[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 132 (Thursday, July 10, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41147-41153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-17412]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of Community Services

[Program Announcement No. ACF-OCS-07-08-2003]


Compassion Capital Fund Targeted Capacity-Building Program

AGENCY: The Office of Community Services (OCS), Administration for 
Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS).

ACTION: Announcement of the request for competitive applications and 
the availability of Federal funding to increase the capacity of faith-
based and community organizations with a proven track record in serving 
the needs of at-risk youth or the homeless.

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    CFDA Number: The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 
93.647.

SUMMARY: The program announced here will provide Compassion Capital 
Fund (CCF) awards to build the capacity of faith-based and community 
organizations, especially partnerships and coalitions, that address the 
needs of at-risk youth or the homeless. Awards will assist these 
organizations to improve their program effectiveness and 
sustainability, access funds from diverse sources, and emulate model 
programs and best practices.
    To be eligible for these one-time, $50,000 CCF capacity-building 
awards, applicants must have a proven track record of at least one year 
in serving the needs of at-risk youth or the homeless.
    The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issues awards 
under the Fund. The Compassion Capital Fund will help further the 
President's goals and objectives regarding faith-based and community 
organizations and will enhance work being supported by multiple Federal 
agencies. ACF estimates that the funds available under this 
announcement will support approximately 50 grants.

DATES: The closing date for submission of applications is August 11, 
2003. Applications received after the closing date will be classified 
as late. See Part IV of this announcement for more information on 
submitting applications.
    In order to determine the number of expert reviewers that will be 
necessary, if you plan to submit an application, you are asked, but not 
required, to mail, fax, or e-mail written notification of your 
intentions at least 15 calendar days prior to the submission deadline 
date. Send the notification, with the following information: the name, 
address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the project 
director and the name of the applicant to: OCS Operations Center, 1815 
North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209 or fax to 
(703) 248-8765 or e-mail to [email protected]. Label this submission as 
follows: Intent to Apply for Compassion Capital Fund Targeted Capacity-
Building Program.

ADDRESSES: Mailed applications should be sent to OCS Operations Center, 
1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209 and 
labeled as follows: Application for Compassion Capital Fund Targeted 
Capacity-Building Program.

[[Page 41148]]

    Hand delivered, courier or overnight delivery applications are 
accepted during the normal working hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday (excluding Federal holidays), on or prior to the 
established closing date. All packages should be clearly labeled as 
follows: Application for Compassion Capital Fund Targeted Capacity-
Building Program. The address for these applications is: OCS Operations 
Center, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 
22209.
    The printed Federal Register notice is the only official program 
announcement. Any corrections to this announcement will be published in 
the Federal Register as well as published on the ACF World Wide Web 
Pages. The Web site is http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/opre/frpa.htm.
    Although reasonable efforts are taken to assure that the files on 
the ACF World Wide Web Pages 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LCG OCS Operations Center, 1-800-281-
9519; e-mail: [email protected]. ACF intends to post answers to frequently 
asked questions on the ACF Web site at http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ocs. Required application forms are available at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This program announcement consists of four 
parts: Part I: Background and Program Purpose--legislative authority, 
background, applicable legal rules, and program purpose and objectives; 
Part II: Project and Applicant Eligibility--eligible applicants, 
funding availability and instruments; Part III: The Review Process--
intergovernmental review, initial ACF screening, general instructions 
for the Uniform Project Description, competitive review and evaluation 
criteria, and review process; and Part IV: The Application Process--
required forms, application limits, checklist for complete application, 
application submission, and Paperwork Reduction Act.

Part I. Background and Program Purpose

A. Legislative Authority

    Funding under this announcement is authorized by section 1110 of 
the Social Security Act governing Social Services Research and 
Demonstration activities and the Departments of Labor, Health and Human 
Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003, 
Pub. L. 108-7.

B. Background

    Faith-based and community organizations have a long history of 
providing an array of important services to people and communities in 
need of charitable services in the United States. These groups have 
unique strengths that government cannot duplicate. They often operate 
very close to the daily lives of individuals and families in need and, 
thus, can reach needy individuals and families that government cannot 
reach. They hold the trust of their community neighbors and leaders and 
have great understanding of the needs of the community and its systems. 
As a result, they are well positioned to understand the needs of 
individuals and families, particularly those struggling with 
homelessness and at-risk youth. Furthermore, the sense of mission from 
which these organizations work often translates into a unique approach 
to service delivery, a dedication of service to others, and a cultural 
awareness specific to their surrounding communities.
    In recognition of this history and ability, President Bush believes 
it is in the public's interest to broaden Federal efforts to work with 
faith-based and community organizations, and he has made it a priority 
to ensure that these groups are treated on an equal footing with other 
organizations that apply for Federal funding. A key part of the effort 
to enhance and expand the participation of faith-based and community 
groups in serving those in need is the Compassion Capital Fund Capacity 
Building program described in this announcement.
    Organizations will use these one-time grants to improve their 
capacity to provide services in a sustainable way. ACF believes that 
organizations working together--rather than in isolation--are best 
positioned to address their community's problems. Therefore, ACF will 
give a preference to applications submitted by an organization that is 
a member of a partnership or coalition of faith-based and/or community 
organizations that are working together to address the needs of at-risk 
youth or the homeless. This preference will be extended to those 
partnerships or coalitions consisting of three or more faith-based and/
or community organizations located in the same geographic region that 
have worked together for at least one year before applying for CCF 
funding.
    CCF Capacity-Building awards will enable grantees to improve 
program effectiveness and organizational management in diverse ways. 
The goal is to help promising organizations to bolster their 
sustainability and ultimately be able to serve more people on a 
continuing basis. Applicants must describe, in concrete terms, their 
plans for using funds to improve their organization in a sustainable 
way. Grantees should use these awards to increase efficiency and 
capacity; these awards cannot be used to augment or supplant direct 
service delivery funds. For example, an organization that distributes 
food to the poor will not receive a grant simply to purchase additional 
food. Nor, for example, will an organization that provides substance 
abuse treatment services receive additional funds simply to enable it 
to provide exactly the same services to more people. Although these 
awards might well enable these organizations to assist additional 
individuals, they would not serve to improve the organizations' 
sustainability, efficiency, or capacity. Rather, the organizations 
would simply use additional funds in the same way that it used existing 
funds, without fundamentally changing or improving its services. The 
program described in this announcement is part of this year's CCF 
program. ACF expects to award approximately 50 grants totaling $2.5 
million.

C. Legal Rules That Apply to Faith-Based Organizations That Receive 
Government Funds

    CCF Capacity-Building monies shall not be used to support 
inherently religious practices such as religious instruction, worship, 
or proselytization. Grant recipients therefore, may not and will not be 
defined by reference to religion. Neutral criteria that neither favor 
nor disfavor religion must be employed in the selection of grant 
recipients. For further information concerning the legal rules that 
apply when faith-based organizations receive government funds please 
visit Guidance to Faith-based and Community Organizations on Partnering 
with the Federal Government at http://www.fbci.gov.

D. Program Purpose and Objectives

    The purpose of the Compassion Capital Fund Targeted Capacity-
Building Program is to increase the capacity of faith-based and 
community organizations with a proven track record of serving the needs 
of at-risk youth or the homeless. This will be accomplished by funding 
experienced faith-based and community organizations, especially 
partnerships and coalitions of faith and community

[[Page 41149]]

groups that work collaboratively to address the needs of at-risk youth 
or the homeless. Preferences will be given to applications submitted by 
partnerships or coalitions of faith-based and community-level 
organizations. This will be accomplished by the award of 5 points as 
described in Part III.D, item (2).

Part II. Project and Applicant Eligibility

    The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS) invites eligible entities to submit 
competing applications for the Compassion Capital Fund Targeted 
Capacity-Building Program.

A. Eligible Applicants

    ACF invites applications from private, non-profit, faith-based and 
community organizations, particularly partnerships or coalitions, with 
a proven track record in serving the needs of at-risk youth or the 
homeless. Applicants are required to submit proof of non-profit status 
with the application. Applications lacking proof of non-profit status 
will not be reviewed. Eligible organizations must have been established 
for at least one year and addressing the needs of the homeless or at-
risk youth in the proposed geographic area. Coalitions of eligible 
organizations must have been in existence for at least one year. In the 
case of partnerships or coalitions that do not have a separate 
governing structure, one member must serve as lead organization for the 
purposes of the grant award.
    Private, nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the optional survey located under ``Grant Manuals & 
Forms'' at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

B. Funding Availability and Instruments

    Instrument and Funding: ACF will issue the Financial Assistance 
Awards under this announcement as grants. ACF expects to award a total 
of up to $2.5 million under this announcement. There is no matching or 
cost share requirement for this announcement. ACF reserves the right to 
award less than the funds described, in the absence of worthy 
applications, or under such circumstances as may be deemed to be in the 
best interest of the government. ACF estimates that 50 organizations or 
coalitions can be supported by this level of funding. Applicants must 
apply for a one-time funding of up to $50,000. Any application 
requesting in excess of $50,000 will be considered ``non-responsive'' 
and subsequently returned to the applicant without further review.
    Project and Budget Period: This announcement is soliciting 
applications for a 12-month project period. Awards, on a competitive 
basis, will be for a 12-month budget period.

Part III: The Review Process

A. Intergovernmental Review

    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, states may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed applications for 
Federal assistance under covered programs.
    As of April 8, 2003, the jurisdictions listed below have elected 
not to participate in the Executive Order process. Applicants from 
these jurisdictions or for projects administered by Federally 
recognized Indian Tribes need not take action in regard to Executive 
Order 12372. Although the jurisdictions listed below no longer 
participate in the process, grant applicants are still eligible to 
apply for a grant even if a state, territory, commonwealth, etc. does 
not have a Single Point of Contact (SPOC).

Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Colorado; Connecticut; Kansas; Hawaii; Idaho; 
Indiana; Louisiana; Massachusetts; Minnesota; Montana; Nebraska; New 
Jersey; New York; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Palau; Pennsylvania; South 
Dakota; Tennessee; Vermont; Virginia; Washington and Wyoming.

    All remaining jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order 
process and have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating 
jurisdictions should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert 
them about the prospective applications and receive instructions. The 
applicant must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and 
indicate the date of the submittal (or the date of contact if no 
submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 
100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to 
comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. Applicants 
must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so 
that the Federal program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as 
part of the award process. A listing of the SPOC for each participating 
state and territory with contact and address information is available 
at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

B. Initial ACF Screening

    Each application submitted under this program announcement will 
undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received 
by the closing date and submitted in accordance with the instructions 
in this announcement and (2) the applicant is eligible for funding.

C. General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description

    The following ACF Uniform Project Description has been approved 
under OMB Control Number 0970-0139, which expires 12/31/2003. This 
format is to be used to submit an application under this announcement. 
Consistent with the Uniform Program Description format, the specific 
evaluation criteria applicable to this program follows in section D.
    1. Objectives and need for assistance: Clearly identify the 
physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other 
problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be 
demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the 
project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as 
letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than 
the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning 
studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. 
Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, 
as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may 
volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of 
projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), 
some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement.
    2. Results or benefits expected: Identify the results and benefits 
to be derived. For example, when applying for an award to expand 
program capacity; increase the types of services offered; increase 
access to funding from different sources and sectors; improve staff 
capabilities, describe the goals and objectives of the activity and 
expected outcomes.
    3. 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.

[[Page 41150]]

Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or 
technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary 
social and community involvement. Describe the reasons why the 
applicant believes its services would benefit through the award of a 
Compassion Capital Fund Targeted Capacity-Building Grant. Describe past 
experience working to address the needs of the homeless and/or at-risk 
youth.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in, for 
example, such terms as the average number of days of technical 
assistance to be provided, the number of faith-based and/or community 
organizations to be provided services, or number of sub-awards to be 
issued to faith-or community organizations. When accomplishments cannot 
be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order 
to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates.
    If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by HHS.'' 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.
    4. Geographic location: Describe the precise location of the 
project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed 
project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached.
    5. Staff and position data: Provide a biographical sketch for each 
key person appointed and a job description for each vacant key 
position. A biographical sketch will also be required for new key staff 
as appointed.
    6. 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.
General
    The following guidelines are for preparing the budget and budget 
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources must be detailed 
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. For purposes 
of preparing the budget and budget justification, ``Federal resources'' 
should refer only to the HHS grant for which you are applying. For 
these purposes, ``Non-federal resources'' are all other resources. If 
other Federal resources will be used, they should be included under 
Non-Federal for budget display purposes. It is suggested that budget 
amounts and computations be presented in a columnar format: first 
column, object class categories; second column, Federal budget; next 
column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column, total budget. The 
budget justification should be a narrative.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the person's 
title, time commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to 
the project (as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, 
amount of salary derived from the grant, wage rates, etc. Do not 
include the costs of consultants or personnel costs of delegate 
agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the 
applicant.
Fringe Benefits
    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
    Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend HHS 
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
    Description: ''Equipment'' means an article of tangible, non-
expendable, personal property having a useful life of more than one 
year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) 
the capitalization level established by the organization for the 
financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost 
means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the 
cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary 
apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is 
acquired. Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.)
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the 
equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information that supports 
the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation contracts (if 
applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.
    Justification: All procurement transactions must be conducted in a 
manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free 
competition. Recipients, other than States that are required to use 
Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action 
that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the 
simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) (currently 
set at $100,000). Recipients might be required to make available to HHS 
pre-award review and procurement documents, such as requests for 
proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

    Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the 
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed 
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency 
title, along with the

[[Page 41151]]

required supporting information referred to in these instructions.

Construction
    N/A.
Other
    Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable 
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food, 
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs, 
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use, 
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs, 
and administrative costs.
    Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a 
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
    Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should 
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate 
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or 
another cognizant Federal agency. Applicants without an approved 
indirect cost rate may charge related costs as direct costs.
    Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the 
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the 
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or 
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an 
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal 
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the 
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for 
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant 
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals 
may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an 
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect 
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. 
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is 
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the 
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgment that the 
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Program Income
    Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be 
generated from this project.
    Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of 
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application 
which contain this information.
Non-Federal Resources
    Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to 
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF424.
    Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be 
documented and submitted with the application in order to be given 
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for 
each funding source.

    Note: In the SF 424A, Section B, Budget Categories, list in 
column 2 non-federal resources separately from federal resources, 
which must be listed in column 1.

D. Competitive Review and Evaluation Criteria

    Applications that have been determined to be eligible for funding 
through the initial ACF pre-review screening will be evaluated and 
rated by independent review panels on the basis of specific evaluation 
criteria. The evaluation criteria are designed to assess the quality of 
the proposed project and to determine the likelihood of its success. 
The evaluation criteria are closely related and are considered as a 
whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Points are 
awarded only to applications that are responsive to the evaluation 
criteria within the context of this program announcement.
    There is a five-page limit for the application narrative, and a 
seven-page limit for the budget narrative with all supporting documents 
including letters of support and proof of non-profit status. 
Applications that exceed these limits will not be reviewed. Applicants 
should be concise and provide only the information requested and 
needed. Applicants should take care to ensure that budgets are clear 
and easy to understand.
    Supplemental information (e.g., brochures, reports) not required in 
this announcement will not be reviewed. More information about 
application submission is provided under Part IV, below.
    Proposed projects will be reviewed based upon the extent to which 
applicants address the following evaluation criteria:
Objectives and Need for Assistance (25 points)
    [sbull] The applicant should describe a compelling need in the 
community for an increase or improvement in services for at-risk youth 
or the homeless. (15 points)
    [sbull] The applicant should describe how the receipt of this 
Federal grant will enable the applicant to increase its capacity to 
address this vital need. (10 points)
(2) Approach (25 points)
    [sbull] The applicant should summarize its history and achievements 
to date with regard to at-risk youth or the homeless. (10 points)
    [sbull] The applicant should describe the strategy it has employed 
to serve the vital need in the community and fully explain in concrete 
terms, the key improvements that would be made if the applicant 
received this Federal grant. (10 points)
    [sbull] Preference will be extended to partnerships or coalitions 
of three or more faith-based and/or community organizations located in 
the same geographic region that have worked together for at least one 
year addressing the needs of at-risk youth or the homeless. In the case 
of partnerships or coalitions, the application should describe the 
individual achievements of collaborating members in related efforts. (5 
points)
(3) Results or Benefits Expected (15 points)
    [sbull] The applicant should describe the benefits to be achieved 
through receipt of this grant and how they will be sustainable. In that 
regard, the applicant should also provide a list of reasonable and 
measurable outcomes that will support the stated goals under this 
announcement.
(4) Staff and Position Data (10 points)
    [sbull] The application should include a list of key staff that 
will oversee use of the grant funds and a brief description of their 
duties.
(5) Geographic Location (15 points)
    [sbull] The applicant should describe the precise location to be 
served. This location should be limited to one community or locality, 
and should not be national or regional in scope. (10 points)
    [sbull] The applicant should provide demographic data of the 
proposed location in support of the proposal. (5 points)
(6) Budget and Budget Justification (10 points)
    [sbull] The applicant must include a budget that is clear, easy to 
understand, and that provides detailed justification for the amount 
requested.

(Applicants should refer to the budget information presented in the 
Standard Forms 424 and 424A and to the budget justification 
instructions in section C. General Instructions for the Uniform Project 
Description. Since non-Federal

[[Page 41152]]

reviewers will be used in the review of applications, applicants may 
omit from the copies of the application submitted (not from the 
original), the specific salary rates or amounts for individuals in the 
application budget and instead provide only summary information.)

E. The Review Process

    Applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored 
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the 
Federal Government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in Part III 
of this announcement to review and score the applications. The results 
of this review are a primary factor in making funding decisions. ACF 
may also solicit comments from Regional Office staff and other Federal 
agencies. In order to ensure that the interests of the Federal 
Government are met in making the final selections, in addition to the 
review criteria identified above, ACF may consider a variety of factors 
including geographic diversity/coverage, distribution among those 
serving at-risk youth or the homeless and types of applicant 
organizations. Further, ACF may limit the number of awards made to the 
same or affiliated organizations although they would serve different 
geographic areas. In this way, ACF may increase opportunities for 
supporting the efforts of faith-based and community organizations to 
address the needs of at-risk youth and the homeless.
    Please note that applicants that do not comply with the 
requirements in the section on ``Eligible Applicants'' will not be 
included in the review process.

Part IV. The Application Process

A. Required Forms

    Eligible applicants interested in applying for funds must submit a 
complete application including the required forms listed under the 
``Checklist for complete application'' in Part IV of this announcement. 
All necessary forms are available at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    In order to be considered for a grant under this announcement, an 
application must be submitted on the Standard Form 424 approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget under Control Number 0348-0043. Each 
application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the 
applicant and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by 
the terms and conditions of the grant award. Applicants requesting 
financial assistance for non-construction projects must file the 
Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-Construction Programs (approved by 
the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0040). 
Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their 
application.
    Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. By signing and 
submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification 
and need not mail back the certification with the application.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification that they are 
not presently debarred, suspended or otherwise ineligible for award. By 
signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification with the 
application.
    Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit 
proof of its non-profit status 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 articles of incorporation 
bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or association 
is domiciled, or by providing a certified copy of the organization's 
certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly 
establishes non-profit status, or any of the items above for a State or 
national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent 
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate. Private, nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit 
with their applications the optional survey located under ``Grants 
Manuals & Forms'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Applicants will be notified of receipt of their application via 
postcard.

B. Application Limits

    Each application should include one signed original and two 
additional copies of the following:
    The application should be double-spaced and single-sided on 8\1/2\ 
x 11 plain white paper, with 1'' margins on all sides. Use only a 
standard size font no smaller than 12 pitch throughout the application. 
All pages of the application (including appendices, resumes, charts, 
references/ footnotes, tables, maps and exhibits) must be sequentially 
numbered, beginning on the first page after the budget justification, 
the principal investigator contact information and the Table of 
Contents. There is a five-page limit for the application narrative, and 
a seven-page limit for the budget narrative with all supporting 
documents, including letters of support, and proof of non-profit 
status. Pages submitted beyond these page limits will not be reviewed. 
Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures, or other 
printed material along with their applications as these pose copying 
difficulties. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in 
the review process. In addition, applicants must not submit any 
additional letters of endorsement beyond any that may be required.

C. Checklist for a Complete Application

    The checklist below is for your use to ensure that the application 
package has been properly prepared.

--One original, signed and dated application plus two copies.
--Attachments/Appendices, when included, should be used only to provide 
supporting documentation such as resumes, and letters of agreement/
support.

    (1) Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424, Rev. 7-97).
    (2) Budget information-non-construction programs (SF424A&B).
    (3) Budget Justification, including subcontract agency budgets.
    (4) Application Narrative and Appendices.
    (5) Assurances Non-Construction Program.
    (6) Certification Regarding Lobbying.
    (7) Certification regarding Compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace 
Act.
    (8) Certification regarding non-debarment, suspension, or 
ineligibility.
    (9) If appropriate, a completed SPOC certification with the date of 
SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF-424, Rev. 7-97.
    (10) Proof of non-profit status.

D. Application Submission

    Deadline. The closing (deadline) time and date for receipt of 
applications is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on the date indicated 
under closing time and date at the beginning of this announcement. 
Applications received after 4:30 p.m. will be classified as late.
    Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an announced 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date 
at the: OCS Operations Center, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, 
Arlington, Virginia 22209 and labeled: Application for Compassion 
Capital Fund Coalition Program. Applicants are responsible for

[[Page 41153]]

mailing applications well in advance, when using all mail services, to 
ensure that the applications are received on or before the deadline 
time and date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or 
other representatives of the applicant or by overnight/express mail 
couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they 
are received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 
a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at: OCS Operations Center, 1815 North Fort Myer 
Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209 and labeled: Application 
for Compassion Capital Fund Coalition Program. Applicants are cautioned 
that express/overnight mail services may not always deliver as agreed.
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or 
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to 
ACF or the OCS Operations Center electronically will not be accepted 
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
    Late applications. Applications that do not meet the criteria above 
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant 
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
    Extension of deadlines. ACF may extend an application deadline for 
applicants affected by acts of God such as floods and hurricanes, when 
there is widespread disruption of the mail service, or for other 
disruptions of services, such as a prolonged blackout, that affect the 
public at large. A determination to waive or extend deadline 
requirements rest with ACF's Chief Grants Management Officer.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-23)

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 the 
Department is required to submit to OMB for review and approval any 
reporting and record keeping requirements in regulations including 
program announcements. All information collections within this program 
announcement are approved under the following current valid OMB control 
numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 034800040, 0348-0046, 0925-0418 and 0970-
0139.
    Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average 
10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection 
of information.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.

Wade F. Horn,
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.
[FR Doc. 03-17412 Filed 7-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P