[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 14, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19855-19865]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8465]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availability

    Federal Agency Contact Name: Administration on Children, Youth and 
Families, Children's Bureau.
    Funding Opportunity Title: National Resource Center for Community-
Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement-Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CA-0005.
    CFDA Number: 93.590.
    Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications 
is June 14, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The purpose of this Cooperative Agreement is to provide financial 
support for training and technical assistance to promote the purposes 
of the Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and 
Neglect program, known hereafter as the Community-Based Child Abuse 
Prevention (CBCAP) program. This training and technical assistance is 
intended to build the capacity of CBCAP lead agencies to:
    (1) Foster an understanding, appreciation, and knowledge of diverse 
populations in order to be effective in preventing and treating child 
abuse and neglect;
    (2) Facilitate and assist efforts of State, local, Tribal, public, 
and private agencies in the interagency, inter-disciplinary, 
coordinated planning and development of a network of community-based 
programs and activities designed to strengthen and support families to 
prevent child abuse and neglect;
    (3) Actively engage in conducting regular and ongoing needs 
assessments that will be used to identify unmet needs and which also 
incorporate findings from other Statewide needs assessment processes;
    (4) Demonstrate a commitment to meaningful parent leadership, 
especially for parents of children with disabilities, racial and ethnic 
minorities, and members of other underrepresented or underserved 
groups;
    (5) Maximize funding through leveraging of funds for the financing, 
planning and operation of child abuse prevention programs and 
activities;
    (6) Promote the development and implementation of lead agency 
program evaluation processes that include a peer review component and 
other evaluation methodologies; and
    (7) Support States in their Program Improvement Plans resulting 
from Child and Family Service Reviews.
    Expected outcomes include the enhanced capacity of each State lead 
agency to engage in:
    (1) Developing, supporting, and maintaining networks of coordinated 
resources and activities to better strengthen and support families to 
reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect;
    (2) Conducting interagency needs assessments of required services;
    (3) Facilitating CBCAP program and policy development;
    (4) Coordinating the delivery of child abuse and neglect prevention 
services;
    (5) Promoting the meaningful participation of parents in the 
design, implementation and evaluation of funded services;
    (6) Conducting program evaluations that include a peer review 
component and other evaluation methodologies; and
    (7) Enhancing the capacity of the lead agencies to become more 
active participants in their State's Child and Family Services Review/
Program Improvement Planning processes.
    This Resource Center is expected to train and assist State lead 
agencies to establish effective interagency cooperation and 
collaboration that involves all stakeholders, including families, and 
promotes public-private partnerships in the establishment and expansion 
of child abuse prevention programs. Training and technical assistance 
needs will be identified by CBCAP lead agency staff in collaboration 
with ACYF Central and Regional Office personnel, and coordinated with 
other ongoing national training and technical assistance efforts. The 
Children's Bureau is also working closely with its network of Child 
Welfare National Resource Centers to respond to training and technical 
assistance needs related to CFSRs, PIPs and other priorities. The NRC 
for CBCAP is also expected to work closely with these other national 
efforts. The Resource Center will also be actively involved with 
identifying other training and technical assistance needs based on 
their work with the Lead Agencies. Training outcomes should be achieved 
through a combination of strategies, including on-site training, on and 
off-site technical assistance, and consultation with all appropriate 
stakeholder groups.

[[Page 19856]]

Background Information

    The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) 
administers national programs for children and youth; works with States 
and local communities to develop services which support and strengthen 
family life; seeks joint ventures with the private sector to enhance 
the lives of children and their families; and provides information and 
other assistance to parents. The concerns of ACYF extend to all 
children from pre-natal through adolescence. Many of the programs 
administered by the agency focus on children from low-income families; 
abused and neglected children; children and youth in need of foster 
care, independent living, adoption or other child welfare services; 
preschool children; children with disabilities; runaway and homeless 
youth; and children from Native American and migrant families.
    Within ACYF, the Children's Bureau plans, manages, coordinates, and 
supports child abuse and neglect prevention and child welfare services 
programs. The Children's Bureau programs are designed to promote the 
safety, permanency, and well-being of all children, including those in 
foster care, available for adoption, recently adopted, abused, 
neglected, dependent, disabled, or homeless children and to prevent 
neglect and abuse of children. The programs also encourage 
strengthening the family unit to help prevent the unnecessary 
separation of children from their families and reunifying families, 
when appropriate, when separation has occurred. The Children's Bureau 
also supports programs and services that encourage healthy marriage; 
promote family stability; support relationship building for parenting 
couples; reach out to and provide assistance to fathers; and emphasize 
the role of fathers in ensuring the well-being of their children.
    The Children's Bureau is the agency within the Federal Government 
that has primary responsibility for assisting State child welfare 
systems to promote continuous improvement in the delivery of child 
welfare services. State child welfare systems are designed to protect 
children who have suffered maltreatment, who are at risk for 
maltreatment, or who are under the care and placement responsibility of 
the State because their families are unable to care for them. These 
systems also focus on securing permanent living arrangements through 
foster care and adoption for children who are unable to return home.
    The Children's Bureau fulfills this mission by providing leadership 
and conducting activities designed to assist and enhance national, 
State, and community efforts to prevent, assess, identify, and treat 
child abuse and neglect. These activities include data collection and 
analysis; research and demonstration programs, and grants to States 
for: developing comprehensive child-centered and family-focused child 
protective services systems; providing training and technical 
assistance to develop the necessary resources to implement successful 
comprehensive child and family protection strategies; gathering, 
processing, and housing high quality data sets through a National Data 
Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect; and gathering, storing, and 
disseminating child maltreatment information through a National 
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and a National 
Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
    Federal programs administered by the Bureau include the Foster Care 
and Adoption Assistance Programs, the Child Welfare Services State 
Grants Program, Child Welfare Services Training Program, the Chafee 
Foster Care Independence Program, the Adoption Opportunities Program, 
the Abandoned Infants Assistance Program, the Promoting Safe and Stable 
Families Program, the Court Improvement Program, and several State and 
discretionary grant programs authorized by the Child Abuse Prevention 
and Treatment Act (CAPTA). For more information about Children's Bureau 
programs, visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb.

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)

    Since its enactment in 1974, CAPTA (42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) has 
sought to increase national attention to the problem of child abuse and 
neglect and to improve the Nation's ability to prevent and respond to 
the maltreatment of children. Through its several reauthorizations over 
the years, the law has worked to strengthen the entire child protective 
services system. Under CAPTA, programs have been implemented for the 
prevention of child maltreatment, the identification of child abuse and 
neglect, initial response, assessment and investigation of suspected 
child abuse reports, and prosecution of caregivers found to be the 
perpetrators of the abuse.
    Title I of CAPTA authorizes research and demonstration grants, data 
collection and information dissemination activities and two State grant 
programs: the Basic State Grant and the Children's Justice Act Grant. 
The Basic State Grant provides States with funds and basic Federal 
guidelines to strengthen and maintain their child protective services 
(CPS) systems. The Children's Justice Act provides funds to assist 
States in developing, establishing and operating programs which are 
designed to improve the handling of child abuse and neglect cases to 
reduce trauma to the child victim; the handling of cases of suspected 
child abuse or neglect related fatalities; and the investigation and 
prosecution of cases on child abuse or neglect.
    Title II of CAPTA authorizes the Community-Based Grants for the 
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. This program assists States to 
develop and implement, or expand and enhance a comprehensive statewide 
system of community-based family resource and support services to 
prevent child maltreatment.

Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect 
Program

    In 2003, the Congress passed legislation reauthorizing CAPTA's 
programs for an additional five years. Among the provisions in the 
legislation was a section reauthorizing, amending and re-naming the 
program previously known as the Community-Based Family Resource and 
Support (CBFRS) Grants program. The program is now known as the 
Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect 
or, for the sake of brevity, the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention 
(CBCAP) program. This formula grant program specifically supports 
community-based efforts to develop, operate, expand, enhance, and, 
where appropriate, to network, initiatives aimed at the prevention of 
child abuse and neglect, to support networks of coordinated resources 
and activities to better strengthen and support families to reduce the 
likelihood of child abuse and neglect, and to foster an understanding, 
appreciation, and knowledge of diverse populations in order to be 
effective in preventing and treating child abuse and neglect.
    All States, the District of Columbia, and the territories receive 
funding under the program. In every State, the Governor designated a 
Lead Agency to receive these funds. The Lead Agencies were most often 
the State child welfare agency or other public agency or the Children's 
Trust and Prevention Board for the State. Those Lead Agencies provided 
grants to local agencies to fund child abuse prevention and family 
support services and activities. Many

[[Page 19857]]

States funded core services such as parent education, parent mutual 
support, home visiting programs, early childhood programs, respite and 
crisis care, family resource centers, and other family support 
services. In addition, the Lead Agencies provided leadership and 
support for the child abuse prevention network in the State and offered 
training and technical assistance to their funded programs.
    Lead agencies are often involved in many other systems change 
efforts in the States. One of these major systems change efforts at the 
Federal level is the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR). Findings 
from the States that have completed their reviews thus far indicate 
that many States and communities lack adequate prevention and 
community-based services for families. There is also a need for 
comprehensive family assessments and for greater engagement of parents 
in the case planning process. Since the provision of prevention 
services and the emphasis on parent engagement are strong components of 
the CBCAP program, technical assistance to the Lead Agencies to 
increase coordination between the State's CFSR process and the 
development and operation of the CBCAP program is greatly encouraged.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.
    Description of Federal Substantial Involvement With Cooperative 
Agreement: A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding 
Federal assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is 
anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective 
responsibilities of the Children's Bureau and the grantee prior to the 
award. The Children's Bureau anticipates that agency involvement will 
produce programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to 
them for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration 
includes Children's Bureau review and approval of planning stages of 
the activities before implementation phases may begin; Children's 
Bureau involvement in the establishment of policies and procedures that 
maximize open competition, and rigorous and impartial development, 
review and funding of grant or sub-grant activities, if applicable; and 
Children's Bureau and recipient joint collaboration in the performance 
of key programmatic activities (i.e., strategic planning, 
implementation, information technology enhancements, training and 
technical assistance, publications or products, and evaluation). It 
also includes close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of the 
requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's 
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational 
structure and management processes, coupled with close Children's 
Bureau monitoring during performance, which may, in order to ensure 
compliance with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal 
stewardship responsibilities customary for grant activities.
    Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total for all 
awards under this funding opportunity in FY2004 is $1,075,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that one project 
will be funded.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The cooperative agreement 
amount will not exceed $1,075,000 in the first budget 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 of Individual Award Amounts: None.
    Project Periods for Awards: The projects will be awarded for a 
project period of 60 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-
month budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-
month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds, 
satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination 
that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    State controlled institutions of higher education;
    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;
    Private institutions of higher education;
    For-profit organization other than small businesses.

Additional Information on Eligibility

    Public or private non-profit agencies and organizations (including 
faith-based organizations), for-profit organizations, and institutions 
of higher education may apply. Collaborative efforts and 
interdisciplinary approaches are acceptable. Applications from 
collaborations must identify a primary applicant responsible for 
administering the cooperative agreement.
    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.
    Applications that exceed the $1,075,000 ceiling will be considered 
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this 
announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The grantee must provide at least 10 per cent of the total approved 
cost of the project. The total approved cost is the sum of the Federal 
share and the non-Federal share. Therefore, a project requesting 
$1,075,000 per budget period must include a match of at least $119,444 
per budget period. Applicants should provide a letter of commitment 
verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs.
    The following example shows how to calculate the required 10% match 
amount for a $1,075,000 grant:

$1,075,000 (Federal share) divided by .90 (100%--10%) equals $1,194,444 
(total project cost including match) minus $1,075,000 (Federal share) 
equals $119,444 (required 10% match)

    The non-Federal share may be cash or in-kind contributions, 
although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements 
through cash contributions. If approved for funding, grantees will be 
held accountable for the commitment of non-Federal resources and 
failure to provide the required amount will result in a disallowance of 
unmatched Federal funds.

3. Other (if applicable)

    On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in 
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal 
grant

[[Page 19858]]

applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to provide 
a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when 
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after 
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant 
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide 
electronic portal (www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required for 
every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, 
including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block 
grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's 
Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132; Telephone: (866) 
796-1591.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    You may submit your application to us either in electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the 
www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may 
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov.
     Electronic submission is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will 
find information about submitting an application electronically through 
the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that 
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must 
have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR 
registration.
     You will not receive additional point value 
because you submit a grant application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, 
including all information typically included on the SF424 and all 
necessary assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page 
limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your 
application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from 
Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The 
Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application 
from Grants.gov.
     We may request that you provide original 
signatures on forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for 
this program on www.grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application 
package by the CFDA number.
    Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted: Grants.gov.
    Address Where Hard Copy Applications Will Be Accepted: Children's 
Bureau Grant Receipt Point, ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon 
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
    Each application must contain the following items in the order 
listed:
    * Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424). Follow 
the instructions below and those that accompany the form.
    In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS number in ``Organizational DUNS:'' 
box.
    In Item 5 of Form 424, include name, phone number, and, if 
available, email and fax numbers of the contact person.
    In Item 8 of Form 424, check `New.'
    In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for 
which funds are being requested as stated in the funding opportunity 
announcement.
    In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single funding opportunity the 
application addresses.
    In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the specific geographic area to be 
served.
    In Item 14 of Form 424, identify Congressional districts of both 
the applicant and project.
    * Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and 
Budget Justification.
    Follow the instructions provided and those in the Uniform Project 
Description. Note that Federal funds provided to States and services or 
other resources purchased with Federal funds may not be used to match 
project grants.
    * Certifications/Assurances. Applicants requesting financial 
assistance for nonconstruction projects must file the Standard Form 
424B, `Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.' Applicants must sign and 
return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must 
provide a certification regarding lobbying when applying for an award 
in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the 
certification with their applications.
    Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form 
LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who 
have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with 
receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a 
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the 
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding 
environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application, 
the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the 
certification with the applications.
    If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC 
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC 
contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
    By signing the ``Signature of Authorized Representative'' on the SF 
424, the applicant is providing a certification and need not mail 
assurances for completing the following grant and cooperative agreement 
requirements:

The applicant will have the project fully functioning within 90 days of 
the notification of the grant award;
Participation in any evaluation or technical assistance effort 
supported by ACYF;
Submission of all required semi-annual and final Financial Status 
Reports (SF269) and Program Performance Reports in a timely manner, in 
hard-copy and electronic formats (preferably MS WORD and PDF) as 
negotiated with the Federal Project Officer; and allocate sufficient 
funds in the budget to provide for the project director and the 
evaluator to attend a 2-day early kick off meeting to be held within 
the first three months of the project (first year only) in Washington, 
DC, and attend an annual 3-5 day grantees' conference in Washington, 
DC. Attendance at these meetings is a grant requirement.

    The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services provides Web site information and policy

[[Page 19859]]

guidance on the Federal regulations pertaining to protection of human 
subjects (45 CFR part 46), informed consent, informed consent 
checklists, confidentiality of personal identification information, 
data collection procedures, and internal review boards: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/polasur.htm.
    If applicable, applicants must include a completed Form 310, 
Protection of Human Subjects.
    In implementing their projects, grantees are expected to comply 
with all applicable administrative regulations regarding extent or 
types of costs. Applicable DHHS regulations can be found in 45 CFR part 
74 or 92.
    * Project Abstract/Summary (one page maximum). Clearly mark this 
page with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the Form 424, 
identify the competitive grant funding opportunity and the title of the 
proposed project as shown in item 11 and the service area as shown in 
item 12 of the Form 424. The summary description should not exceed 300 
words.
    Care should be taken to produce an abstract/summary that accurately 
and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the 
objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the results or 
benefits expected.
    * Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize 
their project description according to the Evaluation Criteria 
described in this funding opportunity announcement providing 
information that addresses all the components.
    * Proof of non-profit status (if applicable). Any non-profit 
organization submitting an application must submit proof of its non-
profit status in its application at the time of submission. Any of the 
following constitutes acceptable proof of such status:
    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 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.
    * Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs, provide 
documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost rate 
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or 
another cognizant Federal agency.
    * Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If 
applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of 
Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their 
role, detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing 
commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded.
    * Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of the 
non-Federal share of project costs.
    * The application limit is 75 pages total including all forms and 
attachments. Submit one original and two copies.
    To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted 
with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this 
announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following 
the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual 
authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility 
for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant 
award.
    To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed 
original and two additional copies of the application, including all 
forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in 
the section titled Deadline at the beginning of the announcement. The 
original copy of the application must have original signatures, signed 
in black ink.
    The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one 
side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the 
top and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or 
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
    Pages over the page limit stated within this funding opportunity 
announcement will be removed from the application and will not be 
reviewed. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single 
package, and a separate package must be submitted for each funding 
opportunity. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific 
funding opportunity it is addressing.
    Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include 
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, 
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a 
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or 
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including 
supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the 
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the 
Federal government for review. Each copy must be stapled securely in 
the upper left corner.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application
    It is essential that applicants read the entire announcement 
package carefully before preparing an application and include all of 
the required application forms and attachments. The application must 
reflect a thorough understanding of the purpose and objectives of the 
Children's Bureau priority-area initiatives. Reviewers expect 
applicants to understand the goals of the legislation and the 
Children's Bureau's interest in each topic. A ``responsive 
application'' is one that addresses all of the evaluation criteria in 
ways that demonstrate this understanding. Applications that are 
considered to be ``unresponsive'' generally receive very low scores and 
are rarely funded.
    The Children's Bureau's Web site (http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb) provides a wide range of information and links to other relevant 
Web sites. Before you begin preparing an application, we suggest that 
you learn more about the mission and programs of the Children's Bureau 
by exploring the Web site.
Organizing Your Application
    The specific evaluation criteria in Section V of this funding 
announcement will be used to review and evaluate each application. The 
applicant should address each of these specific evaluation criteria in 
the project description. It is strongly recommended that applicants 
organize their proposals in the same sequence and using the same 
headings as these criteria, so that reviewers can readily find 
information that directly addresses each of the specific review 
criteria.
Project Evaluation Plan
    Project evaluations are very important. If you do not have the in-
house capacity to conduct an objective, comprehensive evaluation of the 
project, then the Children's Bureau advises that you propose 
contracting with a third-party evaluator specializing in social science 
or evaluation, or a university or college, to conduct the

[[Page 19860]]

evaluation. A skilled evaluator can assist you in designing a data 
collection strategy that is appropriate for the evaluation of your 
proposed project. Additional assistance may be found in a document 
titled ``Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation.'' A copy of this 
document can be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/core/pubs_reports/prog_mgr.html or ordered by contacting the National 
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 330 C Street, 
SW., Washington, DC 20447; phone (800) 394-3366; fax (703) 385-3206; e-
mail [email protected].
Logic Model
    A logic model is a tool that presents the conceptual framework for 
a proposed project and explains the linkages among program elements. 
While there are many versions of the logic model, they generally 
summarize the logical connections among the needs that are the focus of 
the project, project goals and objectives, the target population, 
project inputs (resources), the proposed activities/processes/outputs 
directed toward the target population, the expected short- and long-
term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve, and the evaluation 
plan for measuring the extent to which proposed processes and outcomes 
actually occur. Information on the development of logic models is 
available on the Internet at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/ or http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cyfar/capbuilding/outcome/outcome_logicmdir.html.
Use of Human Subjects
    If your evaluation plan includes gathering data from or about 
clients, there are specific procedures which must be followed in order 
to protect their privacy and ensure the confidentiality of the 
information about them. Applicants planning to gather such data are 
asked to describe their plans regarding an Institutional Review Board 
(IRB) review. For more information about use of human subjects and 
IRB's you can visit these Web sites: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2 and http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. eastern 
standard time (e.s.t.) on June 14, 2004. Mailed applications received 
after 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 June 14, 2004. 
Applications must be mailed to the following address: ACYF Operations 
Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q 
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
    Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service 
postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial 
mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the 
application (s). To be acceptable as proof of a timely mailing, a 
postmark from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of 
the commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the 
package was received by the commercial mail service company from the 
applicant. Private Metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof 
of timely mailing. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail 
services do not always deliver as agreed.
    Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by 
other representatives of the applicant 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., e.s.t., at ACYF 
Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, 
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, between Monday and Friday (excluding 
Federal holidays). This address must appear on the envelope/package 
containing the application with the note ``ATTN: Children's Bureau.'' 
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.
Required Forms

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Required form or
         What to Submit           Required content           format                     When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SF424.......................  Per required form.  May be found at http:// See application due date.
                                                      www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/form.htm.
2. SF424.......................  Per required form.  May be found at http:// See application due date.
                                                      www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/form.htm.
3. a. SF424B...................  Per required form.  May be found at http:/  See application due date.
                                                      www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/form.htm.
3. b. Certification regarding    Per required form.  May be found at http:// See application due date.
 lobbying.                                            www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/form.htm.
3. c. Disclosure of Lobbying     Per required form.  May be found at http:// See application due date.
 Activities (SF-LLL).                                 www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/form.htm.
4. Project Summary/Abstract....  Summary of          See instructions in     See application due date.
                                  application         this funding
                                  request.            announcement.
5. Project Description.........  Responsive-ness     See instructions in     See application due date.
                                  evaluation          this funding
                                  criteria date.      announcement.
6. Proof of non-profit status..  See above.........  See instructions in     See application due date.
                                                      this funding
                                                      announcement.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement  See above.........  See instructions in     See application due date.
                                                      this funding
                                                      announcement.
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs.  See above.........  See instructions in     See application due date.
                                                      this funding
                                                      announcement.
9. Non-Federal share letter....  See above.........  See instructions in     See application due date.
                                                      this funding
                                                      announcement.
Total application..............  See above.........  Application limit 75    See application due date.
                                                      pages total including
                                                      all forms and
                                                      attachments. Submit
                                                      one original and two
                                                      copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 19861]]

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.''

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
    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 October 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following 
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order 
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects 
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action 
in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, 
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, 
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, 
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, 
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of 
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining 
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have 
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should 
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the 
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must 
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that 
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the 
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if 
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date 
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a) (2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to differentiate clearly 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.
    The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions 
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. 
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this 
solicitation.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the 
address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern standard time (e.s.t.) on or before 
the closing date. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations 
Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q 
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
    For Hand Delivery Applicant must provide an original application 
with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two 
copies. The application must be received at the above address by 4:30 
PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on or before the closing date. 
Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours 
of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be 
delivered to: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, ATTN: 
Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. It is 
strongly recommended that applicants obtain documentation that the 
application was hand delivered on or before the closing date. 
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.
    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

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information. The project description is 
approved under OMB control number 0970-0139 which expires 3/31/2004 
(under review at OMB). 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.

Instruction

Introduction
    Applicants are required to submit a full project description and 
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.

1. Criteria

General Instruction for Preparing Full Project Description
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

[[Page 19862]]

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.
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.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel 
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to 
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
    Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.)
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the 
equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports 
the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those which belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation contracts (if 
applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.
    Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a 
manner to provide, to the maximum

[[Page 19863]]

extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and 
subrecipients, other than States that are required to use Part 92 
procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is 
expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified 
acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11). Recipients might be 
required to make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement 
documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids, 
independent cost estimates, etc.


    Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the 
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed 
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency 
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in 
these instructions.

Other
    Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable 
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food, 
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs, 
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use, 
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs, 
and administrative costs.
    Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a 
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
    Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should 
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate 
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or 
another cognizant Federal agency.
    Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the 
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the 
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or 
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an 
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal 
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the 
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for 
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant 
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals 
may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an 
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect 
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. 
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is 
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the 
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the 
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

Specific Evaluation Criteria

    The following criteria will be used to review and evaluate each 
application. The applicant should address each criterion in the project 
description. The point values (summing up to 100) indicate the maximum 
numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process.
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance
    In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, the following 
factors will be considered: (20 points)
    (1) The extent to which the application demonstrates a clear 
understanding of the need for providing training and technical 
assistance to public and private agencies linked to the CBCAP program, 
and demonstrates a clear understanding of the goals of the legislative 
mandate.
    (2) The extent to which the training and technical assistance 
objectives of the project will effectively build the capacity of State, 
and local public and private agencies to support effective community-
based efforts to develop, operate, expand, and enhance initiatives 
aimed at the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
    (3) The extent to which the overall vision for the training and 
technical assistance approach will effectively enable CBCAP lead 
agencies to facilitate the effective development and implementation of 
excellent evaluation processes that will effectively determine the 
efficacy and impact of their activities and programs.
    (4) The extent to which the proposed project will produce 
significant results and benefits, and a high level of customer 
satisfaction on the part of lead agencies for the CBCAP program and 
their State and local constituents.
Criterion 2. Approach
    In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be 
considered: (50 points)
    (1) The extent to which there is a reasonable timeline for 
implementing the proposed project, including the activities to be 
conducted in chronological order, showing a reasonable schedule of 
accomplishments and target dates and the factors that may accelerate or 
decelerate the work.
    (2) The extent to which the application provides a workable plan of 
action and evaluation plan. The extent to which these plans relate to 
the stated objectives and scope of the project and reflect the intent 
of the legislative mandates.
    (3) The extent to which the application describes sound strategies 
for effectively providing technical assistance and building the 
capacity of State, and local public and private agencies to create and 
support excellent networks of coordinated resources and activities 
designed to strengthen and support families to prevent child abuse and 
neglect.
    (4) The extent to which the application describes a sound process 
for providing technical assistance to the lead agencies on the 
development and implementation of evaluation processes that will 
determine the efficacy and impact of their networks, programs, and 
activities. The extent to which these evaluation processes encompass a 
continuum of approaches from more qualitative methods such as peer 
reviews to more quantitative methods such as outcome evaluations.
    (5) The extent to which the application describes effective 
strategies to help lead agencies develop a child-focused, family-
centered approach to the delivery of child abuse prevention programs 
and activities that reinforce and complement the State's efforts to 
provide services to preserve and support families. The extent to which 
this plan includes strategies that will enhance the lead agency's 
capacity to promote parent leadership and involve parents in the 
planning, implementation, and evaluation of funded programs.
    (6) The extent to which the project will promote: (1) Interagency 
collaboration and implementation of new procedures for blending funding 
streams; (2) collaborative long-range planning of child abuse 
prevention, family support services and service delivery options; and 
(3) management improvement strategies that facilitate interagency 
coordination. The extent to which the awardee will assist lead agencies 
to become more active participants in the Child and Family Services 
Reviews and Program Improvement Planning processes in their States.
    (7) The extent to which the application describes a sound plan for 
establishing an advisory board that will provide useful overall program 
direction and guidance to the activities of the Resource Center. The 
extent to which the application describes effective strategies for 
efficiently and effectively utilizing their expertise.
    (8) The extent to which the application will effectively coordinate 
activities with other National Resource

[[Page 19864]]

Centers and Clearinghouses funded by the Children's Bureau and others; 
particularly as it relates to the Child and Family Service Reviews.
    (9) The extent to which the Resource Center's services, program 
activities, and materials will be developed and provided in a manner 
that is racially and culturally sensitive to the population being 
served.
    (10) The extent to which the evaluation strategy addresses both 
process and outcomes. The extent to which this plan includes methods 
and criteria to evaluate the results and benefits of the technical 
assistance project in terms of its stated objectives. The extent to 
which goals and objectives are stated in specific measurable form and 
will document change, improvement, and effectiveness. The extent to 
which the awardee will collect appropriate data. The extent to which 
the project proposes appropriate measure(s) for each goal, objective, 
result or benefit.
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles
    In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors 
will be considered: (20 points)
    (1) The extent to which the proposed project clearly demonstrates 
the ability to administer and implement the project effectively and 
efficiently. The extent to which the applicant and any partnering 
organizations collectively have sufficient experience and expertise in: 
(1) Identifying the training and technical assistance needs of an 
agency or organization; (2) developing or participating in the 
development of a plan to meet those needs; (3) designing, developing 
and delivering training and technical assistance including recruiting, 
assigning, and deploying staff with appropriate experience; (4) 
developing evaluation strategies and providing technical assistance on 
evaluation methodologies, and (5) designing, developing, delivering and 
evaluating training materials. If the project involves partnerships 
with additional agencies, organizations or subcontractors; the extent 
to which each partnering organization has the ability and 
organizational capacity to fulfill its roles and functions.
    (2) The extent to which the proposed project director and key 
project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and 
capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and 
complexity effectively. The extent to which the role, responsibilities 
and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including 
consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and 
appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
    (3) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for 
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within 
budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and 
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The 
extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities 
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the 
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any 
partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent 
to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the 
proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with 
Federal assistance by the applicant.
    (4) The extent to which the author(s) of the proposal will be 
involved in the ongoing implementation and/or administrative structure 
of the project.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification
    In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following 
factors will be considered: (10 points)
    (1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are 
reasonable, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected 
results and benefits.
    (2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and 
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely 
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this 
program announcement

2. Review and Selection Process

    When the Operations Center receives your application it will be 
screened to confirm that your application was received by the deadline. 
Federal staff will verify that you are an eligible applicant and that 
the application contains all the essential elements. Applications 
received from ineligible organizations and applications received after 
the deadline will be withdrawn from further consideration.
    A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside 
the Federal government) will use the evaluation criteria described in 
this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will 
determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide 
comments about the strengths and weaknesses and give each application a 
numerical score.
    All applications will be reviewed and evaluated using four major 
criteria: (1) Objectives and need for assistance, (2) approach, (3) 
organizational profiles, and (4) budget and budget justification. Each 
criterion has been assigned a point value. The point values (summing up 
to 100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion may be 
given in the review and evaluation process.
    Reviewers also are evaluating the project products and materials 
that you propose. They will be interested in your plans for sustaining 
your project without Federal funds if the evaluation findings are 
supportive. Reviewers will be looking to see that the total budget you 
propose and the way you have apportioned that budget are appropriate 
and reasonable for the project you have described. Remember that the 
reviewers only have the information that you give them--it needs to be 
clear, complete, and concise.
    The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in 
making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts 
administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results 
of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to 
the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF reserves the option of discussing 
applications with other funding sources when this is in the best 
interest of the Federal government. ACYF may also solicit and consider 
comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions. 
ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or 
programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community 
foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds 
for the proposed project; or the potential for high benefit from low 
Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants having 
known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other problems 
which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective 
services or effectively complete the proposed activity.
    With the results of the peer review and the information from 
Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding 
decisions. The Commissioner may give special consideration to 
applications proposing services of special interest to the Government 
and to achieve geographic distributions of grant awards. Applications 
of special interest may include, but are not limited to, applications 
focusing on unserved or inadequately served clients or service areas 
and programs addressing diverse ethnic populations.

[[Page 19865]]

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Applications will be 
reviewed in the Summer 2004. Grant awards will have a start date no 
later than September 30, 2004.
Award Notices
    Successful applicants will receive a Financial Assistance Award 
which will set forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and 
conditions of the grant or cooperative agreement, the effective date of 
the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, 
the non-Federal share to be provided, if applicable, and the total 
project period for which support is contemplated. The award will be 
signed by the Grants Management Officer and transmitted via postal 
mail.
    The Commissioner will notify organizations in writing when their 
applications will not be funded. Every effort will be made to notify 
all unsuccessful applicants as soon as possible after final decisions 
are made.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    45 CFR Part 74 and 45 CFR Part 92.
Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement
    A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding federal 
assistance in which substantial federal involvement is anticipated. A 
cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective responsibilities 
of the Children's Bureau and the grantee prior to the award. The 
Children's Bureau anticipates that agency involvement will produce 
programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to them 
for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration 
includes Children's Bureau review and approval of planning stages of 
the activities before implementation phases may begin; Children's 
Bureau involvement in the establishment of policies and procedures that 
maximize open competition, and rigorous and impartial development, 
review and funding of grant or sub-grant activities, if applicable; and 
Children's Bureau and recipient joint collaboration in the performance 
of key programmatic activities (i.e., strategic planning, 
implementation, information technology enhancements, training and 
technical assistance, publications or products, and evaluation). It 
also includes close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of the 
requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's 
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational 
structure and management processes, coupled with close Children's 
Bureau monitoring during performance, which may, in order to ensure 
compliance with the intent of this funding, exceed those federal 
stewardship responsibilities customary for grant activities.
    Faith-based organizations that receive funding may not use Federal 
financial assistance, including funds, to meet any cost-sharing 
requirements or to support inherently religious activities, such as 
worship, religious instruction, or prayer.

3. Reporting

Reporting Requirements
    Programmatic Reports and Financial Reports are required semi-
annually with final reports due 90 days after project period end. All 
required reports will be submitted in a timely manner, in recommended 
formats (to be provided), and the final report will also be submitted 
on disk or electronically using a standard word-processing program.
    Within 90 days of project end date, the awardee will submit a copy 
of the final report, the evaluation report, and any program products to 
the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect, 330 C Street, 
SW., Washington, DC 20447. This is in addition to the standard 
requirement that the final program and evaluation report must also be 
submitted to the Grants Management Specialist and the Federal Project 
Officer.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact: Melissa Lim-Brodowski, 330 C St., SW., 
Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-2629, [email protected].
Grants Management Office Contact: William Wilson, 330 C St, SW., 20447, 
Washington, DC, 202-205-8913, [email protected].
General: The Dixon Group, ACYF Operations Center, 118 Q Street, NE., 
Washington, DC 20002-2132, telephone: (866) 796-1591.

VIII. Other Information

    Additional information about this program and its purpose can be 
located on the following Web sites: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/.
    Copies of the following Forms, Assurances, and Certifications are 
available online at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/form.htm.

    Standard Form 424: Application for Federal Assistance; Standard 
Form 424A: Budget Information; Standard Form 424B: Assurances-Non-
Construction Programs; Form LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying; Certification 
Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke; Standard Form 310: Protection of 
Human Subjects.

    The State Single Point of Contact SPOC listing is available on line 
at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

    Dated: April 5, 2004.
Frank Fuentes,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-8465 Filed 4-13-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P