[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 104 (Friday, May 28, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30661-30672]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-12129]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Assets for Independence Demonstration Program

    Agency: Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of 
Community Services (OCS).
    Funding Opportunity Title: Assets for Independence Demonstration 
Program.
    Announcement Type: Competitive Grant-Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EI-0027.
    CFDA Number: 93.602.
    Due Dates for Applications: July 27, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community 
Services (OCS) will accept applications from organizations seeking 
financial assistance to establish and administer Assets for 
Independence (AFI) Projects. These projects are designed to assist low-
income people in becoming economically self-sufficient. They do so by 
helping clients learn about economic and consumer issues and establish 
matched savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDA) 
in order to save for a first home, a business or higher education. 
Grant recipient organizations (grantees) will be required to use a 
portion of the Federal financial assistance to support information 
collection and other activities related to an on-going national 
evaluation of the impact of AFI Projects and IDAs.
    Grantees must comply with requirements in this program's 
authorizing legislation, the Assets for Independence Act (AFIA) (Title 
IV of the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and 
Educational Services Act of 1998, as amended, Pub. L. 105-285, 42 
U.S.C. 604 note). A copy of the Act is available at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/

Program Purpose and Scope

    The purpose of the Assets for Independence Program is to 
demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of asset-building projects 
that teach low-income families about financial issues and enable them 
to save earned income over the long-term in special matched savings 
accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDA). The program is 
designed specifically to demonstrate and evaluate the effects of IDAs 
generally and AFI

[[Page 30662]]

Projects in particular in terms of increasing the economic self-
sufficiency of low-income families; for promoting savings for first-
time homeownership, post-secondary education, and small business or 
micro-enterprise development; and stabilizing and improving families 
and communities.
    OCS seeks to support new and innovative AFI Projects administered 
by national, State-wide, regional and community-based organizations 
across the nation. The office is interested in supporting organizations 
that would establish first-time AFI Projects. OCS is also interested in 
providing financial support for organizations that are managing 
existing AFI Projects.
    Examples of the types of organizations that may apply (if they meet 
all eligibility criteria) include, but are not limited to, community 
action agencies; community development corporations; financial 
institutions such as banks, credit unions, and community development 
financial institutions; faith-based and community organizations; State 
and local government agencies and other organizations; marriage 
strengthening coalitions; service and fraternal organizations; schools, 
colleges and universities; and consortia or groups of organizations 
that collaborate to administer an AFI Project.
    Because ACF wants to see a broad range of project types, we are 
encouraging applications that address one or more of the following:
     Projects that serve communities and groups that are less 
represented among the current AFI Projects such as residents of rural 
areas and Native American individuals or communities.
     Projects designed in partnership with schools, colleges or 
universities to provide services to youth who are saving to attend 
higher education.
     Projects designed in partnership with area businesses and 
structured to provide services to the employees of those businesses.
     Projects designed in partnership with local agency that 
manages the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and/or 
other employment education and training offices and child support 
enforcement agencies.
     Projects administered by a consortium or group of 
organizations. In this arrangement, a lead organization receives the 
OCS funding and administers the overall AFI Project including the 
financial accounting services for the project, while the subsidiary 
organizations implement project activities and provide services to 
project participants in a defined locality or a certain target 
population in a region, State, city or other geographic area. OCS 
believes such consortia or collaborative arrangements may be 
particularly cost effective and efficient.
     Projects that involve local family strengthening 
coalitions and related organizations in an effort to integrate asset-
building work with activities that promote healthy marriage and family 
formation. These activities may include, for example, communication 
skills training, marriage-oriented financial education, family 
budgeting, and marriage enrichment training. The goal for integrating 
asset building with healthy marriage projects is to link financial 
education with family budgeting abilities and marital communication 
skills that help to strengthen families and improve the communities in 
which families live. Furthermore, ACF is also encouraging applications 
that:
     Propose to enroll participants from households in which a 
child or children are living with the child's biological or adoptive 
parent or legal guardian;
     Propose to enroll individuals residing within relatively 
well-defined neighborhoods or communities that experience high rates of 
poverty or unemployment; or
     Propose a high proportion of cost-share funds committed 
from private sector sources.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Program Funding: $18,000,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 55.
    Ceiling on amount of Individual Awards: $1,000,000 per project 
period and budget period.
    An application received that exceeds the upper value of the dollar 
range specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned 
to the applicant without further review.
    Floor of Individual Awards: None.
    Average Anticipated Award Amount: $360,000 per project period and 
budget period.
    Project Periods for Awards: 5 year (60 months) project period with 
5 year (60 months) budget period.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    State governments or agencies; county governments or agencies; city 
or township governments or agencies including Public Housing 
Authorities; special district governments or agencies; independent 
school districts; Tribal governments as defined by section 4 of the 
Indian Self Determination and Education Act (25 U.S.C. 450b); Native 
Hawaiian organizations as defined by section 7912 of the Native 
Hawaiian Education Act (20 U.S.C. 7912); non-profits having a 501(c)(3) 
status with the Internal Revenue Service; faith-based organizations 
having 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service; private 
institutions of higher education having 501(c)(3) status with the 
Internal Revenue Service; Low Income Credit Unions so designated by the 
National Credit Union Administration; Community Development Financial 
Institutions so designated by the U.S. Treasury; and other 
organizations.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: State, Tribal County, or 
local governments, school districts, Public Housing authorities, and 
other governments or agencies are eligible only if they apply jointly 
with a non-profit organization having 501(c)(3) status that provides 
evidence of its IRS tax-exempt status.
    Applications submitted by joint applicants, for example, by a 
State, local or Tribal government agency and a non-profit organization, 
must clearly identify the organizations that are the joint applicants. 
The required Standard Form 424 ``Application for Federal Assistance'' 
must be signed by an authorized representative of the joint applicant 
that will be responsible for grant administration and AFI Project 
implementation. The responsible applicant may be either the government 
agency or the non-profit organization.
    Non-profit applicants applying for funding are required to submit 
proof of their 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Proof of this status is 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.
    Low-Income Credit Unions and Community Development Financial 
Institutions are eligible to apply directly if they demonstrate a 
strong collaborative relationship with one or more local community-
based organization(s) that seek to address poverty and the needs of 
community residents. Such community-based organizations may be non-
profit organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status, philanthropic 
foundations such as community foundations, or for-profit organizations.
    Applicant Low-Income Credit Unions and Community Development 
Financial Institutions may be a component of a State, local or Tribal 
government, or a

[[Page 30663]]

non-profit or for-profit organization including a faith-based 
organization.
    Applicant Low-Income Credit Unions must submit official 
documentation that the National Credit Union Administration has 
designated the organization as such. For information about Low-Income 
Credit Unions, see http://www.ncua.gov.
    Applicant Community Development Financial Institutions must submit 
official documentation that the U. S. Department of the Treasury has 
designated the organization as such. For information about designated 
organizations, go to http://www.cdfifund.gov.
    Existing AFI Project grantees may submit applications for funding 
for new five-year projects. Such applicants will be reviewed 
competitively with all other applications.
    Applications that exceed the ceiling on amount of individual awards 
will be considered non-responsive and will be returned to the applicant 
without further review.
    Applications that fail to include the required non-federal cost 
share will be considered non-responsive and will be returned to the 
applicant without further review.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Grantees must provide or arrange for the provision of at least 50 
percent of the total approved cost of the project from non-Federal 
sources. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the 
Federal grant and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal cost share 
must be met by cash contributions. Therefore, a project requesting 
$350,000 in Federal funds must provide firm commitments of at least 
$350,000 of non-Federal contribution (50 percent of the total approved 
project cost of $700,000). Grantees will be held accountable for all 
non-Federal contributions described in their application even if they 
have demonstrated contributions that exceed the required minimum 
amount.
    The basis for an applicant's meeting the cost-share commitment must 
be firm, and cannot be speculative. Applications without a firm cost-
share commitment will not be evaluated.
    A firm cost-share commitment may be shown by letters from 
contributing organizations, signed financial agreements, or other 
means. The firm commitments need not require full payment of the cost-
share commitment at one time. Rather, for example, they may be a firm 
commitment to provide funding according to a well-defined payment 
schedule over the project period.

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
    Applicants that fail to follow the required format described in 
section IV.2 ``Content and Form or Application Submission'' will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for 
funding under this announcement.
    Applications that exceed the $1,000,000 ceiling will be considered 
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this 
announcement.
    Applications from non-profit applicants that fail to submit proof 
of their 501(3) non-profit status 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

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, 
Assets for Independence Program, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, 
Arlington, Virginia 22209, Email: [email protected]; Telephone: (800) 281-
9519; ATTN: Assets for Independence Program.
    URL to Obtain an AFI Program Application Package: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/.
    Applicants are encouraged to use information provided in the AFI 
Program Application Package. The packages provide detailed information 
about AFI Program requirements and tips on developing a high quality 
project. The packages also include several worksheets that are useful 
for project planning and developing application materials. The packages 
are posted on the Internet at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/. 
Applicants that use the work sheets may choose to include them as 
appendices to their application materials.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    This subsection provides detailed instructions for developing the 
application. Please see Section V ``Application Review Information'' 
for additional relevant information.
Application Format
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format.
    To submit an application electronically, please use the 
www.Grants.gov 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 Grant.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 to 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 
assurance and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this program announcement.

[[Page 30664]]

     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 Grant.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.
    To submit an application in paper format, please do the following.
    Submit an original application and two additional copies. The 
original and copies must include all required forms, certifications, 
assurances and appendices. It must be signed by an authorized 
representative and have original signatures.
    Applicants have the option of omitting from the copies (not the 
original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in 
the application budget.
    Applicants who choose to submit the application materials in paper 
format are strongly encouraged also to provide an electronic copy on 
floppy disk or on CD-ROM in any standard formats such as MS Word, 
WordPerfect, and Adobe Acrobat.
    Submit paper application materials on white 8\1/2\ by 11 inch paper 
only. Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
    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. 
Also include page numbers for supplemental documents, including 
appendices. Please do not include organizational brochures or other 
promotional materials, slides, films, newspaper clips, and so forth.
    Please present paper application materials either in loose-leaf 
notebooks or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center 
and fastened with a slide paper fastener.
Page Limitation
    The application package including sections for the table of 
contents, project abstract, and project narrative may not exceed 40 
pages. The page limitation does not include required standard forms, 
assurances, certifications, disclosures and appendices. The page 
limitation also does not apply to any supplemental documents required 
in this announcement.
Application Content
    Each application must include the seven components listed below. 
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials that are 
responsive to guidance in this section and in the six evaluation 
criteria listed in this announcement. The ``Application Review 
Information'' section provides additional generic guidance that applies 
to all ACF competitive grant announcements, which applicants will find 
helpful.
    1. Table of Contents--Numbered list of sections, sub-sections, and 
appendices with corresponding page numbers.
    2. Abstract--Brief narrative that describes the project goals and 
objectives, the target populations or communities, the overall strategy 
or work plan, and information about the applicant and all participating 
organizations including financial institutions. List all sources of 
financial and in-kind support.
    3. Project Narrative--Narrative that addresses all issues listed 
below and includes the following components and other matters noted in 
the ``Evaluation Criteria'' section of this announcement.
    (a) Goals and Objectives--One or two broad statements of the 
overall desired goals of the proposed AFI Project, and a small number 
(4-6) of objectives that describe measurable outcomes the project is 
expected to produce in a given time period such as, (1) The increase in 
percentage of project participants who are homeowners; (2) The increase 
in the percentage of project participants who acquire postsecondary 
education; and (3) The increase in the percentage of project 
participants who create or expand a micro-enterprise. Applicants are 
encouraged to develop additional outcome statements that address their 
program's unique goals. These may focus on how the proposed project 
will enhance the overall AFI Demonstration and add to the national 
evaluation of the extent to which IDAs help reduce poverty.
    (b) Needs for Assistance and Strengths--Description of the 
populations or communities to be assisted. Document needs in terms of 
geographic location, participant eligibility and other factors. Use 
indicators such as the following to document these ``other factors'': 
homeownership rates, education attainment, access to capital, use of 
Federal or State Earned Income Tax Credit or other refundable credits, 
use of financial institutions for saving or checking accounts, rates of 
reliance on public assistance or degree of reliance on check cashing 
services or other such financial services. Describe particular 
strengths of the proposed target populations or communities. For 
example, include important community organizations, degree of community 
cohesion or identity, meaningful involvement by area employers and 
significant investment in the target population or neighborhoods 
through other Federal, Tribal, State or local government programs or 
private sector or philanthropic initiatives.
    (c) Approach--(i) Narrative Work Plan--Description of all 
significant planned activities for the project including those 
supported by the applicant and partner organizations throughout the 60-
month project period. Describe all major elements and activities such 
as those listed below. (Provide estimates of the outputs for each 
activity.)
    (A) Selecting and training key staff for the project.
    (B) Developing strong collaborations with key government agencies, 
faith-based organizations, and non-profit and for-profit organizations 
that will support the overall asset building strategy.
    (C) Establishing and maintaining the Project Reserve Fund.
    (D) Developing protocols for managing the Project Reserve Fund 
account including a system for allocating interest income for project 
administration and to project participants.
    (E) Establishing strong working relationships with one or more 
financial institution(s) that will participate in the project.
    (F) Reaching out to community residents, employers and other key 
institutions about asset-building strategies in general and the IDA 
program in particular.
    (G) Screening and selecting project participants.
    (H) Determining the unique needs of each participant or group of 
participants including their needs for economic education, credit 
repair and other assistance, as well as determining their particular 
strengths.
    (I) Providing economic education, credit repair, asset-specific 
information and other training or supportive services to participants.
    (J) Developing savings plans with participants and working with 
them to save accordingly.
    (K) Providing payments to project participants' IDAs as match for 
savings.
    (L) Establishing and maintaining IDAs for each participant 
including specific

[[Page 30665]]

arrangements concerning the accounts with financial institutions or 
others.
    (M) Assisting participants who have difficulty completing the 
economic education or abiding with the terms of their savings plan.
    (N) Ensuring that clients use IDAs only as appropriate, including 
for emergency expenses.
    (O) Ensuring that project participants purchase an eligible 
appreciable long-term asset within the program timeframes.
    (P) Providing follow-up assistance to participants, if needed.
    (Q) Providing required financial and programmatic reports to ACF.
    (R) Participating actively in the national evaluation of the 
demonstration program including providing program data and other 
information as required.
    (S) Managing periodic internal program reviews concerning staffing, 
participant successes, and other issues to be addressed.
    (ii) Tax Preparation and Tax Credit Outreach--Description of 
planned strategies for assisting project participants with preparing 
annual tax returns and, if applicable, applying for Federal and State 
refundable tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the 
Child Tax Credit.
    (iii) Timeline--A 60-month project timeline that is consistent with 
the proposed budget, that reflects key activities outlined in the 
narrative work plan and that accommodates the requirement that all 
project participants complete their economic education, complete their 
savings plans and purchase an appreciable asset by the end of the 
project. Applicants are strongly encouraged to present the timeline in 
the format of a Gantt chart.
    (iv) Planned IDA Match--Description of the plan for matching 
participants' saving in their IDAs including a description of the 
rationale for the match rate used for each of the three allowed asset 
purchases. For example, a description of the match rate for 
participants who will save for a first home and the rationale for 
choosing that rate. Include this information for each type of asset for 
which project participants will be allowed to save.
    (v) Innovative Approaches--Description of innovative aspects of the 
proposed project. Describe how the proposed project will be supported 
by area employers or other private sector entities. Discuss any aspects 
that are unique or innovative for the target community or population 
and why each aspect is important to the overall success of the proposed 
project. Discuss strategies for using information technology for the 
project. Discuss using direct deposit for participant savings. If 
appropriate, discuss how the proposed project would be an important 
component of other significant and comprehensive neighborhood 
revitalization initiative(s) such as a Federal Empowerment Zone, 
Enterprise Community or Renewal Community project, Weed and Seed 
project sites or private sector or philanthropic initiatives.
    (vi) Partner Organizations--List of public and private non-profit 
and for-profit organizations that will participate in any way in the 
proposed project. Provide a clear description of the roles and 
responsibilities of each organization including the role each will have 
in providing services for project clients and the degree to which they 
will have a role in managing the overall project. Describe how 
additional partners would be recruited throughout the project period.
    If the applicant is the lead organization of a collaborative or 
group of organizations that will jointly administer the project, 
provide a description of each organization including details about each 
one's experience and staff capabilities. Also include a description of 
the lead agency's capacity and experience in managing multi-agency 
projects and the roles and responsibilities of each partner agency. 
Such applicants are strongly encouraged to provide copies of official 
partnering agreements signed by the participating organizations that 
clearly set forth each organization's roles and responsibilities for 
the proposed project.
    Describe the partner relationship between the applicant (and 
partner organizations, if appropriate) and one or more Federally funded 
financial institution(s) where the Project Reserve Fund and participant 
Individual Development Accounts will be established and maintained. (If 
the applicant organization is a financial institution and it will be 
the depository of the Project Reserve Fund and participants' IDAs 
include a statement so indicating.)
    4. Results or Benefits Expected--Explain how the project will 
produce results. Specify outcome and output statements that can be used 
as indicators of the extent to which each Objective listed under 
``Goals and Objectives'' above are being achieved. Include participant-
level and Agency-level output and outcome statements, as appropriate.
    An outcome statement describes the result of the AFI Project's 
effort. Participant-level outcome statements may include, for example, 
the extent to which participants improve their credit history; file 
Federal and State tax returns and apply for Earned Income Tax Credit, 
Child Tax Credit or other refundable tax credits (if applicable); save 
earned income; gain assets, and become economically self-sufficient for 
the long term. Agency-level outcome statements may include: develop 
stronger positive relationships with partner service providers, area 
employers and financial institutions.
    An output statement describes the goods and services produced which 
can be measured on a periodic basis (e.g., quarterly). (The output 
statements should reflect the timing of activities and tasks listed in 
the project narrative and shown on the Gantt chart developed for the 
work plan.) Participant-level outputs may include the number of 
outreach activities completed; the number of participants recruited and 
enrolled; the number of financial education classes offered; number of 
asset-specific trainings offered; and so on. Agency-level output 
statements may describe the extent to which the AFI Project agency 
provides timely reports to ACF on financial and programmatic issues, as 
well as on providing information for the national evaluation.
    5. Evaluation Plan--Description of a strategy for collecting and 
validating data for use in program management, monitoring and 
evaluation. Provide a statement that the applicant and any 
participating organizations will cooperate and participate actively 
with OCS in the national evaluation of the Assets for Independence 
Demonstration Program. Provide a statement that the applicant will use 
an electronic management information system for project data.
    6. Organizational Profile--Description of the applicant 
organization. Describe the organization's capacity for and experience 
in developing and operating anti-poverty and asset-building projects. 
Discuss previous successes at working with the target populations and 
communities. Discuss the organization's experience in working closely 
with financial institutions, area employers, and other key 
organizations. Identify staff that will be responsible for managing and 
administering the project and discuss their relevant experience. 
Include copies of resumes or other summary information about the skills 
and capacity of each proposed key staff person. Also provide the 
following additional information:
    (a) Proof of Eligibility--Provide required proof of eligibility for 
the applicant organization and, if relevant, partner organizations. See 
Section III

[[Page 30666]]

``Eligibility Information'' for more details.
    (b) Proof of Commitment of Non-Federal Cost Share--One or more 
completed ``Non-Federal Contribution Agreement'' form(s) or 
statement(s) of commitment including information about the required 
contribution from private or non-Federal public sources.
    7. Budget and Budget Justification--Provide completed Standard 
Forms and a narrative as follows:
    (a) Completed Standard Form 424--Standard form that has been signed 
by an authorized official representative of the lead applicant 
organization.
    (b) Standard Form 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs.
    (c) Narrative Budget Justification--Narrative information about 
each object class category required under Section B, Standard Form 
424A, including a description of reasonable funding amounts for 
actions, tasks and so forth.
    Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies 
(not the original) of specific salary rates or amounts for individuals 
specified in the application budget.
Required Standard Forms
    Applicants must sign and return Standard Form 424, Application for 
Federal Assistance. The form must be signed and submitted with the 
application.
    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 sign and 
submit the Form 424B with their application.
    Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying when 
applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and 
return the certification with their applications.
    Applicants must 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 application, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification with the 
application.
    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.'' 
The forms are located on the web at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm

3. Submission Date and Times

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
(Eastern Standard Time) on July 27, 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 following address: U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community 
Services Operations Center, Assets for Independence Program, 1815 Fort 
Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209, ATTN: Barbara 
Ziegler-Johnson, Telephone: 1-800-281-9519.
    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, at the following address: U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children 
and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, Assets 
for Independence Program, 1815 Fort Meyers Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, 
Virginia 22209, ATTN: Barbara Ziegler-Johnson, Telephone: 1-800-281-
9519.
    Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do 
not always deliver as agreed.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mails service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Required form or
            What to submit                 Required content              format               When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Table of Contents...................  A numbered list of       Number each page         By application due
                                        sections, subsections    sequentially.            date.
                                        and appendices
                                        included in the
                                        application materials.
 Project Summary/Abstract............  Brief narrative that     Consistent with          By application due
                                        identifies the type of   guidance in the          date.
                                        project, the target      ``Application
                                        population and the       Content'' sub-section
                                        major elements.          and the evaluation
                                                                 criteria listed in
                                                                 this announcement.
 Project Narrative...................  A narrative that         Consistent with          By application due
                                        includes the following   guidance in the          date.
                                        three sub-components     ``Application
                                        and addresses issues     Content'' sub-section
                                        described in the         and the evaluation
                                        ``Application Review     criteria listed in
                                        Information'' and the    this announcement.
                                        evaluation criteria
                                        listed in this
                                        announcement.
 Project Narrative Component A--Goals  Narrative that           Consistent with          By application due
 and Objectives.                        describes the project    guidance in the          date.
                                        goals for the proposed   ``Application
                                        asset-building           Content'' sub-section
                                        strategies. Also         and the evaluation
                                        include objectives       criteria listed in
                                        that describe            this announcement.
                                        measurable targets to
                                        be achieved.

[[Page 30667]]

 
 Project Narrative Component B--Needs  Narrative that           Consistent with          By application due
 for Assistance and Strengths.          describes the economic   guidance in the          date.
                                        condition of the         ``Application
                                        target populations and   Content'' sub-section
                                        communities, with        and the evaluation
                                        particular attention     criteria listed in
                                        to the needs to be       this announcement.
                                        addressed and the
                                        strengths of the
                                        community that will
                                        bolster a successful
                                        program.
 Project Narrative Component C--       Overall detailed         Consistent with          By application due
 Approach.                              project work plan.       guidance in              date.
                                                                 ``Application
                                                                 Content'' sub-section
                                                                 and the evaluation
                                                                 criteria listed in
                                                                 this announcement.
 Results or Benefits Expected........  Projected results.       Consistent with          By application due
                                        Include outcome and      guidance in the          date.
                                        output statements.       ``Application
                                                                 Content'' sub-section
                                                                 and the evaluation
                                                                 criteria listed in
                                                                 this announcement.
 Evaluation Plan.....................  Detailed information     Consistent with          By application due
                                        about the proposed       guidance in the          date.
                                        strategy for             ``Application
                                        collecting data for      Content'' sub-section
                                        program management and   and the evaluation
                                        evaluation.              criteria listed in
                                                                 this announcement.
 Organizational Profile..............  Description of           Consistent with          By application due
                                        organizational and       guidance in the          date.
                                        staff capacity, proof    ``Additional
                                        of eligibility and       Information on
                                        proof of commitment of   Eligibility ''
                                        non-Federal cost share.  section, the
                                                                 ``Application
                                                                 Content'' sub-section
                                                                 and the evaluation
                                                                 criteria listed in
                                                                 this announcement.
 Budget and Budget Justification and   Budget information       Consistent with          By application due
 Standard Forms.                        including: narrative     guidance in              date.
                                        budget justification;    ``Application
                                        completed Standard       Content'' sub-section
                                        Form 424; completed      of this announcement.
                                        Standard Form 424A;      Required Standard
                                        completed Standard       Forms are posted on
                                        Form 424B.               the Internet at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
 Certification regarding lobbying....  As per required form...  Required Standard Forms  By application due
                                                                 are posted on the        date.
                                                                 Internet at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
 Certification regarding               As per required form...  Required Standard Forms  By application due
 environmental tobacco smoke.                                    are posted on the        date.
                                                                 Internet at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
 Proof of Eligibility................  As described in Section  Per description in       By application due
                                        III. Eligibility.        Section III..            date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additional Forms: 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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What to submit                 Required content     Required form or format       When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant   Per optional form......  Posted on the Internet   By application due
 Applicants.                                                     at http://               date.
                                                                 www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.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 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following 
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order 
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects 
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action 
in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, 
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, 
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, 
Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, 
Washington and Wyoming.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities that 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

[[Page 30668]]

to alert them about 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.
    Comments should be submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations 
Center, Assets for Independence Program, 1815 Fort Meyers Drive, Suite 
300, Arlington, Virginia 22209, ATTN: Barbara Ziegler-Johnson.
    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

    Grantees must adhere to all requirements of the AFI Act (``Act'') 
(Pub. L. 105-284, 42 U.S.C. 604 note). Some critical requirements are 
listed below.
    As provided in the Act, section 404, an ``Individual Development 
Account'' is a trust or custodial account created or organized in the 
United States exclusively for the purpose of paying the qualified 
expenses of an eligible AFI Project participant, or enabling the 
participant to make an emergency withdrawal. The Act imposes the 
following limitations, as follows:
    (a) No contribution will be accepted for deposit into the IDA 
unless it is in cash or by check.
    (b) The IDA trustee is a Federally-insured financial institution or 
a State insured financial institution if no Federally-insured financial 
institution is available.
    (c) An IDA custodial account will be treated as a trust if the 
account assets are held by a bank or a person who demonstrates that 
they will administer the account consistent with the requirements of 
the Act and if the account would, except for the fact that it is not a 
trust, constitute an IDA as defined above.
    (d) The assets of the IDA trust or custodial account will be 
invested in accordance with the direction of the AFI Project 
participant after consultation with the AFI Project grantee 
organization.
    (e) The assets of the trust or custodial account will not be 
commingled with other property except in a common trust fund or common 
investment fund.
    (f) Any amount in the trust or custodial account that is 
attributable to a deposit from the Project Reserve Fund may be 
distributed out of the trust or custodial account only for the purpose 
of paying the qualified expenses of the AFI Project participant.
    (g) Any balance in the trust or custodial account on the day after 
the AFI Project participant dies shall be distributed within 30 days of 
that date as directed by the participant to another IDA established for 
benefit of another eligible individual.
    As provided in the Act, section 404, there are certain limitations 
on the types of expenses for which the project participants may use 
their IDA resources. AFI Projects may allow participants to use IDA 
savings for any one or more of four expenses, as follows (subject to 
additional AFIA restrictions):
    (a) Post-secondary educational expenses paid from an IDA account 
directly to an eligible educational institution. Educational expenses 
are, for example, tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment.
    (b) First-home purchase expenses for a qualified principal 
residence paid from an IDA account directly to the persons for whom the 
amounts are due.
    (c) Business capitalization expenses paid from an IDA account 
directly to a business capitalization account that is established in a 
Federally-insured financial institution or State insured institution if 
no Federally-insured financial institution is available.
    (d) Transfers to IDAs of family members.
    As provided in the Act, section 407, there are certain limitations 
on the use of AFI grant funds. Consistent with these:
    OCS will support qualified entities, other than a State or local 
government agency or a tribal government, that propose to establish a 
Project Reserve Fund in accordance with legislative requirements 
including that as soon as practicable after receipt of the award, the 
grantee will deposit in the Project Reserve Fund all cost-share funds 
provided to the grantee from any public or private source in connection 
with the AFI Project and the proceeds from any investments made, as 
allowed by the Act.
    OCS will support programs that propose to use at least 85 percent 
of the sum of the AFI grant and the required non-Federal, cash cost-
share contribution to make matching deposits to project participants' 
IDAs.
    OCS will only support AFI Projects that propose to use no more than 
15 percent of the AFI grant for the following three purposes:
    (a) Assisting program participants in obtaining skills and 
information they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Typically, 
such activities include case management, credit counseling and economic 
education and training on budgeting and credit issues.
    (b) Supporting program administrative activities. Typically, these 
include program management, staffing, facilities and rent, and 
supplies. They also include costs associated with complying with 
recruitment and enrollment of program participants and Federal 
reporting requirements. OCS will not support projects that propose to 
use more than 7.5 percent of the Project Reserve Fund for these 
functions.
    (c) Participating actively in the national program evaluation and 
research. OCS will not support projects that propose to use less than 2 
percent of the Project Reserve Fund for this function.
    An applicant that proposes to use less than 5.5 percent of the 
Project Reserve Fund for purpose A above may apply up to an additional 
2.5 percent of the Project Reserve Fund for purpose B.
    Where more than one grantee jointly administers a project, or where 
an applicant is a consortium of organizations, each organization must 
use no more than its proportional share of the 15 percent for the three 
purposes.
    As provided in the Act, section 408, individuals with the following 
qualifications are eligible to enroll as a participant in an AFI 
Project:
    (a) Any member of a household that is eligible for assistance under 
the State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program established 
under part A of title VI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.); or
    (b) Any individual whose household adjusted gross income is equal 
to or less than 200 percent of the poverty line (as determined by the 
Office of Management and Budget) or less than the earned income amount 
eligible for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit

[[Page 30669]]

taking into account the size of the household (as described in section 
32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986). In addition, an individuals' 
household net worth is no more than $10,000 (not including the value of 
the primary dwelling unit and one motor vehicle).
    As provided in the Act, section 410, at least every three months, 
each AFI Project grantee shall make matching deposits into project 
participants' IDAs (or into a parallel account). The deposits must be 
made in equal amounts from Federal funds and non-Federal cost-share 
funds from the Project Reserve Fund. Deposits may also be made from 
interest income accrued on funds on deposit in the Project Reserve Fund 
and allocated for participant IDAs.
    As provided in the Act, section 410, not more than $2,000 from an 
AFI grant shall be provided to any one project participant. 
Furthermore, no more than $4,000 from an AFI grant shall be provided to 
any one household over the course of the AFI Project.
    OCS will only support programs for project and budget periods of 
five years. AFI Project grantees may expend funds during the five year 
project and budget period in keeping with program requirements.
    OCS will not support programs that propose to use grant funds to 
support pre-award costs.
    Prior to award of project funds, OCS will communicate with 
potential grantees to ensure that the proposed projects conform to all 
AFI Act requirements.

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 U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families Office of Community 
Services Operations Center, Assets for Independence Program, 1815 Fort 
Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209. Applicants are 
responsible for mailing applications well in advance, when using all 
mail services, to ensure that the applications are received on or 
before the deadline time and date.
    Hand Delivery: Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant 
couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/
express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between 
the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, at the 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, 
Assets for Independence Program, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, 
Arlington, Virginia 22209. 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.
    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 30 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 4/30/2007.
    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. The following section provides a 
general overview of the recommended contents of each applicant's 
project narrative. Following the general description are criteria 
specific to the AFI Program.
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, 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.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. Explain how the 
project will reach the targeted population and how it will benefit 
participants or the community.
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

[[Page 30670]]

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 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, documentation of professional accreditation, 
information on compliance with Federal/State/local government 
standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other 
pertinent information.
    A non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the 
applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent 
list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the 
IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of 
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget 
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed 
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, 
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to 
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the 
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Criterion I: Objectives and Needs for Assistance (Maximum: 
10 Points)
Factor: Goal and Objectives Statements (5 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant presents a clear goal statement 
supporting asset-building in general and IDAs in particular as 
strategies for helping low-income and low-wealth individuals and 
families become economically self-sufficient. The extent to which the 
applicant presents a small number of clear objective statements that 
describe anticipated targets or results of the project, including the 
following three objectives as long as they apply to the proposed 
project (These are linked to the national AFI Program goals.): (1) The 
increase in percentage of project participants who are homeowners; (2) 
The increase in the percentage of project participants who acquire 
postsecondary education; and (3) The increase in the percentage of 
project participants who create or expand a micro-enterprise. The 
extent to which the goals and objectives relate to the needs for 
assistance and strengths identified. The extent to which the 
applicant's goals and objectives reflect a commitment to the national 
demonstration of the AFI Program and IDAs as tools for reducing 
poverty.
Factors: Needs for Assistance and Strengths (5 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant clearly identifies the target 
population and community(ies) or neighborhood(s) that will be the focus 
of the project, in terms of the geographic area, participant income, 
and other compelling information such as demographics, savings/assets 
acquisition, needs and strengths, and other factors. The extent to 
which the target population will include households in which a child or 
children is living with the child's biological or adoptive parent or 
legal guardian. The extent to which the project will enroll individuals 
residing within relatively well-defined neighborhoods or communities 
that experience high rates of poverty or unemployment.
Evaluation Criterion II: Approach (Maximum: 50 Points)
Factor: Work Plan and Timeline (25 Points)
    (1) The extent to which the applicant presents a logical work plan 
with all major activities throughout the 60-month project period 
including any supported with non-Federal resources or provided by 
participating organizations. The extent to which the applicant provides 
a full and accurate description of the proposed use of the all 
requested financial assistance.
    (2) The extent to which the applicant describes how the proposed 
project as a whole will operate from day to day, including 
responsibilities of the applicant and those of all participating 
organizations including the financial institutions.
    (3) The extent to which the applicant proposes a 60-month project 
timeline that is consistent with the proposed budget that reflects key 
activities outlined in the narrative work plan and that accommodates 
the requirement that all project participants complete their economic 
education, complete their savings plans and purchase a qualified asset 
by the end of the project.
Factor: Tax Services (3 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant proposes to provide tax 
preparation assistance and assistance for claiming refundable tax 
credits such as Federal and State Earned Income Tax Credit and the 
Child Tax Credit for project participants as part of the overall 
program.
Factor: IDA Match Rate (5 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant proposes a clear and reasonable 
match rate or a menu of match rates for participants' IDAs that reflect 
the costs of eligible assets in the target community(ies). The extent 
to which the overall match rate strategy is reasonable in the context 
of other features of the proposed project.
Factor: Innovation (5 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant proposes innovative strategies 
for vital issues such as recruiting participants, working with local 
partners such as employers and financial institutions and so forth. The 
extent to which the applicant includes strategies for enhancing 
financial education and financial literacy components of the program. 
The extent to which the applicant describes strategies for strong 
program administration through building partnerships with other 
organizations, using information technology, and arranging for direct 
deposits in project participants' IDAs. The extent to which the 
applicant describes how the proposed project would be a component of 
other significant and comprehensive neighborhood change projects 
supported by government agencies or private sector or philanthropic 
organizations such as Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Community, or 
Renewal Community projects, Weed and Seed project sites, and so forth. 
The extent to which the project will integrate asset-building work with 
activities that promote healthy marriage and family formation as a 
means of achieving safety, permanency, and well-being for children and 
families.
Factor: Partners/Collaborations (12 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant describes the array of public and 
private organizations that will be involved in administering the 
project, the roles and responsibilities of each, and the process for 
recruiting additional partners throughout the project period. If the

[[Page 30671]]

applicant is the lead organization of a collaborative or group of 
organizations that will administer the project, the extent to which the 
applicant describes its capacity and experience in managing multi-
agency projects and the roles and responsibilities of each 
participating organization. The extent to which the applicant describes 
its relationship with one or more Federally insured financial 
institution(s) where the Project Reserve Fund and participant 
Individual Development Accounts will be established and maintained and 
provides clear documentation such as partnership agreements listing the 
financial institution(s) commitments and role(s). The extent to which 
the project will secure cost-share funds from private sector sources.
Evaluation Criterion III: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 10 
Points)
    The extent to which the application describes results the project 
will produce. The extent to which the explanation presents clear 
outcome and output statements that indicate progress in achieving the 
objectives (as stated in the Goals and Objectives section) for 
delivering asset-building services and in affecting the economic status 
of project participants and in the target community(ies).
Evaluation Criterion IV: Evaluation (Maximum: 5 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant presents a clear strategy for 
gathering information for program management and for producing semi-
annual and annual fiscal and program progress reports including using 
an electronic information system for managing project data including 
information about the status of participants, their savings, and so 
forth. The extent to which the applicant presents a clear commitment to 
participate actively in the national outcome and process evaluation of 
the overall AFI Program by providing relevant and timely data to OCS 
and by collaborating with OCS on evaluation activities throughout the 
project.
Evaluation Criterion V: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 20 Points)
    Factors:
    (1) The extent to which the applicant provides clear and convincing 
information that it has needed capacity and relevant experience in 
developing and operating programs for addressing the causes and effects 
of poverty.
    (2) The extent to which the applicant provides a clear management 
plan that describes the applicant agency and all partnering agencies 
and consortium members (where applicable); and an indication of what 
organizations will perform various project tasks such as recruiting, 
training, economic literacy training, and support activities.
    (3) The extent to which the applicant identifies a Project Director 
and other program staff with relevant experience in addressing poverty 
issues and working with financial institutions, specific experience 
with the target population and experience with asset-building 
approaches in general and IDAs in particular.
Criterion VI: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 5 Points)
    The extent to which the applicant organization(s) provides a budget 
commensurate with the level of effort necessary to accomplish the goals 
and objectives of the project, and demonstrate that the estimated cost 
to the government is reasonable in relation to the anticipated results. 
The extent to which the applicant presents a detailed budget breakdown 
and a narrative justification for each of the budget categories in the 
SF-424A and reasonable funding amounts for program administration, 
economic education and other training and services for project 
participants.

1. Review and Selection Process

OCS Evaluation of Applications
    Applications will undergo an initial OCS screening to ensure that 
they comply with the format requirements as outlined in this 
announcement. Applications that fulfill these requirements will be 
reviewed and rated by a panel based on the application content and 
evaluation criteria presented in this announcement.
    The evaluation 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 OCS Director and program staff use review panel scores when 
considering competing applications. Review panel 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 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; OCS 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.
    Additional considerations for applications that rank high include: 
(a) previous performance of the applicant; (b) the results of a pre-
award site visit to assess an applicant prior to making a final 
determination on the grant award.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of 
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of 
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective 
date of the grant, the budget period for the initial support will be 
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, 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.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

3. Reporting Requirements

    Programmatic Reports: All grantees are required to submit semi-
annual program reports with the final report due 90 days after the 
project end date. Grantees are also required to submit semi-annual 
expenditure reports using the required financial standard form (SF-269) 
with the final report 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.
    Special Reporting Requirements: All grantees are required to submit 
annual data reports. A suggested format for the program report will be 
sent to all grantees after the awards are made.
    Original reports and one copy should be mailed to: Office of Grants 
Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW.,

[[Page 30672]]

Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: James Gatz, Office of Community Services, 
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Suite 500 West, Aerospace Building, 
Washington, DC 20447-0002, Email: [email protected], Telephone: 
(202) 401-4626.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Barbara Ziegler Johnson, Office 
of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002. Email: 
[email protected]. Telephone: 1-800-281-9519.

VIII. Other Information

    Additional information about this program, including Application 
Package and tips on developing a high quality project, is posted on the 
Internet at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/.

    Dated: May 20, 2004.
Clarence H. Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 04-12129 Filed 5-27-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-U