[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8201-8209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-3844]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families, Family and Youth Services 
Bureau


Notice of a Funding Opportunity

    Funding Opportunity Title: Mentoring Children of Prisoners.
    Announcement Type: Competitive Grant--Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CU-0001.
    CFDA Number: 93.616.

DATES: April 23, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) within the 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announces the

[[Page 8202]]

availability of financial assistance and the request for applications 
for the FY 2004 Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program activities 
under section 439, Title IV-B, subpart 2 of the Social Security Act, as 
amended. The purpose of this program is to make competitive grants to 
applicants in urban, suburban, rural, and tribal populations with 
substantial numbers of children of incarcerated parents and to support 
the establishment or expansion of programs using a network of public 
and private entities to provide mentoring services to these children.

Background on Mentoring Children of Prisoners

    Across our Nation, many Americans are responding to the call to 
service by mentoring a child in need. By offering love, guidance, 
and encouragement, mentors put hope in children's hearts, and help 
ensure that young people realize their full potential.

President George W. Bush, January 2003.

    Witnessing and living with the arrest and incarceration of a parent 
is devastating for children and families. The living conditions, family 
configurations, and problems faced by the parents make it likely that 
significant numbers of children of prisoners will suffer emotional and 
behavioral difficulties. Economic, social, and emotional burdens are 
often placed on families and caretakers, especially children. Family 
relationships are strained and any existing stability is compromised. 
As a result, the majority of these children experience multiple changes 
of caregivers and/or living arrangements.

What Are the Effects of Incarceration on the Child?

    Research has found that long term physical absence of a parent has 
profound effects on child development. Children of incarcerated parents 
are seven times more likely to become involved in the juvenile and 
adult criminal justice systems. Parental arrest and confinement often 
lead to stress, trauma, stigmatization, and separation problems which 
may be compounded by existing poverty, violence, substance abuse, high-
crime environments, child abuse and neglect, multiple caregivers, and/
or prior separations. These children are more likely to develop 
attachment disorders and often exhibit broad varieties of behavioral, 
emotional, health, and educational problems. Many children of 
incarcerated parents are angry and lash out at others leading to 
confrontations with law enforcement. Lacking the support of families, 
schools, and other community institutions, they often do not develop 
values and social skills leading to the formation of successful 
relationships.

Who Are the Children?

    Between 1991 and 1999, the number of children with a parent in a 
Federal or State correctional facility increased by more than 100 
percent, from approximately 900,000 to approximately 2,000,000. Like 
their parents, children of criminal offenders reflect the racial 
differences of the incarcerated populations. Seven percent of African 
American children have an incarcerated parent; almost three percent of 
Hispanic children have an incarcerated parent, while less than one 
percent of white children have an incarcerated parent.

Who Are the Parents?

    According to the 2001 national data from the Bureau of Justice 
Statistics, 3.5 million parents were supervised by the correctional 
system. Prior to incarceration, 64 percent of female prisoners and 44 
percent of male prisoners in State facilities lived with their 
children. During incarceration nearly 90 percent of children of 
incarcerated fathers lived with their mothers and 79 percent of 
children of incarcerated mothers lived with a grandparent or other 
relative. Although research has indicated that parents and children 
should visit one another, less than 50 percent of prisoners receive 
visits from their children. In a number of cases, the caregiver may not 
allow the child to visit the inmate and prisons are often located far 
away from the urban areas where most children of prisoners live. 
According to the Bureau of Prisons, there is evidence to suggest that 
inmates who are connected to their children and families are more 
likely to avoid negative incidents and have reduced sentences.

Who Are the Mentors?

    Mentors are recruited from a variety of sources including 
congregations, religious non-profit organizations, community-based 
organizations, service organizations, Senior Corps, and the business 
community. Research has shown that the health and productivity of 
mentors is enhanced by their connection to a child in need.

How Can Mentoring Help?

    It has been demonstrated that mentoring is a potent force for 
improving youth outcomes. Mentoring increases the likelihood of regular 
school attendance and academic achievement. It also decreases the 
chances of engaging in self-destructive or violent behavior. A trusting 
relationship with a caring adult will provide stability and often have 
a profound, life-changing effect on the child. Mentoring provides the 
incarcerated parent with the assurance that somebody is there to look 
after the best interests of their child.

What Are Possible Outcomes?

    Research confirms the societal benefits of mentoring efforts with 
children. Specifically, data indicates that mentoring programs have 
reduced first time drug use by almost 50 percent and first-time alcohol 
use by 33 percent. Also, caregiver and peer relationships are shown to 
improve. In addition, mentored youth displayed greater confidence in 
their schoolwork and improved their academic performance.

How Are Matches Initiated and Monitored?

    Parents, incarcerated parents, caretakers, schools, courts, social 
service organizations, or congregations will identify children in need 
of a mentor and initiate the referral to a mentoring organization. The 
mentoring organization will facilitate and monitor the match by 
allowing parents and other stakeholders opportunities to provide 
feedback on the match. The mentoring organization will develop and 
distribute status reports to appropriate interested parties.

What Happens When Parents Return Home From Prison?

    Mentors are not meant to be ``replacement parents.'' In situations 
where incarcerated parents were actively engaged in the mentoring 
process, through visits, phone conversations or letters, reunification 
is a natural process with realistic expectations. Mentors can help 
facilitate a smooth reentry by helping parents reconnect with their 
child and are often invited to continue to be a supportive resource 
well after the return of the parent.

What Is the Family and Youth Services Bureau?

    For over 30 years, the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) 
within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has provided 
grants at the local level to Community and Faith-based organizations 
serving a population of vulnerable youth, including runaway, homeless, 
and street youth.

Definitions

    Children of Prisoners: Children, where one or both parents are 
incarcerated in a Federal, State or local correctional facility, on 
parole or on

[[Page 8203]]

probation. A child whose parent is on parole or probation is eligible 
to participate in the mentoring program if the linkage is made while 
the parent is still incarcerated. Children of persons incarcerated in 
local facilities become eligible for the mentoring program only in the 
unfortunate instance that the parent is remanded to custody or the 
State department of corrections. Children must be 4 years to 14 years 
of age when they begin to receive services.
    Mentoring: A structured, managed program in which children are 
appropriately matched with screened and trained adult volunteers for 
one-to-one relationships. This involves meetings and activities on a 
regular basis between the mentors and children to support a child's 
need for a caring and supportive adult in his life.
    Prisoner: Adult who is incarcerated in a Federal or State 
correctional facility or is being held in a local facility but is 
remanded to the custody of a State department of corrections.
    Caretaker: The parent or legal guardian charged with the 
responsibility of caring for a child while the parent is incarcerated.
    Mentoring Organization: The community or faith-based organization 
that coordinates local entities participating in the provision of 
mentoring services and the mentoring support network. Mentoring 
organizations will be responsible for the application and performance 
of the grant. They also will be responsible for providing the cash or 
in-kind contribution.
    Mentoring Services: Those services and activities that support a 
structured, managed program of mentoring, including the management by 
trained personnel of outreach to and screening of eligible children; 
outreach to, education, and training of and liaison with sponsoring 
local organizations; screening and training of adult volunteers; 
matching of children with suitable adult volunteer mentors; support and 
oversight of the mentoring relationship; and establishment of goals and 
evaluation of outcomes for mentored children.

Projects Funded Under This Program Must Do the Following Things

    (a) Link children with mentors who have:
     Received training and support in mentoring;
     Completed screening and reference checks, 
including child and domestic abuse records checks and criminal 
background checks; and
     Expressed an interest in working with children 
in disadvantaged situations.
    (b) Incorporate the elements of Positive Youth Development by 
providing youth with:
     Safe and trusting relationships;
     Healthy messages about life and social behavior;
     Guidance from a positive adult role model;
     Increased and enhanced participation in 
education for positive outcomes;
     Participation in civic service and community 
activities.
    (c) Coordinate with partnering groups to develop a plan for the 
whole family:
     Connect the child with the imprisoned parent 
with permission from the other spouse or guardian;
     Coordinate support services to siblings and 
families;
     Support caregivers with training and help 
navigating the services provided by the mentoring network.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated total Priority Area Funding: $50,000,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 150-200.
    Ceiling on amount of individual Awards: $ 1,000,000.
    Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
    Average projected Award Amount: $100,000 to $1,000,000; Funds are 
pending appropriation action by the Congress.
    Project Periods for Awards: 36 month project periods with 12 month 
budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    County governments, City or township governments, Special district 
governments, Independent school districts, State controlled 
institutions of higher education, Native American tribal 
governments(Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian 
housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than 
Federally recognized tribal governments), Non-profits having a 501(C)3 
status, and Non-profits that do not have 501(C)3 status.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: Those eligible to apply for 
funding under this grant competition include faith and community-based 
organizations, tribal governments or consortia, and State and local 
governments where substantial numbers of children of prisoners live as 
compared to the national average. Applicants must apply to establish 
new programs or to expand existing programs utilizing a network of 
public and private community entities to provide mentoring services for 
children of prisoners. Collaboration among eligible entities is 
strongly encouraged. All eligible organizations, including faith-based 
organizations, are eligible to compete on equal footing for Federal 
financial assistance used to support social services programs. No 
organizations can be discriminated against on the basis of religion in 
the administration or distribution of Federal financial assistance 
under social service programs. Faith-based organizations are eligible 
to compete for Federal financial assistance while retaining their 
identity, mission, religious references, and governance. However, 
faith-based organizations that receive funding may not use Federal 
financial assistance, including funds, to meet any cost-sharing 
requirements or to support inherently religious activities, such as 
worship, religious instruction, or prayer.
    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 signed by the 
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$1,000,000. Applications exceeding the $1,000,000 threshold will be 
returned without review.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for 
funding under this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    For the first and second years of the grant, grantees must provide 
at least 25

[[Page 8204]]

percent of the total Federal funds awarded. In the third year of the 
grant, the grantee must account for at least 50 percent of the total 
project budget. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of 
the Federal share and the non-Federal share. If the total project cost 
is $200,000, then the applicant must demonstrate a commitment of at 
least a $50,000 match and request funding of $150,000 from the Federal 
government. The Federal share may be matched by cash or in-kind 
contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their 
requirement through cash contributions. In determining the amount of 
the non-Federal share, the fair market value will be attributed to 
goods, services (excluding mentoring time and services) and facilities 
contributed from non-Federal sources. Mentoring time and services are 
not allowable as in-kind costs. Grantees will be held accountable for 
commitments of non-Federal resources even if they are over the amount 
of the required match. The failure to provide the amount required will 
result in disallowance of Federal share.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for 
funding under this announcement.

3. Other (if Applicable)

    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 (http://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.
    Applications exceeding the $1,000,000 threshold will be returned 
without review.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for 
funding under this announcement.
    Program Guidance: To be eligible for funding, a project must 
propose mentoring programs and activities to serve the children of 
prisoners in areas with a comparative severity of need for mentoring 
services, taking into consideration data on the numbers of children 
(particularly of low-income children) with an incarcerated parent (or 
parents/family) from the service delivery area.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$1,000,000.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

    ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Sylvia Johnson, 118 Q 
Street, NE., Washington DC 20002-2132; Telephone: (866) 796-1591. E-
mail address: [email protected].

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    An original and two copies of the complete application are 
required. The original and 2 copies must include all required forms, 
certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized 
representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound. 
Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not 
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals 
specified in the application budget.
    You may submit your application to us either in electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://
www.Grants.Gov apply site. If you use Grants.Gov you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.Gov site. You may 
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.Gov.
     Electronic submission is voluntary
     When you enter the Grants.Gov site, you will 
find information about submitting an application electronically through 
the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that 
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.Gov.
     To use Grants.Gov, you, as the applicant, must 
have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR 
registration.
     You will not receive additional point value 
because you submit a grant application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, 
including all information typically included on the SF424 and all 
necessary assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page 
limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your 
application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from 
Grants.Gov that contains a Grants.Gov tracking number. The 
Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application 
from Grants.Gov.
     We may request that you provide original 
signatures on forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for 
this program on http://www.Grants.Gov. You must search for the 
downloadable application package by the CFDA number.
    Application Requirements: Each application must be submitted in 
accordance with the guidance provided below.
    (a) The application must be signed by an individual authorized to 
act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility for the 
obligations imposed by terms and conditions of the grant award.
    (b) If more than one agency is involved in submitting a single 
application, one entity must be identified as the applicant 
organization that will have legal responsibility for the grant.
    Forms and Certifications: The project description should include 
all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation 
criteria outlined in the program announcement under Part V. In addition 
to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the 
standard forms required for making applications for awards under this 
announcement. Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-
construction projects must file the Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances: 
Non-Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign and return the 
Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must provide a 
certification regarding lobbying when applying for an award in excess 
of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the certification with 
their applications. Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the 
Standard Form LLL when applying for

[[Page 8205]]

an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal 
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance 
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if 
applicable, with their applications. The forms (Forms 424, 424A-B) and 
Certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm under new announcements. Fill out Standard Forms 424 and 424A 
and the associated certifications and assurances based on the 
instructions on the forms.
    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.'' 
The forms are located on the Web at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Project Summary Abstract: Provide a one page (or less) summary of 
the project description with reference to the funding request.
    Full Project Description Requirements: Describe the project clearly 
in 30 pages or less (not counting supplemental documentation, letters 
of support or agreements) using the following outline and guidelines. 
Applicants are required to submit a Full Project Description and must 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions. The pages of the project description must be 
numbered and are limited to 30 typed pages starting on page 1 of 
``Objectives and Need of Assistance''. The description must be doubled-
spaced, printed on only one side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins. 
Pages over the limit will be removed from the competition and will not 
be reviewed.
    It is in the applicant's best interest to ensure that the project 
description is easy to read, logically developed in accordance with the 
evaluation criteria and adheres to page limitations. In addition, 
applicants should be mindful of the importance of preparing and 
submitting applications using language, terms, concepts and 
descriptions that are generally known by both the targeted youth and 
the broader youth services field. The maximum number of pages for 
supplemental documentation is 10 pages. The supplemental documentation, 
subject to the 10-page limit, must be numbered and might include brief 
resumes, position descriptions, proof of non-profit status (if 
applicable), news clippings, press releases, etc. Supplemental 
documentation over the 10-page limit will not be reviewed.
    Applicants must include letters of support or agreement, if 
appropriate or applicable, in reference to the project description. 
Letters of support are not counted as part of the 30-page project 
description limit or the 10-page supplemental documentation limit. 
(Note: Applicable agreements are those between grantees and sub-
grantees or sub-contractors or other cooperating entities which support 
or complement the provision of mandated services to children of 
prisoners.)
    Application Assurances: In addition to the standard assurances of 
safety, applicants must provide the following assurances:
     Mentors will not be assigned more children than 
can be served without undermining the mentor's ability to be effective.
     Grantees will recruit mentors who are committed 
to spending at least one hour per week with assigned children for a 
period of at least one year.
     The mentoring program will provide children with 
emotional and academic support as well as exposure to a variety of 
experiences that they might not otherwise encounter.
     The program will be monitored to ensure that 
each child benefits from the match. If the match is not found to be 
beneficial to the child a new mentor will be assigned.
     The program will cooperate with any research or 
evaluation efforts sponsored by the Administration for Children and 
Families.
     The program will submit quarterly program 
reports and annual financial reports, as instructed by FYSB.
     The program will set aside funding for travel to 
inform FYSB and meet with other grantees at an annual sharing and 
technical assistance meeting.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing date for submission of applications is April 23, 2004. 
Mailed applications postmarked after the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are postmarked on or before April 23, 2004 
or sent on or before the deadline date and received by ACF in time for 
the independent review. Applications must be mailed to the following 
address: ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Sylvia Johnson, 118 Q 
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
    Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service 
postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial 
mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the 
application(s). To be acceptable as proof of a timely mailing, a 
postmark from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of 
the commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the 
package was received by the commercial mail service company from the 
applicant. Private Metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof 
of timely mailing. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail 
services do not always deliver as agreed.
    Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by 
other representatives of the applicant shall be considered as meeting 
an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline 
date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., e.s.t., at ACYF 
Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Sylvia Johnson, 118 Q Street, NE., 
Washington, DC 20002-2132, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal 
holidays). This address must appear on the envelope/package containing 
the application with the note ``ATTN: Sylvia Johnson''. 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.
    Required Forms:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           What to submit               Required content       Required form or format        When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Narrative..........................  Described in Section I  Format described in Section  By application due
                                      of this Announcement.   V.                           date.
SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B.......  Per required form.....  May be found at http://      By application due
                                                              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.

[[Page 8206]]

 
Certification regarding Lobbying     Per required form.....  May be found at http://      By application due
 and associated Disclosure of                                 www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
 Lobbying Activities (SF LLL).                                ofs/forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke          Per required form.....  May be found at http://      By application due
 Certification.                                               www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additional Forms: Private-non-profit organizations may submit with 
their applications the additional survey located under ``Grant Related 
Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant 
Applicants''.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           What to submit               Required content       Required form or format        When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit       Per required form.....  May be found on http://      By application due
 Grant Applicants.                                            www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/form.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. 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 June 20, 2001, 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, Ohio, 
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, 
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming have elected to participate in the 
Executive Order process and have established Single Point of Contacts 
(SPOCs). Applicants from these twenty-five jurisdictions need take no 
action regarding Executive Order 12372.
    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 about the 
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must 
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that 
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the 
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if 
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date 
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and 
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
    Comments should be submitted directly to Department of Health and 
Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of 
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 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.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$1,000,000. Applications exceeding the $1,000,000 threshold will be 
returned without review.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An Applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. The Application must be received at the 
address below by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing 
date. Applications should be mailed to:
    ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Sylvia Johnson, 118 Q 
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
    For Hand Delivery: Applicant must provide an original application 
with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two 
copies. The Application must be received at the address below by 4:30 
p.m. eastern standard time on or before the closing date. Applications 
that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to: 
ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Sylvia Johnson, 118 Q Street, 
NE.,Washington, DC 20002-2132. It is strongly recommended that 
applicants obtain documentation that the application was hand delivered 
on or before the closing date. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Instructions: ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD)
    The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the 
``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections 
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that 
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under 
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD). The UPD was approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Control Number 0970-0139, 
expiration date 03/31/04. The generic UPD requirement is followed by 
the evaluation criterion specific to the Promoting Safe and Stable 
Families Act.

[[Page 8207]]

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, when 
applying for a grant to serve children of incarcerated parents, 
describe who will receive services, where and how the services will be 
provided, and how the services will benefit the youth, their families 
and the community.
Approach
    Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how 
the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or 
activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
    Provide quarterly reports of accomplishments achieved for each 
function or activity such as the number of people served and the number 
of activities achieved. When activity or function cannot quantify 
accomplishments, list them in chronological order to show the schedule 
of accomplishments and their target dates.
    If any data 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.
Staff and Position Data and Organizational Profile
    Provide a biographical sketch for each key person appointed and a 
job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch 
will also be required for new key staff as appointed.
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any 
nonprofit organization submitting an application must submit proof of 
its application at the time of submission. The nonprofit 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 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.
General
    The following guidelines are for preparing the budget and budget 
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed 
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. For purposes 
of preparing the budget and budget justification, ``Federal resources'' 
refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. Non-Federal 
resources are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. It is 
suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a 
columnar format: first column, object class categories; second column, 
Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column, 
total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of new employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel 
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to 
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
    Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in

[[Page 8208]]

accordance with organization's regular written accounting practices.)
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy, which includes the equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information that supports 
the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation contracts (if 
applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.
    Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a 
manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free 
competition. Recipients and sub recipients, other than States that are 
required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated 
procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition 
and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 
403(11)(currently set at $100,000). Recipients might be required to 
make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such 
as request for proposals or invitations for bids; independent cost 
estimates, etc.

    Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the 
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed 
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency 
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in 
these instructions.

Indirect Charges
    Description: Total amount of indirect costs. The Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency 
should use this category only when the applicant currently has an 
indirect cost rate approval.
    Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the 
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the 
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or 
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an 
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal 
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the 
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for 
establishing indirect cost rates and submit it to the cognizant agency. 
Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also 
request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an indirect cost 
rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool 
should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the 
applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under 
the program, the authorized representative of the applicant 
organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is 
accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Program Income
    Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be 
generated from this project.
    Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of 
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application 
that contain this information.
Non-Federal Resources
    Description: Amounts on non-Federal resources that will be used to 
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be 
documented and submitted with the application in order to be given 
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for 
each funding source.
Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total Project Costs
    Self-explanatory.
Assurance of Non-Construction
    Application requesting financial assistance for non-construction 
projects must file the Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign and return the Standard 
Form 424B with their applications.
    Approach in determining the quality of the project design or 
approach the following factors are considered: (30 points)
     The detailed plan designed to identify, screen, 
and recruit mentors. The description of detailed volunteer screening 
procedures to ensure that the mentor poses no safety risk to the child 
and has the necessary skills to participate in a mentoring 
relationship. (10 points)
     The resources that will be coordinated to 
support the needs of caretakers and other children in the family 
setting. Also, when appropriate, the extent that the program proposes 
to partner with identified programs supporting incarcerated parents and 
addresses their re-entry. (5 points)
     The training process for mentors based on best 
practices which will ensure their ability to successfully mentor this 
special population. (5 points)
     The quality of the mechanism that will be used 
to match children with mentors, demonstrating sensitivity to the 
diverse needs of the children and the support provided for mentors in 
order to sustain long-term mentoring relationships. (5 points)
     The level of supervision, oversight, and 
monitoring of the child and mentor relationships and activities. The 
description of the expected ratio of staff to mentors. The detailed 
plan for collecting, on a monthly basis, data documenting meetings and 
activities by trained volunteer coordinators to ensure personal 
oversight and safety of the children and their mentors. (5 points)
    Results and benefits expected in determining the quality of 
expected benefits the following factors are considered: (20 points)
     The extent to which goals, objectives, and 
outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified 
and measurable. (10 points)
     The extent to which the methods of evaluation 
will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of 
progress toward achieving intended outcomes. (5 points)
     The extent to which outcomes reflect gains in 
positive social behaviors, youth engagement, and asset acquisition. (5 
points)
    Staff and position data and organizational profile in reviewing the 
required staff and position data and the organizational profile, the 
following factors are considered: (20 points)
     A demonstrated history of providing services to 
youth and families in disadvantaged situations, along with the ability 
to partner and build coalitions at the community level along with 
specific definition of the area where services are to be delivered. 
(Maps and graphic aids may be attached

[[Page 8209]]

as part of the supplementary documentation.) (10 points)
     The extent to which community stakeholders, 
including parents, incarcerated parents, local community organizations, 
schools, government, caretakers and children, have participated in the 
project design. The list and description of how these partners will 
contribute to the mentoring network. (5 points)
     The quality of skills, knowledge, and experience 
of the project director and project staff. This includes job 
descriptions, as well as a description of staff training and specific 
cultural diversity training related to mentoring the target population. 
(5 points)
    Objectives and need for assistance in determining the need of 
assistance for the proposed project, the following factors are 
considered: (15 points)
     The conditions and characteristics of youth and 
families affected by incarceration in the service delivery area. The 
description must demonstrate an awareness of the special needs of this 
population, including service delivery gaps and the magnitude of the 
problem within the service delivery area. (5 points)
     The calculation of the number of children with 
parents in prison and projection of the number of mentor-child matches 
proposed to be established and maintained annually under the program. 
(5 points)
     The extent to which there are existing support 
services for this population of youth, with specific references to 
coordination of courts, health and mental health care, social services, 
school, and child welfare. It must be clear that the mentoring program 
will complement and enhance, not duplicate available services and that 
the mentoring program will work in conjunction with these services to 
produce better outcomes for children and families. (5 points)
    Budget and budget justification in determining the soundness of the 
budget and budget justification, the following factors are considered: 
(15 points)
     The extent to which costs of the proposed 
program are reasonable and justified in terms of numbers of children of 
prisoners, types and quantities of services to be provided, and the 
anticipated results and benefits. Discussion should refer to the budget 
information presented on Standard Form 424 and 424A and the applicant's 
budget justification. (10 points)
     Identification of fiscal control and accounting 
procedures that will be used to ensure the prudent use, proper 
disbursement, and accurate accounting of federal funds received, as 
well as the accounting of cash and in-kind for the non-federal match. 
(5 points)

2. Review and Selection Process

    All applications which are complete and conform to the requirements 
of this program announcement will be subject to a competitive review 
and evaluation against the specific grant program criteria outlined in 
this announcement. This review will be conducted in Washington, DC, by 
panels of non-Federal experts knowledgeable in the areas related to 
children of prisoners, child development and human services. The 
overall panel review is managed by Federal staff.
    Application review panels will assign a score to each application, 
identifying its strengths and weaknesses. Central office staff will 
conduct administrative reviews of those applications within funding 
range. After all reviews have been completed, FYSB staff will recommend 
the application for funding to the Commissioner, ACYF. The Commissioner 
will make the final selection of the applications to be funded.
    Please note that here will be a 5 percent set aside specifically 
for tribes and tribal consortia.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of 
a Financial Assistance Award document which will set forth the amount 
of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective 
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be 
given, the non-Federal share to be provided and the total project 
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance 
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer.
    Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be 
notified in writing by the Administration on Children, Youth and 
Families.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    45 CFR Part 74 and 45 CFR Part 92.
    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13): Under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the Department is 
required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for 
review and approval any reporting and record keeping requirements or 
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 Number 0980-0204).

3. Reporting

    Programatic Reports: Quarterly.
    Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.
    Reporting Requirements: All grantees are required to submit 
quarterly program reports; grantees are also required to submit semi-
annual expenditure reports using the required financial standard form 
(SF-269) which is located on the Internet at: http://forms.psc.gov/forms/sf/SF-269.pdf. A suggested format for the program report will be 
sent to all grantees after the awards are made.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Linda V. Barnett, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW., Washington, DC 20447, (202) 401-9358, [email protected].
    Grants Management Office Contact: Sylvia Johnson, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, (202) 401-2344, 
[email protected].
    General: The Dixon Group, ACYF Operations Center, 118 Q Street, 
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, Telephone: (800) 351-2293 or (202) 245-
9111 ext. 201.

VIII. Other Information

    Additional information about this program and its purpose can be 
located on the following websites: http://www.ncfy.com, http://www.manynet.org, http://www.dhhs.gov/fbci.

    Dated: February 18, 2004.
Wade F. Horn,
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-3844 Filed 2-20-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P