[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 4, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24637-24645]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-10084]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availability

    Federal Agency Name: Administration for Children and Families, 
Office of Community Services.
    Funding Opportunity: CSBG T/TA Program--State Technology 
Collaborations.
    Announcement Type: Competitive Grant--Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-ET-0014.
    CFDA Number: 93.570.
    Due Dates for Applications: The due date for receipt of 
applications is June 18, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration 
for Children and Families (ACF) announces that competing applications 
will be accepted for a new grant pursuant to the Secretary's authority 
under section 674(b) of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act, 
as amended, by the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and 
Training and Educational Services (COATES) Human Services 
Reauthorization Act of 1998, (Pub. L. 105-285).
    The proposed grant will fund up to three State CSBG Lead Agencies 
and/or State Community Action Associations to develop and implement 
coordinated community planning, funding, and service delivery 
strategies that utilize

[[Page 24638]]

technology to facilitate cross-program coordination and accountability 
in support of national community action Goal 5 (``Agencies Increase 
their Capacity to Achieve Results'').

Definitions of Terms

    The following definitions apply:
    At-Risk Agencies refers to CSBG eligible entities in crises. The 
problem(s) to be addressed must be of a complex or pervasive nature 
that cannot be adequately addressed through existing local or State 
resources.
    Capacity-building refers to activities that assist Community Action 
Agencies (CAAs) and other eligible entities to improve or enhance their 
overall or specific capability to plan, deliver, manage and evaluate 
programs efficiently and effectively to produce intended results for 
low-income individuals. This may include upgrading internal financial 
management or computer systems, establishing new external linkages with 
other organizations, improving board functioning, adding or refining a 
program component or replicating techniques or programs piloted in 
another local community, or making other cost effective improvements.
    Community in relationship to broad representation refers to any 
group of individuals who share common distinguishing characteristics 
including residency, for example, the ``low-income'' community, or the 
``religious'' community or the ``professional'' community. The 
individual members of these ``communities'' may or may not reside in a 
specific neighborhood, county or school district but the local service 
provider may be implementing programs and strategies that will have a 
measurable effect on them. Community in this context is viewed within 
the framework of both community conditions and systems, i.e., (1) 
public policies, formal written and unstated norms adhered to by the 
general population; (2) service and support systems, economic 
opportunity in the labor market and capital stakeholders; (3) civic 
participation; and (4) an equity as it relates to the economic and 
social distribution of power.
    Community Services Network (CSN) refers to the various 
organizations involved in planning and implementing programs funded 
through the Community Services Block Grant or providing training, 
technical assistance or support to them. The network includes local 
Community Action Agencies and other eligible entities; State CSBG 
offices and their national association; CAA State, regional and 
national associations; and related organizations which collaborate and 
participate with Community Action Agencies and other eligible entities 
in their efforts on behalf of low-income people.
    Eligible applicants described in this announcement shall be 
eligible entities, organizations, (including faith based) or 
associations with demonstrated expertise in providing training to 
individuals and organizations on methods of effectively addressing the 
needs of low-income families and communities. See description of 
Eligible Entities below.
    Eligible entity means any organization that was officially 
designated as a Community Action Agency (CAA) or a community action 
program under Section 673(1) of the Community Services Block Grant Act, 
as amended by the Human Services Amendments of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-252), 
and meets all the requirements under Sections 673(1)(A)(I), and 676A of 
the CSBG Act, as amended by the COATES Human Services Reauthorization 
Act of 1998. All eligible entities are current recipients of Community 
Services Block Grant funds, including migrant and seasonal farm worker 
organizations that received CSBG funding in the previous fiscal year.
    Local service providers are local public or private non-profit 
agencies that receive Community Services Block Grant funds from States 
to provide services to, or undertake activities on behalf of, low-
income people.
    Nationwide refers to the scope of the technical assistance, 
training, data collection, or other capacity-building projects to be 
undertaken with grant funds. Nationwide projects must provide for the 
implementation of technical assistance, training or data collection for 
all or a significant number of States, and the local service providers 
who administer CSBG funds.
    Non-profit Organization refers to an organization, including faith-
based, which has ``demonstrated experience in providing training to 
individuals and organizations on methods of effectively addressing the 
needs of low income families and communities.'' Acceptable 
documentation for eligible non-profit status is limited to: (1) A copy 
of a current, valid Internal Revenue service tax exemption certificate; 
(2) a copy of the applicant organization's listing in the Internal 
Revenue Service's most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code; and/or (3) Articles of 
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled.
    Outcome Measures are definable changes in the status or condition 
of individuals, families, organizations, or communities as a result of 
program services, activities, or collaborations
    Performance Measurement is a tool used to objectively assess how a 
program is accomplishing its mission through the delivery of products, 
services, and activities.
    Program technology exchange refers to the process of sharing expert 
technical and programmatic information, models, strategies and 
approaches among the various partners in the Community Services 
Network. This may be done through written case studies, guides, 
seminars, technical assistance, and other mechanisms.
    Regional Networks refers to CAA State Associations within a region.
    Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) System: ROMA 
is a system, which provides a framework for focusing on results for 
local agencies funded by the Community Services Block Grant Program. It 
involves setting goals and strategies and developing plans and 
techniques that focus on a result-oriented performance based model for 
management.
    State means all of the 50 States and the District of Columbia. 
Except where specifically noted, for purposes of this program 
announcement, it also includes specified Territories.
    State CSBG Lead Agency (SCLA) is the lead agency designated by the 
Governor of the State to develop the State CSBG application and to 
administer the CSBG Program.
    Statewide refers to training and technical assistance activities 
and other capacity building activities undertaken with grant funds that 
will have significant impact, i.e. activities should impact at least 50 
percent of the eligible entities in a State.
    Technical assistance is an activity, generally utilizing the 
services of an expert (often a peer), aimed at enhancing capacity, 
improving programs and systems, or solving specific problems. Such 
services may be provided proactively to improve systems or as an 
intervention to solve specific problems.
    Territories refer to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and American 
Samoa for the purpose of this announcement.
    Training is an educational activity or event which is designed to 
impart knowledge, understanding, or increase the development of skills. 
Such training activities may be in the form of assembled events such as 
workshops, seminars, conferences or programs of self-instructional 
activities.

[[Page 24639]]

Priority Area

Community Action Goal 5--``Agencies Increase Their Capacity To Achieve 
Results''
Innovative Technology Collaborations
Program Purpose, Scope and Focus
    The Director of the Office of Community Services has set as an 
agency priority the expanded use of technology to improve community 
planning, anti-poverty efforts, and agency accountability.
    In support of this priority, OCS will fund up to three State-level 
cross-program collaborations that use technology to promote coordinated 
program planning, local agency funding, service delivery, information 
collection and reporting, to support and achieve better family and 
community outcomes.
    OCS is aware of a number of State governments that are in the 
process of using CSBG-based ROMA concepts and tools as the basis for 
moving toward statewide human service coordination and accountability. 
OCS seeks to encourage this trend, hasten readiness, and build 
additional capacity among States by underwriting the development, 
testing and installation of information collection and reporting 
systems in support of these collaboration initiatives.
    Successful State applicants for an Innovative Technology 
Collaboration grant will include in their applications:
    1. A statement of goals for the proposed State collaboration, with 
particular reference to the national community action goals and 
performance measures;
    2. A list of State agencies and programs participating in the 
collaboration;
    3. A letter of commitment from the appropriate State agency 
official, preferably the Governor of the State, that has jurisdiction 
and authority over the agencies and programs listed under Item 2;
    4. A plan and schedule for establishing and implementing 
coordinated community service planning, program funding, service 
delivery, local partnerships, and evaluation at the State and local 
levels;
    5. A description of the information systems and technology needed 
to carry out the planned statewide program collaboration and the plan 
to develop or acquire, test, and install necessary systems;
    6. A detailed budget for the innovative project, indicating the 
allocation of costs to this grant and other sources of support;
    7. A ``catalogue'' of the family, community and agency improvement 
outcomes to be used by the collaboration to measure individual and 
coordinated program success.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Category of Funding Activity: ISS Income Security and Social 
Services.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $250,000 in FY2004.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: Two.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $125,000 per budget period.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: None.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $125,000 per budget period.
    Project Periods for Award: This announcement is inviting applicants 
for project periods up to three years. Awards, on a competitive basis, 
will be for a one-year budget period, although project may be for three 
years. Applications for continuation of grants beyond the one-year 
budget period but within the three year project period will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to 
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Community Services Block Grant eligible entities, State Community 
Action Associations including faith-based organizations, nonprofit 
organizations having 501(c)(3) status, and nonprofits that do not have 
501(c)(3) status.
    Additional Information on Eligibility:
    As prescribed by the Community Services Block Grant Act (Public Law 
105-285, Section 678(c)(2), eligible applicants are eligible entities 
(see definitions), organizations, or associations with demonstrated 
expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations on 
methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and 
communities.
    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) 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) Or any of the items referenced 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.
    Priority will be given to joint applications from State CSBG Lead 
Agencies and State Community Action Associations.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    None.
    3. Other
    On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in 
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal 
grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to 
provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or 
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an 
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required 
for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an 
award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and 
block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

Office of Community Services Operations Center, ATTN: Dr. Margaret 
Washnitzer, 1815 Fort Meyer

[[Page 24640]]

Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209: Telephone: (800) 281-9519.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    An original and two copies of the complete application are 
required. The original and the 2 copies must include all required 
forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an 
authorized representative of the applicant organization, have original 
signatures, and be submitted unbound. 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 
and Social Security Numbers. The copies may include summary salary 
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 e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov:
     Electronic submission is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will 
find information about submitting an application electronically through 
the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that 
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must 
have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR 
registration.
     You will not receive additional point value 
because you submit a grant application in 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 www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable 
application package by the CFDA number.
Application Content
    Each application must include the following components:

    (a) Table of Contents
    (b) Abstract of the 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.
    (c) 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.
    (d) Standard Form 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs.
    (e) Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category 
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
    (f) Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described 
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and 
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
Application Format
    Each application should include one signed original application and 
two additional copies of the same application.
    Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper only. 
Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
    Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional 
materials, slides, films, clips, etc.
    The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins must 
be at least one inch on all sides.
    Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package, 
beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one.
    Please present application materials 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.
Page Limitation
    The application package including sections for the Table of 
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives must not 
exceed 30 pages. The page limitation does not include the following 
attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also 
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this 
announcement.
Required Standard Forms
    Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-construction 
project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs with their applications.
    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.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By 
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back a certification form.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as 
outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke. By 
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back a certification form.
Additional Requirements
    (a) The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424, 
Application for Federal Assistance, a Standard Form 424-A, Budget 
Information, and signed Standard From 424-B, Assurance--Non-
Construction Programs, completed according to instructions provided in 
this Program Announcement. The Forms SF-424 and SF-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 the 
requirements set forth in this announcement;
    (c) The application must contain documentation of the applicant's 
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Funding Opportunity 
Description'' section of this announcement; 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

[[Page 24641]]

Applicants.'' The forms are located on the web at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Project Summary Abstract: Provide a one page (or less) summary of 
the project description with reference to the funding request.
    Full Project Description Requirements: Describe the project clearly 
in 30 pages or less (not counting supplemental documentation, letters 
of support or agreements) using the following outline and guidelines. 
Applicants are required to submit a Full Project Description and must 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions. The pages of the project description must be 
numbered and are limited to 30 typed pages starting on page 1 with the 
``Objectives and Need for Assistance''. The description must be double-
spaced, printed on only one side, with at least one inch margins. Pages 
over the 30 page limit will be removed from the competition and will 
not be reviewed.
    It is in the applicant's best interest to ensure that the project 
description is easy to read, logically developed in accordance with the 
evaluation criteria and adheres to the page limitation. In addition, 
applicants should be mindful of the importance of preparing and 
submitting applications using language, terms, concepts and 
descriptions that are generally known by the Community Services Block 
Grant (CSBG) network.
    The maximum number of pages for supplemental documentation is 10 
pages. The supplemental documentation, subject to the 10-page limit, 
must be numbered and might include brief resumes, position 
descriptions, proof of non-profit status, news clippings, press 
releases, etc. Supplemental documentation over the 10-page limit will 
not be reviewed.
    Applicants must include letters of support or agreement, if 
appropriate or applicable, in reference to the project description. 
Letters of support are not counted as part of the 30-page project 
description limit or the 10-page supplemental documentation limit. All 
applications must comply with the following requirements as noted:

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 18, 2004. Mailed or hand carried 
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 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services' 
Operations Center, 1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, 
Virginia 22209 Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson. 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., Eastern Standard Time (EST), at the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and 
Families, Office of Community Services' Operations Center, 1815 North 
Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209, between Monday 
and Friday (excluding federal holidays). This address must appear on 
the envelope/package containing the application with the note: 
``Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson''. Applicants are cautioned that 
express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mails service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    ACF will not send acknowledgements of receipt of application 
materials.
    Required Forms:

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

[[Page 24642]]

 
Certification regarding           As described above   May be found on      By application due date.
 environmental tobacco smoke.      and per required     http://
                                   form.                www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additional Forms: Private-non-profit organizations may submit with 
their applications the additional survey located under ``Grant Related 
Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant 
Applicants''.

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
    This program is 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.'' Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs. As of October 1, 2003, the following 
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order 
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects 
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action 
in regard to E.O. 12372:
    All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, 
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, 
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, 
Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, 
Virginia, Washington, Wyoming and Palau have elected to participate in 
the Executive Order process and have established Single Points of 
Contact (SPOCs). Applicants from these twenty-seven jurisdictions need 
take no action.
    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 clearly differentiate 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., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447.
    A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory 
is included with the application materials for this announcement.

5. Funding Restrictions

Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects
    OCS will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is 
primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than 
the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the 
implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This 
prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting 
for specific services or activities that are needed to conduct the 
project.
Number of Projects in Application
    Each application may include only one proposed project.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two complete copies. The application must be 
received at the address below by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) 
on or before June 18, 2004. Applications should be mailed to: U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Community Services' Operations Center, 
1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209, 
ATTN: Barbara Ziegler Johnson.
    For Hand Delivery: Applicants must provide an original application 
with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two 
complete copies. The Application must be received at the address below 
by 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing date. 
Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours 
of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be 
delivered to: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services' 
Operations Center, 1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, 
Virginia 22209 Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson. It is strongly 
recommended that applicants obtain documentation that the application 
was hand delivered on or before the closing date. Applicants are 
cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as 
agreed.

[[Page 24643]]

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

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 0970-0139.
    The project description is approved under OMB Control Number 0970-
0139. 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.
    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.
Instructions: ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD)
    The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the 
``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections 
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that 
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under 
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD). The UPD was approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), control Number 0970-0139. The 
generic UPD requirement is followed by the evaluation criterion 
specific to the Community Services Block Grant legislation.
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. 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 the population to be served by the program and the number of 
new jobs that will be targeted to the target population. Explain how 
the project will reach the targeted population, how it will benefit 
participants including how it will support individuals to become more 
economically self-sufficient.
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. 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.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in, for 
example such terms as the ``number of people served.'' 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.
Evaluation
    Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and 
the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the 
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which 
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which 
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. 
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are 
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the 
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being 
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and 
discuss the

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impact of the project's various activities on the project's 
effectiveness.
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.

2. Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criterion I: Approach (Maximum: 35 Points)
    Factors:
    (1) The work program is results-oriented, approximately related to 
the legislative mandate and specifically related to the priority area 
under which funds are being requested. Application addresses the 
following: specific outcomes to be achieved; performance targets that 
the project is committed to achieving, including a discussion of and 
how the project will verify the achievement of these targets; critical 
milestones which must be achieved if results are to be gained; 
organizational support, the level of support from the applicant 
organization; past performance in similar work; and specific resources 
contributed to the project that are critical to success.
    (2) The application defines the comprehensive nature of the project 
and methods that will be used to ensure that the results can be used to 
address a statewide or nationwide project as defined by the description 
of the particular priority area.
Evaluation Criterion II: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 25 Points)
    Factors:
    (1) The application demonstrates that it has experience and a 
successful record of accomplishment relevant to the specific activities 
it proposes to accomplish.
    (2) If the application proposes to provide training and technical 
assistance, it details its abilities to provide those services on a 
nationwide basis. If applicable, information provided by the applicant 
also addresses related achievements and competence of each cooperating 
or sponsoring organization.
    (3) The application fully describes, for example in a resume, the 
experience and skills of the proposed project director and primary 
staff showing specific qualifications and professional experiences 
relevant to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
    (4) The application describes how it will involve partners in the 
Community Services Network in its activities. Where appropriate, 
applicant describes how it will interface with other related 
organizations.
    (5) If subcontracts are proposed, the application documents the 
willingness and capacity of the subcontracting organization(s) to 
participate as described.
Evaluation Criterion III: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum: 
20 Points)
    Factors:
    (1) The application documents 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.
    (2) The application provides current supporting documentation or 
other testimonies regarding needs from State CSBG Directors, CAAs and 
local service providers and/or State and Regional organizations of CAAs 
and other local service providers.
Evaluation Criterion IV: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 15 
Points)
    Factors:
    (1) The application describes how the project will assure long-term 
program and management improvements for State CSBG offices, CAA State 
and/or regional associations, CAAs and/or other local providers of CSBG 
services and activities.
    (2) The application indicates the types and amounts of public and/
or private resources it will mobilize, how those resources will 
directly benefit the project, and how the project will ultimately 
benefit low-income individuals and families.
    (3) If the application proposes a project with a training and 
technical assistance focus, the application indicates the number of 
organizations and/or staff that will benefit from those services.
    (4) If the application proposes a project with data collection 
focus, the application describes the mechanism it will use to collect 
data, how it can assure collections from a significant number of 
States, and the number of States willing to submit data to the 
applicant.
    (5) If the application proposes to develop a symposium series or 
other policy-related project(s), the application identifies the number 
and types of beneficiaries.
    (6) The application describes methods of securing participant 
feedback and evaluations of activities.
Criterion V: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 5 Points)
    Factors:
    (1) The resources requested are reasonable and adequate to 
accomplish the project
    (2) Total costs are reasonable and consistent with anticipated 
results.

2. Review and Selection Process

Initial OCS Screening
    Each application submitted to OCS 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.

[[Page 24645]]

    All applications must comply with the following requirements except 
as noted:
OCS Evaluation of Applications
    Applications that pass the initial OCS 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 OCS Director and program staff use the reviewer 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 OCS 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 OCS 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 applicant's progress in resolving any final audit 
disallowance on previous OCS or other Federal agency grants.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Following approval of the application selected for funding, ACF 
will mail a written notice of project approval and authority to draw 
down project funds. The official award document is the Financial 
Assistance Award that specifies the amount of 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 Financial 
Assistance Award is signed and issued via postal mail by an authorized 
Grants Officer.
    ACF will notify unsuccessful applicants after the award is issued 
to the successful applicant.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-
governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).

3. Special Terms and Conditions of Awards

    None.

4. Reporting Requirements

    All grantees are required to submit semi-annual program reports and 
semi-annual expenditure reports (SF-269) with final reports due 90 days 
after the project end date. A suggested format for the program report 
will be sent to all grantees after the awards are made.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact

Dr. Margaret Washnitzer, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services 
Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, 
Virginia 22209, E-Mail: [email protected], Phone: 1-800-281-9519.

Grants Management Office Contact

Barbara Ziegler Johnson, Team Leader, Office of Grants Management, 
Division of Discretionary Grants, Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Community Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, 
Arlington, Virginia 22209, E-Mail: [email protected], Phone: 1-800-281-
9519.

VIII. Other Information

    Additional information about this program and its purpose can be 
located on the following Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs.

    Dated: April 27, 2004.
Clarence H. Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 04-10084 Filed 5-3-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P