[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 153 (Friday, August 8, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47348-47360]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-20261]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Technical Assistance to ORR-Funded Refugee Programs and Services 
for Asylees

AGENCY: Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), ACF, DHHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability of FY 2003 discretionary funds for 
technical assistance in seven categories of programs that assist 
refugees and one grant for services for asylees.

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    CFDA Number: The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 
for this program is 93.576.

SUMMARY: ORR invites eligible entities to submit competitive 
applications for cooperative agreements to provide technical assistance 
to agencies that serve in the following first seven program areas. For 
Program Area 8, ORR invites eligible applicants to submit applications 
for a grant to provide services via a Multilingual Information, 
Referral, and Registration Hotline.
    Program Area 1--Technical Assistance for refugee-based Mutual Aid 
Associations (MAAs), Voluntary Agencies assisting or working with 
refugee community organizations and other program areas that the 
Director of ORR may consider as appropriate response to emerging 
refugee resettlement needs;
    Program Area 2--Technical Assistance for Employment Services;
    Program Area 3--Technical Assistance for English Language Training 
and Service Programs;
    Program Area 4--Technical Assistance for Refugee Economic 
Development Activities/Programs;
    Program Area 5--Technical Assistance to Enhance Child Welfare 
Services for Refugee Communities;
    Program Area 6--Technical Assistance to Promote Refugee Housing 
Opportunities;
    Program Area 7--Technical Assistance for Crime Prevention Programs; 
and
    Program Area 8--Services for Asylees to be provided via a 
Multilingual Information, Referral and Registration Hotline.
    Applications will be screened and evaluated as indicated in this 
program announcement. Awards will be contingent on the outcome of the 
competition and the availability of funds.
    Applications will be accepted pursuant to the ORR Director's 
discretionary authority under section 412(c) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1522), as amended.

DATES: The closing date for submission of applications is September 8, 
2003. Applications received 30 days after the publication date are 
considered to be late. See Part IV of this announcement for more 
information on submitting applications.
    Announcement Availability: The program announcement and the 
application materials are available from Mitiku Ashebir, Office of 
Refugee Resettlement (ORR), 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 8th Fl., 
Washington, DC 20447 and from ORR Web site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mitiku Ashebir, Division of Community 
Resettlement (DCR), ORR, Administration for Children and Families 
(ACF), (202) 205-3602; fax (202) 401-0981; e-mail: [email protected] 
or Daphne Weeden, Office of Grants Management (OGM), (ACF), (202) 401-
4577; e-mail: [email protected].
    Application Information: This program announcement consists of four 
parts:
Part I: Background--Legislative authority, funding availability, 
applicant eligibility, project and budget periods, length of 
application, and for each of the nine program areas: Purpose and scope, 
allowable activities, and review criteria.
Part II: General instructions for preparing a full project description.
Part III: The Review Process--Intergovernmental review, initial ACF 
screening and competitive review.
Part IV: Application Submission--Application materials, application 
development, application submission information, certifications, 
assurances and reporting.
    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13): The public 
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to 
average 8 hours per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing 
the collection of information. Information collection is included in 
the following program announcement: OMB

[[Page 47349]]

control No. 0970-0139, ACF UNIFORM PROJECT DESCRIPTION (UPD) attached 
as appendix A, which expires 12/31/03. 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.

Part I: Background

    In recent years, ORR has supported the work of its grantees and 
other agencies serving refugees in various program areas through 
several technical assistance grants with organizations uniquely 
qualified to advance the refugee service field, improve program 
achievement, develop organizational capacity, and improve overall 
performance. ORR has supported specific technical assistance for 
employment, English language training, microenterprise, Individual 
Development Account programs, housing, capacity development activities 
among emerging ethnic organizations, and services to children, the 
elderly and asylees. ORR's intent is to assist grantees to provide the 
best technical help for continuous improvement in refugee programs in 
the form of capacity building to adequately serve refugees, and to 
bring about positive development and impact on the lives of refugees 
and asylees.
    Legislative Authority--This program is authorized by section 
412(c)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)(8 U.S.C. 1522 
(c)(1)(A)), as amended, authorizing the Director to make grants to, and 
enter into contracts with public or private non-profit agencies to 
achieve the following goals. The technical assistance projects and the 
services for asylees must be designed ``(i) to assist refugees in 
obtaining the skills that are necessary for economic self-sufficiency, 
including projects for job training, employment services, day care, 
professional refresher training, and other re-certification services; 
(ii) to provide training in English where necessary (regardless of 
whether the refugees are employed or receiving cash or other 
assistance) and (iii) to provide where specific needs have been shown 
and recognized by the Director, health, (including mental health) 
services, social services, educational, and other services.'' The 
Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2003, title 
II of division G of the Consolidated Appropriation Resolution FY 2003, 
Public Law 108-7, appropriates funds for refugee and entrant assistance 
activities authorized by these provisions of the INA.
    Funding Availability--ORR expects to make available approximately 
$3 million in social services discretionary funds in eight program 
areas, seven cooperative agreements and one grant. The award amount 
range is for planning purposes. Applications with requested amounts 
that exceed the upper value of the dollar range specified will still be 
considered for review. No matching or cost sharing by the applicant is 
required.
    Applicant Eligibility--Eligible applicants for all program areas 
are public and private non-profit organizations. Faith-based and 
community organizations are eligible to apply for these funds. Any non-
profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of its 
non-profit status at the time of submission. The non-profit agency can 
accomplish this by providing a copy of the applicant's listing in the 
Internal Revenue service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, or by 
providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, 
or by providing a copy of articles of incorporation bearing the seal of 
the State in which the corporation or association is domiciled, or by 
providing a certified copy of the organizations certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status, or any of the items above for a state or national parent 
organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the 
applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate. Private, non-
profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications 
the optional survey located under ``Grant Manuals & forms'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Project and Budget Periods--This announcement invites applications 
for project periods for up to 3 years. Awards, on a competitive basis, 
will be for a one-year budget period, although project periods may be 
for 3 years. Applications for continuation of grants under these awards 
beyond the one-year budget period, but within the 3-year project 
period, will be entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive 
basis. Any continuation is subject to the availability of funds, 
satisfactory progress of the grantee and a determination that continued 
funding would be in the best interest of the Government.
    Length of Application: Applicants must limit program narratives to 
25 pages per program area (double-spaced on standard, letter-size 
paper, in 12-point font) plus no more than 25 pages of appended 
material. This limitation of 25 pages per program area should be 
considered as a maximum, and not necessarily a goal.

Program Area 1--Technical Assistance in the Area of Organizational and 
Capacity Building for Refugee-Based Mutual Aid Associations (MAAs), 
Voluntary Agencies Assisting or Working With Refugee Community 
Organizations and Other Areas That the Director of ORR Considers an 
Appropriate Response to Emerging Refugee Resettlement Needs

Purpose and Scope
    The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) proposes to award one 
cooperative agreement to assist in the development of a project to 
provide technical assistance to MAAs, faith-based and community 
organizations, and other entities assisting refugees. Through this 
award, ORR intends for this grantee to provide technical planning and 
assistance to MAA grantees, Voluntary Agencies and other refugee 
service providers working with refugee community organizations for 
multiple purposes: (1) To strengthen organizational capacity; (2) to 
acquire functional governance and organizational stability; and (3) to 
conduct appropriate personnel, program, and financial management by 
sharing proper organizational policies, structures, procedures, and 
materials through a grantee network. ORR envisions that the assistance 
in this category will improve services to refugees and enhance 
grantees' collaboration on performance measures in critical service 
areas that are designed to facilitate and promote refugee self-
sufficiency and economic independence.
    ORR's intent is also to equip technical assistance providers with 
the best technical help possible so that MAAs and other entities 
serving refugees can be better trained to address the social and 
economic developments that may impact on how well refugees progress in 
their resettlement in the U.S. Thus, ORR also intends to provide 
technical guidance to organizations serving refugees concerning 
emerging refugee issues in resettlement in an effort to promote 
continuous improvement in refugee programs. These areas will include 
projects to provide services to newly arrived refugees.
    Approximately $500,000 has been allocated for this program area. 
ORR expects to award one cooperative agreement. The successful 
applicant will have demonstrated expertise in

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organizational and community development activities along with 
experience and flexibility in being able to respond to such particular 
characteristics and needs of ethnic organizations and other service 
areas as may be determined by ORR. These needs may be manifested as 
functions of the organizational development processes or occur due to 
major internal and/or external changes that are recognized as critical 
to the proper functioning of community organizations.
    Through this cooperative agreement, the grantee will submit a 
technical assistance plan for refugee-based MAAs, Voluntary Agencies 
assisting refugee community organizations and other program areas that 
the Director of ORR may consider as appropriate response to emerging 
refugee resettlement needs that includes at least the following: (1) 
Proposed site visits and corresponding technical assistance activities; 
(2) written materials developed and proposed for dissemination to the 
field; (3) proposed workshop locations, topics, presentation formats, 
and agendas; and (4) methods and approaches of identifying, 
documenting, presenting and addressing emerging refugee needs. ORR 
intends to review and approve the grantee's technical assistance plan 
in these areas and other activities proposed by the grantee in relation 
to the allowable activities listed below. ORR will also provide 
direction concerning any emerging refugee needs that should be 
addressed under this technical assistance.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants may propose all or some combination of the following, as 
well as other innovative strategies justifying their usefulness for 
technical assistance in the designated technical assistance area:
--Assessing technical assistance and training needs in community 
organizations and other ORR grantees;
--Disseminating information, materials, and technical advice related to 
employment, community orientation, effective case management, program 
and financial management, and leadership development, and roles of 
boards, agency executives, and agency staff and organization members;
--Collecting and summarizing data and information on program 
performance;
--Facilitating the electronic exchange of information through a network 
website and listserve; and through the collection and reporting of 
program performance, performance measurement, and impact information;
--Providing on-site training or technical assistance group meetings and 
workshops;
--Developing training curricula, a resource handbook, and other 
resource materials as needed;
--Conducting on-site program reviews of MAA grantees and training 
workshops as needed and appropriate;
--Preparing and disseminating reports on the program characteristics 
and achievements;
--Maintaining a database of characteristics and achievements of the 
programs; and
--Identifying and disseminating potential resources, partnership 
opportunities, and community initiatives.
--Preparing adequate and appropriate responses to emerging refugee 
resettlement needs.
Review Criteria--MAAs and Emerging Refugee Resettlement Needs
    1. Organizational Profiles. The capacity of the applicant to 
achieve the project's objectives is clearly demonstrated. 
Organizational expertise, and experience in the provision of technical 
assistance and information sharing to assist small and emerging 
organizations, as well as relatively developed community organizations, 
is appropriate for the proposed project. (30 points)
    2. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate, and the proposed activities and time frames are 
reasonable. The technical assistance plan describes clearly and in 
detail the manner in which the applicant will assess the need for 
technical assistance, the proposed activities, and how the proposed 
activities are expected to address known technical assistance needs of 
refugee community-based organizations. (20 points)
    3. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. 
The description of staff qualifications demonstrates experience in 
providing technical assistance to ethnic and other organizations 
involved in refugee self-help organizing and support. (20 points)
    4. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (15 points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is clearly presented 
and is detailed, reasonable, and cost effective. (15 points).

Program Area 2--Technical Assistance for Employment Services

Purpose and Scope
    The primary goal of refugee resettlement is to assist refugees in 
becoming self-sufficient. Two factors critical to achieving this goal 
are gainful attachment to the labor force and the opportunity to earn a 
living wage. ORR proposes to award one cooperative agreement to assist 
an agency in developing a project to provide technical assistance 
services to ORR employment service providers to increase the rate and 
improve the quality of employment outcomes and to address the special 
needs of emerging populations.
    This announcement continues ORR's longstanding recognition that 
assistance should be provided to improve the technical assistance 
services that must be provided to refugee employment service providers. 
The technical assistance in this category aims to identify best models 
and practices, and broadly disseminate this information to assist local 
programs in implementing performance measures under the Government 
Performance and Results Act (GPRA). This objective can be achieved by 
developing and conducting training and on-site reviews and performing 
on-site analysis of employment services in such areas as staff 
training, multi-agency collaboration, employer and/or refugee 
involvement in the design of services, and in the organization and 
administration of job development and placement projects.
    Approximately $300,000 has been allocated for this program area. 
One cooperative agreement may be awarded for one national project. 
Through this cooperative agreement, the grantee will submit a plan the 
following: (1) Proposed site visits and technical assistance activities 
and schedules; (2) plan for written materials developed prior to the 
release of such documents; and (3) proposed workshop schedules, 
locations, topics, presentation formats, and agendas. ORR intends to 
review and approve the grantee's plan for technical assistance in these 
areas and other activities proposed by the grantee in relation to the 
allowable activities listed below. ORR will also provide direction and 
feedback in critical refugee employment needs and corresponding 
technical assistance services.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants may propose all or a combination of the activities 
described below, or new or innovative approaches justifying their 
usefulness to providing

[[Page 47351]]

technical assistance for employment services.
--Institution and implementation of on-site visits to assess technical 
assistance needs, to provide technical assistance and training directly 
to agencies, and to ascertain best practices in providing employment 
services resulting in living wages and employment benefits;
--Development of diverse reports to be distributed to agencies to 
assist them in providing employment services, including site visit 
reports and best practices reports;
--Organization and operation of workshops for agencies in the area of 
employment services, which include facilitated discussions, training, 
and presentations addressing a breadth of employment needs for newly 
emerging refugee populations, newly employed refugee groups, and 
skilled and professional refugees to the extent possible;
--Provision of technical assistance in writing, by e-mail and by 
telephone, to agencies; and
--Preparation and dissemination of reports on program characteristics 
and achievements.
Review Criteria--Employment Services
    1. Organizational Profiles. The capacity of the applicant to 
achieve the project's objectives is clearly demonstrated. 
Organizational expertise and experience in the provision of technical 
assistance that is tuned to the changing dynamics of the job market and 
the changes in the characteristics of incoming refugee populations is 
well described and is appropriate and adequate for the proposed 
project. (30 points)
    2. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate, and the proposed activities and time frames are 
reasonable. The technical assistance plan describes clearly and in 
detail the manner in which the applicant will assess the need for 
technical assistance, the proposed activities, and how the proposed 
activities are expected to address refugee employment technical 
assistance needs. (20 points)
    3. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. 
The description of staff qualifications demonstrates experience in 
providing technical assistance to agencies and groups involved in 
refugee employment. (20 points)
    4. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (15 points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is clearly presented 
and is detailed, reasonable, and cost effective. (15 points)

Program Area 3--Technical Assistance to English Language Training 
Providers

Purpose and Scope
    The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) proposes to award one 
cooperative agreement in the amount of $300,000 to assist in the 
development of a project to provide technical assistance and training 
to providers of English Language Training (ELT) at all levels. 
Technical assistance may be proposed for the following purposes:
    [sbull] Design and improvement of employment-related ELT technical 
assistance and training which may be provided both to ELT teachers and 
program managers. The technical assistance and training may be focused 
on curricula, teaching strategies, and/or program development such as 
integrating ELT with employment-focused services, work-site ELT, and 
family literacy.
    [sbull] Training in the areas of cultural adjustment, learning 
disabilities, physical and mental health, and in the use of new or 
innovative classroom technologies. Training may include topics such as 
identifying cultural adjustment/learning disabilities physical and 
mental health issues, accommodating such issues in the classroom, 
seeking professional consultation, and developing appropriate 
curricula. Training may also include introducing teachers to new and/or 
innovative ELT technologies, such as using software programs in 
classroom instruction. Technical assistance may be provided in the 
organization and administration of the language programs.
    [sbull] Organization and facilitation of consultative and 
information-sharing sessions. Such sessions may include staff from 
similar types of agencies or from agencies serving similar groups of 
refugees. The purpose of the sessions is to provide an opportunity for 
ELT staff to share experiences. These sessions may also provide 
opportunities for different types of staff including ELT teachers, case 
managers, employment specialists, public health professionals, and 
individual refugee English tutors, to develop strategies for effective 
working relationships.
    [sbull] Response to emerging needs of refugee populations. This 
technical assistance area involves preparing lessons and designing 
methodologies compatible with emerging refugee needs, particularly 
where the refugee populations not only have little exposure to English 
language and the American culture, but may not be literate in their own 
languages.
    Applicants should propose technical assistance projects that are to 
be implemented nationally. Through this cooperative agreement, the 
grantee will submit a technical assistance plan for English Language 
Training that includes at least the following: (1) Program activity 
sites and participants; (2) assessment tools to be used to evaluate 
technical assistance needs; (3) technical assistance subject areas and 
curricula that will be used; (4) materials prepared for use in the 
delivery of the technical assistance; and (5) mechanisms to maximize 
volunteerism in English language training. ORR intends to review and 
approve the technical assistance plan for English Language Training in 
these areas and other activities proposed by the grantee in relation to 
the allowable activities listed below. ORR will also evaluate the 
technical assistance plan to ensure that it is comprehensive, flexible, 
and practical and provide direction and feedback for the appropriate 
implementation of the plan.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants may propose all or a combination of the activities 
described below or additional innovative approaches justifying their 
usefulness for technical assistance for ELT providers.
--Assessment of ELT technical assistance needs in agencies and 
communities serving refugees;
--Organization and operation of training and facilitated sessions on 
identified ELT technical assistance needs. These sessions may include 
for a single agency, multi-site, or multi-project ELT facilitated 
discussions;
--Provision of technical assistance in writing, by e-mail and by 
telephone, to ELT providers and volunteers conducting one-to-one or 
group English tutorial sessions;
--Review of existing general ELT materials and recommendations on 
usefulness and appropriateness for use in refugee-oriented ELT with 
necessary modifications and to suit particular needs of various refugee 
groups, and reparation and distribution of materials relevant to 
identified ELT needs;
--Development of, or participation in, development of ELT curricula to 
effect employment and facilitate other refugee resettlement processes; 
and

[[Page 47352]]

--Facilitation of information sharing among a network of ELT providers 
in the improvement of English skills among refugees.
Review Criteria--English Language Training
    1. Organizational Profiles. The capacity of the applicant to 
achieve the project's objectives is clearly demonstrated. 
Organizational expertise and experience in the provision of technical 
assistance and information sharing to English training service 
providers assisting refugees. (30 points)
    2. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate, and the proposed activities and time frames are 
reasonable. The technical assistance plan describes clearly and in 
detail the manner in which the applicant will assess the need for 
technical assistance, the proposed activities, and how the proposed 
activities are expected to address known English language skills needs 
of various refugee groups. (20 points)
    3. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. 
The description of staff qualifications demonstrates experience in 
providing technical assistance to ELT instructors and service 
providers. (20 points)
    4. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (15 points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is clearly presented 
and is detailed, reasonable, and cost effective. (15 points)

Program Area 4--Technical Assistance for Economic Development Programs

Purpose and Scope
    ORR invites eligible entities to submit competing applications for 
a cooperative agreement to develop a project to provide technical 
assistance for economic development services for refugeesincluding 
Individual Development Account programs, Microenterprise development 
programs, and special self sufficiency and employment initiatives. 
Under this cooperative agreement, the grantee will implement various 
activities intended to assist ORR-funded IDA and Microenterprise 
grantees in the organization and administration of their projects. The 
grantee may also provide similar technical assistance to special self-
sufficiency and employment grantees and to any other types of economic 
development grantees as designated by the Director of ORR.
    Approximately $500,000 has been allocated for this program area. 
Through this cooperative agreement, the grantee will submit a technical 
assistance plan for economic development programs that includes the 
following: (1) Site visits and technical assistance activities; (2) 
written materials developed prior to the release of such documents; (3) 
locations of proposed workshops, topics, formats, and agendas; and (4) 
the maintenance and facilitation of database and reporting mechanisms. 
ORR intends to review and approve a technical assistance plan for 
economic development activities in these areas and other activities 
that are proposed by the grantee related to the allowable activities 
listed below. ORR will also carefully evaluate the implementation of 
the technical assistance plan by providing direction and feedback to 
ensure the effective administration of microenterprise and IDA programs 
and the proper utilization of technologies compatible with IDA, 
Microenterprise and other economic development activities.
Allowable Activities
    Allowable activities include:
--Institution and implementation of on-site visits to assess technical 
assistance needs, provide technical assistance and training directly to 
grantees, and to ascertain best practices in administering IDA, 
Microenterprise, and other types of economic development programs, and 
to address the specific needs of refugees participating in these and 
related programs;
--Preparation of a variety of reports to be distributed to IDA, 
Microenterprise, and other economic development grantees to assist them 
in administering their programs, including site visit reports and best 
practices reports;
--Organization and operation of workshops for IDA, Microenterprise, and 
other grantees that have economic development programs for refugees. 
Workshop activities include facilitated discussions, presentations, and 
training in economic development and self-sufficiency activities;
--Provision of technical assistance in writing, by e-mail and by 
telephone, to IDA and Microenterprise grantees;
--Facilitation of a network of IDA and Microenterprise grantees to 
share information and to resolve problems, through, for example, the 
maintenance of a listserve, conference calls, etc.; and
--Maintenance of a database of characteristics and achievements of IDA, 
Microenterprise, and other economic development grantees and 
preparation and dissemination of program characteristics and 
achievements.
    Applicants may propose additional techniques justifying their 
usefulness for providing technical assistance and information sharing 
activities to IDA, Microenterprise, and other economic development 
grantees.
Review Criteria--Economic Development
    Proposed projects to provide technical assistance and information-
sharing activities to Individual Development Account, Microenterprise 
and other economic development activities will be evaluated according 
to the following criteria:
    1. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate. The proposed activities and timeframes are reasonable, 
feasible and reflective of the spread and variety of ORR-supported 
refugee economic development activities. The plan describes in detail 
how the proposed activities will be accomplished. (30 points)
    2. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's goals. Staff 
qualifications show experience in providing technical assistance and 
information-sharing activities in the areas of administering financial, 
economic development and self-sufficiency programs. (20 points)
    3. Organization Profiles. The applicant demonstrates the capacity 
to achieve the project's objectives. Organizational expertise and 
experience in the provision of technical assistance and information-
sharing activities in refugee economic development areas are fully and 
clearly described. (20 points)
    4. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (15 points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is reasonable, cost-
effective and clearly presented. (15 points)

Program Area 5--Technical Assistance for Child Welfare Services for 
Refugee Families and Communities

Purpose and Scope
    The state of well-being of refugee families is an important 
contributing factor to family self-sufficiency and their initial 
resettlement. ORR proposes to award one cooperative agreement to assist 
in the development of a technical assistance project to help public and

[[Page 47353]]

private agencies in promoting collaboration among refugee communities, 
the network of refugee resettlement services, and children and youth 
services including child protective services, to promote the well-being 
of children in refugee families.
    Refugee families residing in U.S. communities may encounter 
significant differences in child rearing practices compared to the 
ethnic or national customs of their country of origin, due to the 
following or related reasons: (1) Traditional cultures with strict 
parental roles may frequently conflict with the more egalitarian 
American family, resulting, for example, in differences in refugee 
youths' desire for early independence; (2) refugee families may 
experience trauma as a result of the persecution or flight, the effects 
of which may be destabilizing to family life; (3) refugee families may 
need income from both parents, unlike the practice in their home 
country, to adequately provide for their needs; (4) single refugee 
parent families face similar stresses that U.S. single parent families 
face in addition to the trauma from their refugee experiences; and (5) 
refugees may end up living in low-income neighborhoods with high crime 
rates and without the benefit of an ethnic community to provide 
information, guidance, and support.
    Due to these factors and others, refugee families may encounter 
child protective services and other agencies of the judicial system. 
These experiences may not be easily understood by the refugee 
communities. As a result, refugee communities may become insecure and/
or distrusting of the U.S. child welfare and child protective systems. 
This distrust or insecurity may result in difficulties for refugee 
families in their effort to establish homes that promote the well-being 
of the family members and where parents are secure in their role of 
providing a nurturing and educational environment for their children. 
These issues may also force children to face conflicts in meeting the 
expectations of their parents, fitting in with their peers, and 
developing a sense of belonging in their schools and social groups.
    It has become clear over time that a productive relationship with 
child welfare services, child protective services, youth shelters, and 
other youth transitional and recreational services may be needed to 
promote refugee families' capacity to care for their children and/or 
youth in their new communities.
    ORR is interested in supporting a national technical assistance 
cooperative agreement to promote collaboration among refugee families, 
refugee service providers and the children and youth service agencies 
that promote the welfare of refugee families, refugee youth, and 
children. This cooperative agreement is also intended to promote 
cultural and linguistic services or access to services for refugee 
families. Approximately $500,000 has been allocated for this program 
area.
    Through this cooperative agreement, the grantee will submit a 
technical assistance plan for child welfare services for refugee 
families and communities that include the following: (1) Site visit 
locations and schedules; (2) written materials proposed for 
dissemination to the field; (3) workshop locations, topics, formats and 
agendas; and (4) technical support intended to strengthen the content 
and the delivery of the technical assistance being provided. ORR 
intends to review and approve technical assistance plan for child 
welfare services for refugee families and communities in these areas 
and other activities proposed by the grantee related to the allowable 
activities listed below. ORR will also provide direction and feedback 
in implementation of the critical elements of the technical assistance 
activities approved under this plan.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants may propose all or some combination of the following, as 
well as other innovative strategies justifying their usefulness for 
technical assistance for the designated area:
--Provision of technical assistance to refugee communities, refugee 
service providers, school systems, school counselors, and refugee youth 
clubs, and child welfare and youth services agencies both in writing 
and through telephone consultation;
--Facilitating the electronic exchange of refugee child welfare 
information through a network website and listserve;
--Providing on-site group training or technical assistance meetings and 
workshops, drawing on positive traditions and community strengths to 
the extent practical;
--Promoting refugee families as foster parents;
--Identifying and disseminating youth coping skills in schools, 
communities and among families with deliberate focus on ORR funded 
youth and family related projects;
--Locating or developing training curricula and materials;
--Conducting on-site reviews of refugee child welfare services; and
--Providing technical assistance regarding guardianship to 
Unaccompanied Refugee Minor programs and service providers assisting 
children eligible for ORR services.
Review Criteria--Refugee Child Welfare Services
    1. Organizational Profiles. The capacity of the applicant to 
achieve the project's objectives is clearly demonstrated. 
Organizational expertise and experience in the provision of technical 
assistance and information sharing to assist parents and organizations 
in enhancing and promoting the well-being of refugee children and 
youth. (30 points)
    2. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate, and the proposed activities and time frames are 
reasonable. The technical assistance plan describes clearly and in 
detail the manner in which the applicant will assess the need for 
technical assistance, the proposed activities, and how the proposed 
activities are expected to address known technical assistance needs of 
organizations and individuals caring for refugee children and youth. 
(20 points)
    3. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. 
The description of staff qualifications demonstrates experience in 
providing technical assistance to organizations and individuals 
assisting and caring for refugee children and youth. (20 points)
    4. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (15 points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is clearly presented 
and is detailed, reasonable, and cost effective. (15 points)

Program Area 6--Technical Assistance to Promote Refugee Housing 
Opportunities

Purpose and Scope
    The primary goal of refugee resettlement is to assist refugees in 
becoming self-sufficient. One factor critical to achieving this goal is 
access to affordable and decent housing. ORR proposes to award one 
cooperative agreement to assist an agency in the development of a 
project that will provide technical assistance to ORR service providers 
in the provision of this essential service.
    This program area is intended to assist both service providers and 
refugees in gaining access to affordable and decent housing for refugee

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individuals and families. In most urban areas throughout the U.S. where 
the majority of refugees are resettled, rent levels are being pushed to 
record highs and there is a dwindling supply of affordable and decent 
housing. In many areas, rents are increasing faster than wages and 
recent energy price hikes have exacerbated an already critical 
situation. There is a need to assist resettlement agencies in 
developing innovative approaches to the housing crises to enable 
refugees to live as well-informed consumers in safe and affordable 
homes in desirable communities.
    A grantee in this category will provide technical planning and 
assistance to promote refugee access to housing that meets acceptable 
standards for health, safety, affordability, good repair, and 
maintenance.
    Approximately $200,000 has been allocated for this program area. 
One cooperative agreement may be awarded for one national project to 
promote refugee housing. Through this cooperative agreement, the 
grantee will submit a technical assistance plan to promote refugee 
housing opportunities that includes the following: (1) Proposed site 
visits and technical assistance activities and schedules; (2) all 
written materials developed prior to the release of such documents; (3) 
proposed workshop locations, topics, formats, and agendas; and (4) 
technical assistance plan to assist IDA grantees implementing IDA 
programs with housing components. ORR intends to review and approve a 
housing technical assistance plan in these areas and other activities 
proposed by the grantee in relation to the allowable activities listed 
below. ORR will also provide direction and feedback in addressing 
problems associated with refugee impacted areas and most affected 
refugee groups such as the elderly.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants may propose all or a combination of the activities 
described below or new and innovative approaches justifying their 
usefulness to providing technical assistance in the area of housing 
assistance and services.
--Assesses housing needs across the nation and selects and prioritizes 
affected areas; plans for on-site visits to provide technical 
assistance to agencies, and identify best practices in providing 
services for counseling refugees about housing;
--Provision of information to agencies on relevant available services 
and programs in the area of public housing assistance, including 
programs designed for low-income first time home buyers;
--Research of housing regulations and provisions for the elderly, low-
income families, large families and people with disabilities. 
Identifying and disseminating information on possible collaboration 
among public and private for profit and non-profit housing developers 
and providers;
--Preparation of a variety of reports to be distributed to agencies to 
assist them in providing housing services, including site visit reports 
and best practices reports;
--Organization and operation of workshops for agencies in the area of 
housing services, to include such subjects as effective use of 
assistance provided by HUD and other local assistance programs as 
available;
--Assistance in developing collaborative housing agreements and 
arrangements with employers, non-profit agencies, landlords, and other 
Federal and State agency programs;
--Training of case workers in orienting refugees to be responsible 
tenants including timely payment of rent, maintenance of apartments, 
building good credit, and negotiating with landlords;
--Exploring, developing, and promoting links between Individual 
Development Account programs, small businesses and other refugee 
economic activities to expand refugees' ability to rent or purchase 
homes and provide technical assistance to IDA grantees; and
--Provision of technical assistance to agencies in writing, by e-mail 
and by telephone.
Review Criteria--Refugee Housing Services
    1. Organizational Profiles. The capacity of the applicant to 
achieve the project's objectives is clearly demonstrated. 
Organizational expertise and experience in the provision of technical 
assistance and information sharing to refugee resettlement agencies and 
other non-profit and for profit organizations concerned with affordable 
housing for low income and needy families. (30 points)
    2. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate, and the proposed activities and time frames are 
reasonable. The technical assistance plan describes clearly and in 
detail the manner in which the applicant will assess the need for 
technical assistance, the proposed activities, and how the proposed 
activities are expected to address known housing technical assistance 
needs in resettling refugees. (20 points)
    3. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. 
The description of staff qualifications demonstrates experience in 
providing technical assistance to agencies that assist refugees with 
their housing needs. (20 points)
    4. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (15 points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is clearly presented 
and is detailed, reasonable, and cost effective. (15 points)

Program Area 7--Technical Assistance for Crime Prevention and Safety 
Programs for Refugee Communities

Purpose and Scope
    The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) proposes to award one 
cooperative agreement for the purpose of developing a project to 
provide integrated crime prevention technical assistance to refugee 
service providers, law enforcement entities, volunteers, refugee groups 
and communities that fosters partnerships among entities involved in 
building safe and crime-free communities where refugees live. Lack of 
awareness of the laws and practices of their new country that may 
result in crime or conflict with law enforcement is likely to slow or 
prevent the processes of refugee adjustment and/or efforts to achieve 
early self-sufficiency. ORR envisions that the technical assistance in 
this category will address a range of risk factors including family 
violence, social isolation, drugs, alcohol, as well as traditional 
child-rearing practices, spouse roles, and relationships of refugee 
families that may conflict with the laws and practices of the U.S. This 
technical assistance aims at reducing or eliminating crime and 
victimization among refugees, positively contributing to their safety 
and self-sufficiency, and supports the development of refugee youth 
training in leadership skills and conflict management.
    Approximately $400,000 has been allocated for this program area. 
One cooperative agreement will be awarded for one national project. The 
successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in planning and 
executing an integrated technical assistance plan to prevent criminal 
activities among refugee communities and demonstrated experience and 
flexibility in responding to the particular characteristics and needs 
of different ethnic and age groups.

[[Page 47355]]

    Through this cooperative agreement, the grantee will submit a 
technical assistance plan for crime prevention and safety programs for 
refugee communities in the following areas: (1) Technical assistance 
and training curricula; (2) community outreach activity; (3) written 
training and informational materials developed and proposed for 
dissemination to the field; and (4) proposed workshops locations, 
topics, schedules, presentation formats, and agendas that cover a wide 
range of ethnic and refugee age groups. ORR intends to review and 
approve a technical assistance plan in these areas and other activities 
related to the allowable activities listed below. ORR will also provide 
direction and feedback to the grantee to ensure the proper 
implementation of the crime prevention and safety activities.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants may propose all or some combination of the following, as 
well as other innovative strategies justifying their usefulness for 
technical assistance in the designated area:
--Assessing crime prevention technical assistance and training needs 
and sharing outreach techniques with various refugee communities and 
age groups.
--Promoting positive relationships between refugee communities and the 
criminal justice system.
--Disseminating information materials and technical advice related to 
crime prevention using models and best practices that work to reduce or 
eliminate crime and victimization among refugees;
--Collecting and summarizing data and information on program 
performance for ORR-funded programs that focus on crime prevention and 
related preventive and educational programs;
--Facilitating the electronic exchange of information through a website 
or listserve, and the collection and reporting of program activities, 
training and program impact information;
--Conducting group training or technical assistance meetings and 
workshops;
--Developing training curricula and outreach techniques to vulnerable 
groups and other supportive materials;
--Conducting on-site program reviews where appropriate;
--Maintaining a database of characteristics, noting trends and 
documenting achievements of crime prevention efforts; and
--Identifying and disseminating potential crime prevention resources, 
partnership opportunities, relevant research results, literature and 
possible community initiatives addressing refugee community risk 
elements.
Review Criteria--Crime Prevention and Safety
    1. Organizational Profiles. The capacity of the applicant to 
achieve the project's objectives is clearly demonstrated. 
Organizational expertise and experience in the provision of technical 
assistance and information sharing to assist refugee communities in 
their efforts to prevent crime and resolve conflicts. (30 points)
    2. Approach. The technical assistance plan is clearly described and 
appropriate, and the proposed activities and time frames are 
reasonable. The technical assistance plan describes clearly and in 
detail the manner in which the applicant will assess the need for 
technical assistance, the proposed activities, and how the proposed 
activities are expected to address known legal and crime issues in 
refugee communities. (20 points)
    3. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. 
The description of staff qualifications demonstrates experience in 
providing technical assistance in crime prevention in refugee 
communities. (20 points)
    4. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the technical assistance 
activities proposed. (15 points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is clearly presented 
and is detailed, reasonable, and cost effective. (15 points)

Program Area 8--Services for Asylees via a Multilingual Information and 
Referral Hotline

Purpose and Scope
    The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) proposes to award a grant 
for the purpose of operating an asylee information and referral toll-
free hotline. The purpose of this hotline is to assist asylees by 
providing them access to information on services in their respective 
communities and States. An extensive language bank capacity with all 
major language groups is required for hotline operators to communicate 
with asylees. ORR has an agreement with the asylum offices of the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to include in the text of letters 
granting asylum a toll-free number and information needed to access the 
refugee service network.
    ORR is currently seeking a similar agreement with immigration 
courts under the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to have 
similar information provided in letters granting asylum. Additional 
outreach efforts should also be conducted to expand enrollment of 
asylees in refugee programs and services.
    Approximately $300,000 has been allocated for this program area. 
One grant may be awarded for one national project. The successful 
applicant should demonstrate expertise in planning and executing an 
integrated technical assistance plan of information and referral to 
assist asylees to access the ORR-funded refugee service network via a 
multilingual toll-free hotline number.
    Through this grant, ORR will review and approve a service plan for 
asylees that includes: (1) Technical equipment required for a 
multilingual toll-free number; (2) accurate and up to date 
informational materials in a number of languages developed and proposed 
for dissemination to the field via the hotline; (3) the multilingual 
staff phone operators to man the hotline; and (4) an ability to assess 
and address problems with asylee access to local refugee services.
Allowable Activities
    Applicants should propose all of the following activities.
    Applicants are encouraged to propose additional innovative 
strategies providing justifications for their usefulness in the 
designated service area.

--Maintain a 1-800 asylee information and referral number with multiple 
selections for each major refugee language (minimum of seven 
languages);
--Create and update the script and protocol guidelines for hotline 
operators;
--Develop and maintain information in a multitude of languages on 
services and eligibility requirements to access the refugee service 
provider network including State-funded services and services provided 
through Voluntary Agency affiliates, particularly the Matching Grant 
program for persons with newly awarded grants of asylum;
--Maintain a database of characteristics, noting trends of languages 
needed, location of callers, ethnicity/country of origin of asylees, 
difference in time between date of grant of asylum and call to the 
hotline, and type of information sought through the phone calls; and
--Collect and summarize data and information on callers to the asylee

[[Page 47356]]

hotline for ORR funded programs as appropriate.
Review Criteria `` Multilingual Hotline
    1. Organizational Profiles. The capacity of the applicant to 
achieve the project's objectives is clearly demonstrated. 
Organizational expertise and experience in the provision of services 
and information sharing to assist asylees in accessing appropriate 
services. (30 points)
    2. Approach. The service plan is clearly described and appropriate, 
and the proposed activities and time frames are reasonable. The service 
plan clearly and fully describes how the applicant will assess the need 
for services, the scope of proposed activities, and how the proposed 
activities are expected to address known service needs of asylees. (20 
points)
    3. Staff and Position Data. Staff qualifications are clearly 
presented and are appropriate to achieving the project's objectives. 
The description of staff qualifications clearly demonstrates applicable 
experiences needed to assist asylees. (20 points)
    4. Results or Benefits Expected. The results or benefits expected 
are clearly explained and are appropriate to the activities proposed. 
(15 points)
    5. Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is clearly presented 
and is detailed, reasonable, and cost effective. (15 points)

Part II: General Instructions for Preparing a Full Project Description

Purpose and Introduction

    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.

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. Cross-referencing by identifying 
the page number of the information should be used rather than 
repetition. 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.
    Applicants shall prepare the project description statement in 
accordance with the following instructions and the specified evaluation 
criteria. The instructions give a broad overview of what the project 
description should include while the evaluation criteria expands and 
clarifies more program-specific information that is needed.

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, and/or other problem(s) requiring solution. The need for 
assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.

Results or Benefits Expected

    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, 
applicants can describe the number of programs to which technical 
assistance is provided, the number of workshops to be conducted, and 
for the hotlines, the number of asylees to receive information and 
number and type of referrals to appropriate services. When 
accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, events 
should be chronologically listed to show the schedule of 
accomplishments and their target dates.

Approach

    Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how 
the proposed work will be accomplished. 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 or 
organizations to be served and the number of activities to 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.
    If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals that will work on the project along with a short 
description of the nature of their effort or contribution.

Additional Information

    Following are requests for additional information that need to be 
included in the application:
Staff and Position Data
    Provide a biographical sketch for each key person appointed and a 
job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch 
will also be required for new key staff as appointed.
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

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Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, or by providing a copy 
of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, or by providing a 
copy of the articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the State in 
which the corporation or association is domiciled.
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.
Third-Party Agreements
    Include written agreements between grantees and sub-grantees or 
subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These agreements must 
detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and 
other terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.
Letters of Support
    Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders 
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should 
be included in the application or received by application deadline.
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.
General
    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.
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), and 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.
Fringe Benefits
    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
    Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of non-expendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.)
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the 
equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information that supports 
the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those which belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation contracts (if 
applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.
    Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a 
manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free 
competition. Recipients and sub-recipients, other than States that are 
required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated 
procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition 
and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 
403(11) (currently set at $100,000). Recipients might be required to 
make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such 
as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost 
estimates, etc.
    Applicant that delegate part of the project to another agency must 
provide budget narrative along with supporting information for the 
delegated agency.
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 (non-contractual), 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.

[[Page 47358]]

    Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a 
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
    Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should 
be used only when the applicant has currently approved an indirect cost 
rate 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 approved 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.
Program Income
    Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be 
generated from this project.
    Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of 
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application 
which contain this information.
Nonfederal Resources
    Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to 
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be 
documented and submitted with the application in order to be given 
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for 
each funding source.

Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total Project Costs

    The total direct, total indirect as well as the total project costs 
should be clearly indicated.

Part III: The Review Process

Intergovernmental Review: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)

    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed 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 SPOC, if applicable, 
or to ACF.
    In accordance with Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' this listing 
represents the designated State Single Points of Contact. The 
jurisdictions not listed, no longer participate in the process. But 
grant applicants are still eligible to apply for the grant even if your 
state, territory, commonwealth, etc. does not have a ``State Single 
Point of Contact.'' jurisdictions without ``state single points of 
contacts'' include: Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Colorado; Connecticut; 
Indiana; Hawaii; Idaho; Louisiana; Massachusetts; Minnesota; Montana; 
Nebraska; New Jersey; New York; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Palau; 
Pennsylvania; South Dakota; Tennessee; Vermont; Virginia; Washington; 
and Wyoming.
    This list is based on the most current information provided by the 
States. Information on any changes or apparent errors should be 
provided to the Office of Management and Budget and the State in 
question. Changes to the list will only be made upon formal 
notification by the State. Also, this listing is published biannually 
in the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance. See also the Web 
site--(http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grnts/spoc.httm)
    Jurisdictions that participate in the Executive Order process 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. Applicants must 
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that 
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the 
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if 
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this 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. 
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 
State official 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., 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, ATTN: Ms. 
Daphne Weeden, Grants Officer.
    A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory 
is included in this announcement.

OMB State Single Point of Contact Listing

    Arkansas. Mr. Tracy L. Copeland, Manager, State Clearinghouse 
Office of Intergovernmental Services, Department of Finance and 
Administration, 1515 W. 7th St., Room 412, Little Rock, Arkansas 
72203, Telephone: (501) 682-1074, FAX: (501) 682-5206.
    California. Grants Coordinator, Office of Planning and Research/
State Clearinghouse, 1400 Tenth Street, Room 121, Sacramento, 
California 95814, Telephone: (916) 323-7480, FAX: (916) 323-3018.
    Delaware. Francine Booth, State Single Point of Contact, 
Executive Department, Office of the Budget, 540 S. du Pont Highway, 
Suite 5, Dover, Delaware 19901, Telephone: (302) 739-3326, FAX: 
(302) 739-5661.
    District of Columbia. Charles Nichols, State Single Point of 
Contact, Office of Grants Management and Development, 717 14th 
Street, NW.--Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005, Telephone: (202) 727-
6537, FAX: (202) 727-1617, e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected].
    Illinois. Virginia Bova, State Single Point of Contact, Illinois 
Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, James R. Thompson 
Center, 100 West Randolph, Suite 3-400, Chicago, Illinois 60601, 
Telephone: (312) 814-6028, FAX: (312) 814-1800.
    Indiana. Frances Williams, State Budget Agency, 212 State House, 
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2796, Telephone: (317) 232-5619, FAX: 
(317) 233-3323.
    Iowa. Steven R. McCann, Division for Community Assistance, Iowa 
Department of Economic Development, 200 East Grand Avenue, Des 
Moines, Iowa 50309, Telephone: (515) 242-4719, FAX: (515) 242-4809.

[[Page 47359]]

    Kentucky. Kevin J. Goldsmith, Director, John-Mark Hack, Deputy 
Director, Sandra Brewer, Executive Secretary, Intergovernmental 
Affairs Office of the Governor, 700 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, 
Kentucky 40601, Telephone: (502) 564-2611, FAX: (502) 564-2849.
    Maine. Joyce Benson, State Planning Office, 184 State Street, 38 
State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333, Telephone: (207) 287-
3261, FAX: (207) 287-6489.
    Maryland. Linda C. Janey, JD Manager, Clearinghouse and Plan 
Review Unit, Maryland Office of Planning, 301 W. Preston Street--
Room 1104, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2305, Telephone: (410) 767-
4491, FAX: (410) 767-4480, e-mail: [email protected].
    Michigan. Richard Pfaff, Southeast Michigan Council of 
Governments, 660 Plaza Drive--Suite 1900, Detroit, Michigan 48226, 
Telephone: (313) 961-4266, FAX: (313) 961-4869.
    Mississippi. Cathy Mallette, Clearinghouse Officer, Department 
of Finance and Administration, 455 North Lamar Street, Jackson, 
Mississippi 39202-3087, Telephone: (601) 359-6762, FAX: (601) 359-
6764.
    Missouri. Lois Pohl/Carol Meyer, Federal Assistance 
Clearinghouse, Office of Administration, P.O. Box 809, Room 915, 
Jefferson Building, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, Telephone: (573) 
751-4834, FAX: (573) 522-4395.
    Nevada. Heather Elliott, Department of Administration, State 
Clearinghouse, Capitol Complex, Carson City, Nevada 89710, 
Telephone: (702) 687-6367, FAX: (702) 687-3983.
    New Hampshire. Jeffrey H. Taylor, Director, New Hampshire Office 
of State Planning, Attn: Intergovernmental Review Process, Mike 
Blake, Office of State Planning, 2 Beacon Street, Concord, New 
Hampshire 03301, Telephone: (603) 271-2155, FAX: (603) 271-1728.
    New Mexico. Nick Mandell, Local Government Division, Room 201, 
Bataan Memorial Building, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503, Telephone: 
(505) 827-4991, FAX: (505) 827-4948.
    North Carolina. Chrys Baggett, Director, North Carolina State 
Clearinghouse, Office of the Secretary of Administration, 116 West 
Jones Street--Suite 5106, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603-8003, 
Telephone: (919) 733-7232, FAX: (919) 733-9571.
    North Dakota. Jim Boyd, North Dakota Single Point of Contact, 
Office of Intergovernmental Assistance, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, 
Department 105, Bismarck, North Dakota 58505-0170, Telephone: (701) 
328-2094, FAX: (701) 328-2308.
    Rhode Island. Kevin Nelson, Review Coordinator, Department of 
Administration, Division of Planning, One Capitol Hill, 4th Floor, 
Providence, Rhode Island 02908-5870, Telephone: (401) 222-2656, FAX: 
(401) 222-2083.
    South Carolina. Omegia Burgess, State Single Point of Contact, 
Budget and Control Board, Office of State Budget, 1122 Ladies 
Street--12th Floor, Columbia, South Carolina 29201, Telephone: (803) 
734-0494, FAX: (803) 734-0645.
    Texas. Tom Adams, Single Point of Contact, State of Texas 
Governor's Office of Budget and Planning, Director, 
Intergovernmental Coordination, P.O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711-
2428, Telephone: (512) 463-1771, FAX: (512) 936-2681, e-mail: 
[email protected].
    Utah. Carolyn Wright, Utah State Clearinghouse, Office of 
Planning and Budget, Room 116, State Capitol, Salt Lake City, Utah 
84114, Telephone: (801) 538-1535, FAX: (801) 538-1547.
    West Virginia. Judith Dryer, Chief Program Manager, West 
Virginia Development, Office Building 6, Room 645, State 
Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia 25305, Telephone: (304) 558-0350, 
FAX: (304) 558-0362.
    Wisconsin. Jeff Smith, Section Chief, State/Federal Relations, 
Wisconsin Department of Administration, 101 East Wilson Street--6th 
Floor, P.O. Box 7868, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, Telephone: (608) 
266-0267, FAX: (608) 267-6931.

Territories

    Guam. Mr. Giovanni T. Sgambelluri, Director, Bureau of Budget 
and Management Research, Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 2950, 
Agana, Guam 96910, Telephone: 011-671-472-2285, FAX: 011-671-472-
2825.
    Puerto Rico. Norma Burgos/Jose E. Caro, Chairwoman/Director, 
Puerto Rico Planning Board, Federal Proposals Review Office, 
Minillas Government Center, P.O. Box 41119, San Juan, Puerto Rico 
00940-1119, Telephone: (809) 727-4444 or (809) 723-6190, FAX: (809) 
724-3270 or (809) 724-3103.
    Northern Mariana Islands. Mr. Alvaro A. Santos, Executive 
Officer, Office of Management and Budget, Office of the Governor, 
Saipan, MP 96950, Telephone: (670) 664-2256, FAX: (670) 664-2272. 
Please direct all questions and correspondence about 
intergovernmental review to: Ms. Jacoba T. Seman, Federal Programs 
Coordinator, Telephone: (670) 664-2289, FAX: (670) 664-2272.
    Virgin Islands. Nellon Bowry, Director, Office of Management and 
Budget, 41 Norregade Emancipation Garden Station, Second 
Floor, Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802. Please direct all 
questions and correspondence about intergovernmental review to: 
Daisey Millen, Telephone: (809) 774-0750, FAX: (809) 776-0069.

Initial ACF Screening

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

Competitive Review

    Applications that pass the initial ACF screening will be 
evaluated and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of 
specific evaluation criteria. The evaluation criteria are designed 
to assess the quality of a proposed project, and to determine the 
likelihood of its success. The evaluation criteria are closely 
related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality 
of an application. Points are awarded only to applications that are 
responsive to the evaluation criteria within the context of this 
program announcement.

Part IV: Application Submission

    In order to be considered for a grant under this program 
announcement, an application must be submitted on the forms supplied 
and in the manner prescribed by ACF. Application materials including 
forms and instructions are available from the contact named under 
the ADDRESSES section in the preamble of this announcement.
    Each application should include one signed original and two 
additional copies.
    Each program application narrative portion should not exceed 25 
double-spaced pages in a 12-pitch font. Attachments and appendices to 
the proposal should not exceed 25 pages and should be used only to 
provide supporting documentation such as maps, administration charts, 
position descriptions, resumes, and letters of intent for partnership 
agreements. Please do not include books or video tapes as they are not 
easily reproduced and are therefore, inaccessible to the reviewers. 
Each page should be numbered sequentially, including the attachments or 
appendices. Audit reports are not included in the 25-page limitation of 
the attachment section.

Application Materials

    Applicants for financial assistance under this announcement must 
file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF 
424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF 424B, 
Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for 
use in submitting applications. An application with an original 
signature and two copies is required.

Application Submission Information

    The closing date for submission of applications is 30 days from 
publication date. Mailed applications received after the closing date 
will be classified as late. Mailed applications shall be considered as 
meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the 
deadline date by ACF in time for the independent review at: U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children 
and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary 
Grants, 4th Floor, Aerospace Building, 901 D Street, SW., 20447, 
Attention: Ms. Daphne Weeden, Grants Officer. Applications that may be 
hand carried to the above address by applicants, applicant couriers, or 
by other representatives of the applicant shall be considered as 
meeting an announced deadline if they are received at the

[[Page 47360]]

above address 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. The address must appear on the envelope/package containing 
the application with the note ``Attention: Ms. Daphne Weeden.'' 
(Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.) ACF will acknowledge receipt of applications 
by letter.
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or 
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to 
ACF electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time of 
submission and time of receipt.
    Late applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above 
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant 
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail services. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Daphne Weeden, Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade SW., 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, (202) 401-4577.

Certification, Assurances, and Disclosure Required for Non-Construction 
Programs

    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 appropriate certification that they are not 
presently debarred, suspended and otherwise ineligible for the award. 
By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification with the 
application.
    Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable 
for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, part C 
Environment Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of 
1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the 
smoking prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting 
the application, applicants are providing the certification and need 
not mail back the certification with the application.
    Applicable Administrative Regulations: Applicable DHHS grant 
administration regulations can be found in 45 CFR part 74 or 92.
    Reporting Requirements: Grantees are required to file the Financial 
Status Report (SF-269) and Program Performance Report on a semi-annual 
basis. Funds issued under these awards must be accounted for and 
reported upon separately from all other grant activities. Although ORR 
does not expect the proposed projects to include evaluation activities, 
it does expect grantees to maintain adequate records to track and 
report on project outcomes. The official receipt point for all reports 
and correspondence is the ORR Grants Officer, Ms. Daphne Weeden, 
Administration for Children and Families/Office of Grants Management, 
370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, Telephone: 
(202) 401-4577.
    An original and one copy of each report shall be submitted within 
30 days of the end of each reporting period directly to the Grants 
Officer. The mailing address is: Ms. Daphne Weeden, Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade SW., 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. A final Financial and 
Program Report shall be due 90 days after the budget expiration date or 
termination of grant support.

    Dated: July 30, 2003.
Nguyen Van Hanh,
Director, Office of Refugee Resettlement.
[FR Doc. 03-20261 Filed 8-7-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P