[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 55 (Monday, March 22, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13307-13320]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-6293]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

Office of Refugee Resettlement


Support for Services to Torture Victims

    Funding Opportunity Title: Support for Services to Torture Victims.
    Announcement Type: Modification/Renewal.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ORR-ZT-0002.
    CFDA Number: 93.604.
    Due Date for Application: May 21, 2004.
    Category of Funding Activity: Income Security and Social Services.
    Executive Summary: ORR invites applications to support programs of 
services to persons who have experienced torture. Services may be for 
medical, psychological, social and legal needs. Activities may also 
include training and professional development for health care providers 
who are outside the treatment centers or programs supported by this 
announcement. Applications are also invited for one cooperative 
agreement for technical assistance to programs providing services to 
torture victims and training and development of service providers.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Legislative Authority: The ``Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization 
Act of 2003'' took effect October 1, 2003. Pub. L.--108-179, Section 2 
(a) Authorization of Appropriations for Domestic Treatment Centers for 
Victims of Torture amends Section 5(b)(1) of the Torture Victims Relief 
Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 2152 note) to read as follows:

    (1) Authorization of Appropriations.--Of the amounts authorized 
to be appropriated for the Department of Health and Human Services 
for fiscal years 2004 and 2005, there are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out subsection (a) (relating to assistance for 
domestic centers and programs for the treatment of victims of 
torture) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2004 and $25,000,000 for fiscal 
year 2005.

    In October 1998, Congress enacted the ``Torture Victims Relief Act 
of 1998,'' Pub. L. 105-320 (22 U.S.C. 2152 note). Sec. 5 (a) of the law 
provides:

    Assistance for Treatment of Torture Victims--The Secretary of 
Health and Human Services may provide grants to programs in the 
United States to cover the cost of the following services:
    (1) Services for the rehabilitation of victims of torture, 
including treatment of the physical and psychological effects of 
torture.
    (2) Social and legal services for victims of torture.
    (3) Research and training for health care providers outside of 
treatment centers, or programs for the purpose of enabling such 
providers to provide the services described in paragraph (1).

Background

    This program announcement is the third iteration of the program 
``Assistance for Treatment of Torture Survivors.'' The first notice was 
issued in 2000 resulting in 16 four-year awards with one additional 
cooperative agreement for technical assistance. A second notice issued 
in 2001 increased the number of grants by 9 three-year awards for 25 
total grants. Programs have been established in 25 communities across 
the United States. Approximately 3500 victims of torture have been 
served. Much has been learned about providing services to persons who 
have been tortured. The grantees have developed a diverse set of 
services. In this announcement, ORR is interested in continuing the 
diversity of effective services for the clients. Also noteworthy is 
that the medical, psychological, social and legal service providers in 
most of the 25 communities have had access to training and professional 
development to better serve persons who have been tortured.
    Building upon the experience from the current projects, ORR is 
interested in supporting renewed efforts at identifying effective 
treatment and service strategies. ORR expects that many of the current 
grantees will be successful applicants to this notice. However, ORR 
also is interested in seeing additional grants awarded in communities 
where no program for torture victims currently is supported by the 
federal government or other resources but where the prevalence of 
torture victims is sufficient to warrant a program of services.
    While support of individual programs is the means ORR sees in 
implementing the legislation and providing the services envisioned in 
the legislation, it is also of interest to ensure that a collaboration 
across all the programs provides mutual benefit by sharing the 
promising practices learned, mentoring across programs, applying 
effective services and treatment strategies, developing stability in 
organizations and working toward a sustainable set of services with 
decreased need for federal funds.
Torture and Torture Victims
    The psychosocial and health consequences of violence and traumatic 
stress have emerged as one of the major public health problems of our 
time. Torture constitutes one of the most extreme forms of trauma, with 
the potential for long-term psychological and physical suffering. The 
term torture has been defined in different ways by different 
organizations and for different purposes. The two most commonly used 
definitions of torture were formulated by the World Health Organization 
(WHO) and by the United Nations (UN). The WHO definition, which governs 
professional standards and ethics for physicians was developed in 1975. 
It is frequently called the ``Declaration of Tokyo,'' and it represents 
a popular definition among the medical community. The ``Declaration of 
Tokyo'' defines torture as:

    ``* * *the deliberate, systematic or wanton infliction of 
physical or mental suffering by one or more persons acting alone or 
on the orders of any authority, to force another person to yield 
information, to make a confession, or for any other reason.''

    The UN definition, developed at the same time and revised in 1989, 
narrows the concept of torture somewhat by adding the legal and 
political responsibilities of governments. It states:


[[Page 13308]]


    ``* * * the term ``torture'' means any act by which severe pain 
or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted 
on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or, a third 
person, information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or 
a third person has committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a 
third person for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, 
when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of 
or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other 
person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or 
suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful 
sanctions.''

    This program authorized by the ``Torture Victims Relief 
Reauthorization Act of 2003'' uses the definition of torture given the 
term in section 2340(1) of title 18, United States Code and includes 
the use of rape and other forms of sexual violence by a person acting 
under the color of the law upon another person under his custody or 
physical control. This definition is consistent with the UN definition 
and states that torture is:

    ``* * * an act committed by a person acting under the color of 
law specifically intended to inflict severe physical pain or 
suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful 
sanctions) upon another person within his custody or physical 
control.''

    It should be emphasized that, for purposes of this announcement, it 
is recognized that the experience of torture may include specific 
characteristics of torture as documented in personal testimony or in 
clinical, medical, or detention settings.
    Some specific examples of physical and psychological types of 
torture committed by a person acting under the color of law are: 
systemic beating, sexual torture, electrical torture, suffocation, 
burning, bodily suspension, pharmacological torture, mutilations, 
dental assaults, deprivation and exhaustion, threats about the use of 
torture, witnessing the torture of others, humiliation, and isolation.
Prevalence of Torture
    Estimates of the number of torture survivors have been established 
primarily by extrapolating from the major populations at risk--refugees 
and internally displaced persons. In 1997, there were estimated to be 
more than 13,600,000 refugees and asylum seekers in the world and 20 
million internally displaced persons. The estimates of refugees, asylum 
seekers and displaced persons who have been tortured vary widely from 
5% to 35%. This announcement, which focuses on health, social and legal 
services for torture survivors, as well as education and training of 
providers, recognizes that torture may have been an experience of many 
members of groups residing in the United States, including refugees, 
asylees, immigrants, other displaced persons, and U.S. citizens who 
were tortured abroad. Using data cited above, it has been estimated 
that there may be more than 400,000 torture survivors in the United 
States.
The Consequences of Torture and Services for Torture Survivors
    Physical consequences of torture may be extensive and severe. 
Specific neuropsychological symptoms are often difficult to diagnose 
because of head injuries, the multiplicity of symptoms, and co-
morbidity. Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance abuse, 
and other anxiety disorders are common diagnoses among torture 
survivors. Therefore, for many severely tortured individuals, access to 
medical practitioners and sophisticated diagnostic instruments and 
testing (e.g.; neuro-imaging, cognitive functions, etc.), for the 
purpose of differential diagnosis, is paramount. When psychotherapeutic 
services are offered, they should be evidence-based and it should be 
established in the treatment plan why the proposed approaches should be 
considered ``promising-practices'' for the treatment of torture 
survivors.
    While medical and psychological services are thought of as primary 
for persons who have been tortured, a high percentage of torture 
survivors are in need of social and legal services. Access to legal and 
immigration services is often a priority for the person. Social 
services, such as housing, employment assistance and vocational 
training, may also be extremely important and correlate with successful 
psychosocial adjustment and well-being. Additional attention may be 
needed for members of the family who have second-hand experience with 
torture. Several projects report additional services are needed for the 
family since domestic violence will occasionally be associated with a 
torture victim's family. From national experience with refugees and 
survivors of wartime violence, it has been demonstrated that early and 
adequate access to social and legal services may also preclude or 
reduce the need for more specialized psychological treatment services.
    Use of case management services that provide information and 
referral to services to the client can be an important step in 
restoring an individual's ability to take charge of his/her progress in 
establishing a life in the new community.
Purpose and Objectives
Flexible Service Delivery
    The purpose of the torture treatment program is to provide services 
to persons who have experienced torture. It is also to conduct training 
for health care, psychological, legal and social service providers 
outside the torture treatment centers to provide appropriate services 
and care to torture survivors. Not all torture survivors have the same 
medical, psychological, social, or legal needs, and services funded 
under this announcement will reflect a wide scope of venues for 
populations to be targeted and services to be provided. Because of the 
diverse individualized needs of torture survivors, programs should 
offer client-centered services. Services for medical, psychological, 
legal and social needs should be provided by the grantee or otherwise 
be made available through other organizations in the community where 
the grant is awarded.
    In client-centered programs, clients are considered first and 
foremost in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of service 
delivery. They recognize that clients are the key to understanding 
their own personal circumstances. It does not assume that the service 
providers know what is best, most timely, or a priority. Program staff 
should gather information with clients to design an appropriate 
complement of services. Client preferences should guide every aspect of 
service delivery. In turn, providers should possess the specialized 
knowledge and skills to help clients make informed choices and to 
maintain a high quality of care.
    Some programs have operated as if one of the services, usually 
psychological, is essential to restoring health in all torture victims 
and thus require psychological counseling for all clients. This is not 
consistent with the client-centered perspective noted above. For 
example, if a client is seeking legal assistance and employment 
assistance, access to these services should not be contingent upon 
mandatory participation in psychological services.
    It is also emphasized that within the medical, psychological, 
social and legal service domains proposals are encouraged that will 
address a broad menu of services for torture survivors. Providers in 
underserved geographic locations of the country are encouraged to 
apply. Ethnic-based, faith-based and community organizations that 
currently serve or have access to torture survivor populations are also 
encouraged to apply. For example, funded

[[Page 13309]]

partnerships may be established with ethnic-based or faith-based 
organizations that have access to prospective clients who have been 
tortured. Also, health education information and referral services may 
be more effectively delivered by ethnic-based and faith-based 
organizations with a curriculum developed in partnership with the 
treatment center grantee.
Cross-Organization Collaboration
    Moreover, collaborative relationships and partnerships are 
encouraged from programs that may provide services in one area, but may 
have creative ideas for expanding into other service areas. For 
example, an organization that currently provides legal advice to 
detained asylum seekers who are torture survivors might team with 
another social service or clinical organization to pool resources and 
expand their range of services.
    The torture rehabilitation and treatment center movement, which was 
established in Denmark in the 1970's, and adopted in the U.S., Canada, 
France and other countries, has led to the growth of specialized 
torture survivor treatment centers in certain parts of the nation. 
Although the treatment center movement has created opportunities for 
treatment and training in specific urban areas, many torture survivors 
are not aware of the services and do not have access to these highly 
specialized programs. Medical, social and legal services for torture 
survivors may need to be developed or expanded in under-served areas 
and in settings and institutions not as highly specialized and, 
heretofore, outside of the torture survivor treatment center movement 
network.
Broad-Based Education and Training for Service Providers
    There is also a national need for more broad-based training of 
medical and mental health practitioners in the identification, 
diagnosis and treatment of torture survivors. Because the number of 
torture victims exceeds the number of torture treatment resources 
supported by this program, ORR is interested in supporting training of 
those professionals and organizations who are likely to provide 
services to victims of torture outside of the treatment centers.
    Because torture victims may access medical, legal and social 
services before seeking psychological help for the effects of torture, 
ORR is interested in broad community efforts to raise the consciousness 
of service organizations to identify and appropriately refer those who 
are suffering the result of torture.
Programmatic Sustainability
    Applicants should incorporate activities for program sustainability 
beyond federal funding into their program implementation plans. It may 
not be possible to achieve complete independence from federal funds in 
the two years of this program authority, but progress to that end will 
be viewed favorably. Examples of activities around sustainability 
include those that build partnerships, communication and media 
activities, and participation in technical assistance and training 
offerings. Applicants may also have additional resources from grants to 
support services to torture victims. Applicants are encouraged to 
describe the complete program in the community that benefits torture 
victims with the amount and source of the resources. The portion to be 
supported by federal funds from this announcement should be described 
separately and in detail.
    Applications may also include unpaid professionals providing 
services pro bono. This is an important resource, but not without 
program implications. Recruitment of pro bono professionals, training, 
oversight and supervision as well as recognition should be thoroughly 
planned.
    Please note that this announcement is divided into two priority 
areas. The first priority area is Assistance to Torture Survivors 
Through Direct Services and the second priority area is Assistance to 
Torture Survivors Through Technical Assistance to Organizations and 
Institutions Providing Direct Services to Torture Victims. The second 
program area information immediately follows section VIII of priority 
area one. An applicant may submit more than one application under this 
announcement, but must apply separately for each priority area.

Priority Area 1

Assistance to Torture Survivors Through Direct Services
    Description: ORR is interested in awarding up to 30 grants for 
direct services for persons who have been tortured. Allowable 
activities include medical, psychological, social and legal services. 
Applicants may propose all the activities or a combination of the 
listed services. These services are fully described in the background 
section of this announcement. However, if the applicant does not 
propose to provide all the allowable activities, applications should 
demonstrate how the client can access other services if needed. The 
applicant may demonstrate partnerships with other service providers in 
order to provide the full complement of allowable activities in the 
community.
    In addition to direct services, the legislative authority provides 
for research and training for service providers outside the treatment 
centers. The applicant may also propose to conduct such trainings and 
professional development activities so that persons who have 
experienced torture may have access to a variety of services and 
service providers.
    ORR expects that many of the current grantees will be successful 
applicants to this announcement. It is also important that communities 
that do not have an established center but where persons who have been 
tortured are known to reside will also have successful applicants. 
These communities include but are not limited to: Atlanta, GA; Miami, 
FL; Houston and Dallas, TX; and Seattle, WA.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $9,359,000 per year.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 25-30.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $275,000 per year.
    Ceiling of Individual Awards: $550,000 per year.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $90,000 per year.
    Length of Project Periods: Twenty-four month (24) project periods 
with twelve (12) month budgets.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

    State governments;
    County governments;
    Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education;
    Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other 
than institutions of higher education; and
    Others.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: Faith-based organizations 
are also eligible applicants.
    Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit 
proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of 
submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing any 
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

[[Page 13310]]

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; or (e) any of the items 
referenced 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.

III.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching

    No.

III.3. Other

    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 Federal grant applications 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 formal, 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 at 1-866-705-5711, or you may request a number 
on-line at www.dnb.com.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$550,000. Applications exceeding the $550,000 threshold may be returned 
without review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address To Request Application Package

    Carl Rubenstein, Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for 
Children and Families, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 8th Floor West, 
Washington, DC 20447, E-mail: [email protected], Telephone: (202) 
205-5933, URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/funding/akit.htm.

IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Application Content
    Each application must include the following components:
    1. Table of Contents.
    2. Project Summary/Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, 
not to exceed one page, that would be suitable for use in an 
announcement that the application has been selected for a grant award 
and which identifies the type of project, the target population and the 
major elements of the work plan.
    3. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an 
Authorized Official of the organization applying for the grant who has 
the authority to obligate the organization legally.
    4. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs.
    5. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category 
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
    6. Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described 
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and 
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
Application Format
    Each application should include one signed original and two 
additional copies. Faxed applications are not acceptable. Applications 
should be submitted on white 8.5 x 11 inch paper only. Do not use 
colored, oversized or folded materials. The font size may be no smaller 
than 12 pitch and the margins must be at least one inch on all sides.
Page Limitation
    Each application narrative should not exceed 20 pages in a double 
spaced 12 pitch font. Attachments and appendices should not exceed 25 
pages and should be used only to provide supporting documentation such 
as administration charts, position descriptions, resumes, and letters 
of intent or partnership agreements. A table of contents and an 
executive summary should be included but will not count in the page 
limitations. Each page should be numbered sequentially, including the 
attachments and appendices. This limitation of 20 pages should be 
considered a maximum, and not necessarily a goal. Application forms are 
not to be counted in the page limit. Any material submitted beyond the 
20 pages will not be reviewed by the review panel.
    Please do not include books or videotapes as they are not easily 
reproduced and are, therefore, inaccessible to the reviewers.
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format.
    Electronic Copy Address Submission: To submit an application 
electronically, please use the 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 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 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 www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application 
package by the CFDA number.
Forms and Certifications
    Applicants for financial assistance under this announcement must 
file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; 
SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-424B, 
Assurances--Non-

[[Page 13311]]

Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for use in 
submitting applications. An application with an original signature and 
two copies is required.
    Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior 
to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish 
an executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office 
of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants 
must sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for 
the smoking prohibition included within P.L. 103-227, Title XII 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A 
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking 
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the 
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not 
mail back the certification with the application.
    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 the certification form.
    Private, nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the additional, voluntary survey located under 
``Grant Related Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-
Profit Grant Applicants'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Please refer to section V.1 Criteria for further information on 
required content and form of application submission.

IV.3. Submission Dates and Times

    Due Date: May 21, 2004.
    Explanation of Due Date: Deadline: The closing time and date for 
receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on the date 
noted above. Mailed or hand carried applications received after 4:30 
p.m. on the closing date will be classified as late.
    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.
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date will 
not be considered for competition. Applicants using express/overnight 
mail services should allow two working days prior to the deadline date 
for receipt of applications. (Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed).
    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, or in other rare 
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests 
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
    Required Forms:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Required form or
         What to submit             Required content          format                   When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents...............  As described above.  Consistent with      By application due date.
                                                        guidance in
                                                        ``Application
                                                        Format'' section
                                                        of this
                                                        announcement.
Project Summary/Abstract........  Summary of           Consistent with      By application due date.
                                   application          guidance in
                                   request.             ``Application
                                                        Format'' section
                                                        of this
                                                        announcement.
SF424, SF424A, SF424B...........  Per required form..  May be found at      By application due date.
                                                        http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/funding/akit.htm.
Narrative Budget Justification..  As described above.  Consistent with      By application due date.
                                                        guidance in
                                                        ``Application
                                                        Format'' section
                                                        of this
                                                        announcement.
Project Narrative...............  A Narrative that     Consistent with      By application due date.
                                   addresses issues     guidance in
                                   described in the     ``Application
                                   ``Application        Format'' section
                                   Review               of this
                                   Information'' and    announcement.
                                   the ``Review and
                                   Selection
                                   Criteria''
                                   sections of this
                                   announcement.
Certification Regarding Lobbying  Per required form..  May be found at      By application due date.
                                                        http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/funding/akit.htm.
Disclosure of Lobbying            Per required form..  May be found at      By application due date.
 Activities (SF-LLL).                                   http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/funding/akit.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke       Per required form..  May be found at      By application due date.
 Certification.                                         http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/funding/akit.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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


[[Page 13312]]

IV.4. Intergovernmental Review State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)

    Notification under Executive Order 12372: This program is covered 
under Executive Order (E.O.) 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 January, 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, 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: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, 
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, 
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, 
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, 
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
    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 and Audit 
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, 
DC 20447. The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions 
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
    A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory 
is included with the application materials in this announcement.

IV.5. Funding Restrictions

    Pre-award costs cannot be charged to this grant.

IV.6. Other Submission Requirements

    Electronic Submission: To submit an application electronically, 
please use the www.Grants.gov apply site. For complete details on how 
to submit electronically, please refer to section IV.2. Content and 
Form of Application Submission.
    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 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on or before the 
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: Sylvia Johnson, Grants 
Management Officer, Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, SW., 4th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447.
    Submission by Hand Delivery: Applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. Applications shall be considered as 
meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the 
deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of 
Discretionary Grants, ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor (near loading dock), 
Aerospace Building, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024, between 
Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This address must 
appear on the envelope/package containing the application with the 
note. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do 
not always deliver as agreed.

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Criteria

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-13)
    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 20 hours per overall response, including the time 
for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, 
and reviewing the collection of information.
    The project description is approved under OMB control 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.
Instructions: ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD)
    The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the 
``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections 
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that 
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under 
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD). The UPD was approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Control Number 0970-0139, 
expiration date 3/31/2004.
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.
General Instructions
    ACF is particularly interested in specific factual information and 
statements of measurable goals in quantitative terms. Project 
descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, not length. 
Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross referencing should be used 
rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities 
that will not be directly funded by the grant

[[Page 13313]]

or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of 
the grant funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Pages should 
be numbered and a table of contents should be included for easy 
reference.
    General instructions for preparing a full project description:
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The 
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description 
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more 
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
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 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.
Geographic Location
    Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the 
area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids 
may be attached.
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.
Additional Information
    Following are requests for additional information that need to be 
included in the application:
Staff and Position Data
    Provide a biographical sketch for each key person appointed and a 
job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch 
will also be required for new key staff as appointed.
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.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of 
the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most 
recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) 
of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of 
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled.
Third-Party Agreements
    Include written agreements between grantees and sub-grantees or 
subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These agreements must 
detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and 
other terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.
Letters of Support
    Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders 
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should 
be included in the application OR by application deadline.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria I: Approach (Maximum: 25 Points)
    The application provides a clear and feasible strategy for 
assisting torture survivors that demonstrates knowledge of the clients, 
experience in serving these clients, and knowledge of community 
resources, including ethnic-based and faith-based organizations. Other 
organizations in the community may be funded to provide some of the 
allowable services to assist the clients. These organizations should be 
specified and negotiations begun for partnerships in providing 
comprehensive services to the torture victims. The application 
describes how the proposed services use client-centered approaches to 
meeting the needs of torture survivors. The service plan and 
collaborative relationships are reasonable, substantiated with 
appropriate

[[Page 13314]]

documents, and have a likelihood of success in providing a feasible 
strategy for the torture survivor to become a participating member of 
the community. Where research and training activities are proposed, 
applicant provides a plan for research and training demonstrating 
interest in the health care providers to attend the training 
activities. When psychotherapeutic services are proposed, they are 
evidence-based practices, or described as promising practices, with 
supporting information.
Evaluation Criteria II: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum: 20 
Points)
    The application clearly demonstrates experience with and knowledge 
of victims of torture and an assessment of their presence in the 
proposed geographic area of service. There is a clear description of 
the process by which the client has access to treatment and to the 
other allowable services. Where research and training activities are 
proposed, the applicant identifies professionals outside the treatment 
centers likely to serve torture victims and demonstrates their interest 
and willingness to attend training.
Evaluation Criteria III: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 20 Points)
    The application demonstrates the organization's capacity to provide 
assistance appropriate to torture survivors (and, if appropriate, to 
the service providers to be trained) that includes: (a) Agency mission 
and organizational chart; (b) resumes of project staff demonstrating 
linguistic and cultural access for clients including partnerships with 
ethnic-based and faith-based organizations; (c) history of experience 
with torture survivors, such as experience as a treatment center or as 
an organization that provides social and legal services to survivors of 
torture; (d) a management plan for the project containing systems of 
client records, program records, and financial management; (e) timeline 
for implementation of project activities; and (f) plan for sustaining 
all or part of the program should federal funds be no longer available.
Evaluation Criteria IV: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 20 
Points)
    Persons who have been tortured will benefit from the services. 
Training for professionals outside the treatment centers is clearly 
explained with schedules for training and training topics are provided. 
Partnerships with ethnic-based and faith-based organizations are 
clearly described and documented with letters of agreement for planning 
purposes. There are clear and understandable outcome measures for 
services (including the number of clients to be served) and a plan for 
reporting the outcomes to ORR in providing direct services and in 
conducting training of professionals outside the treatment centers. 
Procedures for client-centered treatment planning and client discharge 
criteria are explained and reasonable.
Evaluation Criteria V: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 15 
Points)
    The budget is reasonable and clearly justified. The methodologies 
for estimating the number of client/patients to be served are 
reasonable. The plan for program income generated by fees, including, 
Medicaid, Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), and private health coverage 
for client fees for treatment, when available, is appropriate, 
reasonable and viable.
    First-time applicants may be awarded up to 10 bonus points for 
responding to the following criteria:
Evaluation Criteria VI: Geographic Location (First Time Applicants, 
Only)
    First-time applicants have described the community where the 
treatment center and training programs will be located noting the 
presence of torture victims, indications of prevalence of the target 
population, and absence of existing resources for treating torture 
victims, interest of collaborative ethnic-based or faith-based 
organizations to provide services, and support in the community for 
providing services to torture victims.

V.2. Review and Selection Process

Initial ORR Screening
    Each application submitted under this program announcement will 
undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received 
by the applicable closing date and submitted in accordance with the 
instructions in this announcement; and (2) the applicant is an eligible 
public or private non-profit agency, and/or a faith-based or community 
organization, and therefore eligible for funding. ORR will return to 
the applicant those applications which are found not eligible or 
incomplete.
Competitive Review and Evaluation Criteria
    Applications which pass the initial ORR screening will be evaluated 
and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of specific 
evaluation criteria. The evaluation criteria were designed to assess 
the quality of a proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of 
its success. The evaluation criteria are closely related and are 
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. 
Points are awarded only to applications that are responsive to the 
evaluation criteria within the context of this program announcement.
Non-Federal Reviewers
    ORR may use Federal as well as non-Federal reviewers. Therefore, 
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not 
the original) of specific salary rates or amounts of individuals 
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers. The 
copies may include summary salary information.

VI. Award Administration Information

VI.1. Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive, by postal mail, a cover letter 
signed by the ORR Director, attaching the official notice of award, the 
Financial Assistance Award (FAA) notice, which is signed by the grants 
management officer. As indicated in part V.3. above, ORR anticipates 
that successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the 
results of this grant competition within 90 days of the application 
deadline.

VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    45 CFR part 74 and 45 CFR part 92.

VI.3. Reporting Requirements

    A. Programmatic Reports: Semi-annual.
    B. Financial Reports: Semi-annual.
    C. Special Reporting Requirements:
    Grantees are required to file the Financial Status Report (SF-269) 
and the Program Progress Reports on a semi-annual basis. Funds issued 
under these awards must be accounted for and reported upon separately 
from all other grant activities. A final Financial Status Report and 
Program Progress Report shall be due 90 days after the project period 
end date.
    Grantees must maintain adequate records to track and report on 
project outcomes and expenditures by budget line item.
    The official receipt point for the original of all reports and 
correspondence is the ORR Grants Officer. An original and one copy of 
each report shall be submitted within 30 days of the end of each 
reporting period: the original addressed to the Grants Officer, Office 
of Grants Management; a copy addressed to the ORR Project Officer, 
Office of Refugee Resettlement

[[Page 13315]]

(see section VII below for contact information).
    A final Financial Status Report and Program Progress Report shall 
be due 90 days after the project period end date.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Carl Rubenstein, Office of Refugee 
Resettlement, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 8th Floor West, Aerospace 
Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002, E-mail: [email protected], 
Telephone: (202) 205-5933.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Sylvia Johnson, Office of Grants 
Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW., 4th Floor, Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002, E-mail: 
[email protected], Telephone: (202) 401-4524.

VIII. Other Information

    The Director reserves the right to award less, or more, than the 
funds described in this announcement. In the absence of worthy 
applications, the Director may decide not to make an award if deemed in 
the best interest of the Government. Funding availability for future 
years is at the Director's discretion. The Director may invite 
applications outside of the proposed closing date, if necessary, to 
respond to the needs of an imminently arriving refugee population.
    An applicant may submit more than one application under this 
announcement, but must apply separately for each priority area.
    Applications in Priority Areas 1 and 2 are for project periods of 
up to two years (24) months. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be 
for a twelve (12) month budget period although project periods may be 
up to twenty-four (24) months. Applications for continuation grants 
funded under these awards, beyond the twelve (12) month budget period 
but within the twenty-four (24) month 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.

Priority Area 2

Assistance to Torture Survivors Through Technical Assistance to 
Organizations and Institutions Providing Direct Services to Torture 
Victims
    Description: ORR intends to award one grant to provide technical 
assistance to organizations that serve persons who have been tortured. 
Allowable services under this grant are those listed under section 
5(a)(3) of Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998. They are: research and 
training for health care providers outside of treatment centers, or 
programs for the purpose of enabling such providers to provide services 
for the rehabilitation of victims of torture, including treatment of 
the physical and psychological effects of torture.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $550,000 per year.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $550,000 per year.
    Ceiling of Individual Awards: $550,000 per year.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: None.
    Length of Project Periods: Twenty-four month (24) project periods 
with twelve (12) month budgets.

III. Eligibility Information

III.1. Eligible Applicants

    State governments;
    County governments;
    Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education;
    Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other 
than institutions of higher education; and
    Other.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: Faith-based organizations 
are also eligible applicants.
    Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit 
proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of 
submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing any 
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; or (e) any of the items referenced 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.

III.2. Cost-Sharing or Matching:

    No.

III.3. Other

    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 Federal grant applications 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 formal, 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 at 1-866-705-5711, or you may request a number 
on-line at www.dnb.com.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$550,000. Applications exceeding the $550,000 threshold will be 
returned without review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.1. Address To Request Application Package

Carl Rubenstein, Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for 
Children and Families, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 8th Floor West, 
Washington, DC 20447, E-mail: [email protected], Telephone: (202) 
205-5933, URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/funding/akit.htm.

IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Application Content
    Each application must include the following components:
    1. Table of Contents.
    2. Project Summary/Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, 
not to exceed one page, 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.

[[Page 13316]]

    3. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an 
Authorized Official of the organization applying for the grant who has 
the authority to obligate the organization legally.
    4. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non-Construction 
Programs.
    5. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category 
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
    6. Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described 
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and 
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
Application Format
    Each application should include one signed original and two 
additional copies. Faxed applications are not acceptable. Applications 
should be submitted on white 8.5 x 11 inch paper only. Do not use 
colored, oversized or folded materials. The font size may be no smaller 
than 12 pitch and the margins must be at least one inch on all sides.
Page Limitation
    Each application narrative should not exceed 20 pages in a double 
spaced 12 pitch font. Attachments and appendices should not exceed 25 
pages and should be used only to provide supporting documentation such 
as administration charts, position descriptions, resumes, and letters 
of intent or partnership agreements. A table of contents and an 
executive summary should be included but will not count in the pages 
limitations. Each page should be numbered sequentially, including the 
attachments and appendices. This limitation of 20 pages should be 
considered a maximum, and not necessarily a goal. Application forms are 
not to be counted in the page limit. Any material submitted beyond the 
20 pages will not be reviewed by the review panel.
    Please do not include books or videotapes as they are not easily 
reproduced and are, therefore, inaccessible to the reviewers.
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format.
    Electronic Copy Address Submission: To submit an application 
electronically, please use the 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 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 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 www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application 
package by the CFDA number.
Forms and Certifications
    Applicants for financial assistance under this announcement must 
file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; 
SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-424B, 
Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for 
use in submitting applications. An application with an original 
signature and two copies is required.
    Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior 
to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish 
an executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office 
of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants 
must sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for 
the smoking prohibition included within P.L. 103-227, Title XII 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A 
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking 
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the 
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not 
mail back the certification with the application.
    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 the certification form.
    Private-non-profit organizations may submit with their applications 
the additional, voluntary survey located under ``Grant Related 
Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant 
Applicants.''
    Please refer to section V.1 Criteria for further information on 
required content and form of application submission.

IV.3. Submission Dates and Times

    Due Date: May 21, 2004.
    Explanation of Due Date:
    Deadline: The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 
4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on the date noted above. Mailed or hand 
carried applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will 
be classified as late.
    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.
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date will 
not be considered for competition. Applicants using express/overnight 
mail services should allow two working days prior to the deadline date 
for receipt of applications. (Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed).
    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, or in other rare 
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests 
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
    Required Forms:

[[Page 13317]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Required form or
         What to submit             Required content          format                   When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents...............  As described above.  Consistent with      By application due date.
                                                        guidance in
                                                        ``Application
                                                        Format'' section
                                                        of this
                                                        announcement.
Project Summary/Abstract........  Summary of           Consistent with      By application due date.
                                   application          guidance in
                                   request.             ``Application
                                                        Format'' section
                                                        of this
                                                        announcement.
SF424, SF424A, SF424B...........  Per required form..  May be found at      By application due date.
                                                        http://www.acf.hhs.giv/programs/orr/funding/akit.htm.
Narrative Budget Justification..  As described above.  Consistent with      By application due date.
                                                        guidance in
                                                        ``Application
                                                        Format'' section
                                                        of this
                                                        announcement.
Project Narrative...............  A Narrative that     Consistent with      By application due date.
                                   addresses issues     guidance in
                                   described in the     ``Application
                                   ``Application        Format'' section
                                   Review               of this
                                   Information'' and    announcement.
                                   the ``Review
                                   Information'' and
                                   the ``Review and
                                   Selection
                                   Criteria''
                                   sections of this
                                   announcement.
Certification Regarding Lobbying  Per required form..  May be found at      By application due date.
                                                        http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/funding/akit.htm.
Disclosure of Lobbying            Per required form..  May be found at      By application due date.
 Activities (SF-LLL).                                   http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/funding/akit.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

IV.4. Intergovernmental Review State Single Point of Contact (SPOC),

    Notification under Executive Order 12372: This program is covered 
under Executive Order (E.O.) 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 January, 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, 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: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, 
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, 
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, 
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia 
Washington and Wyoming.
    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 and Audit 
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, 
D.C. 20447. The official list, including addresses, of the 
jurisdictions elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found at: 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
    A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory 
is included with the application materials in this announcement.

IV.5. Funding Restrictions

    Pre-award costs cannot be charged to this grant.

IV.6. Other Submission Requirements

    Electronic Submission: To submit an application electronically, 
please use the www.Grants.gov apply site. For

[[Page 13318]]

complete details on how to submit electronically, please refer to 
section IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission.
    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 4:30PM Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing 
date. Applications should be mailed to: Sylvia Johnson, Grants 
Management Officer, Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, SW., 4th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447.
    Submission by Hand Delivery: Applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. Applications shall be considered as 
meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the 
deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of 
Discretionary Grants, ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor (near loading dock), 
Aerospace Building, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024, between 
Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This address must 
appear on the envelope/package containing the application with the 
note. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do 
not always deliver as agreed.

V. Application Review Information

V.1. Criteria

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-13)
    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 20 hours per overall response, including the time 
for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, 
and reviewing the collection of information.
    The project description is approved under OMB control 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.
Instructions: ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD)
    The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the 
``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections 
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that 
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under 
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD). The UPD was approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Control Number 0970-0139, 
expiration date 3/31/2004.
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.
General Instructions
    ACF is particularly interested in specific factual information and 
statements of measurable goals in quantitative terms. Project 
descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, not length. 
Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross referencing should be used 
rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities 
that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does 
not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant funded activity 
should be placed in an appendix.
    Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included 
for easy reference.
    General instructions for preparing a full project description:
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The 
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description 
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more 
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
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 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.''

[[Page 13319]]

    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.
Geographic Location
    Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the 
area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids 
may be attached.
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.
Additional Information
    Following are requests for additional information that need to be 
included in the application:
Staff and Position Data
    Provide a biographical sketch for each key person appointed and a 
job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch 
will also be required for new key staff as appointed.
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.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of 
the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most 
recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) 
of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of 
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled.
Third-Party Agreements
    Include written agreements between grantees and sub-grantees or 
subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These agreements must 
detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and 
other terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.
Letters of Support
    Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders 
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should 
be included in the application or by application deadline.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria I: Approach (Maximum: 25 Points)
    The application provides a clear and feasible plan for providing 
technical assistance to approximately 30 treatment facilities. The 
application provides a clear and feasible strategy and persuasive 
explanation for technical assistance activities such as research to 
support training of medical, mental health, social service, and legal 
services, including: goals and objectives of the training and research; 
number of training sessions, curriculum for training; access to the 
targeted participants (such as, organizations and professionals whose 
services will be improved by training).
Evaluation Criteria II: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 25 
Points)
    The outcomes and benefits of the assistance are clearly explained 
and are reasonable. There are clear and understandable outcome measures 
for the technical assistance and training, and a plan for reporting the 
outcomes to ORR.
Evaluation Criteria III: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 25 Points)
    The applicant demonstrates that it has the necessary staff and 
organization capabilities for providing technical assistance to 
treatment facilities and includes:
    (a) Agency mission and organizational chart;
    (b) Resumes of project staff demonstrating appropriate professional 
background and work experience with torture survivors;
    (c) Management plan for the project contains plans for reports, 
program records, and financial management; and
    (d) Timeline for implementation of project activities.
Evaluation Criteria IV: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum: 15 
Points)
    The applicant clearly demonstrates knowledge of and access to 
treatment organizations providing services to torture survivors. The 
applicant also demonstrates a clear understanding of the nature and 
extent of technical assistance needed by the treatment facilities 
whether they are more or less experienced in managing a treatment 
program.
Evaluation Criteria V: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 10 
Points)
    Budget and Budget Justification. The budget is reasonable and 
clearly justified.

V.2. Review and Selection Process

Initial ORR Screening
    Each application submitted under this program announcement will 
undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received 
by the applicable closing date and submitted in accordance with the 
instructions in this announcement; and (2) the applicant is an eligible 
public or private non-profit agency, and/or a faith-based or community 
organization, and therefore eligible for funding. ORR will return to 
the applicant those applications which are found not eligible or 
incomplete.
Competitive Review and Evaluation Criteria
    Applications which pass the initial ORR screening will be evaluated 
and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of specific 
evaluation criteria. The evaluation criteria were designed to assess 
the quality of a proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of 
its success. The evaluation criteria are closely related and are 
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. 
Points are awarded only to applications that are responsive to the 
evaluation criteria within the context of this program announcement.
Non-Federal Reviewers
    ORR may use Federal as well as non-Federal reviewers. Therefore, 
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not 
the original) of specific salary rates or amounts of individuals 
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers.

[[Page 13320]]

The copies may include summary salary information.

VI. Award Administration Information

VI.1. Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive, by postal mail, a cover letter 
signed by the ORR Director, attaching the official notice of award, the 
Financial Assistance Award (FAA) notice, which is signed by the grants 
management officer. As indicated in part V. 3. above, ORR anticipates 
that successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the 
results of this grant competition within 90 days of the application 
deadline.

VI.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    45 CFR part 74 and 45 CFR part 92.

VI.3. Reporting Requirements

    A. Programmatic Reports: Semi-annual.
    B. Financial Reports: Semi-annual.
    C. Special Reporting Requirements:
    Grantees are required to file the Financial Status Report (SF-269) 
and the Program Progress Reports on a semi-annual basis. Funds issued 
under these awards must be accounted for and reported upon separately 
from all other grant activities. A final Financial Status Report and 
Program Progress Report shall be due 90 days after the project period 
end date.
    Grantees must maintain adequate records to track and report on 
project outcomes and expenditures by budget line item.
    The official receipt point for the original of all reports and 
correspondence is the ORR Grants Officer. An original and one copy of 
each report shall be submitted within 30 days of the end of each 
reporting period: the original addressed to the Grants Officer, Office 
of Grants Management; a copy addressed to the ORR Project Officer, 
Office of Refugee Resettlement (see section VII below for contact 
information).
    A final Financial Status Report and Program Progress Report shall 
be due 90 days after the project period end date.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Carl Rubenstein, Office of Refugee 
Resettlement, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 8th Floor West, Aerospace 
Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002, E-mail: [email protected], 
Telephone: (202) 205-5933.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Sylvia Johnson, Office of Grants 
Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW., 4th Floor, Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002, E-mail: 
[email protected], Telephone: (202) 401-4524.

VIII. Other Information

    The Director reserves the right to award less, or more than the 
funds described in this announcement. In the absence of worthy 
applications, the Director may decide not to make an award if deemed in 
the best interest of the Government. Funding availability for future 
years is at the Director's discretion. The Director may invite 
applications outside of the proposed closing date, if necessary, to 
respond to the needs of an imminently arriving refugee population.
    An applicant may submit more than one application under this 
announcement, but must apply separately for each priority area.
    Applications in Priority Areas 1 and 2 are for project periods of 
up to two years (24) months. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be 
for a twelve (12) month budget period although project periods may be 
up to twenty-four (24) months. Applications for continuation grants 
funded under these awards, beyond the twelve (12) month budget period 
but within the twenty-four (24) month 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.

    Dated: March 16, 2004.
Nguyen Van Hanh,
Director, Office of Refugee Resettlement.
[FR Doc. 04-6293 Filed 3-19-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P