[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 54 (Friday, March 19, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13047-13055]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-6204]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration Program

    Federal Agency Name: Administration for Children and Families, 
Office of Community Services.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration 
Program.
    Announcement Type: Competitive Grant--Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-EJ-0002.
    CFDA Number: 93.647.

DATES: May 18, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of 
Community Services (OCS) announces that competing applications will be 
accepted for new grants pursuant to the U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) Secretary's Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) 
authorized under section 1110 of the Social Security Act governing 
Social Services Research and Demonstration activities and the 
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004, Pub. L. 107-116, Title II. 
Pursuant to this announcement, OCS will award funds to experienced 
intermediary organizations to deliver training and technical assistance 
to small faith-based and community organizations. Intermediaries will 
assist these organizations to increase their effectiveness, enhance 
their ability to provide social services, expand their organizations, 
diversify their funding sources, and create collaborations to better 
serve those most in need. In addition, recipients of awards under this 
announcement must issue sub-awards to a number of qualified faith-based 
and community organizations for a variety of capacity-building 
purposes.

A. Background

    Faith-based and community organizations have a long history of 
providing an array of important services to people in need in the 
United States. These organizations possess unique strengths that the 
government cannot duplicate. As a result, they are well positioned to 
assist individuals and families with the most pressing needs, such as 
the homeless, prisoners reentering the community, children of 
prisoners, at-risk youth, addicts, elders in need, and families in 
transition from welfare to work. In addition, faith-based and community 
organizations provide marriage education and preparation services to 
help couples who choose marriage for themselves develop the skills and 
knowledge to form and sustain healthy marriages.
    In recognition of this history and ability, President Bush believes 
it is in the public's interest to broaden Federal efforts to work with 
faith-based and community organizations and has made improving funding 
opportunities for such organizations a priority. CCF is a key part of 
the effort to enhance and expand the participation of faith-based and 
community groups serving those in need. Intermediary organizations 
awarded funds under this announcement will serve as partners to both 
the Federal government and to the faith-based and community 
organizations that they assist. The intermediaries will represent a 
diverse set of affiliations, and will assist community-level 
organizations that have a range of service goals, target populations, 
affiliations, and beliefs.

B. Program Purpose and Objectives

    The goal of CCF is to assist faith-based and community 
organizations to increase their effectiveness, enhance their ability to 
provide social services, expand their organizations, diversify their 
funding sources, and create collaborations to better serve those most 
in need. This will be accomplished through the funding of experienced 
intermediary organizations in well-defined geographic locations with a 
proven track record of providing technical assistance to smaller faith-
based and community organizations in their communities. These 
intermediary organizations will serve as a bridge between the Federal 
government and the faith-based and community organizations that this 
program is designed to assist.
    Intermediary organizations will provide two services within their 
communities:
    1. Technical assistance to faith-based and community organizations; 
and
    2. Financial support--through sub-awards--to some subset of the 
faith-based and community organizations in their communities.
Technical Assistance
    ACF seeks intermediary organizations with demonstrated expertise 
and a proven track record in working with and providing technical 
assistance to faith-based and community organizations in a variety of 
areas. Technical assistance activities funded under CCF are to be 
conducted at no cost to interested faith-based and community 
organizations. Applicants must have demonstrated experience in the 
delivery of capacity-building assistance to smaller organizations in 
several of the following areas: strategic planning, financial 
management, board development, fund-development, and outcome 
measurement. Additionally, there is a range of other needs that may 
appropriately be provided by the intermediary organizations awarded 
funds under this announcement. The following list is meant to be 
illustrative, not exhaustive.
     Legal assistance in various areas such as the 
process of incorporation or obtaining tax-exempt status;
     Needs assessments to identify internal areas 
needing improvement or areas in which to develop or expand community 
services to address service gaps;
     Development of internal operating controls and 
procedures related to all aspects of business management;
     Facilitation of networks, service coordination, 
and resource sharing among organizations;
     Incorporation of ``best practices'' in priority 
social service areas;
     Expanding outreach and client screening, intake 
or tracking methods;
     Volunteer management;
     Human resources.
    In addition, intermediaries must be established organizations with 
well-developed connections to and working relationships with faith-
based and community organizations in well-defined geographic locations. 
Typically, these intermediary organizations will be located in the same 
communities as the faith-based and community organizations that they 
serve.

[[Page 13048]]

    Technical assistance should be provided on a long-term, on-going 
basis to smaller organizations, rather than through single or short-
term contacts (such as a nationwide series of seminars or conferences).
Sub-Awards
    The program goals will be further accomplished through the issuance 
of sub-awards by the funded intermediary organizations to a diverse set 
of small faith-based and community organizations that seek to increase 
program and organizational effectiveness for a 12-month period. The 
total amount of sub-awards proposed in an intermediary's application 
must represent at least one-quarter or 25 percent of the total Federal 
funds. The issuance of sub-awards must be consistent with the following 
principles:
     Sub-award recipients must be chosen through a 
fair and open competitive process.
     Sub award recipients may not be pre-selected.
     The awarding process must be a fair and open 
competition and include outreach to both faith-based and community 
organizations.
     Intermediary organizations must provide on-going 
technical assistance and capacity-building support to the organizations 
to which they issue sub-awards.
     The criteria for selection of sub-awardees must 
not include consideration of the religious nature of a group or the 
religious nature of the program it offers.
     Priority for sub-awards should be given to 
organizations that historically have not received grants from the 
Federal government.
     Priority for sub-awards should be given to 
organizations implementing program(s) in several priority areas 
including: the homeless, elders in need, at-risk youth, families in 
transition from welfare to work, those in need of intensive 
rehabilitation such as addicts or prisoners, and organizations that 
provide marriage education and preparation services to help couples who 
choose marriage for themselves develop the skills and knowledge to form 
and sustain healthy marriages.
     Intermediaries must not require sub-award 
applicants to provide matching funds or give them a preference in the 
selection process if they offer matching funds in their applications.
     Intermediaries must not require sub-award 
applicants to have 501(c)(3) status or to identify a sponsoring 
organization with 501(c)(3) status.
     Organizations that partner with an intermediary 
to deliver technical assistance or provide cost-sharing funds for the 
proposed project are not to be eligible for sub-awards, unless approved 
by the Administration for Children and Families.
     Sub-awards must be in amounts manageable for a 
small organization.
     The central focus of an intermediary's proposed 
sub-award concept must be capacity-building activities that further the 
sustainability of sub-awardees' social service efforts. Sub-awards 
should be used to assist organizations in differing stages of 
development. For example, funds may be provided to fledgling 
organizations to improve their basic functions, such as attaining 
501(c)(3) status or developing sound financial systems. Sub-awards may 
also be provided to promising organizations to expand the reach of 
existing programs. Such funding would allow a promising organization to 
move to a higher level of service, where it is able to assist more 
people on a sustainable basis. Uses for such funding might include: 
employing a key additional staff person, moving to a larger or better-
equipped facility, upgrading case management or informational 
technology capabilities, or supporting a new social service.
     Sub-awards must not be used to provide direct 
services, but rather improve the sub-awardee's efficiency and capacity. 
For example, an organization that distributes food to the poor should 
not receive a sub-award to purchase additional food. Nor, for example, 
should an organization that provides substance abuse treatment services 
use additional funds to provide the same services to more people. 
Although using the sub-awards for direct service would enable 
organizations to assist additional individuals, they would not further 
the goals of improving an organization's sustainability, efficiency, or 
capacity. Rather, the organizations would simply use additional funds 
in the same way they used existing funds, without fundamentally 
changing or improving their services.
Plan For Providing Technical Assistance and Sub-Awards
    As part of its application to ACF, each applicant must submit a 
basic outline of its sub-award approach, describing the kinds of 
organizations in its community that would benefit and examples of 
activities that it expects these groups will undertake with sub-award 
funding. Intermediary organizations that receive CCF awards will be 
required to develop, with guidance from and in consultation with ACF, a 
detailed plan for this process within 60 days of receipt of an award 
under this announcement. ACF must review and approve this plan prior to 
the issuance of any sub-awards using Federal funds awarded under this 
announcement. Intermediary organizations must report on the use of 
funds for sub-awards as they do for other types of expenditures of 
Federal funds received as a result of an award under this announcement 
and as specified in the Cooperative Agreement. Intermediary 
organizations will also be required to develop, with guidance from and 
in consultation with ACF, a plan within six months of receipt of an 
award for working with sub-awardees to develop outcome measures and to 
evaluate the activities supported by the sub-awards.
    Applicants must coherently describe their plan both for providing 
technical assistance and sub-awards. In providing technical assistance 
and in making sub-awards, these plans must provide for the 
establishment of ongoing supportive relationships with those faith-
based and community organizations served, rather than single or short-
term interactions. Technical assistance conferences and workshops may 
be parts of an applicant's plan, but they must not be its sole focus. 
The plan must also describe how applicants will develop and build upon 
existing long-term supportive relationships with the faith-based and 
community organizations within their communities.
    Furthermore, approved applicants must be willing to work closely 
with ACF, and any entities funded by ACF, to coordinate, assist, or 
evaluate the activities of the intermediary organizations providing 
technical assistance and issuing sub-awards. Proposed budgets should 
include the cost of travel-related expenses for two key personnel with 
responsibility for the CCF award to attend a two-day orientation 
workshop with Federal officials in Washington, DC. This meeting will 
focus on orientation to Federal objectives for the project, information 
about related activities supported by HHS and other Federal agencies, 
Federal grants management requirements, and coordination between and 
among the approved intermediary organizations and other entities funded 
by ACF to be involved in the CCF initiative.
    ACF expects to work closely with organizations that receive funding 
to ensure that CCF monies are used appropriately and in the most 
effective manner possible. It has also entered into a contract with an 
organization that serves as the National Resource Center

[[Page 13049]]

(herein also referred to as the National Center) for these 
intermediaries. Under this contract, the National Center provides CCF 
intermediaries with support and technical assistance. Funded 
organizations must expect to interact with both ACF and the National 
Center on an on-going basis and modify their technical assistance and 
sub-award plans in coordination with ACF to address barriers to faith-
based participation in Federally-sponsored programs.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $7.0 million.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 12 per budget period.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $1,000,000 per budget 
period.
    Floor on Individual Award Amounts: none.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $400,000-$800,000 per budget 
period.
    Project Periods for Awards: This announcement is inviting 
applications for project periods up to three years. Awards, however, 
will be made on a competitive basis, for a one-year budget period. 
Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond 
the one-year budget period but within the three-year project period 
will be entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, 
subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee 
and a determination that continued funding would be in the best 
interest of the Government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    County governments, City or township governments, Special district 
governments, State controlled institutions of higher education, Native 
American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Non-profit 
organizations having a 501(c) (3) status with the Internal Revenue 
Code, other than institutions of higher education, Non-profit 
organizations that do not have 501 (c) (3) status with the Internal 
Revenue Code, other than institutions of higher education, Private 
institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than 
small businesses, Small businesses, and faith-based organizations.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: Faith-based and community 
organizations are eligible to apply for these grants. ACF invites 
applications from a wide variety of organizations or entities with 
demonstrated knowledge and experience in the provision of the types of 
technical assistance described herein to a broad spectrum of faith-
based and community organizations. We particularly encourage 
organizations and entities with demonstrated experience working with 
organizations representing a range of beliefs and practices or which 
can demonstrate the capacity to work with such diverse organizations.
    Further, ACF encourages applications from applicants that propose 
to work with and have experience working with faith-based and community 
organizations that historically have not been well served or supported 
by governmental funds. If organizations propose to collaborate to 
provide Compassion Capital Fund intermediary services, they should have 
well-developed working relationships and a history of working together 
prior to announcement of this funding opportunity.
    Any non-profit organization submitting an application must include 
proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of 
submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing any 
one of the following:
    (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code.
    (b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
    (c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, 
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
    (d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status.
    (e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent organization and a statement singed by the 
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
    Fiscal year (FY) 2002 ACF Compassion Capital Fund grantees who 
received (FY) 2003 continuation funds and (FY) 2003 ACF Compassion 
Capital Fund grantees are ineligible to apply. Additionally, Federal 
funds received as a result of this announcement cannot be paid as 
profit to grantees or sub-grantees, i.e., any amount in excess of 
allowable direct and indirect costs of the recipient (45 CFR 74.81).
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$1,000,000.
    Applications exceeding the $1,000,000 threshold will be considered 
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this 
announcement.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for 
funding under this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Grantees must provide at least 20 percent of the total approved 
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum 
of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may 
be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are 
encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. 
For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a 
total approved cost of $625,000, requesting $500,000 in ACF funds, must 
provide a non-Federal share of at least $125,000 (20% of total approved 
project cost of $625,000). Grantees will be held accountable for 
commitments of non-Federal resources even if over the amount of the 
required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in 
disallowance of Federal funds.
    The basis for an applicant's meeting its cost sharing commitments 
must be firm, and cannot be speculative. Applications without a firm 
cost share commitment will not be evaluated. Cash commitments to meet 
the cost sharing requirement are preferable to in-kind commitments.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for 
funding under this announcement.

3. Other (If Applicable)

    On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in 
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal 
grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to 
provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or 
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an 
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be 
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation 
of an award, including applications or plans under formula,

[[Page 13050]]

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.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$1,000,000. Applications exceeding the $1,000,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for 
funding under this announcement.
    Applications that do not follow the required format described in 
section IV.2 Application Requirements will be considered non-responsive 
and will not be eligible for funding under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
    Administration for Children and Families Office of Community 
Services Operations Center, Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration 
Program, 1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209, 
Attention: Eduardo Hernandez, Telephone: 1-800-281-9519,
    E-mail: [email protected].

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    An original and two copies of the complete application are 
required. The original and 2 copies must include all required forms, 
certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized 
representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound. 
Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not 
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals 
specified in the application budget.
    You may submit your application to us either in electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.Gov you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may 
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants. Gov.
     Electronic submission is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.Gov site, you will 
find information about submitting an application electronically through 
the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that 
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.Gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must 
have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR 
registration.
     You will not receive additional point value 
because you submit a grant application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, 
including all information typically included on the SF424 and all 
necessary assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page 
limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your 
application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from 
Grants.Gov that contains a Grants.Gov tracking number. The 
Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application 
from Grants.Gov.
     We may request that you provide original 
signatures on forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for 
this program on http://www.Grants.gov. You must search for the 
downloadable application package by the CFDA number.
Application Requirements
    The application must be double-spaced and single-sided on 8\1/2\ x 
11 plain white paper, with 1'' margins on all sides. The application 
must use Times New Roman 12 point font or Arial 12 point font. All 
pages of the application (including appendices, resumes, charts, 
references/footnotes, tables, maps and exhibits) must be sequentially 
numbered. Applications that do not follow the aforementioned stated 
criteria will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for 
funding under this announcement.
    Each application may include only one proposed project.
    The Project Narrative including the Table of Contents must not 
exceed 25 pages. Pages submitted beyond the first 25 in the application 
project narrative section will be removed prior to panel review. The 
Narrative Budget Justification, Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices and the cost-share letters 
are not included in this limitation, yet applicants are urged to be 
concise.
    There is a 5-page limit to any additional supporting documentation, 
including letters of support. Applicants are requested not to send 
pamphlets, brochures, or other printed material along with their 
applications as these pose copying difficulties. These materials, if 
submitted, will not be included in the review process. In addition, 
applicants should not submit any additional letters of endorsement 
beyond any that may be required.
    If the applicant is submitting letters documenting cost-share 
commitments from collaborating partners, state, or local governments or 
philanthropic organizations, the cost-share letters must clearly state 
that these organizations are committed to providing the funds to the 
organizations should the applicant be awarded a grant. Commitments in 
excess of the 20 percent threshold will not receive extra points, 
though applicants should note that applicants will be held accountable 
for all cost-share included. Failure to provide the full amount 
committed in the grant award may result in disallowance of Federal 
match.
    Applicants must demonstrate proof of non-profit status and this 
proof must be included in their applications. Applicants must 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 singed by the 
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
    Forms and Certifications: The project description should include 
all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation 
criteria outlined in the program announcement under

[[Page 13051]]

Part V. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to 
complete all the standard forms required for making applications for 
awards under this announcement. Applicants requesting financial 
assistance for non-construction projects must file the Standard Form 
424B, ``Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign 
and return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants 
must provide a certification regarding lobbying when applying for an 
award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the 
certification with their applications. Applicants must disclose 
lobbying activities on the Standard Form LLL when applying for an award 
in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for 
lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance under this 
announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with 
their applications. The forms (Forms 424, 424A-B; and Certifications 
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm under 
new announcements. Fill out Standard Forms 424 and 424A and the 
associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on 
the forms.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants.'' 
The forms are located on the web at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
(Eastern Time Zone) on May 18, 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 following address:
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration 
for Children and Families Office of Community Services Operations 
Center, Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration Program, 1815 North Fort 
Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209, Attention: Barbara Ziegler 
Johnson, Telephone: 1-800-281-9519.
    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 8:00 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the following address:
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration 
for Children and Families Office of Community Services Operations 
Center, Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration Program, 1815 North Fort 
Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209, Attention: Barbara Ziegler 
Johnson, Telephone: 1-800-281-9519.
    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 service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Required Forms:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           What to submit               Required content       Required form or format        When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Narrative..........................  Described in Section v  Format described in Section  By application due
                                      of this Announcement.   V.                           date.
SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B.......  Per required form.....  May be found at http://      By application due
                                                              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
Certification regarding Lobbying     Per required form.....  May be found at http://       By application due
 and associated Disclosure of                                 www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
 Lobbying Activities (SF LLL).                                ofs/forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke          Per required form.....  May be found at http://      By application due
 Certification.                                               www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs. As of October 1, 2003, the following 
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order 
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects 
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action 
in regard to E.O. 12372:
    All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, 
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, 
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma,

[[Page 13052]]

Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia. 
Applicants from these jurisdictions need not take action.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of 
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining 
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have 
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should 
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the 
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must 
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that 
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the 
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if 
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date 
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to 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 
$1,000,000. Applications exceeding the $1,000,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for 
funding under this announcement.
    Fiscal year (FY) 2002 ACF Compassion Capital Fund grantees who 
received FY 2003 continuation funds and (FY) 2003 ACF Compassion 
Capital Fund grantees are ineligible to apply and will not be funded 
under this announcement. Additionally, Federal funds received as a 
result of this announcement cannot be paid as profit to grantees or 
sub-grantees, i.e., any amount in excess of allowable direct and 
indirect costs of the recipient (45 CFR 74.81).
    In cases where more applications are approved for funding than ACF 
can fund with the money available, the Grants Officer shall fund 
applications in their order of approval until funds run out. In this 
case, ACF has the option of carrying over the approved applications up 
to a year for funding consideration in a later competition of the same 
program. These applications need not be reviewed and scored again if 
the program's evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must 
then be placed in rank order along with other applications in the later 
competition.

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 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing 
date. Applications should be mailed to: U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families Office 
of Community Services Operations Center, Compassion Capital Fund 
Demonstration Program, 1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, 
Arlington, VA 22209, Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson, Telephone: 1-
800-281-9519.
    Hand Delivery: 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 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: 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for 
Children and Families Office of Community Services Operations Center 
1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300 Arlington, VA 22209, Attention: 
Barbara Ziegler Johnson, Telephone: 1-800-281-9519.
    Electronic Submission: Please see section IV. 2 Content and Form of 
Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting 
applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description
    The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the 
``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections 
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that 
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under 
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD). Public Reporting for this 
collection of information is estimated to average 25 hours per 
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection information.
    The project description is approved under OMB Control Number 0970-
0139 which expires 3/31/2004.
    An agency may nor 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.
Approach
    Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and detail of 
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions 
or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement. 
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished. When accomplishments

[[Page 13053]]

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.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated. Supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any 
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of 
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, 
describe how the intermediary's assistance to faith-based and community 
organizations will increase their effectiveness, enhance their ability 
to provide social services, diversify their funding sources, and create 
collaborations to better serve those most in need.
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: Approach (Maximum: 35 Points)
    Factors: (1) Technical Assistance Strategy (15 points). 
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which the 
technical assistance strategy uses applicable methods and is logical, 
reasonable, well-conceived, and linked to the results and benefits 
expected. Applications will also be evaluated on the following factors: 
The extent to which the approach to reach out to faith-based and 
community organizations in the targeted geographic area is extensive; 
the extent to which the range and delivery approach of technical 
assistance to be provided serves to increase organizations' 
effectiveness, enhance their ability to provide social services, expand 
their organizations, diversify their funding sources, and create 
collaborations to better serve those most in need; and the extent to 
which the proposed schedule for accomplishing the activities planned is 
logical and attainable. Furthermore, applications will be evaluated on 
the extent to which the principles and conditions outlined in this 
Announcement regarding technical assistance are evident in the 
applicant's approach.
    (2) Sub-award Strategy (15 points). Applications will be evaluated 
on the extent to which the sub-award strategy is logical, reasonable, 
and well-conceived. Applications will also be evaluated on the extent 
to which the plan is comprehensive, describes the process that the 
applicant will employ to identify and select organizations to receive 
sub-awards, and estimates the types and number of organizations 
expected to receive funding and the purposes to which sub-awards may be 
used. Furthermore, applications will also be evaluated on the extent to 
which the principles and conditions outlined in the Announcement 
regarding sub-awards are evident in the applicant's approach.
    (3) Geographic Location (5 Points). Applications will be evaluated 
based on the extent to which they include a description of the precise 
region to be served, the rationale for proposing the region, and a 
detailed description of the population served by faith-based and 
community organizations in the proposed area, including statistics and 
facts that convey an understanding of the unique needs of the 
population in the area.
Evaluation Criterion II: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum: 
10 points)
    Factors: (1) Needs of faith-based and community organizations to be 
served (5 points). Applications will be evaluated on the extent to 
which the objectives of the proposed project are clearly stated and 
shown to address the needs of the faith-based and community 
organizations to be served through training, technical assistance, and 
sub-awards.
    (2) Needs of communities served (5 points). Applications will be 
evaluated on the extent to which the faith-based and community 
organizations that will receive training, technical assistance, and 
sub-awards serve vital needs in their communities.
Evaluation Criterion III: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 25 points)
    Factors: (1) Staff and Position Data (10 Points). Applications will 
be evaluated on the extent to which they include a listing of key 
positions required to carry out the project, the individuals proposed 
to fill the positions, and a detailed description of the kind of work 
they will perform. Applications will also be evaluated on the extent to 
which evidence is provided demonstrating the staff's skill, knowledge, 
and experience in carrying out their assigned activities such as 
evidence that demonstrates not only staff's good technical skills, but 
also a clear record of working with faith-based and community 
organizations. Applications will also be evaluated on the extent to 
which the above information is provided with regard to consultants or 
staff from other organizations proposed to work on the project.
    (2) Past Experience (15 Points). Applications will be evaluated on 
the extent to which the applicant demonstrates experience and a proven 
track record in providing technical

[[Page 13054]]

assistance to faith-based and community organizations, including 
concrete examples of technical assistance the applicant has provided to 
these organizations, citing dates, names of groups assisted, and the 
kind of technical assistance provided.
Evaluation Criterion IV: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 20 
points)
    Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the specific 
goals of the project and the results and benefits proposed by the 
applicant are reasonable and likely, quantified, clearly linked to and 
supported by the proposed capacity-building technical assistance 
approach, and supportive of the stated goals under this announcement.
Evaluation Criterion V: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 10 
points)
    Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
include a budget that is clear, easy to understand, and provides a 
detailed justification for the amount requested. Applicants should 
refer to the budget information presented in the Standard Forms 424 and 
424A and to the budget justification instructions in section V. General 
Instructions for the Uniform Project Description. Given that non-
Federal reviewers will be used in the review of applications, 
applicants may omit from the submitted copies of the application, (not 
from the original), the specific salary rates or amounts for 
individuals in the application budget and instead provide only summary 
information.
    Applications will also be evaluated to the extent that they include 
the last two year's recent operating budgets of the applicant. Details 
of the budget are not required. The application will be evaluated based 
on the extent to which the amount requested under the funding 
announcement is proportional to the recent size of the applicant's 
operating budget. For example, it would be inappropriate for an 
organization that operated with $100,000 in 2002 and $110,000 in 2003 
to request $1 million in Federal funds.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored 
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the 
Federal government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in Part V 
of this announcement to review and score the applications. The results 
of this review will be a primary factor in making funding decisions. 
ACF may also solicit comments from Regional Office staff and other 
Federal agencies. ACF may consider a variety of factors in addition to 
the review criteria identified above, including geographic diversity/
coverage and types of applicant organizations, in order to ensure that 
the interests of the Federal Government are met in making the final 
selections. Furthermore, ACF may limit the number of awards made to the 
same or affiliated organizations although they would serve different 
geographic areas. In this way, ACF may increase opportunities for 
learning about different ways to provide technical assistance and 
support to faith-based and community organizations. Please note that 
applicants that do not comply with the requirements in the section 
titled ``Eligible Applicants'' will not be included in the review 
process.

Legal Rules That Apply to Faith-Based Organizations That Receive 
Government Funds

    CCF monies shall not be used to support inherently religious 
practices such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. 
Grant or sub-award recipients, therefore, may not and will not be 
selected based on religious criteria. Neutral, non-religious criteria 
that neither favor nor disfavor religion must be employed in selection 
of a grantee and sub-award recipients under this announcement.
    Approved but Unfunded Applications: In cases where more 
applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money 
available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of 
approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of 
carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding 
consideration in a later competition of the same program. These 
applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's 
evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed 
in rank order along with other applications in the later competition.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of 
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of 
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective 
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be 
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the total project 
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance 
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal 
mail.
    Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be 
notified in writing by the Office of Community Services.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    45 CFR part 74 and 45 CFR part 92.
Conditions for the Cooperative Agreement
    Organizations selected to receive an award will be responsible for 
implementing activities described in the project description of the 
approved application; developing and implementing work plans that will 
ensure that the services and activities included in the approved 
application address the needs of faith-based and community 
organizations in an efficient, effective, and timely manner; submitting 
for Federal review and approval, within 60 days of receipt of the 
Financial Assistance Award and prior to the issuance of any such sub-
awards, plans and procedures for the issuance of sub-awards; submitting 
regular semi-annual financial status and progress reports that describe 
project activities; working cooperatively and collaboratively with ACF 
officials, other Federal agency officials conducting related 
activities, the other intermediary organizations approved under the CCF 
program, and other entities or organizations contracted by ACF to 
assist in carrying out the purposes of the Compassion Capital Fund 
program; ensuring that key staff attend and participate in ACF 
sponsored workshops and meetings, including the initial orientation 
meeting; and ensuring that Compassion Capital Funds are not used to 
support religious practices such as religious instruction, worship, or 
prayer.

3. Reporting

    Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually.
    Financial Reports: Semi-annually.
    Special Reporting Requirements: None.
    All grantees are required to submit semi-annual 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: Kelly Cowles, Office of Community Services, 
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Suite 500

[[Page 13055]]

West, Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002, E-mail: 
[email protected], Telephone: (800) 281-9519.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Barbara Ziegler, Office of Grants 
Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW., 4th Floor West, Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002, E-
mail: [email protected], Telephone: (800) 281-9519.
    General: Office of Community Services Operations Center, Compassion 
Capital Fund Demonstration Program, 1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 
300, Arlington, VA 22209, Attention: Eduardo Hernandez, Telephone: 1-
800-281-9519, E-mail: [email protected].

VIII. Other Information

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

    Dated: March 15, 2004.
Clarence Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 04-6204 Filed 3-18-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P