[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 10, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48499-48508]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-18289]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Funding Opportunity Title: CSBG T/TA Program--Earned Income Tax 
Credit (EITC) and Other Asset Formation Opportunities

AGENCY: Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community 
Services, HHS.
    Announcement Type: Competitive Grant-Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-ET-0028.
    CFDA Number: 93.570.
    Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications 
is September 9, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration 
for Children and Families (ACF) announces that competing applications 
will be accepted for a new grant pursuant to the Secretary's authority 
under section 674(b) of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act, 
as amended, by the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and 
Training and Educational Services (COATES) Human Services 
Reauthorization Act of 1998, (Pub. L. 105-285).
    The proposed grant will fund up to seven capacity-building 
collaborations that create or expand asset formation and financial 
literacy services offered by eligible entities funded under the 
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program in support of national 
community action Goal 1 (``Low Income People Become More Self-
Sufficient'').

Definitions of Terms

    The following definitions apply:
    At-Risk Agencies refers to CSBG eligible entities in crises. The 
problem(s) to be addressed must be of a complex or pervasive nature 
that cannot be adequately addressed through existing local or State 
resources.
    Capacity-building refers to activities that assist Community Action 
Agencies (CAAs) and other eligible entities to improve or enhance their 
overall or specific capability to plan, deliver, manage and evaluate 
programs efficiently and effectively to produce

[[Page 48500]]

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

Priority Area

Community Action Goal 1--``Low Income People Become More Self-
Sufficient''
    Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Other Asset Formation 
Opportunities.
Program Purpose, Scope and Focus
    OCS is committed to promoting and funding projects that use asset 
formation financial strategies to increase disposable earned income in 
low-income households and to help direct the use of that income toward 
asset formation. We view such strategies as viable innovative 
approaches to empowering low-income individuals, and families to become 
more self-

[[Page 48501]]

sufficient and self-reliant. As part of an OCS initiative, we are 
forming partnerships and encouraging the creation or strengthening of 
partnerships aimed at increasing financial education literacy and asset 
formation for low wage earning households.
    The EITC is a refundable federal tax credit designed to encourage 
employment in low-income families and to offset the effects of Medicare 
and Social Security payroll taxes on working-poor families. The EITC is 
widely viewed as a key support in welfare-to-work and asset-building 
strategies. EITC is regarded not only as an income supplement to meet 
immediate expenses, but also as a resource that might be directed 
toward asset-building strategies. Low-income families can be assisted 
to use the credit to accrue wealth, achieve economic self-sufficiency, 
and break the cycle of poverty.
    Up to 30 percent of low-income families do not have a checking or 
savings account with a financial institution, have poor financial 
management skills and/or credit record, and need assistance with asset-
building strategies; therefore, finding a way to link the EITC to 
affordable banking services, financial literacy, and savings and asset-
building options is critical. According to recent studies by the 
Government Accounting Office, a substantial number of eligible 
individuals and families fail to claim the EITC. OCS seeks to narrow 
the gap between eligible households entitled to, but not receiving, 
this benefit. OCS also seeks to expand the use of the credit as an 
asset-building resource.
    OCS seeks to fund formal collaboration projects that use the EITC 
to create or expand asset formation and financial literacy services 
offered by eligible entities funded under the Community Services Block 
Grant (CSBG) Program. Funds will be awarded to provide capacity-
building assistance that enables local, State or regional CSBG networks 
to plan, establish, improve or expand the use of EITC outreach and free 
tax preparation services to provide asset formation and financial 
service opportunities for eligible individuals and families. These 
projects should be designed to include EITC outreach, free tax 
preparation services and financial literacy/asset formation strategies 
to enable low-income families and individuals to make wiser financial 
decisions, build financial resources and help eligible clients take 
advantage of asset formation opportunities, that ultimately help the 
community thrive and become more economically stable.
    Formal State CSBG Lead Agencies and State CAA Association 
partnerships are especially encouraged and will receive priority 
consideration for funding. OCS realizes that CSBG service providers 
will be most effective in helping low-income individuals and families 
increase assets and financial literacy when they partner with others in 
the community. Therefore, applications that show collaborations with 
other community-based organizations and institutions are also strongly 
encouraged.
    Funds will be awarded to provide capacity-building assistance that 
enables local and regional CSBG networks to plan, establish, improve or 
expand asset formation and financial service opportunities for eligible 
individuals and families. These projects should be designed to help 
low-wage earners, at or near the poverty level, become more astute in 
areas such as money management and other financial services. The 
projects must offer, or plan to offer, services that help eligible 
clients take advantage of asset formation opportunities, increase their 
disposable income, build financial resources and enable them to make 
wiser financial decisions that ultimately help the community thrive and 
become more economically stable.
    At a minimum, all projects funded under this area must demonstrate 
proof that they have managed and operated an established Earned Income 
Tax Credit (EITC) component. Successful applicants for these seven (7) 
grants must also have a history of providing Earned Income Tax Credit 
and other asset formation services and training within the Community 
Services Network. Their curriculum must demonstrate an understanding of 
asset formation and financial literacy. Applicants must describe in 
their applications how their proposed training curriculum will improve 
or expand the access of eligible low-income families and individuals to 
asset formation information and services. Therefore, projects should 
include outreach to eligible families, information to help individuals 
and families understand the EITC and free tax filing assistance to 
claim the EITC and other tax credits.
    Successful applicants for these grants must have a plan for 
providing EITC outreach, free tax preparation, and other financial and 
asset formation services and training within the Community Services 
Network. Their curriculum must demonstrate an understanding of asset 
formation and financial literacy. At a minimum, all projects funded in 
this area must present proof that within the collaborative there exists 
a partner with demonstrated experience in the delivery of EITC outreach 
and free tax preparation services, and should include a description 
(letters of agreement or memoranda of understanding) of the nature of 
the existing or proposed working relationship with the local Internal 
Revenue Service territory office. Applicants must also describe in 
their applications how their proposed plan and training curriculum will 
improve or expand the access of eligible low-income families and 
individuals to tax preparation and asset formation information and 
services beyond the scope of the current offerings of that or other 
partners so engaged, as well as identifying constituencies who have 
been underserved with these programs.
    OCS recognizes that local, State and regional CSBG networks are in 
various stages with respect to offering asset formation and financial 
literacy services. Therefore, we plan to fund applications from 
applicants that are in the initial planning and development stages of 
asset formation services as well as applications from applicants whose 
CSBG network has established asset formation services, but desire to do 
more.
    Successful applicants will propose projects that will impact more 
than one local CSBG service area. This Sub-Priority Area is not 
appropriate for projects proposing stand-alone services that impact and 
target only one particular community. Formal State CSBG Lead Agencies 
and State CAA Association partnerships and Community Service Network 
collaborations that address the needs of rural communities are 
especially encouraged to apply for these funds and will receive 
priority consideration for funding.
    The application must clearly show the roles and responsibilities of 
each collaborating partner. Letters of agreement and memoranda of 
understanding on agency letterhead with signatures from persons 
authorized to act on behalf of the collaborating partner(s) must be 
included in the application.
    Innovation is encouraged. However, the following are examples of 
asset formation and financial literacy activities that OSC seeks to 
expand:
     Help eligible individuals and families apply for and 
receive, the Federal and State, where appropriate, Earned Income Tax 
Credits and other cash benefits or services to which they are entitled.

[[Page 48502]]

     Ensure that staff and volunteers of local CSBG funded 
organizations and/or their partners are trained and certified to 
provide free tax preparation services.
     Recruit, support, and retain qualified volunteers 
committed to the goals of the initiative.
     Conduct outreach to EITC eligible individuals and 
families.
     Provide life skills education that helps low-income 
individuals and families learn and apply effective household management 
and budgeting techniques.
     Help clients establish and use banking and financial 
services, such as checking and savings accounts, thereby reducing or 
eliminating their reliance on the high-fee, high interest check cashing 
and loan services that are prevalent and widely used in low-income 
neighborhoods.
     Present materials in different languages based on the 
needs of eligible households.
     Assist families and individuals to boost savings in 
Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and/or to participate in other 
asset-building opportunities such as pre and post purchase housing 
support, 529 college savings plans, and other asset tools.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $500,000 in FY 2004.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: Seven (7).
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $80,000 per budget period.
    An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range 
specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the 
applicant without further review.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: none.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $70,000 per budget period.
    Project Periods for Award: This announcement is inviting 
applications for project periods of up to three years. Awards, offered 
on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget period, although 
projects may be for three years. Applications for continuation grants 
beyond the one-year budget period, but within the three-year project 
period, will be entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive 
basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the 
grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the 
best interest of the Federal Government.
    An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range 
specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the 
applicant without further review.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Community Services Block Grant eligible entities, State Community 
Action Associations, non-profit organizations having 501(c)3 status, 
and non-profits that do not have 501(c)3 status. Faith-based 
organizations are eligible to apply.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: As prescribed by the 
Community Services Block Grant Act (Pub. L. 105-285, Section 
678A(c)(2), eligible applicants are eligible entities (see 
definitions), or statewide or local organizations, or associations with 
demonstrated expertise in providing training to individuals and 
organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-
income families and communities.
    Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit 
proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of 
submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a 
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; a copy of a currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate; 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; a 
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or 
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status; or any of 
the items referenced above for a State or national parent organization 
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant 
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' 
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    None.

3. Other

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

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Office of Community Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Myer 
Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209, Attn: Dr. Margaret Washnitzer, 
Telephone: (800) 281-9519.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    An original and two copies of the complete application are 
required. The original and the two copies must include all required 
forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an 
authorized representative of the applicant organization, have original 
signatures, and be submitted unbound. Applicants have the option of 
omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary 
rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget 
and Social Security Numbers. The copies may include summary salary 
information.
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the 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

[[Page 48503]]

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 Standard Form 424 and all 
necessary assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and 
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
     We may request that you provide original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on http://www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable 
application package by The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
(CFDA) number.
Application Content
    Each application must include the following components:
    (a) Table of Contents
    (b) Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed 250 
words, that would be suitable for use in an announcement that the 
application has been selected for a grant award and which identifies 
the type of project, the target population, and the major elements of 
the work plan.
    (c) Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an 
official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority 
to obligate the organization legally.
    (d) Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non-Construction 
Programs.
    (e) Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category 
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
    (f) Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described 
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and 
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
Application Format
    Each application should include one signed original application and 
two additional copies of the same application.
    Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper only. 
Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
    Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional 
materials, slides, films, clips, etc.
    The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins must 
be at least one inch on all sides.
    Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package, 
beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one.
    Please present application materials either in loose-leaf notebooks 
or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center and 
fastened separately with a slide paper fastener.
Page Limitation
    The application package including sections for the Table of 
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives must not 
exceed 35 pages. The page limitation does not include the following 
attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also 
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this 
announcement.
Required Standard Forms
    Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-construction 
projects must file the Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign and return the Standard 
Form 424B with their applications.
    Applicants must provide a certification regarding lobbying when 
applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and 
return the certification with their applications.
    Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form 
LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who 
have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with 
receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a 
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the 
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
Additional Requirements
    (a) The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424, 
Application for Federal Assistance, a Standard Form 424A, Budget 
Information, and signed Standard Form 424B, Assurance--Non-Construction 
Programs, completed according to instructions provided in this Program 
Announcement. Forms SF-424 and SF-424B must be signed by an official of 
the organization applying for the grant who has authority to obligate 
the organization legally. The applicant's legal name as required on the 
SF-424 (Item 5) must match that listed as corresponding to the Employer 
Identification Number (Item 6);
    (b) The application must include a project narrative that meets the 
requirements set forth in this announcement;
    (c) The application must contain documentation of the applicant's 
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Funding Opportunity 
Description'' section of this announcement;
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants.'' 
The forms are located on the web at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Project Summary Abstract: Provide a one page (or less) summary of 
the project description with reference to the funding request.
    Full Project Description Requirements: Describe the project clearly 
in 35 pages or less (not counting supplemental documentation, letters 
of support or agreements) using the following outline and guidelines. 
Applicants are required to submit a Full Project Description and must 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions. The pages of the project description must be 
numbered and are limited to 35 typed pages starting on page 1 with the 
``Objectives and Need for Assistance''. The description must be double-
spaced, printed on only one side, with at least one inch margins. Pages 
over the 35 page limit will be removed from the competition and will 
not be reviewed.
    It is in the applicant's best interest to ensure that the project 
description is easy to read, logically developed in

[[Page 48504]]

accordance with the evaluation criteria, and adheres to the page 
limitation. In addition, applicants should be mindful of the importance 
of preparing and submitting applications using language, terms, 
concepts and descriptions that are generally known by the Community 
Services Block Grant (CSBG) network.
    The maximum number of pages for supplemental documentation is 10 
pages. The supplemental documentation, subject to the 10-page limit, 
must be numbered and might include brief resumes, position 
descriptions, proof of non-profit status, news clippings, press 
releases, etc. Supplemental documentation over the 10-page limit will 
not be reviewed.
    Applicants must include letters of support or agreement, if 
appropriate or applicable, in reference to the project description. 
Letters of support are not counted as part of the 35-page project 
description limit or the 10-page supplemental documentation limit. All 
applications must comply with the following requirements as noted:

3. Submission Date and Time

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
eastern time (e.t.) on September 9, 2004. Mailed or hand carried 
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services 
Operations Center, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 
22209, Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson. Applicants are responsible 
for mailing applications well in advance, when using all mail services, 
to ensure that the applications are received on or before the deadline 
time and date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., eastern time (e.t.), at the U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, 
Office of Community Services Operations Center, 1815 North Fort Myer 
Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209, between Monday and Friday 
(excluding Federal holidays). This address must appear on the envelope/
package containing the application with the note: ``Attention: Barbara 
Ziegler Johnson.'' Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail 
services do not always deliver as agreed.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    ACF will not send acknowledgements of receipt of application 
materials.
    Required Forms:

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

[[Page 48505]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         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
 Grant Applicants.                                      http://              date.
                                                        www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                        programs/ofs/
                                                        forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

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

5. Funding Restrictions

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

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two complete copies. The application must be 
received at the address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time (e.t.) on or 
before September 9, 2004. Applications should be mailed to: U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, 
1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209, Attn: 
Barbara Ziegler Johnson.
    For Hand Delivery: Applicants must provide an original application 
with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two 
complete copies. The application must be received at the address below 
by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications 
that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to: 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, 
1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209 Attention: 
Barbara Ziegler Johnson. It is strongly recommended that applicants 
obtain documentation that the application was hand delivered on or 
before the closing date. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 25 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information.
    The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a current 
valid OMB number.
Instructions: ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD)
    The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the 
``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections 
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that 
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under 
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD). The generic UPD requirement 
is followed by the evaluation criterion specific to the Community 
Services Block Grant legislation.
Purpose
    The project description provides a major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and 
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are 
being requested. Supporting documents should be

[[Page 48506]]

included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In 
preparing your project description, information responsive to each of 
the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices 
use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. 
It is important, therefore, that information included in the 
application is clear and complete.
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation 
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project 
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the 
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, 
describe the population to be served by the program and the number of 
new jobs that will be targeted to the target population. Explain how 
the project will reach the targeted population and how it will benefit 
participants, including, how it will support individuals to become more 
economically self-sufficient.
Approach
    Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how 
the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or 
activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the 
application, such as, free tax preparation, financial literacy 
training, and asset-building activities. 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 conduct of the project and 
the results 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.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the 
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit 
status in its application.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A 
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal 
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State 
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that 
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the 
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a 
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or 
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of 
the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization 
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant 
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide a budget with 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. Also include a breakout by the funding 
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.

2. Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criterion I: Approach (Maximum: 40 points)
    Factors: (1) The work program is results-oriented, approximately 
related to the legislative mandate and

[[Page 48507]]

specifically related to the priority area under which funds are being 
requested. The application addresses the following: specific outcomes 
to be achieved; discussion of how the project will verify the 
achievement of these targets and the data collection methodology to be 
used; the way that tax preparation training will be accomplished; 
individuals, families and households served; proposed linkage and 
outcomes to asset-building activities; critical milestones which must 
be achieved if results are to be gained; organizational support, the 
level of support from the applicant organization; past performance in 
similar work; and specific resources contributed to the project that 
are critical to success.
    (2) The applicant defines the comprehensive nature of the project 
and methods that will be used to ensure that the results can be used to 
address a statewide or nationwide project as defined by the description 
of the particular priority area.
Evaluation Criterion II: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 20 points)
    Factors: (1) The applicant demonstrates that it has experience and 
a successful record of accomplishment relevant to the specific 
activities it proposes to accomplish.
    (2) If the applicant proposes to provide training and technical 
assistance, it details its abilities to provide those services on a 
community services network-wide basis. If applicable, information 
provided by the applicant also addresses related achievements and 
competence of each cooperating or sponsoring organization.
    (3) The application fully describes, for example in a resume, the 
experience and skills of the proposed project director and primary 
staff showing specific qualifications and professional experiences 
relevant to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
    (4) The applicant describes how it will involve partners in the 
Community Services Network , the Internal Revenue Service, and other 
asset-building projects including the Assets for Independence Act 
(AFIA) grantees in its activities. Where appropriate, applicant 
describes how it will interface with other related organizations.
    (5) The application describes how the needs of rural communities 
and small towns will be addressed.
    (6) If sub-contracts are proposed, the application documents the 
willingness and capacity of the subcontracting organization(s) to 
participate as described.
Evaluation Criterion III: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum: 
20 points)
    Factors: (1) The applicant documents that the proposed project 
addresses vital needs related to the program purposes and provides 
statistics and other data and information in support of its contention.
    (2) The application provides current supporting documentation or 
other testimonies regarding needs from State CSBG Directors, CAAs and 
local service providers and/or State and Regional organizations of CAAs 
and other local service providers, including the Internal Revenue 
Service.
Evaluation Criterion IV: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 15 
points)
    Factors: (1) The application describes how the project will assure 
long-term program and management improvements for State CSBG offices, 
CAA State and/or regional associations, CAAs and/or other local 
providers of CSBG services and activities.
    (2) The applicant indicates the types and amounts of public and/or 
private resources it will mobilize, how those resources will directly 
benefit the project, and how the project will ultimately benefit low-
income individuals and families.
    (3) If the application proposes a project with a training and 
technical assistance focus, the application indicates the number of 
organizations and/or staff that will benefit from those services.
    (4) The application describes a project with data collection focus, 
the application describes the mechanism to be used to collect data 
about EITC outreach, returns prepared, total EITC claimed, the number 
of individuals and families engaged in financial literacy and/or asset 
formation strategies and, how the applicant can assure collections from 
a significant number of State partners, and the number of State 
partners willing to submit data to the applicant.
    (5) If the applicant proposes to develop a symposium series or 
other policy-related project(s), the application identifies the number 
and types of beneficiaries.
    (6) The application describes methods of securing participant 
feedback and evaluations of activities.
Criterion V: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 5 points)
    Factors: (1) The resources requested are reasonable and adequate to 
accomplish the project.
    (2) Total costs are reasonable and consistent with anticipated 
results.

3. Review and Selection Process

Initial OCS Screening
    Each application submitted to OCS will be screened to determine 
whether it was received by the closing date and time.
    Applications received by the closing date and time will be screened 
for completeness and conformity with the following requirements. Only 
complete applications that meet the requirements listed below will be 
reviewed and evaluated competitively. Other applications will be 
returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable 
and will not be reviewed.
    All applications must comply with the following requirements except 
as noted:
OCS Evaluation of Applications
    Applications that pass the initial OCS screening will be reviewed 
and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review criteria 
presented in relevant sections of this program announcement.
    The review criteria are designed to enable the review panel to 
assess the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood 
of its success. The criteria are closely related to each other and are 
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. 
The review panel awards points only to applications that are responsive 
to the program elements and relevant review criteria within the context 
of this program announcement.
Copies to Non-Federal Reviewers
    Applicants are encouraged to use job titles and not specific names 
in developing the application budget. However, the specific salary 
rates or amounts for staff positions identified must be included in the 
application budget.
    The OCS Director and program staff use the reviewer scores when 
considering competing applications. Reviewer scores will weigh heavily 
in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered.
    Applications generally will be considered in order of the average 
scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important factors 
are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not 
guaranteed funding. These other considerations include, for example: 
The timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded 
with OCS funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of

[[Page 48508]]

reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; amount 
and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's 
consistency and harmony with OCS goals and policy; geographic 
distribution of applications; previous program performance of 
applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants, 
including the actual dedication to program of mobilized resources as 
set forth in project applications; audit reports; investigative 
reports; and applicant's progress in resolving any final audit 
disallowance on previous OCS or other Federal agency grants.
    Approved But Unfunded Applications: In cases where more 
applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money 
available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of 
approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of 
carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding 
consideration in a later competition of the same program. These 
applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's 
evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed 
in rank order along with other applications in the later competition.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

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

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

3. Reporting

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

VII. Agency Contacts

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

VIII. Other Information

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

    Dated: August 4, 2004.
Clarence H. Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 04-18289 Filed 8-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P