[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 65 (Monday, April 5, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17680-17689]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-7609]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Community Food and Nutrition Program--Discretionary Grants; 
Office of Community Services

    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EN-0007.
    CFDA Number: 93.571.
    Due Date for Applications: Due date for receipt of applications is 
June 4, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act, as amended, 
authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make funds 
available under several programs to support program activities that 
will result in direct benefits targeted to low-income people. This 
program announcement covers the grant authority found at Section 681 of 
the Community Services Block Grant Act, (The Act) (Pub. L. 97-35) as 
amended by the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training 
and Educational Services Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285), Community Food 
and Nutrition Program. The Act authorizes the Secretary to award grants 
on a competitive basis to eligible entities for community-based, local 
and statewide and national programs including programs benefiting 
Indians (as defined in section 677(e) of the CSBG Act) and migrant farm 
workers.
    The main objective of the CFNP is to link low-income people to food 
and nutrition programs. Grant funds are provided to: (1) Coordinate 
private and public food assistance resources, wherever the grant 
recipient involved determines such coordination to be inadequate, to 
better serve low-income populations; (2) assist low-income communities 
to identify potential sponsors of child nutrition programs and to 
initiate such programs in underserved or unserved areas; and (3) 
develop innovative approaches at the State and local level to meet the 
nutrition needs of low-income individuals. The OCS views this program 
as a capacity building program, rather than a food delivery program.
    The Office of Community Services encourages eligible applicants 
with programs addressing obesity to submit applications. Eligible 
applicants with programs benefiting Native Americans and migrant or 
seasonal farm workers are also encouraged to submit applications. 
Faith-based and

[[Page 17681]]

community-based organizations reaching underserved populations are also 
eligible to apply.

Definitions of Terms

    The following definitions apply:
    Budget Period--The interval of time into which a grant period of 
assistance (project period) is divided for budgetary and funding 
purposes.
    Capacity-Building--Refers to activities that assist eligible 
entities to improve or enhance their overall or specific capability to 
plan, deliver, manage and evaluate programs efficiently and effectively 
to produce intended results for low-income individuals. This may 
include upgrading internal financial management or computer systems, 
establishing new external linkages with other organizations, adding or 
refining a program component or replicating techniques or a program 
piloted in another local community, or making other cost effective 
improvements.
    Displaced Worker--An individual who is in the labor market but has 
been unemployed for six months or longer.
    Eligible Entity--Public and private non-profit agencies, including 
organizations benefiting Indians and migrant and seasonal farmworkers. 
Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for these Community 
Food and Nutrition Program grants. Community-based organizations are 
eligible to apply for these Community Food and Nutrition Program 
grants.
    Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Communities--Those communities 
designated as such by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of 
Housing and Urban Development.
    Indian Tribe--A tribe, band, or other organized group of Native 
American Indians recognized in the State or States in which it resides, 
or considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian tribe or 
an Indian organization.
    Innovative Project--One that departs from, or significantly 
modifies, past program practices and tests a new approach.
    Migrant Farm Worker--An individual who works in agricultural 
employment of a seasonal or other temporary nature who is required to 
be absent from his/her place of permanent residence in order to secure 
such employment.
    Poverty Income Guidelines--Guidelines published annually by the 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that establish the level 
of poverty defined as low-income for individuals and their families. 
The guideline information is posted on the Internet at the following 
address: http://www.hhs.aspe.gov/poverty/
    Program Income--Gross income earned by the grant recipient that is 
generated by an activity supported with grant funds.
    Project Period--The total time for which a project is approved for 
support, including any approved extensions.
    Seasonal Farm Worker--Any individual employed in agricultural work 
of a seasonal or other temporary nature who is able to remain at his/
her place of permanent residence while employed.
    Self-Sufficiency--A condition where an individual or family does 
not need, and is not eligible to receive, TANF assistance under Title I 
of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act 
of 1996 (Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act.)
    Underserved Area--(as it pertains to child nutrition programs)--A 
locality in which less than one-half of the low-income children 
eligible for assistance participate in any child nutrition program.
    Non-profit Organization--refers to an organization, including 
faith-based and community-based organization, which meets the 
requirement for proof of non-profit status in the ``Additional 
Information on Eligibility'' section of this announcement and has 
demonstrated experience in providing training to individuals and 
organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-
income families and communities.
    Territories--refers to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and American 
Samoa for the purpose of this announcement.

Program Purpose, Scope and Focus

    The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is committed to 
improving the overall health and nutritional well-being of all 
individuals, including low-income persons, through improved preventive 
health care and promotion of personal responsibility.
    DHHS also recognizes that improving the health and nutrition status 
of low-income persons can also be improved by access to healthy, 
nutritious foods or by other means. DHHS encourages community efforts 
to improve the coordination and integration of health and social 
services for all low-income families, and to identify opportunities for 
collaborating with other programs and services for this population. 
Such collaboration can increase a community's capacity to leverage 
resources and promote an integrated approach to health and nutrition 
through existing programs and services.
    Projects funded under this program must focus on one or more 
legislatively-mandated program activities: (a) Coordination of private 
and public food assistance resources, wherever the grant recipient 
involved determines such coordination to be inadequate, to better serve 
low-income populations; (b) assistance to low-income communities in 
identifying potential sponsors of child nutrition programs and 
initiating such programs in unserved or underserved areas; and (c) 
development of innovative approaches at the state and local level to 
meet the nutrition needs of low-income individuals.
    Additionally, in carrying out such activities, projects funded 
under this program should (1) be designed and intended to provide 
nutrition benefits, including those which incorporate the benefits of 
disease prevention, to a targeted low-income group of people; (2) 
provide outreach and public education to inform eligible low-income 
individuals and families of other nutritional services available to 
them under the various Federally-assisted programs; (3) carry out 
targeted communications and social marketing to improve dietary 
behavior and increase program participation among eligible low-income 
populations. Populations to be targeted can include displaced workers, 
elderly people, children, and the working poor, and (4) consult with 
and/or inform local officials that administer other food programs such 
as W.I.C. and Food Stamps, where applicable, to ensure effective 
coordination which can jointly target services to increase their 
effectiveness. Such consultation may include involving these offices in 
planning grant applications.
    The OCS views this program as a capacity-building program, rather 
than a food delivery program. Applications proposing to use OCS funds 
solely to purchase food for low-income individuals may be considered 
non-responsive and be returned to the applicant without further review.

Mobilization of Resources

    There is no match requirement for the Community Food and Nutrition 
Program. However, OCS would like to mobilize as many resources as 
possible to enhance projects funded under the CFNP. OCS supports and 
encourages applications submitted by applicants whose programs will 
leverage other resources, either cash or third party in-kind.

Administrative Costs/Indirect Costs

    There is no predetermined administrative cost ceiling for projects 
funded under this program. Indirect costs consistent with approved 
indirect

[[Page 17682]]

cost rate agreements are allowable. Applicants should enclose a copy of 
the current approved rate agreement. However, it should be understood 
that indirect costs are part of, and not in addition to, the amount of 
funds awarded in the subject grant.

Multiple Submittals

    There is no limit to the number of applications that can be 
submitted by an eligible applicant as long as each application is for a 
different project. However, no applicant will receive more than one 
grant.

Repeat Grantee

    Applicants receiving OCS funds for CFNP projects completed within 
the last five (5) years must submit with the application an abstract 
for each such project. The abstract should include the applicant's 
name, address, CFNP grant number and amount, the title of the project, 
and a summary of accomplishments. An application that does not include 
an abstract for each project previously funded may be considered non-
responsive and be returned to the applicant without further review.
    Priority Area:
    There is one Program Priority Area for Fiscal Year 2004: Priority 
Area 1.0--General Projects, under which OCS will accept applications as 
described below.
Priority Area 1.0--General Projects
    The application should describe the target area and population to 
be served and discuss the nature and extent of the problem to be 
solved. The application must contain a detailed and specific work 
program that is sound and feasible. Projects funded under this 
announcement must produce lasting and measurable results that fulfill 
the purposes of this program as described above. The OCS grant funds, 
in combination with private and/or other public resources, must be 
targeted to low-income individuals and communities.
    Applicants will certify in their submission that projects will only 
serve the low-income population as stipulated in the DHHS Poverty 
Income Guidelines. The guideline information is posted on the Internet 
at the following address: http://www.hhs.aspe.gov/poverty/. Failure to 
comply with the DHHS Poverty Income Guidelines may result in the 
application not being considered for funding.
    If an applicant proposes a project that will affect a property 
listed in, or eligible for, inclusion in the National Register of 
Historic Places, it must identify this property in the narrative and 
explain how it has complied with the provisions of Section 106 of the 
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. If there is any 
question as to whether the property is listed in, or is eligible for 
inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places, applicant 
should consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer. The 
applicant should contact OCS early in the development of its 
application for instructions regarding compliance with the Act and data 
required to be submitted to DHHS.
    When projects propose to mobilize or improve the coordination of 
existing public and private food assistance resources, the guidelines 
governing those resources apply. However, when projects propose to 
provide direct assistance to beneficiaries through grants funded under 
this program, those beneficiaries must fall within the official DHHS 
Poverty Income Guidelines.
    Applications proposing the use of grant funds to develop printed or 
visual materials must contain convincing evidence that these materials 
are not available from other sources. The OCS will not provide funding 
for such items if justification is not sufficient. Approval of any 
films or visual presentations proposed by applicants approved for 
funding will be made part of the grant award. When material outlays for 
equipment (audio and visual) are requested, specific evidence must be 
presented that there is a definite programmatic connection between the 
equipment (audio and visual) usage and the outreach requirements 
described in the Program Purpose, Scope and Focus section of this 
announcement.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Service Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $2,400,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 48-52.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $50,000.
    An application that exceeds $50,000 will be considered ``non-
responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without further review.
    Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $50,000.
    Project Period for Grants: 12 Months.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    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
Additional Information on Eligibility
    Eligible applicants are public and private nonprofit agencies 
including organizations benefiting Indians and migrant and seasonal 
farmworkers with a demonstrated ability to successfully develop and 
implement programs and activities similar to those enumerated in the 
announcement. Faith-based organizations and community-based 
organizations are eligible to apply for these Community Food and 
Nutrition Program grants. Any non-profit organization submitting an 
application must submit proof of its non-profit status in its 
application at the time of submission.
    Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
    (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code.
    (b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
    (c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, 
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
    (d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status.
    (e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the 
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
    The Office of Community Services encourages eligible applicants 
with programs addressing obesity to submit applications. Eligible 
applicants with programs benefiting Native Americans and migrant or 
seasonal farm workers are also encouraged to submit applications. 
Faith-based and community-based organizations reaching underserved 
populations are also encouraged to apply.
    Private non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' 
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.



[[Page 17683]]

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for applications 
submitted under this program announcement.

3. Other

    All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. 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 & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when 
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after 
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant 
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide 
electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be 
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation 
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, 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.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

    Catherine Rivers, Administration for Children and Families, Office 
of Community Services' Operations Center, 1815 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 
300, Arlington, Virginia 22209, Email: [email protected] Attention: 
Catherine Rivers, Telephone: 1-800-281-9519.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Application Content
    An original and two copies of each application are required. Each 
application must include the following components:
    1. Table of Contents.
    2. Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed 250 
words, that would be suitable for use in an announcement that the 
application has been selected for a grant award and which identifies 
the type of project, the target population and the major elements of 
the work plan.
    3. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an Official 
of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to 
obligate the organization legally.
    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. 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.
    6. Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described 
in the ``Application Review Information'' section of this announcement.
2. Application Format
    Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper only. 
Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
    Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional 
materials, slides, films, clips, etc.
    The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins must 
be at least one inch on all sides.
    Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package, 
beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one.
    Please present application materials either in loose-leaf notebooks 
or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center and 
fastened separately with a slide paper fastener.
3. Page Limitation
    The application package including sections for the Table of 
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives must not 
exceed 30 pages. The page limitation does not include the following 
attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also 
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this 
announcement.
4. Required Standard Forms
    Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-construction 
project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs with their applications.
    Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying. Prior 
to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish 
an executed copy of the lobbying certification. Applicants must sign 
and return the certification with their application.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as 
outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke.

3. Submission Date and Times

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
Eastern Standarad Time (EST) on June 4, 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 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services' 
Operations Center, 1815 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 
22209 Attention: Barbara Ziegler-Johnson. 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 U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community 
Services' Operations Center, 1815 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, 
Arlington, Virginia 22209 Attention: Barbara Ziegler-Johnson between 
Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This address must 
appear on the envelope/package containing the application with the 
note: ``Attention: Barbara Ziegler-Johnson''. Applicants are cautioned 
that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
    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.
    Pre-applications or letters of intent will not be accepted.

[[Page 17684]]



                                                 Required Forms
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What to submit                 Required content     Required form or format       When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents....................  As described above.....  Consistent with          By application due
                                                                 guidance in              date.
                                                                 ``Application Format''
                                                                 section of this
                                                                 announcement.
Abstract of Proposed Project.........  Brief abstract that      Consistent with           Do.
                                        identifies the type of   guidance in
                                        project, the target      ``Application Format''
                                        population and the       section of this
                                        major elements of the    announcement.
                                        proposed project.
Completed Standard Form 424..........  As described above and   May be found on http://   Do.
                                        per required form.       www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Completed Standard Form 424A.........  As described above and   May be found on http://   Do.
                                        per required form.       www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Narrative Budget Justification.......  As described above.....  Consistent with           Do.
                                                                 guidance in
                                                                 ``Application Format''
                                                                 section of this
                                                                 announcement.
Project Narrative....................  A narrative that         Consistent with           Do.
                                        addresses issues         guidance in
                                        described in the         ``Application Format''
                                        ``Application Review     section of this
                                        Information'' section    announcement.
                                        of this announcement.
Completed Standard Form 424B.........  As described above and   May be found on http://   Do.
                                        per required form.       www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Certification Regarding Lobbying.....  As described above and   May be found on http://   Do.
                                        per required form.       www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Certification Regarding Environmental  As described above and   May be found on http://   Do.
 Tobacco Smoke.                         per required form.       www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant   As described above and   May be found on http://  By application due
 Applicants.                            per required form.       www.acf.hhs.gov/         date.
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

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

[[Page 17685]]

    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

Signed SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B
    The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424 Application 
for Federal Assistance ``SF-424'', a Standard Form 424-A Budget 
Information ``SF-424A'' and signed Standard Form 424B Assurance--Non-
Construction Programs ``SF-424B'' completed according to instructions 
provided in this Program Announcement.
Proof of Non-Profit Status
    The application must contain documentation of the applicant's tax-
exempt status as indicated in the ``Additional Information on 
Eligibility'' section of this announcement.
Project Narrative
    The application must include a project narrative that meets 
requirements set forth in this announcement.
Capacity-Building Program
    The OCS views this program as a capacity-building program, rather 
than a food delivery program. Applications proposing to use OCS funds 
solely to purchase food for low-income individuals may be considered 
non-responsive and be returned to the applicant without further review.
Program Beneficiaries
    Projects proposed for funding under this announcement must result 
in direct benefits targeted toward low-income people as defined in the 
most recent annual update of the Poverty Income Guidelines published by 
DHHS. The guideline information is posted on the Internet at the 
following address: http://www.hhs.aspe.gov/poverty/. Annual revisions 
of these guidelines are normally published in the Federal Register in 
February or early March of each year and are applicable to projects 
being implemented at the time of publication. Grantees will be required 
to apply the most recent guidelines throughout the project period. The 
Federal Register may be obtained from public libraries, Congressional 
offices, or by writing the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The Federal Register is also 
available on the Internet through GPO Access at the following web 
address: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html.
    No other government agency or privately defined poverty guidelines 
are applicable to determining low-income eligibility for this OCS 
program.
Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects
    OCS will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is 
primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than 
the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the 
implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This 
prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting 
for specific services or activities needed to conduct the project.
Number of Projects in Application
    Each application may include only one proposed project. 
Applications not complying with this requirement will be considered 
``non-responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without further 
review.
Page Limitation
    The application package including sections for the Table of 
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives must not 
exceed 30 pages. The page limitation does not include the following 
attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also 
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this 
announcement
Maximum Grant Amount
    An application that exceeds $50,000--the ceiling on the amount of 
an individual award--will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be 
returned to the applicant without further review.
Repeat Grantee
    Applicants receiving OCS funds for CFNP projects completed within 
the last five (5) years must submit with the application an abstract 
for each such project. The abstract should include the applicant's 
name, address, CFNP grant number and amount, the title of the project, 
and a summary of accomplishments. An application that does not include 
an abstract for each project previously funded may be considered non-
responsive and be returned to the applicant without further review.

6. Other Submission Requirements

Electronic Copy Address Submission
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may 
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov
     Electronic submission is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will 
find information about submitting an application electronically through 
the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that 
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must 
have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR 
registration.
     You will not receive additional point value 
because you submit a grant application in 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 http://www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application 
package by the CFDA number (93.571).

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-13): Under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13, the Department is 
required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for 
review and approval of any reporting and record keeping requirements in 
regulations including program announcements. This program announcement 
does not contain

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information collection requirements beyond those approved for ACF grant 
applications under the Program Narrative Statement by OMB No. 0970-
0139.
    Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average 
25 hours per 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 
0970-0139 which expires 3/31/04.
    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.
Purpose
    The project description provides a major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and 
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are 
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can 
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project 
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation 
criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other 
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, 
therefore, that this information be included in the application.
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The 
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description 
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more 
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the 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. For example, 
describe the population to be served by the program and the number of 
new jobs that will be targeted to the target population. Explain how 
the project will reach the targeted population, how it will benefit 
participants including how it will support individuals to become more 
economically self-sufficient.
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.
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.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget 
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed 
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, 
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to 
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the 
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Evaluation Criterion I. Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 30 
points)
I(a) Improvement in Nutrition Services to Low-Income People (0-15 
Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
proposes to significantly improve or increase nutrition services to 
low-income people and indicate how such improvements or increases are 
quantified.
I(b) Promotional Health and Social Service Activities Included in 
Nutrition Services (0-5 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
incorporates into

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the project awareness of health and social services activities for low-
income people along with nutritional services.
I(c) Commitment of Resources (0-5 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
indicates that the project will significantly leverage or mobilize 
other community resources. These resources are detailed and quantified.
I(d) One Time Funding (0-5 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
demonstrates either that the project addresses problem(s) that can be 
resolved by one-time OCS funding, or demonstrates that non-Federal 
funding is available to continue the project without Federal support.
    In addressing the above criterion, the application must include 
quantitative data for items (a), (b), and (c), and discuss how the 
beneficial impact relates to the relevant legislatively-mandated 
program activities identified in the Program Purpose, Scope and Focus 
section of this announcement, and the problems and/or needs described 
under Criterion I.
Evaluation Criterion II. Approach (Maximum: 25 points)
II(a) Realistic Quarterly Time Lines (0-10 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
provides realistic quarterly projections of the activities to be 
carried out including the projected number of beneficiaries to be 
served each quarter.
II(b) Detailed Work Plan (0-15 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it ensures 
that activities are adequately described and appear reasonably likely 
to achieve results which will have a desired impact on the identified 
problems and/or needs. In addressing this criterion, the application 
should address the basic criteria and other mandated activities found 
in Parts A and B and should include:
    (1) Project priorities, and rationale for selecting them, which 
relate to the specific nutritional problem(s) and/or need(s) of the 
target population identified under Criterion I;
    (2) Goals and objectives that speak to the problem(s) and/or 
need(s); and
    (3) Project activities that, if successfully carried out, can 
reasonably be expected to result in achieving these goals and 
objectives.
Evaluation Criterion III. Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 15 points)
III(a) Organizational Experience in Program Area (0-5 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
documents the organization's capability and relevant experience in 
developing and operating programs that deal with poverty problems 
similar to those to be addressed by the proposed project. Documentation 
provided should indicate that projects previously undertaken have been 
relevant and effective and have provided permanent benefits to the low-
income population. Organizations proposing training and technical 
assistance should have detailed competence in the program area and 
expertise in training and technical assistance. If applicable, 
information provided in these applications should also address related 
achievements and competence of each cooperating or sponsoring 
organization.
III(b) Management History (0-5 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
demonstrates the applicant's ability to implement sound and effective 
management practices. If the applicant has been a recipient of other 
Federal or other governmental grants, it must also document their 
compliance with financial and program progress reporting and audit 
requirements. Such documentation may be in the form of references to 
any available audit or progress reports and should be accompanied by a 
statement from a Certified or Licensed Public Accountant as to the 
sufficiency of the applicant's financial management system to protect 
adequately any Federal funds awarded under the application submitted.
III(c) Staff Skills, Resources and Responsibilities (0-5 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
adequately describes the experience and skills of the proposed Project 
Director, showing that the individual is not only well qualified, but 
that his/her professional capabilities are relevant to successfully 
implement the project. If the key staff person has not yet been 
identified, the application should contain a comprehensive position 
description indicating that the responsibilities to be assigned to the 
Project Director are relevant to successfully implement the project. 
The application must indicate that it has adequate facilities and 
resources (i.e. space and equipment) to carry out the work plan 
successfully.
    In addressing the above criterion, the application must clearly 
show that sufficient time of the Project Director and other senior 
staff will be budgeted to assure timely project implementation and 
oversight and that the assigned responsibilities of the staff are 
appropriate to the tasks identified.
Evaluation Criterion IV. Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum: 
10 points)
IV(a) Description of Target Population. (0-4 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
describes the target area and population to be served, including 
specific details on any minority population(s) to be served.
IV(b) Analysis of Needs/Priorities (0-6 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
discusses the nature and extent of the problem(s) and/or need(s), 
including specific information on minority population(s).
Evaluation Criterion V. Approach: Coordination/Services Integration 
(Maximum: 10 Points)
V(a) Coordinated Community-Based Planning (0-5 Points)
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
demonstrates evidence of coordinated community-based planning in its 
development, including strategies in the work program to collaborate 
with other locally-funded Federal programs (such as DHHS health and 
social services and USDA Food and Consumer Service programs) in ways 
that will eliminate duplication and will, for example: (a) Unite 
funding streams at the local level to increase program outreach and 
effectiveness; (b) facilitate access to other needed social services by 
coordinating and simplifying intake and eligibility certification 
processes for clients; or (c) bring project participants into direct 
interaction with holistic family development resources in the community 
where needed.
V(b) Community Empowerment Consideration (0-5 Points)
    Special consideration will be given to applications located in 
areas characterized by poverty and other indicators of socio-economic 
distress such as a poverty rate of at least 20 percent, designation as 
an Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community, high levels of 
unemployment, and high levels of incidences of violence, gang activity, 
crime, or drug use. The application will be evaluated on the extent to 
which it

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documents involvement in the preparation and planned implementation of 
a comprehensive community-based strategic plan to achieve both economic 
and human development in an integrated manner. If the applicant is 
receiving funds from the State for community food and nutrition 
activities, the application should address how the funds are being 
utilized, and how they will be coordinated with the proposed project to 
maximize the effectiveness of both. If State funds are being used in 
the project for which OCS funds are being requested, the application 
should specifically describe their usage.
Evaluation Criterion VI. Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 10 
Points)
VI(a) Budget and Budget Justification (0-10 Points)
    Every application must include a Budget Justification, placed after 
the budget forms SF-424 and 424A, explaining the sources and uses of 
project funds. The budget is adequate and administrative costs are 
appropriate to the services proposed.

2. Review and Selection Process

Initial OCS Screening
    Each application submitted to OCS will be screened to determine 
whether it was received by the closing date and time.
    Applications received by the closing date and time will be screened 
for completeness and conformity with the following requirements. Only 
complete applications that meet the requirements listed below will be 
reviewed and evaluated competitively. Other applications will be 
returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable 
and will not be reviewed.
    All applications must comply with the following requirements except 
as noted:
    (a) The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424 
Application for Federal Assistance ``SF-424'', a Standard Form 424-A 
Budget Information ``SF-424A'' and signed Standard Form 424B 
Assurance--Non-Construction Programs ``SF-424B'' completed according to 
instructions provided in this Program Announcement. The forms SF-424 
and the SF-424B must be signed by an official of the organization 
applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the organization 
legally. The applicant's legal name as required on the SF-424 (Item 5) 
must match that listed as corresponding to the Employer Identification 
Number (Item 6);
    (b) The application must include a project narrative that meets 
requirements set for in this announcement.
    (c) The application must contain documentation of the applicant's 
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Additional Information on 
Eligibility'' section of this announcement.
    (d) The application package including sections for the Table of 
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives must not 
exceed 30 pages. The page limitation does not include the following 
attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also 
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this 
announcement. An application package that exceeds the page limitation 
will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the applicant 
without further review.
    (e) An application that exceeds $50,000--the ceiling on the amount 
of an individual award--will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be 
returned to the applicant without further review.
    (f) Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the optional survey located under ``Grants Manuals & 
Forms'' at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
OCS Evaluation of Applications
    Applications that pass the initial OCS screening will be reviewed 
and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review criteria 
presented in relevant sections of this program announcement.
    The review criteria are designed to enable the review panel to 
assess the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood 
of its success. The criteria are closely related to each other and are 
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. 
The review panel awards points only to applications that are responsive 
to the program elements and relevant review criteria within the context 
of this program announcement.
    The OCS Director and program staff use the reviewer scores when 
considering competing applications. Reviewer scores will weigh heavily 
in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered.
    Applications generally will be considered in order of the average 
scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important factors 
are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not 
guaranteed funding. These other considerations include, for example: 
the timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded 
with OCS funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of 
reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; amount 
and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's 
consistency and harmony with OCS goals and policy; geographic 
distribution of applications; previous program performance of 
applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants, 
including the actual dedication to program of mobilized resources as 
set forth in project applications; audit reports; investigative 
reports; and applicant's progress in resolving any final audit 
disallowance on previous OCS or other Federal agency grants.
    3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: 90 days after the due 
date of applications.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: Successful applicants will be notified through 
the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award notice that sets forth the 
amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant award, 
the effective date of the award, the budget period for which initial 
support is given, and the total project period for which support is 
provided. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by a Grants 
Officer and transmitted via postal mail. Unsuccessful applicants will 
be notified in writing by ACF.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: 45 CFR Part 74.
    Special Terms and Conditions of Awards: None.

3. Reporting Requirements

    Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 
days after the end of the grant period.
    Financial Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 days 
after the end of the grant period.
    Special Reporting Requirements: None.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Catherine Rivers, Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Community Services' Operations Center, 
1815 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209, Email: 
[email protected] Attention: Catherine Rivers, Telephone: 1-800-281-9519.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Barbara Ziegler-Johnson, Office 
of Grants Management, Division of

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Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building, 
Washington, DC 20447-0002. Email: [email protected]. Telephone: 1-800-281-
9519.

VIII. Other Information

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

    Dated: March 30, 2004.
Clarence H. Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 04-7609 Filed 4-2-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P