[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 202 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59962-59971]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-26381]


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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION


Program: Cooperative Agreements for Benefits Planning, 
Assistance, and Outreach Projects; Program Announcement No. SSA-OESP-
03-1

AGENCY: Social Security Administration.

ACTION: Announcement of the availability of fiscal year 2004 
cooperative agreement funds and request for applications.

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SUMMARY: The Social Security Administration (SSA) announces its 
intention to award competitively a cooperative agreement to continue a 
community-based benefits planning, assistance, and outreach project in 
the State of Wyoming. The purpose of this project is to disseminate 
accurate information to beneficiaries with disabilities (including 
transition-to-work aged youth) about work incentives programs and 
issues related to such programs, to enable them to make informed 
choices about work.

DATES: The closing date for receipt of cooperative agreement 
applications under this announcement is December 4, 2003.
    Prospective applicants are also asked to submit, preferably by 
November 4, 2003, an e-mail, a fax, post card, or letter of intent that 
includes (1) the program announcement number (SSA-OESP-03-1) and title 
(Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program); (2) the name of 
the agency or organization that is applying; and (3) the name, mailing 
address, e-mail address, telephone number, and fax number for the 
organization's contact person. The notice of intent is not required, is 
not binding, and does not enter into the review process of a subsequent 
application. The purpose of the notice of intent is to allow SSA staff 
to estimate the number of independent reviewers needed and to avoid 
potential conflicts of interest in the review. The notice of intent 
should be faxed to (410) 966-1278; mailed to Social Security 
Administration, Office of Employment Support Programs, Division of 
Employment Policy, 107 Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, 
Baltimore, Maryland 21235-6401; or e-mailed to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Send questions about this announcement 
to the following Internet e-mail address: [email protected]. When 
sending in a question, reference program announcement number SSA-OESP-
03-1 and the date of this announcement.
    Although the Internet is the preferred method of communication, 
applicants who have questions about the program content of the 
application may also contact: Jennifer DeBoy, Program Analyst, or 
Natalie Funk, Team Leader, Social Security Administration, Office of 
Employment Support Programs, Division of Employment Policy, 107 
Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21235-
6401. The telephone number for Jennifer DeBoy is (410) 965-8658; for 
Natalie Funk, (410) 965-0078. The fax number is (410) 966-1278.
    To obtain an application kit, see the instructions under Part VI, 
Section A. Although the Internet is SSA's preferred method of 
communication, for information regarding the application package, you 
may also contact: Phyllis Y. Smith or Gary Stammer, Social Security 
Administration, Office of Acquisition and Grants, Grants Management 
Team, 1-E-4 Gwynn Oak Building, 1710 Gwynn Oak Avenue, Baltimore, 
Maryland 21207-5279. The telephone numbers are: Phyllis Y. Smith, (410) 
965-9518, or Gary Stammer, (410) 965-9501. The fax number is (410) 966-
9310.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Law 106-170 was enacted on December 
17, 1999, to expand the availability of health care coverage for 
working individuals with disabilities, to establish a Ticket to Work 
and Self-Sufficiency Program in SSA to provide beneficiaries with 
disabilities meaningful opportunities to work, and to provide benefits 
planning and assistance services, and outreach to beneficiaries with 
disabilities, among other purposes. SSA must ensure that benefits 
planning, assistance, and outreach are available to all beneficiaries 
with disabilities nationally, on a statewide basis.
    On May 31, 2000, and January 5, 2001, SSA made announcements of 
cooperative agreement funds and requested applications. SSA's intent 
was to establish benefits planning, assistance and outreach services in 
every State and U.S. Territory, and in the District of Columbia, and to 
ensure that services are available to all SSA beneficiaries with 
disabilities throughout each. The current awardee for the State of 
Wyoming has decided not to renew their cooperative agreement beyond 
December, 2003.
    This announcement is to request applications for fiscal year (FY) 
2004 funds to provide direct benefits planning, assistance and outreach 
services to all SSA disability beneficiaries in the State of Wyoming 
for the period January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2004. Funding after FY 
2004 is contingent upon funding availability.

    Note: SSA has awarded separate contracts to three organizations 
(Cornell University, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and the 
University of Missouri-Columbia (UMO-C)) to provide technical 
assistance and training on SSA's programs and work incentives, 
Medicare and Medicaid, and on other Federal work incentives 
programs, to Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program 
cooperative agreement awardees. The contractor for Wyoming is UMO-C: 
C. David Roberts, [email protected], (573) 882-3807.

    SSA will conduct a pre-application seminar to provide interested 
applicants with guidance and technical assistance in preparing their 
applications. Information about where and when the seminar will be held 
will be on our Web site: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work/ServiceProviders/providers.html#Contract.

Table of Contents

Part I. Program Description

[[Page 59963]]

    A. Introduction
    B. Background
    C. Purpose of the Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach 
Program
    D. Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program Goals
Part II. Authority and Type of Awards
    A. Statutory Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance Number
    B. Type of Awards
    C. Number, Size, and Duration of Projects
    D. Awardee Share of the Project Costs
Part III. The Application Process
    A. Eligible Applicants
    B. Targeted Geographic Area/Population
    C. Application Process
    D. Application Consideration
    E. Application Approval
    F. Costs
Part IV. Program Requirements
    A. General Requirements
    B. Description of Projects
    C. Benefits Specialist Responsibilities and Competencies
    D. Management Information and Reporting
    E. Evaluation
Part V. Application Review Process and Evaluation Criteria
    A. Screening Requirements
    B. Evaluation Criteria
Part VI. Instructions for Obtaining and Submitting Application
    A. Availability of Forms
    B. Checklist for a Complete Application
    C. Guidelines for Application Submission

Part I. Program Description

A. Introduction

    Section 1149 of the Social Security Act, as added by section 121 of 
the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 
(TWWIIA), requires the Commissioner of Social Security (the 
Commissioner) to establish a community-based work incentives planning 
and assistance program. Under this program, the Commissioner is 
required to establish a competitive program of grants, cooperative 
agreements, or contracts to provide benefits planning and assistance. 
We have established a cooperative agreement program known as the 
Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach (BPAO) Program to 
disseminate accurate information to beneficiaries with disabilities 
about work incentives programs and issues related to such programs.

B. Background

    Even though employment opportunities have increased due to 
technology, legislation, and changes in societal attitudes, only a 
small percentage of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or 
disabled or blind Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries 
leave the rolls because of work activity. There are a number of reasons 
for this. First, beneficiaries of SSDI and SSI based on disability or 
blindness, by definition, have serious disabilities, which limit 
choices in employment. However, disability advocates report that many 
individuals with disabilities who receive public assistance want to 
work, or increase their work activity, and may be willing to attempt to 
work or increase work activity, with proper assistance and support. 
There is also evidence that many individuals with severe disabilities 
do work and do not rely on income supports.
    Second, people with disabilities who want to work face significant 
barriers. Many advocates and people with disabilities contend that the 
fear of losing health care benefits is the largest impediment. Public 
health insurance and long-term care services are usually tied to income 
support programs such as SSDI, SSI, and Temporary Assistance for Needy 
Families (TANF). Employment-based health insurance is frequently not 
available to those with disabilities due to pre-existing condition 
clauses or exclusions of treatment for mental illness. Private 
insurance is often unaffordable for people with serious illnesses and 
chronic or long-term impairments, since they are charged much higher 
than average premiums.
    Third, while the SSDI, SSI, Medicare and Medicaid programs all 
contain valuable work incentives provisions which can extend cash 
benefits and medical coverage, they are under-used and, often, poorly 
understood by beneficiaries and professionals alike. The complexity and 
nature of the work incentives, and the interrelationship of myriad 
Federal, State, and local programs on which beneficiaries rely, create 
uncertainty and fear. Beneficiaries are concerned that they may lose 
vital income supports and coverage for mental and physical health care 
if they attempt to work.
    For example, many people with disabilities rely on a patchwork of 
financial supports that have different eligibility criteria and 
application procedures. The benefits derived from a number of these 
programs are means-tested. Increases in income can cause rent increases 
in Section 8 housing, loss of food stamps or public assistance 
payments. Many individuals who may be willing to risk the loss of cash 
benefits from TANF, SSDI or SSI cannot absorb the loss of housing 
subsidies and other supports.
    Despite these barriers, many people with severe disabilities have 
managed to use existing services and work incentives to reach their 
goals of financial self-sufficiency, while retaining necessary 
supports. However, those who are successful in returning to work 
frequently report that the availability of a knowledgeable advocate 
made a difference in their ability to navigate complex program 
requirements and in their willingness to attempt to return to work. 
Further, the support of that advocate provided them a sense of security 
needed to maintain work activity. The projects funded under this 
cooperative agreement program are part of SSA's Employment Strategy for 
People with Disabilities to increase the number of beneficiaries who 
return to work and achieve self-sufficiency by delivering direct 
services to beneficiaries.

C. Purpose of the Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program

    The purpose of the Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach 
Program is to provide Statewide benefits planning and assistance, 
including information on the availability of protection and advocacy 
services, to all SSDI and SSI beneficiaries with disabilities, and to 
conduct ongoing outreach to those beneficiaries with disabilities (and 
to their families) who are potentially eligible to participate in State 
or Federal work incentives programs.
    The Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program is required 
by TWWIIA and is part of SSA's employment strategy for people with 
disabilities. One of SSA's goals in implementing TWWIIA is to help 
achieve a substantial increase in the number of beneficiaries who 
return to work and achieve self-sufficiency. In support of this goal, 
SSA is seeking well-qualified applicants to provide SSDI and SSI 
beneficiaries with benefits planning, assistance, and outreach. While 
other parts of SSA's employment strategy for people with disabilities 
provide direct employment services to help beneficiaries become 
employed or increase their level of employment, this program aims to 
improve beneficiaries' understanding of work options so that they may 
make more informed choices regarding work.

D. Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program Goals

    The goal of the Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program 
is to support SSA's overall employment strategy for persons with 
disabilities by providing benefits planning and assistance, and 
conducting outreach to beneficiaries with disabilities, about Federal, 
State, and local work incentives programs and related issues.
    To assist SSA in assessing the scope and utility of outreach and 
information provided under this program, each project is required to:

[[Page 59964]]

    1. Collect data pertaining to benefits planning and assistance, and 
outreach activities as described in Part IV, Section D, Management 
Information and Reporting; and
    2. Cooperate with SSA in providing the information needed for a 
customer satisfaction survey on the quality of the benefits planning 
and assistance services being provided and for an assessment of the 
success of the Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program.
    SSA will evaluate the data in 1. above and the results of the 
customer satisfaction surveys to determine the extent to which the 
projects were effective in providing benefits planning and assistance 
services, and outreach. The effectiveness of the projects will be 
measured by the range of beneficiaries served and responses regarding 
the knowledge of SSA work incentives and utility of benefits planning 
and assistance services. Data to be collected will include information 
about:
    [sbull] Beneficiaries who receive comprehensive, coordinated 
benefits planning and assistance services, and outreach;
    [sbull] Beneficiaries' demographic characteristics;
    [sbull] Beneficiaries' income support characteristics (including 
earnings and SSA and non-SSA benefits);
    [sbull] Beneficiaries' non-income support characteristics 
(including access to public and private health care); and
    [sbull] Beneficiaries' work and benefit related goals and 
strategies.

Part II. Authority and Type of Awards

A. Statutory Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
Number

    Legislative authority for this cooperative agreement program is in 
section 1149 of the Social Security Act (the Act), as established by 
section 121 of Public Law 106-170. The regulatory requirements that 
govern the administration of SSA awards are in the Code of Federal 
Regulations, title 20, parts 435 and 437 (as published in the May 27, 
2003, Federal Register at 68 FR 28710 and 28727). Applicants are urged 
to review the requirements in the applicable regulations. This program 
is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under Program 
No. 96.008, Social Security Administration--Benefits Planning, 
Assistance, and Outreach Program.

B. Type of Awards

    All awards made under this program are in the form of cooperative 
agreements. A cooperative agreement anticipates substantial involvement 
between SSA and the awardee during the performance of the project. 
Involvement will include collaboration or participation by SSA in the 
management of the activity as determined at the time of the award. For 
example, SSA will be involved in decisions involving strategy, hiring 
of personnel, deployment of resources, release of public information 
materials, quality assurance, and coordination of activities with other 
offices.

C. Number, Size, and Duration of Projects

    Section 1149(d) of the Act authorizes annual appropriations not to 
exceed $23 million for FYs 2000 through 2004. Actual funding 
availability during this period is subject to annual appropriation by 
Congress. SSA anticipates that the award under this announcement will 
be made by December 31, 2003.
    SSA will award a cooperative agreement to a qualified entity in 
Wyoming based in part on the number of beneficiaries with disabilities 
in that State.
    Subject to the availability of funds, SSA anticipates that $50,000 
would be available to fund the Benefits Planning, Assistance and 
Outreach Program project in Wyoming in FY 2004. SSA may suspend or 
terminate any cooperative agreement in whole or in part at any time 
before the date of expiration, whenever it determines that the awardee 
has materially failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the 
cooperative agreement. SSA will promptly notify the awardee in writing 
of the determination and the reasons for suspension or termination 
together with the effective date.

D. Awardee Share of the Project Costs

    Awardees of SSA cooperative agreements are required to contribute a 
non-Federal match of at least 5 percent toward the cost of each 
project. The cost of the project is the sum of the Federal share (up to 
95 percent) and the non-Federal share (at least 5 percent). For 
Wyoming, an entity that is awarded a cooperative agreement of $50,000 
would need a non-Federal share of at least $2,631. The non-Federal 
share may be cash or in-kind (property or services) contributions.

Part III. The Application Process

A. Eligible Applicants

    A cooperative agreement may be awarded to any State or local 
government, public or private organization, or nonprofit or for-profit 
organization that the Commissioner determines is qualified to provide 
benefits planning, assistance, and outreach to all SSDI and SSI 
beneficiaries with disabilities, within the targeted geographic area. 
Awardees may include Centers for Independent Living established under 
title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, protection and advocacy 
organizations, Native American tribal entities, client assistance 
programs established in accordance with section 112 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, State Developmental Disabilities Councils 
established in accordance with section 124 of the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, and State agencies 
administering the State program funded under part A of title IV of the 
Act. The Commissioner may also award a cooperative agreement to a State 
or local Workforce Investment Board, a Department of Labor (DOL) One-
Stop Career Center System established under the Workforce Investment 
Act of 1998, or a State vocational rehabilitation agency.
    SSA encourages applications from public or private agencies or 
organizations, including from local or divisional offices of larger or 
statewide agencies or organizations. Applications from local or 
divisional offices of larger entities, however, must demonstrate that 
the local or divisional office has authority to enter into cooperative 
agreements and to be ultimately responsible for funds.

    Note: For-profit organizations may apply with the understanding 
that no cooperative agreement funds may be profit to an awardee of a 
cooperative agreement. Profit is considered as any amount in excess 
of the allowable costs of the cooperative agreement awardee. A for-
profit organization is a corporation or other legal entity that is 
organized or operated for the profit or benefit of its shareholders 
or other owners and must be distinguishable or legally separable 
from that of an individual acting on his/her own behalf. 
Applications will not be accepted from applicants who do not meet 
the above eligibility criteria at the time of submission of 
applications.

    Cooperative agreements may not be awarded to:
    [sbull] Any individual;
    [sbull] Social Security Administration Field Offices;
    [sbull] Any State agency administering the State Medicaid program 
under title XIX of the Act;
    [sbull] Any entity that the Commissioner determines would have a 
conflict of interest if the entity were to receive a cooperative 
agreement under the Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach 
Program; or
    [sbull] Any organization described in section 501(c)(4) of the 
Internal Revenue

[[Page 59965]]

Code of 1968 that engages in lobbying (in accordance with section 18 of 
the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1611).

    Note: Any protection and advocacy organization must fully 
explain how it will ensure there will be no conflict of interest 
between providing benefits planning and assistance services and 
outreach, and delivering protection and advocacy services to 
beneficiaries. In particular, they must show how they will ensure 
full protection and advocacy services will be provided when the 
complaint is against the Benefits Specialist or organization. Also, 
any organization that applies to be an employment network under 
SSA's Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program must fully explain 
how it will ensure there will be no conflict of interest if it also 
receives a cooperative agreement to provide benefits planning, 
assistance, and outreach. This is especially important in the area 
of assisting beneficiaries with PASS plans or other work incentives 
which will enable them to keep receiving benefits, thus delaying, or 
preventing entirely, payments to the employment network.

B. Targeted Geographic Area/Population

    While SSA recognizes that not every SSDI or SSI beneficiary with a 
disability will access benefits planning, assistance, and outreach, it 
must be available to each via the project targeting Wyoming. Therefore, 
the awarded project must make those services available to all SSDI and 
SSI beneficiaries with disabilities within that geographic area. 
Because youth with disabilities is such an important population to 
target for those services, each project must make benefits planning, 
assistance, and outreach available to SSI recipients as young as age 
14. In providing benefits planning, assistance, and outreach, projects 
must make concerted and aggressive efforts to address the needs of 
underserved individuals with disabilities from diverse ethnic and 
racial communities (e.g., Native Americans, Vietnamese). In particular, 
applicants should show how they intend to do outreach in ways that 
ensure interaction with diverse communities.
    Entities are encouraged to collaborate with other public and/or 
private organizations (e.g., DOL One-Stop Career Center), through 
interagency agreements or other mechanisms, if necessary, to integrate 
services to beneficiaries with disabilities. Entities should also 
consider collaboration with other organizations to prepare an 
application for a cooperative agreement to provide benefits planning, 
assistance, and outreach to all beneficiaries within Wyoming.
    An application developed jointly by more than one agency or 
organization must identify only one organization as the lead 
organization and official applicant. The other participating agencies 
and organizations can be included as co-applicants, subgrantees or 
subcontractors.

C. Application Process

    The cooperative agreement application process consists of a one-
stage, full application. Independent reviewers will competitively 
review the application against the evaluation criteria specified in 
this announcement (see Part V).

D. Application Consideration

    Applications will initially be screened for relevance to this 
announcement. If judged irrelevant, the application will be returned to 
the applicant. Also, applications that do not meet the applicant 
eligibility criteria in Section A above will not be accepted.
    Applications that are complete and conform to the requirements of 
this announcement, the instructions in Form SSA-96-BK, and the separate 
instructions for completing Part III, Program Narrative (of the SSA-96-
BK), will be reviewed competitively against the evaluation criteria 
specified in Part V of this announcement and evaluated by Federal and 
non-Federal personnel. See Part VI for instructions on obtaining Form 
SSA-96-BK. The results of this review and evaluation will assist the 
Commissioner in making the award decision. Although the results of this 
review are a primary factor considered in making the decisions, the 
review score is not the only factor used. In selecting eligible 
applicants to be funded, consideration will be given to achieving 
statewide accessibility to benefits planning, assistance, and outreach.
    The application requirements in Part IV are the minimum amount of 
required project information. Projects are responsible for collecting 
management information (MI) according to the guidelines provided, 
producing regular reports according to the guidelines provided, and 
producing a final report which analyzes the successes and/or failures 
of the methodology used to provide benefits planning, assistance, and 
outreach to SSDI and SSI beneficiaries, and others.
    All projects must adhere to SSA's Privacy and Confidentiality 
Regulations (20 CFR part 401) for maintaining records of individuals, 
as well as provide specific safeguards surrounding beneficiary 
information sharing, paper/computer records/data, and other issues 
potentially arising from providing benefits planning, assistance, and 
outreach to SSDI and SSI beneficiaries with disabilities. Personal 
beneficiary data should be accessible to only project personnel by way 
of locked file cabinets, computer password protections, etc.

E. Application Approval

    A cooperative agreement award will be issued within the constraints 
of available Federal funds and at the discretion of SSA. The official 
award document is the ``Notice of Cooperative Agreement Award.'' It 
will provide the amount of the award, the purpose of the award, the 
term of the agreement, the total project period for which support is 
contemplated, the amount of financial participation required, and any 
special terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement.

F. Costs

    Federal cooperative agreement funds may be used for allowable costs 
incurred by awardees in conducting direct benefits planning, 
assistance, and outreach services to SSA's beneficiaries with 
disabilities. These costs could include administrative and overall 
project management costs, within the limitations discussed earlier.
    Federal cooperative agreement funds are not intended to cover costs 
that are reimbursable under an existing public or private program, such 
as social services, rehabilitation services, or education. No SSDI or 
SSI beneficiary can be charged for any service delivered under a 
Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program cooperative 
agreement, including preparing a PASS. Benefits planning and assistance 
services are intended to be free and must be made accessible to all SSA 
beneficiaries with disabilities in the project's target geographical 
area. Project funds should not be used to create new benefits or 
extensions of existing benefits.

Part IV. Program Requirements

A. General Requirements

    The cooperative agreement awardees shall:
    1. Work with SSA's technical assistance and training contractor in 
arranging training for Benefits Specialists;
    2. Provide a brief project description to the contractor;
    3. Employ Benefits Specialists and have them attend an initial 5-
day face-to-face training session within 90 days of award. SSA's 
technical assistance and training contractor will provide

[[Page 59966]]

technical assistance and training to projects about SSA's programs and 
work incentives (e.g., trial-work period (TWP), extended period of 
eligibility (EPE), impairment-related work expenses (IRWE), Plan for 
Achieving Self-Support (PASS), 1619(a) and (b), and Medicaid buy-in 
provisions/Balanced Budget Act); Medicare and Medicaid; and on other 
Federal work incentives programs. The applicant is responsible for 
providing technical assistance and training to Benefits Specialists 
about State and local programs.
    4. Have Benefits Specialists attend refresher/follow-up and new 
hire training sessions, as needed, and take part in the evaluation of 
training activities and the evaluation of ongoing training needs 
evaluation by the contractor.
    5. Within 90 days after award, the applicant will ensure Benefits 
Specialists have completed training, have developed outreach plans and 
begun initial outreach, and are prepared to provide direct benefits 
planning and assistance services to all SSDI and SSI beneficiaries with 
disabilities within the targeted geographic area who are requesting 
these services;
    6. Finalize the MI system data collection elements (as defined by 
SSA) and procedures with SSA and assure compatibility with the VCU data 
collection program within 60 days after award;
    7. Develop and submit quarterly reports that contain MI to SSA, 
Office of Acquisition and Grants (OAG);
    8. Develop and submit quarterly financial reports to SSA, OAG;
    9. Provide a description of all planned changes to the project 
design for approval by SSA prior to implementation;
    10. Cooperate with SSA in scheduling and conducting site visits;
    11. Develop and maintain a collaborative working relationship with 
the local servicing Social Security office;
    12. Implement an ongoing management and quality assurance process 
that uses MI data; and
    13. Attend scheduled conferences, participate in panel and small 
group discussions, and make project presentations.

B. Description of Projects

    The project awardee shall:
    [sbull] Provide direct individualized benefits planning and 
assistance, including information on the availability of protection and 
advocacy services, to beneficiaries with disabilities, including 
individuals participating in the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency 
Program established under section 1148 of the Act, the program 
established under section 1619(a) of the Act, and other programs that 
are designed to encourage disabled beneficiaries to work;
    [sbull] Conduct ongoing outreach efforts to beneficiaries with 
disabilities (and to the families of such beneficiaries) who are 
potentially eligible to participate in Federal or State work incentives 
programs that are designed to assist beneficiaries with disabilities to 
work, by preparing and disseminating information and explaining such 
programs. In conducting benefits planning, assistance, and outreach 
activities, project awardees will work in cooperation with other 
Federal, State, and private agencies and nonprofit organizations that 
serve beneficiaries with disabilities, and with agencies and 
organizations that focus on vocational rehabilitation and work-related 
training and counseling, including DOL One-Stop Career Centers.
    In order to be considered for an award, applicants must describe:
    [sbull] Their understanding of benefits planning and assistance, 
including the benefits programs with which they have worked in the 
past;
    [sbull] How they will notify all SSDI and SSI beneficiaries with 
disabilities in Wyoming about benefits planning and assistance and 
provide those services to beneficiaries;
    [sbull] Their understanding of outreach, and how they will conduct 
outreach to all SSDI and SSI beneficiaries with disabilities (and their 
families) in Wyoming who are potentially eligible to participate in 
Federal or State work incentives programs designed to assist 
beneficiaries with disabilities to work, and, particularly, how the 
outreach strategies, information, and materials will be modified to 
seek out different ethnic and racial groups;
    [sbull] The scope of the project; and
    [sbull] How that project achieves the Benefits Planning, 
Assistance, and Outreach Program goals in Part I, Section D.
    The applicants must also describe how they will address any special 
cultural requirements of populations (e.g., Native Americans) within 
the targeted geographic area, as well as non-English speaking 
populations (e.g., Vietnamese) and SSI recipients as young as age 14.
    In providing benefits planning and assistance services, and 
conducting outreach, projects must be sensitive to issues such as 
cultural differences and non-English speaking populations within the 
areas they serve (e.g., Native Americans, Vietnamese). Specifically, 
projects must address the needs of underserved individuals with 
disabilities from diverse ethnic and racial communities and show how 
they intend to provide outreach in ways that ensure interaction with 
diverse communities. (SSA awarded a contract to the University of 
Montana to provide technical assistance on Native American cultural and 
tribal considerations to Benefits Specialists in the Benefits Planning, 
Assistance, and Outreach program.)
    Applicants must also provide information on:
    [sbull] Collaborative relationships with relevant agencies, 
including SSA's field offices, and organizations (e.g., Centers for 
Independent Living, DOL One-Stop Career Centers);
    [sbull] Specific services and supports that will be involved in the 
project and their roles;
    [sbull] Case management and monitoring systems and techniques to be 
used (see http://www.ssa.gov/work/BPAO/bpao.html for further 
information regarding an available case management system for Benefits 
Planning, Assistance, and Outreach projects);
    [sbull] Methods of evaluating benefits planning, assistance, and 
outreach provided; and
    [sbull] The MI and quality assurance process that will be used.
    Applicants must also describe how Benefits Specialists will be 
trained on numerous supports which are often used by people with 
disabilities, such as long-term care, subsidized housing, paratransit, 
and food stamps; variations in benefits and services in Wyoming; 
Wyoming's work incentives programs; workers' compensation and 
unemployment insurance programs; vocational rehabilitation services; 
work-related training and counseling programs; and other community-
based support programs designed to enable people with disabilities to 
work.
    Applicants must also describe how Benefits Specialists will be 
trained to conduct outreach by providing information, guidance, and 
planning to beneficiaries with disabilities on the:
    [sbull] Availability and interrelation of any Federal or State work 
incentives programs designed to assist beneficiaries with disabilities 
for which the individual may be eligible to participate;
    [sbull] Adequacy of any health benefits coverage that may be 
offered by an employer of the individual and the extent to which other 
health benefits coverage may be available to the individual; and

[[Page 59967]]

    [sbull] Availability of protection and advocacy services for 
beneficiaries with disabilities and how to access such services.

    Note: The technical assistance and training contractor may 
provide technical assistance materials to enable project Benefits 
Specialists to get information about the subjects in the preceding 
paragraphs. However, each awardee shall be responsible for ensuring 
that Benefits Specialists are well-versed in these areas.

    Applicants must describe any plans they have to collaborate or 
coordinate with public and private organizations to achieve and/or 
improve their project goals and submit evidence to SSA of these 
organizations' capabilities, and willingness to participate (e.g., 
letters of intent, memoranda of understanding). Applicants should not 
request letters of intent or commitment from SSA field offices. SSA 
will assure field office cooperation.
    Each applicant must describe the number of beneficiaries with 
disabilities it expects to serve. SSA records indicate there are 
approximately 11,500 beneficiaries in Wyoming.

    Note: All SSDI and SSI beneficiaries (including SSI recipients 
as young as age 14) within the geographic area served by the 
project, must be able to access benefits planning, assistance, and 
outreach via the project.

    The project may be part of a larger State initiative; e.g., a DOL 
One-Stop Career Center, that serves other individuals with 
disabilities, such as TANF recipients; however, funds provided by SSA 
under the cooperative agreements cannot be used to serve people with 
disabilities who are not beneficiaries of SSDI and/or SSI.

C. Benefits Specialist Responsibilities and Competencies

1. Responsibilities
    The cooperative agreement awardee shall select individuals who will 
act as Benefits Specialists. Benefits Specialists will provide work 
incentives planning and assistance directly to beneficiaries with 
disabilities; conduct outreach efforts to beneficiaries with 
disabilities (and their families), who are potentially eligible to 
participate in Federal or State work incentives programs designed to 
assist disabled beneficiaries to work; and work in cooperation with 
Federal, State, and private agencies and nonprofit organizations that 
serve beneficiaries with disabilities. Benefits Specialists will also 
provide information on the adequacy of health benefits coverage that 
may be offered by an employer of a beneficiary with a disability; the 
extent to which other health benefits coverage may be available to that 
beneficiary; and the availability of protection and advocacy services 
for beneficiaries with disabilities, and how to access such services.
    Benefits Planning. Benefits planning requires an in-depth 
understanding of the current status of a beneficiary being served. 
Initial benefits planning will support a beneficiary over a period of 
several weeks to several months, concluding when the beneficiary has 
received guidance to support informed choices. Benefits Specialists 
will establish plans for beneficiaries with disabilities, and develop 
long-term supports that may be needed to ensure success. Following the 
initial benefits planning process, they will provide periodic, follow-
up planning services to ensure that the information, analysis, and 
guidance are updated as new conditions (with regard to the applicable 
programs or to the individual's situation) arise.
    To provide benefits planning services, Benefits Specialists will:
    [sbull] Obtain and evaluate comprehensive information about a 
beneficiary with a disability on the following:

--Beneficiary background information,
--Disability,
--Employment and earnings,
--Resources,
--Federal and State benefits,
--Health insurance,
--Work expenses,
--Work incentives, and
--Service(s) and supports;

    [sbull] Assess the potential impacts of employment and/or other 
changes on a beneficiary's Federal and State benefits eligibility and 
overall financial well-being;
    [sbull] Provide information and assist the beneficiary in 
understanding and assessing the potential impacts of employment and/or 
other actions or changes on his/her life situation, and provide 
specific guidance regarding the affects of various work incentives;
    [sbull] Develop a comprehensive framework of possible options 
available to a beneficiary and projected results for each as part of 
the career development and employment process; and
    [sbull] Ensure confidentiality of all information provided.
    Benefits Assistance. Benefits assistance involves the delivery of 
information and direct supports for the purpose of assisting a 
beneficiary in dealing with benefit issues and effectively managing 
benefits. Benefits assistance also involves providing information and 
referral and problem-solving services as needed. Benefits management 
services will generally build on previous planning and assistance 
services and include periodic updates of an individual's specific 
information, reassessment of benefit(s) and overall impacts, education 
and advisement, and additional planning for monitoring and managing 
benefits and work incentives.
    To provide benefits assistance services, Benefits Specialists will:
    [sbull] Provide time-limited direct assistance to a beneficiary in 
the development of a comprehensive, long-term benefits management plan 
to guide the effective monitoring and management of Federal and State 
benefits and work incentives. Specific components of the plan must 
address:

--Desired benefit and work outcomes,
--Related steps or activities necessary to achieve outcomes,
--Associated dates or time frames,
--Building on initial benefits planning efforts including information 
gathering, analysis and advisement, and
    [sbull] Benefits/financial analysis (pre- and post-employment);

    [sbull] Provide time-limited, intensive assistance to 
beneficiaries, their key stakeholders, and their support teams in 
making informed choices and establishing both employment-related goals 
as well as needed benefits management supports. Needed benefits 
assistance could include:

--How SSDI and SSI work incentives programs may lead to self-supporting 
employment by developing a PASS,
--Developing a PASS which can be used to obtain training, education, 
and entrepreneurial opportunities,
--How a PASS can be used to address some of the barriers to employment, 
such as obtaining a car for transportation needs, and
--The 1619(b) provisions and requirements;

    [sbull] Advocate on behalf of a beneficiary with other agencies and 
programs, which requires in-person, telephone and/or written 
communication with the individual and other involved parties generally 
over a period of several weeks to several months;
    [sbull] Provide time-limited follow-up assistance as needed to 
beneficiaries who have previously received benefits planning and /or 
other types of benefits assistance services and:

--Assist them and other involved parties to update information,
--Reassess impact of employment and other changes on benefits and work 
incentives, and
--Provide additional guidance on benefit options, issues and management 
strategies;


[[Page 59968]]


    [sbull] Assist beneficiaries as needed to update benefits 
management plan;
    [sbull] Provide information, referral, and problem-solving support;
    [sbull] Provide ongoing, comprehensive, benefits monitoring and 
management assistance to beneficiaries who are likely to experience 
employment, benefits, or other changes that may dramatically affect 
their benefit(s) status, health care, or overall financial well being; 
and
    [sbull] Provide long-term benefits management on a scheduled, 
continuous basis, allowing for the planning and provision of supports 
at regular checkpoints, as well as critical transition points in an 
individual's benefits, employment and overall situation.
    Outreach. Outreach activities are ongoing, systematic efforts to 
inform individuals of available work incentives, as well as the 
services and supports available to enable them to access and benefit 
from those work incentives. Outreach efforts should be targeted 
directly to SSDI and SSI beneficiaries with disabilities, their 
families, and to advocacy groups and service provider agencies that 
have regular contact with them. Outreach activities should be directed 
toward and sensitive to the needs of individuals from diverse ethnic 
backgrounds, persons with English as their second language, as well as 
non-English speaking persons, individuals residing in highly urban or 
rural areas, and other traditionally underserved groups.
    To conduct ongoing outreach, Benefits Specialists will:
    [sbull] Prepare and disseminate information explaining Federal or 
State work incentives programs and their interrelationships; and
    [sbull] Work in cooperation with other Federal, State, and private 
agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve beneficiaries with 
disabilities, and with agencies and organizations that focus on 
vocational rehabilitation and work-related training and counseling.
    The Benefits Specialists will conduct outreach to SSDI and SSI 
beneficiaries with disabilities (and their families), who are 
potentially eligible to participate in Federal or State work incentives 
programs that are designed to assist beneficiaries with disabilities to 
work.
2. Competencies
    Applicants must ensure that Benefits Specialists have the skills 
required to competently provide benefits planning and assistance 
services, and outreach. We prefer that cooperative agreement awardees 
use Benefits Specialists who have attained a bachelor's degree in a 
relevant field, or that they use Benefit Specialists with relevant 
experience. Benefit Specialists may possess a combination of education 
and experience if the experience provides the knowledge, skills and 
abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
    Benefits Specialists should bring the following knowledge, skills, 
and abilities to the position:
    [sbull] Basic math skills, with an emphasis on problem solving;
    [sbull] Deductive ability with analytical thinking and creative 
problem solving skills;
    [sbull] Acceptable interviewing skills;
    [sbull] Ability to interpret Federal laws, regulations, and 
administrative code about public benefits;
    [sbull] Communication skills (written and/or verbal);
    [sbull] Knowledge of medical terminology and awareness of cultural 
and political issues pertaining to various populations and to various 
disabilities; and
    [sbull] Basic computer skills.
    Benefits Specialists will need to become proficient in the 
following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
    [sbull] SSDI and SSI disability programs;
    [sbull] Knowledge of all public benefits programs, including 
operations and inter-relationships;
    [sbull] Translating technical information for lay individuals;
    [sbull] Accessing information in a variety of ways (including the 
ability to be able to recognize when additional information is needed);
    [sbull] Interpersonal skills (e.g., recognize and help people 
manage anger and conflict, enjoy working with individuals);
    [sbull] Counseling skills (ability to listen, evaluate 
alternatives, advise on potential cause of action);
    [sbull] Knowledge of SSA field office structure and how to work 
with various work incentives coordinators (e.g., PASS specialists, 
employment support representatives);
    [sbull] Knowledge of the structure and design of public and private 
benefits systems and local community services; and
    [sbull] Knowledge of ethics (e.g., confidentiality, conflict of 
interest).
    The applicant must clearly explain how it will ensure all 
individuals hired as Benefits Specialists will possess or acquire the 
relevant knowledge, skills and abilities. SSA has contracted with 
separate entities to provide technical assistance and training to 
cooperative agreement awardees on an ongoing basis about SSA's programs 
and work incentives, Medicare and Medicaid, and other Federal work 
incentives programs. Those entities are: Cornell University for SSA 
Regions I, II and V; Virginia Commonwealth University for Regions III, 
IV, VI, and IX; and the University of Missouri, Columbia for Regions 
VII, VIII (including Wyoming), and X. The applicant is responsible for 
providing technical assistance and training to Benefits Specialists 
about State and local programs.

D. Management Information and Reporting

    In addition to cooperating with the surveys outlined in Part I, 
Section D, entities must provide all collected data and report the 
results to SSA's Office of Acquisition and Grants, as described below.
    Common data elements, as defined by SSA, will be collected through 
a data base designed and managed by VCU. The awardee and SSA will use 
the management information (MI) data to manage the project and to 
determine what additional resources or other approaches may be needed 
to improve the process. The data will also be valuable to SSA in its 
analysis of and future planning for the SSDI and SSI programs.
    The Wyoming project must adhere to SSA's Privacy and 
Confidentiality Regulations (20 CFR part 401) for maintaining records 
of individuals, as well as provide specific safeguards surrounding 
beneficiary information sharing, paper/computer records/data, and other 
issues potentially arising from providing benefits planning, 
assistance, and outreach to SSDI and SSI beneficiaries with 
disabilities. Personal beneficiary data should be accessible only to 
project personnel by way of locked file cabinets, computer password 
protections, etc.
    The Wyoming project shall collect specific data elements on their 
counselors and all SSA beneficiaries/recipients who receive BPAO 
services from the project. This data shall be entered by the project 
into the online BPAO National Data Entry System (see http://www.vcu-barc.org/data.html for additional information). For the purpose of 
providing MI to SSA in support of the implementation and management of 
the project, the project will collect, analyze, and summarize the data 
listed below:
Beneficiary Background Information
    1. Beneficiary/recipient name (Last, First, Middle).
    2. Date of birth.
    3. Gender.
    4. Special language or other considerations.
    5. Mailing address.

[[Page 59969]]

    6. Telephone number.
    7. Social Security number.
    8. Representative payee (RP) name (if applicable).
    9. RP address
    10. Current level of education
    11. Whether pursuing education currently and at what level (e.g., 
post secondary, continuing adult education, special education, 
vocational education)
    12. Proposed educational goals
    13. Primary diagnosis
    14. Secondary diagnosis (if applicable)
    15. Employer health care coverage at outset (if working)
    16. Other health care coverage
Employment Information (Current and Proposed Goal--Where Applicable)
    1. Self-employed or employee
    2. Type of work
    3. Beginning date
    4. Hours per week
    5. Monthly gross earned income
    6. Monthly net earned income
    7. Work-related expenses
Proposed Training Information
    1. Work-related training/counseling program
    2. Proposed other training
Benefits (Current and Expected Changes if Employment Goals Are Reached)
    1. SSDI
    2. SSI
    3. Concurrent (SSDI and SSI)
    4. Medicare
    5. Medicaid
    6. Private Health Insurance
    7. Subsidized housing or other rental subsidies
    8. Food Stamps
    9. General Assistance
    10. Workers Compensation benefits
    11. Unemployment Insurance benefits
    12. Other Federal, State, or local supports, including TANF 
(specify)
Incentives To Be Used
    1. Trial-work period (TWP)
    2. Extended period of eligibility (EPE)
    3. Impairment-related work expenses (IRWE)
    4. Plan for achieving self-support (PASS)
    5. 1619(a)
    6. 1619(b)
    7. Medicaid buy-in provisions/Balanced Budget Act
    8. Blind Work Expense
    9. Student Earned Income Exclusion
    10. Subsidy Development
    11. Extended Medicare
Provisions To Be Used
    1. Property Essential to Self-Support
    2. Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits
    3. Ticket to Work Program
    4. Continuing Disability Review Protections
    5. Section 301
    6. Unsuccessful Work Attempt
Services To Be Used
    1. Vocational Rehabilitation services
    2. Paratransit services
    3. Protection and Advocacy services
    4. Work-related training/counseling program
    5. DOL One-Stop Career Center services
    6. Transitioning youth services (from school to post-secondary 
education or to work)
Monthly Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Activities 
Performed by Benefits Planning Organization
    1. Number of SSDI/SSI beneficiaries (over age 18) requesting 
assistance (initial and repeat requests).
    2. Number of SSDI/SSI beneficiaries (ages 14 to 18) requesting 
assistance (initial and repeat requests).
    3. Number of new benefits management plans prepared.
    4. Number of updated benefits management plans prepared.
    5. Number of presentations given at forums, conferences, meetings, 
etc.
    Additional information such as the time spent per recipient, the 
reason for service request, the level of service provided, and any 
anticipated employment status change of the beneficiary will also be 
reported by awardee. All data elements are to be collected in 
accordance with precise definitions to be provided by SSA as part of 
the application package. Adherence to such precise definitions is 
crucial to the comparability of the data across project sites.
    The entities awarded a cooperative agreement under this notice 
shall submit quarterly progress reports to SSA, OAG. SSA expects that 
the project will need a period of time to begin providing services and 
collecting management information. Therefore, the first quarterly 
report shall include a description of the project, a status of data 
collection operations, actions that were taken, planned actions, and a 
description of how the project is addressing the needs of individuals 
with disabilities from diverse ethnic and racial communities, both in 
benefits planning and in carrying out outreach activities.
    Subsequent reports shall provide: a status of the project, any 
problems or proposed changes in the project (e.g., requests for 
technical assistance from contractor, interagency agreement change); 
specific information (baseline data/program statistics) required by 
SSA, including that listed above; a description of how the project is 
addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities from diverse 
ethnic and racial communities, both in benefits planning and in 
carrying out outreach activities; actions that were taken, and planned 
actions. The quarterly reports shall be submitted to SSA, OAG, within 
30 days after the end of the quarter.
    SSA personnel (SSA Project Officer and/or other staff) expect to 
visit this project at least once. The SSA Project Officer shall review 
site operations, including collection of management information, and 
evaluate how projects are finding ways to make benefits planning, 
assistance, and outreach activities more effective in achieving SSA's 
Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program goals.
    Staff members shall attend an initial training meeting that will 
include an orientation session by SSA, and subsequent scheduled 
conferences at SSA headquarters or alternate sites chosen by SSA. Those 
meetings will provide the awardee of the cooperative agreement with the 
opportunity to exchange information with SSA and other awardees.

E. Evaluation

Process Evaluation
    The purpose of process evaluation is for SSA and the awardee to 
assess how the project functioned and how the process might be altered 
to provide more efficiently and/or successfully the services required 
under section 1149 of the Act. The process evaluation will require both 
data collection and qualitative observational evaluation through site 
visits and/or project reporting.
Participant Experience
    The goal of these cooperative agreements is the provision of 
services to enhance beneficiary awareness and understanding of SSA work 
incentives and thereby enhance beneficiaries'' ability to make informed 
choices regarding work. The goal is not to provide employment services. 
Nevertheless, SSA is clearly interested in identifying participant 
outcomes under the Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program 
to determine the extent to which participants achieve their employment, 
financial, and health care goals. Therefore, SSA is requiring that 
cooperative agreement awardees collect data regarding the employment 
status, benefit status, and income of beneficiaries before providing 
services under these cooperative agreements.

[[Page 59970]]

SSA intends to use this information to support the sample selection for 
participants in the customer satisfaction survey. This will allow SSA 
to include the experiences and outcomes of a broad range of 
beneficiaries.
    This project shall submit periodic reports (as described in Part 
IV, Section D, Management Information and Reporting) to SSA, OAG. Data 
and information that are used in preparing the reports can be used, for 
example, to improve the efficiency of the project's operations, use of 
staff, and linkages between the project and the programs for which 
benefits planning is needed to better meet the needs of target 
populations. In addition, the evaluation results will be disseminated 
to other projects to promote learning, program refinements, and 
facilitate partnership and achievement of project objectives. Timely 
comprehensive MI data also allows for cost accounting, which helps 
improve the efficiency of service approaches and may inform future 
policy decisions.

Part V. Application Review Process and Evaluation Criteria

A. Screening Requirements

    All applications that meet the deadline will be screened to 
determine completeness and conformity to the requirements of this 
announcement. Complete and conforming applications will then be 
evaluated.
    1. Number of Copies: The applicant must submit one original signed 
and dated application and a minimum of two copies. The submission of 
seven additional copies is optional and will expedite processing, but 
will not affect the evaluation or scoring of the application.
    2. Length: The program narrative portion of the application (Part 
III of the SSA-96-BK) may not exceed 30 double-spaced pages (or 15 
single-spaced pages) on one side of the paper only, using standard 
(8\1/2\'' x 11'') size paper, and 12-point font. Attachments that 
support the program narrative count towards the 30-page limit; resumes 
and letters of support do not count within the 30-page limit.

B. Evaluation Criteria

    Applications that pass the screening process will be independently 
reviewed by at least three individuals, who will evaluate and score the 
applications based on the evaluation criteria. There are four 
categories of criteria used to score applications: Capability; 
relevance/adequacy of program design; resources and management; and 
quality assurance plan. The total points possible for an application is 
100, and sections are weighted as noted in the descriptions of criteria 
below.
    Although the results from the independent panel reviews are the 
primary factor used in making funding decisions, they are not the sole 
basis for making awards. The Commissioner will consider other factors 
as well when making funding decisions. For instance, the need to assure 
the required geographic distribution of projects may take precedence 
over rankings/scores of the review panel.
    Following are the evaluation criteria that SSA will use in 
reviewing all applications (relative weights are shown in parentheses):
1. Capability (20 points)
    The applicant's capability to deliver benefits planning and 
assistance services will be judged by:
    [sbull] Description of how entity will test for Benefits Specialist 
competencies listed in Part IV and provide any needed training to 
ensure competencies will be maintained and/or enhanced; (8 points)
    [sbull] Description of the proposed administration and organization 
of the project, including the existence of the necessary administrative 
resources to effectively carry out the project; and (7 points)
    [sbull] Project Director's and key staff's documentation of 
experience and results of past projects of this nature (extra 
consideration may be given to applicants based on the quality and 
extent of their experience in return-to-work efforts for SSDI and SSI 
beneficiaries with disabilities). (5 points)
2. Relevance/Adequacy of Project Design (30 points)
    The adequacy of project design will be judged by:
    [sbull] A description of the project operations, including how the 
project will work (e.g., identification and notification of potential 
project participants about availability of benefits planning and 
assistance services, location for providing services, ability to travel 
to beneficiary, etc.) and the quality of the project design; (6 points)
    [sbull] A concise and clear statement of the project goals and 
objectives; MI data to be collected; specification of data sources; 
including how they will interact with the VCU data base; and how 
quality assurance will be realized; (5 points)
    [sbull] A description of how the project will address provision of 
benefits planning, assistance, and outreach to populations with special 
cultural or language requirements; (5 points)
    [sbull] Evidence of collaboration with relevant agencies, including 
collocation within a DOL One-Stop Career Center organization, in 
providing benefits planning and assistance services; and extent and 
clarity of collaborative efforts with other organizations, including 
letters of intent or written assurances; (5 points)
    [sbull] A description of how the project will address provision of 
benefits planning, assistance, and outreach to transition-to-work aged 
SSI youth; (4 points)
    [sbull] Description of problems that may arise and how they will be 
resolved; e.g., how dropouts and inadequate numbers of participants 
will be handled; and (3 points)
    [sbull] Evidence of how the proposed approach will accomplish 
Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach Program goals. (2 points)
3. Resources and Management (30 points)
    Resources and management will be judged by:
    [sbull] Appropriateness of qualifications of the project personnel, 
as evidenced by training and experience indicating that they have the 
skills required to competently provide benefits planning and assistance 
services, and outreach; (8 points)
    [sbull] Evidence of successful previous experience related to 
benefits planning, assistance, and outreach program; (4 points)
    [sbull] Evidence that the applicant has a working knowledge of work 
incentives and the various programs available to beneficiaries with 
disabilities; (4 points)
    [sbull] Evidence of adequate facilities (e.g., collocation within a 
DOL One-Stop Career Center) and resources to deliver services; (4 
points)
    [sbull] Appropriateness of the case management and monitoring 
systems and techniques, including an MI system, quality assurance 
system, and a range of other monitoring and management options; (3 
points)
    [sbull] Extent and quality of project assurances that sufficient 
resources (including personnel, time, funds, and facilities) will be 
available to support services to beneficiaries; (3 points)
    [sbull] Evidence that the applicant will meaningfully involve 
family members and other representatives of target groups, including 
advocates in the process of delivery services; and (2 points)
    [sbull] Cost effectiveness, per client costs, and reasonableness of 
overall project

[[Page 59971]]

cost relative to planned services. (2 points)
4. Quality Assurance (20 points)
    The applicant's quality assurance plan will be judged by:
    [sbull] Extent to which training is accommodated and planned for to 
ensure that all Benefits Specialists maintain knowledge, skills, and 
abilities, and acquire more; (6 points)
    [sbull] Extent to which the awardee proposes to use MI data to 
improve processes and ensure that all information given is accurate and 
pertinent; (4 points)
    [sbull] Extent to which the proposed quality assurance plan 
complies with the requirements of SSA, in terms of data collection, 
reporting, and ensuring that only accurate information is provided to 
beneficiaries and others; (4 points)
    [sbull] Extent to which the proposed staff demonstrates expertise 
in the area of benefits planning and assistance; and (4 points)
    [sbull] The extent to which staff have experience collecting, 
protecting, and analyzing data on beneficiaries with disabilities to 
provide benefits planning and assistance services, and outreach. (2 
points)

Part VI. Instructions for Obtaining and Submitting Application

A. Availability of Forms

    The Internet is the primary means recommended for obtaining an 
application kit under this program announcement. An application kit 
containing all of the prescribed forms and instructions needed to apply 
for a cooperative agreement under this announcement may be obtained at 
the following Internet address: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/oag/grants/ssagrant.htm.
    Although the Internet is SSA's preferred method of making 
application kits available, an application kit also may be obtained by 
writing to: Grants Management Team, Office of Operations Contracts and 
Grants, OAG, Social Security Administration, 1-E-4 Gwynn Oak Building, 
1710 Gwynn Oak Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21207-5279.
    Requests submitted by mail should include two return address 
labels. Also, please provide the name, title and telephone number of 
the individual to contact; and the organization's name, street address, 
city, State and ZIP Code.
    To ensure receipt of the proper kit, please include program 
announcement number SSA-OESP-03-1 and the date of this announcement.

B. Checklist for a Complete Application

    The checklist below is a guide to ensure that the application 
package has been properly prepared.

--An original, signed and dated application plus at least two copies. 
Seven additional copies are optional but will expedite processing.
--The program narrative portion of the application (Part III of the 
SSA-96-BK) may not exceed thirty double-spaced pages (or fifteen 
single-spaced pages) on one side of the paper only, using standard 
(8\1/2\'' x 11'') size paper, and 12-point font. Attachments that 
support the program narrative count towards the 30-page limit; resumes 
and letters of support do not count in the limit.
--Attachments/Appendices, when included, should be used only to provide 
supporting documentation. Please do not include books or videotapes as 
they are not easily reproduced and are therefore inaccessible to 
reviewers.
--A complete application, which consists of the following items in this 
order:

    (1) Part I (Face page)--Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, 
REV 4-88);
    (2) Table of Contents;
    (3) Project Summary (not to exceed one page);
    (4) Part II--Budget Information, Sections A through G (Form SSA-96-
BK);
    (5) Budget Justification (in Section B Budget Categories, explain 
how amounts were computed), including subcontract organization budgets;
    (6) Part III--Application Narrative and Appendices;
    (7) Part IV--Assurances;
    (8) Additional Assurances and Certifications--regarding Lobbying 
and regarding Drug-Free Workplace; and
    (9) Form SSA-3966-PC--acknowledgement of receipt of application 
(applicant's return address must be inserted on the form).

C. Guidelines for Application Submission

    All applications for the cooperative agreement project under this 
announcement must be submitted on the prescribed forms included in the 
application kit. The application shall be executed by an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant organization and to assume for the 
applicant organization the obligations imposed by the terms and 
conditions of the cooperative agreement award.
    In item 11 of the Face Sheet (SF 424), the applicant must clearly 
indicate the application submitted is in response to this announcement 
(SSA-OESP-03-1). The applicant also is encouraged to select a SHORT 
descriptive project title.
    Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to: Grants Management 
Team, Office of Operations Contracts and Grants, OAG, DCFAM, Social 
Security Administration, Attention: SSA-OESP-03-1, 1-E-4 Gwynn Oak 
Building, 1710 Gwynn Oak Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21207-5279.
    Hand-delivered applications are accepted between the hours of 8 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. An application will be 
considered as meeting the deadline if it is either:
    1. Received on or before the deadline date at the above address; or
    2. Mailed through the U.S. Postal Service or sent by commercial 
carrier on or before the deadline date and received in time to be 
considered during the competitive review and evaluation process. 
Packages must be postmarked by December 4, 2003. Applicants are 
cautioned to request a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or to 
obtain a legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier as evidence of 
timely mailing. Private-metered postmarks are not acceptable as proof 
of timely mailing.
    Applications that do not meet the above criteria are considered 
late applications. SSA will not waive or extend the deadline for any 
application unless the deadline is waived or extended for all 
applications. SSA will notify each late applicant that its application 
will not be considered.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This notice contains reporting requirements. However, the 
information is collected using form SSA-96-BK, Federal Assistance 
Application, which has the Office of Management and Budget clearance 
number 0960-0184.

    Dated: October 9, 2003.
Jo Anne B. Barnhart,
Commissioner.
[FR Doc. 03-26381 Filed 10-17-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P