[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 75 (Monday, April 19, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20898-20907]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8784]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availability

    Federal Agency Contact Name: Administration for Children and 
Families, Children's Bureau.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Training of Child Welfare Agency 
Supervisors in the Effective Delivery and Management of Federal 
Independent Living Services.
    Announcement Type: Competitive Grant--Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CT-0009.
    CFDA Number: 93.674.
    Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications 
is June 18, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Children's Bureau announces the availability of funds and 
requests applications to develop and implement a training curriculum 
for public child welfare agency supervisors.
    This curriculum will strengthen supervision of staffs' 
interventions with older youth who are in foster care and/or in 
independent living programs. These youth, mostly age 16 to 21, need 
assistance in making a successful transition to adulthood, as well as 
help in avoiding long-term dependency on the social welfare system.
    These youth often face decisions with regard to personal housing, 
transportation, employment and education. They need workers who can 
guide and understand these challenges. The target youth also need 
workers who have a grounding in the four core principles that have been 
identified as critical for adolescent transition programs to be 
successful. The principles are:
    (1) Positive youth development;
    (2) Collaboration;
    (3) Cultural competence; and
    (4) Permanent connections.
    For more information on these principles contact the University of 
Oklahoma, National Resource Center for Youth Services at http://www.nrcys.ou.edu.
    Child welfare supervisors must ensure that child welfare workers 
understand and utilize:
    (1) Positive youth development philosophy;
    (2) Client assessment;
    (3) Age-appropriate intervention planning; and
    (4) Implementation and evaluation of individualized Independent 
Living Program (ILP) training and program activities.
    Training based on the curriculum should increase child welfare 
supervisor's ability to supervise a worker in:
    (1) Assessing a youth's readiness for ILP services, support and 
training;
    (2) Identifying culturally competent ILP program services and 
activities;
    (3) Utilizing positive youth development principles for involving 
youth in decision-making, implementation and evaluation of training and 
program activities;
    (4) Identifying areas of stress and its impact on youth in foster 
care;
    (5) Working with youth to help them deal with crisis situations and 
to assess the results of the intervention;
    (6) Working with youth to develop and maintain permanent 
connections; and
    (7) Collaborating with both inter- and intra-agency resource people 
to achieve positive outcomes for youth transitioning to adulthood.

Background

    In December 1999, Congress passed new independent living 
legislation, the John H. Chaffee Foster Care Independence Program. The 
new program provides States with increased funding and flexibility to 
help youth make the transition from foster care to self-sufficiency. 
Currently all 50 States, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia have 
an ILP. Services and activities include educational and employment 
assistance, training in basic living skills (budgeting, housekeeping, 
food shopping, building and maintaining positive social relationships), 
counseling, housing, case management and outreach services. The new 
legislation allows the use of these funds for additional activities 
including room and board, age-appropriate services to youth younger 
than 16, post-secondary educational assistance and preventive health 
activities.
    In addition, the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) has 
had considerable impact on child welfare practice and how the goals of 
safety, permanency and well-being of youth must be accomplished. Thus, 
there is a need to refocus attention on practice approaches that give 
attention, as appropriate, to reunification with the biological 
parents, adoption, placement or other alternative approaches to 
permanency for youth of all ages. For many older foster care youth, 
permanency means learning to live independently. Even if they can spend 
time with family members, their chances for a successful transition to 
adulthood are greatly improved if they learn to count on themselves to 
address their daily challenges, and if they have the knowledge, skills 
and experience to do so.
    Older youth in foster care need special help and support. As of 
September 30, 2002 there were an estimated 533,897 children in 
substitute/foster care. Of these children an estimated 39% were 
identified as being 13 years of age or older (AFCARS--Adoption and 
Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System--data as of October 2003). 
Approximately 20,000 youth age out of the system every year. These 
young people often have histories of significant abuse, neglect and 
multiple foster care placements. They often find themselves completely 
on their own after discharge, with few, if any, financial resources; 
limited education, training and employment options; no safe place to 
live; and little or no support from family, friends and community. A 
focus on the four core principles for these youth is crucial. The 
permanent connections work to help ground the youth in the community 
and provide a support system that these traumatized youth often lack.

[[Page 20899]]

Collaborations help to ensure that a full array of services is 
available to the youth during and after their transition from care. A 
focus on positive youth development allows the youth to have the daily 
living skills needed to function on their own along with the knowledge 
to maintain their emotional health. Through the provision of culturally 
competent services, the agencies ensure that youth feel protected and 
connected in their environment. For more information on the four core 
principles see http://www.nrcys.ou.edu.
    Training of child welfare supervisors has predominantly focused on 
supervising staff to meet generalized permanency needs while focusing 
on the family as a whole. Most of this work is still done in the 
context of family-centered services that build on family strengths and 
meet family needs. There is limited attention given to assessing 
problem situations from the youth's perspective and preparing a youth 
for independence and/or transitioning out of foster care. This training 
would focus on strategies for supervising the child welfare worker in 
how to identify the specific needs of teenagers as a separate entity in 
the family structure and develop a plan for achieving goals to meet 
those needs regardless of other permanency work being done in the 
family unit.
    Specialized skills are essential to work effectively with older 
youth. Child welfare supervisors need training to understand youth 
development principles and strategies, to focus on giving young people 
age-appropriate opportunities to exercise leadership, build skills, and 
become involved in the decision-making about their future.
    In January 2000, DHHS established the Child and Family Service 
Reviews (CFSR) that have enhanced monitoring of State child welfare 
programs. Previous approaches had not allowed for states to learn from 
their mistakes and make improvements accordingly. Meetings with 
stakeholders during CFSR indicate that foster parents, guardians and 
other primary care providers need youth development training. In 
addition, state agency staff need training and technical assistance in 
assisting youth in developing their case plan, and developing life-long 
connections that will assist them with permanency. Results of the 2002 
reviews indicate that all of the states were found to need improvement 
in involving the family in case planning, assessing needs and providing 
services.
    The Children's Bureau recognizes the need to involve young people 
in decision-making and planning for a life of independence. To 
accomplish this, service providers must offer specialized, age-
appropriate support for these youth as they transition to adulthood. 
Training implemented under this program will provide child welfare 
supervisors with the training and tools needed to assist child welfare 
workers to help move their older youth through a successful transition 
to independence and achieving self-sufficiency.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Funding: The anticipated total for all awards 
under this funding opportunity in FY2004 is $500,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that 3 projects 
will be funded.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The grant amount will not 
exceed $166,667 in the first budget period. An application that exceeds 
the upper value dollar range specified will be considered ``non-
responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without further review.
    Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
    Average Anticipated Award Amount: $166,667 per budget period.
    Project Periods for Awards: The projects will be awarded for a 
project period of 36 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.
    Available Funds: Applicants should note that grants to be awarded 
under this program announcement are subject to the availability of 
funds. The size of the actual awards will vary. In cases where more 
applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money 
available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of 
approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of 
carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding 
consideration in a later competition of the same program. These 
applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's 
evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed 
in rank order along with other applications in later competitions.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    State governments;
    County governments;
    City or township governments;
    State controlled institutions of higher education;
    Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized);
    Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education;
    Private institutions of higher education;
    Faith-based and community organizations that meet all other 
eligibility requirements.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: Institutions of higher 
education that choose to apply must have an accredited social work 
education program, or other accredited bachelor or graduate level 
programs leading to a degree relevant to work in child welfare. 
Government agencies must be child welfare agencies to be eligible to 
apply.
    Applications that exceed the $166,667 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 25 
percent 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 $166,667 per budget period must include 
a match of at least $55,556 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 25% match 
amount for a $167,777 grant:

$166,667 (Federal share) divided by .75 (100%-25%) equals $222,223 
(total project cost including match) minus $166,667 (Federal share) 
equals $55,556 (required 25% match).

    Because this is a training grant, indirect costs for these projects 
shall not exceed 8 percent. Funds from this grant cannot be used to 
match title IV-E training funds.
    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

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

[[Page 20900]]

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 (http://www.Grants.gov). 
A DUNS number will be required for every application for a new award or 
renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under 
formula, entitlement and block grant programs, submitted on or after 
October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, 
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, (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 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 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 http://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 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, e-mail 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 at the end of this 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.
    Applicants have the option of omitting from application copies (not 
originals) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified 
in the application budget. The copies may include summary salary 
information.
    --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:
    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
    attendance of a key staff person and evaluator from the project at 
an annual 3-5 day grantees' meeting (to be determined by the Children's 
Bureau) in Washington, DC and at a ``kick-off'' meeting following 
award.
    The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services provides website information and policy 
guidance on the Federal regulations

[[Page 20901]]

pertaining to protection of human subjects (45 CFR 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.
    --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 50 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 titles 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's 
Chaffee Foster Care Independence Program. 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 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

[[Page 20902]]

actually occur. Information on the development of logic models is 
available on the Internet at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/ pdande/ or 
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cyfar/capbuilding/outcome/outcome_logicmdir.html 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 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 18, 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 18, 2004 at 
the following address: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, 
Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-
2132.
    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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           What to submit               Required content       Required form or format        When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SF424...........................  Per required form.....  May be found at http://      See application due
                                                              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/grants/form.htm.
2. SF424A..........................  Per required form.....  May be found at http://      See application due
                                                              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/grants/form.htm.
3.a. SF424B........................  Per required form.....  May be found at http://      See application due
                                                              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/grants/form.htm.
3.b. Certification regarding         Per required form.....  May be found at http://      See application due
 lobbying.                                                    www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/grants/form.htm.
3.c. Disclosure of Lobbying          Per required form.....  May be found at http://      See application due
 Activities (SF-LLL).                                         www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/grants/form.htm.
4. Project Summary Abstract........  Summary of application  See instructions in this     See application due
                                      request.                funding announcement.        date.
5. Project Description.............  Responsiveness to       See instructions in this     See application due
                                      evaluation criteria.    funding announcement.        date.
6. Proof of non-profit status......  See above.............  See above..................  See application due
                                                                                           date.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement....  See above.............  See above..................  See application due
                                                                                           date.
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs.....  See above.............  See above..................  See application due
                                                                                           date.
9. Non-Federal share letter........  See above.............  See above..................  See application due
                                                                                           date.
                                    -------------------------
    Total application..............  See above.............  Application limit 50 pages   See application due
                                                              total including all forms    date.
                                                              and attachments. Submit
                                                              one original and two
                                                              copies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.''

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           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://      See application due
 Grant Applicants.                                            www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/grants/form.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 20903]]

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.
    Because this is a training grant, indirect costs for these projects 
shall not exceed 8 percent. Funds from this grant cannot be used to 
match title IV-E training funds.

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 address below by 4:30 
p.m. eastern standard time (e.s.t.) 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, Inc., 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. 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 required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The 
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description 
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more 
program-specific information that is needed.

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 
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

[[Page 20904]]

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 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.


[[Page 20905]]


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 thorough 
understanding of the need for a specific curriculum and training to 
strengthen child welfare supervisors' capacity to prepare and guide 
staff in their work with older youth involved in the child welfare 
system.
    (2) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough 
knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by older youth involved 
in the child welfare system and appropriate intervention approaches for 
working with these youth.
    (3) The extent to which the proposed project's goals (end products 
of an effective project) and objectives (measurable steps for reaching 
these goals) clearly and appropriately relate to the training needs of 
public child welfare agency frontline workers and supervisory staff.
    (4) The extent to which the proposed project would produce 
significant results and benefits by developing, field testing, 
delivering, evaluating and disseminating a youth-focused training 
curriculum for supervisors.
    (5) The extent to which an appropriate group of trainees and a 
reasonable number of trainees will be trained over the life of the 
project.
    (6) The extent to which the lessons learned from the project will 
clearly and significantly benefit policy, practice and theory 
development in addressing older youth's transition needs, issues and 
crises.
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 
effectively implementing the proposed project, including major 
milestones and target dates. The extent to which the project will 
complete the development, field testing and revisions of the training 
program in a timely manner and conduct a thorough evaluation of its 
effectiveness within the 3-year project time frame.
    (2) The extent to which the application proposes development of 
appropriate materials and provides for effective training under the 
proposed project.
    (3) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough 
knowledge and understanding of the issues related to interventions with 
older youth and differences and similarities between youth-centered and 
family-centered practice. The extent to which the application 
demonstrates a thorough understanding of these issues in terms of the 
Adoption and Safe Families Act goals of safety, permanency and well-
being of older youth and the results of the Child and Family Service 
Reviews.
    (4) The extent to which the application evidences a thorough 
knowledge and understanding of the challenges of providing and 
improving training for supervisors within a public child welfare 
agency. The extent to which the proposed project would successfully 
overcome these challenges.
    (5) The extent to which the proposed approach to developing a 
curriculum is soundly based on an appropriate conceptual framework, 
research and practice experience. The extent to which this curriculum 
would build on, expand and strengthen the existing curriculum 
approaches/models that emphasize youth-focused services.
    (6) The extent to which the application evidences a thorough 
knowledge and understanding of the four core principles (youth 
development, cultural competence, collaboration, and permanent 
connections) and the challenges attendant to incorporating these 
principles within child welfare practices.
    (7) The extent to which the curriculum development and training of 
supervisors will be culturally responsive to the diverse child welfare 
population.
    (8) The extent to which appropriate criteria would be utilized for 
selection and recruitment of trainees and specific strategies for 
recruiting minority and Tribal agency trainees.
    (9) The extent to which there is a sound plan for evaluating the 
training curriculum. The extent to which there is a sound plan for 
field-testing the effectiveness of the competency-based curriculum and 
modifying the curriculum, if necessary. The extent to which the 
applicant clearly identifies and justifies the location of the project 
and the State/local child welfare agencies where the proposed 
curriculum will be field-tested.
    (10) The extent to which there is a sound plan for dissemination of 
the curriculum and project evaluation findings.
    (11) The extent to which there is a sound plan for continuing this 
project beyond the period of Federal funding.
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles
    In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors 
will be considered: (20 points)
    (1) The extent to which the application demonstrates sufficient 
organizational capability and experience in developing training 
curricula and providing training to child welfare

[[Page 20906]]

agency staff in the area of youth-focused services.
    (2) The extent to which the project director, other key staff, 
partners and consultants have the necessary knowledge, capabilities and 
experience to develop the proposed training curriculum and manage the 
project effectively (e.g. resumes). The extent to which the author of 
this proposal will be involved throughout the implementation of the 
proposed project.
    (3) The extent to which past and/or current collaboration between 
the applicant and the public (State/local and tribal) agencies in 
training of child welfare staff would strengthen this project. The 
extent to which this project will be strengthened by building on 
existing partnerships with such agencies. The extent to which the 
applicant includes interagency agreements and commitments from the 
participating entities.
    (4) 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.

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.

3. Other

    Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Applications will be 
reviewed during Summer 2004. Grant awards will have a start date no 
later than September 30, 2004.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. 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 Grants Management 
Office signs and issues the award notice.
    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
    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 
end date. 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 applicant will submit a 
copy of the

[[Page 20907]]

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

Pam Johnson, 330 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-8086, 
[email protected].

Grants Management Office Contact

William Wilson, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, 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 site: 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 9, 2004.
Frank Fuentes,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-8784 Filed 4-16-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P