[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 5, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46189-46197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-19905]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[ACF-ADD-07-11-2003]


Developmental Disabilities: Notice of Availability of Financial 
Assistance and Request for Applications To Fund Training and Technical 
Assistance To Improve Voting Access for Individuals With Disabilities

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

ACTION: Announcement of availability of financial assistance and 
request for applications to fund training and technical assistance 
grants to establish/improve access to the voting process for 
individuals with the full range of disabilities.

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CFDA: Federal Catalog of Domestic Assistance Number 93.618 
Developmental Disabilities.

SUMMARY: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is accepting 
applications for fiscal year 2003 Help America Vote Training and 
Technical Assistance Projects.
    This Program Announcement No. ACF-ADD-07-11-2003 consists of five 
parts. Part I, the Introduction, discusses the goals and objectives of 
ACF and ADD. Part II provides background information on ADD for 
applicants. Part III describes the application review process. Part IV 
describes the priority area under which ADD requests applications for 
fiscal year 2003 funding of projects. Part V describes the process for 
preparing and submitting the application.
    Grants will be awarded under this Program Announcement subject to 
the availability of funds for support of these activities.

DATES: The closing date for submittal of applications under this 
announcement is September 4, 2003.

[[Page 46190]]

Deadline

Applications Submitted by Mail

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

Application Submitted by Courier

    Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., e.s.t., Monday through Friday (excluding Federal 
holidays), at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/
Office of Grants Management, ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor (near Loading 
Dock), Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024. 
Applicants using express/overnight services should allow two working 
days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) prior to the deadline 
date for receipt of applications. Note to applicants: Express/overnight 
mail services do not always deliver at the time to which they agreed.)
    Receipt of Applications: Applications must either be hand delivered 
or mailed to the addresses listed above (under DEADLINE). ACF will 
acknowledge receipt of applications through a letter. ACF cannot 
accommodate transmission of applications by fax or through other 
electronic media. Applications transmitted electronically will not be 
accepted. Videotapes and cassette tapes may not be included as part of 
a grant application for panel review.
    Additional material will not be accepted, or added to an 
application, unless it is received by the deadline date.

Closed Captioning for Audiovisual Efforts

    Applicants must include closed captioning and audio description in 
the development of any audiovisual products.
    Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above 
are considered late applications. ADD shall notify each late applicant 
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
    Extension of Deadlines: The Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF) may extend application deadlines when circumstances such 
as acts of God (e.g., floods, hurricanes) occur, or when there is 
widespread disruption of the mail service. Determinations to extend or 
waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants Management 
Officer.
    Notice of Intent To Submit Application: If you intend to submit an 
application, under this announcement, please contact, Carla R. Brown of 
ADD at (202) 690-8332 within 15 days of the date of this announcement. 
Please give your organization's name and address, and your contact 
person's name, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address.
    The information will be used to determine the number of expert 
reviewers needed and to update the mailing list for program 
announcements.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about the application 
process, program information and application materials contact, 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Carla R. Brown, 
Management Analyst, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, 
(202) 690-8332, [email protected]; or Lois Hodge, Grants Officer, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, (202) 401-2344, 
[email protected]. Copies of this program announcement and many of the 
required forms may be obtained electronically at the ADD World Wide Web 
page: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add/.
    Project Duration: The projects will be awarded for a project period 
of up to twelve (12) months.
    Federal Share of Project Costs: The maximum Federal shares for 
applicants will be $70,000 for the project period.
    Number of Projects To Be Funded: Two projects will be funded not to 
exceed $70,000 each.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Part I. General Information

A. Goals of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is located 
within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department 
of Health and Human Services (DHHS). ADD shares goals with other ACF 
programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, 
children, individuals, and communities.

B. Purpose of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the lead 
agency within ACF and DHHS responsible for planning and administering 
programs to promote the self-sufficiency and protect the rights of 
persons with developmental disabilities. ADD administers the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 
(the DD Act of 2000). The DD Act provides for funding to States to 
provide advocacy, promote consumer oriented systems change and capacity 
building activities, and facilitate network formations.
    The four programs funded under the DD Act are:
    (1) State Councils on Developmental Disabilities that engage in 
advocacy, capacity building and systematic change activities.
    (2) Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) that protect the legal 
and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.
    (3) The National Network of University Centers for Excellence in 
Developmental Disabilities, (UCEDD) that engages in training, outreach 
and dissemination activities.
    (4) Projects of National Significance (PNS), including Family 
Support Grants that support the development of family-centered and 
directed systems for families of children with disabilities, including 
children with developmental disabilities.
    (5) In addition to responsibilities under the DD Act, ADD, the 
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has the 
responsibility for three grant programs authorized under the Help 
America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), Public Law 107-252.

C. Statutory Authorities Covered Under This Announcement

    This announcement is covered under the Help America Vote Act of 
2002, Public Law (P.L.) 107-252, title II subtitle D, part 2, section 
291 (42 U.S.C. 15461). Provisions under this section provide for the 
award of grants for Training and Technical Assistance that support:
    [sbull] Full participation in the electoral process for individuals 
with disabilities, including registering to vote, casting a vote, and 
accessing polling places;
    [sbull] Training in the use of voting systems and technologies;
    [sbull] Demonstration and evaluation of the use of such systems and 
technologies by individuals with disabilities (including blindness) in 
order to assess the availability and use

[[Page 46191]]

of such systems and technologies for such individuals; and
    [sbull] At least one recipient must provide training and technical 
assistance for nonvisual access.

Part II. Background Information for Applicants

    The Help America Vote Act (HAVA), signed into law by President 
George W. Bush on October 29, 2002, contains several provisions that 
will enable an applicant to establish, expand, and improve access to 
and participation in the election process by individuals with the full 
range of disabilities (e.g., disabilities such as blindness or visual 
impairment, deafness or hearing impairment, mobility-related, 
dexterity-related, emotional or intellectual) in the election process.
    On February 20, 2003, ``Division N--Consolidated Appropriations 
Resolution FY 2003, Public Law 108-7.'' Congress appropriated $13 
million for States to operate the Election Assistance for Individuals 
with Disabilities (EAID) grant program; $2 million for payments for 
Protection and Advocacy systems, and $140,000 (7 percent) for payments 
to provide training and technical assistance with respect to the 
activities carried out under Section 291 of the Help America Vote Act. 
HAVA assigned responsibility for the EAID to the Secretary of Health 
and Human Services (the Secretary), who has assigned responsibility for 
carrying out this program to the Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF). Within ACF, the Administration on Developmental 
Disabilities (ADD) is responsible for the administration of the EAID 
grant program.

Part III. The Application Review

A. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants include public or private non-profit 
organizations, including State and local governments, Federally 
recognized Indian tribes, faith-based and community organizations, and 
private nonprofit organizations including universities and other 
institutions of higher learning. An entity is eligible to receive a 
payment under subsection 291 if the entity is:
    [sbull] A public or private non-profit entity with demonstrated 
experience in voting issues for individuals with disabilities;
    [sbull] Governed by a board with respect to which the majority of 
its members are individuals with disabilities or family members of such 
individuals or individuals who are blind; and
    [sbull] Submits to the Secretary an application at such time, in 
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
require.
    All applications that may be developed jointly by more than one 
agency or organization must identify only one organization as the lead 
organization and the official applicant. The other participating 
agencies and organizations can be included as co-participants, 
subgrantees, or subcontractors.
    Any 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 submitting any 
of the following that constitutes acceptable proof of status:
    a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax exempt organizations 
described in the IRS Code.
    b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
    c. A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or 
other appropriate State Official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earning 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
    d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status.
    e. Any of the items in the paragraphs immediately above for a State 
of national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent 
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate.
    ADD cannot fund a non-profit applicant without acceptable proof of 
its non-profit status.
    Private, non-profit applicants are encouraged to fill out and 
submit the optional survey located at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/form/htm.
    Before applications under this Program Announcement are reviewed, 
each one will be screened to determine whether the applicant is 
eligible for funding. Applications from organizations that do not meet 
eligibility requirements will not be considered or reviewed in the 
competition, and the applicant will be so informed.

B. Review Process and Funding Decisions

    Applications from eligible applicants received by the deadline date 
will be reviewed and scored by a panel of at least three (3) reviewers 
(primarily experts in the field from outside the Federal Government). 
To facilitate this review, applicants should ensure that they address 
each minimum requirement in the program description under each section 
of the project Narrative Statement.
    Reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each 
application in terms of the evaluation criteria listed in Part IV, 
provide comments, and assign numerical scores. The point value 
following each criterion heading indicates the maximum numerical weight 
that each applicant may receive per section in the review process. The 
results of this review are a primary factor in making funding 
decisions.
    ADD reserves the option of discussing applications with, or 
referring them to, other Federal or non-Federal funding sources when 
this is determined to be in the best interest of the Federal Government 
or the applicant.
    Grantees funded by ADD may be requested to cooperate in evaluation 
efforts funded by ADD. The purpose of these evaluation activities is to 
learn from the combined experience of multiple projects funded under a 
particular program description.

C. Available Funds

    ADD intends to award new grants resulting from this announcement 
during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003. Up to $140,000 in 
Federal funds will be available for support of these projects.

D. Matching Requirements and Non-Federal Share

    There are no matching requirements.

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 
should prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions.
    Project summary/abstract: Provide a summary of the project 
description (a page or less) with reference to the funding request.
    Objectives and need for assistance: Clearly identify the physical, 
economic, social, financial, institutional, or other problem(s) 
requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and 
the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly 
stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and 
testimonials from concerned interests other than the

[[Page 46192]]

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. 
Applicant may include an assessment of the current voting accessibility 
within the area to be served.
    Results or benefits expected: Identify the results and benefits to 
be derived. For example, extent to which the application is consistent 
with the objectives of the program announcement, and the extent to 
which the application indicates the anticipated contributions to policy 
practice, theory and research. Extent to which the proposed project 
cost is reasonable in view of the expected results.
    Approach: Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and 
detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all 
functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors 
that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for 
taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual 
features of the project such as design or technological innovations, 
reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community 
involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or 
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of 
accomplishments and their target dates.
    If any data are to be collected, maintained, and disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
    Organizational Profile: Provide information on the applicant 
organization(s) and cooperating partners such as with organizational 
charts, financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/
Licensed Public Accountants, Employer Identification 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. Please see Part III, A-Eligible 
Applicants.
    Budget and Budget Justification: Provide line item detail and 
detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the 
Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation 
methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail 
sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. The detailed budget 
must also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 
15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.

Part IV. Fiscal Year 2003--Applications to Fund Training and Technical 
Assistance Grants To Establish Access to the Voting Process for 
Individuals With Disabilities Requirements

    Evaluation Criteria: Five (5) criteria will be used to review and 
evaluate each application under this announcement. Each criterion 
should be addressed in the project description section of the 
application. The point values indicate the maximum numerical weight 
possible for a criterion in the review process. The specific 
information to be included under each of these headings is described in 
Section E of Part III, General Instructions for the Uniform Project 
Description. Additional information that must be included is described 
below.

Criterion 1: Approach (Maximum 35 Points)

    Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results, and 
explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs 
identified and discussed are being met and if the results and benefits 
identified are being achieved. Applicants are expected to present a 
plan that (1) reflects an understanding of the characteristics, needs 
and services currently available to the targeted population; (2) 
provides services that directly address the needs of the target 
population; (3) is evidence-based and grounded in theory and practice; 
(4) is appropriate and feasible; and (5) can be reliably evaluated.
    The applicant must:
    (1) Outline a plan of action pertaining to the scope and detail on 
how the proposed work will be accomplished for each project. Define 
goals and specific measurable objectives for the project (8 points);
    (2) Identify the kinds of data to be collected and maintained, and 
discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results and success of 
the project. Describe how the proposed project will be evaluated to 
determine the extent to which it has achieved its stated goals and 
objectives; and whether the methods of evaluation include the use of 
performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcome 
of the project (8 points);
    (3) Describe any unusual features of the project, such as design or 
technological innovation, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary 
social and community involvement (5 points);
    (4) Provide for each assistance program quantitative projects of 
the accomplishments to be achieved, if possible. When accomplishments 
cannot be quantified, activities should be listed in chronological 
order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target date (4 
points);
    (5) Describe the products to be developed during the implementation 
of the proposed project. This can include questionnaires, interview 
guides, data collection instruments, software, internet applications, 
reports, article outcomes and evaluation results. Also present a 
dissemination plan for conveying the information (4 points);
    (6) Cite factors which might accelerate or decelerate the work and 
provide reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others (3 
points); and
    (7) List each organization, operator, consultant, or other key 
individual who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort of contribution (3 points).

Criterion 2: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum 25 Points)

    The application must describe the context of the proposed 
demonstration project, including the geographic location, environment, 
magnitude and severity of the problem(s) to be solved and the needs to 
be addressed.
    The applicant must:
    (1) Demonstrate the need for the assistance and state the principal 
and subordinate objectives for the project (10 points);

[[Page 46193]]

    (2) Pinpoint any relevant physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, or other problems requiring a solution (5 points);
    (3) Provide supporting documentation or other testimonies from 
concerned interests other than the applicant (5 points);
    (4) Provide any relevant data based on planning studies (4 points); 
and
    (5) Provide maps and other graphic aids (1 point).

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

    Identify results and benefits to be derived. The anticipated 
contribution to policy, practice, theory and research should be 
indicated.
    The applicant must:
    (1) Clearly describe project benefits and results as they relate to 
the objectives of the project (10 points); and
    (2) Provide information as to the extent to which the project will 
build on current theory, research, evaluation and best practices to 
contribute to increased knowledge and understanding of the problems, 
issues or effective strategies and practices in family support (10 
points).

Criterion 4: Organizational Profile (15 Points)

    This section should consist of a brief (two to three pages) 
background description of how the applicant organization (or the unit 
within the organization that will have responsibility for the project) 
is structured, the types and quantity of services, and the research and 
management capabilities it possesses. Applicants need to demonstrate 
that they have the capacity to implement the proposed project. Capacity 
includes (1) experience with similar projects; (2) experience with the 
target population; (3) qualifications and experience of the project 
leadership; (4) commitment to developing sustaining work among key 
stakeholders; (5) experience and commitment of any proposed consultants 
and subcontractors; and (6) appropriateness of the organizational 
structure, including its management information system, to carry out 
the project.
    The applicant must:
    (1) Identify the background of the project director/principal 
investigator and key project staff (including name, address, and 
training, educational background and other qualifying experience) and 
the experience of the organization to demonstrate the applicant's 
ability to effectively and efficiently administer this project; present 
brief resumes (4 points);
    (2) Provide a brief background description of how the applicant 
organization is organized, the types and quantity of services it 
provides, and the research and management capabilities it possesses (4 
points);
    (3) Describe the competence of the project team and its 
demonstrated ability to produce a final product that is readily 
comprehensible and usable (3 points); and
    (4) Provide an organization chart showing the relationship of the 
project to the current organization (2 points).

Criterion 5: Budget and Budget Justification (5 Points)

    Applicants are expected to present a budget with reasonable project 
costs, appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient 
to accomplish the objectives. The dollar amount requested must be fully 
justified and documented.
    Applications must provide a narrative budget justification that 
describes how the categorical costs are derived and discuss the 
reasonableness and appropriateness of the proposed costs. Line item 
allocations and justifications are required for Federal funds.
    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 applications 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 applicant must:
    (1) Discuss and justify the costs of the proposed project which are 
reasonable and programmatically justified in view of the activities to 
be conducted and the anticipated results and benefits (3 points); and
    (2) Describe the fiscal control and accounting procedures that will 
be used to ensure prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate 
accounting of funds received under this program announcement (2 
points).

Applicable Administrative Regulations

    Applicable administrative regulations include 45 CFR part 74,--
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Awards and Subawards to 
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Non-profit 
Organizations, and Commercial Organizations; and Certain Grants and 
Agreements with States, Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments 
and 45 CFR part 92--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.

Part V. Instructions for the Development and Submission of Applications

    This Part contains information and instructions for submitting 
applications in response to this announcement. Application forms and 
other materials can be obtained by any of the following methods: from 
Carla R. Brown, ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., Washington, DC 20447, 
(202) 690-8332; http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add; or from 
[email protected]. Please copy and use these forms in submitting an 
application.
    Potential applicants should read this section carefully in 
conjunction with the information contained in the program description 
in Part IV of this announcement.

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

    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Program and Activities. Under this Order, States may design their own 
process for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs. Note: State/Territory participation in the 
intergovernmental review process does not signify applicant eligibility 
for financial assistance under a program. A potential applicant must 
meet the eligibility requirements of the program for which it is 
applying prior to submitting an application to its single point of 
contact (SPOC), if applicable, or to ACF.
    All States and Territories, except Alabama, Alaska, 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 not 
take any action regarding E.O. 12372. Otherwise, applicants should 
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the potential 
applications and to receive any necessary instructions.
    Applicants must submit all required materials to the SPOC as soon 
as possible. This will enable the program office to obtain and to 
review SPOC comments as part of the award process.

[[Page 46194]]

It is imperative that an applicant submits all required materials and 
indicate the date of the submittal (or date SPOC was contacted, if no 
submittal is required) on the SF 424, item 16a.
    Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
due date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. 
These comments are reviewed as part of the award process. Failure to 
notify the SPOC can result in delays in awarding grants.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and 
those Official State process recommendations that may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, Attn: 93.618. ADD--
Training and Technical Assistance To Improve Voting Access for People 
with Disabilities.
    Contact information for each State's SPOC is found at the ADD Web 
site (http://www. acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add) or by contacting Carla R. 
Brown, ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., Washington, DC, 20447, (202) 
690-8332.

B. Instructions for Preparing the Application and Completing 
Application Forms

    The SF 424, SF 424A, SF 424A-Page 2 and Certifications/Assurances 
are contained in the application package that can be accessed as 
mentioned earlier in this announcement. Please prepare your application 
in accordance with the following instructions:
1. SF 424 Page 1, Application Cover Sheet
    Please read the following instructions before completing the 
application cover sheet. An explanation of each item is included. 
Complete only the items specified.
    Top of Page. Please indicate that you are applying for new or 
implementation funds.
    Item 1. ``Type of Submission''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 2. ``Date Submitted'' and ``Applicant Identifier''--Date 
application is submitted to ACF and applicant's own internal control 
number, if applicable.
    Item 3. ``Date Received By State''--State use only (if applicable).
    Item 4. ``Date Received by Federal Agency''--Leave blank.
    Item 5. ``Applicant Information''.
    ``Legal Name''--Enter the legal name of applicant organization. For 
applications developed jointly, enter the name of the lead organization 
only. There must be a single applicant for each application.
    ``Organizational Unit''--Enter the name of the primary unit within 
the applicant's organization that will actually carry out the project 
activity. Do not use the name of an individual as the applicant. If 
this is the same as the applicant organization, leave the 
organizational unit blank.
    ``Address''--Enter the complete address that the organization 
actually uses to receive mail, since this is the address to which all 
correspondence will be sent. Do not include both street address and 
P.O. Box number unless both must be used in mailing.
    ``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.
    Item 11. ``Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project''--Enter the 
project title. The title is generally short and is descriptive of the 
project, not the priority area title.
    Item 12. ``Areas Affected by Project''--Enter the governmental unit 
where significant and meaningful impact could be observed. List only 
the largest unit or units affected, such as State, county, or city. If 
an entire unit is affected, list it rather than subunits.
    Item 13. ``Proposed Project''--Enter the desired start date for the 
project and projected completion date.
    Item 14. ``Congressional District of Applicant/Project''--Enter the 
number of the Congressional district where the applicant's principal 
office is located and the number of the Congressional district(s) where 
the project will be located. If Statewide, a multi-State effort, or 
nationwide, enter ``00.''
    Item 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.
    Item 15a. Enter the amount of Federal funds requested in accordance 
with the preceding paragraph. This amount should be no greater than the 
maximum amount specified in the priority area description.
    Items 15b-e. Enter the amount(s) of funds from non-Federal sources 
that will be contributed to the proposed project. Items b-e are 
considered cost sharing or ``matching funds.'' The value of third party 
in-kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines as 
applicable. For more information regarding funding as well as 
exceptions to these rules, see Part III, Sections C and D.
    Item 15f. Enter the estimated amount of program income, if any, 
expected to be generated from the proposed project. Do not add or 
subtract this amount from the total project amount entered under item 
15g. Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of this program 
income in the Project Narrative Statement.
    Item 15g. Enter the sum of items 15a-15e.
    Item 16a. ``Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive 
Order 12372 Process? Yes.''--Enter the date the applicant contacted the 
SPOC regarding this application. Select the appropriate SPOC from the 
listing provided online at www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 
The review of the application is at the discretion of the SPOC. The 
SPOC will verify the date noted on the application.
    Item 16b. ``Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive 
Order 12372 Process? No.''--Check the appropriate box if the 
application is not covered by E.O. 12372 or if the program has not been 
selected by the State for review.
    Item 17. ``Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt?''--
Check the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant 
organization, not the person who signs as the authorized 
representative. Categories of debt include audit disallowances, loans 
and taxes.

[[Page 46195]]

    Item 18. ``To the best of my knowledge and belief, all data in this 
application/preapplication are true and correct. The document has been 
duly authorized by the governing body of the applicant and the 
applicant will comply with the attached assurances if the assistance is 
awarded.''--To be signed by the authorized representative of the 
applicant. A copy of the governing body's authorization for signature 
of this application by this individual as the official representative 
must be on file in the applicant's office, and may be requested from 
the applicant.
    Item 18a-c. ``Typed Name of Authorized Representative, Title, 
Telephone Number''--Enter the name, title and telephone number of the 
authorized representative of the applicant organization.
    Item 18d. ``Signature of Authorized Representative'' --Signature of 
the authorized representative named in Item 18a. At least one copy of 
the application must have an original signature. Use colored ink (not 
black) so that the original signature is easily identified.
    Item 18e. ``Date Signed''--Enter the date the application was 
signed by the authorized representative.
2. SF 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs
    This is a form used by many Federal agencies. For this application, 
Sections A, B, C, E and F are to be completed. Section D does not need 
to be completed.
    Sections A and B should include the Federal as well as the non-
Federal funding for the proposed project covering (1) the total project 
period of 17 months or less or (2) the first year budget period, if the 
proposed project period exceeds 15 months.
    Section A--Budget Summary. This section includes a summary of the 
budget. On line 5, enter total Federal costs in column (e) and total 
non-Federal costs (none for these projects), 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 (none 
for these projects), covers the total project period of 12 months or 
less. It should relate to item 15g, total funding, on the SF 424. Under 
column (5), enter the total requirements for funds (Federal and non-
Federal [none]) by object class category.
    A separate budget justification should be included to fully explain 
and justify major items, as indicated below. The types of information 
to be included in the justification are indicated under each category. 
For multiple year projects, it is desirable to provide this information 
for each year of the project. The budget justification should 
immediately follow the second page of the SF 424A.
    Personnel--Line 6a. Enter the total costs of salaries and wages of 
applicant/grantee staff. Do not include the costs of consultants; this 
should be included on line 6h, ``Other.''
    Justification: Identify the principal investigator or project 
director, if known. Specify by title or name the percentage of time 
allocated to the project, the individual annual salaries, and the cost 
to the project (both Federal and non-Federal) of the organization's 
staff who will be working on the project.
    Fringe Benefits--Line 6b. Enter the total costs of fringe benefits, 
unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a break-down of amounts and percentages that 
comprise fringe benefit costs, such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, etc.
    Travel--6c. Enter total costs of out-of-town travel (travel 
requiring per diem) for staff of the project. Do not enter costs for 
consultant's travel or local transportation, which should be included 
on Line 6h, ``Other.''
    Justification: Include the name(s) of traveler(s), total number of 
trips, destinations, length of stay, transportation costs and 
subsistence allowances.
    Equipment--Line 6d. Enter the total costs of all equipment to be 
acquired by the project. For state and local governments, including 
Federally recognized Indian Tribes, ``equipment'' is tangible, non-
expendable personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.
    Justification: Equipment to be purchased with Federal funds must be 
justified. The equipment must be required to conduct the project, and 
the applicant organization or its subgrantees must not have the 
equipment or a reasonable facsimile available to the project. The 
justification also must contain plans for future use or disposal of the 
equipment after the project ends.
    Supplies--Line 6e. Enter the total costs of all tangible expendable 
personal property (supplies) other than those included on Line 6d.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs.
    Contractual--Line 6f. Enter the total costs of all contracts, 
including (1) procurement contracts (except those which belong on other 
lines such as equipment, supplies, etc.) and (2) contracts with 
secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies. Also 
include any contracts with organizations for the provision of technical 
assistance. Do not include payments to individuals on this line. If the 
name of the contractor, scope of work, and estimated total costs are 
not available or have not been negotiated, include on Line 6h, 
``Other.''
    Justification: Attach a list of contractors, indicating the names 
of the organizations, the purposes of the contracts, and the estimated 
dollar amounts of the awards as part of the budget justification. 
Whenever the applicant/grantee intends to delegate part or the entire 
program to another agency, the applicant/grantee must complete this 
section (Section B, Budget Categories) for each delegate agency by 
agency title, along with the supporting information. The total cost of 
all such agencies will be part of the amount shown on Line 6f. Provide 
backup documentation identifying the name of contractor, purpose of 
contract, and major cost elements.
    Construction--Line 6g. Not applicable. New construction is not 
allowable.
    Other--Line 6h. Enter the total of all other costs. Where 
applicable, such costs may include, but are not limited to: Insurance; 
medical and dental costs; noncontractual fees and travel paid directly 
to individual consultants; local transportation (all travel which does 
not require per diem is considered local travel); space and equipment 
rentals; printing and publication; computer use; training costs, 
including tuition and stipends; training service costs, including wage 
payments to individuals and supportive service payments; and staff 
development costs. Note that costs identified as ``miscellaneous'' and 
``honoraria'' are not allowable.
    Justification: Specify the costs included.
    Total Direct Charges--Line 6i. Enter the total of Lines 6a through 
6h.
    Indirect Charges--6j. Enter the total amount of indirect charges 
(costs). If no indirect costs are requested, enter ``none.'' Generally, 
this line should be used when the applicant (except local governments) 
has a current indirect cost rate agreement approved by the Department 
of Health and Human Services or another Federal agency.
    Local and State governments should enter the amount of indirect 
costs determined in accordance with DHHS requirements. When an indirect 
cost rate is requested, these costs are included in the indirect cost 
pool and

[[Page 46196]]

should not be charged again as direct costs to the grant.
    In the case of training grants to other than State or local 
governments (as defined in title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, part 
74), the Federal reimbursement of indirect costs will be limited to the 
lesser of the negotiated (or actual) indirect cost rate or 8 percent of 
the amount allowed for direct costs, exclusive of any equipment 
charges, rental of space, tuition and fees, post-doctoral training 
allowances, contractual items, and alterations and renovations.
    For training grant applications, the entry under line 6j should be 
the total indirect costs being charged to the project. The Federal 
share of indirect costs is calculated as shown above. The applicant's 
share is calculated as follows:

    (a) Calculate total project indirect costs (a*) by applying the 
applicant's approved indirect cost rate to the total project 
(Federal and non-Federal) direct costs.
    (b) Calculate the Federal share of indirect costs (b*) at 8 
percent of the amount allowed for total project (Federal and non-
Federal) direct costs exclusive of any equipment charges, rental of 
space, tuition and fees, post-doctoral training allowances, 
contractual items, and alterations and renovations.
    (c) Subtract (b*) from (a*). The remainder is what the applicant 
can claim as part of its matching cost contribution.

    Justification: Enclose a copy of the indirect cost rate agreement. 
Applicants subject to the limitation on the Federal reimbursement of 
indirect costs for training grants should specify this.
    Total--Line 6k. Enter the total amounts of lines 6i and 6j.
    Program Income--Line 7. Enter the estimated amount of income, if 
any, expected to be generated from this project. Do not add or subtract 
this amount from the total project amount.
    Justification: Describe the nature, source, and anticipated use of 
program income in the Program Narrative Statement.
    Section C--Non-Federal Resources. This section summarizes the 
amounts of non-Federal resources that will be applied to the grant. 
Enter this information on line 12 entitled ``Totals.'' In-kind 
contributions are defined in title 45 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations, Parts 74.51 and 92.24, as ``property or services which 
benefit a grant-supported project or program and which are contributed 
by non-Federal third parties without charge to the grantee, the 
subgrantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant or subgrant.''
    Justification: Describe third party in-kind contributions, if 
included.
    Section D--Forecasted Cash Needs. Not applicable.
    Section E--Budget Estimate of Federal Funds Needed for Balance of 
the Project. This section should only be completed if the total project 
period exceeds 17 months.
    Totals--Line 20. For projects that will have more than one budget 
period, enter the estimated required Federal funds for the second 
budget period (months 13 through 24) under column ``(b) First.'' If a 
third budget period will be necessary, enter the Federal funds needed 
for months 25 through 36 under ``(c) Second.'' Columns (d) and (e) are 
not applicable in most instances, since ACF funding is almost always 
limited to a three-year maximum project period. They should remain 
blank.
    Section F--Other Budget Information.
    Direct Charges--Line 21. Not applicable.
    Indirect Charges--Line 22. Enter the type of indirect rate 
(provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) that will be in effect 
during the funding period, the estimated amount of the base to which 
the rate is applied, and the total indirect expense.
3. Project Summary/Abstract
    Clearly mark this separate page with the applicant name as shown in 
item 5 of the SF 424, the priority area number as shown at the top of 
the SF 424, and the title of the project as shown in item 11 of the SF 
424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words. These 300 
words become part of the computer database on each project.
    Provide a summary description that accurately and concisely 
reflects the proposal. The summary should describe the objectives of 
the project, the approaches to be used and the expected outcomes. The 
description should also include a list of major products that will 
result from the proposed project, such as software packages, materials, 
management procedures, data collection instruments, training packages, 
or videos (please note that audiovisuals must be closed captioned and 
audio described). The project summary description, together with the 
information on the SF 424, will constitute the project ``abstract.'' 
This is a major source of information about the proposed project and is 
usually the first part of the application that the reviewers read in 
evaluating the application.
4. Project Description
    The Project Description is a very important part of an application. 
It should be clear, concise, and address the specific requirements 
mentioned under the priority area description in Part IV. The narrative 
should also provide information concerning how the application meets 
the evaluation criteria, using the following headings:
    (a) Objectives and Need for Assistance;
    (b) Results and Benefits Expected;
    (c) Approach; and
    (d) Organization Profile
    (e)  Budget and Budget Justification
    The specific information to be included under each of these 
headings is described in Section E of Part III, General Instructions 
for the Uniform Project Description, and under Part IV, and Evaluation 
Criteria.
    The narrative should be typed double-spaced on a single-side of an 
8\1/2\'' x 11'' plain white paper, with 1'' margins on all sides, using 
black print no smaller than 12 pitch or 12 point size. All pages of the 
narrative (including charts, references/footnotes, tables, maps, 
exhibits, etc.) must be sequentially numbered, beginning with 
``Objectives and Need for Assistance'' as page number one. Applicants 
should not submit reproductions of larger size paper, reduced to meet 
the size requirement.
    The length of the application, including the application forms and 
all attachments, should not exceed 25 pages. This will be strictly 
enforced. A page is a single side of an 8\1/2\'' x 11''s sheet of 
paper. Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures or 
other printed material along with their application as these pose 
copying difficulties. These materials, if submitted, will not be 
included in the review process if they exceed the 25-page limit. Each 
page of the application will be counted to determine the total length.
5. Part V-- Assurances/Certifications
    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

[[Page 46197]]

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 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. Copies 
of these assurances/certifications can be obtained from the ADD Web 
site (http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add) or by contacting Carla R. 
Brown, ADD, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., Washington, DC 20447, (202) 
690-8332. These forms can be reproduced, as necessary.

E. Checklist for a Complete Application

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

--One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies.
--Application is from an organization that is eligible under the 
eligibility requirements defined in Part IV under Program Description 
and Requirements.
Application length does not exceed 25 pages, unless otherwise specified 
in the priority area description.

    A complete application consists of the following items in this 
order:

--Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-92);
--A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact entered 
in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable.
--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-92);
--Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
--Proof of designation as lead agency;
--Table of Contents;
--Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-profit 
status, if necessary;
--Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if 
appropriate;
--Project Description (See Part III, Section E);
--Any appendices/attachments;
--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-92);
--Certification Regarding Lobbying;
--Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary; and
--Certification of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 (Environmental Tobacco 
Smoke), signature on the application represents certification.

F. The Application Package

    Each application package must include an original and two copies of 
the complete application. Each copy should be stapled securely (front 
and back if necessary) in the upper left-hand corner. All pages of the 
narrative (including charts, tables, maps, exhibits, etc.) must be 
sequentially numbered, beginning with page one. In order to facilitate 
handling, please do not use covers, binders or tabs. Do not include 
extraneous materials as attachments, such as agency promotion 
brochures, slides, tapes, film clips, minutes of meetings, survey 
instruments or articles of incorporation.
    Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies 
(not the original) of 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.
Reporting Requirements
    The Grantees are required to file the Financial Status Report (SF-
269) semi-annually and the Program Performance Reports quarterly. Funds 
issued under these awards must be accounted for, and reported upon, 
separately from all other grant activities. The official receipt point 
for all reports and correspondence is the Grants Officer, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, 
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447-0002, 
telephone: (202) 401-2344. An original and one copy of each report 
shall be submitted 30 days of the end of each reporting period directly 
to the Office of Grants Management.
    A final Financial Status Report and Program Performance Report 
shall be due 90 days after the project expiration date or termination 
of Federal budget support.

G. 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.
    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.

    Dated: July 25, 2003.
Patricia Morrissey,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 03-19905 Filed 8-4-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P