[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 60 (Monday, March 29, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16257-16263]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-6959]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Head Start; 
Funding Opportunity Title: Head Start Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities

    Announcement Type: Competitive Grant--Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-HS-YH-0002.
    CFDA Number: 93.600.

Dates: Applications are due May 13, 2004. Letters of intent are due 
April 15, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Head Start Bureau is announcing the availability of funds and 
request for applications for professional development and training 
grants for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in 
partnership with Head Start and Early Head Start programs to improve 
staff training and to thereby enhance services to Head Start and Early 
Head Start children and families.
    Purpose: Through this announcement, the Administration on Children, 
Youth and Families (ACYF) is making available up to $1,500,000 annually 
for each of five years to support Head Start Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Partnerships. These partnerships are 
designed to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of Head 
Start and Early Head Start grantees by developing academic and other 
training models to increase the number of Head Start teachers with 
degrees in early childhood education.

A. Background

    The overall goal of Head Start is to ensure that children of low-
income families acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to allow 
them to enter school ready for success. In order to accomplish this 
goal, Head Start provides comprehensive services to these children and 
their families. Head Start enhances children's physical, cognitive, 
social, and emotional development. It supports parents in their efforts 
to fulfill their parental roles as their child's primary educator, 
helps support them while they work towards employment and self-
sufficiency, and provides for their involvement in administering the 
Head Start program.
    In an attempt to ensure that highly qualified and well trained 
staff provides high quality services to enrolled children and their 
families, Head Start has supported many demonstration projects. For 
example, Head Start supported the creation of the Child Development 
Associate (CDA) credential designed for early childhood development 
teaching staff, implemented the Head Start Teaching Centers, and 
developed other related innovative projects. The Head Start Bureau also 
implemented partnerships with Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges 
and Universities (TCUs) and Higher Education Hispanic/Latino Service 
Partnerships (HS-HEHLSPs) in addition to key innovative training and 
staff development projects.
    The 1998 reauthorization of the Head Start Act contains provisions 
to improve Head Start program quality and accountability. These include 
new education performance standards and measures, the expansion of 
program monitoring to incorporate evidence of progress on outcomes-
based measures, funding to upgrade program quality and staff 
compensation, and higher education standards for Head Start teachers. 
In January 2001, the President signed into law the ``No Child Left 
Behind Act'' to make the education of every child in America one of the 
country's top priorities. The Act seeks to ensure that public schools 
teach children what they need to know to be successful in life and that 
they also set high education standards in the classroom. In his 2002 
State of the Union address, the President indicated the need to prepare 
our children to read and succeed in school, including the improvement 
of Head Start and early childhood development programs. In response to 
these goals, the White House has developed an early childhood 
initiative, which is built on raising the bar for Head Start education 
methods to create a better learning environment and improved outcomes 
for children. In his announcement of the Good Start, Grow Smart Early 
Childhood Initiative in April 2002, the President identified children's 
early literacy as a key focus for Head Start program improvement. In 
this initiative, the President presented three areas of focus for Head 
Start: (1) Strengthening Head Start programs; (2) partnering with 
states to improve early childhood education, and (3) providing 
information to teachers, caregivers, and parents.
    The Head Start Act, as amended 42 U.S.C. 9801 et seq. is the 
authorizing legislation for the Head Start HBCU program. The key 
purpose in funding the HBCU program is to increase the number of Head 
Start staff with college degrees in early childhood education. To 
assure that selected colleges and universities will be able to fulfill 
this task it is important that HBCUs applying for funds under this 
announcement clearly demonstrate that they have established 
relationships with the Head Start programs in their community and that 
these Head Start programs have indicated that they are willing to work 
collaboratively with the institution.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated total Priority Area Funding: $1,500,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 6-10 per budget period.
    Ceiling on amount of Individual Awards: $150,000 per budget period.
    Floor on Individual Award Amounts: none.
    Average projected Award Amount: $100,000 per budget period.
    Project Periods for Awards: Up to 60 months with 12 month budget 
periods.
    Awards will be made on a competitive basis and will be for a one-
year budget period. The total project period will not exceed 60 months. 
Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond 
the first 12 month budget period (but within the project period) will 
be considered on a noncompetitive basis subject to the availability of 
funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination that 
continued funding is in the best interest of the Government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education, Private 
Institutions of Higher Education, and faith-based institutions of 
Higher Education.
Additional Information on Eligibility
    This announcement is limited to Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities (HBCUs) as defined in the amended version of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965, codified at 20 U.S.C. 1061(2). HBCUs are 
institutions established prior to 1964 whose principal mission was, and 
is, the education of Black Americans, and must satisfy Section 322 of 
the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. Only those institutions 
that meet the

[[Page 16258]]

definition of ``Part B institution'' in Section 322 of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1061(2), shall be eligible 
for assistance under this announcement. Faith-based institutions 
planning to compete under this announcement must also meet the same 
eligibility criteria as other applicants.
    HBCUs that are not accredited are not eligible to apply under this 
announcement. Applications from HBCUs that are not accredited will be 
considered non-responsive and returned without review.
    HBCUs that are currently funded under the Head Start Partnership 
with HBCUs and whose funding will end after October 31, 2004 are not 
eligible to apply under this announcement.
    HBCUs that fail to provide a Head Start program participation 
agreement as specified in Section IV. Content and Form of Application 
Submission will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible 
for funding under this announcement.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$150,000. Applications exceeding the $150,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching--No

3. Other (If Applicable)

    On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in 
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal 
grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to 
provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or 
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an 
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required 
for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an 
award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and 
block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$150,000. Applications exceeding the $150,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Applications from applicants that do not meet the definition of an 
HBCU specified in Section III.1 and the accreditation requirements 
specified in Section III.1 will be considered non-responsive and 
returned without review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

    ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, 
DC 20002, Telephone: (800) 351-2293, E-mail: [email protected].
    An application kit including copies of the program announcement, 
necessary application forms and appendices can be obtained by 
contacting the above address, and/or visiting the ACYF Web site at 
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/grant/fundingopportunities/fundopport.htm

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Submission of Intent
    Prior to submittal of the application, applicants must submit a 
post card or call the ACYF Operations Center c/o The Dixon Group with 
the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax 
numbers, and e-mail address of the college/university intending to 
apply to receive Head Start Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities Partnerships funds. Please see Section III.1 for ACYF 
Operations Center address and telephone contact information.
Proof of HBCU Accreditation Status
    Applicants must submit proof of accreditation by an accreditation 
agency recognized by the Secretary of the Department of Education.
Head Start Program Participation Agreement
    Applicants must submit a letter of agreement with their 
applications from a Head Start Program Director verifying that the 
applicant has an established relationship with the program and that the 
Head Start program is willing to work with the HBCU.
    You may submit your application to us either in electronic or paper 
format. 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 paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, 
including all information typically included on the SF424 and all 
necessary assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page 
limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your 
application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from 
Grants.Gov that contains a Grants.Gov tracking number. The 
Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application 
form 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.
Application Requirements
    The project description of the application should be double-spaced 
and single-sided on 8\1/2\'' x 11'' plain white paper, with 1'' margins 
on all sides. Use only a standard size font no smaller than 12 pitch 
throughout the application. All narrative sections of the application 
(including appendices, resumes, charts, references/footnotes, tables, 
maps and exhibits) must be sequentially numbered, beginning on the 
first page after the budget justification, the principal investigator 
contact information and the Table of Contents. The length of the 
application, including the projection description, appendices and 
resumes must not exceed 75 pages. Anything over 75 pages will be 
removed and not considered by the reviewers. The

[[Page 16259]]

abstract should not be counted in the 75 pages and not exceed 1 page.
    Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures, or other 
printed material along with their applications. These materials, if 
submitted, will not be included in the review process. In addition, 
applicants must NOT submit any additional letters of endorsement beyond 
any that stated as required in this announcement.
Project Descriptions
    Specific factual information and statements of measurable goals in 
quantitative terms must be included in the project description. 
Extensive exhibits are not required. 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. Please see section V for 
further information regarding the Project Description.
Table of Contents
    All pages must be numbered and a table of contents should be 
included for easy reference.
Forms and Certifications
    The project description should include all the information 
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in 
the program announcement under Part V. In addition to the project 
description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms 
required for making applications for awards under this announcement. 
Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-construction 
projects must file the Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign and return the Standard 
Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must provide a 
certification regarding lobbying when applying for an award in excess 
of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the certification with 
their applications. Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the 
Standard Form LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. 
Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in 
connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall 
complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications. The 
forms (Forms 424, 424A-B; and Certifications may be found at: 
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm under new announcements. Fill 
out Standard Forms 424 and 424A and the associated certifications and 
assurances based on the instructions on the forms.
3. Submission Dates and Times
    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
(Eastern Time Zone) on May 13, 2004. Mailed or hand carried 
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the following address:
    ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, 
DC 20002 Attn: Delores Dickenson, Telephone: (800) 351-2293.
    Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in 
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications 
are received on or before the deadline time and date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the following address:
    ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, 
DC 20002 Attn: Delores Dickenson, Telephone: (800) 351-2293.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mails service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Required Forms:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         What to submit              Required content          Required form or format          When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cover letter...................  Self explanatory.......  Self explanatory.................  By application due
                                                                                              date.
Table of Contents..............  Per description in       Described in Section IV..........  By application due
                                  announcement.                                               date.
SF 424, including sections A     Per required form......  May be found at http://            By application due
 and B.                                                    www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/      date.
                                                           forms.htm.
Dun and Bradstreet Data          Per description in       Described in Section III.........  By application due
 Universal Numbering System       announcement.                                               date.
 (DUNS) number.
Abstract.......................  Per description in       Described in Section V...........  By application due
                                  announcement.                                               date.
Project description............  Per description in       Described in Section IV and V....  By application due
                                  announcement.                                               date.
Certification regarding          Per required form......  May be found at http://            By application due
 Lobbying and associated                                   www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/      date.
 Disclosure of Lobbying                                    forms.htm.
 Activities (SF LLL).
Environmental Tobacco Smoke      Requirement met by       May be found at http://            By application due
 certification.                   signing and submitting   www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/      date.
                                  application.             forms.htm.
Notice to State Single Point of  Per description in       Described in Section IV..........  By application due
 Contact (SPOC), as required.     announcement.                                               date.
Proof of HBCU accreditation      Per description in       Described in Section III and IV..  By application due
 status.                          announcement.                                               date.
Head Start program(s)            Letter of agreement      Described in Section IV..........  By application due
 participation agreement.         from Head Start                                             date.
                                  Director.
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[[Page 16260]]

4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs. As of October 1, 2003, the following 
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order 
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects 
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action 
in regard to E.O. 12372:
    All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, 
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, 
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, 
Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia. 
Applicants from these jurisdictions need not take action.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of 
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining 
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have 
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should 
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the 
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must 
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that 
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the 
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if 
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date 
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and 
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
    A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory 
is included with the application materials for this announcement.
5. Funding Restrictions
    HBCUs that are currently funded under the Head Start Partnership 
with HBCUs and whose funding will end after October 31, 2004 are not 
eligible to apply under this announcement.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$150,000. Applications exceeding the $150,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
6. Other Submission Requirements
    Submission by Mail: An Applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. The Application must be received at the 
address below by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing 
date. Applications should be mailed to:
    ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, 
DC 20002, Attn: Delores Dickenson, Telephone: (800) 351-2293.
    Hand Delivery: An Applicant must provide an original application 
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two 
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30 
p.m. Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing date. Applications 
that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to: 
ACYF Operations Center c/o The Dixon Group, 118 Q Street, NE., 
Washington, DC 20002, Attn: Delores Dickenson, Telephone: (800) 351-
2293.
    Electronic Submission: Please see section IV. 2 Content and Form of 
Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting 
applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description
    The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the 
``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections 
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that 
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under 
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD). Public Reporting for this 
collection of information is estimated to average 25 hours per 
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection information.
    The project description is approved under OMB Control Number 0970-
0139 which expires 3/31/2004.
    An agency may 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. Applicants have the option of 
omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary 
rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget 
and Social Security Numbers. The copies may include summary salary 
information.

Project Abstract

    Provide a summary of the project description (not to exceed one 
page) with reference to the funding request.

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,

[[Page 16261]]

clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution.

Objectives And Need For Assistance

    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated. Supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.

Organizational Profiles

    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any 
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of 
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.

Results or Benefits Expected

    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, 
describe how the intermediary's assistance to faith-based and community 
organizations will increase their effectiveness, enhance their ability 
to provide social services, diversify their funding sources, and create 
collaborations to better serve those most in need.

Budget and Budget Justification

    Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget 
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed 
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, 
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to 
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the 
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.

Criterion 1. Approach (25 points)

    The extent to which the application describes a detailed plan of 
action pertaining to the scope of the project including details on how 
the proposed work will be accomplished, such as detailed timelines and 
lists of each organization as well as consultant and key individuals 
who will work on the project. The extent to which the applicant 
describes a brief yet clear description of the nature of the effort and 
contribution each organization, consultant, or key individual will make 
to the project. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates adequate 
time key staff will devote to the project and that this staff is 
qualified and knowledgeable of Head Start and Early Head Start. The 
extent to which the applicant describes a well-vetted approach and 
methodology for implementing the project, including a clear description 
that delineates the relationship of each task to the accomplishment of 
the proposed objectives. The extent to which the applicant provides 
evidence that the planned approach reflects sufficient input from and 
partnership with Head Start and Early Head Start grantees.
    The extent to which the applicant demonstrates effective planning 
for activities developed during the start-up period in preparation of 
implementation of the program including assurance that no more than six 
months will be devoted to planning activities.
    The extent to which the applicant demonstrates effective methods 
for recruiting Head Start center-based teaching staff and an effective 
selection process for participation in the program.
    The extent to which the applicant demonstrates how training and 
coursework will be contextually and culturally relevant to the Head 
Start and Early Head Start environment and how it will contribute to 
enhancing the effectiveness of teachers, program quality, and outcomes 
for Head Start children and families.
    The extent to which the application describes efforts the applicant 
and Head Start partners will make to ensure that training and 
coursework are accessible to Head Start staff and how the applicant 
will support their successful completion of courses, training, and 
degrees. The extent to which the applicant provides discussion of 
relevant issues such as timing, scheduling, and location of classes or 
training, support to enhance the literacy and study skills of 
participants, and approaches to integrate training in the working 
environment of the Head Start program. The extent to which the 
applicant describes costs (if any) associated with training and courses 
for Head Start staff.
    The extent to which the applicant describes strong efforts to 
complement the Federal funds requested in this proposal with other 
sources to maximize the benefits to Head Start and Early Head Start 
grantees including efforts or plans to assist Head Start/Early Head 
Start staff in accessing sources of financial assistance or to make use 
of other funding for training and career development of early childhood 
program staff.
    The extent to which the applicant describes credit courses offered 
particularly in the area of Early Childhood Development/Education.
    The extent to which the applicant describes how CDA training and 
certification of Head Start and Early Head Start staff, as appropriate, 
as well as previous coursework and credits will be linked to academic 
credits and course sequences leading to AA/BA degrees including 
estimates indicating how many Head Start and Early Head Start staff 
members will be included in this effort.
    The extent to which the applicant presents an organizational 
structure that will support the project objectives. The extent to which 
the applicant demonstrates how joint planning and assessment with the 
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees will be effectively 
implemented with timelines and clear lines of responsibility. The 
extent to which the applicant explains how staff positions will be 
assigned and describes their major functions and responsibilities.
    The extent to which the applicant describes appropriate activities 
that will continue after the completion of this project that will 
ensure that the applicant will continue to participate in providing 
educational opportunities for Head Start and Early Head Start classroom 
staff.

[[Page 16262]]

Criterion 2. Results or Benefits Expected (25 Points)

    The results and benefits to be derived. The anticipated 
contribution to policy, practice, theory and research. Specific 
benefits for both the applicant and the Head Start/Early Head Start 
community.
    Based on the stated program objectives, the results and benefits to 
be derived. The specific results or benefits that could be expected for 
the Head Start/Early Head Start grantees and the institution.
    The qualitative and quantitative data the program will collect to 
measure progress towards the stated results or benefits. How the 
program will determine the extent to which it has achieved its stated 
objectives.
    The extent to which the applicant provides an accurate projection 
of the estimated number of Head Start/Early Head Start teachers that 
will earn degrees over the duration of the project based on an analysis 
of the current levels of credits/courses earned by participants and a 
proposed sequence of courses.
    The extent to which the applicant proposes new teaching methods for 
Head Start/Early Head Start teachers and staff for teaching early 
literacy in the classrooms and enhancing parental skills to encourage 
children to read and succeed in school.

Criterion 3. Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)

    Relevant physical, economic, social, financial, institutional or 
other problems requiring intervention. The need for assistance. The 
principal and subordinate objectives of the project. The supporting 
documentation provided or other testimonies from concerned interests 
other than the applicant.
    The objectives for the program. How these objectives are based on 
an assessment of community needs and how they relate to Head Start 
goals. The extent to which the applicant proposes a detailed process 
that will be used to assess the need for the proposed program including 
the total number of staff needing training, including preschool and 
infant/toddler teachers.
    Specifically identified population to be served. The extent to 
which the applicant describes proposed Head Start and Early Head Start 
grantees as participating partners. The extent to which the applicant 
provides the numbers and types of staff to be trained, and the proposed 
areas of training, courses, and degrees to be awarded, as appropriate.
    The consultative process related to the development of the proposed 
initiative. The extent to which the applicant describes detailed 
efforts to frame the proposed initiative within broader state or 
community efforts to enhance professional and career development for 
staff in all forms of early childhood and child care programs. The 
extent to which the applicant provides letters of support that document 
consultation and support from the proposed grantee or delegate agency 
partners, the Head Start State Collaboration Office, and any existing 
state level early childhood career development initiative.

Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification (20 Points)

    How the proposed project costs are reasonable and appropriate in 
view of the activities to be carried out and the anticipated outcomes. 
The extent to which the applicant describes a thorough line item budget 
for the costs associated with key project staff attending two ACF-
sponsored conferences in Washington, D.C.

Criterion 5. Geographic Location (5 Points)

    The extent to which the application describes the precise location 
of the project and area to be served, including the location of the 
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees the applicant partners with.

Criterion 6. Staff and Position Data (5 Points)

    The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that key staff are 
qualified and knowledgeable of Head Start and Early Head Start. The 
extent to which the applicant demonstrates the capacity of its 
organization, key leaders, managers, and project personnel to provide: 
high quality, relevant, and responsive training to Head Start staff; 
competent project staff to plan and deliver appropriate course material 
to Head Start trainees that is culturally relevant; implementation of 
the training grant in an effective and timely manner; and successful 
partnerships that involve sharing resources, staffing, and facilities.
2. Review and Selection Process
    Applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored 
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the 
Federal government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in Section 
V of this announcement as well as the eligibility criteria specified in 
Section III to review and score the applications. The results of this 
review will be a primary factor in making funding decisions.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

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

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    45 CFR Part 74 and 45 CFR Part 92.

3. Reporting

    Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually.
    Financial Reports: Semi-annually.
    Special Reporting Requirements: None.
    All grantees are required to submit semi-annual program reports; 
grantees are also required to submit semi-annual expenditure reports 
using the required financial standard form (SF-269) which is located on 
the Internet at: http://forms.psc.gov/forms/sf/SF-269.pdf. A suggested 
format for the program report will be sent to all grantees after the 
awards are made.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Katherine Gray, U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, ACYF-Head 
Start Bureau, Switzer Building--330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20447. Telephone: (202) 205-8390, E-Mail: [email protected].
    Grants Management Office Contact: Delores Dickenson, U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children 
and Families, ACYF-Head Start Bureau, Switzer Building--330 C Street, 
SW., Washington, DC 20447. Telephone: (202) 260-7622, E-Mail: 
[email protected].
    General: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), 118 Q Street, 
NE., Washington, DC 20002, Telephone: (800) 351-2293.

[[Page 16263]]

VIII. Other Information

    Additional information about this program and its purpose can be 
located on the following Web sites: www.headstartinfo.org 
www.hsnrc.org.

    Dated: March 23, 2004.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-6959 Filed 3-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P