[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 75 (Monday, April 19, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20907-20914]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8786]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availablility

    Federal Agency Contact Name: Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Child 
Care Bureau.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Native Hawaiian and Nonprofit American 
Indian Organization Child Care Grants.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-YN-0012.
    CFDA Number: 93.575.
    Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications 
is May 19, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Grants awarded under this announcement are to increase the 
availability, affordability and quality of child care services by 
establishing child care programs in areas that have been previously 
underserved and/or have unmet needs. This funding opportunity provides 
funding for up to two child care programs: one serving Native Hawaiian 
youth; and one serving Indian and/or Native Hawaiian youth.
    One of the goals of the Child Care and Development Block Grant 
(CCDBG) Act is ``to promote parental choice to empower working parents 
to make their own decisions on the child care that best suits their 
family's needs.'' In support of this goal, the applicant is expected to 
design and implement a certificate program since it promotes parental 
choice in selecting Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) funded child 
care providers. However, while certificates ensure parental choice, 
contracted slots also play an important role in meeting the child care 
needs of families, particularly in rural areas, for infant-care, or for 
children with special needs. To promote full parental choice, care by 
sectarian providers (e.g., faith-based) may not be limited or excluded 
under this announcement.
    To meet the purposes and goals of the CCDBG Act, as amended, the 
applicant is required to comply with the same requirements as grantees 
receiving tribal formula grants under the CCDF program. Therefore, 
unless otherwise indicated, the regulations at 45 CFR parts 98 and 99 
will apply to grants awarded under this program announcement. The 
applicant must also include a statement that it will comply with the 
applicable list of assurances found in 45 CFR 98.15 of the CCDF final 
rule.
    Therefore, it is incumbent for the applicant to design a child care 
program that will adequately address the needs and unique circumstances 
of the population it intends to serve. If the applicant is unable to 
operate a certificate program, or chooses to provide child care 
services through grants and contracts exclusively, it must justify this 
approach in its program narrative and assure how the alternative 
approach will promote parental choice. In developing a project, an 
applicant should review the CCDF Tribal Plan Preprint because it 
requests information required by the CCDF Act and regulations at 45 CFR 
parts 98 and 99. The Tribal Plan Preprint is available on the Child 
Care Bureau's Web site at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ccb/policy1/current/pi0303/preprint.htm. The Child Care Bureau's website 
also contains extensive technical assistance resources to assist 
applicants in developing proposals (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/ta/index.htm).
    Title VI of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-193) amended the CCDBG Act to 
permit Tribal grantees to use CCDF funds for construction or major 
renovation of child care facilities. Therefore, in its grant 
application the applicant should describe any anticipated construction 
and renovation projects that will be funded with CCDF funds, and 
estimate the amount of funds that will be used for these projects. 
However, grant funds cannot be spent for construction or major 
renovation until a grantee has applied for and received approval, 
through a separate application process, from the Department of Health 
and Human Services (DHHS). A grantee may submit a request to spend part 
of its grant for construction or renovation through this separate 
application process once it has been awarded a CCDF grant under this 
announcement.
    Information on the separate application process can be found on the 
Bureau's Web site at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/policy1/current/pi0101/pi0101.htm. As part of the separate application process, 
a grantee must show that adequate facilities are not otherwise 
available to carry out child care programs, and that the lack of 
facilities will inhibit the operation of such programs in the future. 
The amount of funds that a grantee may request for construction or 
major renovation through the separate application process is limited to 
the

[[Page 20908]]

amount estimated in the grantee's original CCDF application under this 
announcement.
    Furthermore, statutory language at section 6580(c)(6) of the 
amended CCDBG Act indicates that Congress does not intend for 
construction and major renovation projects to unnecessarily divert 
resources from the provision of child care services. Because grants 
under this announcement are designed to operate child care programs in 
areas with unmet need, a grantee should reserve adequate funds for 
direct child care services. While some construction and major 
renovation activity is allowable under this program announcement, in 
accordance with V Application Review Information, 1 Evaluation 
Criterion, Criterion 5 Budget, the applicant will have to demonstrate 
that funds will be used for direct child care services and the funds 
requested are reasonable in regard to the number of eligible children 
to be served.
    Definition of Terms. The following definitions apply:
    Categories of Care--center-based child care, group home child care, 
family child care and in-home care.
    Center-Based Child Care Provider--a provider licensed or otherwise 
authorized to provide child care services for fewer than 24 hours per 
day per child in a non-residential setting, unlesscare in excess of 24 
hours is due to the nature of the parent(s)' work.
    Child Care Certificate--a certificate (that may be a check, or 
other disbursement) that is issued by a grantee directly to a parent 
who may use such certificate only as payment for child care services or 
as a deposit for child care services if such a deposit is required of 
other children being cared for by the provider, pursuant to 45 CFR 
98.30. Nothing in this part shall preclude the use of such certificate 
for sectarian child care services if freely chosen by the parent. For 
the purposes of this part, a child care certificate is assistance to 
the parent, not assistance to the provider.
    Construction--the erection of a facility that does not currently 
exist.
    Discretionary Funds--the funds authorized under section 658B of the 
Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. The Discretionary funds 
were formerly referred to as the Child Care and Development Block 
Grant.
    Eligible Child Care Provider--(1) A center-based child care 
provider, a group home child care provider, a family child care 
provider, an in-home child care provider, or other provider of child 
care services for compensation that is licensed, regulated, or 
registered under applicable State or local law as described in 45 CFR 
98.40; and satisfies State and local requirements, including those 
referred to in 45 CFR 98.41 applicable to the child care services it 
provides; or (2) A child care provider who is 18 years of age or older 
who provides child care services only to eligible children who are, by 
marriage, blood relationship, or court decree, the grandchild, great 
grandchild, sibling (if such provider lives in separate residence), 
niece, or nephew of such provider, and complies with any applicable 
requirements that govern child care provided by the relative involved.
    Family Child Care Provider--one individual who provides child care 
services for fewer than 24 hours per day per child, as the sole 
caregiver, in a private residence other than the child's residence, 
unless care in excess of 24 hours is due to the nature of the 
parent(s)' work.
    Group Home Child Care Provider--two or more individuals who provide 
child care services for fewer than 24 hours per day per child, in a 
private residence other than the child's residence, unless care in 
excess of 24 hours is due to the nature of the parent(s)' work.
    Indian Tribe--any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized 
group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or 
village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. section 1601 et seq.) that is 
recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided 
by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.
    In-Home Child Care Provider--an individual who provides child care 
services in the child's own home.
    Licensing or Regulatory Requirements--requirements necessary for a 
provider to legally provide child care services in a State or locality, 
including registration requirements established under State, local or 
Tribal law.
    Major Renovation--(1) structural changes to the foundation, roof, 
floor exterior or load-bearing walls of a facility, or the extension of 
a facility to increase its floor area; or (2) extensive alteration of a 
facility such as to significantly change its function and purpose, even 
if such renovation does not include any structural change.
    Native Hawaiian Organization--a private nonprofit organization that 
serves the interests of Native Hawaiians and is recognized by the 
Governor of Hawaii for the purpose of planning, conducting or 
administering programs (or portions of programs) for the benefit of 
Native Hawaiians.
    Other Tribal Organizations--for purposes of this announcement, such 
term refers to those organizations defined by section 658P(14)(B) of 
the CCDBG Act as a private nonprofit organizations established for the 
purpose of serving youth who are Indians or Native Hawaiians.
    Parent--a parent by blood, marriage or adoption and also means a 
legal guardian, or other person standing in loco parentis.
    Provider--the entity providing child care services.
    Sliding Fee Scale--a system of cost sharing by a family based on 
income and size of the family, in accordance with 45 CFR 98.42.
    Types of Providers--the different classes of providers under each 
category of care. For the purposes of the CCDF, types of providers 
include non-profit providers, for-profit providers, sectarian providers 
and relatives who provide care.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Category of Funding Activity: ISS Income Security and Social 
Services.
    Anticipated Total Program Funding: $2,000,000 in FY2004.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1-2.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $1,000,000 per budget 
period.
    An application 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 Awards: $500,000 per budget period.
    Average Anticipated Award Amount: $500,000 to $1,000,000 per budget 
period.
    Project Periods for Awards: Up to three year project period with 
three 12 month budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Native American tribal organizations.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: The Personal Responsibility 
and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) amended the 
CCDBG Act to add the following definition to the term ``tribal 
organization,'' to indicate other organizations that are potentially 
eligible for Discretionary Funding: ``Other organizations--Such term 
includes a Native Hawaiian Organization, as defined in section 4009(4) 
of the Augustus F. Hawkins-Robert T. Stafford Elementary and Secondary 
School Improvement Amendments of 1988 and a private

[[Page 20909]]

nonprofit organization established for the purpose of serving youth who 
are Indians or Native Hawaiians.''
    Therefore, under this announcement, eligible applicants are: (1) A 
private nonprofit organization that serves the interests of Native 
Hawaiians and is recognized by the Governor of Hawaii for the purpose 
of planning, conducting, or administering programs (or parts of 
programs) for the benefit of Native Hawaiians; and (2) a private 
nonprofit organization established for the purpose of serving youth who 
are Indians or Native Hawaiians.
    If an Indian organization is already receiving CCDF funding, it is 
not eligible to apply for funding under this program announcement. A 
list of current tribal CCDF grantees is available at: http://nccic.org/tribal/grantees.html.

Applicant Board Composition

    An applicant must provide assurance that its duly elected or 
appointed board of directors is representative of the community 
identified to be served. To establish compliance with the requirement, 
applicants should provide information establishing that at least a 
majority of the individuals serving on the non-profit's governing board 
fall into one or more of the following categories: (1) A current or 
past member of the community to be served; (2) a prospective 
participant or beneficiary of the project to be funded; or (3) have a 
cultural relationship with the community to be served.
    Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to 
submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is 
any one of the following:
    (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code.
    (b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
    (c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, 
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization is a non-profit and that none of the net earnings accrue 
to any private shareholders or individuals.
    (d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status.
    (e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the 
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' 
at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: No. Cost sharing or matching funds are 
not required for applications submitted under this program 
announcement.
    3. Other.

DUNS Number

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

Beneficiary Eligibility Criteria

    To be eligible to receive CCDF-funded child care services under 
this announcement, a child must be under the age of 13 and reside with 
a family whose income does not exceed 85% of the State Median Income 
(or Tribal Median Income) for a family of the same size and whose 
parent(s) are working or attending a job training or educational 
program or who receive or need to receive protective services.
    An applicant may only submit one applicant under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., OTO/CCB Funding, 
118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, [email protected], 1-
866-796-1591, URL to Obtain Application Page: www.Grants.Gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

A. Application Content
    An original and two copies of each application are required. Each 
application must include the following components:
    1. Table of Contents.
    2. Abstract of Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed 250 
words, that would be suitable for use in an announcement that the 
application has been selected for a grant award and which identifies 
the type of project, the target population and the major elements of 
the work plan.
    3. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an Official 
of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to 
obligate the organization legally.
    4. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs.
    5. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category 
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
    6. Project Narrative--a narrative that addresses issues described 
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and 
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
B. Application Format
    1. Each application should include one signed original application 
and two additional copies of the same application.
    2. Application materials must be submitted on white 8 and 1/2 x 11 
inch paper only. Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
    3. Do not include organizational brochures or other promotional 
materials, slides, films, clips, videos, etc.
    4. The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins 
must be at least one inch on all sides.
    5. All application pages must be sequentially numbered throughout 
the package, beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as 
page number one.
    6. Application materials must be presented either in loose-leaf 
notebooks or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center 
and fastened separately with a slide paper fastener.
C. Page Limitation
    The application package, including sections for the Table of 
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives and Business 
Plan, must not exceed 65 pages. The page limitation does not include 
the following attachments and appendices: Standard

[[Page 20910]]

Forms for Assurances, Certifications, Disclosures, or any other 
supplemental documents that are required in this announcement.
D. Required Standard Forms
    1. Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-
construction project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, 
Assurances: Non-Construction Programs, with their application. Note: 
Although construction is an allowable cost if approved by ACF (See I 
Funding Opportunity Description), the non-construction assurances must 
be submitted with this application.
    2. Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying. 
Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall 
furnish an executed copy of the lobbying certification. Applicants must 
sign and return the certification with their application.
    3. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with all Federal statues relating to nondiscrimination. By 
signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back a certification form.
    4. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994, as 
outlined in the Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
    Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies 
(not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals 
specified in the application budget. The copies may include summary 
information.
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the 
www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may 
not email an electronic copy of a grant application.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov:
     Electronic submission is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.Gov site, you will 
find information about submitting an application electronically through 
the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that 
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must 
have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR 
registration.
     You will not receive additional point value 
because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will 
we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, 
including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all 
necessary assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page 
limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your 
application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment 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 may search for the downloadable application 
package by the CFDA number.
    Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily submit with their 
applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and 
Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' at 
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Please see Section V Criteria, for instructions on preparing the 
project summary/abstract and the full project description.

3. Explanation of Application Due Dates

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
Eastern Standard Time (EST) on May 19, 2004. Mailed or hand carried 
applications received after 4:30 EST p.m. on the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 
Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, Attention: OTO/CCB Funding. 
Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in advance, 
when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications are 
received on or before the deadline time and date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, 
Inc., 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 ``Attention: 
OTO/CCB Funding.'' 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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           What to submit               Required content       Required form or format        When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents..................  As described above....  Consistent with guidance in  By application date.
                                                              ``Application Format''
                                                              section of this
                                                              announcement.
Abstract of Proposed Project.......  Brief abstract that     Consistent with guidance in  By application due
                                      identifies the type     ``Application Format''       date.
                                      of project, the         section of this
                                      target population and   announcement.
                                      the major elements of
                                      the proposed project.
Completed Standard Form 424........  As described above and  May be found on http://      By application due
                                      per required form.      www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.

[[Page 20911]]

 
Completed Standard Form 424A.......  As described above and  May be found on http://      By application due
                                      per required form.      www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
Narrative Budget Justification.....  As described above....  Consistent with guidance in  By application due
                                                              ``Application Format''       date.
                                                              section of this
                                                              announcement.
Project Narrative..................  A narrative that        Consistent with guidance in  By application due
                                      addresses issues        ``Application Format''       date.
                                      described in the        section of this
                                      ``Application Review    announcement.
                                      Information'' and the
                                      ``Review and
                                      Selection Criteria''
                                      sections of this
                                      announcement.
Completed Standard Form 424B.......  As described above and  May be found on http://      By application due
                                      per required form.      www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
Certification regarding lobbying...  As described above and  May be found on http://      By application due
                                      per required form.      www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
Certification regarding              As described above and  May be found on http://      By application due
 environmental tobacco smoke.         per required form.      www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additional Forms: Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily 
submit with their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related 
Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant 
Applicants'' at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
    This program is not covered under Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities.''

5. Funding Restrictions

    Pre-award costs are not allowable reimbursement charges to this 
grant program.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Electronic Link to Full Announcement: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb.
    Electronic Address to Submit Applications: www.Grants.Gov.
    Submission by Mail: Mailed applications shall be considered as 
meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the 
deadline time and date at the ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon 
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, Attention: 
OTO/CCB Funding Applicants are responsible for mailing applications 
well in advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the 
applications are received on or before the deadline time and date.
    Hand Delivery: Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant 
couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/
express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between 
the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, at ACYF Operations Center, c/o 
The Dixon Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, 
Attention: OTO/CCB Funding between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal 
holidays). Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail 
services do not always deliver as agreed.
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax.
    Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV Content and Form of 
Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting 
applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13):

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13, the 
Department is required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) for review and approval of any reporting and record keeping 
requirements in regulations including program announcements. This 
program announcement does not contain information collection 
requirements beyond those approved for ACF grant applications under the 
Program Narrative Statement by OMB (Approval Number 0970-0319 which 
expires 3/31/2004).
    Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average 
25 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection 
of information.
    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.

1. Criteria

Purpose
    The project description provides a major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and 
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are 
being requested.

[[Page 20912]]

Supporting documents should be included where they can present 
information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project 
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation 
criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other 
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, 
therefore, that this information be included in the application.
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The 
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description 
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more 
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, 
describe who will receive child care services, where and how these 
services will be provided, the anticipated numbers of children and 
families to be served, and how the services will benefit the children, 
families and community to be served.
Approach
    Outline a plan of action, which describes the scope and detail of 
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Provide quantitative 
monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved 
for each function or activity in such terms as the number of children 
to be served and the number of activities accomplished. Account for all 
functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors 
that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reasons for 
taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual 
features of the project such as design or technical innovations, 
reductions in cost or time or extraordinary social and community 
involvement. 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. Provide a biographical 
sketch for each key person appointed and a job description for each 
vacant key position.
    Provide a plan for securing resources and continuing project 
activities after Federal assistance has ceased.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any 
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of 
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission. The 
non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the 
applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent 
list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the 
IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of 
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget 
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed 
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, 
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to 
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the 
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a 
narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs 
are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of 
the proposed costs.

Evaluation Criteria

    The five evaluation criteria that follow will be used to review and 
evaluate each application. Each of the criteria should be addressed in 
the project description section of the application. The point values 
indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion will be accorded 
in the review process. Note that the highest possible score an 
application can receive is 100 points.
Criterion 1: Approach (40 Points)
     The extent to which the plan of action is 
appropriate and sufficient for addressing the scope of work.
     The extent to which specific outcomes to be 
achieved; performance targets; and critical milestones are identified.
     The extent to which the application defines the 
comprehensive nature of the project and demonstrates methods that will 
be used to ensure that the results can be used to address a statewide 
or nationwide project, in conformance with the scope of work.
Criterion 2: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 points)
     The extent to which the application demonstrates 
that the proposed project addresses vital needs related to the program 
purposes and provides statistics and other data and information in 
support of its contention.
     The extent to which the application provides 
current supporting documentation or other testimonies regarding needs 
from State and local child care agencies and related organizations.

[[Page 20913]]

Criterion 3: Organizational Profiles (20 points)
     The extent to which the key staff possess the 
expertise necessary to conduct the activities demonstrated in the 
application and information contained in their vitae.
     The adequacy of the time devoted to this project 
by the project director and other key staff in order to ensure a high 
level of professional input and attention.
     The extent to which the application demonstrates 
the capacity to provide child care services that offer full parental 
choice.
     If training and technical assistance is 
proposed, the extent to which the application documents its abilities 
to provide those services in the area to be served by the project. If 
applicable, information provided by the applicant also addresses 
related achievements and competence of each cooperating or sponsoring 
organization.
     The extent to which the application documents 
effective coordination with other State, Native Hawaiian, Tribal and 
local early childhood education partners in its activities, as 
appropriate.
Criterion 4: Results and Benefits Expected (10 Points)
     The extent to which the objectives and need for 
assistance are clearly stated.
     The extent to which the application demonstrates 
the expected results will benefit the population to be served in 
meeting its child care needs.
Criterion 5: Budget ( 10 Points)
     The extent to which the scope of the project is 
reasonable for the funds available for these grants.
     The extent to which the budget and budget 
justification are appropriate for carrying out the proposed project.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Each application submitted to ACYF will be screened to determine 
whether it was received by the closing date and time.
    Applications received by the closing date and time will be screened 
for completeness and conformity with the following requirements. Only 
complete applications that meet the requirements listed below will be 
reviewed and evaluated competitively. Other applications will be 
returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable 
and will not be reviewed.
    All applications must comply with the following requirements except 
as noted:
    (a) The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424 
Application for Federal Assistance ``SF-424'', a Standard Form 424A 
Budget Information ``SF-424A'' and signed Standard Form 2424B 
Assurance-Non-Construction Programs ``SF-424B'' completed according to 
the instructions provided in this Program Announcement. The forms SF-
424 and the FS-424B must be signed by an official of the organization 
applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the organization 
legally. The applicant's legal name as required on the SF-424 (Item 5) 
must match that listed as corresponding to the Employer Identification 
Number (Item 6);
    (b) The application must include a project narrative that meets 
requirements set forth in this announcement.
    (c) The application must contain documentation of the applicant's 
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Additional Information on 
Eligibility'' section of this announcement.
ACYF Evaluation of Applications
    Applications that pass the initial ACYF screening will be reviewed 
and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review criteria 
presented in relevant sections of this program announcement. The review 
criteria are designed to enable the review panel to assess the quality 
of a proposed project and determine the likelihood of its success. The 
criteria are closely related to each other and are considered as a 
whole in judging the overall quality of an application. The review 
panel awards points only to applications that are responsive to the 
program elements and relevant review criteria within the context of 
this program announcement.
    The ACYF Commissioner and program staff use the review scores when 
considering competing applications. Reviewer scores will weigh heavily 
in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered.
    Applications generally will be considered in order of the average 
scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important factors 
are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not 
guaranteed funding. These other considerations include, for example: 
the timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded 
with ACYF funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of 
reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; amount 
and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's 
consistency and harmony with ACYF goals and policy; geographic 
distribution of applications; previous program performance of 
applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants, 
including the actual dedication to program of mobilized resources as 
set forth in project applications; audit reports; investigative 
reports; and the applicant's progress in resolving any final audit 
disallowance on previous ACYF or other Federal agency grants.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Successful applicants shall be notified 90 days following the 
application due date.
    Following approval of the application selected for funding, ACF 
will mail a written notice of award to the applicant organization. The 
official award document is the Financial Assistance Award that 
specifies the amount of the Federal funds approved for use in the 
project, the project and budget period for which support is provided 
and the terms and conditions of the award. The notice of award signed 
by the grants management officer is the authorizing document.
    Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be 
notified in writing.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    45 CFR part 74, 45 CFR part 98, 45 CFR part 99.

3. Reporting Requirements

    Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 
days after the end of the grant period.
    Financial Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 days 
after the end of the grant period.
    Original Reports and one copy should be mailed to: ACF Grants 
Officer, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, 330 C Street, 
SW., Room 2070.
    Special Reporting Requirements: Annual Aggregate Tribal Program 
Data Form (ACF-700 form). The form and reporting instructions can be 
found at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ccb/policy1/triblist.htm.

VII. Agency Contacts

1. Program Office Contacts

Ginny Gorman, Child Care Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and 
Families, 430 C Street, SW., Room 2046, Washington, DC 20447, Telephone 
202-401-7260, E-mail: [email protected].

John Coakley, ACF Region IX, 50 United Nations Plaza, Room 450, San 
Francisco, CA 94102, Telephone 415-

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437-8554, E-mail: [email protected].

2. Grants Management Office Contact

William Wilson, Grants Officer, Administration on Children and 
Families, Office of Grants Management, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, 
DC 20447, Telephone: 202-205-8913, E-mail: [email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    The following websites provide child care and related information 
that may assist an applicant in developing a proposal: Child Care 
Resources:
    Child Care Bureau: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ccb/.
    National Child Care Information Center: http://nccic.org.
    Tribal Child Care Technical Assistance Center: http://nccic.org/tribal.

    Dated: April 9, 2004.
Frank Fuentes,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-8786 Filed 4-16-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P