[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 235 (Monday, December 8, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68393-68400]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30392]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of Community Services


The Community Services Block Grant Training and Technical 
Assistance Program

    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-ACF-04-OCS 001.
    CFDA Number: 93.570.
    Funding Opportunity Description: The Office of Community Services 
announces that competing applications will be accepted for a new 
cooperative agreement for the collection, analysis, dissemination and 
use of data and other information about Community Services Block Grant 
(CSBG) activities and

[[Page 68394]]

effective approaches for ameliorating poverty.
    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Category of Funding Activity: ISS Income Security and Social 
Services.
    Anticipated Total Program Funding: $500,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: One.
    Ceiling on amount of individual awards: $500,000.
    Project Periods for Award: This announcement is soliciting 
applications for project periods of up to five years. Awards, on a 
competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget period, although 
project periods may be for five years. Applications for continuation 
grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year budget period but 
within the five year project period will be entertained in subsequent 
years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of funds, 
satisfactory progress of the grantee and a determination that continued 
funding would be in the best interest of the government.
    Electronic Link to Full Announcement: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs.

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants are Community Services Block Grant Eligible 
Entities, statewide or local organizations or associations including 
faith-based organizations, for-profit organizations and non-profit 
organizations with demonstrated expertise in data collection on a 
nationwide basis and knowledge of and experience with the Community 
Services Network.
    Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
    (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code.
    (b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
    (c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, 
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
    (d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status.
    (e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent organization and a statement singed 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 survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' 
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: On June 27, 2003, the Office 
of Management and Budget published in the Federal Register a new 
Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy 
requires all Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun and Bradstreet 
Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal 
grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The DUNS 
number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper 
application or using the government-wide electronic portal 
(www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required for every application 
for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including 
applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block grant 
programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
    Cost Sharing or Matching: No.
    Explanation of Application Due Dates: The closing time and date for 
receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on January 7, 
2004. Mailed or hand carried applications received after 4:30 p.m. on 
the closing date will be classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, 
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW. Mail 
Stop: Aerospace Building Washington, DC 20447-0002 Attention: Daphne 
Weeden. Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in 
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications 
are received on or before the deadline time and date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants 
Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, ACF Mail Room, Second 
Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20024, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This 
address must appear on the envelope/package containing the application 
with the note: ``Attention: Daphne Weeden''. Applicants are cautioned 
that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered 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 mails service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Sections 674(b)(2) and 678A(a)(1)(A) of the Community Services 
Block Grant (CSBG) Act of 1981, (Pub. L. 97-35) as amended by the 
Community Opportunities, Accountability, Training and Education 
Services (COATES) Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285), authorizes the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services to use a percentage of 
appropriated funds for training, technical assistance, planning, 
evaluation, performance measurement, monitoring, to assist States in 
carrying out corrective actions and to correct programmatic 
deficiencies of eligible entities, and for reporting and data 
collection activities related to programs or projects carried out under 
the CSBG Act. The Secretary may administer these activities through 
grants, contracts or cooperative agreements with appropriate entities.

Definitions of Terms

    The following definitions apply:
    Community Action Agency (CAA)--refers to local-level organizations 
that are Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Eligible Entities. They 
provide a number of types of assistance with the goals of reducing 
poverty and enabling low-income families to become economically self-
sufficient.

[[Page 68395]]

    Community Services Network--refers to the various organizations 
involved in planning and implementing programs funded through the CSBG 
or providing training, technical assistance or support to them. The 
network includes local CAAs and other eligible entities; State CSBG 
offices and their national association; CAA State, regional and 
national associations; and related organizations that collaborate and 
participate with CAAs and other eligible entities in their efforts on 
behalf of low-income people.
    Cooperative Agreement--an award instrument of financial assistance 
when substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding 
office, (the Federal government) and the recipient during performance 
of the contemplated project. Substantial involvement may include 
collaboration or participation by OCS staff in activities specified in 
the award and, as appropriate, decision-making at specified milestones 
related to performance. The involvement may range from joint conduct of 
a project to OCS approval prior to the recipient's undertaking the next 
phase in a project.
    Nationwide--refers to the scope of the technical assistance, 
training, data collection, or other capacity-building projects to be 
undertaken with grant funds. Nationwide projects must provide for the 
implementation of technical assistance, training or data collection for 
all or a significant number of States, and the CAAs and other local 
service providers who administer CSBG funds.
    Non-profit Organization--refers to an organization, including 
faith-based and community-based, which meets the requirement for proof 
of non-profit status in the ``Additional Information on Eligibility'' 
section of this announcement and has demonstrated experience in 
providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of 
effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and 
communities.
    Outcome Measures--are indicators that focus on the direct results 
one wants to have on customers and on communities.
    Performance Measurement--is a tool used to assess how a program is 
accomplishing its mission through the delivery of products, services 
and activities.
    Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) System--ROMA 
is a system, which provides a framework for focusing on results for 
local agencies funded by the CSBG Program. It involves setting goals 
and strategies and developing plans and techniques that focus on a 
result-oriented performance based model for management.
    State--means all of the 50 States and the District of Columbia. 
Except where specifically noted, for purposes of this program 
announcement, it also includes Territories as defined below.
    Technical assistance--is an activity, generally utilizing the 
services of an expert (often a peer), aimed at enhancing capacity, 
improving programs and systems, or solving specific problems. Such 
services may be provided proactively to improve systems or as an 
intervention to solve specific problems.
    Territories--refers to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and American 
Samoa for the purpose of this announcement.
    Training--is an educational activity or event that is designed to 
impart knowledge, understanding or increase the development of skills. 
Such training activities may be in the form of assembled events such as 
workshops, seminars, conferences or programs of self-instructional 
activities.
Priority Area
    Collection, Analysis, Dissemination and Use of Data and Other 
Information about Community Services Block Grant Activities and 
Effective Approaches for Ameliorating Poverty.

Program Purpose, Scope and Focus

    The purpose of this new grant is to improve the collection, 
analysis and dissemination of quantitative data and other information 
about: (1) CSBG activities specifically; and (2) successful approaches 
for ameliorating the effects of poverty generally.
    The grant will support four important component activities. The 
first is to revise and enhance the existing CSBG data collection 
instrument and to develop and administer an improved strategy for 
collecting, analyzing and disseminating information about quantitative, 
statistical and results-oriented data nationwide using a process of 
continuous collaboration with States and CAAs. The strategy must 
include relevant technical assistance and training on data issues for 
States and CAAs.
    The second component is to assist in the development and 
implementation of procedures for establishing performance targets for 
anti-poverty programs at the State and local level. The information 
should be comprehensive enough and disseminated in such formats as to 
enable States and local service providers to improve their planning, 
management and delivery of services. The information should also be 
appropriate to assure that the public has a clear understanding of the 
CSBG program and other anti-poverty programs and their outcomes. Of 
particular importance is the continued knowledge building and 
development of the concepts and technologies for results-oriented 
management in order to meet the requirements of the CSBG Act and the 
Government Performance and Results Act of 1993.
    The third component is to assist in expanding the use of computer-
based technologies by CAAs and other Community Services Network 
partners. This will include providing training and technical assistance 
and other technical expertise directed at two objectives: (1) 
Increasing the entire Community Services Network's ability to 
participate fully on the information highway; and (2) Enhancing the 
network's ability to use and disseminate data, research and information 
regarding poverty issues, particularly activities and outcomes produced 
by CAAs and the entire Community Services Network.
    A fourth component will be to provide training and technical 
assistance to CAAs and other Community Services Network partners 
concerning a new system-wide integrated program management system. The 
project supported with this grant will be expected to coordinate and 
collaborate with the organizations that are planning and designing the 
system to make it more likely that the CAAs and Community Services 
Network partners will use the system for authorized CSBG purposes.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Anticipated total Priority Area Funding: $500,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: One.
    Ceiling on amount of individual Awards: $500,000.
    An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range 
specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the 
applicant without further review.
    Floor of Individual Award Amounts: $500,000.
    Average projected Award Amount: $500,000.

III. Eligibility Information

Eligibility

    Eligible applicants are Community Services Block Grant Eligible 
Entities, statewide or local organizations or associations including 
faith-based organizations, for-profit organizations and non-profit 
organizations with

[[Page 68396]]

demonstrated expertise in data collection on a nationwide basis and 
knowledge of and experience with the Community Services Network.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' 
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Additional Information on Eligibility

    On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in 
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal 
grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to 
provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or 
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an 
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required 
for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an 
award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and 
block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
1. Cost Sharing or Matching
    None.

VI. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Margaret Washnitzer, Office of Community Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Suite 500 West, 
Washington, DC 20447, Email: [email protected], Telephone: (202) 
401-9333.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Application Content
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' 
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Each application must include the following components:
    1. Table of Contents.
    2. Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed 250 
words, that would be suitable for use in an announcement that the 
application has been selected for a grant award and which identifies 
the type of project, the target population and the major elements of 
the work plan.
    3. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an Official 
of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to 
obligate the organization legally.
    4. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non-Construction 
Programs.
    5. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category 
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
    6. Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described 
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and 
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
2. Application Format
    Each application should include one signed original application and 
two additional copies of the same application.
    Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\x11 inch paper only. Do 
not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
    Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional 
materials, slides, films, clips, etc.
    The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins must 
be at least one inch on all sides.
    Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package, 
beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one.
    Please present application materials either in loose-leaf notebooks 
or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center and 
fastened separately with a slide paper fastener.
3. Page Limitation
    The application package including sections for the Table of 
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives and Business 
Plan must not exceed 65 pages. The page limitation does not include the 
following attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also 
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this 
announcement.
4. Required Standard Forms
    Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-construction 
project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs with their applications.
    Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying. Prior 
to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish 
an executed copy of the lobbying certification. 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 applications, applicants are providing the certification 
and need not mail back the certification with the applications.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification that they are 
not debarred, suspended or otherwise ineligible for award. By signing 
and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification with the 
applications.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with all Federal statues relating to nondiscrimination. By 
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back a certification form.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as 
outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Required form or
         What to submit           Required content         format                    When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents..............  As described above  Consistent with    By application due date.
                                                      guidance in
                                                      ``Application
                                                      Format'' section
                                                      of this
                                                      announcement.
Abstract of Proposed Project...  Brief abstract      Consistent with    By application due date.
                                  that identifies     guidance in
                                  the type of         ``Application
                                  project, the        Format'' section
                                  target population   of this
                                  and the major       announcement.
                                  elements of the
                                  proposed project.

[[Page 68397]]

 
Completed Standard From 424....  As described above  May be found on    By application due date.
                                  and per required    http://
                                  form.               www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                      programs /ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
Completed Standard Form 424A...  As described above  May be found on    By application due date.
                                  and per required    http://
                                  form.               www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                      programs /ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
Narrative Budget Justification.  As described above  Consistent with    By application due date.
                                  ``Application       guidance in of
                                  Format'' section.   this
                                                      announcement.
Project Narrative..............  A narrative that    Consistent with    By application due date.
                                  addresses issues    guidance in
                                  described in the    ``Application
                                  ``Application       Format'' section
                                  Review              of this
                                  Information'' and   announcement.
                                  the ``Review and
                                  Selection
                                  Criteria''
                                  sections of this
                                  announcement.
Certification regarding          As described above  May be found on    By application due date.
 lobbying.                        and per required    http://
                                  form.               www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                      programs /ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
Certification regarding drug-    As described above  May be found on    By application due date.
 free workplace.                  and per required    http://
                                  form.               www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                      programs/ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
Certification regarding          As described above  May be found on    By application due date.
 environmental tobacco smoke.     and per required    http://
                                  form.               www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                      programs /ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Submission Date and Times

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
(Eastern Time Zone) on January 7, 2004. Mailed or hand carried 
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, 
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW. Mail 
Stop: Aerospace Building Washington, DC 20447-0002 Attention: Daphne 
Weeden. Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in 
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications 
are received on or before the deadline time and date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants 
Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, ACF Mail Room, Second 
Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20024, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This 
address must appear on the envelope/package containing the application 
with the note: ``Attention: Daphne Weeden''. Applicants are cautioned 
that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered 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 mails service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    ACF will not send acknowledgements of receipt of application 
materials.

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. As of October 1, 2003, the following 
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order 
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects 
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action 
in regard to E.O. 12372:
    All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, 
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, 
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, 
Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, 
Virginia, Washington, Wyoming and Palau have elected to participate in 
the Executive Order process and have established Single Points of 
Contact (SPOCs). Applicants from these twenty-seven jurisdictions need 
take no action.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of 
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining 
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have 
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should 
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the 
prospective applications and receive instructions. 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

[[Page 68398]]

clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official 
State process recommendations which may trigger the ``accommodate or 
explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447.
    A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory 
is included with the application materials for this announcement.

Funding Restrictions

Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects

    OCS will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is 
primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than 
the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the 
implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This 
prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting 
for specific services or activities needed to conduct the project.

Number of Projects in Application

    Each application may include only one proposed project.

Other Submission Requirements

Electronic Copy Address Submission

    ACF will not accept electronic applications for this grant.

V. Application Review Information

Purpose

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

Introduction

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

Results or Benefits Expected

    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, 
describe the population to be served by the program and the number of 
new jobs that will be targeted to the target population. Explain how 
the project will reach the targeted population, how it will benefit 
participants including how it will support individuals to become more 
economically self-sufficient.

Approach

    Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and detail of 
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions 
or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the 
application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work 
and state your reasons for taking the proposed approach rather than 
others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or 
technical innovations, reductions in cost or time or extraordinary 
social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in, for 
example such terms as the ``number of people served.'' When 
accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them 
in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and 
their target dates.
    If any data 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 who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution.

Evaluation

    Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and 
the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the 
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which 
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which 
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. 
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are 
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the 
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being 
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and 
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's 
effectiveness.

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

[[Page 68399]]

Numbers, names of bond carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, 
child care licenses and other documentation of professional 
accreditation, information on compliance with Federal/State/local 
government standards, documentation of experience in the program area, 
and other pertinent information. Any non-profit organization submitting 
an application must submit proof of its non-profit status in its 
application at the time of submission.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of 
the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most 
recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) 
of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of 
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled.

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.

1. Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criterion I: Approach (Maximum: 35 Points)

    Factors:
    (1) The work program is results-oriented, approximately related to 
the legislative mandate and specifically related to the priority area 
under which funds are being requested. Applicant addresses the 
following: specific outcomes to be achieved; performance targets that 
the project is committed to achieving, including a discussion of and 
how the project will verify the achievement of these targets; critical 
milestones which must be achieved if results are to be gained; 
organizational support, the level of support from the applicant 
organization; past performance in similar work; and specific resources 
contributed to the project that are critical to success.
    (2) The applicant defines the comprehensive nature of the project 
and methods that will be used to ensure that the results can be used to 
address a statewide or nationwide project as defined by the description 
of the particular priority area.

Evaluation Criterion II: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum: 
20 Points)

    Factors:
    (1) The applicant documents that the proposed project addresses 
vital needs related to the program purposes and provides statistics and 
other data and information in support of its contention.
    (2) The application provides current supporting documentation or 
other testimonies regarding needs from State CSBG Directors, CAAs and 
local service providers and/or State and Regional organizations of CAAs 
and other local service providers.

Evaluation Criterion III: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 25 Points)

    Factors:
    (1) The applicant demonstrates that it has experience and a 
successful record of accomplishment relevant to the specific activities 
it proposes to accomplish.
    (2) If the applicant proposes to provide training and technical 
assistance, it details its abilities to provide those services on a 
nationwide basis. If applicable, information provided by the applicant 
also addresses related achievements and competence of each cooperating 
or sponsoring organization.
    (3) The applicant fully describes, for example in a resume, the 
experience and skills of the proposed project director and primary 
staff showing specific qualifications and professional experiences 
relevant to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
    (4) The applicant describes how it will involve partners in the 
Community Services Network in its activities. Where appropriate, 
applicant describes how it will interface with other related 
organizations.
    (5) If subcontracts are proposed, the applicant documents the 
willingness and capacity of the subcontracting organization(s) to 
participate as described.

Evaluation Criterion IV: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 15 
Points)

    Factors:
    (1) The applicant describes how the project will assure long-term 
program and management improvements for State CSBG offices, CAA State 
and/or regional associations, CAAs and/or other local providers of CSBG 
services and activities.
    (2) The applicant indicates the types and amounts of public and/or 
private resources it will mobilize, how those resources will directly 
benefit the project, and how the project will ultimately benefit low-
income individuals and families.
    (3) If the applicant proposes a project with a training and 
technical assistance focus, the applicant indicates the number of 
organizations and/or staff that will benefit from those services.
    (4) If the applicant proposes a project with data collection focus, 
applicant describes the mechanism it will use to collect data, how it 
can assure collections from a significant number of States, and the 
number of States willing to submit data to the applicant.
    (5) If the applicant proposes to develop a symposium series or 
other policy-related project(s), the applicant identifies the number 
and types of beneficiaries.
    (6) The applicant describes methods of securing participant 
feedback and evaluations of activities.

Criterion V: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 5 points)

    Factors:
    (1) The resources requested are reasonable and adequate to 
accomplish the project
    (2) Total costs are reasonable and consistent with anticipated 
results.

2. Review and Selection Process

Initial OCS Screening

    Each application submitted to OCS will be screened to determine 
whether it was received by the closing date and time.
    Applications received by the closing date and time will be screened 
for completeness and conformity with the following requirements. Only 
complete applications that meet the requirements listed below will be 
reviewed and evaluated competitively. Other applications will be 
returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable 
and will not be reviewed.
    All applications must comply with the following requirements except 
as noted:
    (a) The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424 
Application for Federal Assistance ``SF-424'', a Standard Form 424-A 
Budget Information ``SF-424A'' and signed Standard Form 424B 
Assurance--Non-Construction Programs ``SF-424B'' completed according to 
instructions provided in this Program Announcement. The forms SF-424 
and the SF-424B must be signed by an

[[Page 68400]]

official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority 
to obligate the organization legally. The applicant's legal name as 
required on the SF-424 (Item 5) must match that listed as corresponding 
to the Employer Identification Number (Item 6);
    (b) The application must include a project narrative that meets 
requirements set for in this announcement.
    (c) The application must contain documentation of the applicant's 
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Additional Information on 
Eligibility'' section of this announcement.

OCS Evaluation of Applications

    Applications that pass the initial OCS screening will be reviewed 
and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review criteria 
presented in relevant sections of this program announcement.
    The review criteria are designed to enable the review panel to 
assess the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood 
of its success. The criteria are closely related to each other and are 
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. 
The review panel awards points only to applications that are responsive 
to the program elements and relevant review criteria within the context 
of this program announcement.
    The OCS Director and program staff use the reviewer scores when 
considering competing applications. Reviewer scores will weigh heavily 
in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered.
    Applications generally will be considered in order of the average 
scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important factors 
are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not 
guaranteed funding. These other considerations include, for example: 
the timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded 
with OCS funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of 
reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; amount 
and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's 
consistency and harmony with OCS goals and policy; geographic 
distribution of applications; previous program performance of 
applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants, 
including the actual dedication to program of mobilized resources as 
set forth in project applications; audit reports; investigative 
reports; and applicant's progress in resolving any final audit 
disallowance on previous OCS or other Federal agency grants.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: 90 days after the due date of applications. 
Following approval of the application selected for funding, ACF will 
mail a written notice of project approval and authority to draw down 
project funds. The official award document is the Financial Assistance 
Award that specifies the amount of Federal funds approved for use in 
the project, the project and budget period for which support is 
provided and the terms and conditions of the award.
    ACF will notify unsuccessful applicants after the award is issued 
to the successful applicant.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: 45 CFR part 74.
    3. Special Terms and Conditions of Awards: None.
    4. Reporting Requirements.
    Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually.
    Financial Reports: Semi-annually.
    Special Reporting Requirements: None.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Margaret Washnitzer, Office of Community 
Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Suite 500 West,Aerospace 
Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002,Email: 
[email protected],Telephone: (202) 401-9333.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Daphne Weeden, Office of Grants 
Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW., Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002, Email: 
[email protected], Telephone: (202) 401-2344.

VIII. Other Information

    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13): Under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13, the Department is 
required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for 
review and approval of any reporting and record keeping requirements in 
regulations including program announcements. This program announcement 
does not contain information collection requirements beyond those 
approved for ACF grant applications under the Program Narrative 
Statement by OMB (Approval Numbers: 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 034800040, 
0348-0046, 0925-0418 and 0970-0139).
    Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average 
25 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection 
of information.
    The project description is approved under OMB control  
0970-0139 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.

    Dated: November 24, 2003.
Clarence H. Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 03-30392 Filed 12-5-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P