[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 3, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33150-33161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13871]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[DHHS/ACF/ADD/FY03-01]


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

    CFDA: Federal Catalog of Domestic Assistance Number 93.631 
Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National Significance.

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

ACTION: Announcement of availability of financial assistance for Family 
Support Demonstration Projects for fiscal year 2003.

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SUMMARY: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is accepting 
applications for fiscal year 2003 Family Support Demonstration 
Projects.
    This Program Announcement DHHS/ACF/ADD/FY03-01 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 
describes the priority area under which ADD requests applications for 
fiscal year 2003 funding of projects. 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 August 4, 2003.

Deadline

Applications Submitted by Mail
    Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting the announced 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date at the 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/Office of Grants 
Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 
20447-0002, Attention: Lois B. Hodge. Applications received after 4:30 
p.m. on the deadline date will not be considered for competition.
Application Submitted by Courier
    Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by

[[Page 33151]]

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., e.s.t., 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). Notification will not be sent 
to applicants regarding the receipt of their application.
    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 received by the deadline date.
Closed Captioning for Audiovisual Efforts
    Applicants must include closed captioning and audio description in 
the development of any audiovisual products.

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.
    Notice of Intent to Submit Application: If you intend to submit an 
application, under this announcement, please contact, Joan Rucker of 
ADD at (202) 690-7898 within 15 days of the date of this announcement. 
Please give 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about the application 
process, program information and application materials contact, 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Lois Hodge, Grants 
Officer, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC, 20447, 202/401-
2344, [email protected], or Joan Rucker, Program Specialist, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC, 20447, 202/690-7898, 
[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/.
    Project Duration: The projects will be awarded for a project period 
of up to seventeen (17) months.
    Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal shares for 
applicants requesting planning funds shall not exceed $200,000 for a 
state or $100,00 for a territory for the budget period. The maximum 
Federal shares for applicants requesting development funds shall not 
exceed $100,000 for a state and not to exceed $50,000 for a territory.
    Anticipated Number of Projects to be Funded: It is anticipated that 
up to 14 projects will be funded.

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:
    [sbull] Families and individuals empowered to increase their own 
economic independence and productivity;
    [sbull] Strong, healthy, supportive communities having a positive 
impact on the quality of life and the development of children;
    [sbull] Partnerships with individuals, front-line service 
providers, communities, States, and Congress that enable solutions that 
transcend traditional agency boundaries;
    [sbull] Services planned and integrated to improve client access;
    [sbull] A strong commitment to working with Native Americans, 
persons with developmental disabilities, refugees, and migrants to 
address their needs, strengths and abilities;
    [sbull] A recognition of the power and effectiveness of public-
private partnerships, including collaboration among community groups, 
such as faith-based organizations, families, and public agencies; and
    [sbull] 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 administers the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 
(the DD Act of 2000). The DD Act defines developmental disabilities, 
reauthorizes four major programs under ADD, authorizes States to 
provide advocacy, promote consumer oriented systems change and capacity 
building activities and facilitates network formations.
    This Act supports and provides assistance to States, public, 
private non-profit agencies, and organizations, including faith-based 
organizations, to assure that individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have 
access to culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance 
and opportunities that promote independence, productivity, integration, 
and inclusion into the community.
    The Act establishes, in part, as the policy of the United States:
    [sbull] 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;

[[Page 33152]]

    [sbull] 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
    [sbull] 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 Councils on Developmental Disabilities that engage in 
advocacy, capacity building and systematic change activities.
    (2) Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) that protect the legal 
and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.
    (3) The National Network of University Centers for Excellence in 
Developmental Disabilities, (UCEDD) that engages in training, outreach, 
and dissemination activities.
    (4) Projects of National Significance (PNS), including Family 
Support Grants that support the development of family-centered and 
directed systems for families of children with disabilities, including 
children with developmental disabilities.

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. 15001, et seq. 
Projects of National Significance is Part E of the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 
15081, et seq. Provisions under this section provide for the award of 
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for Projects of National 
Significance that support:
    [sbull] The development of national and State policies that 
reinforce and promote the self-determination, independence, 
productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of community 
life of individuals with developmental disabilities;
    [sbull] Family support activities, data collection and analysis, 
technical assistance to entities that provide family support and data 
collection activities; and
    [sbull] 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

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, including children with developmental disabilities.

Part III. The Application Review

A. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants include any public or private non-profit 
organization, including State and local governments, Federally 
recognized Indian tribes, faith-based organizations, and private 
nonprofit organization including universities and other institutions of 
higher education designated by the governor or chief executive officer 
of the State as the lead agency for this project. A letter from the 
office of the governor or the chief executive officer designating the 
applicant as the lead agency for the State or Territory must accompany 
the application. This lead agency is responsible 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, including children with 
developmental disabilities.
    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 non-profit status in its application at the time of 
submission. The non-profit 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 certifying nonprofit status and bearing the seal of the 
State in which the corporation is located. ADD cannot fund a non-profit 
applicant without acceptable proof of its nonprofit status.
    Applicants, who have never received a Family Support grant, may 
submit an application for a planning grant. Applicants who have not 
been previously awarded family support planning grants are eligible for 
family support development grants under this announcement.
    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.

B. Review Process and Funding Decisions

    Applications from eligible applicants received by the deadline date 
will be reviewed and scored by a panel of at least three (3) reviewers 
(primarily experts in the field from outside the Federal Government). 
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 in part IV, 
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. The 
results of this review are a primary factor in making funding 
decisions.
    ADD reserves the option of discussing applications with, or 
referring them to, other Federal or non-Federal funding sources when 
this is determined to be in the best interest of the Federal Government 
or the applicant.
    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

[[Page 33153]]

multiple projects funded under a particular program description.
    ADD requires 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 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; or substantial involvement in the proposed project by national 
or community foundations.
    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.
    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 and rural and 
urban areas. In making these decisions, ADD may also take into account 
the need to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.

C. Available Funds

    ADD intends to award new grants resulting from this announcement 
during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003. Up to $1.5 million in 
Federal funds will be available to support these projects this fiscal 
year.
    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.

D. Grantee Share of Project Costs

    Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved 
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum 
of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. 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 
percent).
    An exception to the grantee cost-sharing requirement relates to 
applications originating from American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, 
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Applications from 
these areas are covered under section 501(d) of Pub. 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.

E. 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, 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. For example, extent to which the application is consistent 
with the objectives of the application, and the extent to which the 
application indicates the anticipated contributions to policy practice, 
theory and 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 
that 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 are to be 
collected, maintained, and 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 with organizational 
charts, financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/
Licensed Public Accountants, Employer Identification

[[Page 33154]]

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.
    Budget and Budget Justification: Provide line item detail and 
detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the 
Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation 
methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail 
sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. The detailed budget 
must also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 
15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.

Part IV. Fiscal Year 2003 Families of Children with Disabilities 
Support Projects--Description and Requirements

    Purpose: Project funds must be used to support the planning and 
development of family support activities contributing to the self-
determination, independence, productivity, and integration and 
inclusion in all facets of community life of such individuals. Projects 
will:
    (1) Ensure the full participation, choice and control of families 
of children with disabilities, including children with developmental 
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, including children with developmental disabilities, in 
the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the 
project; increase the availability of, funding for, access to, and 
provision of family support for families of children with disabilities, 
including children with developmental disabilities;
    (3) Promote training activities that are family-centered and 
family-directed and that enhance the ability of family members of 
children with disabilities, including children with developmental 
disabilities, to increase participation, choice, and control in the 
provision of family support for families of children with disabilities, 
including children with developmental disabilities;
    (4) Increase and promote interagency coordination among State 
agencies, and between State agencies and private entities that are 
involved in these projects; and
    (5) 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, including children with developmental 
disabilities.
    Background Information: Promoting family support for families with 
a child with a disability is a new phase in the evolution of Federal 
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 or have initiated family support 
legislation. This accomplishment is often the result of initiatives 
developed by the State Developmental Disabilities Councils. Currently, 
all the States and 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 mental retardation/developmental 
disabilities agency providing for vouchers, direct cash payments to 
families, reimbursement, or direct payments to service providers that 
the State agency itself identified as family support. A broad range of 
services fall within family support including--cash subsidy payments, 
respite care, family strengthening through such services as parenting 
education and marriage education, 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 percent 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. (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 18 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 Education of the Handicapped Act; (as of 1997, 
part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA));
    (3) The reauthorization of the Maternal and Child Health Care Block 
grant in 1989 emphasized these principles in its 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 requires grant funds 
to be used to support the development of State policies that reinforce 
and promote, with the support of families, guardians, advocates, and 
communities, of individuals with developmental

[[Page 33155]]

disabilities, the self-determination, independence, productivity and 
integration and inclusion in all facets of community life of such 
individuals through family support activities. Project activities 
should accomplish any of the following:
    [sbull] Establishment of a State Policy Council of families with 
children with disabilities, including children with developmental 
disabilities, or utilize an existing council which will advise and 
assist the lead entity in the performance of activities under the 
project. The State Policy Council shall be composed of a majority of 
participants who are family members of children with disabilities, 
including children with developmental disabilities, or who are youth 
with disabilities (ages 18-21), or qualify under both categories;
    [sbull] Training and technical assistance for family members, 
service providers, community members, professionals, members of the 
Policy Council, State agency staff, students and others;
    [sbull] 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;
    [sbull] Outreach to locate families who are eligible for family 
support and to identify groups who are underserved or unserved;
    [sbull] 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, including 
children with developmental disabilities;
    [sbull] Hearings and forums to solicit input from families of 
children with disabilities, including children with developmental 
disabilities, regarding family support programs, policies, and plans 
for such families;
    [sbull] Public awareness and education to families of children with 
disabilities, including children with developmental disabilities, 
parent groups and organizations, public and private agencies, students, 
policymakers, and the general public;
    [sbull] Needs assessment;
    [sbull] Data collection and analysis related to the statewide 
system of family support for families of children with disabilities, 
including children with developmental disabilities;
    [sbull] Implementation plans to utilize generic community service 
organizations in innovative partnerships to include families of 
children with disabilities, including children with developmental 
disabilities;
    [sbull] Pilot demonstration projects to demonstrate new approaches 
to the provision of family support for families of children with 
disabilities, including children with developmental disabilities, 
including family strengthening services such as parenting education and 
marriage education;
    [sbull] An 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 that include 
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, including children with developmental 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, including children with developmental disabilities; (4) 
families participating in the State's Temporary Assistance to Needy 
Families Program (TANF) , welfare-to-work, and/or SSI program; (5) 
veterans with families having a child with a developmental disability; 
(6) parents with developmental disabilities, especially with cognitive 
disabilities, having children with or without disabilities; and (7) 
families of children with developmental disabilities who have 
behavioral/emotional issues.
    ADD intends to fund those applications that describe how the 
project will:
    [sbull] Ensure consumer/self-advocate orientation and 
participation;
    [sbull] Include key project personnel with direct life experience 
living with a disability;
    [sbull] 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;
    [sbull] If the project includes research, reflect the principles of 
participatory action;
    [sbull] 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);
    [sbull] Allow individuals with disabilities and their families to 
be involved in all aspects of the design, implementation, and 
evaluation of the project;
    [sbull] Attend to unserved and inadequately served individuals, 
having developmental disabilities, from mild to severe, from 
multicultural backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, migrant, 
homeless, and refugee families, with severe disabilities;
    [sbull] Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if 
applicable, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as 
amended by the Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-220);
    [sbull] Use collaboration through partnerships and coalitions;
    [sbull] Develop the capacity to communicate and disseminate 
information and technical assistance through E-mail and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic 
communication;
    [sbull] Develop and establish system change activities beyond 
project period; and
    [sbull] 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.
    Evaluation Criteria: Five (5) criteria will be used to review and 
evaluate each application under this announcement. Each 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 E of part III, General Instructions for the Uniform Project 
Description. Additional information that must be included is described 
below.

Criterion 1: 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

[[Page 33156]]

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.
    The applicant must:
    (1) Outline a plan of action pertaining to the scope and detail on 
how the proposed work will be accomplished for each project. Define 
goals and specific measurable objectives for the project (8 points);
    (2) 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 outcome 
of the project (8 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, activities should be listed in chronological 
order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target date (4 
points);
    (5) 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);
    (6) Cite factors which might accelerate or decelerate the work and 
provide reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others (3 
points);
    (7) List each organization, operator, consultant, or other key 
individual who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort of contribution (3 points).

Criterion 2: 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 development funds, 
in addition to providing the following information, please submit a 
summary/abstract of the project goals and accomplishments during your 
planning grant.
    The applicant must:
    (1) Demonstrate the need for the assistance and state the principal 
and subordinate objectives for the project (10 points).
    (2) Pinpoint any relevant physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, or other problems requiring a solution (5 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 (4 points); 
and
    (5) Provide maps and other graphic aids (1 point).

Criterion 3: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum 20 points)

    Identify results and benefits to be derived. The anticipated 
contribution to policy, practice, theory and research should be 
indicated.
    The applicant must:
    (1) Clearly describe project benefits and 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 4: Organizational Profile (13 points)

    This section should consist of a brief (two to three pages) 
background description of how the applicant organization (or the unit 
within the organization that will have responsibility for the project) 
is structured, the types and quantity of services, and 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.
    The 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 (4 points);
    (2) Provide a brief background description of how the applicant 
organization is organized, the types and quantity of services it 
provides, and the research and management capabilities it possesses (4 
points);
    (3) Describe the competence of the project team and its 
demonstrated ability to produce a final product that is readily 
comprehensible and usable (3 points); and
    (4) Provide an organization chart showing the relationship of the 
project to the current organization (2 points).

Criterion 5: Budget and Budget Justification (7 points)

    Applicants are expected to present a budget with reasonable project 
costs, appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient 
to accomplish the objectives. The dollar amount requested must be fully 
justified and documented.
    Applications must provide a narrative budget justification that 
describes how the categorical costs are derived and discuss the 
reasonableness and appropriateness of the proposed costs. Line item 
allocations and justifications are required for both Federal and non-
Federal funds.
    A letter of commitment of non-Federal resources must be submitted 
with the application in order to be given credit in the review process. 
A fully explained non-Federal share budget must be prepared for each 
funding source.
    The applicant must:
    (1) Discuss and justify the costs of the proposed project which are 
reasonable and programmatically justified in view of the activities to 
be conducted and the anticipated results and benefits (3 points);
    (2) Describe the fiscal control and accounting procedures that will 
be used to ensure prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate 
accounting of funds received under this program announcement (2 
points); and
    (3) Include a fully explained non-Federal share budget and its 
source(s) (2 points).

[[Page 33157]]

    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 five points, the application must specify 
how the involvement of the EZ/EC is related to the objectives and 
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 development funds must include a letter from the EZ/EC 
pledging its continued support.
Applicable Administrative Regulations
    Applicable administrative regulations include 45 CFR part 74, 
Administration of Grants, for Institutions of Higher Education, non-
profit organizations and Indian Tribal Governments; and 45 CFR part 92, 
Uniform Administrative Requirement for Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements to State and Local Governments.

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: from 
Joan Rucker, ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC, 20447, 
202/690-7898; http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add; or from 
[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.
    All States and Territories, except Alabama, Alaska, 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 submits 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., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, Attn: 93.631 ADD--
Projects of National Significance.
    Contact information for each State's SPOC is found at the ADD 
website (http:// www. acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add) or by contacting Joan 
Rucker, ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC, 20447, 202/
690-7898.

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 website: 
http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add or by contacting Joan Rucker, ADD, 
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 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 that you are applying for new 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's organization that 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.

[[Page 33158]]

    ``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.
    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 C and D.
    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 online at www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. The 
review of the application is at the discretion of the SPOC. The SPOC 
will verify the date noted on the application.
    Item 16b. ``Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive 
Order 12372 Process? No.''--Check the appropriate box if the 
application is not covered by E.O. 12372 or if the program has not been 
selected by the State for review.
    Item 17. ``Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt?''--
Check the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant 
organization, not the person who signs as the authorized 
representative. Categories of debt include audit disallowances, loans 
and taxes.
    Item 18. ``To the best of my knowledge and belief, all data in this 
application/preapplication are true and correct. The document has been 
duly authorized by the governing body of the applicant and the 
applicant will comply with the attached assurances if the assistance is 
awarded.'' --To be signed by the authorized representative of the 
applicant. A copy of the governing body's authorization for signature 
of this application by this individual as the official representative 
must be on file in the applicant's office, and may be requested from 
the applicant.
    Item 18a-c. ``Typed Name of Authorized Representative, Title, 
Telephone Number''--Enter the name, title and telephone number of the 
authorized representative of the applicant organization.
    Item 18d. ``Signature of Authorized Representative''--Signature of 
the authorized representative named in Item 18a. At least one copy of 
the application must have an original signature. Use colored ink (not 
black) so that the original signature is easily identified.
    Item 18e. ``Date Signed''--Enter the date the application was 
signed by the authorized representative.
2. SF 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs
    This is a form used by many Federal agencies. For this application, 
sections A, B, C, E and F are to be completed. Section D does not need 
to be completed.
    Sections A and B should include the Federal as well as the non-
Federal funding for the proposed project covering (1) the total project 
period of 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 
the total project period of 17 months or less. 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 types of information 
to be included in the justification are indicated under each category. 
For multiple year projects, it is desirable to provide this information 
for each year of the project. The budget justification should 
immediately follow the second page of the SF 424A.
    Personnel--Line 6a. Enter the total costs of salaries and wages of 
applicant/grantee staff. Do not include the costs of consultants; 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.

[[Page 33159]]

    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 DHHS requirements. When an indirect 
cost rate is requested, these costs are included in the indirect cost 
pool and should not be charged again as direct costs to the grant.
    In the case of training grants to other than State or local 
governments (as defined in title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, part 
74), the Federal reimbursement of indirect costs will be limited to the 
lesser of the negotiated (or actual) indirect cost rate or 8 percent of 
the amount allowed for direct costs, exclusive of any equipment 
charges, rental of space, tuition and fees, post-doctoral training 
allowances, contractual items, and alterations and renovations.
    For training grant applications, the entry under line 6j should be 
the total indirect costs being charged to the project. The Federal 
share of indirect costs is calculated as shown above. The applicant's 
share is calculated as follows:
    (a) Calculate total project indirect costs (a*) by applying the 
applicant's approved indirect cost rate to the total project (Federal 
and non-Federal) direct costs.
    (b) Calculate the Federal share of indirect costs (b*) at 8 percent 
of the amount allowed for total project (Federal and non-Federal) 
direct costs exclusive of any equipment charges, rental of space, 
tuition and fees, post-doctoral training allowances, contractual items, 
and alterations and renovations.
    (c) Subtract (b*) from (a*). The remainder is what the applicant 
can claim as part of its matching cost contribution.
    Justification: Enclose a copy of the indirect cost rate agreement. 
Applicants subject to the limitation on the Federal 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.

[[Page 33160]]

    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.
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;
    (d) Organization Profile; and
    (e) Budget and Budget Justification
    The specific information to be included under each of these 
headings is described in section E 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., 
Washington, DC, 20447, 202/690-7898. 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.

D. 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.
----Application is from an organization that is eligible under the 
eligibility requirements defined in part IV under Program Description 
and Requirements.
----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 4-92);
----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 4-92);
----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 E);
----Any appendices/attachments; Assurances--Non-Construction Programs 
(Standard Form 424B, REV 4-92);
----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.

E. 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.

F. 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

[[Page 33161]]

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.

Eligible State and Territory Applicants

1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. California
4. Colorado
5. Connecticut
6. Delaware
7. Florida
8. Indiana
9. Iowa
10. North Dakota
11. Pennsylvania
12. South Dakota
13. Tennessee
14. Puerto Rico

    Dated: May 19, 2003.
Patricia Morrissey,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 03-13871 Filed 6-2-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P