[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 45 (Monday, March 8, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10695-10702]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-5044]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community 
Services


Funding Opportunity Title: Special State Technical Assistance; 
Announcement Type: Competitive Grant-Initial

    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EZ-0005.
    CFDA Number: 93.569.
    Dates: Applications are due between April 7, 2004, and July 30, 
2004, within the time frames specified in this announcement for mailed 
and/or hand-carried applications.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration 
for Children and Families (ACF) announces a Special State Technical 
Assistance discretionary funding program to support interventions in 
cases where an eligible entity is in a crisis situation.
    Under the Community Services Block Grant, section 674(b)(2)(B) and 
678A, funds may be used by the Secretary to assist States in carrying 
out corrective action activities and monitoring to correct programmatic 
deficiencies of eligible entities. States are required to determine 
whether eligible entities meet the performance goals, administrative 
standards, financial management obligations and other requirements of 
the State. The CSBG legislation mandates that States provide training 
and technical assistance (T&TA) prior to any termination procedures. It 
also

[[Page 10696]]

requires States to carry out corrective activities and to monitor all 
eligible entities at least every three years.
    The CSBG Act requires States to conduct regular, on-site reviews of 
eligible entities. When a State determines that an eligible entity has 
a deficiency that must be corrected, the CSBG legislation mandates that 
the State offer an eligible entity training and technical assistance 
(T&TA), if appropriate, to help correct such a deficiency. A State may 
support this T&TA with the CSBG funds remaining after it has made 
grants to eligible entities. However, OCS recognizes that, in some 
instances, the problem to be addressed may be of such a complex or 
pervasive nature that it cannot be adequately addressed with the 
resources available to the State CSBG Administrator.

Definitions of Terms

    The following definitions apply:
    Community Action Agency (CAA)--refers to local-level organizations 
that are Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Eligible Entities. They 
provide a number of types of assistance with the goals of reducing 
poverty and enabling low-income families to become economically self-
sufficient.
    Community Services Network--refers to the various organizations 
involved in planning and implementing programs funded through the CSBG 
or providing training, technical assistance or support to them. The 
network includes local CAAs and other eligible entities; State CSBG 
offices and their national association; CAA State, regional and 
national associations; and related organizations that collaborate and 
participate with CAAs and other eligible entities in their efforts on 
behalf of low-income people.
    Cooperative Agreement--an award instrument of financial assistance 
when substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding 
office, (the Federal government) and the recipient during performance 
of the contemplated project. Substantial involvement may include 
collaboration or participation by OCS staff in activities specified in 
the award and, as appropriate, decision-making at specified milestones 
related to performance. The involvement may range from joint conduct of 
a project to OCS approval prior to the recipient's undertaking the next 
phase in a project.
    Eligible Entities--(Section 673(1)(A))--the term ``eligible 
entity'' means an entity that is an eligible entity described in 
section 673(1) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of 
the COATES Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998) as of the day 
before such date of enactment or is designated by the process described 
in section 676A (including an organization serving migrant or seasonal 
farmworkers that is so described or designated); and has a tripartite 
board or other mechanism described in the Act.

    Special Note: Under the Act, CAAs are eligible entities, however 
not all eligible entities are CAAs. Throughout this announcement, 
the reference is to organizations defined in section 673(1)(A) of 
the CSBG Act whenever CAAs are mentioned.

    Nationwide--refers to the scope of the technical assistance, 
training, data collection, or other capacity-building projects to be 
undertaken with grant funds. Nationwide projects must provide for the 
implementation of technical assistance, training or data collection for 
all or a significant number of States, and the CAAs and other local 
service providers who administer CSBG funds.
    Non-profit Organization--refers to an organization, including 
faith-based and community-based, which meets the requirement for proof 
of non-profit status in the ``Additional Information on Eligibility'' 
section of this announcement and has demonstrated experience in 
providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of 
effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and 
communities.
    Outcome Measures--are indicators that focus on the direct results 
one wants to have on customers and on communities.
    Performance Measurement--is a tool used to assess how a program is 
accomplishing its mission through the delivery of products, services 
and activities.
    Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) System--ROMA 
is a system which provides a framework for focusing on results for 
local agencies funded by the CSBG Program. It involves setting goals 
and strategies and developing plans and techniques that focus on a 
result-oriented performance based model for management.
    State--means all of the 50 States and the District of Columbia. 
Except where specifically noted, for purposes of this program 
announcement, it also includes Territories as defined below.
    Technical assistance--is an activity, generally utilizing the 
services of an expert (often a peer), aimed at enhancing capacity, 
improving programs and systems, or solving specific problems. Such 
services may be provided proactively to improve systems or as an 
intervention to solve specific problems.
    Territories--refers to Guam, American Samoa, the United States 
Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    Training--is an educational activity or event that is designed to 
impart knowledge, understanding or increase the development of skills. 
Such training activities may be in the form of assembled events such as 
workshops, seminars, conferences or programs of self-instructional 
activities.

Program Purpose, Scope and Focus

    The purpose of this program priority area is to improve the 
capacity of States in carrying out corrective action activities and 
monitoring to correct programmatic deficiencies of eligible entities. 
The grant will support interventions in cases where an eligible entity 
is in a crisis situation. It will preclude the need for termination 
hearings and proceedings by stabilizing eligible entities in crises and 
correcting programmatic deficiencies, if possible.

Program Statutes

    Section 319 of Public Law 101-121, signed into law on October 23, 
1989, imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and 
certification related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, 
grants, cooperative agreements, and loans. It provides exemptions for 
Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Current and prospective 
recipients (and their sub-tier contractors and/or grantees) are 
prohibited from using Federal funds, other than profits from a Federal 
contract, for lobbying Congress or any Federal agency in connection 
with the award of a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or loan. In 
addition, for each award action in excess of $100,000 (or $150,000 for 
loans) the law requires recipients and their sub-tier contractors and/
or sub-grantees (1) to certify that they have neither used nor will use 
any appropriated funds for payment to lobbyists, (2) to disclose the 
name, address, payment details, and purpose of any agreements with 
lobbyists whom recipients or their sub-tier contractors or sub-grantee 
will pay with profits or non-appropriated funds on or after December 
22, 1989, and (3) to file quarterly updates about the use of lobbyists 
if material changes occur in their use. The law establishes civil 
penalties for noncompliance. Required Certification and Disclosure 
forms to be submitted with your application are attached.
    Public Law 103-227, Part C. Environmental Tobacco Smoke, also known 
as the Pro-Children Act of 1994 (Act), requires that smoking not be 
permitted in any portion of any indoor

[[Page 10697]]

facility owned or leased or contracted for by an entity and used 
routinely or regularly for the provision of health, day care, 
education, or library services to children under the age of 18, if the 
services are funded by Federal programs either directly or through 
States and local government by Federal grant, contract, loan or loan 
guarantee. The law does not apply to facilities funded solely by 
Medicare or Medicaid funds, and portions of facilities used for in-
patient drug or alcohol treatment. Failure to comply with the 
provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary 
penalty of up to $1,000 per day and/or the imposition of an 
administrative compliance order on the responsible entity.
    By signing and submitting this application the applicant/grantee 
certifies that it will comply with the requirement of the Act. The 
applicant/grantee further agrees that it will require the language of 
this certification be included in any sub-awards, which contain 
provisions for children's services and that all sub-grantees shall 
certify accordingly.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $500,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 5-12.
    Ceiling of Individual Awards: $50,000.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $7,000.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $50,000.
    Project Periods for Awards: 17 months.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Community Services Block Grant eligible entities. Statewide or 
local organizations or associations including faith-based 
organizations, for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations 
having 501 (C) 3 status, and non-profit organizations that do not have 
501 (C) 3 status.
Additional Information on Eligibility
    As prescribed by the Community Services Block Grant Act (Pub. L. 
105-285, section 678(c)(2), eligible applicants are eligible entities 
(see definitions), organizations, or associations with demonstrated 
expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations on 
methods of effectively addressing the needs of low income families and 
communities.
    Applicants must demonstrate proof of non-profit status and this 
proof must be included in their applications (see section IV. 2). 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 
$50,000. An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar 
range specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and will be 
returned to the applicant without further review.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
    None.
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 (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 are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards 
is $50,000. Applications exceeding the $50,000 threshold will be 
returned without review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Office of Community Services Operations Center, ATTN: Marianna 
RayNor-Hill, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 
22209; telephone: (800) 281-9519; e-mail: www.Grants.gov.

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.
    Applicants must demonstrate proof of non-profit status and this 
proof must be included in their applications. Please include 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.
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the 
www.Grants.gov 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

[[Page 10698]]

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 Grant.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 to 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 electronic format, nor will 
we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, 
including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all 
necessary assurance 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 Grant.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 www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable 
application package by the CFDA number.
Application Content
    Each application must include the following components:
    (a) Table of Contents.
    (b) Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed 250 
words, that would be suitable for use in an announcement that the 
application has been selected for a grant award and which identifies 
the type of project, the target population and the major elements of 
the work plan.
    (c) Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an 
official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority 
to obligate the organization legally.
    (d) Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non-Construction 
Programs.
    (e) Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category 
required under section B, Standard Form 424A.
    (f) Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described 
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and 
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
Application Format
    Each application should include one signed original application and 
two additional copies of the same application.
    Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper only. 
Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
    Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional 
materials, slides, films, clips, etc.
    The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins must 
be at least one inch on all sides.
    Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package, 
beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one.
    Please present application materials either in loose-leaf notebooks 
or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center and 
fastened separately with a slide paper fastener.
Page Limitation
    The application package including sections for the Table of 
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives, and Business 
Plan must not exceed 65 pages. The page limitation does not include the 
following attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also 
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this 
announcement.
Required Standard Forms
    Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-construction 
project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs with their applications.
    Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying. Prior 
to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish 
an executed copy of the lobbying certification. Applicants must sign 
and return the certification with their applications.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By 
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back a certification form.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as 
outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke. By 
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back a certification form.
    Additional requirements: (a) The application must contain a signed 
Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance ``SF-424'', a 
Standard Form 424-A Budget Information ``SF-424A'' and signed Standard 
Form 424B Assurance--Non-Construction Programs ``SF-424B'' completed 
according to instructions provided in this Program Announcement. The 
forms SF-424 and the SF-424B must be signed by an official of the 
organization applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the 
organization legally. The applicant's legal name as required on the SF-
424 (Item 5) must match that listed as corresponding to the Employer 
Identification Number (Item 6);
    (b) The application must include a project narrative that meets 
requirements set forth in this announcement.
    (c) The application must contain documentation of the applicant's 
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Funding Opportunity 
Description'' section of this announcement.
    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 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

[[Page 10699]]

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. All 
applications must comply with the following requirements except as 
noted:
    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 10 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is any time 
before 4:30 p.m. (eastern time zone) between April 7, 2004 and July 30, 
2004. Mailed or hand carried applications received after 4:30 p.m. on 
the closing date will be classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the ``Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services 
Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, 
Virginia 22209, Attention: Daphne Weeden.'' Applicants are responsible 
for mailing applications well in advance, when using all mail services, 
to ensure that the applications are received on or before the deadline 
time and date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., e.s.t., at the Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS), Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community 
Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, 
Arlington, Virginia 22209; Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson.
    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 mail services. 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents.................  As described above........  Consistent with guidance    By application due
                                                                 in ``Application Format''   date.
                                                                 section of this
                                                                 announcement.
Abstract of Proposed Project......  Brief abstract that         Consistent with guidance    By application due
                                     identifies the type of      in ``Application Format''   date.
                                     project, the target         section of this
                                     population and the major    announcement.
                                     elements of the proposed
                                     project.
Completed Standard Form 424.......  As described above and per  May be found on http://     By application due
                                     required form.              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/   date.
                                                                 ofs/forms.htm.
Completed Standard Form 424A......  As described above and per  May be found on http://     By application due
                                     required form.              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/   date.
                                                                 ofs/forms.htm.
Narrative Budget Justification....  As described above........  Consistent with guidance    By application due
                                                                 in ``Application Format''   date.
                                                                 section of this
                                                                 announcement.
Project Narrative.................  A narrative that addresses  Consistent with guidance    By application due
                                     issues described in the     in ``Application Format''   date.
                                     ``Application Review        section of this
                                     Information'' and the       announcement.
                                     ``Review and Selection
                                     Criteria'' sections of
                                     this announcement.
Certification regarding lobbying..  As described above and per  May be found on http://     By application due
                                     required form.              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/   date.
                                                                 ofs/forms.htm.
Certification regarding             As described above and per  May be found on http://     By application due
 environmental tobacco smoke.        required form.              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/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 10700]]

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.
    The following States and Territories have elected to participate 
under the Executive Order process and have established a Single Point 
of Contact (SPOC): Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of 
Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, 
Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, 
North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, 
Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the 
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin 
Islands.
    Applicants for projects to be administered by federally-recognized 
Indian tribes are also exempt from the requirements of E.O. 12372. 
Otherwise, applicants should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to 
alert them of the prospective applications and receive any necessary 
instructions. Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs 
as soon as possible so that OCS can obtain and review SPOC comments as 
a part of the award process. It is imperative that the applicant 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 424A, item 16a.
    Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
deadline date 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.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 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

Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects
    OCS will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is 
primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than 
the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the 
implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This 
prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting 
for specific services or activities needed to conduct the project.
Number of Projects in Application
    Each application may include only one proposed project.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$50,000. Applications exceeding the $50,000 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: Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Community Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, 
Arlington, Virginia 22209, ATTN: Daphne Weeden.
    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: 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, 
1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209 Attention: 
Barbara Ziegler Johnson. 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. The generic UPD requirement is followed by the 
evaluation criterion specific to the Community Services Block Grant 
legislation.
Purpose
    The project description provides a major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and 
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are 
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can 
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project 
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation 
criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other 
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, 
therefore, that this information be included in the application.
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The 
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description 
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more 
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the

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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. Explain how the 
project will reach the targeted population and how it will benefit 
participants or the community.
Approach
    Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and detail of 
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions 
or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in, for 
example, such terms as the ``number of people served.'' When 
accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them 
in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and 
their target dates.
    If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Evaluation
    Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and 
the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the 
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which 
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which 
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. 
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are 
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the 
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being 
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and 
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's 
effectiveness.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports, documentation of professional accreditation, 
information on compliance with Federal/State/local government 
standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other 
pertinent information.
    A non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the 
applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent 
list of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the 
IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of 
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget 
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed 
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, 
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to 
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the 
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
    Evaluation Criterion I: Work Program (Maximum: 30 points).
    Factors: The work program is results-oriented and appropriately 
related to the legislative mandate. The extent to which the applicant 
addresses: Specific outcomes to be achieved; performance targets which 
the project is committed to achieving; critical milestones, which must 
be achieved if results are to be gained; and organizational support; 
the level of support including priority this project has for the 
agency.
    Evaluation Criterion II: Need for Assistance (Maximum: 20 points).
    Factors: The applicant documents that the project addresses vital 
needs related to the purposes stated and discussed under this 
announcement.
    The applicant provides statistics and other data and information in 
support of its contention.
    Evaluation Criterion III: Ability of Applicant to Perform (Maximum: 
20 points).
    Factors: The applicant fully describes, for example in a resume, 
the experience and skills of the proposed sources of technical 
assistance showing specific qualifications and professional experiences 
relevant to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
    Evaluation Criterion IV: Significant and Beneficial Impact (Maximum 
15 points).
    Factor: The extent to which the applicant adequately describes how 
the project will assure long-term program and management improvements 
that will aid in removal from the ``at risk category''.
    Evaluation Criterion V: Evidence of Significant Collaborations 
(Maximum 10 Points).
    Factors: The extent to which the applicant describes how it will 
involve the local Board of Directors of eligible entities as well as 
other partners in the community in its activities.
    Where appropriate, the extent to which the applicant describes how 
it will interface with other related organizations.
    Criterion VI: Adequacy of Budget (Maximum: 5 points)
    Factors: a. The extent to which the resources requested are 
reasonable and adequate to accomplish the project. (0-3 points)
    b. The extent to which total costs are reasonable and consistent 
with anticipated results. (0-2 points)

2. Review and Selection Process

OCS Evaluation of Applications
    Each application submitted to OCS will be screened to determine 
whether it was received by the closing date and time.
    Applications, which meet the initial screening requirements, will 
be reviewed solely on responsiveness to program guidelines and 
evaluation criteria published in this announcement. States will not be 
competing with each other for funding under this program.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Following approval of the applications selected for funding, notice 
of project approval and authority to

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draw down projects will be made in writing. The official award document 
is the Financial Assistance Award, which provides the amount of Federal 
funds approved for use in the project, the project and budget periods 
for which support is provided, the terms and conditions of the award, 
and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The 
Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Grantees are subject to the audit requirements in 45 CFR parts 74 
(non-governmental) and 92 (governmental) and OMB Circular A-133.
    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).
    The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 3/31/2004. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and 
a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information 
unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 10 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information.

3. Reporting

    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: Marianna RayNor-Hill, Department of Health 
and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, 
Office of Community Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, 
Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209. e-mail: [email protected]; 
telephone: (202) 401-9343.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Daphne Weeden, Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and 
Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort 
Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209. e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone: (202) 401-4577.

VIII. Other Information

    Additional information about this program and its purpose can be 
located on the following Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs.

    Dated: February 24, 2004.
Clarence H. Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 04-5044 Filed 3-5-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P