[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 7, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41090-41111]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-15052]



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Part IV





Department of Health and Human Services





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Administration for Children and Families



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Projects of National Significance: Ongoing Data Collection; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 69 , No. 129 / Wednesday, July 7, 2004 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Projects of National Significance: Ongoing Data Collection

    Program Office Name: Administration on Developmental Disabilities 
(ADD).
    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ADD-DN-0004.
    CFDA Number: 93.631.
    Dates: Applications are due August 23, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

General Description

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) in the 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services announces the availability of fiscal year 
(FY) 2004 funds for cooperative agreements authorized under Subtitle E 
of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 
2000, Projects of National Significance (PNS). Under this Subtitle, 
funds will be awarded to collect, analyze, and report on data to 
describe services and supports for persons with developmental 
disabilities. There are four Priority Areas under this announcement 
with the following objectives:
     Priority Area I: To conduct analyses and provide rapid 
responses that describe the movement of people with developmental 
disabilities from institutional to community settings (especially 
domiciles of their own) and the outcomes experienced by individuals 
with developmental disabilities who receive publicly funded residential 
services.
     Priority Area II: To investigate, report on, and provide 
rapid response to information needs related to the financial and 
programmatic trends in services for people with developmental 
disabilities that support and promote their well-being.
     Priority Area III: To examine, report on, and provide 
rapid responses regarding the employment status of people with 
developmental disabilities and related outcomes as a result of programs 
that support their employment.
     Priority Area IV: To implement an Internet site that will 
provide relevant content and information on the Medicaid program for 
individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Background on ADD and ADD Programs

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) in the 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health 
and Human Services (DHHS) shares common goals with other ACF programs 
that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, 
individuals, and communities. ACF and ADD envision:
     Families and individuals empowered to increase their own 
economic independence and productivity;
     Strong, healthy, supportive communities having a positive 
impact on the quality of life and the development of children;
     Partnerships with individuals, front-line service 
providers, communities, States, and Congress that enable solutions 
which transcend traditional agency boundaries;
     Services planned and integrated to improve access to 
programs and supports for individuals and families;
     A community-based approach that recognizes and expands on 
the resources and benefits of diversity; and
     A recognition of the power and effectiveness of public-
private partnerships, including collaboration among a variety of 
community groups and government agencies, such as a coalition of faith-
based organizations, grassroots groups, families, and public agencies 
to address a community need.
    The goals, listed above, will enable more individuals, including 
people with developmental disabilities, to live productive and 
independent lives integrated into their communities. The Projects of 
National Significance are a means by which ADD promotes the achievement 
of these goals.
    ADD is the lead agency within ACF and DHHS responsible for planning 
and administering programs to promote self-sufficiency and protect the 
rights of persons with developmental disabilities. ADD implements the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the DD 
Act, which was authorized by Congress in 2000.
    The DD Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15001) supports and provides 
assistance to States, public agencies, and private non-profit 
organizations, including faith-based and community organizations, to 
assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families participate in the design of and have access to culturally 
competent services, supports, and other assistance and opportunities 
that promote independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion 
into the community.
    As defined in the DD Act, the term ``developmental disabilities'' 
means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is 
attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of 
mental and physical impairments that is manifested before the 
individual attains age 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely. 
Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three 
or more of the following functional areas: self-care, receptive and 
expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for 
independent living, and capacity for economic self-sufficiency.
    A number of significant findings are identified in the DD Act, 
including:
     Disability is a natural part of the human experience that 
does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental 
disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, productivity, 
integration, and inclusion into the community.
     Individuals whose disabilities occur during their 
developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are 
likely to continue indefinitely.
     Individuals with developmental disabilities often require 
lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in a coordinated 
and culturally competent manner by many agencies, professionals, 
advocates, community representatives, and others to eliminate barriers 
and to meet the needs of such individuals and their families.
    The DD Act also promotes the best practices and policies presented 
below:
     Individuals with developmental disabilities, including 
those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of 
achieving independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into 
the community, and often require the provision of services, supports, 
and other assistance to achieve such.
     Individuals with developmental disabilities have 
competencies, capabilities, and personal goals that should be 
recognized, supported, and encouraged, and any assistance to such 
individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consistent 
with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, 
and capabilities of the individual.
     Individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families are the primary decision makers regarding the services and 
supports such individuals and their families receive, and play decision 
making roles in policies and programs that affect the lives of such 
individuals and their families.
    Toward these ends, ADD seeks to support and accomplish the 
following:

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     Enhance the capabilities of families in assisting 
individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their maximum 
potential;
     Support the increasing ability of individuals with 
developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice and self-
determination and to engage in leadership activities in their 
communities; and
     Ensure the protection of individuals with developmental 
disabilities' legal and human rights.
    The four programs funded under the DD Act are:
     State Developmental Disabilities Councils;
     State Protection and Advocacy Systems for Individuals with 
Developmental Disabilities' Rights;
     Grants to the National Network of University Centers for 
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and 
Service; and
     Grants for Projects of National Significance.
    Through the Projects of National Significance (PNS) grant program, 
ADD has awarded in the past cooperative agreements for data collection 
and information dissemination efforts to better understand the support 
and service delivery system for people with developmental disabilities. 
The most recent funding for these awards was intended to measure the 
effect of national policy changes that modified the nature of financial 
assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities. 
Specifically, ADD sought to identify the extent to which individuals 
with developmental disabilities were included in programs and the 
measurable outcomes that result in participation in such programs.
    Given ADD's interest in promoting the increased independence, 
productivity, and community integration of individuals with 
developmental disabilities, the main purpose of the data collection and 
information dissemination projects is to continue to support research 
and information collection efforts that shed light on the nature of 
services and related outcomes for individuals with developmental 
disabilities. Under this cooperative agreement, ADD will fund projects 
that are designed to assess trends and gaps in the services for 
individuals with developmental disabilities, identify outcomes for 
individuals with developmental disabilities who receive services, and 
provide the field, including consumers, with timely information.

Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement

    This Program Announcement describes awards that will be made as a 
cooperative agreement. While an organization will not be conducting its 
project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardees will share work 
cooperatively in the development and implementation of the projects' 
agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardees 
will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the 
projects. Awardees will have the primary responsibility for developing 
and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will jointly 
participate with awardees in such activities as clarifying the specific 
topic areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and ongoing 
consultation, sharing with awardees its knowledge of the issues being 
addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to 
awardees about the usefulness to the field of written products and 
information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between 
ADD and awardees will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be 
developed and signed prior to issuance of the award.
    Priority Area I of this Program Announcement shall provide a 
funding opportunity for research activities that examine on a national 
level the movement of people with developmental disabilities from 
institutional to community settings (especially domiciles of their own) 
and the outcomes experienced by individuals with developmental 
disabilities who receive publicly funded residential services. This 
Program Announcement also contains a Priority Area II for 
investigations into the financial and programmatic trends in services 
for people with developmental disabilities that support and promote 
their well-being. Additionally, applications are being sought for 
Priority Area III to examine from a national perspective the employment 
status of people with developmental disabilities and related outcomes 
as a result of employment. Finally, Priority Area IV seeks applications 
for one project that will implement an Internet site which provides 
relevant information on Medicaid for individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families to better assist these individuals in 
gaining access to and benefiting from these services.
    Projects under each Priority Area may involve the collection of new 
data, the analysis of current data collected in the States, or a 
combination of both. ADD intends to fund at least 1 grant in each 
Priority Area on a competitive basis.
    Each applicant is responsible for responding to the ADD Performance 
System. This System is framed by accountability requirements of the DD 
Act and Federal government, including those established under the ACF 
Annual Report Plan for the Government Performance and Results Act. The 
accountability provisions are discussed for each Priority Area.
    Other General Information:
    Anticipated Total Funding: $1,050,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 3-4 per budget period.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: Individual priority areas 
range from $150,000 to $300,000 per budget period.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: None.
    Average Projected Award Amount: Individual priority areas range 
from $150,000 to $300,000 per budget period.
    Project Periods for Awards: This announcement is inviting 
applications for project periods up to three years. Awards, however, 
will be made on a competitive basis, for a one-year budget period. 
Applications for continuation cooperative agreements funded under these 
awards beyond the one-year budget period but within the three year 
project period will be entertained in subsequent years on a 
noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory 
progress of the grantee and a determination that continued funding 
would be in the best interest of the Government.

Priority Area I: Residential Services for People With Developmental 
Disabilities

    Purpose:
    To better understand the landscape of residential services for 
people with developmental disabilities and the impact of national 
programs, such as those authorized under the DD Act, the purpose of 
Priority Area I is to conduct analyses that describe the movement of 
people with developmental disabilities from institutional to community 
settings (especially domiciles of their own) and the outcomes 
experienced by individuals with developmental disabilities who receive 
publicly and, to the extent possible, privately funded residential 
services.
    Over 20 years ago, most people with developmental disabilities 
lived in institutions. In an effort to move people out of these 
settings, the ``deinstitutionalization'' movement increased the use of 
supervised community living settings. With a continued focus on moving 
people with

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developmental disabilities into community living experiences, 
residential services currently emphasize community integration that 
promotes self-determination and opportunities for people with 
developmental disabilities to be a part of the community.
    Despite positive efforts to increase access to community living, 
great variability continues to characterize the extent to which people 
living in various States are provided the opportunity to live in 
community settings. Moreover, providing adequately supported access to 
community services for people with significant medical and behavioral 
needs still presents challenges, and as a result community services for 
people with the most severe developmental disabilities have been slower 
to develop.
    To meet the intent of Priority Area I, the following are the 
minimum requirements for the project design:
    Project Design and Methods: Applicants should identify the project 
design and methods for carrying out activities under this funding 
opportunity. At a minimum, applicants should outline, as appropriate:
     The research design (e.g., case study, longitudinal, State 
level policy analyses, descriptive) for describing services and 
measuring program impact;
     Indicators for measuring program impact;
     The necessary steps for collecting new data the project 
will generate and/or the current data the project will analyze;
     Data sources, including primary and secondary sources;
     Quantitative and/or qualitative methods of analysis and 
plans for ensuring the reliability and validity of the analysis;
     Plans for a rapid response system whereby information 
needs are addressed in a timely fashion; and
     A description of the Project commitment to work with ADD 
under the cooperative agreement.
    Topics: Applicants should address topics that are timely and 
responsive to the information needs of multiple audiences concerned 
about services for people with developmental disabilities. In 
discussing the project approach, applicants should indicate what topics 
will be addressed in the analysis, which could include:
     An understanding of housing issues from multiple 
perspectives, such as State agencies, community service providers, 
consumers of services, etc.;
     Extent to which the goals of the system promotes community 
inclusion;
     States policies or practices that support access to 
residential services as a key outcome for persons with developmental 
disabilities;
     Coordination across other agencies or initiatives, such as 
one-stop entities;
     Efficacy of outreach methods;
     The effect of new fiscal strategies that are not tied to 
Medicaid; and
     Promising practices.
    Any topic discussed in the application should include reference to 
ways in which impact will be a part of the analysis.
    Identification of Services: Applicants should identify the existing 
State and Federal laws under review that impact people with 
developmental disabilities. At a minimum, the applicant should provide 
details of the following:
     The laws and policies governing services for people with 
developmental disabilities the project proposes to examine;
     Funding streams for services and supports to people with 
developmental disabilities and their families; and
     Eligibility criteria and other relevant program 
requirements.
    Applicants should indicate any programs operated in the private 
sector that will be included in the analysis.
    Key Personnel: Each grantee should ensure that key project 
personnel have direct experience with and/or knowledge in conducting 
research using a variety of approaches such as using large, national 
databases.
    Civil Rights: Each grantee must comply with the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Rehabilitation Act 
Amendments of 1998.
    Communication and Dissemination: Each applicant must provide a 
detailed description of plans for regularly communicating and 
disseminating information to the public through e-mail and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic 
communication, which may include monthly newsletters, the publication 
of datasets on websites or regularly scheduled research briefs and fact 
sheets on topical areas. Applicants should discuss how information on 
the internet will be compliant with Section 508.
    Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet 
requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of 
an annual report. This narrative and numerical report must describe on 
a yearly basis changes related to housing for people with developmental 
disabilities. Specifically, the applicants must describe how they will 
report on the percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities 
who are more independent, self-sufficient, and integrated into the 
community as a result of housing services. The report should provide 
national perspectives and, as appropriate, state-by-state analyses. The 
annual report will be due by the end of the project fiscal year and 
must be made available to the public.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Description of Federal Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: 
Please see ``I. Funding Opportunity Description, General Description, 
Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement'' for a complete 
description of the cooperative agreement.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $300,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 per budget period.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Annual Awards: $300,000 per budget 
period.
    Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $300,000 per budget period.
    Project Periods for Awards: This announcement is inviting 
applications for project periods up to three years. Awards, however, 
will be made on a competitive basis, for a one-year budget period. 
Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond 
the one-year budget period but within the three-year project period 
will be entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, 
subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee 
and a determination that continued funding would be in the best 
interest of the Government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    State Governments, County Governments, City or Township 
Governments, State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education, Native 
American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), Public Housing 
Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities, Non-profits having 501 (c) (3) 
status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Non-
profits that do not have 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education, and private Institutions of Higher 
Learning.
    Additional Information on Eligibility:
     Non-profit organizations must demonstrate proof of non-
profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:

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    a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code;
    b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate;
    c. A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or 
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals;
    d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status; or
    e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent 
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$300,000. An application exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and returned without review.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved 
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum 
of the ACF share and the non-federal share. The non-federal share may 
be met by cash or in-kind 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 $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must 
provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved 
project cost of $400,000). 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-share 
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.

3. Other (if Applicable)

    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 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 at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$300,000. Applications exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share 
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request an Application Package

    Jennifer Johnson, Program Specialist, Administration on 
Developmental Disabilities, Office of Operations and Discretionary 
Grants, Mail Stop: HHH 405-D, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, 
DC 20447, Phone: 202-690-5982, E-mail: [email protected].

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may 
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov:
     Electronic submission is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.Gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you 
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS 
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You 
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize 
you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, including all 
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary 
assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this Program Announcement and meet the 
application deadline.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and 
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
     We may request that you provide original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on http://www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application package 
by the CFDA number.
    Electronic Address where applications will be accepted: http://www.Grants.gov.
    The required application package will include the following using 
the format described:
Format
    The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, numbered, 
typed pages including an abstract and a table of contents. Any 
application which exceeds the page limit requirement will have the 
additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. The 
type must not be smaller than 12 pitch or a point size of 12.
Project Description
    Please see Section V. 1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing 
the project summary/abstract and the full project description.
Budget
    The applicant shall develop a full budget, including a completed SF 
424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' a detailed 
budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF 424A, 
Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a twelve-month 
budget period. The SF 424 forms are provided below in this

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announcement. The applicant must include the twelve-month Federal 
budget under Column (1), the twelve-month non-Federal budget under 
Column (2), and the total twelve-month budget under Column (5) of the 
SF 424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when 
preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining two years of 
the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF 424A, 
Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The 
applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal 
contributions for the second through third years of the project on SF 
424A, Section C. 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. If the procurement 
policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition 
other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's 
current definition should be included in the application. Please see 
Section V.1 Criteria for additional guidance.
Appendix
    The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. Supplementary material, 
intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the 
Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement. 
The Appendix must be included with the original and the two copies of 
the application.
Checklist for a Complete Application
    The checklist below is for your use to ensure that your application 
package has been properly prepared.

    --One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies;
    --Application is from an organization that is eligible under the 
eligibility requirements, defined in the Priority Area description; and
    --Application length does not exceed 50 pages
    --Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);
    --A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact 
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable;
    --Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-
88);
    --Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
    --Table of Contents;
    --Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-
profit status, if necessary;
    --Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if 
appropriate; (when charging indirect costs to Federal funds or when 
using indirect costs as a matching share);
    --Project Description;
    --Letter(s) of commitment verifying non-Federal cost share
    --Any appendices/attachments;
    --Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-
88);
    --Certification Regarding Lobbying;
    --Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary; and
    --Certification of the Pro Children Act of 1994, signature on the 
application represents certification.
     Assurances/Certifications
    Applicants are required to submit a SF 424B, Assurances--Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying. 
Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior to 
receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish an 
executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must 
sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicant must also understand that they will be held accountable 
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Part C 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of 
1994). By signing and submitting the application, applicants are 
providing the certification and need not mail back the certification 
with the application.
    In addition, applicants are required under Section 162(c)(3) of the 
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with 
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without 
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted 
under Part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to 
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each 
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
    For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a 
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a 
question regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the 
Office for Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301) 
496-7041.
    Non-profit applicants must demonstrate proof of their non-profit 
status and this proof must be included in their application. Proof of 
non-profit status is any one of the following:
    a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code;
    b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate;
    c. A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or 
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals;
    d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status; or
    e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent 
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
(Eastern Time Zone) on August 23, 2004. Mailed or hand carried 
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the following address: U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants 
Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 
20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in 
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications 
are received on or before the deadline time and date. ACF will not be 
sending applicants notifications that their applications were received 
under this Program Announcement by the deadline.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the following address: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor, Washington, 
DC 20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are

[[Page 41095]]

considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that 
its application will not be considered in the current competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Required Forms:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Required form or
         What to submit             Required content          format                   When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF424, SF424a, SF424B...........  Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
                                                        http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Project Summary/Abstract........  Summary of           One page limit.....  August 23, 2004.
                                   application
                                   request.
Project Description.............  Responsiveness to    Format described in  August 23, 2004.
                                   evaluation           Review and
                                   criteria.            Selection section.
                                                        Limit 60 pages.
                                                        Size 12 font, \1/
                                                        2\'' margins.
Certification Regarding Lobbying  Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
                                                        http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Disclosure of Lobbying            Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
 Activities (SF-LLL).                                   http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke       Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
 Certification.                                         http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC), Notification Under Executive 
Order 12372
    This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs'', and 45 CFR Part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities''. Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs
    As of January, 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following 
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order 
process: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, 
Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New 
York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, 
Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Applicants from these 
jurisdictions or for projects administered by federally-recognized 
Indian Tribes need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of 
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC.
    All remaining jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order 
process and have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating 
jurisdictions should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert 
them of the prospective applications and receive instructions. 
Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as 
possible so that the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments 
as part of the award process. The applicant must submit all required 
materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal 
(or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard 
Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from 
the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing 
continuation awards.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and 
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants and Audit 
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, 
DC 20447.
    The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions 
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html

5. Funding Restrictions

    Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, costs for 
foreign travel, or costs for construction activities are not allowable 
charges to this Federal grant program.
    Indirect Costs: In order to charge Indirect Costs to the Federal 
Funds and/or use Indirect Costs as a matching share, the applicant must 
have an approved indirect costs agreement for the period in which the 
Federal funds would be awarded.

[[Page 41096]]

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An Applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. The Application must be received at the 
address below by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on or before the 
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: The U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services, ACF Office of Grants Management, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade SW. 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Lois 
Hodge.
    Hand-Deliver: Applicants choosing to hand-deliver applications by 
either themselves or by an agent, must have the application delivered 
by 4:30 EST between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays) on 
the deadline date to: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary 
Grants, ACF Mail Center, 2nd Floor Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20024, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    An Applicant must provide an original application with all 
attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies.
    Electronic Submission: Please see section IV. 2 Content and Form of 
Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting 
applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

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

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 50 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
reviewing the collection information. The project description is 
approved under OMB Control Number 0970-0139 which expires 4/30/2007. An 
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to 
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.
    General Project Description: Applicants are required to submit a 
full project description and must prepare the project description 
statement in accordance with the following instructions.
Purpose
    The project description provides a major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and 
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are 
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can 
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project 
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation 
criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other 
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, 
therefore, that this information be included in the application.
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The 
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description 
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more 
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Approach
    Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and detail of 
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions 
or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or 
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of 
accomplishments and their target dates. If any data is to be collected, 
maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from the 
U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This clearance pertains to 
any ``collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by 
ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Evaluation
    Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and 
the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the 
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which 
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which 
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. 
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are 
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the 
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being 
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and 
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's 
effectiveness.
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.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget 
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed 
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, 
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to 
be duplicated. The detailed budget must

[[Page 41097]]

also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 
of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived.
    Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the 
proposed costs.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel 
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to 
be financed by the applicant.
Travel
    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
    Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF 
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
1. Evaluation Criteria
    Five criteria will be used to review and evaluate each application. 
Each criterion should be addressed in the project description section 
of the application. The point values indicate the maximum numerical 
weight possible for each criterion in the review process.
Approach (35 Points)
    Using the following values for each required item in this 
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the 
application:

    15 Points Outlines a sound, workable, and detailed plan of action, 
pertaining to the goals and objectives of the proposed project and the 
proposed approach.
    5 Points Provides quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of 
the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity.
    5 Points Describes innovations and/or unusual features of the 
proposed project.
    5 Points Provides a rationale for taking this approach as opposed 
to other possibilities.
    3 Points 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.
    2 Points Cites factors that might accelerate or decelerate the 
work.
Objectives and Need for Assistance (25 Points)
    Using the following values for each required item in this 
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the 
application:

    8 Points Identifies and demonstrates the need for assistance and 
the importance of addressing the problems in the proposed project.
    8 Points States the principal and subordinate objectives for the 
proposed project and describes the conceptual framework for the 
project.
    4 Points Adequately identifies the key State and Federal supports 
being examined.
    3 Points Provides relevant data based on research and/or planning 
studies.
    2 Points Provides supporting documentation and/or testimonies from 
concerned individuals and groups, other than the applicant.
Evaluation (25 Points)
    Using the following values for each required item in this 
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the 
application:

    10 Points Expected results and benefits are consistent with the 
proposed project's goals and objectives.
    5 Points States the anticipated contributions of the proposed 
project to policy, practice, theory, the field, and/or research.
    5 Points Describes the specific results/products that will be 
achieved and relevant information regarding information collection and 
evaluation.
    5 Points Describes the evaluation methodology.
Personnel, Staff and Position Data (10 Points)
    Using the following values for each required item in this 
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the 
application:

    5 Points Identifies the background and experience of key staff 
members.
    5 Points Identifies personnel who will be assigned to the project.
Budget and Budget Justification (5 Points)
    Applicants are expected to present a budget with reasonable project 
costs, appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient 
to accomplish the objectives. The requested funds for the project must 
be fully justified and documented. Line item allocations and 
justification are required for both Federal and non-Federal funds. A 
letter of commitment for the project's non-Federal resources must be 
submitted with the application in order to be given credit in the 
review process. A fully explained non-Federal share budget must be 
prepared for each funding source.
    For purposes of the outside review process, applicants may elect to 
summarize salary information on the copies of their application. All 
salary information must, however, appear on the signed original 
application for ACF.
    Using the following values for each required item in this 
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the 
application:

    2 Points Discusses and justifies the costs and reasonableness of 
the proposed project in view of the expected results and benefits.
    2 Points Describes the fiscal controls and accounting procedures to 
be used.
    1 Point Includes a fully explained non-Federal share budget and its 
source(s).
2. Review and Selection Process
    Each application submitted under this program announcement will 
undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received 
by the closing date and submitted in accordance with the instructions 
in this announcement and (2) the applicant is eligible for funding. It 
is necessary that applicants state specifically which priority area 
they are applying for. If applications are found to be inappropriate 
for the funding announcement in which they are submitted, applicants 
will be contacted for verbal approval of redirection to a more 
appropriate priority area.
    Applications which pass the initial ACF screening will be evaluated 
and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of specific 
evaluation criteria. The results of these reviews will assist the 
Commissioner and ADD program staff in considering competing 
applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions 
but will not be the only factors considered. Applications generally 
will be considered in order of the average scores assigned by 
reviewers. However,

[[Page 41098]]

highly ranked applications are not guaranteed funding because other 
factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not 
limited to, the number of similar types of existing grants or projects 
funded with ADD funds in the last five years; comments of reviewers and 
government officials; staff evaluation and input; geographic 
distribution; previous program performance of applicants; compliance 
with grant terms under previous DHHS grants; audit reports; 
investigative reports; an applicant's progress in resolving any final 
audit disallowance on previous ADD or other Federal agency grants. ADD 
will consider the geographic distribution of funds among States and the 
relative proportion of funding among rural and urban areas. The 
evaluation criteria were designed to assess the quality of a proposed 
project, and to determine the likelihood of its success. The evaluation 
criteria are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging 
the overall quality of an application. Points are awarded only to 
applications which are responsive to the evaluation criteria within the 
context of this program announcement.

Priority Area II: Financial and Programmatic Trends in Services for 
People With Developmental Disabilities

1. Priority Area II Description
    Priority Area II Background Information:
    Purpose: The purpose of Priority Area II is to support 
investigations of and reports on the trends in public services accessed 
by people with developmental disabilities to support and promote their 
well-being.
    Federal and State funds are a key financial resource for an array 
of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities. 
For example, many adults with developmental disabilities rely on public 
forms of assistance, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 
and Supplemental Security Income, because social and physical barriers, 
low expectations from others, and societal stereotypes contribute to a 
lower sense of opportunity and lower attainment in education and 
employment.
    States are facing significant financial strains, which is leading 
to cutbacks in public programs across the board. The aging of 
individuals with developmental disabilities combined with the increased 
longevity of this population is further complicating fiscal matters in 
the States. Education systems are struggling to meet the demands of 
school reform, resulting in cutbacks in programs. Increasingly, schools 
and early intervention programs are accessing Medicaid funds to cover 
the costs of special education services to children with disabilities. 
The waiver under Medicaid has become the primary program supporting 
long-term care services for persons with developmental disabilities.
    To meet the intent of Priority Area II, the following are the 
minimum requirements for the project design:
    Project Design and Methods: Applicants should identify the project 
design and methods for carrying out activities under this funding 
opportunity. At a minimum, applicants should outline, as appropriate:
     The research design (e.g., case study, longitudinal, State 
level policy analyses, descriptive) for describing services and 
measuring program impact;
     Indicators for measuring program impact;
     The necessary steps for collecting new data the project 
will generate and/or the current data the project will analyze;
     Data sources, including primary and secondary sources; and
     Quantitative and/or qualitative methods of analysis and 
plans for ensuring the reliability and validity of the analysis;
     Plans for a rapid response system through which pressing 
information needs are addressed in a timely fashion; and
     A description of the Project commitment to work with ADD 
under the cooperative agreement.
    Topics: Applicants should address topics that are timely and 
responsive to the information needs of multiple audiences concerned 
about services for people with developmental disabilities. In 
discussing the project approach, applicants should indicate what topics 
will be addressed in the analysis, which could include:
     An understanding of developmental disabilities services 
issues from multiple perspectives, such as State agencies, community 
service providers, consumers of services, etc.;
     Extent to which the goals of the system promote community 
inclusion;
     States policies or practices that support access to 
services that support persons with developmental disabilities;
     Participation rates in TANF and other State welfare 
programs;
     Trends and shifts in current services under current fiscal 
climate;
     Coordination across other agencies or initiatives, such as 
one-stop entities;
     Efficacy of outreach methods; and
     Promising practices.
    Any topic discussed in the application should include reference to 
ways in which impact will be included in the analysis.
    Identification of Services: Applicants should identify the existing 
State and Federal laws under review that impact people with 
developmental disabilities. At a minimum, the applicant should provide 
details of the following:
     The laws and policies governing services for people with 
developmental disabilities the project proposes to examine;
     Funding streams for services and supports to people with 
developmental disabilities and their families; and
     Eligibility criteria and other relevant program 
requirements.
    Applicants should indicate any programs operated in the private 
sector that will be a part of the analysis.
    Key Personnel: Each grantee should ensure that key project 
personnel have direct experience with and/or knowledge in conducting 
research using a variety of approaches such as using large, national 
databases.
    Civil Rights: Each grantee must comply with the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Rehabilitation Act 
Amendments of 1998.
    Communication and Dissemination: Each applicant must provide a 
detailed description of plans for regularly communicating and 
disseminating information to the public through e-mail and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic 
communication, which may include monthly newsletters, the publication 
of datasets on Web sites or regularly scheduled research briefs and 
fact sheets on topical areas. Applicants should discuss how information 
on the Internet will be compliant with Section 508.
    Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet 
requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of 
an annual report. This narrative and numerical report must describe on 
a yearly basis changes (both positive and negative) for people with 
developmental disabilities. Specifically, the applicants must describe 
how they will report on the percentage of individuals with 
developmental disabilities who are more independent, self-sufficient, 
and integrated into the community as a result of public services. The 
report should provide national perspectives and, as appropriate, state-
by-state analyses. The annual report will be due by the end of the 
project fiscal year and must be made available to the public.

[[Page 41099]]

II. Priority Area II Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Description of Federal Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: 
Please see ``I. Funding Opportunity Description, General Description, 
Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement'' for a complete 
description of the cooperative agreement.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $300,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 per budget period.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Annual Awards: $300,000 per budget 
period.
    Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $300,000 budget period.
    Length of Project: This announcement is inviting applications for 
project periods up to three years. Awards, however, will be made on a 
competitive basis, for a one-year budget period. Applications for 
continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year 
budget period but within the three year project period will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to 
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.

III. Priority Area II Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    State Governments, County Governments, City or Township 
Governments, State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education, Native 
American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), Public Housing 
Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities, Non-profits having 501 (c)(3) 
status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Non-
profits that do not have 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education, and private Institutions of Higher 
Learning.
    Additional Information on Eligibility:
     Non-profit organizations must demonstrate proof of non-
profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
    a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code
    b. copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate
    c. A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or 
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals
    d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status; or
    e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent 
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$300,000. An application exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and returned without review.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved 
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum 
of the ACF share and the non-federal share. The non-federal share may 
be met by cash or in-kind 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 $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must 
provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved 
project cost of $400,000). 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-share 
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.

3. Other (if Applicable)

    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 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 at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$300,000. Applications exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share 
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request an Application Package

    Jennifer Johnson, Program Specialist, Administration on 
Developmental Disabilities, Office of Operations and Discretionary 
Grants, Mail Stop: HHH 405-D, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, 
DC 20447, Phone: 202-690-5982, E-mail: [email protected].

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may 
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov:
     Electronic submission is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you 
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS 
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You 
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize 
you if you submit an application in paper format.

[[Page 41100]]

     You may submit all documents electronically, including all 
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary 
assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this Program Announcement and meet the 
application deadline.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and 
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
     We may request that you provide original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on http://www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application package 
by the CFDA number.
    Electronic Address where applications will be accepted: http://www.Grants.gov.
    The required application package will include the following using 
the format described:
Format
    The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, numbered, 
typed pages including an abstract and a table of contents. Any 
application which exceeds the page limit requirement will have the 
additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. The 
type must not be smaller than 12 pitch or a point size of 12.
Project Description
    Please see Section V. 1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing 
the project summary/abstract and the full project description.
Budget
    The applicant shall develop a full budget, including a completed SF 
424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' a detailed 
budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF 424A, 
Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a twelve-month 
budget period. The SF 424 forms are provided below in this 
announcement. The applicant must include the twelve-month Federal 
budget under Column (1), the twelve-month non-Federal budget under 
Column (2), and the total twelve-month budget under Column (5) of the 
SF 424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when 
preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining two years of 
the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF 424A, 
Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The 
applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal 
contributions for the second through third years of the project on SF 
424A, Section C. 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. If the procurement 
policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition 
other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's 
current definition should be included in the application. Please see 
Section V.1 Criteria for additional guidance.
Appendix
    The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. Supplementary material, 
intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the 
Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement. 
The Appendix must be included with the original and the two copies of 
the application.
Checklist for a Complete Application
    The checklist below is for your use to ensure that your application 
package has been properly prepared.

    --One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies;
    --Application is from an organization that is eligible under the 
eligibility requirements, defined in the Priority Area description; and
    --Application length does not exceed 50 pages
    --Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);
    --A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact 
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable;
    --Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-
88);
    --Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
    --Table of Contents;
    --Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-
profit status, if necessary;
    --Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if 
appropriate (when charging indirect costs to Federal funds or when 
using indirect costs as a matching share);
    --Project Description;
    --Letter(s) of commitment verifying non-Federal cost share;
    --Any appendices/attachments;
    --Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-
88);
    --Certification Regarding Lobbying;
    --Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary; and
    --Certification of the Pro Children Act of 1994, signature on the 
application represents certification.

     Assurances/Certifications
    Applicants are required to submit a SF 424B, Assurances-- Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying. 
Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior to 
receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish an 
executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must 
sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicant must also understand that they will be held accountable 
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Part C 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of 
1994). By signing and submitting the application, applicants are 
providing the certification and need not mail back the certification 
with the application.
    In addition, applicants are required under Section 162(c)(3) of the 
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with 
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without 
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted 
under Part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to 
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each 
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
    For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a 
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a 
question regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the 
Office for Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301) 
496-7041.
    Non-profit applicants must demonstrate proof of their non-profit 
status and this proof must be included in their application. Proof of 
non-profit status is any one of the following:
    a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code;
    b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate;
    c. A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or 
other

[[Page 41101]]

appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization 
has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any 
private shareholders or individuals;
    d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status; or
    e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent 
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
(Eastern Time Zone) on August 23, 2004. Mailed or hand carried 
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the following address: U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants 
Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, 
Attention: Lois Hodge.
    Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in 
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications 
are received on or before the deadline time and date. ACF will not be 
sending applicants notifications that their applications were received 
under this Program Announcement by the deadline.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the following address: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 
20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Required Forms:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Required form or
         What to submit             Required content          format                   When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF424, SF424a, SF424B...........  Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
                                                        http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Project Summary/Abstract........  Summary of           One page limit.....  August 23, 2004.
                                   application
                                   request.
Project Description.............  Responsiveness to    Format described in  August 23, 2004.
                                   evaluation           Review and
                                   criteria.            Selection section.
                                                        Limit 60 pages.
                                                        Size 12 font, \1/
                                                        2\'' margins.
Certification Regarding Lobbying  Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
                                                        http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Disclosure of Lobbying            Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
 Activities (SF-LLL).                                   http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke       Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
 Certification.                                         http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC), Notification Under Executive 
Order 12372
    This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs'', and 45 CFR Part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities''. Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs.
    As of January, 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following 
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order 
process: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, 
Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New 
York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, 
Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Applicants from these 
jurisdictions or for projects administered by federally-recognized 
Indian Tribes need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of 
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC.

[[Page 41102]]

    All remaining jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order 
process and have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating 
jurisdictions should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert 
them of the prospective applications and receive instructions. 
Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as 
possible so that the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments 
as part of the award process. The applicant must submit all required 
materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal 
(or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard 
Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from 
the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing 
continuation awards.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and 
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants and Audit 
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, 
DC 20447.
    The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions 
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, costs for 
foreign travel, or costs for construction activities are not allowable 
charges to this Federal grant program.
    Indirect Costs: In order to charge Indirect Costs to the Federal 
Funds and/or use Indirect Costs as a matching share, the applicant must 
have an approved indirect costs agreement for the period in which the 
Federal funds would be awarded.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An Applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. The Application must be received at the 
address below by 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing 
date. Applications should be mailed to: The U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, ACF Office of Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade SW. 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    Hand-Deliver: Applicants choosing to hand-deliver applications by 
either themselves or by an agent, must have the application delivered 
by 4:30 EST between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays) on 
the deadline date to: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary 
Grants, ACF Mail Center, 2nd Floor Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20024, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    An Applicant must provide an original application with all 
attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies.
    Electronic Submission: Please see section IV. 2 Content and Form of 
Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting 
applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria

    Please see Generic and Specific Evaluation criteria for Priority 
Area 1, V.1, ``Application Review Information, Evaluation 
Criteria'' for crafting your response for the Project Narrative.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Please see Priority Area1, V.2, ``Application Review 
Information, Review and Selection Process,'' for information on the 
review and selection process for this priority area.

Priority Area III: Employment Status of People With Developmental 
Disabilities

I. Priority Area III Description

    Priority Area III Background Information:
    Purpose: The purpose of Priority Area III is to support 
investigations that examine the employment status of people with 
developmental disabilities and related outcomes as a result of programs 
that support their employment.
    Individuals with developmental disabilities are significantly less 
likely to be employed than are individuals without developmental 
disabilities. The outlook is particularly bleak for individuals with 
cognitive impairments and significant disabilities as their rate of 
employment rate is lower than those with milder impairments.
    The persistently poor employment and postsecondary education 
participation rates for individuals with developmental disabilities has 
led to an increased emphasis on improving the secondary school to post-
school transition process for youth with developmental disabilities. 
This need is heightened by new demands in the work environment for 
advanced skills of employees.
    Information about the effects of efforts to increase the 
employability of people with developmental disabilities is necessary to 
assess the impact of such programs. These types of investigations 
should examine employment status, the retention rate, the kinds of 
positions held in relation to their disabling condition, and 
comparisons of wages to the general population.
    To meet with the intent of Priority Area III, the following are the 
minimum requirements for the project design:
    Project Design and Methods: Applicants should identify the project 
design and methods for carrying out activities under this funding 
opportunity. At a minimum, applicants should outline, as appropriate:
     The research design (e.g., case study, longitudinal, State 
level policy analyses, descriptive) for describing services and 
measuring program impact;
     Indicators for measuring program impact;
     The necessary steps for collecting new data the project 
will generate and/or the current data the project will analyze;
     Data sources, including primary and secondary sources; and
     Quantitative and/or qualitative methods of analysis and 
plans for ensuring the reliability and validity of the analysis;
     Plans for a rapid response system whereby information 
needs are addressed in a timely fashion; and
     A description of the Project commitment to work with ADD 
under the cooperative agreement.
    Topics: Applicants should address topics that are timely and 
responsive to the information needs of multiple audiences concerned 
about services for people with developmental disabilities. In 
discussing the project approach, applicants should indicate what topics 
will be addressed in the analysis, which could include:
     An understanding of employment issues from multiple 
perspectives, such as State agencies, community service providers, 
consumers of services, etc.;
     Extent to which the goals of the system promote community 
inclusion;
     States policies or practices that support access to 
employment services as a key outcome for persons with developmental 
disabilities;
     An analysis of the ways in which people with developmental 
disabilities

[[Page 41103]]

obtained employment and the extent to which they are maintained;
     The relationship between post-secondary training 
opportunities and employment outcomes;
     Coordination across other agencies or initiatives, such as 
one-stop entities;
     Efficacy of outreach methods; and
     Promising practices.
    Any topic discussed in the application should include reference to 
ways in which impact will be a part of the analysis.
    Identification of Services: Applicants should identify the existing 
State and Federal laws under review that impact people with 
developmental disabilities. At a minimum, the applicant should provide 
details of the following:
     The laws and policies governing services for people with 
developmental disabilities the project proposes to examine;
     Funding streams for services and supports to people with 
developmental disabilities and their families; and
     Eligibility criteria and other relevant program 
requirements.
    Applicants should indicate any programs operated in the private 
sector that will be included in the analysis.
    Key Personnel: Each grantee should ensure that key project 
personnel have direct experience with and/or knowledge in conducting 
research using a variety of approaches such as using large, national 
databases.
    Civil Rights: Each grantee must comply with the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Rehabilitation Act 
amendments of 1998.
    Communication and Dissemination: Each applicant must provide a 
detailed description of plans for regularly communicating and 
disseminating information to the public through e-mail and other 
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic 
communication, which may include the publication of monthly 
newsletters, datasets on websites or regularly scheduled research 
briefs and fact sheets on topical areas. Applicants should discuss how 
information on the internet will be compliant with Section 508.
    Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet 
requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of 
an annual report. This narrative and numerical report must describe on 
a yearly basis changes in employment for people with developmental 
disabilities. Specifically, the applicants must describe how they will 
report on the percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities 
who are more independent, self-sufficient, and integrated into the 
community as a result of employment services. The report should provide 
national perspectives and, as appropriate, state-by-state analyses. The 
annual report will be due by the end of the project fiscal year and 
must be made available to the public.

II. Priority Area III Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Description of Federal Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: 
Please see ``I. Funding Opportunity Description, General Description, 
Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement'' for a complete 
description of the cooperative agreement.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $300,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 per budget period.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Annual Awards: $300,000 per budget 
period.
    Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $300,000 per budget period.
    Length of Project: This announcement is inviting applications for 
project periods up to three years. Awards, however, will be made on a 
competitive basis, for a one-year budget period. Applications for 
continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year 
budget period but within the three year project period will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to 
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.

III. Priority Area III Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    State Governments, County Governments, City or Township 
Governments, State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education, Native 
American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), Public Housing 
Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities, Non-profits having 501 (c) (3) 
status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Non-
profits that do not have 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher 
learning
    Additional Information on Eligibility:
     Non-profit organizations must demonstrate proof of non-
profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
    a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code;
    b. copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate
    c. A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or 
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals
    d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status; or
    e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent 
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$300,000. An application exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and returned without review.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved 
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum 
of the ACF share and the non-federal share. The non-federal share may 
be met by cash or in-kind 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 $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must 
provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved 
project cost of $400,000). 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-share 
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.

3. Other (if Applicable)

    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 Federal grant applicants to 
provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
number when applying

[[Page 41104]]

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 at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$300,000. Applications exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share 
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request an Application Package

    Jennifer Johnson, Program Specialist, Administration on 
Developmental Disabilities, Office of Operations and Discretionary 
Grants, Mail Stop: HHH 405-D, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, 
DC 20447, Phone: 202-690-5982, E-mail: [email protected].

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may 
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov:
     Electronic submission is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you 
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS 
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You 
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize 
you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, including all 
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary 
assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this Program Announcement and meet the 
application deadline.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and 
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
     We may request that you provide original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on http://www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application package 
by the CFDA number.
    Electronic Address where applications will be accepted: http://www.Grants.gov.
    The required application package will include the following using 
the format described:
Format
    The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, numbered, 
typed pages including an abstract and a table of contents. Any 
application which exceeds the page limit requirement will have the 
additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. The 
type must not be smaller than 12 pitch or a point size of 12.
Project Description
    Please see Section V. 1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing 
the project summary/abstract and the full project description.
Budget
    The applicant shall develop a full budget, including a completed SF 
424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' a detailed 
budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF 424A, 
Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a twelve-month 
budget period. The SF 424 forms are provided below in this 
announcement. The applicant must include the twelve-month Federal 
budget under Column (1), the twelve-month non-Federal budget under 
Column (2), and the total twelve-month budget under Column (5) of the 
SF 424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when 
preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining two years of 
the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF 424A, 
Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The 
applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal 
contributions for the second through third years of the project on SF 
424A, Section C. 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. If the procurement 
policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition 
other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's 
current definition should be included in the application. Please see 
Section V.1 Criteria for additional guidance.
Appendix
    The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. Supplementary material, 
intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the 
Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement. 
The Appendix must be included with the original and the two copies of 
the application.
Checklist for a Complete Application
    The checklist below is for your use to ensure that your application 
package has been properly prepared.

    --One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies;
    --Application is from an organization that is eligible under the 
eligibility requirements, defined in the Priority Area description; and
    --Application length does not exceed 50 pages
    --Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);
    --A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact 
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable;
    --Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-
88);
    --Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
    --Table of Contents;

[[Page 41105]]

    --Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-
profit status, if necessary;
    --Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if 
appropriate; (when charging indirect costs to Federal funds or when 
using indirect costs as a matching share);
    --Project Description;
    --Letter(s) of commitment verifying non-Federal cost share
    --Any appendices/attachments;
    --Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-
88);
    --Certification Regarding Lobbying;
    --Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary; and
    --Certification of the Pro Children Act of 1994, signature on the 
application represents certification.
     Assurances/Certifications
    Applicants are required to submit a SF 424B, Assurances--Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying. 
Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior to 
receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish an 
executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must 
sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicant must also understand that they will be held accountable 
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Part C 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of 
1994). By signing and submitting the application, applicants are 
providing the certification and need not mail back the certification 
with the application.
    In addition, applicants are required under Section 162(c)(3) of the 
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with 
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without 
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted 
under Part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to 
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each 
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
    For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a 
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a 
question regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the 
Office for Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301) 
496-7041.
    Non-profit applicants must demonstrate proof of their non-profit 
status and this proof must be included in their application. Proof of 
non-profit status is any one of the following:
    a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code;
    b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate;
    c. A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or 
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals;
    d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status; or
    e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent 
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
(Eastern Time Zone) on August 23, 2004. Mailed or hand carried 
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the following address: U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants 
Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 
20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in 
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications 
are received on or before the deadline time and date. ACF will not be 
sending applicants notifications that their applications were received 
under this Program Announcement by the deadline.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the following address: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Grants Management 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 
20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Required Forms:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Required form or
         What to submit             Required content          format                   When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF424, SF424a, SF424B...........  Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
                                                        www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Project Summary/Abstract........  Summary of           One page limit.....  August 23, 2004.
                                   application
                                   request.
Project Description.............  Responsiveness to    Format described in  August 23, 2004.
                                   evaluation           Review and
                                   criteria.            Selection section.
                                                        Limit 60 pages.
                                                        Size 12 font, \1/
                                                        2\'' margins..
Certification Regarding Lobbying  Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
                                                        www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Disclosure of Lobbying            Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
 Activities (SF-LLL).                                   www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke       Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
 Certification.                                         www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 41106]]

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

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC), Notification Under Executive 
Order 12372
    This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs'', and 45 CFR Part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities''. Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs
    As of January, 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following 
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order 
process: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, 
Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New 
York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, 
Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Applicants from these 
jurisdictions or for projects administered by federally-recognized 
Indian Tribes need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of 
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC.
    All remaining jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order 
process and have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating 
jurisdictions should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert 
them of the prospective applications and receive instructions. 
Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as 
possible so that the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments 
as part of the award process. The applicant must submit all required 
materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal 
(or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard 
Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from 
the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing 
continuation awards.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and 
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants and Audit 
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, 
D.C. 20447.
    The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions 
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, costs for 
foreign travel, or costs for construction activities are not allowable 
charges to this Federal grant program. Indirect Costs: In order to 
charge Indirect Costs to the Federal Funds and/or use Indirect Costs as 
a matching share, the applicant must have an approved indirect costs 
agreement for the period in which the Federal funds would be awarded.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An Applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. The Application must be received at the 
address below by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on or before the 
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: The U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services, ACF Office of Grants Management, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade SW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Lois 
Hodge.
    Hand-Deliver: Applicants choosing to hand-deliver applications by 
either themselves or by an agent, must have the application delivered 
by 4:30 EST between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays) on 
the deadline date to: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary 
Grants, ACF Mail Center, 2nd Floor Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20024, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    An Applicant must provide an original application with all 
attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies.
    Electronic Submission: Please see section IV. 2 Content and Form of 
Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting 
applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria

    Please see Generic and Specific Evaluation criteria for Priority 
Area 1, V.1, ``Application Review Information, Evaluation 
Criteria'' for crafting your response for the Project Narrative.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Please see Priority Area 1, V.2, ``Application 
Review Information, Review and Selection Process'', for information on 
the review and selection process for this priority area.

Priority Area IV: Rapid Deployment of Good Ideas Through Medicaid Web 
Referencing

I. Priority Area IV. Description

    Purpose: The purpose of Priority Area IV is to issue a grant award 
to fund one (1) project, designed to implement an Internet site that 
will provide relevant content and information on services under the 
Medicaid program for individuals with developmental disabilities and 
their families, including web-based State level ``resource sheets''.
    Individuals with developmental disabilities rely on multiple 
systems of support to simply live their lives. However, information 
that could be used to improve decision-making is not easily accessible 
to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, 
advocates, providers of services and supports, or even to the 
policymakers who design and fund systems. Moreover, for individuals 
with

[[Page 41107]]

developmental disabilities, access to relevant Internet-based 
information is limited.
    Medicaid is a primary source of support and vital component of the 
lives of many individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families. Yet the complex Medicaid system that is subject to an 
intricate law, regulation, and changes in administrative guidance is 
further complicated by variability in program structure from State to 
State. Many States have submitted plans to the Centers for Medicare and 
Medicaid (CMS) for Home and Community-Based Health Services (HCBS) 
waivers. These plans offer both opportunities and challenges for 
individuals with developmental disabilities, who wish to sustain or 
expand their opportunities to live and contribute to community life.
    Although there is great variability among States in their use of 
Medicaid funds through general Medicaid services and through HCBS 
waivers, there are many common and basic Medicaid-related questions to 
which individuals need answers. Individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families need to know how the Medicaid program 
can be used to access a broad range of home and community-based 
services and supports. Clear answers to frequently asked questions are 
often a user-friendly feature of Web sites on any topic.
    To meet with intent of Priority Area IV, the following are the 
minimum requirements for the project design:
    Project Design and Methods: Applicants should outline, as 
appropriate, the necessary steps to implement a Web site that is user-
friendly and practical to a broad rage of users, including individuals 
with developmental disabilities, their families, their advocates, DD 
network members, State policymakers, regional CMS staff, and other 
interested persons. The Web site must:
     Be responsive to the information needs and wants of its 
users, and should collect and measure user satisfaction;
     Inform a variety of audiences using tools, such as 
frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Medicaid that provide timely 
answers;
     Be useful and attractive to young persons with 
developmental disabilities;
     Provide interactive links to national, State, and local 
resources that offer useful information about Medicaid;
     Increase the number of web-based State level ``resource 
sheets'' available on the Web site;
     Include audio-clips of personal stories in multiple 
languages where possible.
     Promote a consumer/self-advocate orientation;
     Employ principles of cultural competency;
     Attend to unserved and underserved populations affected by 
developmental disabilities, including those from multicultural 
backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, migrant, homeless, and refugee 
families; and
     Provide a description of the Project commitment to work 
with ADD under the cooperative agreement.
    Consumer Collaboration: In describing how the Web site will be 
developed and maintained, the applicant should discuss how 
collaborations through partnerships and coalitions will engage 
consumers, family leaders, service providers and professionals to 
assist in gathering accurate information and interpretations of the 
Medicaid program. These collaborations should:
     Allow for the exchange of ideas and expertise to improve 
services and effect systemic change;
     Be composed of strong advisory components that consist of 
a majority of individuals with developmental disabilities and offer a 
structure where individuals with developmental disabilities make real 
decisions that determine the outcomes of the project; and
     A description of how individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families will be involved in all aspects of the 
design, implementation, and evaluation of the project.
    Key Personnel: Each grantee should ensure that key project 
personnel have direct life experience with living with a developmental 
disability and/or the development and implementation of Web sites.
    Civil Rights: Each grantee must comply with the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Rehabilitation Act 
amendments of 1998.
    Communication and Dissemination: Applicants must show that they (1) 
have past experience in providing information, including web-based 
resources, to people with developmental disabilities and (2) that they 
intend to comply with information and electronic technology 
accessibility standards and go beyond compliance to improve access as 
much as possible. At a minimum, each applicant must provide a detailed 
description of:
     Plans for communicating and disseminating information to 
the public through e-mail and other effective, affordable, and 
accessible forms of electronic communication, which may include monthly 
newsletters or regularly scheduled information briefs and fact sheets 
on topical areas.
     How information on the internet will be compliant with 
Section 508.
    Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet 
requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of 
an annual report in the form of a briefing book. Specifically, the 
applicant must describe how they will publish a briefing book for the 
field that lists the most FAQs regarding Medicaid services. The FAQs 
must be revised annually to reflect the current issues related to 
Medicaid services. This briefing book must include general information 
about Medicaid, including the percentage of individuals with 
developmental disabilities who are more independent, self-sufficient, 
and integrated into the community as a result of Medicaid services. The 
briefing book will be due by the end of the project fiscal year and 
must be made available to the public.

II. Priority Area IV. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Description of Federal Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: 
Please see ``I. Funding Opportunity Description, General Description, 
Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement'' for a complete 
description of the cooperative agreement.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $150,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 per budget period.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Annual Awards: $150,000 per budget 
period.
    Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $150,000 per project and budget 
period.
    Length of Project: This announcement is inviting applications for 
project periods up to three years. Awards, however, will be made on a 
competitive basis, for a one-year budget period. Applications for 
continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year 
budget period but within the three year project period will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to 
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a 
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of 
the Government.

[[Page 41108]]

III. Priority Area IV. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    State Governments, County Governments, City or Township 
Governments, State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education, Native 
American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), Public Housing 
Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities, Non-profits having 501 (c) (3) 
status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Non-
profits that do not have 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher 
learning
    Additional Information on Eligibility:
     Non-profit organizations must demonstrate proof of non-
profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
    a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code;
    b. Copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate
    c. A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or 
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals
    d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status; or
    e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent 
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$150,000. An application exceeding the $150,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and returned without review.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved 
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum 
of the ACF share and the non-federal share. The non-federal share may 
be met by cash or in-kind 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 $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must 
provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved 
project cost of $400,000). 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-share 
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.

3. Other (if Applicable)

    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 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 at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$150,000. Applications exceeding the $150,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share 
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request an Application Package

    Jennifer Johnson, Program Specialist, Administration on 
Developmental Disabilities, Office of Operations and Discretionary 
Grants, Mail Stop: HHH 405-D, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, 
DC 20447, Phone: (202) 690-5982, E-mail: [email protected].

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may 
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov:
     Electronic submission is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you 
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS 
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You 
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize 
you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, including all 
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary 
assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this Program Announcement and meet the 
application deadline.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and 
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
     We may request that you provide original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on http://www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application package 
by the CFDA number.
    Electronic Address where applications will be accepted: http://www.Grants.gov.
    The required application package will include the following using 
the format described:
Format
    The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, numbered, 
typed pages including an abstract and a table of contents. Any 
application

[[Page 41109]]

which exceeds the page limit requirement will have the additional pages 
removed from the application prior to the review. The type must not be 
smaller than 12 pitch or a point size of 12.
Project Description
    Please see Section V. 1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing 
the project summary/abstract and the full project description.
Budget
    The applicant shall develop a full budget, including a completed SF 
424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' a detailed 
budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF 424A, 
Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a twelve-month 
budget period. The SF 424 forms are provided below in this 
announcement. The applicant must include the twelve-month Federal 
budget under Column (1), the twelve-month non-Federal budget under 
Column (2), and the total twelve-month budget under Column (5) of the 
SF 424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when 
preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining two years of 
the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF 424A, 
Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The 
applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal 
contributions for the second through third years of the project on SF 
424A, Section C. 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. If the procurement 
policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition 
other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's 
current definition should be included in the application. Please see 
Section V.1 Criteria for additional guidance.
Appendix
    The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. Supplementary material, 
intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the 
Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement. 
The Appendix must be included with the original and the two copies of 
the application.
Checklist for a Complete Application
    The checklist below is for your use to ensure that your application 
package has been properly prepared.

    --One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies;
    --Application is from an organization that is eligible under the 
eligibility requirements, defined in the Priority Area description; and
    --Application length does not exceed 50 pages
    --Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);
    --A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact 
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable;
    --Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-
88);
    --Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
    --Table of Contents;
    --Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-
profit status, if necessary;
    --Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if 
appropriate; (when charging indirect costs to Federal funds or when 
using indirect costs as a matching share);
    --Project Description;
    --Letter(s) of commitment verifying non-Federal cost share
    --Any appendices/attachments;
    --Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-
88);
    --Certification Regarding Lobbying; Certification of Protection of 
Human Subjects, if necessary; and
    --Certification of the Pro Children Act of 1994, signature on the 
application represents certification.
     Assurances/Certifications
    Applicants are required to submit a SF 424B, Assurances-- Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying. 
Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior to 
receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish an 
executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must 
sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable 
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Part C 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of 
1994). By signing and submitting the application, applicants are 
providing the certification and need not mail back the certification 
with the application.
    In addition, applicants are required under Section 162(c)(3) of the 
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with 
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without 
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted 
under Part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to 
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each 
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
    For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a 
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a 
question regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the 
Office for Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301) 
496-7041.
    Non-profit applicants must demonstrate proof of their non-profit 
status and this proof must be included in their application. Proof of 
non-profit status is any one of the following:
    a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS code;
    b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate;
    c. A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or 
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals;
    d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status; or
    e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a 
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent 
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
(Eastern Time Zone) on August 23, 2004. Mailed or hand carried 
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the following address: U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants 
Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, 
Attention: Lois Hodge.
    Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in 
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that

[[Page 41110]]

the applications are received on or before the deadline time and date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the following address: U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 
20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Required Forms:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Required form or
         What to submit             Required content          format                   When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF424, SF424a, SF424B...........  Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
                                                        http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Project Summary/Abstract........  Summary of           One page limit.....  August 23, 2004.
                                   application
                                   request.
Project Description.............  Responsiveness to    Format described in  August 23, 2004.
                                   evaluation           Review and
                                   criteria.            Selection section.
                                                        Limit 60 pages.
                                                        Size 12 font, \1/
                                                        2\'' margins.
Certification Regarding Lobbying  Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
                                                        http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Disclosure of Lobbying            Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
 Activities (SF-LLL).                                   http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke       Per required form..  May be found at      August 23, 2004.
 Certification.                                         http://www.acf.hhs.gov/program/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC), Notification Under Executive 
Order 12372
    This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs.
    As of January, 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following 
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order 
process: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, 
Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New 
York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, 
Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Applicants from these 
jurisdictions or for projects administered by federally-recognized 
Indian Tribes need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of 
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC.
    All remaining jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order 
process and have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating 
jurisdictions should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert 
them of the prospective applications and receive instructions. 
Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as 
possible so that the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments 
as part of the award process. The applicant must submit all required 
materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal 
(or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard 
Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from 
the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing 
continuation awards.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and 
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants and Audit 
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, 
DC 20447.
    The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions 
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found at: http://

[[Page 41111]]

www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, costs for 
foreign travel, or costs for construction activities are not allowable 
charges to this Federal grant program.
    Indirect Costs: In order to charge Indirect Costs to the Federal 
Funds and/or use Indirect Costs as a matching share, the applicant must 
have an approved indirect costs agreement for the period in which the 
Federal funds would be awarded.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An Applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. The Application must be received at the 
address below by 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing 
date. Applications should be mailed to:
    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF Office of 
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor, Washington, 
DC 20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    Hand-Deliver: Applicants choosing to hand-deliver applications by 
either themselves or by an agent, must have the application delivered 
by 4:30 EST between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays) on 
the deadline date to: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary 
Grants, ACF Mail Center, 2nd Floor Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20024, Attention: Lois Hodge.
    An Applicant must provide an original application with all 
attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies.
    Electronic Submission: Please see section IV. 2 Content and Form of 
Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting 
applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria

    Please see Generic and Specific Evaluation criteria for Priority 
Area 1, V.1, ``Application Review Information, Evaluation 
Criteria'' for crafting your response for the Project Narrative.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Please see Priority Area 1, V.2, ``Application 
Review Information, Review and Selection Process,'' for information on 
the review and selection process for this priority area.
    Please note that the Award and Contact information and requirements 
below are applicable to all three Priority Areas in this Program 
Announcement.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Subject to the 
availability of funding, ADD intends to award new grants resulting from 
this Program Announcement during the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 
2004. For the purpose of the awards under this Program Announcement, 
the successful applicants should expect a project start date of 
September 30, 2004.
    Award Notices: Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be 
notified of the results of this grant competition within 90 days of the 
application deadline. Successful applicants will receive by U.S. postal 
mail a letter signed by the Commissioner of the Administration on 
Developmental Disabilities (ADD) with an official notice of award (the 
Financial Assistance Award) signed by the grants management officer. 
This notice of award signed by the grants officer is the authorization 
to begin performance.
    Administrative and National Policy Requirements:

    45 CFR-Part 74;
    45 CFR-Part 92.

    Special Terms and Condition of Award: None.
    Special Reporting Requirements: Programmatic Reports and Financial 
Reports are required semi-annually. All required reports must be 
submitted in a timely manner, in recommended formats (to be provided), 
and the final report must also be submitted on disk or electronically 
using a standard word-processing program.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Jennifer Johnson, Program Specialist, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Telephone: (202) 690-
5982, E-mail: [email protected], fax (202) 690-6904.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Lois Hodge, Grants Officer, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, (202) 401-2344, E-mail 
[email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/.

    Dated: June 28, 2004.
Patricia A. Morrissey,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 04-15052 Filed 7-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P