[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 113 (Monday, June 14, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33182-33202]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-13079]



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Part III





Department of Health and Human Services





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Administration for Children and Families



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Early Learning Opportunities Act (ELOA) Discretionary Grants; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 113 / Monday, June 14, 2004 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Early Learning Opportunities Act (ELOA) Discretionary Grants

    Program Office Name: Administration for Children and Families, 
Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Child Care Bureau.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Early Learning Opportunities Act (ELOA) 
Discretionary Grants.
    Announcement Type: Competitive Grant-Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-LO-0024.
    CFDA Number: 93.577.
    Due Date for Applications: Applications are due July 27, 2004.
    Due Date for Letter of Intent (Optional): Letters of intent are due 
3 weeks prior to application due date.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Priority Area: I. Early Learning Opportunities Act

    The Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Child Care 
Bureau announces the availability of funds and request for applications 
for its FY 2004 Early Learning Opportunities Act (ELOA) grants. Funds 
will be awarded to Local Councils that have been designated, as 
evidenced in a letter of designation, by an entity of local government, 
an Indian Tribe, Regional Corporation, or Native Hawaiian entity, as 
the Local Council for the purposes of applying for an ELOA grant. Local 
Councils must submit the results of a current needs and resources 
assessment and a plan, addressing the most significant needs. Local 
Councils are encouraged to promote the involvement of faith-based and 
community organizations and providers.
    Local Councils must include: Representatives of local agencies that 
will be directly affected by early learning programs assisted under the 
ELOA; parents; other individuals concerned with early learning issues 
in the locality, such as representatives of entities providing 
elementary education, child care resource and referral services, early 
learning opportunities, child care, and health services; and, other key 
community leaders.
    ELOA funds may be used to develop, operate, or enhance voluntary 
early learning programs that are likely to produce sustained gains in 
early learning. To be considered for funding, applications must include 
activities for ``enhancing early childhood literacy'' AND two or more 
of the other allowable activities: promoting effective parenting; 
helping parents, caregivers, child care providers, and educators 
increase their capacity to facilitate child development and promote 
learning readiness; developing linkages among and between early 
learning programs and health care services for young children; 
increasing access to early learning opportunities for young children 
with special needs; increasing access to existing early learning 
programs by expanding the days or times that young children are served, 
by expanding the number served, or by improving the affordability of 
the programs for low-income families; improving the quality of early 
learning programs through professional development and training 
activities, increased compensation, and recruitment and retention 
incentives for providers; and removing ancillary barriers to early 
learning, including transportation difficulties and absence of programs 
during nontraditional work times. ELOA funds may only be used for young 
children from birth to the age of mandatory school attendance in the 
State where the child resides. Construction and purchase of real 
property are not allowable.
A. The Child Care Bureau
    The Child Care Bureau was established in 1995 to provide leadership 
to efforts to enhance the quality, affordability, and supply of child 
care. The Child Care Bureau administers the Child Care and Development 
Fund (CCDF), a $4.8 billion child care program that includes funding 
for child care subsidies and activities to improve the quality and 
availability of child care. CCDF was created after amendments to ACF 
child care programs by Title VI of the Personal Responsibility and Work 
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 consolidated four Federal child 
care funding streams including the Child Care and Development Block 
Grant, AFDC/JOBS Child Care, Transitional Child Care, and At-Risk Child 
Care. With related State and Federal funding, CCDF provides more than 
$11 billion a year to States, Territories, and Tribes to help low-
income working families access child care services.
    The Bureau works closely with ACF Regional Offices, States, 
Territories, and Tribes to assist with, oversee, and document 
implementation of new policies and programs in support of State, local, 
and private sector administration of child care services and systems. 
In addition, the Bureau collaborates extensively with other offices 
throughout the Federal government to promote integrated, family-focused 
services, and coordinated child care delivery systems. In all of these 
activities, the Bureau seeks to enhance the quality, availability, and 
affordability of child care services, support children's healthy growth 
and development in safe child care environments, enhance parental 
choice and involvement in their children's care, and facilitate the 
linkage of child care with other community services.
B. The Early Learning Opportunities Act
    The Early Learning Opportunities Act (ELOA) was passed by Congress 
to award grants to States* to enable them to increase, support, expand 
and better coordinate early learning opportunities for children and 
their families through local community organizations. The purposes of 
the Act are:
     To increase the availability of voluntary programs, 
services, and activities that support early childhood development, 
increase parent effectiveness, and promote the learning readiness of 
young children so that they enter school ready to learn;
     To support parents, child care providers, and caregivers 
who want to incorporate early learning activities into the daily lives 
of young children;
     To remove barriers to the provision of an accessible 
system of early childhood learning programs in communities throughout 
the United States;
     To increase the availability and affordability of 
professional development activities and compensation for caregivers and 
child care providers; and
     To facilitate the development of community-based systems 
of collaborative service delivery models characterized by resource 
sharing, linkages between appropriate supports, and local planning for 
services.
    * The Act provides that if the amount appropriated for this program 
in any fiscal year is less than $150 million, the Department of Health 
and Human Services (DHHS) shall award grants on a competitive basis 
directly to Local Councils. DHHS is administering the program under 
this special provision in Fiscal Year (FY) 2004.
C. Allowable Early Learning Activities and Preferred Action
    In general, Local Councils may use ELOA funds to pay for 
developing, operating, or enhancing voluntary early learning programs 
that are likely to produce sustained gains in early learning. The 
President has identified the enhancement of early childhood

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literacy as a priority for this administration. Therefore, for FY 2004 
grants, the Child Care Bureau will only consider for funding those 
Local Councils that include in their applications activities for 
``Enhancing Early Childhood Literacy'' (see Item 1. below), AND two or 
more of the other allowable activities listed below (i.e., Items 2 
through 8):
    1. Enhancing early childhood literacy;
    2. Helping parents, caregivers, child care providers, and educators 
increase their capacity to facilitate the development of cognitive, 
language comprehension, expressive language, social emotional, and 
motor skills, and promote learning readiness;
    3. Promoting effective parenting;
    4. Developing linkages among early learning programs within a 
community and between early learning programs and health care services 
for young children;
    5. Increasing access to early learning opportunities for young 
children with special needs including developmental delays, by 
facilitating coordination with other programs serving such young 
children;
    6. Increasing access to existing early learning programs by 
expanding the days or times that the young children are served, by 
expanding the number of young children served, or by improving the 
affordability of the programs for low-income families;
    7. Improving the quality of early learning programs through 
professional development and training activities, increased 
compensation, and recruitment and retention incentives for early 
learning providers;
    8. Removing ancillary barriers to early learning, including 
transportation difficulties and absence of programs during 
nontraditional work times.
Letter(s) of Designation (Designation of Local Council by Local 
Government Entity)
    An eligible applicant for an FY 2004 ELOA grant must be a Local 
Council designated, in writing, by a local government entity(ies) (or 
Indian Tribe, Regional Corporation, or Native Hawaiian entity) as the 
``Local Council'' to serve one or more localities for the purpose of 
applying for an ELOA discretionary grant. The applicant must include a 
``Letter of Designation'' in its application from an appropriate local 
government entity(ies) specifically designating it as the Local Council 
for the purpose of applying for an ELOA discretionary grant.
    Because the structure and authority of local governments differ 
greatly across the nation, and even within a State, it is the 
responsibility of the applicant to determine and identify the 
appropriate entity(ies) of local government to designate them as the 
Local Council for an ELOA grant application. The local government 
entity(ies) making the designation must also clearly explain in its 
letter the source/nature of its authority to make such a designation on 
behalf of the locality(ies) it represents. Examples of officials that 
may be authorized to sign the Letter of Designation on behalf of the 
local government entity(ies) include but are not limited to: Mayors, 
city managers, city councils, county boards of supervisors, county 
boards of commissioners, county administrators, Tribal Councils, boards 
of municipal officers, etc.
    Applicants serving multiple localities (e.g., cities, townships, 
boroughs, counties) are strongly encouraged to obtain a Letter of 
Designation from an appropriate entity of local government from each of 
the localities to be served. Appendices A and B include sample Letters 
of Designation that meet this purpose. Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to utilize the language and format provided in the sample 
Letters of Designation. Appendix A is a sample Letter of Designation 
for a Local Council when the services of a Fiscal Agent will not be 
used, while Appendix B is a sample Letter of Designation for a Local 
Council that will use a Fiscal Agent.
Composition of a Local Council
    To receive an award, the membership of the Local Council must be 
composed of the following:
    a. Representatives of local agencies that will be directly affected 
by early learning programs assisted under the ELOA and this 
announcement;
    b. Parents;
    c. Other individuals concerned with early learning issues in the 
locality, such as representatives of entities providing elementary 
education, child care resource and referral services, early learning 
opportunities, child care, and health services; and
    d. Other key community leaders.
    See Section III, Additional Information on Eligibility, for more 
information on identifying the membership of their Local Council. 
Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the sample format in Appendix 
C to meet this purpose.
    Local Councils are encouraged to include representatives and 
leaders of faith-based and community organizations and providers as 
members of the Local Council.
D. Definitions
    Administrative Costs--means costs related to the overall management 
of the program, which do not directly relate to the provision of 
program services. These costs can be in both the personnel and non-
personnel budget categories and include, but are not limited to: 
salaries of managerial and administrative staff, indirect costs, and 
other costs associated with administrative functions such as 
accounting, payroll services, or auditing.


    Note: Not more than three percent of the total Federal share 
received by the Local Council through this announcement shall be 
used to pay for the ``administrative costs'' of the Local Council, 
including administrative costs of any sub-grantees and third parties 
in carrying out activities funded under the grant.


    Budget Period--for the purposes of this announcement, budget period 
means the 17-month period of time for which ELOA funds are made 
available to a particular grantee (i.e., beginning on September 30, 
2004, and ending on February 28, 2006).
    Caregiver--means an individual, including a relative, neighbor, or 
family friend, who regularly or frequently provides care, with or 
without compensation, for a child for whom the individual is not the 
parent.
    Child Care Provider--means a provider of non-residential child care 
services (including center-based, family-based, and in-home child care 
services) for compensation who or that is legally operating under State 
law, and in compliance with applicable State and local requirements for 
the provision of child care services.
    Early Learning--when used with respect to a program or activity, 
means learning designed to facilitate the development of cognitive, 
language, motor, and social-emotional skills to promote learning 
readiness in young children (see definition of young child).
    Early Learning Program--means a program of services or activities 
that helps parents, caregivers, and child care providers to incorporate 
early learning into the daily lives of young children; or a program 
that directly provides early learning to young children.
    Indian Tribe--has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the 
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
450b).
    Local Council--means a Local Council established or designated by a 
local government, Indian Tribe, Regional Corporation, or Native 
Hawaiian entity to serve as applicant under this announcement serving 
one or more localities.

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    Local Government--means a county, municipality, city, town, 
township, borough, parish, select board, council of local governments 
(whether or not incorporated as a non-profit corporation under State 
law), intra-state district, a general purpose unit of local government, 
and any other interstate or regional unit of local government. ``Local 
Government'' does not mean any of the 50 States, or any agency or 
instrumentality of a State exclusive of local governments.
    Locality--means a city, county, borough, township, or area served 
by another general purpose unit of local government, an Indian Tribe, a 
Regional Corporation, or a Native Hawaiian entity.
    Native Hawaiian Entity--means a private non-profit organization 
that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians, and is recognized by the 
Governor of Hawaii for the purpose of planning, conducting, or 
administering programs (or parts of programs) for the benefit of Native 
Hawaiians.
    Non-Federal Share--means that portion of project costs not borne by 
the Federal government. Under ELOA, the minimum required Non-Federal 
Share is 15 percent of the total cost of the approved project.
    Parent--means a biological parent, an adoptive parent, a 
stepparent, a foster parent, or a legal guardian of, or a person 
standing in loco parentis to a child.
    Program Income--means gross income earned by the grantee or 
subgrantee that is directly generated by a grant supported activity, or 
earned only as a result of the award. 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92 include 
similar types of earned revenue, which qualify as program income. These 
include but are not limited to income from fees for services performed 
and the use of rental property.
    Project Period--for the purposes of this announcement, project 
period means the 17-month period starting on September 30, 2004, and 
ending on February 28, 2006.
    Real Property--means land, including land improvements, structures 
and appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
    Regional Corporation--means a Native Alaska Regional Corporation; 
an entity listed in section 419(4)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 619(4)(B)).
    Training--means instruction in early learning that--(a) Is required 
for certification under State and local laws, regulations, and 
policies; (b) is required to receive a nationally or State recognized 
credential or its equivalent; (c) is received in a postsecondary 
education program focused on early learning or early childhood 
development in which the individual is enrolled; or (d) is provided, 
certified, or sponsored by an organization that is recognized for its 
expertise in promoting early learning or early childhood development.
    Young Child--for purposes of this program, means any child from 
birth to the age of mandatory school attendance in the State where the 
child resides. Information on the compulsory school age in each State 
is available at http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2002/digest2001/tables/dt151.asp.
E. Protections
    1. No person, including a parent, shall be required to participate 
in any program of early childhood education, early learning, parent 
education, or developmental screening pursuant to the provisions of the 
Early Learning Opportunities Act.
    2. Nothing in the Early Learning Opportunities Act shall be 
construed to affect the rights of parents otherwise established in 
Federal, State, or local law.
    3. No entity that receives funds under the Early Learning 
Opportunities Act shall be required to provide services under this 
announcement through a particular instructional method or in a 
particular instructional setting to comply with the ELOA.
    Appendices: Appendices D and E of this announcement provide detail 
about current ELOA grants. Applicants are strongly encouraged to check 
these appendices to ensure that they are not proposing to offer 
services in a geographic area served by a current ELOA grantee.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Program Funding: $33,579,313.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 30 to 50 per budget period.
    Ceiling of Individual Awards: $1,000,000 per budget period.
    Floor of Individual Awards: $250,000 per budget period.
    Average Project Award Amount: $700,000 per budget period.
    Project Periods for Awards: 17 months (project and budget period).

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Other: Please see Additional Information on Eligibility for 
specific eligibility guidelines.
    Additional Information on Eligibility:
A. Letter(s) of Designation (Designation of Local Council by Local 
Government Entity)
    An eligible applicant for an FY 2004 ELOA grant must be a Local 
Council designated, in writing, by a local government entity(ies) (or 
Indian Tribe, Regional Corporation, or Native Hawaiian entity) as the 
``Local Council'' to serve one or more localities for the purpose of 
applying for an ELOA discretionary grant. The applicant must include a 
``Letter of Designation'' in its application from an appropriate local 
government entity(ies) specifically designating it as the Local Council 
for the purpose of applying for an ELOA discretionary grant.
    Because the structure and authority of local governments differ 
greatly across the nation, and even within a State, it is the 
responsibility of the applicant to determine and identify the 
appropriate entity(ies) of local government to designate them as the 
Local Council for an ELOA grant application. The local government 
entity(ies) making the designation must also clearly explain in its 
letter the source/nature of its authority to make such a designation on 
behalf of the locality(ies) it represents. Examples of officials that 
may be authorized to sign the Letter of Designation on behalf of the 
local government entity(ies) include but are not limited to: mayors, 
city managers, city councils, county boards of supervisors, county 
boards of commissioners, county administrators, Tribal Councils, boards 
of municipal officers, etc.
B. Composition of a Local Council
    To receive an award, the membership of the Local Council must be 
composed of the following:
    a. Representatives of local agencies that will be directly affected 
by early learning programs assisted under the ELOA and this 
announcement;
    b. Parents;
    c. Other individuals concerned with early learning issues in the 
locality, such as representatives of entities providing elementary 
education, child care resource and referral services, early learning 
opportunities, child care, and health services; and
    d. Other key community leaders.
C. Designation of a Fiscal Agent by the Local Council
    A Local Council may enter into an agreement with an entity that is 
affected by, or concerned with early learning issues, and that has a 
demonstrated capacity for administering grants, to serve as Fiscal 
Agent for the

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administration of grant funds received by the Local Council under this 
program. This may include faith-based organizations or a State.
    While the Fiscal Agent will be identified as the recipient 
organization of the funds under this announcement (see Application for 
Federal Assistance, SF-424, Item 5), the Local Council, if selected to 
receive a grant, will be the Grantee and responsible for ensuring 
compliance with all activities and terms of the grant. Identifying 
information for the Fiscal Agent is entered in Item 5 (i.e., ``Legal 
Name of Fiscal Agent applying on behalf of the Name of the Local 
Council'') and the Employer Identification Number (EIN) for the Fiscal 
Agent is entered in Item 6 on the Application for Federal Assistance 
(SF-424).
    If a Local Council uses a Fiscal Agent, the Fiscal Agent's name and 
Employer Identification Number (EIN) must also be included in the 
``Letter of Designation'' (see Appendix B).
D. Geographic Location and Locality(ies) To Be Served
    At the beginning of the project descriptions, applicants must 
describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area 
to be served including the following: the State, county(ies), and 
specific locality(ies) (e.g., city, town, township, borough, parish, or 
area served by another general purpose unit of local government, Indian 
Tribe, Alaska Native Regional Corporation, or Native Hawaiian entity).
    In general, Local Councils in each of the 50 States of the United 
States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico 
are eligible to apply under this announcement.
    However, since one of the ELOA statutory purposes is ``to 
facilitate the development of community-based systems of collaborative 
service delivery and resource sharing,'' only one application per 
geographic area will be considered. This is to avoid situations in 
which Local Councils serve overlapping areas. Specifically:
    a. Applications received from competing applicants (Local Councils) 
that are proposing to serve the same or overlapping geographic areas 
will be disqualified and not competed for an award. For example, if a 
Local Council proposing to serve all of County X applies, and a Local 
Council proposing to serve only Community A, which is within County X, 
also applies, both applications will be excluded from the review and 
not competed for an award.
    b. Further, applicants proposing to serve all or part of a 
geographic area currently being served by an ELOA grantee whose grant 
is expected to be in effect on September 30, 2004, will be excluded and 
not competed for an award (see Appendices D and E).
E. Council Designation and Other Provisions
    a. Local Councils may include faith-based organizations in their 
membership, provided that the other eligibility criteria are met.
    b. ``Letter(s) of Support'' for the Local Council from a local 
government entity(ies) will not be considered as meeting the 
eligibility requirement for a ``Letter of Designation.''
    c. Applications from Indian Tribes and Regional Corporations must 
include a tribal resolution from the governing body of the Tribe(s) or 
Regional Corporation(s), designating a Local Council for the purpose of 
the ELOA grant. The Tribal Council would not be considered a Local 
Council for ELOA unless its membership also meets the composition 
requirements (see Composition of Local Council).
    d. ``State'' governments do not meet the definition of ``Local 
Government'' (see Part I (D)). Therefore, a Letter(s) of Designation 
from an entity(ies) of State Government will not be considered as 
meeting these eligibility requirements.
    e. Local Councils that were formed prior to the date of enactment 
of the ELOA and that meet the membership requirements below will be 
considered eligible for the purposes of applying for an ELOA grant if a 
Letter(s) of Designation from an appropriate entity(ies) of local 
government is submitted as part of the application. In localities where 
a Local Council does not exist, one may be formed and designated for 
the purposes of applying for an ELOA grant.
    f. FY 2002 ELOA grantees whose grant project period ends on or 
before September 29, 2004 are eligible to apply for an FY 2004 grant 
under this program announcement. Note: The project period for all 
grantees is noted in Block 9 of their ``Financial Assistance Award'' 
document.
    g. To be considered eligible for a new award, current ELOA grantees 
may not have a pending request to extend their existing ELOA grant 
project period beyond September 29, 2004.
    h. The 43 Local Councils (and the localities served by those Local 
Councils) that received FY 2003 ELOA grants will not be considered for 
FY 2004 awards under this announcement (see Appendix E).
    i. Only Local Councils, not individuals or individual 
organizations/agencies, are eligible to apply under this announcement.
    j. Applicants proposing to use ELOA funds for construction purposes 
or for the purchase of real property will be disqualified and not 
competed for an award.
    k. Nonprofit organizations submitting an application must submit 
proof of their nonprofit status at the time of their submission. This 
can be accomplished by providing: (1) 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; (2) a 
copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate; (3) a copy 
of the articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the State; (4) 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; (5) a certified copy of the 
organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that 
clearly establishes non-profit status; or (6) any of the items in the 
subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent 
organization and a statement singed by the parent organization that the 
applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
F. Set Aside
    The Act (section 809) provides that the Secretary shall reserve a 
portion of each year's total ELOA appropriation for Indian Tribes, 
Regional Corporations, and Native Hawaiian entities. ACF anticipates 
competitively awarding funds to at least one Local Council designated 
by an Indian Tribe and one Local Council designated by an Alaska Native 
Regional Corporation or Native Hawaiian entity, subject to receipt of 
applications meeting the requirements of the Act as reflected in this 
announcement. ACF is setting aside no less than one percent of the FY 
2004 ELOA appropriation for these purposes.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$1,000,000. An application that exceeds $1,000,000 will be considered 
non-responsive and be returned to the applicant without further review.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Yes.
    Grantees must provide at least 15 percent of the total approved 
project cost. The total approved project cost is the sum of the ACF 
share and the non-federal share. The non-federal share may be met by 
cash or in-kind

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contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match 
requirements through cash contributions. For example, in order to meet 
the match requirements, a project with a total approved cost of 
$500,000, requesting in ACF funds, must provide a non-federal share of 
at least $88,235 (15 percent of the total approved project cost). To 
compute the non-Federal share: Divide the Federal share by .85 and 
subtract the Federal share from that amount. For example: $500,000 / 
.85 = $588,235 minus $500,000 = $88,235. The total approved project 
cost in this example is $588,235. Grantees will be held accountable for 
commitments of non-federal resources even if over the amount of the 
required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in 
disallowance of Federal funds.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered as non-responsive and will not be eligible 
for funding under this announcement.

3. Other

Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System
    On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in 
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal 
grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to 
provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or 
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an 
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be 
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation 
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, 
entitlement, and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 
2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
    Applications exceeding the $1,000,000 threshold will be returned 
without review.
    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.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to request an application package: ACYF Operations 
Center, c/o The Dixon Center, Inc., ELOA/CCB, 118 Q Street NE., 
Washington, DC 20002-2132, 1-866-796-1591, [email protected].
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: To be considered for 
funding, the applicant must submit one signed original and two copies 
of the application, including all attachments, to the application 
receipt point specified above. The original copy of the application 
must have original signatures, signed in blue ink. The original must be 
stapled (back and front) in the upper left corner. Rubber bands may be 
used to secure the pages of the two copies. The original application 
and the two copies must be submitted in a single package. 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.
    Each application will be duplicated, therefore, please do not use 
or include colored paper, colored ink, separate covers, binders, clips, 
tabs, plastic inserts, over-sized paper, videotapes, or any other items 
that cannot be easily duplicated on a photocopy machine with an 
automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way 
separate subsections of the application, including the supporting 
documentation. Applicants are advised that a copy (not the original) of 
the application as submitted will be reproduced by the Federal 
government for review by the panel of evaluators.
    Letters of Intent: Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify Ms. 
Taryonka Reid at the Child Care Bureau by fax (202-690-5600) at least 
three weeks prior to the deadline. Your fax should include the 
following information: number and title of this announcement 
(required); the name and address of the Local Council (required) and 
Fiscal Agent (if known); and your contact person's name, phone number, 
fax number, and email address. This information will be used to 
determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate 
applications and to update the mailing list for future program 
announcements. Do not include a description of your proposed project.
    A complete application consists of the following items in the order 
listed:
    1. Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424, Rev. 9-
2003)--Follow the instructions on the back of the form. In Item 5 on 
the SF-424, enter the name of the applicant [Local Council]. However, 
if the Local Council is not incorporated or does not have an Employer 
Identification Number (EIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the 
name of its fiscal agent must be entered followed by ``on behalf of the 
[name of Local Council].'' For example: Caring County Community 
Services on behalf of the Early Childhood Alliance Local Council. Enter 
the EIN of the Local Council, or if applicable, its Fiscal Agent, in 
Item 6. The EIN entered in Item 6 must be the number assigned to the 
entity identified in Item 5. In Item 8 on the SF-424, check ``New.'' In 
Item 10, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
program title and number (i.e., Early Learning Opportunities Act, 
93.577). A signature on the application constitutes an assurance that 
the applicant will comply with the relevant Departmental regulations 
contained in 45 CFR Part 74 or Part 92.
    2. Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 
424A). Follow the instructions on the back of the form.
    3. Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B). A 
duly authorized representative of the applicant organization must 
certify that the applicant is in compliance with the Pro-Children Act 
of 1994 (Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke).
    4. Certification Regarding Lobbying--Applicants must include an 
executed Certification Regarding Lobbying prior to receiving an award 
in excess of $100,000.
    5. Cover Letter--Applicants must include a Cover Letter that 
includes the program announcement number and contact information for 
the applicant. The letter must be signed by an individual authorized to 
act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility for the 
obligations imposed by terms and conditions of the grant award.
    6. Required Letter of Designation for the Local Council--Applicants 
must include a signed Letter(s) of Designation for the Local Council 
from a local government entity(ies) that explains its authority to make 
such a designation and includes the required information on the 
membership composition of the Local Council. NOTE: ``Letter(s) of 
Support'' for the Local Council from a local government entity(ies) 
will not be considered as meeting the requirements for a Letter of 
Designation.
    7. Membership Composition of the Local Council (see Appendix C).
    8. Tribal Resolution, if applicable.
    9. Table of Contents.

[[Page 33187]]

    10. A Project Summary/Abstract (one page maximum)--Clearly mark 
this page with the applicant's name as shown in Item 5 on the SF-424 
(e.g., Caring County Community Services on behalf of the Early 
Childhood Alliance Local Council), identify the title of the proposed 
project as shown in Item 11 (e.g., Building Resources for Early 
Learning Opportunities in Caring County), and the service area as shown 
in Item 12 of the SF-424 (e.g., Caring County). The Project Description 
Summary/Abstract must not exceed 300 words. The first paragraph must 
describe the precise location of the project and the boundaries of the 
area to be served including the following: The State, county(ies), 
specific locality(ies) (e.g., city, county, borough, township, parish, 
etc.) and/or region(s). Care should be taken to produce a Summary/
Abstract that accurately and concisely reflects the proposed project. 
It should briefly describe the objectives of the project, the approach 
to be used, and the results and benefits expected. The Project Summary/
Abstract must also clearly state which of the eight allowable ELOA 
activities are included in the project. Note: All applicants are 
required to include activities for ``enhancing early childhood 
literacy'' in their projects.
    11. The Project Narrative--The applicant is strongly encouraged to 
use the evaluation criteria to organize its response. Specific 
information should be provided that addresses all components of each 
criterion. Local Councils receiving assistance under the ELOA shall 
ensure that programs, services, and activities assisted under this 
program, which customarily require a payment for such programs, 
services, or activities, adjust the cost of such programs, services, 
and activities provided to the individual or the individual's child 
based on the individual's ability to pay. 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 recommended page limitations. In addition, the applicant 
should be mindful of the importance of preparing and submitting 
applications using language, terms, concepts, and descriptions that are 
generally known to the field of early learning as defined under this 
announcement. The pages of the project description must be double-
spaced, printed in black only, printed on only one side, with no less 
than one-inch margins, and numbered. Applicants are strongly encouraged 
to limit this portion of their application to no more than 100 pages.
    12. Appendices--The recommended maximum number of pages for 
supporting documentation is 50 numbered pages. These documents might 
include excerpts from the needs and resources assessment, resumes/job 
descriptions, photocopies of news clippings, documents related to the 
involvement and participation of the Local Council, and evidence of its 
efforts to coordinate early care and education services at the local 
level including letters of support and/or third-party agreements.
    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 Dates and Times

    The closing time and date for submission of applications is July 
27, 2004. Mailed applications postmarked after the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an announced 
deadline if they are post-marked on or before the deadline date and 
received by ACF in time for the independent review. All applications 
must be sent to: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, ELOA/CCB, 
118 Q Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-2132, Telephone: 1-866-796-1591.
    Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service 
postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial 
mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the 
application(s). To be acceptable as a proof of timely mailing, a 
postmark from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of 
the commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the 
package was received by the commercial mail service company from the 
applicant. Private metered postmarks will not be acceptable as proof of 
timely mailing. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail 
services do not always deliver as agreed.
    Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in 
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications 
are postmarked before the closing date OR received before the receipt 
deadline time of 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).
    Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by 
other representatives of the applicant shall be considered as meeting 
an announced deadline if they are received on or before the closing 
date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday 
through Friday (excluding Federal holidays) at the above address. The 
address must appear on the envelope/package containing the application 
with the note ``Attention: ACYF Operations Center, ELOA/CCB''. 
(Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.)
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax. 
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted 
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
    Late Applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF will notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Receipt of Application: Applicants will be sent a postcard 
acknowledging receipt of their application.
    Technical Assistance to Prospective Applicants: Applicants should 
direct questions about the application process to the ACYF Operations 
Center at 1-866-796-1591 or by e-mail at [email protected] and refer 
to the Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-LO-XXXX.
    Required Forms and Due Date for Applications:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Required form or
          What to submit             Required content           format                  When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard Application for Federal   Per required form...  May be found at      By application due date.
 Assistance (forms SF 424, 424A,                          http://www. acf.
 and 424B).                                               hhs. gov/ programs
                                                          / ofs / forms. htm.

[[Page 33188]]

 
Certification regarding Lobbying   Per required form...  May be found at      By application due date.
 and associated Disclosure of                             http://www. acf.
 Lobbying Activities (SF LLL).                            hhs. gov/ programs
                                                          / ofs / forms. htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke        Per required form...  May be found at      By application due date.
 Certification.                                           http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm htm.
Proof of Non-Profit Status (if     See Section           May be found at      By application due date.
 applicable).                       III.3.F.k.            http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm htm.
Cover Letter.....................  Include the program   No required format.  By application due date.
                                    announcement number
                                    and contact
                                    information for the
                                    applicant. The
                                    letter must be
                                    signed by an
                                    individual
                                    authorized to act
                                    for the applicant
                                    agency and to
                                    assume
                                    responsibility for
                                    the obligations
                                    imposed by terms
                                    and conditions of
                                    the grant award.
Letter of Designation for the      See Appendices A & B  Appendix A must be   By application due date.
 Local Council (and Fiscal Agent,                         used by Local
 if appropriate) from an                                  Councils not using
 entity(ies) of local government.                         a Fiscal Agent.
                                                         Appendix B must be
                                                          used by Local
                                                          Councils that will
                                                          be using a Fiscal
                                                          agent.
Composition of Local Council.....  See Appendix C......  Name of each member  By application due date.
                                                          of the Local
                                                          Council, their
                                                          title, role (see
                                                          Legend below), and
                                                          agency.
                                                         Legend:............
                                                         A = Representatives
                                                          of local agencies
                                                          that will be
                                                          directly affected
                                                          by early learning
                                                          programs assisted
                                                          under the ELOA and
                                                          this announcement.
                                                         B = Parents........
                                                         C = Other
                                                          individuals
                                                          concerned with
                                                          early learning
                                                          issues in the
                                                          locality, such as
                                                          representatives of
                                                          entities providing
                                                          elementary
                                                          education, child
                                                          care resource and
                                                          referral services,
                                                          early learning
                                                          opportunities,
                                                          child care, and
                                                          health services.
                                                         D = Other key
                                                          community leaders.
Tribal Resolution, if applicable.  Language designating  Fully-executed       By application due date.
                                    the Local Council     Tribal Resolution
                                    for the purpose of    including:
                                    applying for an       resolution number,
                                    ELOA grant.           date, voting
                                                          information, and
                                                          authorized
                                                          signatures.
Table of Contents................  List of application   None...............  By application due date.
                                    contents with page
                                    numbers or Appendix
                                    information.

[[Page 33189]]

 
Project Summary/Abstract.........  See Sections V.1.A..  Clearly mark this    By application due date.
                                                          page with the
                                                          applicant's name
                                                          as shown in Item 5
                                                          on the SF-424
                                                          (e.g., Caring
                                                          County Community
                                                          Services on behalf
                                                          of the Early
                                                          Childhood Alliance
                                                          Local Council),
                                                          identify the title
                                                          of the proposed
                                                          project as shown
                                                          in Item 11 (e.g.,
                                                          Building Resources
                                                          for Early Learning
                                                          Opportunities in
                                                          Caring County),
                                                          and the service
                                                          area as shown in
                                                          Item 12 of the SF-
                                                          424 (e.g., Caring
                                                          County). The
                                                          Project Summary/
                                                          Abstract must not
                                                          exceed 300 words.
                                                          The first
                                                          paragraph must
                                                          describe the
                                                          precise location
                                                          of the project and
                                                          the boundaries of
                                                          the area to be
                                                          served including
                                                          the following: the
                                                          State,
                                                          county(ies),
                                                          specific
                                                          locality(ies)
                                                          (e.g., city,
                                                          county, borough,
                                                          township, parish,
                                                          etc.) and/or
                                                          region(s). Care
                                                          should be taken to
                                                          produce a Summary/
                                                          Abstract that
                                                          accurately and
                                                          concisely reflects
                                                          the proposed
                                                          project. It should
                                                          briefly describe
                                                          the objectives of
                                                          the project, the
                                                          approach to be
                                                          used, and the
                                                          results and
                                                          benefits expected.
                                                          The Project
                                                          Summary/Abstract
                                                          must also clearly
                                                          state which of the
                                                          eight allowable
                                                          ELOA activities
                                                          are included in
                                                          the project. NOTE:
                                                          All applicants are
                                                          required to
                                                          include activities
                                                          for ``enhancing
                                                          early childhood
                                                          literacy'' in
                                                          their projects.

[[Page 33190]]

 
Project Narrative................  See Section V.A and   The applicant is     By application due date.
                                    V.B.                  strongly
                                                          encouraged to use
                                                          the evaluation
                                                          criteria to
                                                          organize its
                                                          response. Specific
                                                          information should
                                                          be provided that
                                                          addresses all
                                                          components of each
                                                          criterion. Local
                                                          Councils receiving
                                                          assistance under
                                                          the ELOA shall
                                                          ensure that
                                                          programs,
                                                          services, and
                                                          activities
                                                          assisted under
                                                          this program,
                                                          which customarily
                                                          require a payment
                                                          for such programs,
                                                          services, or
                                                          activities, adjust
                                                          the cost of such
                                                          programs,
                                                          services, and
                                                          activities
                                                          provided to the
                                                          individual or the
                                                          individual's child
                                                          based on the
                                                          individual's
                                                          ability to pay. It
                                                          is in applicant's
                                                          best interest to
                                                          ensure that the
                                                          project narrative
                                                          is easy to read,
                                                          logically
                                                          developed in
                                                          accordance with
                                                          the evaluation
                                                          criteria, and
                                                          adheres to
                                                          recommended page
                                                          limitations. In
                                                          addition, the
                                                          applicant should
                                                          be mindful of the
                                                          importance of
                                                          preparing and
                                                          submitting
                                                          applications using
                                                          language, terms,
                                                          concepts, and
                                                          descriptions that
                                                          are generally
                                                          known to the field
                                                          of early learning
                                                          as defined under
                                                          this announcement.
                                                          The pages of the
                                                          project narrative
                                                          must be double-
                                                          spaced, printed in
                                                          black only,
                                                          printed on only
                                                          one side, with no
                                                          less than one-inch
                                                          margins, and the
                                                          numbered.
                                                          Applicants are
                                                          strongly
                                                          encouraged to
                                                          limit this portion
                                                          of their
                                                          application to no
                                                          more than 100
                                                          pages.
Appendices.......................  As needed...........  The recommended      By application due date.
                                                          maximum number of
                                                          pages for
                                                          supporting
                                                          documentation is
                                                          50 numbered pages.
                                                          These documents
                                                          might include
                                                          excerpts from the
                                                          needs and
                                                          resources
                                                          assessment,
                                                          resumes/job
                                                          descriptions,
                                                          photocopies of
                                                          news clippings,
                                                          documents related
                                                          to the involvement
                                                          and participation
                                                          of the Local
                                                          Council, and
                                                          evidence of its
                                                          efforts to
                                                          coordinate early
                                                          care and education
                                                          services at the
                                                          local level
                                                          including letters
                                                          of support and/or
                                                          third-party
                                                          agreements.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

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

5. Funding Restrictions

    (a) Since one of the ELOA statutory purposes is ``to facilitate the 
development of community-based systems of collaborative service 
delivery and resource sharing,'' only one application per geographic 
area will be considered. This is to avoid situations in which Local 
Councils serve overlapping areas. Specifically:

[[Page 33191]]

    (i) Applications received from competing applicants (Local 
Councils) that are proposing to serve the same or overlapping 
geographic areas will be disqualified and not competed for an award. 
For example, if a Local Council proposing to serve all of County X 
applies, and a Local Council proposing to serve only Community A, which 
is within County X, also applies, both applications will be excluded 
from the review and not competed for an award; and
    (ii) Applicants proposing to serve all or part of a geographic area 
currently being served by an ELOA grantee whose grant is expected to be 
in effect on September 30, 2004 will be excluded and not competed for 
an award (see Appendices D and E).
    (b) Set Aside: The Act (section 809) provides that the Secretary 
shall reserve a portion of each year's total ELOA appropriation for 
Indian Tribes, Regional Corporations, and Native Hawaiian entities. ACF 
anticipates competitively awarding funds to at least one Local Council 
designated by an Indian Tribe and one Local Council designated by an 
Alaska Native Regional Corporation or Native Hawaiian entity, subject 
to receipt of applications meeting the requirements of the Act as 
reflected in this announcement. ACF is setting aside no less than one 
percent of the FY 2004 ELOA appropriation for these purposes.
    (c) Pre-award costs are not allowable.
    (d) The required 15 percent non-Federal share may be contributed in 
cash or in-kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or 
services, which may be provided from State or local public sources, or 
through donations from private entities. For the purposes of this 
paragraph, the term ``facilities'' includes the use of facilities, but, 
the term ``equipment'' means donated equipment and not the use of 
equipment.
    (e) Applicants are discouraged from providing non-Federal share 
resources in excess of the required 15 percent. Applicants that provide 
more than the required 15 percent will not receive any additional 
credit or points under the evaluation criteria. Grantees will be held 
accountable on the grant award commitments of the non-Federal share 
even if the approved amount exceeds the required 15 percent.
    (f) Funds received by grantees shall be used to supplement and not 
supplant other Federal, State, and local public funds expended to 
promote early learning. No funds provided shall be used to carry-out an 
activity funded under another provision of law providing for Federal 
child care or early learning programs, unless an expansion of such 
activity is identified in the local needs assessment and performance 
goals.
    (g) Not more than three percent of the total Federal share received 
by the Local Council through this announcement shall be used to pay for 
the administrative costs of the Local Council, including the 
administrative costs of any of its sub-grantees and third parties, in 
carrying-out activities funded under the grant.
    (h) Local Councils receiving assistance under the ELOA shall ensure 
that programs, services, and activities assisted under this program, 
which customarily require a payment for such programs, services, or 
activities, adjust the cost of such programs, services, and activities 
provided to the individual or the individual's child based on the 
individual's ability to pay.
    (i) Applications proposing to use ELOA funds for construction 
purposes or for the purchase of real property will not be considered 
for funding.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: Mailed applications shall be considered as 
meeting an announced deadline if they are post-marked on or before the 
deadline date and received by ACF in time for the independent review. 
All applications must be sent to: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon 
Group, ELOA/CCB, 118 Q Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-2132, Telephone: 
1-866-796-1591.
    Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service 
postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial 
mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the 
application(s). To be acceptable as a proof of timely mailing, a 
postmark from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of 
the commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the 
package was received by the commercial mail service company from the 
applicant. Private metered postmarks will not be acceptable as proof of 
timely mailing. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail 
services do not always deliver as agreed.
    Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in 
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications 
are postmarked before the closing date OR received before the receipt 
deadline time of 4:30 PM (Eastern Time).
    Hand Delivery: Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant 
couriers, or by other representatives of the applicant shall be 
considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or 
before the closing date, between the hours of 8 AM and 4:30 PM (Eastern 
Time), Monday through Friday (excluding Federal holidays) at the above 
address. The address must appear on the envelope/package containing the 
application with the note ``Attention: ACYF Operations Center, ELOA/
CCB''. (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services 
do not always deliver as agreed.)

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

The Project Description--Overview
    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). Public Reporting for this 
collection of information is estimated to average 25 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 nor 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.
    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.
    General Instructions: ACF is particularly interested in specific 
factual information and statements of measurable goals in quantitative 
terms. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, 
not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing 
should be used rather than

[[Page 33192]]

repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not 
be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly 
pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be 
placed in an appendix.
    Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included 
for easy reference.
    A. Project Summary/Abstract: Provide a summary of the project 
description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request.
    B. 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 from concerned parties 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.
    C. 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.
    Local Councils are encouraged to promote the involvement of faith-
based providers in their projects. In developing the local plans and 
activities, ACF encourages Local Councils to incorporate strategies and 
activities that involve fathers and strengthen families.
    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. For example, for any project that will include informal 
caregivers, including friends, family and in-home child care providers, 
or caregivers who are somewhat isolated, such as child care providers 
who operate alone or in rural areas, please describe the means by which 
training and technical assistance will be made available to such 
informal and/or isolated caregivers and quality child care will be 
supported/assured. The Child Care Bureau is interested in encouraging 
the appropriate use of innovative approaches, especially including 
distance learning techniques and other uses of technology, to meeting 
the needs of child care providers and parents. If distance learning 
techniques, such as use of public television, satellite downlinks, or 
Internet-based instruction, will be used for this purpose, please 
describe those techniques. 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, 
clearances 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.
    D. Results and Benefits Expected: Identify the results and benefits 
to be derived. For example, explain how your proposed project will 
achieve the specific goals and objectives you have set; specify the 
number of children and families to be served, and how the services to 
be provided will be funded consistent with the local needs assessment. 
Or, explain how the expected results will benefit the population to be 
served in meeting its needs for early learning services and activities. 
What benefits will families derive from these services? How will the 
services help them? What lessons will be learned which might help other 
agencies and organizations that are addressing the needs of a similar 
client population?
    E. 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 impact of the project's various activities on 
the project's effectiveness.
    F. Geographic Location: Describe the precise geographic location of 
the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed 
project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached.
    G. Organizational Profiles: Provide information on the applicant 
organizations(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.
    1. Non-Profit Status: This can be accomplished by providing: (1) 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; (2) a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate; (3) a copy of the articles of incorporation 
bearing the seal of the State; (4) 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; (5) a certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status; or (6) any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above 
for a State or national parent organization and a statement singed by 
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
    2. Staff and Position Data: Provide a biographical sketch for each 
key person appointed and a job description for each vacant key 
position. A biographical sketch will also be required for new key staff 
as appointed.

[[Page 33193]]

    3. Third-Party Agreements: Include written agreements between 
grantees and sub-grantees or subcontractors or other cooperating 
entities. These agreements must detail the scope of work to be 
performed, work schedules, remuneration, and other terms and conditions 
that structure or define the relationship.
    4. Letters of Support: Provide statements from the community, 
public and commercial leaders that support the project proposed for 
funding. All documents must be included in the application at the time 
of submission.
    5. Plan for Project Continuance Beyond Grant Support: Provide a 
plan for securing resources and continuing project activities after 
Federal assistance has ceased.
    H. Budget and Budget Justification: Provide line item detail and 
detailed calculations for each budget object class identified in 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.
    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, if 
otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary 
salary information.
    General: The following are guidelines for preparing the budget and 
budget justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be 
detailed and justified in the budget and narrative justification. For 
purposes of preparing the budget and budget justification, ``Federal 
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. 
Non Federal resources are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. 
It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a 
columnar format: First column, object class categories; second column, 
Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column, 
total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.
    Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, 
unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the 
calculation to be duplicated. The applicant should specify the costs 
for the entire 17-month ELOA project period, not separate costs into a 
12-month and five-month budgets. For example: To compute salary costs 
for a full-time employee who will be employed for the entire 17-months 
of the ELOA project, divide the annual salary by 12 and then multiply 
by 17. To compute the costs for a full-time employee who will be paid 
by the hour for the entire 17-month project, multiply 2,947 hours by 
the hourly wage. The full-time equivalent for a 12-month position is 
2,080 hours.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel 
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to 
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
    Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops must be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.)
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the 
equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information, which supports 
the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Third party evaluation contracts (if 
applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.
    Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a 
manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free 
competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are 
required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated 
procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition 
and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 
403(11) (currently set at $100,000). Recipients might be required to 
make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such 
as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost 
estimates, etc. Regulatory procurement standards for grantees can be 
found in 45 CFR 74.40-48; 74.43 addresses the need for competition.

    Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the 
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed 
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency 
title, along with the

[[Page 33194]]

required supporting information referred to in these instructions.

Other
    Description: Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where 
applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to 
insurance, food, medical and dental costs (non-contractual), 
professional services costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and 
publication, computer use, training costs, such as tuition and 
stipends, staff development costs, and administrative.
    Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description, and a 
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
    Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should 
be used only when the applicant currently has a current negotiated 
indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.
    Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the 
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the 
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or 
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an 
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal 
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the 
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for 
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant 
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals 
may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an 
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect 
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. 
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is 
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the 
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the 
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Program Income
    Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be 
generated from this project.
    Justification: Describe the nature, source, and anticipated use of 
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application, 
which contain this information.
Non-Federal Resources
    Description: Amounts of non Federal resources that will be used to 
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be 
documented and submitted with the application in order to be given 
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for 
each funding source.
Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total Project Costs
    [Self-explanatory]
Evaluation Criteria
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance (25 Points)
    1. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the need for 
assistance including identification and discussion of its needs and 
resources assessment concerning early learning services and the 
relevancy of the results as the basis for determining its objectives 
and need for assistance for early learning services. Relevant data from 
the needs and resources assessment should be included. Participant and 
beneficiary information must also be included.
    2. The extent to which the applicant describes the context of the 
proposed project, including the characteristics of the community, 
magnitude, and severity of the problem, and the needs to be addressed.
    3. The extent to which the applicant presents a vision of the 
project it anticipates developing; defines its goals and specific 
measurable objectives of the project; describes how its goals and 
objectives are linked together; and explains how implementation will 
fulfill the purposes of the ELOA. The extent to which the applicant 
demonstrates an understanding that goals are end products of a project, 
while objectives are measurable steps toward attainment of the goals. 
The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a thorough understanding 
of the importance of early learning services and activities that help 
parents, caregivers, and child care providers incorporate early 
learning into the daily lives of young children, as well as programs 
that directly provide early learning to young children.
    4. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates how it will 
support activities/projects that maximize the use of resources through 
collaboration with other early learning programs, provide continuity of 
services for young children across the age spectrum, and help parents 
and other caregivers promote early learning with their young children.
    5. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that it has 
worked with local education agencies to identify cognitive, social, and 
emotional, and motor developmental abilities which are necessary to 
support children's readiness for school; that the programs, services, 
and activities assisted under this title will represent developmentally 
appropriate steps toward the acquisition of those abilities; and, that 
the programs, services, and activities assisted provide benefits for 
children cared for in their own homes as well as children placed in the 
care of others.
Criterion 2. Approach (25 Points)
    1. The extent to which the applicant describes its project design, 
services, product development and dissemination. The extent to which 
the applicant presents an approach that: (a) Reflects an understanding 
of the characteristics, needs, and services currently available to the 
target population; (b) is based on current theory, research, and/or 
best practices; (c) is appropriate and feasible; (d) can be reliably 
evaluated; (e) could be replicated, if successful; and (f) can be 
sustained after Federal funding has ceased.
    2. The extent to which the applicant includes a detailed plan that 
identifies goals and objectives, relates those goals and objectives to 
the findings of its needs and resources assessment, and provides a work 
plan identifying specific activities necessary to accomplish the stated 
goals and objectives. The extent to which the plan demonstrates that 
each of the project objectives and activities supports the current 
needs and resource assessment and can be accomplished with the 
available or expected resources during the proposed project period.
    3. The extent to which the plan: (a) Describes the sequence and 
timing of the major activities, tasks and subtasks, important 
milestones, and reports, and indicates when each will be accomplished 
(a timeline is recommended). The extent to which the applicant's plan 
provides quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or 
function, the extent to which the accomplishment are listed in 
chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and target 
dates.
    4. The extent to which the applicant: (a) Specifies who will 
conduct the activities under each objective; (b) describes how 
subcontractors will be

[[Page 33195]]

chosen and held accountable for carrying out activities in compliance 
with this application, and grant terms and conditions; (c) describes 
how actual and perceived conflict of interest will be avoided if the 
Local Council is also a direct service provider; and (d) indicates how 
programs, services, and activities will be provided based on the 
family's ability to pay (for those services that customarily require a 
payment).
    5. The extent to which the applicant describes how the project will 
form collaborations among local early learning, youth, social service, 
educational providers (including faith-based organizations) and, as 
appropriate, organizations that can facilitate distance learning, to 
maximize resources and concentrate efforts on areas of greatest need.
    6. The extent to which the applicant describes its work with local 
educational agencies to identify cognitive, social, emotional, and 
motor developmental abilities, which are necessary to support 
children's readiness for school.
    7. The extent to which the applicant's programs, services, and 
activities assisted under ELOA will represent developmentally 
appropriate steps toward the acquisition of those abilities.
    8. The extent to which the applicant's programs, services, and 
activities assisted under this announcement provide benefits for 
children cared for in their own homes as well as children placed in the 
care of others.
    9. The extent to which the applicant's plan: (a) Describes how the 
project will be structured and managed; (b) defines the procedures to 
be used to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner 
consistent with the work plan; (c) lists 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 to the project; (d) discusses the impact of the project's 
various activities on the project's effectiveness including factors 
that may affect project implementation or outcomes and presents 
realistic strategies for resolution of these difficulties; (e) 
describes how timeliness of activities will be ensured, how quality 
control will be maintained, and how costs will be controlled; and (f) 
describes how unanticipated problems will be resolved to ensure that 
the project will be completed on time and with a high degree of 
quality.
    10. If the project includes the use of any distance learning 
techniques in support of informal or isolated child care providers, the 
extent to which the purposes of distance learning are clearly described 
and appropriate objectives are identified for specific types of child 
care providers. (If distance learning is not an element of the project, 
this sub-criterion does not apply.)
Criterion 3. Results and Benefits Expected (15 Points)
    1. The extent to which the applicant specifies the number of 
children and families to be served and how the services to be provided 
will be funded consistent with the results of the needs assessment.
    2. The extent to which the applicant explains how the expected 
results will benefit the population to be served in meeting its needs 
for early learning services and activities.
    3. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that completion 
of the proposed objectives will result in specific, measurable results.
Criterion 4. Evaluation (15 Points)
    1. The extent to which the applicant appropriately links its needs 
and resources assessment, proposed activities, and anticipated results 
and benefits, and describes how the proposed evaluation will 
demonstrate the effectiveness of its activities and services in 
addressing the needs identified under its needs and resources 
assessment. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates how the 
results or benefits identified for each objective will serve as 
standards for evaluating the achievement of objectives at the end of 
the project period (i.e., 17 months).
    2. The extent to which the applicant's evaluation plan includes a 
process component that describes the activities of the project, how the 
project will operate, how well the design was followed, and the extent 
to which it produced the expected results. The extent to which the 
applicant's should contain an outcome component with output and outcome 
measures. For example, in addition to numbers of families and children 
served, what benefits did families derive from these services?
    3. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the relationships 
among the needs identified in the needs and resources assessment, the 
activities/interventions proposed, and anticipated results and benefits 
(e.g., a diagram (logic model) for demonstration purposes).
    4. The extent to which the design and implementation of its 
evaluation plan is methodologically sound, appropriate to the 
activities/interventions implemented, and demonstrates the extent to 
which program goals/objectives will be achieved.
    5. The extent to which the applicant has allocated sufficient funds 
in the project budget to implement the proposed evaluation activities.
    6. The extent to which the evaluation plan reflects sensitivity to 
technical, logistical, cultural, and ethical issues that may arise and 
includes realistic strategies for the resolution of difficulties.
    7. The extent to which the evaluation plan adequately protects 
human subjects, confidentiality of data, and consent procedures, as 
appropriate.
    8. If any distance learning technique is to be employed, the extent 
to which it is related to specific desired results for specified 
providers and there is a means by which to test for these results or 
contrast the results of distance learning with other techniques for 
providing information and assistance and supporting quality among child 
care providers. (If distance learning is not an element of the project, 
this sub-criterion does not apply.)
Criterion 5. Staff and Position Data/Organizational Profiles (10 
Points)
    1. The extent to which the applicant (Local Council) provides 
information and evidence of its management and administrative structure 
including its organizational capacity, and if applicable, that of its 
Fiscal Agent. Organizational capacity includes: (a) The extent to which 
the ability to manage a project of the proposed size and scope is 
demonstrated; (b) the extent to which successful experience with the 
target population is demonstrated; (c) the extent to which a Local 
Council (and/or designated individuals) is qualified and experienced to 
manage the project is demonstrated; (d) the extent to which a 
commitment to develop and sustain working relationships among key 
stakeholders is demonstrated; (e) the extent to which experience and 
commitment of any third parties including consultants is demonstrated; 
and (f) the extent to which an appropriate organizational structure, 
including the management information system, to implement the project 
is demonstrated.
    2. The extent to which the applicant (Local Council) demonstrates 
its staff and organizational experience particularly in areas of 
facilitating needs and resources assessments and collaborative 
activities as they relate to early learning services. The extent to 
which the applicant documents its experience in facilitating such 
activities and the length of time the applicant has been involved in 
these activities. The extent to which the applicant clearly

[[Page 33196]]

shows the successful management of projects of similar scope by the 
organization, and/or by the individuals designated to manage the 
project.
    3. The extent to which the applicant provides position descriptions 
and/or resumes of key personnel, including those of consultants, which 
clearly relate to the personnel staffing required to achieve the ELOA 
project objectives and the proposed budget. The extent to which the 
position descriptions and resumes clearly describe the qualifications, 
any specialized skills, and duties for each position necessary for 
overall quality implementation of the project. The extent to which 
resumes are provided for individuals who have been identified for 
positions in the project. The extent to which the applicant lists 
organizations and consultants who will participate in the project along 
with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
    4. The extent to which the applicant describes its agency including 
the types, quantities, and costs of services it provides. The extent to 
which the applicant discusses the role of other organizations that will 
be involved in providing direct services to children and families 
through this grant.
    5. If the Local Council plans to work with a fiscal agent, that 
entity, its qualifications, and its relationship to the Council must be 
described. The extent to which the applicant and/or its fiscal agent 
demonstrates that it has sufficient fiscal and accounting capacity to 
ensure prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate accounting of 
funds.
    6. The extent to which the applicant provides organizational charts 
for the Local Council, its members, and any third-party, including a 
list of all sites, addresses, phone numbers, and staff contacts and 
titles.
    7. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates active 
participation of the entire Local Council in the development of its 
application and the project, including a description of the ongoing 
role of the Local Council in the implementation of the project, and 
methods for documenting its participation (e.g., minutes of council 
meetings, council resolutions, newspaper articles, and community 
surveys).
    8. The extent to which the applicant includes third-party 
agreements with cooperating entities, which detail the scope of work to 
be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and any other terms and 
conditions that structure or define the relationship. Information about 
new agreements that will be executed with subgrantees, contractors, or 
other cooperating entities should also be included. If no written 
agreements exist, sample/draft agreements may be submitted.
    9. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates support for the 
project from parents, the community at-large, and other key leaders and 
stakeholders.
    10. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates a feasible plan 
for securing resources and continuing project activities, if 
applicable, after Federal assistance has ceased. The extent to which 
the applicant demonstrates its understanding that ACF is interested in 
funding projects that will be completed, self-sustaining, or financed 
by other than ELOA funds at the end of the project period.
Criterion 6. Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    1. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that the funds 
requested will be used for early learning services that are allowed 
under this announcement. The extent to which the discussion refers to 
(1) the budget information presented on Standard Forms 424 and 424A and 
the applicant's budget justification and (2) the results or benefits 
identified under Criterion 3 above.
    2. The extent to which the project's costs are reasonable in view 
of the activities to be carried out, that the funds are appropriately 
allocated across component areas, and that the budget is sufficient to 
accomplish the objectives.
    3. The extent to which the applicant's narrative budget 
justification provides detailed calculations that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. The extent to which the applicant's 
detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit 
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the 
calculation to be duplicated. The extent to which the applicant 
specifies the costs for the entire 17-month ELOA project period, not 
separate costs into 12-month and five-month budgets.
    4. The extent to which the applicant provides sufficient funds in 
the project budget to implement the proposed evaluation activities.
    5. If there is a distance learning component of the project, and 
that component includes evaluation of the efficacy of any distance 
learning technique(s) for child care providers, the extent to which the 
costs of that evaluation are adequately considered and provided for in 
the budget.
    6. The extent to which funds are allocated to allow two 
representatives from the Local Council to attend one two-day grantee 
meeting in Washington, DC.
    7. The extent to which the applicant provides Letter(s) of 
Commitment from the State, local, public and private organizations/
agencies, and any other source that will be contributing toward the 
applicant's non-Federal share of project costs. The extent to which the 
Letter(s) of Commitment state the amount to be contributed and the form 
of the contribution (i.e., cash or in-kind).


    Note: Letter(s) of Commitment are not to be confused with 
Letter(s) of Support or with the Local Council's Letter of 
Designation by an Entity of Local Government.

2. Review and Selection Process

A. Initial Screening for Eligibility and Conformance
    Each application will undergo an eligibility and conformance review 
by Federal Child Care Bureau staff. Applications that pass the 
eligibility and conformance review will be evaluated on a competitive 
basis according to the specified evaluation criteria.
B. Competitive Review Process
    The competitive review will be conducted in the Washington, DC 
metropolitan area by panels of Federal and non-Federal experts 
knowledgeable in the areas of literacy, early learning, child care, 
early childhood education, and other relevant program areas.
    Application review panels will assign a score to each application 
and identify its strengths and weaknesses.
C. Application Consideration and Selection
    The Child Care Bureau will conduct an administrative review of the 
applications and results of the competitive review panels and make 
recommendations for funding to the Commissioner, ACYF.
    Subject to the recommendation of the Child Care Bureau's Associate 
Commissioner, the Commissioner, ACYF, will make the final selection of 
the applications to be funded. An application may be funded in whole or 
in part depending on: (1) The ranked order of applicants resulting from 
the competitive review; (2) staff review and consultations; (3) the 
combination of projects that best meets the Bureau's objectives; (4) 
the funds available; (5) the statutory requirement that reserves funds 
for Indian Tribes, and Alaska Native Regional Corporations, and Native 
Hawaiian entities; and (6) other relevant considerations. The 
Commissioner may also elect not to fund any applicants with known 
management, fiscal, reporting, program, or other problems, which make 
it

[[Page 33197]]

unlikely that they would be able to provide effective services.
    Approved but Unfunded Applications: Should more FY 2004 ELOA 
applications be approved for funding than ACYF can fund with available 
ELOA monies, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order 
of approval until the available funds are expended. When this occurs, 
ACYF has the option of carrying-over the approved applications to FY 
2005 for funding consideration in that ELOA grant competition. These 
applications need not be reviewed nor scored again as long as the ELOA 
program's evaluation criteria do not change from FY 2004 to FY 2005. 
However, the approved but not funded applications must be placed in the 
proper rank order with the new FY 2005 ELOA applications.

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 award, the 
effective date of the award, and the budget period for which support is 
given, the no-federal share to be provided, and the total project 
period for which support is provided. The Financial Assistance Award 
will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail.
    Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be 
notified in writing.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirement

    45 CFR Parts 16, 30, 46, 74, 75, 76, 80, 81, 84, 86, 91, 92, 93, 
and 100.
    37 CFR Part 401.

3. Reporting Requirements

    Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 
days after the end of the grant period.
    Financial Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 days 
after the end of the grant period.
    Original reports and one copy should be mailed to: William Wilson, 
Grants Officer, 330 C Street SW, Room 2070, Washington, DC 20447.
    Audits: Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines 
established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-123, ``Audits of States, 
Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations,'' and implemented in 7 
CFR Part 3052. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-
133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), Audits of States, Local Governments, and 
Nonprofit Organizations, nonfederal entities that expend financial 
assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or 
a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities 
that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from 
Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular 
A-133. Additional audits may be necessary.
    Records: Grantees must maintain separate records for each grant to 
ensure that funds are used for the purpose for which the grant was 
awarded. All matching contributions must be verifiable in the grantee 
organization's records. Records are subject to inspection during the 
life of the grant and for three years thereafter.

VII. Agency Contacts

A. Program Office Contact

    Carol L. Gage, ELOA Program Area Manager, 330 C Street SW., Room 
2330/2046, Washington, DC 20447, 202-690-6243, [email protected].

B. Grants Management Office Contact

    William Wilson, Grants Officer, 330 C Street SW., Room 2070, 
Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-8913, [email protected].

C. General

    Technical Assistance to Prospective Applicants about the 
application process or problems linking to the full announcement 
contact the ACYF Operations Center and refer to the ELOA Funding 
Opportunity Number: Toll free: 1-866-796-1591, [email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    Electronic Link to Announcement: Copies of this Program 
Announcement may be downloaded approximately 5 days after publication 
in the Federal Register from the Child Care Bureau's Web site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/.

    Dated: June 4, 2004.
Frank Fuentes,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.

Appendix A.--Sample 1--Letter of Designation of the Local Council by an 
Entity of Local Government

Date
To Whom It May Concern:

    Under the authority granted by the (Specify Source of Authority 
to Act on behalf of the Entity of Local Government), I/We hereby 
designate the (Insert Name of Local Council) as the eligible Local 
Council for the (Insert the name(s) of localities to be served by 
the Local Council (e.g., city(ies), county(ies), borough(s), etc.)) 
for the purposes of applying for a discretionary grant under the 
Early Learning Opportunities Act (ELOA) program. I/We also authorize 
the (Insert Name of Local Council) to develop and submit an 
application to the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, 
Child Care Bureau in response to the ELOA Funding Opportunity 
Number: HHS-ACF-CCB-ELOA-04-01, and to administer the implementation 
of the project if funded.
As required under the statute governing ELOA, the (Insert Name of 
Local Council) includes: (1) Representatives of local agencies that 
will be directly affected by early learning programs assisted under 
the ELOA and this announcement; (2) parents; (3) other individuals 
concerned with early learning issues in the locality, such as 
representatives of entities providing elementary education, child 
care resource and referral services, early learning opportunities, 
child care, and health services; and (4) other key community 
leaders.
    The Insert Name of Local Council was responsible for preparing 
and submitting the enclosed application for the ELOA discretionary 
grant program.

 Sincerely,

Signed and dated by an individual with authority to represent the 
entity of local government (e.g., mayor, city/county manager, city/
county executive, city/county council, board of supervisors, select 
board, etc.)

Appendix B.--Sample 2--Letter of Designation of the Local Council and 
Identification of the Fiscal Agent by an Entity of Local Government

Date
To Whom It May Concern:
Under the authority granted by the (Specify Source of Authority to 
Act on behalf of the Entity of Local Government), I/We hereby 
designate the (Insert Name of Local Council) as the eligible Local 
Council for the (Insert the name(s) of localities to be served by 
the Local Council (e.g., city(ies), county(ies), borough(s), etc.)) 
for the purposes of the Early Learning Opportunities Act (ELOA) 
discretionary grant program. I/We also authorize the (Insert Name of 
Local Council) to develop and submit an application to the 
Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Child Care Bureau in 
response to the ELOA Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-ACF-CCB-ELOA-
04-01, and to administer the implementation of the project if 
funded.
    I/We hereby authorize the (Insert Name of Fiscal Agent) to serve 
as the Fiscal Agent on behalf of the (Insert Name of Local Council) 
and the Fiscal Agent's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is: ----
------ and this EIN has been entered in Item 6 on the Application 
for Federal Assistance (SF-424).
    As required under the statute governing ELOA, the (Insert Name 
of Local Council) includes: (1) Representatives of local agencies 
that will be directly affected by early learning programs assisted 
under the ELOA and this announcement; (2) parents; (3) other 
individuals concerned with early

[[Page 33198]]

learning issues in the locality, such as representatives of entities 
providing elementary education, child care resource and referral 
services, early learning opportunities, child care, and health 
services; and (4) other key community leaders.
    The (Insert Name of Local Council) was responsible for preparing 
and submitting the enclosed application for the ELOA discretionary 
grant program.

 Sincerely,

    Signed and dated by an individual with authority to represent 
the entity of local government (e.g., mayor, city/county manager, 
city/county executive, city/county council, board of supervisors, 
select board, etc.)

Appendix C.--Sample Format for Providing Information on the Composition 
of the Local Council

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Member's name                        Title                    Role                  Agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
L. M. Peterson........................  Superintendent...........  C                    Emerald City Public
                                                                                         Schools.
Rev. P. Nelson........................  Director, Child & Family   A, D                 Holy Trinity Church.
                                         Services.
Patricia Lawson.......................  Director.................  A                    Happy Days Child Care.
Fr. Michael Bates.....................  Child & Family Program     A, D                 Catholic Charities.
                                         Manager.
Michele Dixon.........................  Director.................  C                    Child Care Resource &
                                                                                         Referral.
Angela Bauer..........................  Director.................  B                    St. James Head Start.
Monica Presley........................  Director.................  C                    Emerald County Health
                                                                                         Dept.
Marsha Severn.........................  Chair....................  D                    Emerald City Chamber of
                                                                                         Commerce.
Peggy Davis...........................  Family Child Care          C
                                         Provider.
Sarah Curtis..........................  Autism Consultant........  A                    Emerald City Public
                                                                                         Schools.
Susan Meyers..........................  Parent of Young Child....  B
Susan LaPierre........................  President................  A                    Emerald County Community
                                                                                         College.
Alberta Collins.......................  Vice President...........  D                    Emerald City United Way
                                                                                         Services.
Frank Jimenez.........................  County Manager...........  D                    Emerald County.
Sean Red Cloud........................  Consultant...............  D                    Lakota Community
                                                                                         Services.
Christopher Potter....................  Parent of Young Child....  B
Harriet Huggins.......................  Director.................  C                    Emerald County Social
                                                                                         Services Dept.
Isabella Flores.......................  Director.................  D                    La Puerta Fundacion.
T. Rex Reid...........................  President................  D                    Emerald City Bank.
Lionel Mejias.........................  Director.................  A                    Early Childhood
                                                                                         Services, Inc.
Ameila Quigley........................  Program Parent...........  B                    Parents and Teachers.
Amy Takmamura.........................  Director.................  A                    Emerald City Child Care
                                                                                         Consortium.
Juana Garcia..........................  Director, Special          A                    Emerald City Public
                                         Education.                                      Schools.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Legend:

A = Representatives of local agencies that will be directly affected 
by early learning programs assisted under the ELOA and this 
announcement.
B = Parents.
C = Other individuals concerned with early learning issues in the 
locality, such as representatives of entities providing elementary 
education, child care resource and referral services, early learning 
opportunities, child care, and health services.
D = Other key community leaders.

Appendix D.--FY 2002 Early Learning Opportunity Act Grantees and 
Geographic Service Areas

    Thirty-one Early Learning Opportunity Act (ELOA) grants were 
awarded in FY 2002. Listed below is the name of each grantee, the 
title of its project, and its geographic service area. These 31 
grants were all awarded a 17-month project period (i.e., September 
30, 2002-February 28, 2004). However, many of the grantees are 
likely to request and be approved a no cost extension to their 
February 28, 2004 project period end date. The length of an 
extension will vary from grantee-to-grantee, with the minimum 
extension being one month and the maximum being 12 months.
    FY 2004 applicants proposing to serve all or part of a 
geographic area currently being served by an ELOA grantee whose 
grant is expected to be in effect on September 30, 2004 will be 
excluded and not competed for an award. To learn whether or not the 
project period for any of the FY 2002 ELOA grantees listed below has 
been extended, you may contact Carol L. Gage, the ELOA Program Area 
Manager, at 202-690-6243 or [email protected].

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Grantee's fiscal      Local council                        Geographic service
              State                      agent          (ELOA grantee)       Project title           area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona (Chandler)..............  n/a...............  Mayor's Literacy    Chandler Steps to   City of Chandler.
                                                       Task Force.         Learning Project:
                                                                           A Community-based
                                                                           Early Learning
                                                                           and Parent
                                                                           Assistance
                                                                           Program.
Colorado (Denver)...............  The Clayton         City of Denver and  Early Learning      City & County of
                                   Foundation on       Denver Public       Opportunities       Denver.
                                   behalf of the       Schools Joint       Project.
                                                       Council on Early
                                                       Childhood Care
                                                       and Education.
Connecticut (Manchester)........  Town of Manchester  Manchester School   Manchester Early    Town of
                                   on behalf of the    Readiness Council.  Learning            Manchester.
                                                                           Opportunities
                                                                           Project.
District of Columbia............  DC Department of    Mayor's Advisory    DC Early Learning   Wards 1, 7, & 8 in
                                   Human Services on   Committee on        Opportunities       the District of
                                   behalf of the       Early Childhood     Program.            Columbia.
                                                       Development.
Florida (Miami).................  n/a...............  Miami-Dade School   Early Authors       Miami-Dade County.
                                                       Readiness           Program.
                                                       Coalition.
Georgia (Atlanta)...............  n/a...............  Family Connection   South Georgia       Coffee, Crisp,
                                                       Partnership.        EXCEL (Excellence   Mitchell, &
                                                                           in Childcare and    Turner Counties.
                                                                           Learning).

[[Page 33199]]

 
Hawaii (Honolulu)...............  Good Beginnings     Good Beginnings     Expanding Oahu's    The island of Oahu
                                   Alliance on         Oahu Council.       Early Learning      with special
                                   behalf of the                           Opportunities.      attention in the
                                                                                               Waianae,
                                                                                               Waimanalo, &
                                                                                               Kalihi
                                                                                               communities.
Idaho (Pocatello)...............  United Way of       Success By 6......  Bannock County      Bannock County.
                                   Southeastern                            Ready to Learn
                                   Idaho on behalf                         Project.
                                   of the
Maine (Wilton)..................  Western Maine       Western Maine       Western Maine       Androscoggin,
                                   Centers for         Alliance for        ACCESS Early        Franklin, &
                                   Children on         Children's Care,    Learning            Oxford Counties.
                                   behalf of the       Education, and      Opportunity Grant.
                                                       Support (ACCESS).
Massachusetts (Boston)..........  Economic            0-8 Coalition.....  Boston Learns: An   City of Boston
                                   Development and                         Early Literacy      including the
                                   Industrial                              Collaborative for   neighborhoods of
                                   Corporation on                          Children,           Mattapan,
                                   behalf of the                           Families, and       Roslindale, &
                                                                           Educators.          Hyde Park.
Massachusetts (Cambridge).......  Cambridge Public    Cambridge 0-8       Accelerating        City of Cambridge.
                                   Schools on behalf   Council.            Language and
                                   of the                                  Literacy for
                                                                           Children,
                                                                           Families, and
                                                                           Providers.
Massachusetts (Lowell)..........  Lowell Public       Lowell Community    Lowell Community    City of Lowell.
                                   Schools District    Partnership for     Partnerships for
                                   on behalf of the    Children.           Children Early
                                                                           Learning
                                                                           Opportunities
                                                                           Initiative.
Michigan (Grand Rapids).........  Heart of West       Kent County Family  Connections For     Kent County.
                                   Michigan United     and Children's      Children.
                                   Way on behalf of    Coordinating
                                   the                 Council.
Minnesota (Minneapolis).........  n/a...............  Minneapolis Youth   Minneapolis Youth   City of
                                                       Coordinating        Coordinating        Minneapolis.
                                                       Board.              Board Readiness
                                                                           Initiative.
New Hampshire (Manchester)......  Easter Seals New    Early Learning      Links to Early      Rockingham &
                                   Hampshire on        Lasts a Lifetime    Learning.           Strafford
                                   behalf of the       Local Council of                        Counties.
                                                       Southeastern New
                                                       Hampshire.
New York (Binghampton)..........  Broome Community    Broome County       Building Brighter   Broome County.
                                   College on behalf   Early Childhood     Futures For
                                   of the              Coalition.          Broome.
North Carolina (Lenoir).........  Communities In      Local Council for   Early Learning      Caldwell County.
                                   Schools of          Early Childhood     Opportunities
                                   Caldwell County     Development.        Movement.
                                   Inc. on behalf of
                                   the
Oklahoma (Pawhuska).............  Osage Tribe of      Osage Tribal        Osage Nation Early  Osage Indian
                                   Indians of          Council.            Learning Center.    Tribal
                                   Oklahoma on                                                 Reservation in
                                   behalf of the                                               Osage County.
Rhode Island (Providence).......  The Providence      Ready to Learn      Ready to Learn      City of
                                   Plan on behalf of   Providence Local    Providence.         Providence.
                                   the                 Council.
South Carolina (Lancaster)......  n/a...............  Lancaster County    Lancaster County    Lancaster County.
                                                       First Steps.        First Steps.
South Carolina (Beaufort).......  Beaufort County     Beaufort County     Beaufort County     Beaufort County.
                                   Council on behalf   Early Childhood     Early Childhood
                                   of the              Coalition.          Coalition.
Texas (El Paso).................  El Paso Community   Strong Families,    Using a Promotor    El Paso County.
                                   College on behalf   Strong Future       de Salud to
                                   of the              Council.            Promote Early
                                                                           Learning in At-
                                                                           Risk Populations
                                                                           along the US-
                                                                           Mexico Border.
Texas (Levelland)...............  South Plains        South Plains Early  On the Road with    Counties of
                                   Community Action    Childhood Council.  Literacy.           Bailey, Cochran,
                                   Association, Inc.                                           Crosby, Dickens,
                                   on behalf of the                                            Garza, Hale,
                                                                                               Hockley, Lamb,
                                                                                               Floyd, Lynn,
                                                                                               Lubbock, Terry,
                                                                                               King, Motely, &
                                                                                               Yoakum.
Vermont (Swanton)...............  Franklin Northwest  Franklin County     Franklin County     Franklin County.
                                   Supervisory Union   Early Childhood     Early Learning
                                   on behalf of the    Advisory Council.   Opportunities
                                                                           Project.
Virginia (Fairfax)..............  Fairfax County      Childcare Advisory  Fairfax             Fairfax County
                                   Board of            Council.            Collaborative.      including the
                                   Supervisors on                                              cities of Falls
                                   behalf of the                                               Church & Fairfax.
Virginia (Harrisonburg).........  United Way of       United Way Success  The Reading Road    Rockingham County
                                   Harrisonburg &      By 6 Coalition.     Show Early          & the City of
                                   Rockingham                              Literacy            Harrisonburg.
                                   County, Inc. on                         Initiative.
                                   behalf of the

[[Page 33200]]

 
Virginia (Norfolk)..............  n/a...............  Hampton Roads       Square One School   Region known as
                                                       Partnership         Readiness           Hampton Roads
                                                       Square One.         Initiative.         including 17
                                                                                               localities:
                                                                                               Cities of
                                                                                               Chesapeake,
                                                                                               Franklin,
                                                                                               Hampton, Newport
                                                                                               News, Norfolk,
                                                                                               Poquoson,
                                                                                               Portsmouth,
                                                                                               Smithfield,
                                                                                               Suffolk, Virginia
                                                                                               Beach, &
                                                                                               Williamsburg &
                                                                                               the Counties of
                                                                                               Gloucester, Isle
                                                                                               of Wight, James
                                                                                               City,
                                                                                               Southampton,
                                                                                               Surry, & York.
Washington (Spokane)............  Health Improvement  Spokane Regional    Strengthening       Spokane County.
                                   Partnership of      Child Care          Early Learning in
                                   Spokane County on   Initiative.         Spokane County.
                                   behalf of the
Washington (Vancouver)..........  Educational         Support Early       Every Moment        Clark County.
                                   Service District    Learning and        Counts: Achieving
                                   112 on behalf of    Families Local      School Readiness
                                   the                 Council.            in Clark County.
West Virginia (Huntington)......  Huntington West     Cabell-Wayne Early  ERASE (Education,   Cabell & Wayne
                                   Virginia Housing    Childhood Council.  Rurality,           Counties.
                                   Authority on                            Accessibility,
                                   behalf of the                           Service, and
                                                                           Economic)
                                                                           Barriers Project.
West Virginia (Webster Springs).  Webster County      Early Care and      More by Four--      Webster County.
                                   Board of            Education           Ready by Five.
                                   Education on        Consortium.
                                   behalf of the
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix E.--FY 2003 Early Learning Opportunity Act Grantees and 
Geographic Service Areas

    Forty-three Early Learning Opportunity Act (ELOA) grants were 
awarded in FY 2003. Listed below is the name of each grantee, the 
title of its project, and its geographic service area. The 17-month 
project period for these grants is September 30, 2003--February 28, 
2005. The ELOA Program Area Manager is Carol L. Gage, who can be 
reached at 202-690-6243 or [email protected].

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Grantee's fiscal      Local council                        Geographic service
              State                      agent          (ELOA grantee)       Project title           area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama (Huntsville)............  National            Children's Policy   Building Blocks     Huntsville City &
                                   Children's          Council for         Project.            Madison County.
                                   Advocacy Center     Huntsville City
                                   on behalf of the    and Madison
                                                       County.
Alaska (Barrow).................  Ilisagvik College   Community Child     Earlying Learning   North Slope
                                   on behalf of the    Care Council of     Enhancement for     Borough.
                                                       the Arctic Slope    the North Slope
                                                       Native              Borough of Alaska.
                                                       Association.
Arizona (Nogales)...............  Santa Cruz County   Santa Cruz County   Santa Cruz County   Santa Cruz County.
                                   Schools Office on   Schools             Early Learning-
                                   behalf of the       Consortium.         Learning Together/
                                                                           Aprendiendo
                                                                           Temprano--Aprendi
                                                                           endo Juntos
                                                                           Program.
California (Merced).............  Merced County       Merced County       CELO--Coalition     Merced County.
                                   Office of           Local Childcare     for Early
                                   Education on        Planning Council.   Learning
                                   behalf of the                           Opportunity.
Califronia (NAPA)...............  Napa County Office  Napa County Child   The EARLY II        Napa County.
                                   of Education on     Care Planning       Project
                                   behalf of the       Council.            (Enhancing
                                                                           Accessibility and
                                                                           Readiness for
                                                                           Learning by Young
                                                                           children).
California (Oroville)...........  Butte County        Butte County Local  Beginning Early     Butte County.
                                   Office of           Child Care          Learning and
                                   Education on        Planning Council.   Literacy Success.
                                   behalf of the
California (Pleasant Hill)......  Contra Costa        Contra Costa        Contra Costa        Contra Costs
                                   County Office of    County Local        County Early        County.
                                   Education on        Planning Council.   Learning Project.
                                   behalf of the
California (Redwood City).......  San Mateo County    San Mateo County    The San Mateo       San Mateo County.
                                   Superintendent of   Child Care          County Early
                                   Schools on behalf   Partnership         Learning Project.
                                   of the              Council.
California (San Diego)..........  San Diego County    San Diego County    Project MENTOR      North San Diego
                                   Superintendent of   Child Care and      (Meeting            County:
                                   Schools on behalf   Development         Educational Needs   Escondido, Vista,
                                   of the              Planning Council.   Through Outreach).  Oceanside, &
                                                                                               Poway.

[[Page 33201]]

 
California (Shingle Springs)....  n/a...............  First 5 El Dorado   Early Learning      El Dorado County.
                                                       Children and        Matters.
                                                       Families
                                                       Commission.
Colorado (Dillon)...............  n/a...............  Summit County       Summit County       Summit County.
                                                       Child Care          Reading Early
                                                       Resource &          Always Learning
                                                       Referral Agency.    (R.E.A.L.)
                                                                           Project.
Delaware (Wilmington)...........  City of Wilmington  Wilmington Early    Wilmington Cares..  City of
                                   on behalf of the    Care and                                Wilmington.
                                                       Education Council.
Florida (Orlando)...............  Orange County       Mayor's Education   Orlando's Ore-K     City of Orlando.
                                   School readiness    Action Council.     Enrichment
                                   Coalition on                            Project.
                                   behalf of the
Florida (Pineallas Park)........  Juvenile Welfare    Pinellas County     Pinellas Early      Pinellas County.
                                   Board of Pinellas   School Readiness    Literacy Learning
                                   County on behalf    Coalition, Inc.     Community Program.
                                   of the
Georgia (Atlanta)...............  United Way of       Central DeKalb      Lighting the SPARK  DeKalb County.
                                   Metropolitan        SPARK Partnership.
                                   Atlanta on behalf
                                   of the
Iowa (Webster City).............  Hamilton County     Building Families.  Early Childhood     Hamilton,
                                   Auditor on behalf                       Enhancement         Humbodlt, &
                                   of the                                  Institute.          Wright Counties.
Kansas (Topeka).................  United Way of       Topeka Area Child   Topeka Links to     Shawnee County.
                                   Greater Topeka on   Care Advisory       Learning.
                                   behalf of the       Council.
Louisiana (Monroe)..............  n/a...............  Children's          Ouachita Parish     Cities of Monore &
                                                       Coalition for       Right Start         West Monroe.
                                                       Northeast           Program.
                                                       Louisiana.
Maine (Waterville)..............  Kennebec Valley     Kennebec/Somerset   Project PLUS......  Kennebec &
                                   Community Action    Alliance for                            Somerset
                                   Program on behalf   Children's Care,                        Counties.
                                   of the              Education, and
                                                       Support Services
                                                       (ACCESS).
Maine (Wiscasset)...............  Coastal             Coastal Alliance    Coastal Early Care  Northern
                                   Enterprises, Inc.   for Children's      and Education       Cumberland,
                                   on behalf of the    Care, Education,    Project.            Sagadahoc,
                                                       and Support                             Lincoln, Waldo, &
                                                       (ACCESS).                               Know Counties.
Maryland (Baltimore)............  n/a...............  Family Support      Baltimore's Early   4 Communities in
                                                       Strategy            Literacy for        East/West
                                                       Committee of the    Families (ELF)      Baltimore City:
                                                       Family League of    Project.            Druid Heights,
                                                       Baltimore City,                         Reservoir Hill,
                                                       Inc.                                    Upton; historic
                                                                                               East Baltimore;
                                                                                               Sandtown,
                                                                                               Winchester,
                                                                                               Harlem Park; &
                                                                                               South-west
                                                                                               Baltimore
                                                                                               Consortium.
Maryland (Centreville)..........  Queen Anne's        Queen Anne's        Families First      Queen Anne County.
                                   County Office of    County Community    Play to Learn
                                   Finance on behalf   Partnerships for    Center.
                                   of the              Children.
Maryland (Charlotte Hall).......  n/a...............  Southern Maryland   Southern Maryland   Calvert, Charles,
                                                       Child Care          Early Literacy      & St. Mary's
                                                       Resource Center.    Project.            Counties.
Massachusetts (Northampton).....  Hampshire           Eastern and South   Early Learning Web  5 rural
                                   Educational         Hadley Community    Project.            communities in
                                   Collaborative on    Partnership for                         western
                                   behalf of the       Children.                               Massachusetts;
                                                                                               Belchertown,
                                                                                               South Hadley, &
                                                                                               Ware (Hampshire
                                                                                               County) & Monson
                                                                                               & Palmer (Hampden
                                                                                               County).
MIchigan (Adrian)...............  Lenawee             Lenawee's CHILD     Lenawee's CHILD:    Lenawee County.
                                   Intermediate        Advisory Council.   Communities
                                   School District                         Helping to
                                   of behalf of the                        Increase Learning
                                                                           and Development.
Michigan (Detroit)..............  Southwest           Family Support      New Steps--         Wayne County.
                                   Counseling and      Team of Southwest   Organizing the
                                   Development         Detroit.            Community for New
                                   Services on                             Steps to Early
                                   behalf of the                           Learning.
Minnesota (W. St. Paul).........  Dakota County       Dakota Healthy      Dakota Healthy      Dakota County.
                                   Public Health       Families Steering   Families Early
                                   Department on       Team.               Learning Project.
                                   behalf of the
Missouri & Kansas (Kansas City,   Mid-America         Metropolitan        Kansas City Early   Kansas: Johnston,
 MO).                              Regional Council    Council on Child    Childhood           Leavenworth, &
                                   on behalf of the    Care.               Excellence          Wyandotte
                                                                           Project Phase II.   Counties;
                                                                                               Missouri: Cass,
                                                                                               Clay, Jackson,
                                                                                               Platte, & Ray
                                                                                               Counties.
New Jersey (Galloway)...........  AlantiCare          United Way of       Parents As          Atlantic County.
                                   Foundation on       Atlantic County     Teachers.
                                   behalf of the       Success by 6
                                                       Initiative.
New Jersey (Hillside)...........  Community           Union County        Union County Early  Union County.
                                   Coordinated Child   Association of      Learning
                                   Care on behalf of   Child Care          Opportunities
                                   the                 Providers.          Project.

[[Page 33202]]

 
North Carolina (Morgantown).....  n/a...............  Burke County        Asset-Based         Burke & Catawba
                                                       Partnership for     Literacy and        Counties.
                                                       Children.           Learning
                                                                           Initiative (ABBL).
New Mexico (Santa Fe)...........  United Way of       Success by 6        Success By 6 Early  Santa Fe County.
                                   Santa Fe County     Council.            Literacy Project.
                                   on behalf of the
Pennsylvania (Wilkes-Barre).....  United Way of       Children's          Healthy Families    Luzerne County.
                                   Wyoming Valley on   Alliance of         of Luzerne County.
                                   behalf of the       Luzerne County.
South Carolina (Greenville).....  United Way of       United Way of       STEPS (Staff-       Greenville County.
                                   Greenville County   Greenville County   Training-
                                   of behalf of the    Success By 6        Environments-
                                                       Child Care          Parenting-
                                                       Initiative.         Scholarships).
Texas (Austin)..................  The Austin Project  Austin Child Care   Ticket to Learn--   4 contiguous zip
                                   on behalf of the    Council.            Early Learning      codes within the
                                                                           Opportunities       City of Austin,
                                                                           Initiative.         Travis County:
                                                                                               78723, 78752,
                                                                                               78753, & 78758.
Texas (Corpus Christi)..........  United Way of the   Success by 6 Local  Coastal Bend Early  12-county Coastal
                                   Coastal Bend on     Council.            Learning            Bend region of
                                   behalf of the                           Opportunities       South TX:
                                                                           Project.            Arkansas, Bee,
                                                                                               Brooks, Duval,
                                                                                               Jim Wells,
                                                                                               Kennedy, Kleberg,
                                                                                               Live Oak
                                                                                               McMullen, Nueces,
                                                                                               Refugio, & San
                                                                                               Patricio.
Texas (Houston).................  Initiatives for     Greater Houston     HELP (Harris        Harris County.
                                   Children on         Collaborative for   County Early
                                   behalf of the       Children            Learning Program
                                                       Governing           for Kids).
                                                       Committee.
Virginia (Richmond).............  United Ways         Greater Richmond    Project EXCEL:      City of Richmond &
                                   Services Success    Early Child         EXcellence for      the Counties of
                                   by Six on behalf    Development         Children and        Chesterfield &
                                   of the              Coalition.          Eearly Learning.    Henrico.
Washington (Oakville)...........  Confederated        South Puget         Tribal Early        Chehalis Indian
                                   Tribes of the       Council Tribal      Learning            Reservation &
                                   Chehalis            Local Council.      Opportunities       Skokomish
                                   Reservation on                          Project.            Reservation.
                                   behalf of the
Washington & Idaho (Pullman)....  Palouse             Early Childhood     Young Children and  Latah County,
                                   Industries, Inc.    Service Council     Family Programs     Idaho & Whitman
                                   on behalf of the    for Latah County,   on the Palouse.     County,
                                                       ID and Whitman                          Washington, an
                                                       County, WA.                             area
                                                                                               geographically
                                                                                               known as the
                                                                                               ``Palouse''.
West Virginia (Elkins)..........  Youth Health        Randolph & Barbour  Appalachian         Randolph & Barbour
                                   Service, Inc. on    County Early        Readers.            Counties.
                                   behalf of the       Childhood
                                                       Collaboratives.
Wisconsin (Appleton)............  Child Care          Healthy Infant and  Quality Early       Calumet,
                                   Resource and        Child Alliance,     Literacy            Outagamie, &
                                   Referral, Inc. on   Inc.                Environments.       Waupaca Counties.
                                   behalf of the
Wisconsin (Eau Claire)..........  Eau Claire County   Connect for         Connect for         Eau Claire County.
                                   Department of       Children Council.   Children Early
                                   Human Services on                       Learning Project.
                                   behalf of the
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[FR Doc. 04-13079 Filed 6-10-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P