[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 135 (Tuesday, July 15, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41816-41828]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-17842]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (DHHS)

Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

[Program Announcement No. ACF-ADD-07-10-2003]


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

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

CFDA: The Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.631--
Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National Significance.

ACTION: Invitation to apply for financial assistance.

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SUMMARY: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is accepting 
applications for Fiscal Year 2003 Projects of National Significance 
(PNS).
    This Program Announcement consists of five parts. Part I, the 
Introduction, discusses the goals and objectives of ACF and ADD, while 
Part II provides background information on ADD for applicants. Part III 
outlines the grant review process for submitted applications. Part IV 
describes the Priority Area under which ADD requests applications for 
Fiscal Year 2003 funding of projects. Finally, Part V provides detailed 
information 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 submission of applications under this 
Program Announcement is August 29, 2003.

[[Page 41817]]

Mailed or hand-carried applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the 
closing date will be classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF, 
Office of Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 8th Floor, 
Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the closing date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 
4:30 p.m., EST, at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Office of Grants Management, ACF Mail Center, 2nd Floor (near loading 
dock), Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024, 
between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This mailing 
address must appear on the envelope/package containing the application 
with the note ``Attention: Lois Hodge.'' Applicants using express/
overnight services should allow two working days (working days are 
defined as Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays) prior to 
the closing date for receipt of applications. (Note to Applicants: 
Express/overnight mail services do not always deliver in the agreed 
upon timeframe.)
    Any applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will 
not be considered for competition. All applications shall be mailed or 
hand-carried at the request and expense of the applicant. Additional 
material will not be accepted or added to an application after the 
closing date.
    ACF cannot, at the present time, accommodate transmission of 
applications by fax, e-mail, or through other electronic media. 
Applications transmitted electronically will not be accepted for 
consideration under this Program Announcement.
    For purposes of this grant competition, ACF will not be notifying 
applicants that their application was received by the deadline. 
Applicants will, however, be notified of the status of their 
application in writing after the review process has been completed.
    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: ACF may extend the closing date for all 
applicants because of acts of God, such as floods and hurricanes, 
widespread disruption of the mail or when it is anticipated that many 
of the applications will come from rural or remote areas. However, if 
ACF does not extend the closing date for all applicants, it may not 
waive or extend the deadline for any applicant.

ADDRESSES: Application materials are available from April Myers, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Mail Stop: HHH-300F, Washington, DC, 20447, 
[email protected] or (202) 690-5985.

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 April Myers, Program Specialist, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW, Mail Stop: HHH-300F, Washington, DC, 20447, or 
send e-mail to [email protected], or fax (202) 690-6904.
    Notice of Intent to Submit Application: If you intend to submit an 
application, please send a fax or e-mail with the number and title of 
this Program Announcement, your organization's name and address, your 
contact person's name, your contact's phone and fax numbers, and their 
e-mail address to: Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 
Attention: April Myers, fax: (202) 690-6904, e-mail: 
[email protected]. This information will be used to determine the 
number of expert reviewers needed and to update the mailing list for 
future Program Announcements from ADD.
    Available Funds: Subject to the availability of funding. ADD 
intends to award new grants resulting from this Program Announcement 
during the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2003. For the purpose of the 
awards under this Program Announcement, the successful applicants 
should expect a project start date of September 30, 2003. Up to $3 
million in Federal funds will be available to support as many as 30 
projects this fiscal year.
    Additionally, successful applicants under this Program Announcement 
may be eligible to compete for implementation funds in Fiscal Year 
2004. The Priority Area descriptions include information on the maximum 
Federal share of the project costs and the anticipated number of 
projects to be funded.
    The term ``budget period'' defines a one-year (12 months) interval 
of time. Where applicable, a multi-year period of assistance (referred 
to as the project period) is divided for budgetary and funding purposes 
into one-year budget periods. The term ``project period'' means the 
total time a project is approved for support, including continuation 
applications and any federally approved extensions.
    Where appropriate, applicants may propose shorter project periods 
than the maximums specified in the Priority Area. Non-Federal share 
contributions may exceed the minimums specified in the Priority Area.
    Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share of the 
project is $100,000 per project period.

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) at the 
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). ADD shares common 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 access to 
programs and supports for individuals and families;
    [sbull] A strong commitment to working with Native Americans, 
persons with developmental disabilities, refugees and migrants to 
address their individual needs, strengths and abilities; and
    [sbull] A community-based approach that recognizes and expands on 
the resources and benefits of diversity.
    The goals, listed above, will enable more individuals, including 
people with developmental disabilities, to live productive and 
independent lives integrated into their communities. The Projects of 
National Significance (PNS) Program is one means through which ADD 
promotes the achievement of these goals.

[[Page 41818]]

B. Purpose of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the lead 
agency within ACF and DHHS responsible for planning and administering 
programs to promote the self-sufficiency and protect the rights of 
persons with developmental disabilities. ADD implements the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the DD 
Act, which was reauthorized by Congress in 2000.
    The DD Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C.15001, et seq.) supports and provides 
assistance to States, public agencies, and private nonprofit 
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.
    As defined in the DD Act, the term ``developmental disabilities'' 
means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is 
attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of 
mental and physical impairments that is manifested before the 
individual attains age 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely. 
Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three 
or more of the following functional areas; self-care, receptive and 
expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for 
independent living, and capacity for economic self-sufficiency.
    In the DD Act includes a number of findings, including:
    [sbull] Disability is a natural part of the human experience that 
does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental 
disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, productivity, 
integration, and inclusion into the community;
    [sbull] Individuals whose disabilities occur during their 
developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are 
likely to continue indefinitely; and
    [sbull] Individuals with developmental disabilities often require 
lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in a coordinated 
and culturally competent manner by many agencies, professionals, 
advocates, community representatives, and others to eliminate barriers 
and to meet the needs of such individuals and their families.
    The DD Act further promotes the best practices and policies 
presented below:
    [sbull] Individuals with developmental disabilities, including 
those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of 
achieving independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into 
the community, and often require the provision of services, supports, 
and other assistance to achieve such;
    [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; and
    [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.
    Toward these ends, ADD seeks to support and accomplish the 
following:
    [sbull] Enhance the capabilities of families in assisting 
individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their maximum 
potential;
    [sbull] Support the increasing ability of individuals with 
developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice and self-
determination and to engage in leadership activities in their 
communities; and
    [sbull] Ensure the protection of individuals with developmental 
disabilities' legal and human rights.
    The four programs funded under the Act are:
    [sbull] State Developmental Disabilities Councils;
    [sbull] State Protection and Advocacy Systems for Individuals 
Rights;
    [sbull] Grants to the National Network of University Centers for 
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and 
Service; and
    [sbull] Grants for Projects of National Significance.

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. The 
Projects of National Significance (PNS) is part E of the DD Act of 
2000, 42 U.S.C. 15081, et seq.

Part II. Background Information For Applicants

A. Description of Projects of National Significance

    Under part E of the Act, grants and contracts are awarded for 
Projects of National Significance (PNS) that support the development of 
national and State policies to enhance the independence, productivity, 
integration, and inclusion of individuals with developmental 
disabilities through:
    [sbull] Data collection and analysis;
    [sbull] Technical assistance to enhance the quality of State 
Developmental Disabilities Councils and University Centers for 
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities; and
    [sbull] Other projects of sufficient size and scope that hold 
promise to expand or improve opportunities for people with 
developmental disabilities, including:
    (a) Technical assistance for the development of information and 
referral systems;
    (b) Educating policy makers;
    (c) Federal interagency initiatives;
    (d) The enhancement of participation of minority and ethnic groups 
in public and private sector initiatives in developmental disabilities; 
and
    (e) Transition of youth with developmental disabilities from school 
to adult life.
    The purpose of the Projects of National Significance (PNS) program 
is not only to provide technical assistance to the Developmental 
Disabilities Councils, the Protection and Advocacy Systems, and the 
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, but 
also to support projects ``that hold promise to expand or improve 
opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.'' PNS 
grantees often challenge traditional thinking and common service 
practices.
    Last Fiscal Year, projects were funded in the following five 
Priority Areas:
    [sbull] Learning through Assisting;
    [sbull] Creating and Celebrating One Community for All Citizens;
    [sbull] Enhancing Early Literacy and Education for Children with 
Developmental Disabilities;
    [sbull] Increasing Access in Rural Communities; and
    [sbull] Expanding Positive Youth Development Activities for Young 
People with Developmental Disabilities.
    Project activities that received funding in 2002 ranged from 
creating opportunities for high school students to earn service 
learning credits working with children with disabilities to improving 
transportation options for individuals with disabilities residing in 
rural America. For more information about previous projects and their 
goals, visit ADD's Web site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add.
    The 2003 Priority Area relates to the outcomes contained in ADD's 
plan for implementing the Government Performance Reporting Act (GPRA). 
In

[[Page 41819]]

general, projects are expected to increase community support and 
services, promote self-determination and productivity, and encourage 
interaction and collaboration among all sectors of the developmental 
disabilities service system, including public and private sectors. 
Applicants are encouraged to tailor their grant applications to fit 
this year's Priority Area.

Part III. The Review Process

A. Eligible Applicants

    Before applications under this Program Announcement are reviewed, 
each one will be screened to determine whether the applicant is 
eligible for funding under this year's Priority Area. Applications from 
organizations that do not meet the eligibility requirements for the 
Priority Area will not be considered or reviewed in the competition, 
and the applicant will be so informed.
    Under this Program Announcement, the Governor of the applicant's 
State or Territory must designate the applicant as the lead agency for 
the State/Territory. Acceptable proof of the Governor's designation is 
a letter from the Governor's office, with his or her official 
signature, identifying the lead agency by name. The designation letter 
must accompany the applicant's proposal package to ADD by the closing 
date. For purposes of this Program Announcement, each State and 
Territory may have only one lead applicant designated as the lead 
agency; however, an application must include State and local 
partnerships.
    Project activities must be conducted in partnership with at least 
one local elected official, the State Developmental Disabilities 
Council, the State Protection and Advocacy System, and the University 
Center(s) on Developmental Disabilities in the State/Territory, as well 
as others (including, but not limited to, disability-related service 
providers, advocacy groups, family support groups, family strengthening 
groups, and faith-based organizations).
    Individuals are not eligible to apply under this Program 
Announcement. All applications must identify and acknowledge the 
designated lead applicant as the official applicant. Participating 
agencies and organizations should be included as co-participants, sub-
grantees, or subcontractors.
    Nonprofit organizations must submit proof of their nonprofit status 
in the application at the time of submission. Proof of status includes 
providing a copy of the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue 
Service's most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in 
section 501 (c) (3) of the IRS code, a copy of a valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or a copy of the articles of incorporation 
bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or association 
is domiciled. ADD cannot fund a nonprofit applicant without acceptable 
proof of its nonprofit status.
    Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for PNS grants if 
they meet the eligibility requirements stated above.
    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.

B. Review Process and Funding Decisions

    Applications under this Program Announcement (Number 93631--) from 
eligible applicants received by the deadline date will be competitively 
reviewed and scored. Experts in the field, generally persons from 
outside the Federal Government, will use the evaluation criteria listed 
later in this Part of the Program Announcement to review and score the 
applications. The results of this review are a primary factor in making 
funding decisions.
    ADD reserves the option of discussing applications with, or 
referring them to, other Federal or non-Federal funding sources when 
this is determined to be in the best interest of the Federal Government 
and/or the applicant. ADD may also solicit comments from ACF Regional 
Office staff, other Federal agencies, interested foundations, national 
organizations, specialists, experts, States, and the general public. 
ADD will consider these comments, along with those of the expert 
reviewers, in making funding decisions.
    In making PNS decisions for 2003 grant awards, ADD will consider 
whether applications focus on or feature the following aspects/
activities in their project design to the extent appropriate:

    [sbull] A substantially innovative strategy with the potential to 
improve theory or practice in the field of human services;
    [sbull] A model practice or set of procedures that holds the 
potential for replication by organizations administering or delivering 
human services;
    [sbull] A substantial involvement of volunteers, the private sector 
(either financial or programmatic), and/or national or community 
foundations;
    [sbull] A favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds 
available for the proposed project, which is likely to result in the 
potential for high benefit for low Federal investment; and

    [sbull] A programmatic focus on those most in need of services and 
assistance, such as unserved and underserved populations, including 
underserved cultural, ethnic, and racial minority populations.
    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. Evaluation Process

    Using the evaluation criteria (described under the Priority Area in 
part IV), a panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from 
outside the Federal Government) will evaluate and score the 
applications. To facilitate this review, applicants should ensure that 
they address the minimum requirements identified in the Priority Area 
description under the appropriate section of the Program Narrative 
Statement.
    Reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each 
application in terms of the evaluation criteria listed below; provide 
comments; and assign numerical scores. The point value following each 
criterion heading under the Priority Area in part VI indicates the 
maximum numerical weight that each applicant may receive per section in 
the review process.

D. Grantee Share of Project Costs

    Grantees must match $1 for every $3 requested in Federal funding; 
to provide 25% of the total approved cost of the project. The total 
approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-
Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind 
contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match 
requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project 
requesting $100,000 in Federal funds must include a match of at least 
$33,333 (total project cost is $133,333 of which $33,333 is 25%). 
Applicants must provide letter(s) of commitment, verifying the actual 
amount and source(s) of the non-Federal share of the proposed costs.
    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 Public Law 95-134, 
which requires that the Department waive any

[[Page 41820]]

requirement for local matching funds for grants under $200,000.
    The applicant contribution must be secured from non-Federal 
sources, except as provided by Federal statute. A cost-sharing or 
matching requirement may not be met by costs from another Federal 
grant, unless Federal statue sanctions such. For example, funds from 
Federal programs that benefit Tribes and Native American organizations 
have been used to provide valid sources of matching funds. Any Tribe or 
Native American organization submitting an application to ADD should 
identify the Federal program(s) that will provide the matching funds in 
its application. If the applicant is selected to receive PNS funds, 
then ADD will determine whether there is statutory authority for use of 
such 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 are required to 
submit a full project description and must prepare the project 
description statement in accordance with the following instructions.
1. Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
2. 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 testimonies 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.
3. Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, when 
applying for a grant to establish a neighborhood child care center, 
describe who will occupy the facility, who will use the facility, how 
the facility will be used, and how the facility will benefit the 
community which it will serve.
4. Approach
    Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how 
the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or 
activities identified in the application. Cite factors, which might 
accelerate or decelerate the work, and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement. 
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of microloans 
made. Where activity or function cannot quantify accomplishments, list 
them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and 
their target dates.
    Identify the kinds of data to be collected, maintained, and/or 
disseminated. Note that clearance from the U.S. Office of Management 
and Budget might be needed prior to a ``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.
5. Organization Profile
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any 
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of 
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission. The 
non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the 
applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent 
list of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the 
IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of 
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled.

Part IV: Fiscal Year 2003 Priority Area for Projects of National

Significance Description and Requirements

    The following section presents the Priority Area for Fiscal Year 
2003 Projects of National Significance (PNS) and solicits the 
appropriate applications.

Fiscal Year 2003 Priority Area: Family Support 360

    Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are limited to a lead 
agency designated by the Governor of the State or Territory. A letter 
from the Office of the Governor designating the applicant as the lead 
agency for the State/Territory must accompany the application. The 
designated lead agency may be a State or local agency, Tribal 
government, public or private nonprofit organization (including a 
faith-based organization), or an institution of higher learning.
    Purpose: Through this competitive grant process, ADD will fund 
pilot projects to plan multi-agency partnerships to design at least one 
one-stop center to assist poor and/or geographically unserved or 
underserved families (including underserved families with racial, 
ethnic, or cultural minority backgrounds) with a child or adult member 
with a disability (hereafter referred to as ``targeted families'') to 
preserve, strengthen, and maintain the family. Grant funds under this 
solicitation are for the costs associated with State planning 
activities, not the provision of direct services.

    Families need access to comprehensive systems of family support 
services that are family-centered and family-directed, and that 
provide families with the greatest possible decision making 
authority and control regarding the nature and use of services and 
support for them and their members with disabilities. Families need 
to have the opportunity to participate in the design of family 
support services. Initiatives that involve families, that center 
around families, and that promote and develop interagency 
coordination and collaboration among agencies responsible for 
providing the services will contribute to family preservation and 
strengthening.

    [sbull] Background Information: In order to preserve, strengthen, 
and maintain the family, targeted families often need services and 
supports that cut across

[[Page 41821]]

agency lines. Services and supports may involve all or some of the 
following: Healthcare, Mental Health, Personal Assistance Services, 
Respite Care, Family Strengthening Services (such as parenting 
education and marriage education), Food Stamps, Cash Assistance, 
Accessible Transportation, Childcare, Accessible Housing, Early 
Intervention Services, Special Educational Opportunities, Job Training, 
Assistive Technology, and Employment with Reasonable Accommodations. 
These services and supports are available from a myriad of public and 
private providers, each of which has its own eligibility determination 
criteria and planning process. If a targeted family needs multiple 
services and supports, there are few States and communities with a 
comprehensive infrastructure to offer these families a seamless, one-
point of entry (e.g., one-stop center) to establish eligibility and 
develop a family-centered plan to preserve and strengthen families with 
members with disabilities.
    There are multiple funding streams and varied public and private 
entities that could contribute to a seamless system for targeted 
families. However, without funding and time to explore avenues for 
creating such a system, examples of promising practices will remain 
isolated and generally limited to demonstrating service integration for 
employment-related assistance for individuals with disabilities. Such 
efforts often result in improvements in services for individuals with 
disabilities seeking employment, but few opportunities for families to 
be strengthened and preserved as a family unit through access to a wide 
range of other services.
    In this time of shrinking resources, it is imperative to support 
planning initiatives that will allow a variety of partners to discuss 
and develop consensus on how their collective resources could be used 
in a more family friendly manner. Successful States under this Program 
Announcement will receive planning grants to explore with their 
partners how to develop a common language, pool resources, coordinate 
services, and share expenses in order to reduce overhead and create a 
setting (i.e., one-stop center) in which outcome-oriented, family-
centered, collaborative planning could occur.
    Presently, there are several different Federal programs and funding 
streams available to State governments and local agencies to assist 
targeted families and potentially redesigned service systems. Some 
examples of such programs and funding streams include Medicaid Systems 
Change Grants, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services' (CMS) 
Independence Plus, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), 
Vocational Rehabilitation, the Ticket-to-Work and direct benefit 
programs through the Social Security Administration, and one-stops of 
the Work Force Investment Act. This myriad of programs and funding 
sources can create a feeling of helplessness in individual families, 
making discovering and learning to understand the eligibility for each 
program even more challenging. State agency staff members and local 
caseworkers may also feel confused when attempting to coordinate the 
various services at the local level for families. The time has arrived 
for us to ask fundamental questions about the effectiveness of the 
service system and to explore, in partnership with families, avenues to 
create a truly family-centered service system.
    In addition to the input from targeted families and the consensus 
of local and State leaders, the participation and collaboration of the 
State's DD Network will ensure the success of this planning project. 
For instance, each State's Developmental Disabilities Council has a 
wealth of knowledge about their State's programs, public policies, and 
service barriers to bring to the discussion table. The Protection and 
Advocacy Agencies have legal experience with and understanding of 
program eligibility criteria associated with the complexities of the 
service system. The University Centers for Excellence in Developmental 
Disabilities have expertise in evaluating the effectiveness of service 
programs and developing new and innovative projects to address the 
unmet needs of families.
    While ADD welcomes an application from each State and Territory, 
the Commissioner is particularly interested in providing financial 
support to States/Territories that are just beginning to explore the 
issues relating to one-stop family centers and/or States/Territories 
with some limited experience with service integration efforts.
    Successful grantees under this competition will have the 
opportunity to design a one-stop family center, in collaboration with 
State and local partners. It may be more practical for grantees to 
focus their partnership planning efforts on one location for the one-
stop center and a limited number of families to be served by its staff. 
This approach will enable the grantees to identify and project specific 
funding needs, staffing requirements, collaborative agreements, day-to-
day procedures, and other infrastructure considerations necessary for 
implementing a one-stop family center. Through such a creative and 
collaborative process, ADD anticipates that each grantee with its 
partners will develop a collective commitment to serving the targeted 
families and identify new ways for meeting the needs of individual 
families.
    [sbull] Minimum Requirements for Project Design: ADD is 
particularly interested in supporting projects that include each of the 
activities and desired outcomes provided in the section below.
    [sbull] Involvement and Input from Targeted Families. The 
meaningful involvement of individuals who are members of targeted 
families must be an essential and measurable element of all project 
planning and activities.
    [sbull] Project Partnerships. Project activities must be conducted 
in partnership with at least one local elected official, the State 
Developmental Disabilities Council, the State Protection and Advocacy 
System, and the University Center(s) on Developmental Disabilities in 
the State/Territory, as well as others (including, but not limited to, 
disability-related service providers, advocacy groups, family support 
groups, family strengthening groups, and faith-based organizations).
    [sbull] Building Consensus for an Implementation Plan. Projects 
should build a consensus for an implementation plan with their partners 
to establish and sustain a one-stop center for the targeted families. 
Implementation plans should include Federal, State, and local inter-
agency collaboration, and public-private partnerships to achieve 
service integration for targeted families.
    [sbull] Parameters for Services and Supports in the Implementation 
Plan. Implementation plans for the one-stop center must address the 
following parameters: information and referrals, as well as in-depth 
planning for services and supports with at least fifty (50) families on 
an annual basis. The families projected to be served would have access 
to individualized family-centered planning for services and supports. 
Individualized planning may focus on one or more the following areas of 
need: healthcare and mental health services, eligibility for personal 
assistance and supports (e.g., access to direct care workers, respite 
care, food stamps, and cash assistance), accessible transportation, 
childcare services, and family strengthening services (e.g., parenting 
education and marriage education), housing, and employment-related 
assistance.
    [sbull] Assessment of the Capacity and Capability of Information 
Technology. A

[[Page 41822]]

needs assessment for and/or design of an information system with a 
single point of entry for the one-stop center should be included in the 
applicant's project. This activity may involve identifying and testing 
existing software and hardware to support the computer and 
informational needs of the one-stop center or designing new technology.
    [sbull] Analysis of Eligibility. A review of existing State and 
Federal laws that impact the targeted families must be a key element of 
each project. At a minimum, a legal analysis should provide a detailed 
summary of the following issues:
    (1) Funding streams for services and support to families with 
members who have disabilities;
    (2) The legal and policy barriers for targeted families to 
achieving self-sufficiency; and
    (3) Eligibility criteria and other program requirements that may 
pose obstacles to serving targeted families.
    [sbull] Training Needs. Each grantee should identify the training 
needs of staff members who would work with targeted families, and 
including educational and training issues for non-staff assisting the 
targeted families in other settings and environments.
    [sbull] Existing Resources. Each grantee should identify existing 
State and local resources for targeted families, including information 
on services and supports that are available from community groups and 
faith-based organizations, including those that provide family 
strengthening services. This information would form the initial 
database for the one-stop center, leading to a catalog of services and 
supports for the staff members and targeted families.
    [sbull] Development of Policies and Memoranda of Understanding 
(MOUs). Each grantee should develop MOUs, policy statements, and 
procedures between State and local partners on key issues for 
implementing the one-stop center. Some of the key issues to be agreed 
upon in this planning process among the partners should include the 
mission of the one-stop center, the eligible families for services, the 
roles of agencies' staff members, and the lead agency responsibilities.
    [sbull] Final Product. The final product of this planning grant 
must be a written plan for implementing at least one one-stop center to 
assist targeted families to preserve and strengthen the family unit. 
The implementation plan must include, at a minimum, the following 
information:
    1. Criteria and process for selecting targeted families to be 
served by the one-stop center. For example, families could be required 
to have eligibility for Medicaid, be among the geographically unserved 
or underserved in the State, have cultural minority backgrounds, or be 
eligible for TANF.
    2. Criteria to be used to establish that a family has achieved the 
outcomes in its family-centered plan;
    3. Description of operations and procedures relating to the 
following;
    a. Outreach to and recruitment of targeted families;
    b. Information and referral to targeted families, community 
organizations assisting families in need (including those involved in 
family strengthening), and others;
    c. Intake, assessment, and determination of eligibility of 
families;
    d. Development and monitoring of Individualized Family Plans (the 
process for developing and implementing the plans, including who will 
be involved in the plan development and who will monitor progress);
    e. Records maintenance (access to and retrieval of files, and the 
confidentiality of the families personal information); and
    f. Financing of services (a description of how funding for the 
services and supports in a family's plan could be secured);
    4. Staffing patterns and staff requirements;
    5. Roles of the participating agencies and organizations;
    6. Organizational chart for the one-stop center;
    7. Space and equipment requirements;
    8. Time table for implementing this plan for the one-stop center; 
and
    9. Budget requirements for the one-stop center.
    [sbull] Key Personnel. Each grantee should ensure that key project 
personnel have direct life experience with living with a disability;
    [sbull] Civil Rights. Each grantee must comply with the Americans 
with Disabilities Act, where applicable, and section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Rehabilitation Act 
amendments of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-569); and
    [sbull] Communication and Dissemination. Each grantee should have 
the capacity to communicate and disseminate information with their 
project partners and others through e-mail and other effective, 
affordable, and accessible forms of electronic communication.

Evaluation Criteria:

    Five criteria will be used to review and evaluate each application. 
Each criterion should be addressed in the project description section 
of the application. The point values indicate the maximum numerical 
weight possible for each criterion in the review process. The specific 
information to be included under each of these headings is described in 
section G of Part III, General Instructions for the Uniform Project 
Description. Additional Information that must be addressed is described 
below.

Criterion 1: Approach (35 points)

    The applicant must outline a sound, workable, and detailed plan of 
action, pertaining to the goals and objectives of the proposed project. 
Activities should be identified in chronological order, with target 
dates for accomplishment and the key personnel responsible for 
completing the activity. The plan of action should also clearly 
identify and delineate the roles and involvement of each of the 
proposed project's partners, collaborators, and/or sub-grantees.
    The plan of action should involve the following types of 
information; (a) How the work will be accomplished; (b) factors that 
might accelerate or decelerate the work; (c) reasons for taking this 
approach as opposed to other possibilities; and (d) descriptions of 
innovations and/or unusual features (such as technological or design 
innovations, reductions in cost and/or time, or extraordinary community 
involvement). Additionally, the applicant must provide a discussion of 
how the expected results and benefits will be evaluated for the 
proposed project. This discussion should explain the methodology that 
will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed in the 
application are being met and if the results and benefits identified 
are being achieved.
    The following list provides the point value for each required item 
in this Criterion:

15 Points Outlines a sound, workable, and detailed plan of action, 
pertaining to the goals and objectives of the proposed project.
8 Points Discusses and explains the methodology to be used in 
determining if identified needs are being meet and expected results are 
being achieved.
4 Points Cites factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work.
4 Points Provides a rationale for taking this approach as opposed to 
other possibilities.
4 Points Describes innovations and/or unusual features of the proposed 
project.

Criterion 2: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 points)

    The application must identify the following information: (a) The 
need for

[[Page 41823]]

assistance, (b) the objectives of the proposed project, (c) the precise 
location of the proposed project, and (d) the area to be served by the 
proposed project.
    The applicant may accomplish this best by: (a) Pinpointing the 
relevant physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, or other 
problems requiring a solution; (b) demonstrating the need for the 
assistance; (c) stating the principal and subordinate objectives for 
the proposed project; (d) providing supporting documentation and/or 
other testimonies from concerned individuals and groups other than the 
applicant; (e) providing relevant data based on research or planning 
studies, and (f) including maps and other graphic aids.
    The following list provides the point value for each required item 
in this Criterion:

5 Points Identifies and demonstrates the need for assistance.
5 Points States the principal and subordinate objectives for the 
proposed project.
4 Points Provides relevant data based on research and/or planning 
studies.
4 Points Provides supporting documentation and/or testimonies from 
concerned individuals and groups, other than the applicant.
2 Points Includes maps and other graphics identifying the precise 
location of the proposed project.

Criterion 3: Organization Profile (20 points)

    The application identifies the background of the project director/
principal investigator and key project staff (including name, address, 
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. The 
applicant must describe the relationship between this project and other 
work that is planned, anticipated, or currently under way by the 
applicant.
    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 it provides, and/or 
the research and management capabilities it possesses. It may include a 
description of any current or previous relevant experience; or it may 
describe the competence of the project team and its demonstrated 
ability to produce final products that are readily comprehensible and 
usable. An organization chart showing the relationship of the project 
to the current organization must be included.
    The following list provides the point value for each required item 
in this Criterion:

6 Points Identifies the background of key staff members.
6 Points Demonstrates the organization's ability to administer the 
proposed project.
6 Points Describes and discusses the role and involvement of 
individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in the 
proposed project and organization.
2 Points Includes an organizational chart, depicting the relationship 
of the project to the current organization.

Criterion 4: Results or Benefits Expected (17 points)

    The expected results and benefits of the proposed project should be 
consistent with the objectives of the application. The application must 
state the project's anticipated contributions to policy, practice, 
theory and/or research. The proposed project costs should be reasonable 
in view of the expected results.
    The following list provides the point value for each required item 
in this Criterion:

10 Points States the anticipated contributions of the proposed project 
to policy, practice, theory, and/or research.
7 Points Expected results and benefits are consistent with the proposed 
project's goals and objectives.

Criterion 5: Budget and Budget Justification (8 points)

    Applicants are expected to present a budget with reasonable project 
costs, appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient 
to accomplish the objectives. The requested funds for the project must 
be fully justified and documented.
    Applications must provide a narrative budget justification that 
describes how the categorical costs are derived and discusses the 
reasonableness and appropriateness of the proposed costs. Line item 
allocations and justification are required for both Federal and non-
Federal funds. A letter of commitment for the project's 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.
    Applicants have the option of omitting the Social Security Numbers 
and specific salary rates of the proposed project personnel from the 
two copies submitted with the original application to ACF. For purposes 
of the outside review process, applicants may elect to summarize salary 
information on the copies of their application. All salary information 
must, however, appear on the signed original application for ACF.
    The following list provides the point value for each required item 
in this Criterion:

3 Points Discusses and justifies the costs and reasonableness of the 
proposed project in view of the expected results and benefits.
3 Points Describes the fiscal controls and accounting procedures to be 
used.
2 Points Includes a fully explained non-Federal share budget and its 
source(s).
This year, five additional points will be added to the applicant's 
total in the scoring process for any project that includes partnership 
and collaboration with one or more of the 140 Empowerment Zones/
Enterprise Communities. To receive the additional five points, the 
applicant must provide a clear outline for the collaboration and a 
discussion of how the involvement of the EZ/EC is related to the 
objectives and the activities of the project. Also, a letter from the 
appropriate representatives of the EZ/EC must accompany the application 
indicating its agreement to participate and describing its role in the 
project.
    [sbull] Project Duration: ADD is soliciting applications for 
project periods up to one year (12 months) under this Priority Area. 
Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget period. 
Subject to the availability of funds, successful applicants for these 
planning grants will be eligible to compete for implementation funds in 
upcoming fiscal years.
    [sbull] Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal share 
is not to exceed $100,000 for the 12-month budget period.
    [sbull] Matching Requirement: Grantees must match $1 for every $3 
requested in Federal funding to reach 25% of the total approved cost of 
the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the 
ACF/ADD 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 must include a match of at 
least $33,333 (the total project cost is $133,333 of which $33,333 is 
25%).
    [sbull] Anticipated Number of Projects To Be Funded: ADD 
anticipates funding up

[[Page 41824]]

to thirty (30) projects under this Priority Area in FY 2003.
    [sbull] CFDA: ADD's CFDA (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance) 
number is 93.631--Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National 
Significance. This information is needed to complete item 10 on the 
SF424.
    [sbull] 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. Quarterly project reports and semi-annual 
financial reports are required from each successful applicant.

Part V: Instructions for the Development and Submission of Applications

    This part contains information and instructions for submitting 
applications in response to this Program Announcement. An application 
package, containing all of the Federal required forms, can be obtained 
by contacting April Myers, Program Specialist: ADD, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade SW., Mail Stop: HHH-300F, Washington, DC, 20447, or by 
visiting ADD's Web site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add. 
Additionally, one may send their request by e-mail to 
[email protected] or by fax to (202) 690-6904 (Attention: April 
Myers).
    Potential applicants should read this section carefully in 
conjunction with the information contained within the specific Priority 
Area. The Priority Area description is in part IV.

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

    All applications under the ADD Priority Area are required to follow 
the Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 process, ``Intergovernmental Review of 
Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100, ``Intergovernmental Review of 
Department of Health and Human Services Program and Activities.'' Under 
the Order, States may design their own processes 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 State Single Point of 
Contact (SPOC), if applicable, or to ACF.

    All States and Territories, except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, 
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, 
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, 
Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, 
Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming 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 take 
no action regarding E.O. 12372. Otherwise, applicants should contact 
their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the prospective 
applications and receive any necessary instructions.
    Applicants must submit all required materials to the SPOC as soon 
as possible so that the program office can obtain and review SPOC 
comments as part of the award process. It is imperative that the 
applicant submits all required materials and indicate the date of this 
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. 
However, there is insufficient time to allow for a complete SPOC 
comment period. Therefore, we have reduced the comment period to 30 
days from the closing date for applications. 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/ADD, 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: Lois Hodge, ADD--
Projects of National Significance.
    Contact information for each State's SPOC can be found on the OMB 
Web site at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html or by 
contacting your State Governor's office.

B. Notification of State Developmental Disabilities 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. The Council review 
comments are not required concurrently with the grant application, but 
must be received by ADD prior to the award process. A list of the State 
Developmental Disabilities Councils can be found at ADD's Web site: 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add under Programs, or by contacting 
April Myers, ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., Mail Stop: HHH-300F, 
Washington, DC, 20447, (202) 690-5985.

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. Assurances and Certifications 
may be located on the following Web site: http://acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. 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: Enter the selected Priority Area under which the 
application is being submitted.
    Item 1. ``Type of Submission.''
    Item 2. ``Date Submitted'' and ``Applicant Identifier''--Date 
application is submitted to ACF/ADD and applicant's own internal 
control number, if applicable.
    Item 3. ``Date Received By State''--State use only (if applicable).
    Item 4. ``Date Received by Federal Agency''--Leave blank.
    Item 5. ``Applicant Information.''
    ``Legal Name''--Enter the legal name of applicant organization. For 
applications developed jointly, enter the name of the lead organization 
only. There must be a single applicant for each application.
    ``Organizational Unit''--Enter the name of the primary unit within 
the applicant organization 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

[[Page 41825]]

uses to receive mail, since this is the address to which all 
correspondence will be sent. Do not include both street address and 
P.O. box number unless both must be used in mailing.
    ``Name and telephone number of the person to be contacted on 
matters involving this application (give area code)''--Enter the full 
name (including academic degree, if applicable) and telephone number of 
a person who can respond to questions about the application. This 
person should be accessible at the address given here and will receive 
all correspondence regarding the application.
    Item 6. ``Employer Identification Number (EIN)''--Enter the 
employer identification number of the applicant organization, as 
assigned by the Internal Revenue Service, including, if known, the 
Central Registry System suffix.
    Item 7. ``Type of Applicant''--Self-explanatory.
    Item 8. ``Type of Application''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 9. ``Name of Federal Agency''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 10. ``Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and 
Title''--Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 
assigned to the program under which assistance is requested and its 
title. For the 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, and is not the same as 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 12-month project 
period, the total amount requested. If the proposed project period 
exceeds 17 months, enter only those dollar amounts needed for the first 
12 months of the proposed project.
    Item 15a. Enter the amount of Federal funds requested in accordance 
with the preceding paragraph. This amount should be no greater than the 
maximum amount specified in the Priority Area description.
    Items 15b-e. Enter the amount(s) of funds from non-Federal sources 
that will be contributed to the proposed project. Items b-e are 
considered cost sharing or ``matching funds.'' The value of third party 
in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines as 
applicable. For more information regarding funding as well as 
exceptions to these rules, see part III, sections E and F, and the 
specific area of emphasis description.
    Item 15f. Enter the estimated amount of program income, if any, 
expected to be generated from the proposed project. Do not add or 
subtract this amount from the total project amount entered under item 
15g. Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of this program 
income in the Project Narrative Statement.
    Item 15g. Enter the sum of items 15a-15e.
    Item 16a. ``Is Application Subject to Review by State Executive 
Order 12372 Process?'' If yes, enter the date the applicant contacted 
the SPOC regarding this application. 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?'' If 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/pre-application 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 
(1) the total project period of 12 months or (2) the first-year budget 
period if the proposed project period exceeds 12 months. It should 
relate to item 15g, total funding, on the SF 424. Under column (5), 
enter the total requirements for funds (Federal and non-Federal) by 
object class category.
    A separate budget justification should be included to explain fully 
and justify major items, as indicated below. The types of information 
to be included in the justification are indicated under each category. 
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, which 
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.

[[Page 41826]]

    Fringe Benefits--Line 6b. Enter the total costs of fringe benefits, 
unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a break-down of amounts and percentages that 
comprise fringe benefit costs, such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, etc.
    Travel--Line 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 all of the 
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--Line 6j. Enter the total amount of indirect 
charges (costs). If no indirect costs are requested, enter ``none.'' 
Generally, this line should be used when the applicant (except local 
governments) has a current indirect cost rate agreement approved by the 
Department of Health and Human Services or another Federal agency.
    Local and State governments should enter the amount of indirect 
costs determined in accordance with HHS requirements. When an indirect 
cost rate is requested, these costs are included in the indirect cost 
pool and should not be charged again as direct costs to the grant.
    In the case of training grants to other than State or local 
governments (as defined in title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, part 
74), the Federal reimbursement of indirect costs will be limited to the 
lesser of the negotiated (or actual) indirect cost rate or 8 percent of 
the amount allowed for direct costs, exclusive of any equipment 
charges, rental of space, tuition and fees, post-doctoral training 
allowances, contractual items, and alterations and renovations.
    For training grant applications, the entry under line 6j should be 
the total indirect costs being charged to the project. The Federal 
share of indirect 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

[[Page 41827]]

ACF/ADD funding is almost always limited to a three-year maximum 
project period. They should remain blank.
    Section F--Other Budget Information.
    Direct Charges--Line 21. Not applicable.
    Indirect Charges--Line 22. Enter the type of indirect rate 
(provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) that will be in effect 
during the funding period, the estimated amount of the base to which 
the rate is applied, and the total indirect expense.
    Remarks--Line 23. If the total project period exceeds 17 months, 
you must enter your proposed non-Federal share of the project budget 
for each of the remaining years of the project.
    Applicants have the option of omitting the Social Security Numbers 
and specific salary rates of the proposed project personnel from the 
two copies submitted with the original application to ACF. For purposes 
of the outside review process, applicants may elect to summarize salary 
information on the copies of their application. All salary information 
must, however, appear on the signed original application for ACF.
3. 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 in part IV. The narrative should also 
provide information concerning how the application meets the evaluation 
criteria, using the following headings:
    (a) Objectives and Need for Assistance;
    (b) Results and Benefits Expected;
    (c) Approach; and
    (d) Organization Profile.
    The specific information to be included under each of these 
headings is described in section G of part III, General Instructions 
for the Uniform Project Description.
    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 attachments (such as charts, references/footnotes, 
tables, maps, exhibits, etc.) and letters of support 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 all attachments and 
required Federal forms, must not exceed 60 pages. The federally 
required forms will be count towards the total number of pages. The 60-
page limit will be strictly enforced. All pages beyond the first 60 
pages of text will be removed prior to applications being evaluated by 
the reviewers. A page is a single side of an 8\1/2\'' x 11'' sheet of 
paper with 1'' margins.
    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 60-page limit. Each page of the 
application will be counted to determine the total length.
4. Part V: Assurances/Certifications
    Applicants are required to submit a SF 424B, Assurances--Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying. 
Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior to 
receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish an 
executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must 
sign and return the certification with their application.
    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 the 
award. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are 
providing the certification and need not mail back the certification 
with the application.
    Applicant must also understand that they will be held accountable 
for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, part C 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of 
1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the 
smoking prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting 
the application, applicants are providing the certification and need 
not mail back the certification with the application.
    In addition, applicants are required under section 162(c)(3) of the 
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with 
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without 
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted 
under part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to 
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each 
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
    For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a 
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a 
question regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the 
Office for Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301) 
496-7041.

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 the Priority Area description; and
    --Application length does not exceed 60 pages, including 
attachments and all federally required forms.
    A complete application consists of the following items in this 
order:
    --Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);
    --A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact 
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable;
    --Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-
88);
    --Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
    --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;
    --Letter from the Governor in the applicant's State or Territory 
designating the applicant as the lead agency;
    --Project Description (See Part III, Section C);
    --Letter(s) of commitment verifying non-Federal cost share
    --Any appendices/attachments;
    --Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-
88);
    --Certification Regarding Lobbying;
    --Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary; and
    --Certification of the Pro Children Act of 1994; 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

[[Page 41828]]

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 the data needed, and 
reviewing the collection of information.
    Any Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

(Federal Catalogue of Domestic Assistance Number 93.631 
Developmental Disabilities--Projects of National Significance)

    Dated: July 8, 2003.
Patricia A. Morrissey,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 03-17842 Filed 7-14-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P