[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 69 (Friday, April 9, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18913-18923]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8081]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD); Funding 
Opportunity Title: Family Support Initiative 2004

    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ADD-DF-0001.

[[Page 18914]]

    CFDA Number: 93.631--Developmental Disabilities--Projects of 
National Significance.
    Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications 
is 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on June 8, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Objectives: To provide funds to States to create or expand 
statewide systems change for Family Support. To allow for the award of 
competitive grants to conduct training, technical assistance, and other 
national activities designed to address the problems that impede the 
self-sufficiency of families of children with developmental 
disabilities. This program announcement will provide funds for the 
development phase of the Family Support Initiative.

Statutory Authority Covered Under This Announcement

    This announcement is covered under the Developmental Disabilities 
Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 15001-15115. 
Projects of National Significance is Part E of the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 
15081-15083. Provisions under this section provide for the award of 
grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for Projects of National 
Significance that support:
     The development of national and State policies 
that reinforce and promote the self-determination, independence, 
productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of community 
life of individuals with developmental disabilities;
     Family support activities, data collection and 
analysis, technical assistance to entities that provide family support 
and data collection activities; and
     Other projects of sufficient size and scope that 
hold promise to expand or improve opportunities for individuals with 
developmental disabilities.

General Description

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is located 
within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department 
of Health and Human Services (DHHS). ADD shares goals with other ACF 
programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, 
children, individuals, and communities. ACF and ADD envision:
     Families and individuals empowered to increase 
their own economic independence and productivity;
     Strong, healthy, supportive communities having a 
positive impact on the quality of life and the development of children;
     Partnerships with individuals, front-line 
service providers, communities, States, and Congress that enable 
solutions that transcend traditional agency boundaries;
     Services planned and integrated to improve 
access to programs and supports for individuals and families;
     A strong commitment to working with Native 
Americans, persons with developmental disabilities, refugees, and 
migrants to address their needs, strengths and abilities;
     A recognition of the power and effectiveness of 
public-private partnerships, including collaboration among community 
groups, such as faith-based organizations, families, and public 
agencies; and
     A community-based approach that recognizes and 
expands on the resources and benefits of diversity.
    These goals will enable individuals, including people with 
developmental disabilities, to live productive and independent lives 
integrated into their communities. The Projects of National 
Significance (PNS) program is one means through which ADD promotes the 
achievement of these goals.
    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the lead 
agency within ACF and DHHS responsible for planning and administering 
programs to promote self-sufficiency and protect the rights of persons 
with developmental disabilities. ADD implements the Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (the DD Act), which was 
authorized by Congress in 2000.
    This Act supports and provides assistance to States, public, 
private non-profit agencies, and organizations, including faith-based 
organizations, to assure that individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have 
access to culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance 
and opportunities that promote independence, productivity, integration, 
and inclusion into the community.
    As defined in the DD Act, the term ``developmental disabilities'' 
means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is 
attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of 
mental and physical impairments that is manifested before the 
individual attains age 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely. 
Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three 
or more of the following functional areas; self-care, receptive and 
expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for 
independent living, and capacity for economic self-sufficiency.
    A number of significant findings are identified in the DD Act, 
including:
     Disability is a natural part of the human 
experience that does not diminish the right of individuals with 
developmental disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, 
productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community;
     Individuals whose disabilities occur during 
their developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are 
likely to continue indefinitely; and
     Individuals with developmental disabilities 
often require lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in 
a coordinated and culturally competent manner by many agencies, 
professionals, advocates, community representatives, and others to 
eliminate barriers and to meet the needs of such individuals and their 
families.
    The DD Act also promotes the best practices and policies presented 
below:
     Individuals with developmental disabilities, 
including those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are 
capable of achieving independence, productivity, integration, and 
inclusion into the community, and often require the provision of 
services, supports, and other assistance to achieve such;
     Individuals with developmental disabilities have 
competencies, capabilities, and personal goals that should be 
recognized, supported, and encouraged, and any assistance to such 
individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consistent 
with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, 
and capabilities of the individual; and
     Individuals with developmental disabilities and 
their families are the primary decision makers regarding the services 
and supports such individuals and their families receive, and play 
decision making roles in policies and programs that affect the lives of 
such individuals and their families.
    Toward these ends, ADD seeks to support and accomplish the 
following:
     Enhance the capabilities of families in 
assisting individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their 
maximum potential;
     Support the increasing ability of individuals 
with developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice and self-
determination and to engage in leadership activities in their 
communities; and

[[Page 18915]]

     Ensure the protection of individuals with 
developmental disabilities' legal and human rights.
    The four programs funded under the Act are:
     State Developmental Disabilities Councils;
     State Protection and Advocacy Systems for 
Individuals with Developmental Disabilities' Rights;
     Grants to the National Network of University 
Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, 
Research, and Service; and
     Grants for Projects of National Significance.
    A. Description of the Family Support Program. The Developmental 
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 
15001-15115 was authorized on October 30, 2000. The purpose of the 
family support program is for states to create or expand statewide 
systems change. It allows for the award of competitive grants to 
conduct training, technical assistance, and other national activities 
designed to address the problems that impede the self-sufficiency of 
families of children with developmental disabilities.
    B. Requirements. Project funds must be used to support the planning 
and development of family support activities contributing to the self-
determination, independence, productivity, and integration and 
inclusion in all facets of community life of such individuals. Projects 
will:
    (1) Ensure the full participation, choice and control of families 
of children with developmental disabilities, in decisions related to 
the provisions of such family support for their family;
    (2) Ensure the active involvement of families of children with 
developmental disabilities in the planning, development, 
implementation, and evaluation of the project; increase the 
availability of, funding for, access to, and provision of family 
support for families of children with developmental disabilities;
    (3) Promote training activities that are family-centered and 
family-directed and that enhance the ability of family members of 
children with developmental disabilities to increase participation, 
choice, and control in the provision of family support for families of 
children with developmental disabilities;
    (4) Increase and promote interagency coordination among State 
agencies, and between State agencies and private entities that are 
involved in these projects; and
    (5) Increase the awareness of laws, regulations, policies, 
practices, procedures, and organizational structures that facilitate or 
impede the availability or provision of family support for families of 
children with developmental disabilities.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Category of Funding Activity: ISS Income Security and Social 
Services.
    Anticipated Total Program Funding: $550,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 6.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $100,000 for a State Entity 
per project period; $50,000 for a Territorial Entity per project 
period.
    An application received that exceeds the upper value of the dollar 
range specified will be considered ``non responsive'' and be returned 
to the applicant without further review.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: None.
    Project Periods for Awards: Up to 17 month project period with up 
to one 17 month budget period.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Independent school districts
State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.
    Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institutions of 
higher education.
    Private institutions of higher education.
    Small businesses.
    Faith-based and Community-based Organizations

    Additional Information on Eligibility: Eligible States and 
territorial entities under this announcement are: Alabama, Arkansas, 
Louisiana, Iowa, Tennessee, American Samoa. States not listed above are 
not eligible to apply.
    Eligible applicants include any public or private non-profit 
organization, including State and local governments, federally 
recognized Indian tribes, faith-based organizations, and private non-
profit organizations including universities and other institutions of 
higher education designated by the governor or chief executive officer 
of the State as the lead agency for this project. Applicants awarded 
planning grants last year (FY 2003) under this announcement are not 
eligible. Applicants awarded planning grants in Fiscal Years, 1999 
through 2002 that have never received a development grant are eligible 
to apply under this announcement for development funds. A letter from 
the office of the governor or the chief executive officer designating 
the applicant as the lead agency for the State or Territory must 
accompany the application. This lead agency is responsible for 
coordinating the planning, development, implementation (or expansion 
and enhancement), and evaluation of a statewide system of family 
support services for families of children with developmental 
disabilities. If the Governor's letter does not accompany the 
application, it will not be reviewed and ranked for funding 
consideration.
    Applicants who have not previously been awarded family support 
development grants are eligible for family support development grants 
under this announcement.
    All applications developed jointly by more than one agency or 
organization must identify only one organization as the lead 
organization and the official applicant. The other participating 
agencies and organizations can be included as co-participants, 
subgrantees, or subcontractors.
    Before applications under this Program Announcement are reviewed, 
each one will be screened to determine whether the applicant is 
eligible for funding. Applications from organizations that do not meet 
eligibility requirements will not be considered or reviewed in the 
competition, and the applicant will be so informed.
    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.
    Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to 
submit proof of their non-profit status. 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.

[[Page 18916]]

    (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.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Yes. Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total 
approved cost of the project. Grantees must match $1 for every $3 
requested in Federal funding to reach 25% of the total approved cost of 
the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the 
total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the 
project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-
Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contribution although 
applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash 
contributions. Therefore, a project requesting $100,000 in Federal 
funds (based on an award of $100,000 per budget period) must provide a 
match of at least $33,333. Grantees will be held accountable for 
commitments of non-Federal resources even if over the amount of the 
required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in 
disallowance of Federal funds.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for 
funding under this announcement.

3. Other

    All Applicants must have a Duns & 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 Federal grant applicants to provide a 
Duns 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 at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com
    Applications that fail to follow the required format described in 
section IV.2 Application Requirements will be considered non-responsive 
and will not be eligible for funding under this announcement.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for 
funding under this announcement.
    Applications that exceed the ceiling of $100,000 for a State Entity 
and $50,000 for a Territorial Entity will be considered non-responsive 
and will not be eligible for funding under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Valerie Reese, Program Specialist, U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, 
Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW., Mail Stop Room 405D HHH Bldg., Washington, DC 20447, E-mail: 
[email protected]. Phone: (202) 690-5805, Fax: (202) 690-6904.

2. Content and Form of Application 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.
    Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily 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.
    Please see Section V for instructions on preparing the project 
summary/abstract and the full project description.
A. Project Summary/Abstract
    Clearly mark this separate page with the applicant name as shown in 
item 5 of the SF 424, the priority area number as shown at the top of 
the SF 424, and the title of the project as shown in item 11 of the SF 
424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words. These 300 
words become part of the computer database on each project.
    Provide a summary description that accurately and concisely 
reflects the proposal. The summary should describe the objectives of 
the project, the approaches to be used and the expected outcomes. The 
description should also include a list of major products that will 
result from the proposed project, such as software packages, materials, 
management procedures, data collection instruments, training packages, 
or videos (please note that audiovisuals must be closed captioned and 
audio described). The project summary description, together with the 
information on the SF 424, will constitute the project ``abstract.'' 
This is a major source of information about the

[[Page 18917]]

proposed project and is usually the first part of the application that 
the reviewers read in evaluating the application.
B. Project Description
    The Project Description is a very important part of an application. 
It should be clear, concise, and address the specific requirements 
mentioned in Part I.
    The narrative should also provide information concerning how the 
application meets the evaluation criteria, using the following 
headings:
    (a) Objectives and Need for Assistance;
    (b) Results and Benefits Expected;
    (c) Approach;
    (a) Organization Profile; and
    (b) Budget and Budget Justification.
C. Assurances, Certifications and Other Forms
    Applicants are required to submit a SF 424B, Assurances--Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Prior 
to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish 
an executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office 
of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants 
must sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicant must also understand that they will be held accountable 
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Part C 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of 
1994). By signing and submitting the application, applicants are 
providing the certification and need not mail back the certification 
with the application.
    In addition, applicants are required under Section 162(c)(3) of the 
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with 
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without 
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted 
under Part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to 
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each 
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
    For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a 
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a 
question regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the 
Office for Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301) 
496-7041.
    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 www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
D. Checklist for a Complete Application
    The checklist below is for your use to ensure that your application 
package has been properly prepared.

--One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies;
--Application is from an organization that is eligible under the 
eligibility requirements, defined in the Priority Area description; and
--Application length does not exceed 60 pages, including attachments 
and all federally required forms.

    A complete application consists of the following items in this 
order:

    Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);

--A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact entered 
in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable;
--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-88);
--Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
--Table of Contents;
--Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-profit 
status, if necessary;
--Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if 
appropriate; (when charging indirect costs to Federal funds or when 
using indirect costs as a matching share);
--Letter from the Governor in the applicant's State or Territory 
designating the applicant as the lead agency as required by the Program 
Announcement;
--Project Description;
--Letter(s) of commitment verifying non-Federal cost share
--Any appendices/attachments;
--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-88);
--Certification Regarding Lobbying;
--Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary; and
--Certification of the Pro Children Act of 1994, signature on the 
application represents certification.
--Voluntary Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants
E. The Application Package
    Each application package must include an original and two copies of 
the complete application. Each copy should be stapled securely (front 
and back if necessary) in the upper left-hand corner. All pages of the 
narrative (including charts, tables, maps, exhibits, etc.) must be 
sequentially numbered, beginning with page one. In order to facilitate 
handling, please do not use covers, binders or tabs. Do not include 
extraneous materials as attachments, such as agency promotion 
brochures, slides, tapes, film clips, minutes of meetings, survey 
instruments or articles of incorporation.
    The narrative should be typed double spaced on a single side of an 
8\1/2\'' x 11'' plain white paper, with 1'' margins on all sides, using 
black print no smaller than 12 pitch or 12 point size. All pages of the 
narrative, including attachments (such as charts, references/footnotes, 
tables, maps, exhibits, etc.) and letters of support must be 
sequentially numbered, beginning with ``Objectives and Need for 
Assistance'' as page number one. Applicants should not submit 
reproductions of larger size paper, reduced to meet the size 
requirement.
    The length of the application, including all attachments and 
required Federal forms, must not exceed 60 pages. The federally 
required forms will be count towards the total number of pages. The 60-
page limit will be strictly enforced. All pages beyond the first 60 
pages of text will be removed prior to applications being evaluated by 
the reviewers. A page is a single side of an 8\1/2\ x 11'' sheet of 
paper with 1'' margins.
    Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures or other 
printed material along with their application as these pose copying 
difficulties. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in 
the review process if they exceed the 60-page limit. Each page of the 
application will be counted to determine the total length.
    Applicants have the option of omitting the Social Security Numbers 
and specific salary rates of the proposed projects from the two copies 
submitted with the original application to ACF. For purposes of the 
outside review process, applicants may elect to summarize salary 
information on the copies of their application. All salary information 
must, however, appear on the signed original application for ACF.
    Notification of State Developmental Disabilities Planning Councils
    A copy of the application must also be submitted for review and 
comment to the State Developmental Disabilities Council in each State 
in which the applicant's project will be conducted. A list of the State 
Developmental Disabilities Councils can be found at ADD's Web site: 
http:///www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add or by contacting Joan Rucker, 
ADD, 370

[[Page 18918]]

L'Enfant Promenade SW., Mail Stop 405D HHH Bldg, Washington, DC 20447, 
(202) 690-7898.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
Eastern Standard Time (EST) on June 8, 2004. Mailed or hand carried 
applications received after 4:30 p.m. EST 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: U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants 
Management, 8th Floor, Aerospace Building, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 
Washington, DC 20447-0002, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    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, 
Division of Discretionary Grants ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor (near loading 
dock), Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024, 
between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This address 
must appear on the envelope/package containing the application with the 
note, ``Attention: Lois Hodge.''
    Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do 
not always deliver as agreed. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of 
applications by fax.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare 
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests 
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           What to submit               Required content       Required form or format        When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF424, SF424A, SF424B..............  Per required form.....  May be found at 60 http://   60 days from release
                                                              www.acf.hhs.gov/program/     date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
------------------------------------
Project Summary/Abstract...........  Summary of application  One page limit.............  60 days from release
                                      request.                                             date.
------------------------------------
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities    Per required form.....  May be found at http://      60 days from release
 (SF-LLL).                                                    www.acf.hhs.gov/program/     date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
------------------------------------
Environmental Tobacco Smoke          Per required form.....  May be found at http://      60 days from release
 Certification.                                               www.acf.hhs.gov/program/     date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Forms:
    Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily 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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           What to submit               Required content       Required form or format        When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit       Per required form.....  May be found at http://      60 days from release
 Grant Applicant.                                             www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

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

[[Page 18919]]

    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, Office of Grants Management, Division of 
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, 
Washington, DC 20447. The official list, including addresses, of the 
jurisdictions elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found at: 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
    A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory 
is included with the application materials in this announcement.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Reimbursement of pre-award costs, costs for foreign travel or costs 
for construction activity are not allowable charges to the program 
grant.

6. Other Submission Requirements:

    Electronic Link to Full Announcement: http//www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add/announce.htm
    Electronic Address to Submit Applications: http://www.grants.gov.
    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, Division of Discretionary Grants, Attention: 
Lois Hodge 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447. 
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.
    Hand Delivery: 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, 
Division of Discretionary Grants ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor (near loading 
dock), Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024, 
between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This address 
must appear on the envelope/package containing the application with the 
note ``Attention: Lois Hodge. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.''
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax.
    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

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 20 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information. The following ACF Uniform Project 
Description (UPD) has been approved under OMB Control Number 0970-0139.
General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description
    Applicants required to submit a full project description should 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions.
    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, 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, extent to which the application is consistent 
with the objectives of the application, and the extent to which the 
application indicates the anticipated contributions to policy practice, 
theory and research. Extent to which the proposed project cost is 
reasonable in view of the expected results.
    Approach: Outline a plan of action that 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 
that 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 are to be 
collected, maintained, and 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 Profile: Provide information on the applicant 
organization(s) and cooperating partners such as with 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

[[Page 18920]]

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.
    Minimum Requirements for Project Design. ADD requires grant funds 
to be used to support the development of State policies that reinforce 
and promote (with the support of families, guardians, advocates, and 
communities of individuals with developmental disabilities) the self-
determination, independence, productivity and integration and inclusion 
in all facets of community life of such individuals through family 
support activities. Project activities should accomplish any of the 
following:
     Establishment of a State Policy Council of 
families of children with developmental disabilities, or utilization of 
an existing council which will advise and assist the lead entity in the 
performance of activities under the project. The State Policy Council 
shall be composed of a majority of participants who are family members 
of children with developmental disabilities, or who are youth with 
developmental disabilities (ages 18-21), or qualify under both 
categories;
     Training and technical assistance for family 
members, service providers, community members, professionals, members 
of the Policy Council, State agency staff, students and others;
     Interagency coordination of Federal and State 
policies, resources, and services; establishment of interagency 
workgroups to enhance public funding options and coordination; and 
other interagency activities that promote coordination;
     Outreach to locate families who are eligible for 
family support and to identify groups who are underserved or unserved;
     Policy studies that relate to the development 
and implementation, or expansion and enhancement, of a statewide system 
of family support for families of children with developmental 
disabilities;
     Hearings and forums to solicit input from 
families of children with developmental disabilities, regarding family 
support programs, policies, and plans for such families;
     Public awareness and education to families of 
children with developmental disabilities, parent groups and 
organizations, public and private agencies, students, policymakers, and 
the general public;
     Needs assessment;
     Data collection and analysis related to the 
statewide system of family support for families of children with 
developmental disabilities;
     Implementation plans must include innovative 
partnerships with community organizations to increase the utilization 
of generic services by families of children with developmental 
disabilities;
     Pilot demonstration projects to demonstrate new 
approaches to the provision of family support for families of children 
with developmental disabilities, that includes family strengthening 
services such as parenting education and marriage education;
     Development of an evaluation system that uses 
measurable outcomes based on family satisfaction indicators. Indicators 
include the extent to which a service or support meets a need, solves a 
problem, or adds value for families of children with developmental 
disabilities, as determined by the individual family.
    ADD expects to fund applications that include or incorporate into 
these activities one or more of the following populations relevant to 
their State: (1) Unserved and underserved populations that include 
populations such as individuals from racial and ethnic minority 
backgrounds, economically disadvantaged individuals, individuals with 
limited-English proficiency, and individuals from underserved 
geographic areas (rural or urban); (2) aging families of adult children 
with developmental disabilities, who are over age 21 with a focus on 
assisting those families and their adult child to be included as self-
determining members of their communities; (3) foster/adoptive families 
of children with developmental disabilities; (4) families participating 
in the State's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF), 
welfare-to-work, and/or SSI program; (5) veterans with families having 
a child with a developmental disability; (6) parents with developmental 
disabilities (especially cognitive disabilities) who have children with 
or without disabilities; and (7) families of children with 
developmental disabilities who have behavioral/emotional issues.
    ADD intends to fund those applications that describe how the 
project will:
     Ensure consumer/self-advocate orientation and 
participation;
     Include key project personnel with direct life 
experience living with a developmental disability;
     Have strong advisory components that consist of 
a majority of individuals with developmental disabilities and a 
structure where individuals with developmental disabilities make real 
decisions that determine the outcome of the grant;
     If the project includes research, reflect the 
principles of participatory action;
     Consider cultural competency (``cultural 
competency'' as defined in the DD Act as--services, supports, or other 
assistance that is conducted or provided in a manner that is responsive 
to the beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes, language, and behavior 
of individuals who are receiving the services, supports or other 
assistance, and in a manner that has the greatest likelihood of 
ensuring their maximum participation in the program involved);
     Allow individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families to be involved in all aspects of the 
design, implementation, and evaluation of the project;
     Attend to unserved and inadequately served 
individuals, who have developmental disabilities (from mild to severe), 
and who are from multicultural backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, 
and migrant, homeless, and refugee families;
     Comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, 
if applicable, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as 
amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-220);
     Use collaboration through partnerships and 
coalitions;
     Develop the capacity to communicate and 
disseminate information and technical assistance through e-mail and 
other effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic 
communication;
     Develop and establish system change activities 
beyond the project period; and

[[Page 18921]]

     Disseminate models, products, best practices, 
and strategies for distribution between networks and beyond.
    Applications must also include provisions for the travel of a key 
staff person during the project period to Washington, DC.

Evaluation Criteria

    Five (5) criteria will be used to review and evaluate each 
application under this announcement. Each criterion should be addressed 
in the project description section of the application. The point values 
indicate the maximum numerical weight possible for a criterion in the 
review process. The specific information to be included under each of 
these headings is described in the General Instructions for the Uniform 
Project Description. Additional information that must be included is 
described below.
Criterion 1: Approach (Maximum 35 points)
    Applicants are expected to present a plan that (1) reflects an 
understanding of the characteristics, needs and services currently 
available to the targeted population; (2) provides services that 
directly address the needs of the target population; (3) is evidence-
based and grounded in theory and practice; (4) is appropriate and 
feasible; (5) can be reliably evaluated; and (6) if successfully 
implemented, can be sustained after Federal funding has ceased.
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
    (1) Outlines a plan of action pertaining to the scope and detail on 
how the proposed work will be accomplished for each project. Defines 
goals and specific measurable objectives for the project (8 points);
    (2) Identifies the kinds of data to be collected and maintained, 
and discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results and success 
of the project. Describes how the proposed project will be evaluated to 
determine the extent to which it has achieved its stated goals and 
objectives; and whether the methods of evaluation include the use of 
performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcome 
of the project (8 points);
    (3) Describes any unusual features of the project, such as design 
or technological innovation, reductions in cost or time, or 
extraordinary social and community involvement (5 points);
    (4) Provides 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, activities 
should be listed in chronological order to show the schedule of 
accomplishments and their target dates (4 points);
    (5) Describes the products to be developed during the 
implementation of the proposed project. These can include 
questionnaires, interview guides, data collection instruments, 
software, Internet applications, reports, outcomes and evaluation 
results. Also present a dissemination plan for conveying the 
information (4 points);
    (6) Cites factors which might accelerate or decelerate the work and 
provide reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others (3 
points);
    (7) Lists each organization, operator, consultant, or other key 
individual who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution (3 points).
Criterion 2: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum 25 points)
    The application should describe the context of the proposed 
demonstration project, including the geographic location, environment, 
magnitude and severity of the problem(s) to be solved and the needs to 
be addressed. Applications requesting development funds, in addition to 
providing the following information, should include a summary/abstract 
of the project goals and accomplishments during the planning grant.
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
    (1) Demonstrates the need for the assistance and states the 
principal and subordinate objectives for the project (10 points).
    (2) Pinpoints any relevant physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, or other problems requiring a solution (5 points).
    (3) Provides supporting documentation or other testimonies from 
concerned interests other than the applicant (5 points).
    (4) Provides any relevant data based on planning studies (4 
points); and
    (5) Provides maps and other graphic aids (1 point).
Criterion 3: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum 20 points)
    The application should identify results and benefits to be derived 
and the anticipated contribution to policy, practice, theory and 
research should be indicated.
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
    (1) Clearly describes project benefits and results as they relate 
to the objectives of the project (10 points); and
    (2) Provides information as to the extent to which the project will 
build on current theory, research, evaluation and best practices to 
contribute to increased knowledge of understanding the problems, issues 
or effective strategies and practices in family support (10 points).
Criterion 4: Organizational Profile (13 points)
    Applications should demonstrate a capacity to implement the 
proposed project. Capacity includes (1) experience with similar 
projects; (2) experience with the target population; (3) qualifications 
and experience of the project leadership; (4) commitment to developing 
sustaining work among key stakeholders; (5) experience and commitment 
of any proposed consultants and subcontractors; and (6) appropriateness 
of the organizational structure, including its management information 
system, to carry out the project.
    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
    (1) Identifies the background of the project director/principal 
investigator and key project staff (including name, address, training, 
educational background and other qualifying experience) and the 
experience of the organization that demonstrates the an ability to 
effectively and efficiently administer this project; present brief 
resumes (4 points);
    (2) Provides a brief background description of how the applicant 
organization is organized, the types and quantity of services it 
provides, and the research and management capabilities it possesses (4 
points);
    (3) Describes the competence of the project team and its 
demonstrated ability to produce a final product that is readily 
comprehensible and usable (3 points); and
    (4) Provides an organization chart showing the relationship of the 
project to the current organization (2 points).
Criterion 5: Budget and Budget Justification (7 points)
    Applications must present a budget with reasonable project costs, 
appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient to 
accomplish the objectives. The dollar amount requested must be fully 
justified and documented.
    A letter of commitment of non-Federal resources must be submitted 
with the application in order to be given credit in the review process. 
A fully explained non-Federal share budget must be prepared for each 
funding source.

[[Page 18922]]

    The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
    (1) Discusses and justifies the costs of the proposed project which 
are reasonable and programmatically justified in view of the activities 
to be conducted and the anticipated results and benefits (3 points);
    (2) Describes the fiscal control and accounting procedures that 
will be used to ensure prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate 
accounting of funds received under this program announcement (2 
points); and
    (3) Includes a fully explained non-Federal share budget and its 
source(s) (2 points).

Additional Points

    This year, five additional points will be added to the total in the 
score for an application for any project that includes partnership and 
collaboration with one or more of the 140 Empowerment Zones/Enterprise 
Communities. To receive the additional five points, the application 
must provide a clear outline for the collaboration and a discussion of 
how the involvement of the EZ/EC is related to the objectives and the 
activities of the project. Also, a letter from the appropriate 
representatives of the EZ/EC must accompany the application indicating 
its agreement to participate and describing its role in the project. 
For further information on Empowerment Zones and Enterprise 
Communities, please visit the ACF Office of Community Service's Web 
site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/ez-ec.

2. Review and Selection Process

A. Selection Process
    Applications under this Program Announcement from eligible 
applicants received by the deadline date will be competitively reviewed 
and scored. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the 
Federal Government, will use the evaluation criteria listed later in 
the evaluation section of the Program Announcement to review and score 
the applications. The results of this review are a primary factor in 
making funding decisions.
    ADD reserves the option of discussing applications with, or 
referring them to, other Federal or non-Federal funding sources when 
this is determined to be in the best interest of the Federal Government 
or the applicant.
    In making PNS decisions for 2004 grant awards, ADD will consider 
whether applications focus on or feature the following aspects/
activities in their project design to the extent appropriate:
     A substantially innovative strategy with the 
potential to improve theory or practice in the field of human services;
     A model practice or set of procedures that holds 
the potential for replication by organizations administering or 
delivering human services;
     A substantial involvement of volunteers, the 
private sector (either financial or programmatic), faith-based and 
community organizations, and/or national or community foundations;
     A favorable balance between Federal and non-
Federal funds available for the proposed project, which is likely to 
result in the potential for high benefit for low Federal investment; 
and
     A programmatic focus on those most in need of 
services and assistance, such as unserved and underserved populations, 
including underserved cultural, ethnic, and racial minority 
populations.
    To the greatest extent possible, efforts will be made to ensure 
that funding decisions reflect an equitable distribution of assistance 
among the States and geographical regions of the country, and rural and 
urban areas. In making these decisions, ADD may also take into account 
the need to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.
B. Review Process
    Using the evaluation criteria described above, a panel of at least 
three reviewers (primarily experts from outside the Federal Government) 
will evaluate and score the applications. To facilitate this review, 
applicants should ensure that they address the minimum requirements 
identified in the Priority Area description under the appropriate 
section of the Program Narrative Statement.
    Reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each 
application in terms of the evaluation criteria listed below, provide 
comments, and assign numerical scores. The point value following each 
criterion indicates the maximum numerical weight that each applicant 
may receive per section in the review process.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Subject to the availability of funding, ADD intends to award new 
grants resulting from this Program Announcement during the fourth 
quarter of Fiscal Year 2004. Up to $550,000 in Federal funds will be 
available to support these projects this fiscal year.
    Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the 
results of this grant competition within 90 days of the application 
deadline.
    Following approval of the application selected for funding, ACF 
will mail a written notice of award to the applicant organization. The 
official award document is the Financial Assistance Award that 
specifies the amount of the Federal funds approved for use in the 
project, the project and budget period for which support is provided 
and the terms and conditions of the award. The notice of award signed 
by the grants management officer is the authorizing document.
    For the purpose of the awards under this Program Announcement, the 
successful applicants should expect a project start date of September 
1, 2004.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    45 CFR Part 74, Administration of Grants for Institutions of Higher 
Education, non-profit organizations and Indian Tribal Governments.
    45 CFR Part 92, Uniform Administrative Requirement for Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
    Public Law 108-96.

3. Reporting Requirements

    A. Programmatic Reports: semi-annually, and a final report due 90 
days after end of Project Period.
    B. Financial Reports: semi-annually, and a final report due 90 days 
after end of Project Period.
    Original reports and one copy should be mailed to: Lois Hodge, 
Grants Officer, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC, 20447.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Joan Rucker, Program Specialist, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, (202) 690-7898, 
[email protected], or fax (202) 690-6904.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Lois Hodge, Grants Officer, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, (202) 401-2344, or e-
mail [email protected].
    Application Materials Contact: Valerie Reese, Program Specialist, 
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, (202) 690-5805, 
[email protected], or fax (202) 690-6904.

VIII. Other Information

    All forms are available online at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/form/htm.


[[Page 18923]]


    Dated: April 5, 2004.
Patricia A. Morrissey,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 04-8081 Filed 4-8-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P