[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 139 (Monday, July 21, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43113-43120]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-18165]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[Notice of Program Announcement No. ACYF/HS-2003-15]


Fiscal Year 2003 Discretionary Announcement for Head Start 
Partnerships With Historically Black Colleges and Universities; 
Availability of Funds and Request for Applications

AGENCY: Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health 
and Human Services (DHHS).

ACTION: Announcement of the availability of funds and request for 
applications for professional development and training grants for 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in partnership 
with Head Start and Early Head Start programs to improve services to 
Head Start and Early Head Start children and families.

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    The Catalog of Domestic Assistance Number is 93.600.

SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), 
Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) announces the 
availability of up to $1,500,000 in funds for Head Start training 
grants in partnerships with (HBCUs). The purpose is to improve the 
quality and long-term effectiveness of Head Start and Early Head Start 
grantees and delegate agencies by forming partnerships between the 
HBCUs and Head Start and Early Head Start to develop and implement 
academic and other training models in support of early literacy for 
Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

CLOSING DATE: The closing date for receipt of applications under this 
announcement is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) August 20, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Mailed and hand-carried applications will be received at the 
following address: ACYF Operations Center, Historically Black Colleges 
and Universities, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, 
DC 20036, Telephone: 1-800-351-2293, E-mail: [email protected].
    All packages should be clearly labeled as follows: Application for 
Head Start Partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities (HBCUs). Applicants will receive a confirmation postcard 
upon receipt of their application package.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Head Start Discretionary Grant 
Support Team (1-800-351-2293) is available to answer questions 
concerning application requirements and to refer you to the appropriate 
contact person in ACYF for programmatic questions. You may e-mail your 
questions to: [email protected]. When contacting ACYF directly with 
programmatic questions send to William F. Wilson, Grants Officer, 330 C 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, (202) 205-8913, [email protected].
    In order to determine the number of expert reviewers that will be 
necessary, if you plan to submit an application, you are requested to 
send a post card or call with the following information: the name, 
address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the college/
university at least four weeks prior to the submission deadline date 
to: ACYF Operations Center, Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 
20036, Telephone: 1-800-351-2293, E-mail: [email protected].
    An application kit including copies of the program announcement, 
necessary application forms and appendices can be obtained by 
contacting the above address, and/or visiting the ACYF Web site at 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/grant/fundingopportunities/fundopport.htm.

Fiscal Year 2002 Discretionary Announcement for Head Start Partnerships 
With Historically Black Colleges and Universities

A. Table of Contents

    This program announcement is divided into five sections:

    [sbull] Part I contains general information, the history and 
background for the Whitehouse Initiative on Historically Black Colleges 
and Universities (HBCUs), including the principles and program 
description that will guide the development, implementation, operation, 
and evaluation of the projects.
    [sbull] Part II contains key program information including a 
description of competitive categories, description of eligible 
applicants, project periods, and applicable Head Start regulations.
    [sbull] Part III contains the requirements for information that 
must be included in each application.
    [sbull] Part IV presents the criteria upon which applications will 
be reviewed and evaluated.
    [sbull] Part V contains a discussion of the application process.

Part I. Purpose and Background

A. Purpose

    Through this announcement, the Administration on Children, Youth 
and Families (ACYF) is making available up to $1,500,000 annually for 
each of five years to support Head Start-HBCU Partnerships, which will 
be awarded through a competitive process this year. These partnerships 
will be designed to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of 
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees by developing academic and 
other training models in support of early literacy and forming 
partnerships between the HBCUs and Head Start and Early Head Start 
grantees and delegate agencies. The institutions of higher education 
that will be funded under this announcement, together with those HBCUs 
currently funded under this initiative, will form a consortium to share 
methods, approaches, experiences, and lessons learned.

B. Background

    The overall goal of Head Start is to ensure that children of low-
income families who are nearing the end of the preschool period and 
entering school are ready for school success. In order to accomplish 
this goal, Head Start provides comprehensive services to these children 
and their families. Head Start enhances children's physical, 
intellectual, social, and emotional development. It supports parents in

[[Page 43114]]

their efforts to fulfill their parental roles and provides for their 
involvement in implementing the Head Start program. Another goal of 
Head Start is to strengthen community supports for families with young 
children while they are working towards employment and self-
sufficiency.
    In an attempt to ensure high quality services to children and their 
families, Head Start has conducted many demonstration projects, 
provided grantees with training and technical assistance, and given 
grantees funds to implement their own training efforts. For example, 
Head Start supported the creation of the Child Development Associate 
(CDA) credential designed for early childhood development teaching 
staff, implemented the Head Start Teaching Centers, and developed other 
innovative projects.
    Head Start-HBCU partnerships is closely aligned with the Head Start 
tradition of creating innovative programs of working with low-income 
children and their families. Since 1990, Head Start has worked with a 
number of HBCUs. In 1990, Alabama A & M and LeMoyne-Owen were funded. 
The University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, North Carolina Central 
University, Jackson State University, and Texas Southern University 
were funded in 1992. Thirty-two HBCUs were funded by the partnership 
grant between FY1997 and FY2001. (See Appendix A for a listing of these 
HBCUs).
    In the 1998 reauthorization of the Head Start Act, a key priority 
of Congress and the Administration was to continue to improve Head 
Start program quality and accountability. A number of provisions were 
included in the new law to achieve these goals, including new education 
performance standards and measures, expansion of program monitoring to 
incorporate evidence of progress on outcomes-based measures, expanded 
funding to upgrade program quality and staff compensation, and higher 
education standards for Head Start teachers. Among these provisions is 
the requirement that, by September 30, 2003, at least half of all Head 
Start teachers in center-based programs must have an AA, BA or advanced 
degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or in a related field with 
preschool teaching experience.
    The Head Start Bureau is providing a variety of forms of assistance 
to local Head Start programs to implement these legislative mandates. 
For example, to enhance the numbers of teachers with degrees in early 
childhood education, grantees received $43,000,000 in funding in 1999 
and an additional $43,000,000 in 2000 to increase teacher salaries and 
expand access to higher education courses and degree programs. 
Currently, Head Start-State Collaboration Offices and training and 
technical assistance providers help Head Start programs work with 
higher education institutions on challenges such as linking training 
obtained in conjunction with the Child Development Associate credential 
with academic credit and courses leading to AA and BA degrees in early 
childhood education.
    In January 2001, the President signed into law the ``No Child Left 
Behind Act'' to make the education of every child in America one of the 
country's top priorities. The Act seeks to ensure that public schools 
teach children what they need to know to be successful in life and that 
they also set high education standards in the classroom. In his 2002 
State of the Union address, the President indicated the need to prepare 
our children to read and succeed in school, including the improvement 
of Head Start and early childhood development programs. In response to 
these goals, the White House has developed an early childhood 
initiative, which is built on raising the bar for Head Start Education 
methods that create a better learning environment and improved outcomes 
for children. In his announcement of the Good Start, Grow Smart Early 
Childhood Initiative in April 2002, the President identified children's 
early literacy as a key focus for Head Start program improvement. In 
this initiative, the President presented three areas of focus for Head 
Start: (1) Strengthening Head Start programs; (2) partnering with 
states to improve early childhood education, and (3) providing 
information to teachers, caregivers, and parents. The Head Start Bureau 
quickly responded to the President's mandate by developing the 
Strategic Teacher Education Project (STEP) in June 2002. The purpose of 
Project STEP is to ensure that all Head Start teachers engage in 
research-based strategies to support children's early literacy and 
positive social and emotional development, which, in turn, will lead to 
positive child outcomes and school readiness.
    All project applications must address one of the following priority 
areas:
    1. Partnerships to increase the number of center-based teachers 
with two-year and four-year degrees in early childhood education and
    2. Partnerships to increase the competency of Head Start staff in 
building quality Head Start programs, particularly enhancing language 
development and social-emotional development, as well as early literacy 
and assessing child outcomes.

Part II. Program Information and Requirements

A. Statutory Authority

    The Head Start Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9801 et seq.

B. Eligible Applicants

    Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as defined in 
the amended version of the Higher Education Act of 1965, codified at 20 
U.S.C. 1061(2), are institutions established prior to 1964 whose 
principle mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans, and 
must satisfy section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as 
amended. Institutions which meet the definition of ``Part B 
institution'' in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as 
amended, 20 U.S.C. 1061(2), shall be eligible for assistance under this 
announcement. Faith-based institutions planning to compete under this 
announcement must also meet the same eligibility criteria as other 
applicants. HBCUs that are currently funded under the Head Start 
Partnership with HBCUs and whose funding will end after 2003 (i.e., 
2004 and 2005) are not eligible to apply under this announcement. These 
institutions are listed in Appendix A.
    Faith-based institutions are encouraged to submit with their 
applications the optional survey located under ``Grant Manuals and 
Forms'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

C. Project Duration

    Awards will be made on a competitive basis and will be for a one-
year budget period. The total project period will be for five years. 
Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond 
the one-year budget period, but within the five-year project period, 
will be considered on a noncompetitive basis subject to the 
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a 
determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the 
Government.

D. Federal Share of Project Costs

    It is anticipated that up to $1,500,000 in ACF funds will be 
available annually. The maximum Federal share for each project is not 
to exceed $150,000 per year per project.

E. Number of Projects To Be Funded

    It is anticipated that up to 10 projects will be funded.

[[Page 43115]]

F. Matching Requirement

    Although there are no matching requirements, applicants are 
encouraged to provide non-Federal contributions to the project.

Part III. Application Requirements

    The following Uniform Project Description (UPD) has been approved 
by OMB under control number 0970-0139.

A. Purpose

    The project description provides a major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and 
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are 
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can 
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project 
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation 
criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other 
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, 
therefore, that this information be included in the application.

B. General Instructions

    ACF is particularly interested in specific factual information and 
statements of measurable goals in quantitative terms. Project 
descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, not length. 
Extensive exhibits are not required. Supporting information concerning 
activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information 
that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded 
activity should be placed in an appendix. Pages should be numbered and 
a table of contents should be included for easy reference.
Introduction
    Applicants are required to submit a full project description and 
shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The 
instructions give a broad overview while the evaluation criteria expand 
and clarify more program-specific information that is needed.
a. Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
b. Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and or 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.
c. Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, using 
a comprehensive review of the current literature, justify how the 
research questions and the findings will add new knowledge to the field 
or how it will improve services for children and families.
d. Approach
    Outline a plan of action, which 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 proportion of data collection expected to be completed. 
When activity or function cannot quantify accomplishments, list them in 
chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their 
target dates.
    If any data are to be collected maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information'' 
that is conducted or sponsored by ACF. List organizations, cooperating 
entities, consultants, or other key individuals whom will work on the 
project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or 
contribution.

C. Additional Information

    Following is a description of additional information that should be 
placed in the appendix to the application:
a. 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 
with acceptable credentials will also be required for new key staff as 
appointed.
b. Organizational Profiles
    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 or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled or a statement from a State taxing body, State 
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying the 
applicant organization has a non-profit status and none of the net 
earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals or any of 
the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or 
national organization and a statement signed by the parent organization 
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate. Faith-
based institutions are encouraged to submit with their application the 
optional

[[Page 43116]]

survey located under ``Grant Manuals and Forms'' at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
c. Dissemination Plan
    Provide a plan for distributing reports and other project outputs 
to colleagues and the public. Applicants must provide a description of 
the kind, volume and timing of distribution.
d. Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget 
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed 
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, 
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to 
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the 
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.

D. General Budget Information

    The following guidelines are for preparing the budget and budget 
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed 
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. For purposes 
of preparing the budget and budget justification, ``Federal resources'' 
refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. Non-Federal 
resources are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. 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.
a. Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
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.
b. 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.
c. 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 ACF-
sponsored conferences should be detailed in the budget.
d. Equipment
    Description: Costs of tangible, nonexpendable, personal property, 
having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of 
$5,000 or more per unit.
    However, an applicant may use its own definition of equipment 
provided that such equipment would at least include all equipment 
defined above.
    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.
e. 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.
f. 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.
g. 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.
    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 acknowledgement that the 
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
h. Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total Project Costs
    Self-explanatory.

Part III. Evaluation Criteria and Review Process

A. Evaluation Criteria

    In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities 
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial 
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following 
criteria:
Criterion 1. Approach: (50 points)
    The extent to which the application, having met the minimum 
requirements, designs an acceptable plan of action pertaining to the 
scope of the project which details how the proposed work will be 
accomplished. Include a timeline; lists of each organization, 
consultants, including key individuals who will work on the project 
along with a short description of the nature of their effort or 
contribution. Assure the adequacy of time devoted to the project by key 
staff. The key staff should be

[[Page 43117]]

qualified and knowledgeable of Head Start. The applicant must fully 
describe the approach and/or methodology and delineate the relationship 
of each task to the accomplishment of the proposed objectives. There 
should be evidence that the planned approach reflects sufficient input 
from and partnership with the Head Start partners.
    The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following:
    1. Describe the planning the applicant will conduct during the 
start-up period to prepare for implementation of the program. Provide 
assurance that no more than six months will be devoted to planning 
activities.
    2. Indicate how staff will be recruited and selected to participate 
in the program, including staff from childcare organizations that are 
collaborating with Head Start grantees and delegate agencies.
    3. Clearly describe how the training and coursework will be 
contextually and culturally relevant to the Head Start and Early Head 
Start environment and how it will contribute to enhancing the 
effectiveness of teachers, program quality, and outcomes for Head Start 
children and families.
    4. For academic training proposals, describe efforts by the 
institution and Head Start partners to make training and coursework 
accessible to Head Start participants and to support their successful 
completion of courses, training, and degrees. Include discussion of 
issues such as timing, scheduling, and location of classes or training; 
support to enhance the literacy and study skills of participants, and 
approaches to integrate training in the working environment of the Head 
Start program. Provide assurance that training/courses are offered at 
no cost to trainees.
    5. For academic training proposals, describe efforts to complement 
the Federal funds requested in this proposal with other sources to 
maximize the benefits to Head Start the institution. Include any 
efforts or plans to assist Head Start staff in accessing sources of 
financial assistance or to make use of other funding for training and 
career development of early childhood program staff.
    6. Document that the institution currently offers credit courses, 
and proposes to offer credit courses, particularly in the area of Early 
Childhood Development/Education.
    7. For academic training proposals, describe how CDA training and 
certification of Head Start and Early Head Start staff, as appropriate, 
as well as previous coursework and credits will be linked to academic 
credits and course sequences leading to AA/BA degrees. Applicant should 
indicate how many Head Start and Early Head Start staff members will be 
included in this effort.
    8. Describe the organizational structure that will support the 
project objectives. Indicate how joint planning and assessment with the 
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees will be implemented with 
timelines and clear lines of responsibility. Indicate how staff 
positions are assigned and describe their major functions and 
responsibilities.
    9. Describe the role the institution will play in the consortium of 
HBCUs funded under this initiative.
    10. Describe the activities that will continue after the completion 
of this project that will ensure that the institution will continue to 
participate in providing educational opportunities for Head Start and 
Early Head Start staff.
Criterion 2. Results or Benefits Expected: (20 points)
    The extent to which the application identifies the results and 
benefits to be derived; describes the anticipated contribution to 
policy, practice, theory and/or research; specific benefits should be 
described for both the institution and the Head Start program.
    The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following:
    1. Based on the stated program objectives, identify the results and 
benefits to be derived. Identify the specific results or benefits that 
could be expected for the Head Start grantees and the institution. 
Describe how Head Start children benefit from the project.
    2. Identify both qualitative and quantitative data the program will 
collect to measure progress towards the stated results or benefits. 
Identify how the program will determine the extent to which it has 
achieved its stated objectives.
    3. For academic training proposals, provide a projection of the 
estimated number of teachers that will earn degrees over the duration 
of the project based on an analysis of the current levels of credits/
courses earned by participants and a proposed sequence of courses.
Criterion 3. Objectives and Need for Assistance: (15 Points)
    The extent to which the application identifies relevant physical, 
economic, social, financial, institutional or other problems requiring 
a grant; demonstrates the need for assistance; states the principal and 
subordinate objectives of the project; provides supporting 
documentation or other testimonies from concerned interests other than 
the applicant.
    The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following:
    1. State the objectives for the program. Indicate how these 
objectives are based on an assessment of community needs and how they 
relate to Head Start goals. Describe the process used to assess the 
need for the proposed program including the total number of staff 
needing training, including preschool and infant/toddler teachers. If 
an assessment already exists, the applicant should describe the process 
used and explain any additional consultation as it relates to the 
development of the proposed program.
    2. Specifically identify the population to be served. Indicate the 
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees that are proposed as 
participating partners, the numbers and types of staff to be trained, 
and the proposed areas of training, courses, and/or degrees to be 
awarded, as appropriate.
    3. Describe the development of agreement of the institution and 
Head Start partnerships and any other consultation related to the 
development of the proposed initiative. Describe any efforts to frame 
the proposed initiative within broader state or community efforts to 
enhance professional and career development for staff in all forms of 
early childhood and child care programs. Include support letters that 
document consultation and support from the proposed grantee or delegate 
agency partners, such as the Regional Head Start Quality Improvement 
Center (QICs), the Head Start State Collaboration Office, and any 
existing state level early childhood career development initiative.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification: (15 Points)
    The extent to which the project's costs are reasonable in view of 
the activities to be carried out and the anticipated outcomes.
Applicable Administrative Regulations
    Applicable administrative regulations include 45 CFR part 74, 
Administration of Grants, for profit agencies, and 45 CFR part 92, 
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements to States and local Governments.
Post-Award Reporting Requirements
    Post-Award Reporting Requirements include submission of quarterly 
programmatic and budget reports. Program reports must clearly outline 
status on the accomplishment of stated goals and objectives. Financial 
reports

[[Page 43118]]

must provide status of budget expenditures, as well as identifying any 
projected savings or shortages.

B. 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. ACYF 
may also solicit comments from ACF Regional Office staff and other 
Federal agencies.

Part IV. Instructions for Submitting Applications

A. Required Forms

    Eligible applicants interested in applying for funds must submit a 
complete application including the required forms included at the end 
of this program announcement in Appendix A. 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). A copy has been provided. 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. Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants 
shall 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 provide a Uniform Project Description 
(approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
0970-0139, which expires 12/31/03).
    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.
    Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable 
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 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 the forms. By signing and 
submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification 
and need not mail back the certification with the application.
    All applicants for research projects must provide a Protection of 
Human Subjects Assurance as specified in the policy described on the 
HHS Form 596 (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 
control number 0925-0418) in Appendix A. If there is a question 
regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the Office for 
Protection from Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at 
(301)-496-7041. Those applying for or currently conducting research 
projects are further advised of the availability of a Certificate of 
Confidentiality through the National Institute of Mental Health of the 
Department of Health and Human Services. To obtain more information and 
to apply for a Certificate of Confidentiality, contact the Division of 
Extramural Activities of the National Institute of Mental Health at 
(301) 443-4673.

B. Application Limits

    The narrative of 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 proposal. All pages of the narrative 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. The length of the 
application, including the narrative, and excluding the appendices and 
resumes must not exceed 65 pages. Anything over 65 pages will be 
removed and not considered by the reviewers. The project summary should 
not be counted in the 65 pages. 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. Applicants may omit from the application 
copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for 
individuals specified in the application budget and social security 
numbers if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include 
summary salary information.
    Applicants are encouraged to submit curriculum resumes using 
``Biographical Sketch'' forms used by some government agencies.
    Please note that applicants that do not meet the requirements in 
the section on ``Eligible Applicants'' will not be included in the 
review process.

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.
Front Matter
    [sbull] Cover Letter.
    [sbull] Table of Contents.
    [sbull] Project Abstract.
    (1) Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV. 4-92);
    (2) Budget information--Non-Construction Programs (SF424A&B REV. 4-
92);
    (3) Budget Justification, including subcontract agency budgets;
    (4) Letter from the Head Start programs certifying that the program 
is a partner of the institution;
    (5) Application Narrative, excluding Appendices and resumes (not to 
exceed 65 pages);
    (6) Proof that the organization is an HBCU;
    (7) Assurances Non-Construction Programs;
    (8) Certification Regarding Lobbying;
    (9) Where appropriate, a completed SPOC certification with the date 
of SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424, REV. 4-92;
    (10) Certification of Protection of Human Subjects.

D. Due Date for the Receipt of Applications

    Deadlines: The closing date for the submission of applications is 
4:30 p.m.

[[Page 43119]]

(EDT) on September 19, 2003. Applications received after the closing 
date will be classified as late and not considered for funding. 
Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations Center, Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 
1100, Washington, DC 20036, Telephone: 1-800-351-2293, E-mail: 
[email protected].
    Application for Head Start Discretionary Grants: Head Start 
Partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 
Applications received after the closing date and time will be 
classified as late. Applicants will receive a confirmation postcard 
upon receipt of their application package.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, courier services, or by 
overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting the 
announced deadline only if they are received on or before the deadline 
date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at the ACYF Operations 
Center, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 
between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). (Applicants are 
cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as 
agreed.)
    ACYF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or 
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to 
ACYF electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time of 
submission and time of receipt.
    Late applications: Applications, which do not meet the criteria 
above, are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend an application deadline for 
applicants affected by acts of God such as floods, hurricanes, or when 
there is widespread disruption of the mails, or when it is anticipated 
that many applications will come from rural or remote areas. A 
determination to waive or extend deadline requirements rests with the 
Chief Grants Management Officer.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    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 
number 0970-0139 which expires 12/31/2003.
    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.

F. Required Notification of the State Single Point of Contact

    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 
Program and Activities. Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs.
    All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, 
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, 
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, 
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, 
Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, and Palau have elected to participate in 
the Executive Order process and have established Single Points of 
Contact (SPOCs). Applicants from these twenty-six jurisdictions need 
take no action regarding E.O. 12372. Applicants for projects to be 
administered by Federally recognized Indian Tribes are also exempt from 
the requirements of E.O. 12372.
    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 of 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://whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
    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.
    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 
which may trigger the accommodate or explain rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: William Wilson, ACYF/Office of Grants Management, 330 C 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Attn: Head Start Partnerships with 
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities. A list of the 
Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory can be found on 
the Web site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

    Dated: July 14, 2003.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.

Appendix A--HBCUs That Have Received Partnerships Grants

1997 Institutions (Expired 2001)

South Carolina State University
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Texas Southern University
North Carolina Central University
Kentucky State University
Howard University
Tennessee State University
Jackson State University

1998 Institutions (Expiring 2003)

Delaware State University
The University of the District of Columbia
University of Maryland--Eastern Shore
Florida A & M University
Shaw University
Norfolk State University
Hampton University

1999 Institutions (Expiring 2003)

Howard University
Southern University and A&M College
Council Trenholm State Technical College
Kentucky State University
Dillard University
Bluefield State College

2000 Institutions (Expiring 2004)

Harris-Stowe State College
Kentucky State University
North Carolina Central University
Southern University and A&M College
Texas Southern University
The University of the District of Columbia
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Bluefield State University

2001 Institutions (Expiring 2005)

Spelman College

[[Page 43120]]

Albany State University
Alabama A&M University

[FR Doc. 03-18165 Filed 7-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P