[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 81 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22819-22829]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-9547]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Funding Opportunity Title: Infant Adoption Awareness Training 
Program

AGENCY: Administration for Children and Families (ACF) & Children's 
Bureau, HHS.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CG-0015.
    CFDA Number: 93.254.
    Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications 
is June 28, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The purpose of this funding opportunity is to award cooperative 
agreements to adoption organizations for the purpose of developing and 
implementing new, or adapting and implementing existing, Infant 
Adoption Awareness Training Programs (IAATP) that train the designated 
staff of eligible health centers in providing adoption information and 
referrals to pregnant women on an equal basis with all other courses of 
action included in nondirective counseling to pregnant women. The 
grantees will provide instruction on their curricula to trainers, who 
will provide training to health center staff. This instruction may be 
conveyed using training-of-trainers (TOT) courses or other mechanisms 
that provide continuity and consistency in the training for the 
instructors.

Background

    The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) 
administers national programs for children and youth, works with States 
and local communities to develop services that support and strengthen 
family life, seeks joint ventures with the private sector to enhance 
the lives of children and their families, and provides information and 
other assistance to parents. The concerns of ACYF extend to all 
children from the prenatal period through adolescence. Many of the 
programs administered by the agency focus on children from low-income 
families; abused and neglected children; children and youth in need of 
foster care, independent living, adoption or other child welfare 
services; preschool children; children with disabilities; runaway and 
homeless youth; and children from Native American and migrant families.
    Within ACYF, the Children's Bureau plans, manages, coordinates, and 
supports child abuse and neglect prevention and child welfare services 
programs. It administers the Foster Care and Adoption Assistance 
Program, the Child Welfare Services State Grants Program, Child Welfare 
Services Training Programs, the Independent Living Program, the 
Adoption Opportunities Program, the Abandoned Infants Assistance 
Program, programs supported by the Promoting Safe and Stable Families 
Act, the Court Improvement Program, and programs funded under the Child 
Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), including Basic State 
grants, the child abuse and neglect discretionary program, the 
Community-Based Family Resource and Support Program, and the Children's 
Justice Act Program. The Children's Bureau programs are designed to 
promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of all children. 
Training activities such as the Infant Adoption Awareness Training 
Program (IAATP) contribute to that effort.

The Children's Health Act

    With the passage of Public Law 106-310, enacted October 17, 2000, 
the Congress emphasized the need to address children's health services, 
pediatric research, developmental disabilities, birth defects 
prevention, prenatal and postnatal care, and other activities regarding 
children's health and well-being. Title XII, Subtitle A--Infant 
Adoption Awareness of the Children's Health Act authorized the U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants available 
to national, regional, or local adoption organizations for the purpose 
of developing and implementing programs to train the designated staff 
of eligible health centers in providing adoption information and 
referrals to pregnant women on an equal basis with all other courses of 
action included in nondirective counseling to pregnant women. In 
compliance with the legislation, HHS activities include the following:
     Establish and supervise a process through which 
adoption organizations and public health entity representatives 
collaborate to develop best practice guidelines on the provision of 
adoption information and referrals to pregnant women on an equal basis 
with all other courses of action included in nondirective counseling to 
women;
     Award grant funds to adoption organizations to 
develop training curricula, consistent with the best practice 
guidelines;
     Ensure that adoption organizations conduct 
training for all eligible health centers; and
     Report to the appropriate committees of Congress 
evaluating the extent to which adoption information and referral, upon 
request, are provided by eligible health centers in order to determine 
the effectiveness of such training and the extent to which the training 
addresses the requirement to provide information and referrals to 
pregnant women on an equal basis with all other courses of action 
included in nondirective counseling to women.

    Statutory Authority: Section 330F of the PHS Act, as amended by 
Title XII, Subtitle A, of the Children's Health Act of 2000 [42 
U.S.C. 254c-6].

[[Page 22820]]

Multi-Ethnic Placement Act

    Training materials must encompass MEPA requirements. The 
Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) as amended by the Interethnic 
Placement Act (Section 1808 of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 
1996) addresses the issue of race in foster care and adoption 
placements. Specifically, MEPA prohibits the delay or denial of any 
adoption or placement in foster care due to the race, color, or 
national origin of the child or the foster or adoptive parents and 
requires States to provide for diligent recruitment of potential foster 
and adoptive families that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of 
children for whom homes are needed. Section 1808 of Public Law 104-188 
affirms the prohibition against delaying or denying the placement of a 
child for adoption or foster care on the basis of race, color, or 
national origin of the foster or adoptive parents or the child involved 
[42 U.S.C. 1996b].

Definitions

    Title XII of the Children's Health Act of 2000, which pertains to 
the IAATP, defines the term ``adoption organization'' as a ``national, 
regional, or local organization among whose primary purposes is 
adoption; that is knowledgeable in all elements of the adoption process 
and on providing adoption information and referrals to pregnant women; 
and that is a nonprofit private entity.''
    The term ``designated staff'' pertains to staff at an eligible 
health center ``who provide pregnancy or adoption information and 
referrals (or will provide such information and referrals after 
receiving training under a grant).''
    The term ``eligible health centers'' as defined in the legislation 
refers to ``public and nonprofit private entities that provide health 
services to pregnant women,'' and these entities are targeted for the 
receipt of training. These entities are not eligible to submit 
applications for funding under this program announcement to provide the 
training. There are approximately 3,000 entities that fit the 
definition of ``eligible health centers'' and are therefore eligible to 
receive training under the IAATP. The adoption organizations involved 
agree to make reasonable efforts to ensure that the eligible health 
centers with respect to which training under the grant is provided 
include eligible health centers that receive grants under section 1001 
(relating to voluntary family planning projects); eligible health 
centers that receive grants under section 330 (relating to community 
health centers, migrant health centers, and centers regarding homeless 
individuals and residents of public housing); and eligible health 
centers that receive grants under this Act (Children's Health Act of 
2000) for the provision of services in schools (subsection (a)(5)).
    Projects funded under this program must do the following things:
    The IAATP is designed to ensure that counselors in health clinics 
and other settings provide women who have unplanned pregnancies with 
complete and accurate information on adoption, as well as any other 
options available to them.
    Grantees must adapt or develop an IAATP curriculum, invite 
designated staff of eligible health centers (including those funded 
under PHSA sections specified above) to training, schedule training, 
plan and implement IAATP sessions, and complete post-training 
activities (e.g., participant reimbursement and evaluation).
    Approximately four weeks after the award of the cooperative 
agreements, the project director, the curriculum designer and/or the 
training director for each IAATP will be required to attend a two-day 
meeting in Washington, DC, sponsored by the Children's Bureau for IAATP 
awardees funded under this funding opportunity. Attendees will become 
part of the membership of the IAATP Network. During this conference, 
DHHS staff will review the best practice guidelines developed for the 
IAATP and discuss the implications for developing or adapting the 
curricula and related educational materials. Scheduling matters and 
plans for ensuring that the designated staffs of eligible health 
centers receive training during the two-year course of the cooperative 
agreement will be outlined and discussed. The Children's Bureau 
anticipates reconvening the IAATP Network for a two-day meeting in 
Washington, DC, at the beginning of the second project year.
    Grantees will be required to adapt existing training programs or to 
develop and implement new training programs for the designated staff of 
the eligible health centers that provide adoption information and 
referrals to pregnant women on an equal basis with all other courses of 
action included in nondirective counseling to pregnant women.
    Within four months of the award of the cooperative agreement, 
grantees will be required to submit to the Children's Bureau an IAATP 
curriculum for review and approval. After review of the submitted 
curriculum, the Children's Bureau may require the grantee to make 
revisions before implementing the training. The curriculum must:
    (1) Be competency-based;
    (2) Conform to professionally recognized standards for curriculum 
format and style;
    (3) Be consistent with the best practices guidelines, required by 
the statute;
    (4) Be pilot tested and appropriately modified, as necessary, 
before broad use; and
    (5) Be reliably evaluated.
    Grantees will be required to make reasonable efforts to ensure that 
the individuals who provide the program training are individuals who 
are knowledgeable in all elements of the adoption process and are 
experienced in providing adoption information and referrals in the 
geographic areas in which the eligible health centers are located.
    To the extent possible, training of designated staff of the health 
centers is to be conducted in the geographic areas in which the centers 
are located. Grantees will be required to cooperate and coordinate with 
the Children's Bureau and the other members of the IAATP Network in 
selecting sites for health center staff training and scheduling these 
events to ensure that geographic regions are neither over-served nor 
under-served.
    Within seven months of the award of the cooperative agreement, 
grantees will be required to begin training of the designated staff of 
health centers.
    Grantees will be required to provide reimbursement to health 
centers that are grantees funded under PHSA Sections 330 or 1001 for 
all costs incurred in obtaining training for the designated staff.
    Grantees will be required to cooperate fully in any and all 
evaluations of IAATP sponsored by the Department of Health and Human 
Services.
    Grantees will be required to implement an evaluation of their IAATP 
project which:
    (a) Includes appropriate performance feedback, data collection and 
periodic assessment of program progress that can be used effectively to 
improve the curriculum, as necessary, and serve as a sound basis for 
program improvements;
    (b) Includes the effective use of objective performance measures 
that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the program and 
will produce useful quantitative and qualitative outcome data;
    (c) Collects high quality data on individuals and families, the 
types of services provided and used, the outcomes of these services, 
and their cost effectiveness;

[[Page 22821]]

    (d) Includes appropriate procedures for collecting data collection 
and securing informed consent; and
    (e) Includes appropriate procedures for an Institutional Review 
Board (IRB) review, if applicable.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Description of Federal Substantial Involvement with Cooperative 
Agreement: A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding 
Federal assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is 
anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective 
responsibilities of the Children's Bureau and the grantee prior to 
award. The Children's Bureau anticipates that agency involvement will 
produce programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to 
them for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration 
includes Children's Bureau review and approval of planning stages of 
the activities before implementation phases may begin and Children's 
Bureau and recipient joint collaboration in the performance of key 
programmatic activities (i.e., strategic planning, implementation, 
information technology enhancements, training and technical assistance, 
publications or products, and evaluation). There will be close 
monitoring by the Children's Bureau regarding the requirements stated 
in this announcement that limit the grantee's discretion with respect 
to scope of services offered, organizational structure and management 
processes. There will also be close Children's Bureau monitoring during 
performance, in order to assure compliance with the intent of this 
funding. This monitoring will exceed those Federal stewardship 
responsibilities customary for grant activities.
    Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total for all 
awards under this funding announcement in FY2004 is $9 million.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that up to 10 
projects will be funded.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The maximum Federal share 
of the project is dependent on the scope of the project submitted. The 
Children's Bureau will accept applications for projects of national, 
regional, or local scope. The Federal share of projects of national 
scope may not exceed $6,000,000 in the first budget period. The Federal 
share of smaller, regional projects may not exceed $1,500,000 in the 
first budget period. An application received that exceeds the upper 
value of dollar range specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' 
and be returned to the applicant without further review.
    Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $1,500,000 to $6,000,000 per budget 
period.
    Project Periods for Awards: The projects will be awarded for a 
project period of 24 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-
month budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-
month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds, 
satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination 
that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

State governments
County governments
City or township governments
State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally 
recognized tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Faith-based and Community-based organizations

    Additional Information on Eligibility: Eligibility is limited to 
organizations among whose primary purposes are adoption and that are 
knowledgeable in all elements of the adoption process and in providing 
adoption information and referral to pregnant women. Faith-based and 
community organizations that meet all other eligibility criteria are 
eligible to apply.
    Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
    (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code.
    (b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
    (c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, 
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
    (d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status.
    (e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the 
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
    Private non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' 
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for applications 
submitted under this program announcement.

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 (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be 
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation 
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement 
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
    Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this 
announcement.
    Applications that fail to follow the required format described in 
Section IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children's 
Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington,

[[Page 22822]]

DC 20002-2132; Telephone: (866) 796-1591.
    URL to Obtain Application: http://www.Grants.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the 
www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may 
not e-mail an electronic copy of the grant application to us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov:
     Electronic submission is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will 
find information about submitting an application electronically through 
the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that 
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must 
have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR 
registration.
     You will not receive additional point value 
because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will 
we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, 
including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all 
necessary assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page 
limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your 
application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from 
Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The 
Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application 
from Grants.gov.
     We may request that you provide original 
signatures on forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for 
this program on http://www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application 
package by the CFDA number.
    Private, non-profit organizations may voluntarily submit with their 
applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and 
Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' at 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Please see Section V.1. Criteria for instructions on preparing the 
project summary/abstract and the full project description.
    Each application must contain the following items in the order 
listed:

--Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424). Follow the 
instructions below and those that accompany the form.

    In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS number in ``Organizational DUNS:'' 
box.
    In Item 5 of Form 424, include name, phone number, and, if 
available, email and fax numbers of the contact person.
    In Item 8 of Form 424, check ``New.''
    In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for 
which funds are being requested as stated in 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 Section V. 
Application Review Information. Note that Federal funds provided to 
States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds may 
not be used to match project grants.
    Applicants have the option of omitting from application copies (not 
originals) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified 
in the application budget. The copies may include summary salary 
information.

--Certifications/Assurances. Applicants requesting financial assistance 
for non-construction 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'' Form 
when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign 
and return the certification with their applications.
    Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form 
LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who 
have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with 
receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a 
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the 
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding 
environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application, 
the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the 
certification with the applications.
    If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC 
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC 
contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
    By signing the ``Signature of Authorized Representative'' on the SF 
424, the applicant is providing a certification and need not mail 
assurances for completing the following grant and cooperative agreement 
requirements:
    The applicant will have the project fully functioning within 90 
days of the notification of the grant award.
    The applicant will 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.
    The applicant will allocate sufficient funds in the budget to 
provide for the project director and the evaluator to attend an annual 
three-day grantees' meeting in Washington, DC and an early kick off 
meeting to be held within the first six months of the project (first 
year only) in Washington, DC. Attendance at these meetings is a grant 
requirement.
    The applicant will participate if the Children's Bureau chooses to 
do a national evaluation or a technical assistance contract which 
relates to 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 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.

--Project Abstract/Summary (one page maximum). Clearly mark this page

[[Page 22823]]

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 (see Section V. Application 
Review Information). 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 
Section V. Application Review Information of this funding opportunity 
announcement providing information that addresses all the components. 
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.
--Proof of non-profit status (if applicable). See Section III. 
Eligibility Information for submission information.
--Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs, provide 
documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost rate 
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or 
another cognizant Federal agency.
--Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If applicable, 
include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of Understanding from each 
partner organization and/or sub-contractor describing their role, 
detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing commitment to 
participate if the proposed project is funded.
--The application limit is 90 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 
Section IV.3. Submission Dates and Times. The original copy of the 
application must have original signatures, signed in black ink.
    The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one 
side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the 
top and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or 
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
    Pages over the page limit stated within this funding opportunity 
announcement will be removed from the application and will not be 
reviewed. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single 
package, and a separate package must be submitted for each funding 
opportunity. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific 
funding opportunity it is addressing.
    Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include 
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, 
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a 
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or 
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including 
supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the 
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the 
Federal government for review. Each copy must be stapled securely in 
the upper left corner.
    Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application: It is essential that 
applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before 
preparing an application and include all of the required application 
forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough 
understanding of the purpose and objectives of the Children's Bureau 
priority-area initiatives. Reviewers expect applicants to understand 
the goals of the legislation and the Children's Bureau's interest in 
each topic. A ``responsive application'' is one that addresses all of 
the evaluation criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding. 
Applications that are considered to be ``unresponsive'' generally 
receive very low scores and are rarely funded.
    The Children's Bureau's Web site (http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb) provides a wide range of information and links to other relevant 
web sites. Before you begin preparing an application, we suggest that 
you learn more about the mission and programs of the Children's Bureau 
by exploring the Web site.
    Organizing Your Application: The specific evaluation criteria in 
Section V. Application Review Information 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/

[[Page 22824]]

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 time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
Eastern Standard Time (EST) on June 28, 2004. Mailed or handcarried 
applications received after 4:30 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 following address: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The 
Dixon Group Inc., ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., 
Washington, DC 20002-2132.
    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, or by 
other representatives of the applicant shall be considered as meeting 
an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline 
date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, at ACYF 
Operations Center, c/o 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. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of 
applications by fax.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mails service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Required Forms: Numbers for each required item correspond to the 
numbering of the description of these items in Section IV.2. Content 
and Form of Application Submission.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           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/forms.htm.
2. SF424A..........................  Per required form.....  May be found at http://      See application due
                                                              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
3.a. SF424B........................  Per required form.....  May be found at http://      See application due
                                                              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.htm.
3.b. Certification regarding         Per required form.....  May be found at http://      See application due
 lobbying.                                                    www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.
                                                              ofs/forms.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/forms.htm.
4. Project Summary/Abstract........  Summary of application  See instructions in this     See application due
                                      request.                funding announcement.        date.
5. Project Description.............  Responsiveness to       See instructions in this     See application due
                                      evaluation criteria.    funding announcement.        date.
6. Proof of non-profit status......  See above.............  See above..................  See application due
                                                                                           date.
7. Indirect cost rate agreement....  See above.............  See above..................  See application due
                                                                                           date.
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs.....  See above.............  See above..................  See application due
                                                                                           date.
9. Total application...............  See above.............  Application limit 90 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 Grant   Per required form......  May be found at http://  See application due
 Applicants.                                                     www.acf.hhs.gov/         date.
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.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

[[Page 22825]]

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, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, 
Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, 
Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of 
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining 
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have 
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should 
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the 
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must 
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that 
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the 
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if 
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date 
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a) (2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to differentiate clearly between mere advisory comments and 
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
    The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions 
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

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

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: Mailed applications shall be considered as 
meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the 
deadline time and date 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.
    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.
    For Hand Delivery: Applications hand-carried by applicants, 
applicant couriers, or by other representatives of the applicant shall 
be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on 
or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 
EST, at ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., 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. ACF 
cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax.
    Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV. 2. Content and Form 
of Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when 
submitting applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

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.
General Instruction for Preparing Full Project Description
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.
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

[[Page 22826]]

(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any 
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of 
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of 
the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most 
recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) 
of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of 
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget 
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed 
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, 
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to 
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the 
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel 
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to 
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
    Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.)
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the 
equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports 
the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those which belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Third party evaluation contracts (if 
applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.
    Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a 
manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free 
competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are 
required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated 
procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition 
and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 
403(11). Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-
award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals 
or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

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

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

[[Page 22827]]

Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.
    Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the 
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the 
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or 
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an 
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal 
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the 
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for 
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant 
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals 
may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an 
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect 
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. 
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is 
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the 
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the 
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Specific Evaluation Criteria
    The following criteria will be used to review and evaluate each 
application. The applicant should address each criterion in the project 
description. The point values (summing up to 100) indicate the maximum 
numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process.
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance
    In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, the following 
factors will be considered: (20 points)
    (1) The extent to which the application demonstrates a clear 
understanding of the goals and objectives of IAATP. The extent to which 
the proposed approach to curriculum adaptation or design and training 
implementation will contribute to achieving the legislative goals.
    (2) The extent to which the training goals (end products of an 
effective project), objectives (measurable steps for reaching these 
goals) and outcomes are clearly specified and measurable, and reflect 
an understanding of the health care setting in which the training 
recipients work and the context in which eligible health centers 
operate.
    (3) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough 
knowledge of the issues faced by adolescents and women with unplanned 
pregnancies and the importance of providing adoption information and 
referrals to pregnant women on an equal basis with all other courses of 
action included in nondirective counseling.
    (4) The extent to which the selection of the geographic region that 
will be served by the training, including the number and types of 
eligible health centers in the area is clearly justified.
    (5) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough 
knowledge of the legal framework of adoption, and adoption services and 
resources in the geographic area in which the proposed training will be 
conducted.
    (6) The extent to which the application describes the benefits that 
clients of the eligible health centers will derive.
    (7) The extent to which the application demonstrates that the 
proposed curriculum and training will contribute to increased knowledge 
of the problems, issues, and effective strategies and best practices in 
the field.
Criterion 2. Approach
    In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be 
considered: (50 points)
    (1) The extent to which the design of IAATP curriculum:
    (a) Is competency-based;
    (b) Conforms to professionally recognized standards for curriculum 
format and style;
    (c) Is consistent with the best practices guidelines required by 
the statute;
    (d) Is culturally responsive to the diverse population of health 
center pregnancy counselors and their clients;
    (e) Is pilot-tested and appropriately modified, as necessary, 
before broad use; and
    (f) Can be readily evaluated.
    (2) The extent to which the proposed plan for providing instruction 
on the curricula to trainers and the plan for these trainers providing 
training to health center staff is clear and likely to succeed.
    (3) The extent to which the proposed plan for targeting the 
training to the medical audience for whom it is designed is clear and 
likely to succeed.
    (4) The extent to which the proposed 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 is clear and likely to succeed.
    (5) The extent to which the proposed plan to establish and 
coordinate linkages with other appropriate agencies and organizations 
on the local, State or Federal level serving the target population is 
clear and likely to succeed.
    (6) The extent to which the application proposes a clear and 
convincing plan for evaluating the IAATP project. The extent to which 
this plan satisfies the requirements listed in Section I. Funding 
Opportunity Description.
    (7) The extent to which the project is likely to yield findings or 
results about effective strategies, and contribute to and promote 
evaluation research and evidence-based practices that may be used to 
guide replication or testing in other settings.
    (8) The extent to which products would be developed during the 
proposed project, providing information on strategies utilized and the 
outcomes achieved that would support evidence-based improvements of 
practices in the field. The extent to which the schedule for developing 
these products, and the proposed dissemination plan is appropriate in 
scope and budget.
    (9) The extent to which the intended audience (e.g., researchers, 
policymakers, and practitioners) for product dissemination is 
appropriate to the goals of the proposed project. The extent to which 
the project's products would be useful to each of these audiences. The 
plan for disseminating information. The mechanisms and forums that 
would be used to convey the information and support replication by 
other interested agencies.
    (10) The extent to which the proposed plan for continuing this 
project beyond the period of Federal funding is realistic.
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles
    In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors 
will be considered: (20 points)
    (1) The extent to which the applicant organization and any 
partnering organizations collectively have sufficient experience and 
expertise in developing curricula and other educational materials 
incorporating best practice guidelines on the provision of adoption 
information; and experience with 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

[[Page 22828]]

size, scope and complexity effectively. The extent to which the role, 
responsibilities and time commitments of each proposed project staff 
position, including consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are 
clearly defined and appropriate to the successful implementation of the 
proposed project. The extent to which the author of this proposal will 
be closely 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 defines the role and responsibilities 
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the 
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any 
partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent 
to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the 
proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with 
Federal assistance by the applicant.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification
    In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following 
factors will be considered: (10 points)
    (1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are 
reasonable, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected 
results and benefits.
    (2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and 
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely 
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this 
program announcement.

2. Review and Selection Process

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

3. Other

    Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Applications will be 
reviewed in the Summer of 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 Financial 
Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted 
via postal mail.
    The Commissioner will notify organizations in writing when their 
applications will not be funded. Every effort will be made to notify 
all unsuccessful applicants as soon as possible after final decisions 
are made.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

45 CFR Part 74 and 45 CFR Part 92
    Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement: A cooperative agreement is 
a specific method of awarding Federal assistance in which substantial 
Federal involvement is anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly 
defines the respective responsibilities of the Children's Bureau and 
the grantee prior to award. The Children's Bureau anticipates that 
agency involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient 
otherwise unavailable to them for carrying out the project. The 
involvement and collaboration includes Children's Bureau review and 
approval of planning stages of the activities

[[Page 22829]]

before implementation phases may begin and Children's Bureau and 
recipient joint collaboration in the performance of key programmatic 
activities (i.e., strategic planning, implementation, information 
technology enhancements, training and technical assistance, 
publications or products, and evaluation). There will be close 
monitoring by the Children's Bureau regarding the requirements stated 
in this announcement that limit the grantee's discretion with respect 
to scope of services offered, organizational structure and management 
processes. There will also be close Children's Bureau monitoring during 
performance, in order to assure compliance with the intent of this 
funding. This monitoring will exceed those Federal stewardship 
responsibilities customary for grant activities.
    Faith-based organizations that receive funding may not use Federal 
financial assistance, including funds, to meet any cost-sharing 
requirements or to support inherently religious activities, such as 
worship, religious instruction, or prayer.

3. Reporting Requirements

    Programmatic Reports and Financial Reports are required semi-
annually with final reports due 90 days after project end date. All 
required reports will be submitted in a timely manner, in recommended 
formats (to be provided), and the final report will also be submitted 
on disk or electronically using a standard word-processing program.
    Within 90 days of project end date, the applicant will submit a 
copy of the 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.
    Original reports and one copy should be mailed to: Administration 
for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of 
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 
20447.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact

    Pat Campiglia, 330 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20447, Telephone: 
202-205-8060, E-mail: [email protected].

Grants Management Office Contact

    William Wilson, 330 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20447, Telephone: 
202-205-8913, E-mail: [email protected].

General

    The Dixon Group, ACYF Operations Center, 118 Q Street, NE, 
Washington, DC 20002-2132, Telephone: 866-796-1591.

VIII. Other Information

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

Standard Form 424: Application for Federal Assistance
Standard Form 424A: Budget Information
Standard Form 424B: Assurances--Non-Construction Programs
Form LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Standard Form 310: Protection of Human Subjects
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants (optional)

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

    Dated: April 20, 2004.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-9547 Filed 4-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P