[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 75 (Monday, April 19, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20923-20931]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8785]


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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 for Children and 
Families, Children's Bureau.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Professional Education for Current and 
Prospective Public Child Welfare Practitioners Leading to the MSW 
Degree.
    Announcement Type: Competitive Grant-Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CT-0010.
    CFDA Number: 93.648.
    Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications 
is June 18, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The purpose of this grant program is to provide professional 
education opportunities leading to an MSW degree to prospective and 
current public child welfare agency staff.
    Traineeships will provide competency-based, child welfare training 
with a particular emphasis on developing the critical knowledge, 
values, and skills that are necessary to respond to the complex 
problems confronting children and families in the child welfare system.
    Under section 426(a)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act, Federal 
grants are made available to public or non-profit institutions of 
higher learning for special projects for training personnel for work in 
the field of child welfare including traineeships. Individuals who 
receive traineeships under these grants must meet the requirements of 
section 429 of the Act, which specifies the conditions under which 
these traineeships are awarded. Each individual who receives a stipend 
with such a traineeship will enter into an agreement with the 
institution under which the recipient agrees:
    (A) To participate in training at a public or private non-profit 
child welfare agency on a regular basis (as determined by the 
Secretary) for the period of the traineeship;
    (B) To be employed, after graduating from the education program, in 
a public or private non-profit child welfare agency for a period of 
years equivalent to the period of the traineeship;
    (C) To furnish to the institution and the Secretary evidence of 
compliance with subparagraphs A and B; and
    (D) To repay the expenses of the education if there is a failure to 
comply with the agreement.
    The educational institutions must provide evidence of compliance 
with the provisions of section 429 of the Act, including an assurance 
that they will:
    (A) Enter into an agreement with child welfare agencies for on-site 
training of traineeship recipients;
    (B) Permit agency staff employed in the field of child welfare 
services to apply for traineeships if the traineeships furthers their 
progress toward the completion of degree requirements; and
    (C) Develop and implement a system that tracks the employment 
record of these recipients for the 3-year period that begins when 
students complete their study.
    Grantees will be expected to:
    (A) Focus on curriculum reform involving the development of 
specific child welfare courses and the inclusion of competency-based 
child welfare-

[[Page 20924]]

oriented course content in the social work curricula;
    (B) Increase the numbers of field placements in public child 
welfare agencies; and
    (C) Improve the quality of the supervision of those placements.
    Applications must include a letter from appropriate State child 
welfare agencies, Tribal Organizations, community agencies, academic 
departments, other disciplines, institutions, etc. committing to 
coordination with the school/department of social work and indicating 
intent to participate in the project. This letter of agreement must be 
signed by the Director of the Child Welfare Agency.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total for all 
awards under this funding announcement in FY2004 is $500,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that 5 projects 
will be funded.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The maximum Federal share 
is not to exceed $100,000 for the first 12-month budget period. A 
traineeship must not exceed $10,000 per student per budget year. A 
minimum of 75 per cent of the total project funds must be used for 
traineeships. 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.
    Average Anticipated Award Amount: $100,000 per budget period.
    Project Periods for Awards: The projects will be awarded for a 
period of 48 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 controlled institutions of higher education; private 
institutions of higher education.
Additional Information on Eligibility
    Applicants must have an accredited social work education program 
and should have a strong partnership with a public child welfare agency 
and be prepared to redesign their curriculum to maximize student 
learning opportunities for work in public child welfare agencies. 
Previously funded applicants under this funding opportunity may also 
apply.
    Applications that exceed the $100,000 ceiling will be considered 
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this 
announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    No matching funds are required for the portion of the budget that 
pays for traineeships. However, grantees must provide a match to equal 
at least 25 percent of the total cost of grant activities other than 
traineeships. The total approved cost of these non-traineeship 
activities is the sum of the ACYF share and the non-Federal share. The 
non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although 
applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through a 
cash contribution. Therefore, a project requesting $100,000 in Federal 
funds (with $75,000 for traineeships and $25,000 for non-traineeship 
activities per budget period) must include a match of at least $8,333 
(25 percent of the total cost for the non-traineeship activities). 
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 
percent match amount for the non-traineeship portion of a $100,000 
grant:

$100,000 (Federal share) times .25 (% of Federal share allowable for 
non-traineeship activities) equals $25,000 (maximum amount allowable 
for non-traineeship activities) divided by .75 (100%--25%) equals 
$33,333 (total non-traineeship activity cost including match) minus 
$25,000 (Federal share) equals $8,333 (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 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

[[Page 20925]]

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: 
www.Grants.gov.
    Address Where Hard Copy Applications Will Be Accepted: 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, 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 in 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.
    --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:
    Participate in any evaluation or technical assistance effort 
supported by ACYF;
    Submit 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 a representative of the State child welfare agency to 
attend an annual 3-day grantees' meeting in Washington, DC. (Attendance 
at these meetings is a grant requirement.) In addition, new grantees 
should allocate sufficient funds to provide for the project director 
and a representative of the State child welfare agency to attend an 
early kick-off meeting to be held within the first three months of the 
project (first year only) in Washington, DC. (Attendance at this early 
kick-off meeting is a grant requirement for new grantees, but not for 
current or previous grantees under this funding opportunity.)
    The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services provides Web site information and policy 
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.
    --Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs, provide

[[Page 20926]]

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 45 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 
Child Welfare Training 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 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 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

[[Page 20927]]

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 mail 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............  Responsive ness to      See instructions in this     See application due
                                      evaluation criteria.    funding announcement.        date.
 6. Indirect cost rate agreement...  See above.............  See above..................  See application due
                                                                                           date.
 7. Letters of agreement and MOUs..  See above.............  See above..................  See application due
                                                                                           date.
 8. Non-Federal share letter.......  See above.............  See above..................  See application due
                                                                                           date.
                                    -------------------------
     Total application.............  See above.............  Application limit 45 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://      By application due
 Grant Applicants.                                            www.acf .hhs. gov/programs   date.
                                                              /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

[[Page 20928]]

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, 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. 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 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

[[Page 20929]]

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.

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.

[[Page 20930]]

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 proposed project's goals and objectives 
will meet the training needs of public child welfare agency staff.
    (2) The extent to which this project would enhance social work 
education's ability to prepare students effectively for public child 
welfare agency practice, encourage their entry into the child welfare 
profession and increase the number of workers with MSW (Masters of 
Social Work) degrees.
    (3) The extent to which the application demonstrates a clear 
understanding of the characteristics of the proposed student 
populations and their particular training needs.
    (4) The extent to which the proposed project would produce 
significant results and benefits. The extent to which these results and 
benefits are clearly linked to the proposed project's stated 
objectives.
    (5) The extent to which the application describes specific, 
measurable outcomes that are expected as a result of the proposed 
training of current and prospective public child welfare agency staff 
in this project.
    (6) The extent to which lessons that would be learned from the 
proposed project would improve child welfare practice.
Criterion 2. Approach
    In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be considered 
(50 points):
    (1) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough 
understanding of the challenges related to providing training that 
supports and enhances public/tribal child welfare agency staff 
capabilities to achieve child welfare outcomes.
    (2) The extent to which the application provides a clear plan for 
the development and implementation of an MSW level child welfare 
curriculum in field placements. The extent to which this curriculum 
effectively addresses the training needs of the public child welfare 
agency staff.
    (3) The extent to which the types of field experiences, including 
supervision, would help students receiving traineeships to develop the 
competencies necessary to work in public/tribal child welfare agencies.
    (4) The extent to which the proposed curriculum would build on, 
expand and strengthen existing curriculum approaches/models. The extent 
to which any necessary changes would be made to the existing curriculum 
for the inclusion of competency-based, child welfare-oriented, course 
content designed to enable graduates to function in public child 
welfare agencies.
    (5) The extent to which this project would be strengthened through 
coordination with and building on past and/or current collaboration and 
existing partnerships between the applicant and public child welfare 
agencies.
    (6) The extent to which there will be an effective administrative 
and organizational interface between the applicant and the appropriate 
State child welfare agencies, tribal organizations, community agencies, 
academic departments, other disciplines, institutions, etc. The extent 
to which the letters of commitment from these partner organizations 
meet the criteria described in ``Section I. Funding Opportunity 
Description.''
    (7) The extent to which the application explains who the trainees 
would be; how many are expected to be trained over the life of the 
project; what the process would be for selection and recruitment of 
trainees; and the specific strategies which would be implemented for 
recruiting minority trainees.
    (8) The extent to which the project evaluation would measure the 
achievement of project objectives and the project's general impact on 
competency-based curriculum development, student acquisition of 
competencies and effectiveness of program services.
    (9) The extent to which there is a strong plan for dissemination of 
the curriculum and project evaluation findings.
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles
    In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors 
will be considered (20 points):
    (1) The extent to which the application evidences sufficient 
experience and expertise in training public child welfare staff; in 
developing child welfare curricula; in collaboration with child welfare 
agencies on training initiatives; and in administration, development, 
implementation, management, and evaluation of similar projects. The 
extent to which each participating organization (including partners 
and/or subcontractors) possesses the organizational capability to 
fulfill their assigned roles and functions effectively (if the 
application involves partnering and/or subcontracting with other 
agencies/organizations).
    (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 (e.g., resume). 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. The extent to which the author of this proposal will 
be involved throughout the 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 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

[[Page 20931]]

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 the 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 
Officer 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. 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 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: Marva Benjamin, 330 C St., SW., Washington, DC 
20447; 202-205-8405, [email protected].

Grants Management Office Contact: William Wilson, 330 C St., 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 online 
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. 04-8785 Filed 4-16-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P