated and designed by consultants whom 
provide a major role for themselves in the proposed project and are not 
members of the applicant organization, tribe or village.

H. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13, the 
Department is required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) for review and approval any reporting and record keeping 
requirements in regulations including program announcements. This 
program announcement does not contain information collection 
requirements beyond those approved for ANA grant applications under the 
Program Narrative Statement by OMB approval number 0980-0204.

[[Page 59746]]

I. Receipt of Applications

1. Deadlines
    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.
    Applicants are encouraged to request a legibly dated U.S. Postal 
Service postmark or to obtain a legibly dated receipt from a commercial 
carrier or the U.S. Postal Service. Private metered postmarks shall not 
be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by 
overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date 
or postmarked on or before the deadline date. Applicants are encouraged 
that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
    No additional material will be accepted, or added to an 
application, unless it is postmarked by the deadline date. Applications 
and related materials postmarked after the closing date are classified 
as late.
2. Late Applications
    Applications, which do not meet the Deadline criteria, are 
considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that 
its application will not be reviewed in the current competition.
3. Extension of Deadlines
    The Administration for Children and Families may extend an 
application deadline for applicants affected by acts of God such as 
floods and hurricanes, or when there is a widespread disruption of the 
mails. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests 
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Numbers: 93.612, 
Native American Programs)

    Dated: September 17, 2002.
Sharon G. McCully,
Acting Deputy Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.
[FR Doc. 02-24122 Filed 9-20-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P