[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 45 (Monday, March 8, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10703-10711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-5043]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration for Native Americans (ANA); Adoption of ANA 
Program Policies and Procedures

AGENCY: Administration for Children and Families, HHS.

ACTION:  Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) herein issues 
final interpretive rules, general statements of policy and rules of 
agency procedure or practice relating to the Social and Economic 
Development Strategies (SEDS) Language Preservation and Maintenance 
(hereinafter referred to as Native Language), and Environmental 
Regulatory Enhancement (hereinafter referred to as Environmental) 
programs.

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 21, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila Cooper, Director of Program 
Operations at (877) 922-9262.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Pursuant to Section 814 of the Native American Programs Act of 
1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b-1, under the statute, ANA is required 
to provide members of the public an opportunity to comment on proposed 
changes in interpretive rules, statements of general policy, and rules 
of agency procedure or practice and to give notice of the final 
adoption of such changes at least 30 days before the changes become 
effective.
    ANA published a Notice of Public Comment (NOPC) in the Federal 
Register (68 FR 64685) on November 14, 2003 on the proposed ANA policy 
and program clarifications, modifications, and activities for FY 2004. 
The NOPC closed December 14, 2003. ANA received comments from three 
different entities: (A) one comment was submitted from an Alaska 
Village Council; (B) three comments were received from a national 
Native American non-profit organization, and (C) several editorial 
comments were received from an individual. ANA has considered all the 
public comments received and has included clarifications and 
modifications reflecting several of the comments in the SY 2004 SEDS, 
Native Language and Environmental Program Announcements.

Final Policies and Procedures and Comments and Responses

1. Policy on Deadline Date for Applications

    For FY 2004, ANA will have one closing date for the SEDS Program or 
other special initiative undertaken pursuant to Section 803(a) of the 
Native American Programs Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 2991b, and one closing 
date each for the Alaska SEDS Program, Native Language program, and the 
Environmental program. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 
803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1972, as amended, 42 
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)

2. Receipt of Applications

    ANA's program announcements will now require that all applications 
for funding be ``received by'' ANA by the closing date. Consistent with 
past practices, ANA will not acknowledge receipt of applications. 
Previously, ANA accepted applications for funding if they were 
postmarked on or before the closing date. The change to receipt of the 
application by the closing date is expected to reduce disputes 
regarding postmarks and late-arriving applications. This change will 
also ensure ANA has the appropriate number of skilled peer panel 
reviewers available to review submitted applications. Applications 
received after the published closing date as stipulated in this 
published announcement will not be considered. The new program 
announcement closing schedules will allow ANA to release all funding to 
communities earlier in the fiscal year; provide applicants additional 
time to receive agency comments and seek free technical assistance 
before the next competition in the program. Additionally, ANA grantees 
will have the opportunity to implement projects in a timely manner, 
recruit personnel to support the grantee's objectives; and decrease the 
number of requests for no cost grant extensions. This modification will 
afford ANA the opportunity to perform grant administration and program 
monitoring and evaluation activities that support new and non-competing 
continuation grants. (Legal authority: Sections 833(a) and (d) and 803C 
of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 
2991b and 2991b-3)
    Discussion of Comment: The one comment received on this section 
expressed concern with the change associated with the receipt of 
applications from ``postmarked by'' to ``received by.'' The commenter 
expressed concern that unreliable mail service delivery from remote 
areas will cause undue stress on organizations.
    Response: During the previous competitive cycle, ANA performed an 
assessment of all phases and benchmarks of the pre-award process to 
determine areas of needed efficiency. The determination to change from 
``postmarked by'' to ``received by'' was given much consideration, 
especially considering some ANA applicants are located in isolated 
communities. This policy will be an adjustment for all applicants, 
however the outcomes of improved reader selection, the elimination of 
disputes associated with postmarks and late-arriving applications, and 
other pre-award activities are more beneficial to applicants than the 
re-instatement of the ``post-marked by'' policy. ANA intends to have 
the program announcements

[[Page 10704]]

published with sufficient time allowed for applicants to prepare and 
submit an application in a timely manner. Therefore, the requirement 
for applications receipt will remain intact.

3. Access to Program Announcement and Application Materials

    The program announcement and the application materials are 
available on the ANA Web site at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana. 
The material on the Web site is provided as information only. ANA makes 
all reasonable efforts to assure that the Web site is complete and 
accurate. The applicant bears sole responsibility, to assure that the 
copy downloaded and/or printed from any source is accurate and 
complete. In case of a conflict between the content of material 
downloaded from the website and the material appearing the Federal 
Register, the notice published in the Federal Register shall take 
precedence. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 
2991b-3)

4. Application Submission Requirements

    The format of the application for funding is now standardized. The 
new application format will help applicants focus on the type of 
information and data required to support an application for funding. 
ANA will implement a page limitation requirement to enable a thorough 
review of the application. (See 4(a) and (b)). ANA will implement these 
page requirements with a limit on the number of pages for each section. 
These modifications to the announcement will reduce the amount of 
documentation applicants need to submit and it will both strengthen and 
streamline the peer panel review process to allow reviewers to focus on 
the project and applications content. Additionally, program 
announcement standardization will prepare ANA and applicants for the 
Federal Government's Electronic Grant Application submission initiative 
and process. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 
2991b-3)
    4. (a) Organization and Preparation of Application: Due to the 
intensity and pace of the application review and evaluation process, 
ANA has standardized the application submission format. The new 
application submission format for the SEDS program is included in this 
notice.
    4. (b) ANA Application Format: ANA will now require all 
applications to be labeled with a Section Heading in compliance with 
the format provided in the program announcement. This format applies to 
all applicants submitting applications for funding in the programs 
covered by this notice. All pages submitted (including Government 
Forms, certifications and assurances) should be numbered consecutively. 
The paper size shall be 8 \1/2\ x 11 inches, line spacing shall be a 
space and a half (1.5 line spacing), printed only on one side, and have 
a half-inch margin on all sides of the paper. The font size should be 
no smaller than 12-point and the font type shall be Times New Roman. 
These requirements do not apply to the project Abstract Form, Letters 
of Commitment, the Table of Contents, and the Objective Work Plan. A 
complete application for assistance under ANA's Program Announcements 
consists of Three Parts. Part One is the SF 424, Required Government 
Forms, and other required documentation noted in the program 
announcement. Part Two of the application is a description of the 
project's substance. This section of the application may not exceed 45 
pages. Part Three of the application is the Appendix. This section of 
the application may not exceed 20 pages (the exception to this 20-page 
limit applies only to projects that require, if relevant to the 
project, a Business Plan or any Third-Party Agreements). (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3.)
    4. (c) Explanation of Project Period: Under ANA's new program 
announcements, project periods will be 12 months, 17 months, 24 months, 
or 36 months. ANA currently funds projects spanning a 36-month period. 
Exception: Native Language Planning Grants (Category I) will continue 
to be 12 or 17 month project periods. This notice clarifies the 
specific project periods that ANA will fund. (Legal authority: Sections 
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, 
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2291b and 2991b-3)
    4. (d) Application Review Criteria: ANA has expanded the review 
criteria to allow for a more equitable distribution of points during 
the application review and competition process. In the FY 2004 Program 
Announcement, ANA will improve the competitive review process through 
the use of six criteria that will evenly distribute evaluation points. 
The use of six criteria will standardize the review of each application 
and distribute the number of points more equitably. Based on the 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Uniform Project 
Description, ANA's criteria categories are: Project Introduction; 
Objectives and Need for Assistance; Project Approach; Organizational 
Capacity; Results and Benefits Expected; and Budget and Budget 
Narrative. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2291b and 
2991b-3)

5. Program Areas of Interest

    ACF supports and fosters strong families and healthy communities. 
In the FY 2004 Program Announcements, ANA has identified Program Areas 
of Interest to complement other Health and Human Services and ACF 
programs. For example, in ANA's SEDS program the Economic Development 
Areas of Interest support activities that will provide business and 
employment opportunities and options necessary to build the foundation 
of healthy communities and strong families. Under Social Development, 
the program areas of interest support families, elders, youth 
development, healthy marriage, and individuals with disabiliites. 
Furthermore, under Governance, funding may be used for leadership and 
management training or to assist eligible applicants in the development 
of laws, regulations, codes, policies, and practices that support and 
promote community-based activities that lead to self-sufficiency. The 
program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers supportive to 
Native American communities. Although eligibility for funding is not 
restricted to projects of the type listed under this program 
announcement, these Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees as 
particularly beneficial to the develpment of healthy Native American 
communities. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)

6. Policy on Results and Benefits

    ANA's program announcement will not offer an opportunity for 
applicants to choose from six project performance indicators. For 
example, indicators may be: The number of jobs created or retained; the 
strengthening and modification of tribal government activities such as 
the implementation of codes and ordinances; the number of people 
trained; the dollar amount of non-federal resources leveraged per 
grantee; the number and type of community, federal and state 
partnerships involved in the project; the dollar amount of private 
sector investsment integrated into the project; and the number of 
community-based

[[Page 10705]]

small businesses established. This quantitative and qualitative date 
will be used to monitor grantee performance and to communicate to the 
public and Congress on the impact and success of locally funded ANA 
projects. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 US.C. 2991b and 
2991b-3)
    Correction: Within the ANA Results and Benefits Criteria, a 
redundant performance indicator was deleted. The indicator removed was 
``number of families served''. The agency considered that this 
information was being addressed in a more comprehensive indicator: 
``the number of children, youth, families or elders assisted or 
participating''.

7. ANA Funding Restrictions

    ANA does not fund:
     Activities in support of litigation against the 
United States Government that are unallowable under OMB Circulars A-87 
and A-122. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d), and 803C of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b, and 
2991b-3, 45 CFR 1336.50(a); 45 CFR 74.27 and 92.22; OMB Circular A-122, 
Attachment B, Paragraph 10(g) and OMB Circular A-87, Attachment B, 
Paragraph 14(b))
     Duplicative projects or does not allow any one 
community to receive a disproportionate share of the funds available 
for award. When making decisions on awards of grants the Agency will 
consider whether the project is essentially identical or similar, in 
whole or significant part, to projects in the same community previously 
funded or being funded under the same competition. The Agency will also 
consider whether the grantee is already receiving funding for a SEDs, 
Language, or Environmental project from ANA. The Agency will also take 
into account in making funding decisions whether a proposed project 
would require funding on an indefinite or recurring basis. This 
determination will be made after it is determined whether the 
application meets the requirements for eligibility as set forth in 45 
CFR 1336, Subpart C, but before funding decisions are complete. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Discussion of Comment: The writer expressed concern with the policy 
statement on award determination. If ANA is going to consider whether 
the proposed project is essentially identical or similar, in whole or 
in part, to projects in the same community previously funded under the 
same competition, they would be competing with their consortia 
membership for ANA funding.
    Response: The policy statement read in its entirety references a 
policy that ANA does not fund duplicative projects within the same 
identified community that are currently being funded or were previously 
funded by ANA. The intent of the policy is to not restrict consortia 
services to its membership and is not intended to create problematic 
competition within communities. It is ANA's consideration that this 
policy supports an internal control measure to ensure the effective use 
of limited federal funds by the elimination of financial awards for 
services and/or activities already supported by ANA. The funding 
restriction policy will remain intact.
    Discussion of Comment: The writer also wanted a definition of 
``projects that would require funding on an indefinite or recurring 
basis''.
    Response: ANA provides financial assistance for projects that are 
either complete or self-sustaining or funded by other than ANA funds at 
the end of the project period. Proposed projects that cannot 
demonstrate completion, or be self-sustaining or funded by other than 
ANA funds at the end of the proposed project period will not be 
considered for funding.
     Projects in which a grantee would provide 
training and/or technical assistance (T/TA) to other Tribes or Native 
American organizations that are otherwise eligible to apply. However, 
ANA will fund T/TA requested by a grantee for its own use or for its 
members' use (as in the case of a consortium), when the T/TA is 
necessary to carry out project objectives. (Legal authority: Sections 
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, 
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.33(b)(2))
    Discussion of Comment: The writer expressed concerns with the 
statement ``projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or 
technical assistance to other tribes or Native American organizations 
that are otherwise eligible to apply''.
    Response: The policy statement read in its entirety allows for 
consortia to provide technical assistance in support of project 
objectives to its membership. The policy will remain intact.
     The purchase of real property or construction 
because those activities are not authorized by the Native American 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and 
(d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 
42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.33(b)(7))
     Objectives or activities to support core 
administration activities of an organization. However, functions and 
activities that are clearly project related are eligible for grant 
funding. Under Alaska SEDS projects, ANA will consider funding core 
administrative capacity building projects at the village government 
level if the village does not have governing systems in place. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3 and 45 
CFR 1336.33(b)(4))
     Costs associated with fund-raising, including 
financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and 
bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or 
obtain contributions are unallowable under an ANA grant award. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 
1336.50; 45 CFR 74.27; OMB Circular A-122, Attachment B, Paragraph 23; 
OMB Circular A-87, Attachment B, Paragraph 21.)
     Major renovation or alternation because those 
activities are not authorized under the Native American Programs Act of 
1974, as amended. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of 
the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b 
and 2991b-3)
     Projects originated and designed by consultants 
who provide a major role for themselves and are not members of the 
applicant organization, Tribe, or village. (Legal authority: Sections 
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, 
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
     Project activities that do not further the three 
interrelated ANA goals of economic development, social development and 
governance or meet the purpose of this program announcement. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 
1336.33(b)(5))
    Correction: The agency noted that the wording of the funding 
restriction ``Project activities that do not further the three 
interrelated ANA goals of economic development, social development, 
governance or meet the purpose of this program announcement'' should 
have read as ``Project activities that do not further the three 
interrelated ANA goals of economic development or

[[Page 10706]]

social development or governance, or meet the purpose of this program 
announcement''. The technical correction allows the applicant to 
indicate on the ANA abstract form which one of the three inter-related 
ANA goals is primarily being addressed.

8. Administrative Policies

    Applicants must comply with the following Administrative Policies:
     An applicant must provide a 20% non-federal 
match of the approved project costs. Applications originating from 
American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands are covered under section 501(d) of Pub. L. 95-134, as amended 
(48 U.S.C. 1469a), under which HHS waives any requirement for matching 
funds under $200,000 (including in-kind contributions). (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 
1336.50(b))
     An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native 
Village or Native American organization must be from the governing 
body. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native 
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
     A non-profit organization submitting an 
application must submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of 
submission. The non-profit organization shall submit one of the 
following verifiable documents: (i) 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 (ii) a 
copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, or (iii) a 
copy of the articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the State or 
federally-recognized Tribe in which the corporation or association is 
domiciled. Organizations incorporating in American Samoa are cautioned 
that the Samoan government relies exclusively upon IRS determination of 
non-profit status; therefore, articles of incorporation approved by the 
Samoan government do not establish non-profit status for the purpose of 
ANA eligibility. (Legal Authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of 
the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b 
and 2991b-3)
     If the applicant, other than a Tribe or an 
Alaska Native Village government, is proposing a project benefiting 
Native Americans or Native Alaskans, or both, it must provide assurance 
that its duly elected or appointed board of directors is representative 
of the community to be served. To establish compliance, an applicant 
should provide supporting documentation and assurance that its duly 
elected or appointed board of directors is majority Native American. 
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native 
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3; 45 CFR 1336.33(a))
     Applicants must describe how the proposed 
project objectives and activities relate to a locally determined 
strategy. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 
2991b-3)
     Proposed projects must consider the maximum use 
of all available community-based resources. (Legal authority: Sections 
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, 
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Discussion of Comment: The writer expressed concern with the 
statement ``Proposed projects must consider the maximum use of all 
available community-based resources.'' It is interpreted by the writer 
that this policy will create a hardship for Native communities with 
limited community resources.
    Response: This statement is intended to ensure that the applicant 
assesses the availability of other community resources and any 
opportunities and options to partner with other community-based 
programs. Applicants with scarce community resources will not be 
penalized. The policy statement will remain intact.
     Proposed projects must present a strategy to 
overcome the challenges that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in 
the community. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of 
the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b 
and 2991b-3)
     Applicants proposing an Economic Development 
project should address the project's viability. A business plan, if 
applicable, must be included to describe the project's feasibility, 
cash flow, and approach for the implementation and marketing of the 
business. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 
2991b-3)
     ANA will not accept applications from tribal 
components, which are tribally authorized divisions of a larger Tribe, 
which are not approved by the governing body of the Tribe. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 
1336.33(a))

9. DUNS Numbers

(New Requirement to receive grant awards)

    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, after giving notice in the Federal Register on June 
27, 2002 and providing opportunity for public comment. 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 mandatory grant programs, submitted on or 
after October 1, 2003. A DUNS number may be acquired 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.

10. Community and Faith-Based Organizations

    The Administration for Children and Families through the 
Administration for Native Americans supports and fosters strong 
families and healthy communities under four initiatives. ANA encourages 
applications from eligible community and faith-based organizations that 
(1) provide services directly to Native American people; (2) 
organizations that support rural communities; (3) provide prevention 
and intervention programs for youth and families; and (4) promote 
healthy relationships to strengthen families.

11. Community-Based Projects

    ANA's program announcements will emphasize partnerships and 
community-based projects. The intent of this change is to increase the 
number of grants to local community organizations, to encourage new 
partnerships with public and private community-based organizations. 
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native 
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)

[[Page 10707]]

12. Funding Thresholds

    The ANA will increase funding ceilings under the Native Language 
program for Category I Planning and Category II Design and 
Implementation grants. The minimum grant amount for Native Language 
grants will be $25,000. The ceiling amount for Category I grants will 
increase from $60,000 to $100,000. The ceiling amount for Category II 
grants will increase from $150,000 to $175,000. The increase in funding 
amounts for Native Language grants will support the effective 
assessment of native languages. It will also provide applicants the 
opportunity to incorporate new technologies necessary to design, 
implement, and preserve Native language and culture. Grants awarded 
under the Native Language program that produce audio or print media 
will now include a stipulation that a copy of the product be provided 
to ANA for the Language Repository. Federally-recognized Tribes have 
the option to not submit project products. The funding ceiling for 
Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) will be reduced from 
$1 million to $500,000. The minimum grant award amount will be $25,000. 
This adjustment of the minimum and maximum funding levels is due to the 
demand for SEDS project funding. These changes will result in 
additional community-based social and economic development project 
grant awards under the SEDS program. The Environmental Program 
announcement includes a suggested threshold and ceiling on proposed 
projects. For FY 2004 these amounts will be considered as guidelines 
only. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native 
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)

13. Availability of Multi-Year Funding

    Applicants may apply for projects of up to 36 months in duration. A 
multi-year project, one extending more than 12 months or 17 months, 
affords grantees the opportunity to undertake more complex and in-depth 
projects. Applicants are encouraged to develop multi-year projects. 
However, applicants should note that a multi-year project is a project 
on a single theme that requires more than 12 or 17 months to complete. 
It is not a series of unrelated projects presented in chronological 
order over a three-year period. Funding after the first budget period 
of a multi-year project will be non-competitive. However, multi-year 
funding will be contingent upon: (1) The availability of Federal funds; 
(2) the grantee's progress to achieve the objectives and activities 
outlined in the Objective Work Plan; (3) ANA's continued belief that 
the project is in the public interest; and (4) the grantee is in 
compliance with applicable statutory and grant reporting requirements. 
Multi-year grant awards are subject to the availability of funds and a 
determination by ANA that the grantee has successfully completed its 
prior year objectives. Exception: Native Language Category I: Planning 
Grants will remain 12 or 17 month projects. (Legal authority: Sections 
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, 
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)

14. Applications From Multiple Organizations in the Same Geographic 
Area

    ANA will accept applications for funding and award grants to 
multiple organizations located in the same geographic area, provided 
the activities are not duplicative of previously funded ANA projects in 
the same geographic area or to the same grantee. Previously, under each 
competitive program area, ANA accepted one application that served or 
impacted a reservation, Tribe or Native American community. The reason 
for this change is to expand and support large Native American rural 
and urban communities that provide a variety of services in the same 
geographic area. Although Tribes are limited to three simultaneous ANA 
grants (one each under SEDS, Native Language and Environmental 
programs) at any one time, this clarification allows other community-
based organizations to apply for ANA funding to support on-going 
community-based efforts, provided the activities do not duplicate 
currently funded projects serving the same geographic area. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)

15. Program Specific Program Announcements

    ANA's FY 2004 program announcements will now be program specific. 
ANA will release separate program announcements for funding 
opportunities under SEDS, for Language Preservation and Maintenance, 
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement, and for special initiatives. 
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native 
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)

16. Policy on Training and Technical Assistance

    To reduce geographic disparities, ANA's training and technical 
assistance curriculum and all associated handouts will be standardized. 
ANA's contracted training and technical assistance providers may 
provide training in pre-application and project development. Training 
will be advertised in advance, to ensure prospective applicants have 
the opportunity to attend. All potential ANA applicants are eligible to 
receive free training and technical assistance in the SEDS, Language or 
Environmental program areas. (Legal authority: Sections 804 of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991c)

17. Application Review Criteria

    ANA has improved the competitive review process and will now use 
six criteria that will evenly distribute evaluation points. The use of 
six criteria will standardize the review of each application and 
distribute the number of points more equitably. ANA's criteria 
categories are: Project Introduction; Objectives and Need for 
Assistance; Project Approach; Organizational Capacity; Results and 
Benefits Expected; and Budget and Budget Justification. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Discussion of Comment: The comments submitted by the individual 
suggested ANA modify its sentence structure, and increase the point 
weight on the budget section to emphasize its importance.
    Response: ANA has determined that the editorial and suggested re-
wording did not change the intent of the information being requested 
and therefore incorporated a majority of the recommended edits in the 
ANA evaluation criteria section of the program announcement. The ACF 
Uniform Project Description requires the use of specific text in 
program announcements and the ANA program announcement adheres to those 
requirements. The edits provided more clarity and cohesiveness to this 
section of the program announcement without changing content or intent.
    Response: The comment to increase the point value of the ANA Budget 
criteria would result in a subsequent decrease in assigned point value 
in another criterion. ANA determined that it would not be beneficial to 
the overall project presentation as outlined to increase the point 
value for the budget section. The assignment of point values

[[Page 10708]]

to evaluation criteria provides the applicant with an indication as to 
which criteria have more merit in the overall development of an 
application. ANA has determined the budget criteria point value is 
suitable in relation to the other merit criteria and will remain as 
initially established.
    Technical Correction: The ANA evaluation criteria title 
``Introduction and Project Summary/Abstract'' was re-written to state 
``Introduction and Project Summary/Project Abstract''. This change was 
added to provide clarity and indicate to the applicant that the 
information requested should be indicated on the ANA Project Abstract 
form (OMB No. 0980-0204).

18. Definitions

    The following definitions will be used in all ANA program 
announcements. In the FY 2004 Program Announcement, ANA clarifies many 
areas that have previously prompted numerous questions and application 
mistakes from applicants. The ANA program announcement will now include 
definitions for the following terms:
    Authorized Representative: The person or person(s) authorized by 
Tribal or Organizational resolution to execute documents and other 
actions required by outside agencies. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) 
and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as 
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Budget Period: The interval of time into which the project period 
is divided for budgetary or funding purposes, and for which a grant is 
made. A budget period usually lasts one year in a multi-year project 
period. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 
2991b-3)
    Community: A group of people residing in the same geographic area 
that can apply their own cultural and socio-economic values in 
implementing ANA's program objectives and goals. In discussing the 
applicant's community, the following information should be provided. 
(1) A description of the population segment within the community to be 
served or impacted; (2) the size of the community; (3) geographic 
description or location, including the boundaries of the community; (4) 
demographic data on the target population; and (5) the relationship of 
the community to any larger group or tribe. (Legal authority: Sections 
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, 
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Community Involvement: How the community participated in the 
development of the proposed project, how the community will be involved 
during the project implementation and after the project is completed. 
Evidence of community involvement can include, but is not limited to, 
certified petitions, public meetings minutes, surveys, needs 
assessments, newsletters, special meetings, public Council meetings, 
public committee meetings, public hearings, and annual meetings with 
representatives from the community. The applicant should document the 
community's support of the proposed project. Applications from National 
and Regional Indian and Native organizations should clearly demonstrate 
a need for the project, explain how the project originated, identify 
the beneficiaries, and describe and relate the actual project benefits 
to the community and organization. National Indian and Native 
organizations should also identify their membership and specifically 
discuss how the organization operates and impacts Native American 
people and communities. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 
803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Completed Project: A completed project means that the program 
funded by ANA is finished, self-sustaining, or funded by other than ANA 
funds, and the results and outcomes are achieved by the end of the 
project period. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of 
the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b 
and 2991b-3)
    Consortia--Tribal/Village: A group of Tribes or villages that join 
together either for long-term purposes or for the purpose of an ANA 
project. Applicant must identify Consortia membership. The Consortia 
applicant must be the recipient of the funds. A Consortia applicant 
must be an ``eligible entity'' as defined by this program announcement 
and the ANA regulations. Consortia applicants should include 
documentation (a resolution adopted pursuant to the organization's 
established procedures and signed by an authorized representative) from 
all consortia members supporting the ANA application. An application 
from a consortium should have goals and objectives that will create 
positive impacts and outcomes in the communities of its members. ANA 
will not fund activities by a consortium of tribes which duplicates 
activities for which member Tribes also receive funding from ANA. The 
consortium application should identify the role and responsibility of 
each participating consortia member and a copy of the consortia legal 
agreement or Memoranda of Agreement to support the proposed project. 
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native 
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
    Construction: The initial building of a facility. (Legal authority: 
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act 
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Core Administration: Salaries and other expenses for those 
functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for 
purposes that are unrelated to the actual management or implementation 
of the ANA project. However, salaries and activities that are clearly 
related to the ANA project are eligible for grant funding. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 
1336.33(b)(4).)
    Economic Development: Involves the promotion of the physical, 
commercial, technological, industrial, and/or agricultural capacities 
necessary for a sustainable local community. Economic development 
includes activities and actions that develop sustainable, stable, and 
diversified private sector local economies. For example, initiatives 
that support employment options, business opportunities, development 
and formation of a community's economic infrastructure, laws and 
policies that result in the creation of businesses and employment 
options and opportunities that provide for the foundation of healthy 
communities and strong families. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and 
(d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 
42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Equipment: Tangible, non-expendable personal property, including 
exempt property, charged directly to the award having a useful life of 
more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. 
However, consistent with recipient policy, lower limits may be 
established. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 
2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.50(a); 45 CFR 74.2 and 92.3)
    Governance: Involves assistance to tribal and Alaska Native village 
government leaders to increase their ability to execute local control 
and

[[Page 10709]]

decision-making over their resources. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) 
and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as 
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Implementation Plan: The guidebook the applicant will use in 
meeting the results and benefits expected for the project. The 
Implementation Plan provides detailed descriptions of how, when, where, 
by whom and why activities are proposed for the project and is 
complemented and condensed by the Objective Work Plan. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    In-kind Contributions: In-kind contributions are property or 
services which benefit a federally assisted project or program and 
which are contributed by the grantee, non-Federal third parties without 
charge to the grantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant 
agreement. Any proposed in-kind match must meet the applicable 
requirements found in 45 CFR Parts 74 and Part 92. (Legal authority: 
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act 
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Letter of Commitment: A third party statement to document the 
intent to provide specific in-kind contributions or cash to support the 
applicant. The Letter of Commitment must state the dollar amount (if 
applicable), the length of time the commitment will be honored, and the 
conditions under which the organization will support the proposed ANA 
project. If a dollar amount is included, the amount must be based on 
market and historical rates charged and paid. The resources to be 
committed may be human, natural, physical, or financial, and may 
include other Federal and non-Federal resources. For example, a notice 
of award from another Federal agency committing $200,000 in 
construction funding to complement a proposed ANA funded pre-
construction activity is evidence of a commitment. Statements about 
resources which have been committed to support a proposed project made 
in the application without supporting documentation will be 
disregarded. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 
2991b-3)
    Leveraged Resources: The total dollar value of all non-ANA 
resources that are committed to a proposed ANA project and are 
supported by documentation that exceed the 20% non-federal match 
required for an ANA grant. Such resources may include any natural, 
financial, and physical resources available within the tribe, 
organization, or community to assist in the successful completions of 
the project. An example would be a written letter of commitment from an 
organization that agrees to provide a supportive action, product, and 
service, human or financial contribution that will add to the potential 
success of the project. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 
803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Multi-purpose Organization: A community-based corporation whose 
charter specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors 
and/or officers of the organization through an elective procedure and 
that the organization functions in several different areas of concern 
to the members of the local Native American community. These areas are 
specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization. 
They may include, but need not be limited to, economic, artistic, 
cultural, and recreational activities, and the delivery of human 
services such as day care, education, and training. (Legal authority: 
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act 
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Multi-year Project: Encompasses a single theme and requires more 
than 12 or 17 months to complete. A multi-year project affords the 
applicant or opportunity to develop and address more complex and in-
depth strategies that cannot be completed in one year. A multi-year 
project is a series of related objectives with activities presented in 
chronological order over a two or three-year period. Prior to funding 
the second or third year, of a multi-year grant, ANA will require 
verification and support documentation for the grantee that objectives 
and outcomes proposed in the preceding year were accomplished. 
Applicants proposing multi-year projects must complete and submit an 
Objective Work Plan (OWP) and budget with narrative for each project 
year, and fully described objectives to be accomplished, outcomes to be 
achieved, and the results and benefits to determine the successful 
outcomes of each budget period. ANA will review the quarterly and 
annual reports of grantees to determine if the grantee is meeting its 
goals, objectives and activities identified in the OWP. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Objective(s): Specific outcomes or results to be achieved within 
the proposed project period that are specified in the Objective Work 
Plan. Completion of objectives must result in specific, measurable, 
outcomes that would benefit the community and directly contribute to 
the achievement of the stated community goals. Applicants should relate 
their proposed project objectives to outcomes that support the 
community's long-range goals. (Legal authority: Section 803(a) and (d) 
and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Partnerships: Agreements between two or more parties that will 
support the development and implementation of the proposed project. 
Partnerships include other community-based organizations or 
associations, Tribes, federal and state agencies and private or non-
profit organizations. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 
803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Performance Indicators: Measurement descriptions used to identify 
the outcomes or results of the project. Outcomes or results must be 
measurable to determine that the project has achieved its desired 
objective and can be independently verified through monitoring and 
evaluation. Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the 
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 
2991b-3)
    Real Property: Land, including land improvements, structures, and 
appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment. 
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native 
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
    Renovation or Alteration: The work required to change the interior 
arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing facility, 
or install equipment so that it may be more effectively used for the 
project. Alteration and renovation may include work referred to as 
improvements, conversion, rehabilitation, remodeling, or modernization, 
but is distinguished from construction. (Legal authority: Sections 
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, 
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed 
Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official

[[Page 10710]]

governing body) in support of the project for the entire project 
period. The Resolution should indicate who is authorized to sign 
documents and negotiate on behalf of the Tribe or organization. The 
Resolution should indicate that the community was involved in the 
project planning process, and indicate the specific dollar amount of 
any non-federal matching funds (if applicable). (Legal authority: 
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act 
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Sustainable Project: A sustainable project is an on-going program 
or service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Self-Sufficiency: The ability to generate resources to meet a 
community's needs in a sustainable manner. A community's progress 
toward self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and 
direct resources in a comprehensive manner that is consistent with its 
established long-range goals. For a community to be self-sufficient, it 
must have local access to, control of, and coordination of services and 
programs that safeguard the health, well-being, and culture of the 
people that reside and work in the community. (Legal authority: 
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act 
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Social Development: Investment in human and social capital for 
advancing the well-being of members of the Native American community 
served. Social development is the action taken to support the health, 
education, culture, and employment options that expand an individual's 
capabilities and opportunities, and that promote social inclusion and 
combat social ills. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C 
of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 
2991b and 2991b-3)

19. Competitive Panel Review Process

    ANA will consolidate the peer panel review process. ANA is required 
by statute to provide a peer panel review for each eligible 
application. Panel reviewers are selected nationally for their 
education, experience, and working knowledge in ANA program areas. In 
FY 2003, ANA began the process of expanding and rotating the pool of 
panel reviewers. This process will ensure that applications for funding 
are reviewed, analyzed, and scored by qualified professionals in the 
respective program area. This organizational efficiency will ensure 
that each application receives appropriate consideration and that the 
panel review teams have the appropriate and necessary credentials to 
analyze, evaluate, and score applications. For example, readers with 
education and work experience in Environmental Regulatory Enhancement 
will be selected to review environmental applications. Readers with 
education and work experience in Language Preservation and Maintenance 
will be selected to review language applications. (Legal authority: 
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act 
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)

19. (a) Initial Screening

    Each application submitted under an ANA program announcement will 
undergo a pre-review screening to determine if (a) The application was 
received by the program announcement closing date; (b) the application 
was submitted in accordance with Application Submission Requirements; 
(c) the applicant is eligible for funding; (d) the applicant has 
submitted the proper support documentation such as proof of non-profit 
status, resolutions, and required government forms; and (e) an 
authorized representative has signed the application. An application 
that does not meet one of the above elements will be excluded from the 
competitive review process. Ineligible applicants will be notified by 
mail within 30 business days from the closing date of this program 
announcement. ANA staff cannot respond to requests for information 
regarding funding decisions prior to the official applicant 
notification. After the Commissioner has made funding decisions, 
unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing within 90 days. 
Applicants are not ranked based on general financial need. Applicants, 
who are initially excluded from competition because of ineligibility, 
may appeal the Agency's decision. Likewise, applicants may also appeal 
an ANA decision that an applicants' proposed activities are ineligible 
for funding consideration. The appeals process is stated in the final 
rule published in the Federal Register on August 19, 1996 (61 FR 42817 
and 45 CFR part 1336, subpart C). ANA has a policy of not funding 
duplicative projects or allowing any one community to receive a 
disproportionate share of the funds available for award. When making 
decisions on awards of grants the Agency will consider whether the 
project is essentially identical or similar, in whole or significant 
part, to projects in the same community previously funded or being 
funded under the same competition. The Agency will also consider 
whether the grantee is already receiving funding for a SEDS project or 
for another project from ANA. The Agency will also take into account in 
making funding decisions whether a proposed project would require 
funding on an indefinite or recurring basis. (Legal authority: Sections 
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, 
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
    Correction: Added an additional pre-screening element (f) 
applicants must submit a DUNS number on their SF 424 form. This element 
was added per the Office of Management and Budget policy published in 
the Federal Register on October 1, 2003. This section was further 
edited to read as follows: ``An application that does not meet one of 
the above elements will be considered incomplete and excluded from the 
competitive review process. Applicants, with incomplete applications, 
will be notified by mail within 30 business days from the closing date 
of this program announcement.'' This amendment was inserted to clarify 
and make a distinction between incomplete applications, which do not 
have recourse to appeal, and the determination of ineligibility, which 
has recourse to an appeal process.

19. (b) Automation of the Panel Review Process

    In FY 2004, ANA will automate its application receipt and panel 
review process to comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 
to support the ACF Electronic Grant Application Submission Initiative. 
The automation of document management will provide program operation 
efficiency. For example, when an application is submitted to ANA it is 
logged into an automated system and given an identification number. 
After the program announcement closing date, ANA randomly assigns each 
application to a peer review panel for evaluation and scoring. During 
the review process, panel reviewer comments are downloaded into data 
files. These comments are then matched and stored with the application 
data file. This process consolidates all applications and review 
information, protects the confidentiality of the panel reviewers, and 
allows applicants to obtain comments in a timely manner. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d), 803C

[[Page 10711]]

and 806 of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 
U.S.C. 2991b, 2991b-3 and 2991d-1)

19. (c) Panel Reviews and Funding Decisions

    ANA values the knowledge and expertise of individual reviewers. 
Applications for funding are randomly assigned to panel review teams. 
Each panel reviewer is responsible for reading the program announcement 
Federal Register and scoring each application in accordance with the 
published review criteria. Each application is reviewed and scored 
independently by a panel reviewer. After the panel review process, ANA 
conducts due diligence on each application in the funding range. The 
ANA Commissioner determines the final action on each grant application 
received under ANA program announcements. The Commissioner's funding 
decision is based on an analysis of the application by each peer review 
panel, the review and recommendations of ANA staff, panel review 
scores, comments of State and Federal agencies having contract and 
grant performance related information, and other interested parties. 
The Commissioner makes grant awards consistent with the purpose of the 
Native American Programs Act (NAPA), all relevant statutory and 
regulatory requirements, this program announcement, and the 
availability of appropriated funds. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) 
and (d), 803C and 806 of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as 
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b, 2991b-3 and 2991d-1)

19. (d) Award Notification Information

    Successful applicants are notified through an official Financial 
Assistance Award (FAA) document. The FAA will state the amount of 
Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms and 
conditions of the grant award, the effective date of the award, the 
project period, the budget period, and the amount of the non-ACF 
matching share requirement. Unsuccessful applicants should expect 
notification within 90 days after the closing deadline date. (Legal 
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)

20. Web Site Information

    In FY 2004, ANA may make public on its web site information 
associated with successfully funded applications. Such information will 
include the name of the grant recipient, type of award such as SEDS, 
Language, Environmental amount, the duration of the project, and a 
synopsis of the project. Posting this information will provide 
prospective applicants with examples of successfully funded projects, 
inform the public how and where ANA is expending its funds, and share 
information with other HHS, ACF, federal and state agencies. The ANA 
website will also include profiles of successful ANA community 
projects, and it will provide links to other funding sources, 
information on special HHS, ACF and ANA initiatives, and provide an 
opportunity for ANA applicants to tract the review and approval process 
of submitted applications for funding. (Legal authority: Sections 
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, 
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)

21. New OMB Format Requirements

    The Office of Management and Budget has changed the format for 
program announcements published in the Federal Register. ANA has 
modified its normal program announcement format to comply with these 
changes.

Additional Information

Reporting Requirements

    Correction: The Social and Economic Development Strategies program 
announcement included in the November Federal Register Notice has a 
typographical error in one of the references to the Reporting 
Requirements. The Financial Status reports (SF269) will be submitted on 
a quarterly basis and not semi-annually as incorrectly stated on 68 FR 
64685, 64707 (November 14, 2003). Under 45 CFR 74.52(a)(1)(iii) and 45 
CFR 92.41(b)(3), HHS awarding agencies are authorized to require 
grantees to submit Form 269s as frequently as quarterly.

    Dated: February 12, 2004.
Quanah Crossland Stamps,
Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.
[FR Doc. 04-5043 Filed 3-5-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-M