[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 166 (Friday, August 27, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52654-52660]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-19632]


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ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION


Request for Proposals for the Help America Vote College Poll 
Worker Recruitment Program

AGENCY: Election Assistance Commission (EAC).

ACTION: Notice of Request for Applications--Federal Grant Opportunity.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sections 501-503 of the Help America Vote Act 
(HAVA), Public Law 107-252, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission 
(EAC or Commission) is hereby publishing in the Federal Register a 
Request for Proposals for the Help America Vote College Poll Worker 
Recruitment Program.

DATES: This notice is effective upon publication in the Federal 
Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Phone: Karen Lynn-Dyson at (202) 566-
3100 or 1-866-747-1471 (toll-free).
    Federal Agency Name: United States Election Assistance Commission.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Help America Vote College Program.
    Announcement Type: Competitive Grant--Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: EAC--04--001.
    CFDA Number: 90.400.
    Due Date: Applications are due by Thursday, September 9, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    This announcement is covered under the Help America Vote Act of 
2002, Public Law (Pub. L.) 107-252, Title V. Provisions under this 
title allow the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to award grants for 
the development of a program to encourage students enrolled at 
institutions of higher education (including community colleges) to 
assist State and local governments in the administration of elections 
by serving as nonpartisan poll workers or assistants.
    Project funds must be used for projects and activities which are 
carried out without partisan bias or without promoting any particular 
point of view regarding any issue.

Purpose of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission

    The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (``EAC'' or ``Commission'') 
was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (``HAVA''). 
Central to its role, the Commission serves as a national clearinghouse 
and resource for information and review of procedures with respect to 
the administration of federal elections.
    HAVA requires the EAC to, among other things:
     Generate technical guidance on the administration of 
federal elections.
     Produce voluntary voting systems guidelines.
     Research and report on matters that affect the 
administration of federal elections.
     Otherwise provide information and guidance with respect to 
laws, procedures, and technologies affecting the administration of 
federal elections.
     Administer payments to States to meet HAVA requirements.
     Provide grants for election technology development and for 
pilot programs to test election technology.
     Develop a national program for the testing, certification, 
and decertification of voting systems.
     Maintain the national mail voter registration form that 
was developed in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of 
1993 (``NVRA''), report to Congress every two years on the impact of 
the NVRA on the administration of federal elections, and provide 
information to States on their responsibilities under that law.
     Audit entities who receive federal funds authorized by 
HAVA from the General Services Administration or the EAC.
     Submit an annual report to Congress describing EAC 
activities for the previous fiscal year.
    Additionally, the EAC is required, not later than one year after 
the appointment of its members, to develop a program to be known as the 
``Help America Vote College Program.''

Help America Vote College Program

    The EAC is seeking proposals which will assist the Commission in 
developing and implementing the Help America Vote College Program 
(``College Program'').
    The purpose of the College Program is to encourage students 
enrolled at institutions of higher education (including community 
colleges) to assist state and local governments in the administration 
of elections by serving as nonpartisan poll workers or assistants, and 
to encourage state and local governments to use the services of the 
students participating in the College Program.
    While laws regarding eligibility for poll worker service vary 
somewhat from state to state, in all states, poll worker service 
requires dedication. Poll workers are required to attend a training 
session conducted by the local election jurisdiction prior to Election 
Day. Most training sessions occur in the month prior to Election Day 
(i.e., October for this project period), and generally last, on 
average, 2 to 3 hours. Through coordination between the local election 
jurisdiction and the prospective grantee, on-site poll worker training 
may be arranged.
    Applicants also should be aware that poll workers generally are 
required to be at polling locations to help set up prior to the opening 
of polls, and should plan to stay at least 45 minutes after the close 
of polls on Election Day. In some jurisdictions options to split a 
shift are available. Applicants should understand that college poll 
workers may be required to remain at the polling location the entire 
day on Election Day. It should be noted that poll workers are paid a 
stipend both for attending training and for their service on Election 
Day. The stipend amounts, paid by the election jurisdiction, vary 
widely.
    Applicants should be aware that most states require that poll 
workers be registered voters in the state in which they serve. Other 
states require that poll workers be registered voters in the county in 
which they serve. In some cases, however, students are exempt from 
these requirements and may serve under various titles such as 
assistants or interpreters.
    In making grants under the College Program, the EAC requires that 
the funds provided are spent for projects and activities which are 
carried out without partisan bias or without promoting any particular 
point of view regarding any issue, and that each grant recipient is 
governed in a balanced manner which does not reflect any partisan bias.
    Applicants should be informed that the EAC will require all grant 
recipients to submit a final written report discussing outcomes and/or 
related qualitative data, which the EAC will use to develop 
recommendations to the U.S. Congress, States and local governments 
about future involvement of college students as poll workers and/or 
``best practices'' information.

General Guidelines for Application

     Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and 
detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished, given the 
description and purpose detailed above regarding the College Program;
     Describe any unusual features of the project such as 
design or technological

[[Page 52655]]

innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and 
community involvement;
     Provide quantitative projections of the accomplishments to 
be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number 
of college students expected to participate 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.
     Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For 
example, describe how the activities that your organization undertakes 
will promote the participation of college students to work as poll 
workers or assistants during the upcoming November 2nd general 
election.
     To the extent possible, include information on meeting the 
poll worker eligibility requirements for the jurisdiction(s) covered by 
the student population described in the application;
     To the extent possible, include information showing 
current involvement and/or support from the local election 
administrator(s) of the jurisdiction(s) covered by the student 
population described in the application or ways in which such 
involvement and/or support will be developed during the project period;
     Describe for all functions or activities identified in the 
application and, if applicable, cite factors which might accelerate or 
decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed 
approach rather than others;
     Present a budget with reasonable project costs, 
appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient to 
accomplish the objectives, such as documentation of the dollar amount 
requested, as well as a description of the fiscal controls and 
accounting procedures that will be used to ensure prudent use, proper 
disbursement, and accurate accounting of funds received under this 
program announcement.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $200,000-$645,750.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1-50.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $150,000 per project and 
budget period.
    Floor on Individual Award Amounts: $10,000 per project and budget 
period.
    Average Projected Award Amount: Unknown.
    Project Periods for Awards: 3-4 month project and budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    State controlled institutions of higher education; private 
institutions of higher education; community colleges; non-profit 
organizations, other than institutions of higher education; and faith-
based organizations.
    All applications that are developed jointly by more than one agency 
or organization must identify only one organization as the lead 
organization and the official applicant. The other participating 
organizations can be included as co-participants, sub-grantees, or 
subcontractors.
    Any non-profit organization submitting an application must include 
proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of 
submission. The non-profit organization can accomplish this by 
providing 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.
    (e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs 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.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$150,000. Requests that exceed the $150,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Applications that are developed jointly by more than one agency or 
organization that fail to identify only one organization as the lead 
organization and the official applicant will be considered non-
responsive and returned without review.
    Pre-award costs are not allowable charges to this program. 
Applications that include pre-award costs with their submission will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this 
program. Applications that propose construction projects or 
expenditures will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible 
for funding under this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    None.

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 all Federal grant applicants to 
provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or 
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an 
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (http://www.grants.gov). A DUNS number will be 
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation 
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement 
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$150,000. Requests that exceed the $150,000 threshold will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Applications that are developed jointly by more than one agency or 
organization that fail to identify only one organization as the lead 
organization and the official applicant will be considered non-
responsive and returned without review.
    Pre-award costs are not allowable charges to this program. 
Applications that include pre-award costs with their submission will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this 
program. Applications that propose construction projects or 
expenditures will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible 
for funding under this announcement.

[[Page 52656]]

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 1225 New York Avenue, NW., 
Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Attention: Karen Lynn-Dyson, Phone: 
(202) 566-3100; Fax: (202) 566-1389.
    Application forms and certifications may also be downloaded from 
the ``Help America Vote College Program'' link at the following 
Internet address: http://www.eac.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

The Application
    Each application package must include an original and two copies of 
the complete application. Each copy should be stapled securely (front 
and back if necessary) in the upper left-hand corner. All pages of the 
project description/narrative must be sequentially numbered, beginning 
with page one. In order to facilitate handling, please do not use 
covers, binders or tabs. Do not include extraneous materials as 
attachments, such as agency promotion brochures, slides, tapes, film 
clips, minutes of meetings, survey instruments or entire articles of 
incorporation.
    You may view this grant announcement via http://www.grants.gov. 
However, you may not submit an electronic application for this grant 
announcement. Rather, the EAC requires that applications for this grant 
announcement be submitted--not later than September 9, 2004--in paper 
format only by mailing or hand delivering a hard copy of the 
application to the following address:
    U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 1225 New York Avenue, NW., 
Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Attention: Karen Lynn-Dyson, Program 
Director. Any questions regarding this announcement can be directed to 
Karen Lynn-Dyson at (202) 566-3100 or by e-mail at [email protected].
    Please note that to use grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must 
have 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.
Application Requirements
    A complete application consists of the following items:
--Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-92);
--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-92);
--Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-92);
--Proof of non-profit status;
--Project description/narrative;
--Any appendices/attachments;
--Certification regarding lobbying.
    The above forms and certifications may be found at the ``Help 
America Vote College Program'' link located at http://www.eac.gov.
    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.
Application Format
    Length: Applications must not exceed 25 pages.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    The EAC requires that applications for this grant announcement be 
submitted--not later than September 9, 2004--in paper format only by 
mailing or hand delivering a hard copy of the application, as 
instructed below. All applications will be evaluated upon receipt and 
initial screening.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting the 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the following address: U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 
1225 New York Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Attention: 
Karen Lynn-Dyson, Program Director, Help America Vote College Program. 
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 5 p.m., e.s.t., at the following address: U.S. Election Assistance 
Commission, 1225 New York Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 
20005, Attention: Karen Lynn-Dyson, Program Director, Help America Vote 
College Program.
    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 5 p.m. 
(Eastern Standard Time) on Thursday, September 9, 2004. Mailed or hand 
carried applications received after 5 p.m. e.s.t. on the closing date 
will be classified as late.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. EAC shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: EAC 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 U.S. Election 
Assistance Commission.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    State Single Point of Contact (SPOC):
    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' Under the Order, 
States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on 
proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. As of October 1, 
2003, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the 
Executive Order process:
    Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New 
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, District of Columbia, 
Puerto Rico, American Somoa, Guam, North Mariana Islands, and the 
Virgin Islands.
    Applicants from these jurisdictions should determine the SPOC for 
that jurisdiction, and contact their SPOC as soon as possible to alert 
them of the prospective application and receive instructions. 
Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOC 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 up to 60 days 
from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing 
continuation awards.
    Applicants from a jurisdiction that does not participate in the 
Executive Order process, and which have met the eligibility 
requirements of this program, are still eligible to apply for a grant 
even

[[Page 52657]]

if a State, Territory, Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC.
    A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory 
can be obtained from the following Web site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

    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.
    Pre-award costs are not allowable charges to this program. 
Applications that include pre-award costs with their submission will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under 
this announcement.
    Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this 
program. Applications that propose construction projects or 
expenditures will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible 
for funding under this announcement.

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 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing 
date, which is Thursday, September 9, 2004. Applications should be 
mailed to: U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 1225 New York Avenue, 
NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Attention: Karen Lynn-Dyson, 
Program Director, Help America Vote College Program.
    Hand Delivery: 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 5 p.m. 
Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing date, which is Thursday, 
September 8, 2004. Applications that are hand delivered will be 
accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 
Applications may be delivered to: U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 
1225 New York Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Attention: 
Karen Lynn-Dyson, Program Director, Help America Vote College Program.

V. Application Instructions

Instructions for Preparing the Application and Completing Application 
Forms

    The SF 424, SF 424A, SF 424A--Page 2 and Certifications/Assurances 
are contained in the application package that can be accessed as 
mentioned earlier in this announcement. Please prepare your application 
in accordance with the following instructions:

SF 424, Page 1, Application Cover Sheet

    Please read the following instructions before completing the 
application cover sheet. An explanation of each item is included. 
Complete only the items specified.
    Top of Page. Please indicate that you are applying for new or 
implementation funds.
    Item 1. ``Type of Submission''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 2. ``Date Submitted'' and ``Applicant Identifier''--Date 
application is submitted to EAC and applicant's own internal control 
number, if applicable.
    Item 3. ``Date Received By State''--State use only (if applicable).
    Item 4. ``Date Received by Federal Agency''--Leave blank.
    Item 5. ``Applicant Information.''
    ``Legal Name''--Enter the legal name of applicant organization. For 
applications developed jointly, enter the name of the lead organization 
only. There must be a single applicant for each application.
    ``Organizational Unit''--Enter the name of the primary unit within 
the applicant's organization that will actually carry out the project 
activity. Do not use the name of an individual as the applicant. If 
this is the same as the applicant organization, leave the 
organizational unit blank.
    ``Address''--Enter the complete address that the organization 
actually uses to receive mail, since this is the address to which all 
correspondence will be sent. Do not include both street address and 
P.O. Box number unless both must be used in mailing.
    ``Name and telephone number of the person to be contacted on 
matters involving this application (give area code)''--Enter the full 
name and telephone number of a person who can respond to questions 
about the application. This person should be accessible at the address 
given here and will receive all correspondence regarding the 
application.
    Item 6. ``Employer Identification Number (EIN)''--Enter the 
employer identification number of the applicant organization, as 
assigned by the Internal Revenue Service.
    Item 7. ``Type of Applicant''-- Self-explanatory (i.e., state 
controlled institution of higher education; private institution of 
higher education; community college; non-profit organization, other 
than institutions of higher education; or faith-based organizations).
    Item 8. ``Type of Application''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 9. ``Name of Federal Agency''--Preprinted on the form.
    Item 10. ``Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and 
Title''--Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number 
assigned to the program under which assistance is requested and its 
title.
    Item 11. ``Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project''--Enter the 
project title. The title is generally short and is descriptive of the 
project, not the priority area title.
    Item 12. ``Areas Affected by Project''--Enter the governmental unit 
where significant and meaningful impact could be observed. List only 
the largest unit or units affected, such as State, county, or city. If 
an entire unit is affected, list it rather than subunits.
    Item 13. ``Proposed Project''--Enter the desired start date for the 
project and projected completion date.
    Item 14. ``Congressional District of Applicant/Project''--Enter the 
number of the Congressional district where the applicant's principal 
office is located and the number of the Congressional district(s) where 
the project will be located. If Statewide, a multi-State effort, or 
nationwide, enter ``00.''
    Item 15. Estimated Funding Levels. In completing 15a through 15f, 
the dollar amounts entered should reflect, for a 3-4 month project 
period, the total amount requested.
    Item 15a. Enter the amount of Federal funds requested in accordance 
with the preceding paragraph. This amount should be no greater than the 
maximum amount specified in the priority area description.
    Items 15b-e. Not Applicable.
    Item 15f. Enter the estimated amount of program income, if any, 
expected to be generated from the proposed project. Do not add or 
subtract this amount from the total project amount entered under item 
15g. Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of this program 
income in the Project Narrative Statement.
    Item 15g. Enter the sum of items 15a-15e.
    Item 16a. ``Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive 
Order 12372 Process? Yes.''--Enter the date the applicant contacted the 
SPOC regarding this application. Select the appropriate

[[Page 52658]]

SPOC from the listing provided online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. The review of the application is at the discretion of 
the SPOC. The SPOC will verify the date noted on the application.
    Item 16b. ``Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive 
Order 12372 Process? No.''--Check the appropriate box if the 
application is not covered by E.O. 12372 or if the program has not been 
selected by the State for review.
    Item 17. ``Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt?''-- 
Check the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant 
organization, not the person who signs as the authorized 
representative. Categories of debt include audit disallowances, loans 
and taxes.
    Item 18. ``To the best of my knowledge and belief, all data in this 
application/pre-application are true and correct. The document has been 
duly authorized by the governing body of the applicant and the 
applicant will comply with the attached assurances if the assistance is 
awarded.''--To be signed by the authorized representative of the 
applicant. A copy of the governing body's authorization for signature 
of this application by this individual as the official representative 
must be on file in the applicant's office, and may be requested from 
the applicant.
    Item 18a-c. ``Typed Name of Authorized Representative, Title, 
Telephone Number''--Enter the name, title and telephone number of the 
authorized representative of the applicant organization.
    Item 18d. ``Signature of Authorized Representative'' --Signature of 
the authorized representative named in Item 18a. At least one copy of 
the application must have an original signature. Use colored ink (not 
black) so that the original signature is easily identified.
    Item 18e. ``Date Signed''--Enter the date the application was 
signed by the authorized representative.

SF 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs

    This is a form used by many Federal agencies. For this application, 
Sections A, B, and F are to be completed. Sections C, D and E do not 
need to be completed.
    Sections A and B should include the Federal as well as the non-
Federal funding for the proposed project covering the total project 
period of 4 months or less.
    Section A--Budget Summary: This section includes a summary of the 
budget. On line 5, enter total Federal costs in column (e) and total 
non-Federal costs (none for these projects), including third party in-
kind contributions, but not program income, in column (f). Enter the 
total of (e) and (f) in column (g).
    Section B--Budget Categories: This budget, which includes the 
Federal as well as non-Federal funding for the proposed project (none 
for these projects), covers the total project period of 4 months or 
less. It should relate to item 15g, total funding, on the SF 424. Under 
column (5), enter the total requirements for funds (Federal and non-
Federal [none]) by object class category.
    A separate budget justification should be included to fully explain 
and justify major items, as indicated below. The types of information 
to be included in the justification are indicated under each category. 
The budget justification should immediately follow the second page of 
the SF 424A.
    Personnel--Line 6a. Enter the total costs of salaries and wages of 
applicant/grantee staff for the project period. Do not include the 
costs of consultants; this should be included on line 6h, ``Other.''
    Justification: Identify the principal investigator or project 
director, if known. Specify by title or name the percentage of time 
allocated to the project, the individual's project period salary, and 
the cost to the project of the organization's staff who will be working 
on the project.
    Fringe Benefits--Line 6b. Enter the total costs of fringe benefits, 
unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a break-down of amounts and percentages that 
comprise fringe benefit costs, such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, etc.
    Travel--6c. Enter total costs of out-of-town travel (travel 
requiring per diem) for staff of the project. Do not enter costs for 
consultant's travel or local transportation, which should be included 
on Line 6h, ``Other.''
    Justification: Include the name(s) of traveler(s), total number of 
trips, destinations, length of stay, transportation costs and 
subsistence allowances.
    Equipment--Line 6d. Enter the total costs of all equipment to be 
acquired by the project.
    Justification: Equipment to be purchased with Federal funds must be 
justified. The equipment must be required to conduct the project, and 
the applicant organization or its sub grantees must not have the 
equipment or a reasonable facsimile available to the project. The 
justification also must contain plans for future use or disposal of the 
equipment after the project ends.
    Supplies--Line 6e. Enter the total costs of all tangible expendable 
personal property (supplies) other than those included on Line 6d.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs.
    Contractual--Line 6f. Enter the total costs of all contracts, 
including (1) Procurement contracts (except those which belong on other 
lines such as equipment, supplies, etc.), and (2) contracts with 
secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies. Also 
include any contracts with organizations for the provision of technical 
assistance. Do not include payments to individuals on this line. If the 
name of the contractor, scope of work, and estimated total costs are 
not available or have not been negotiated, include on Line 6h, 
``Other.''
    Justification: Attach a list of contractors, indicating the names 
of the organizations, the purposes of the contracts, and the estimated 
dollar amounts of the awards as part of the budget justification. 
Whenever the applicant/grantee intends to delegate part or the entire 
program to another agency, the applicant/grantee must complete this 
section (Section B, Budget Categories) for each delegate agency by 
agency title, along with the supporting information. The total cost of 
all such agencies will be part of the amount shown on Line 6f. Provide 
backup documentation identifying the name of contractor, purpose of 
contract, and major cost elements.
    Construction--Line 6g. Not applicable. New construction is not 
allowable.
    Other--Line 6h. Enter the total of all other costs. Where 
applicable, such costs may include, but are not limited to: Insurance; 
medical and dental costs; non-contractual fees and travel paid directly 
to individual consultants; local transportation (all travel which does 
not require per diem is considered local travel); space and equipment 
rentals; printing and publication; computer use; training costs, 
including tuition and stipends; training service costs, including wage 
payments to individuals and supportive service payments; and staff 
development costs. Note that costs identified as ``miscellaneous'' and 
``honoraria'' are not allowable.
    Justification: Specify the costs included.
    Total Direct Charges--Line 6i. Enter the total of Lines 6a through 
6h.
    Indirect Charges--6j. Enter the total amount of indirect charges 
(costs). If no indirect costs are requested, enter ``none.'' Generally, 
this line should be used when the applicant (except local governments) 
has a current indirect cost

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rate agreement approved by the Department of Health and Human Services 
or another Federal agency.
    Justification: Enclose a copy of the indirect cost rate agreement.
    Applicants subject to the limitation on the Federal reimbursement 
of indirect costs for training grants should specify this.
    Total--Line 6k. Enter the total amounts of lines 6i and 6j.
    Program Income--Line 7. Enter the estimated amount of income, if 
any, expected to be generated from this project. Do not add or subtract 
this amount from the total project amount.
    Justification: Describe the nature, source, and anticipated use of 
program income in the Program Narrative Statement.
    Section C--Non-Federal Resources: Not applicable.
    Section D--Forecasted Cash Needs: Not applicable.
    Section E--Budget Estimate of Federal Funds Needed for Balance of 
the Project: Not applicable. (This section should only be completed if 
the total project period exceeds 17 months.)
    Section F--Other Budget Information.
    Direct Charges--Line 21. See Form Instructions.
    Indirect Charges--Line 22. Enter the type of indirect rate 
(provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) that will be in effect 
during the funding period, the estimated amount of the base to which 
the rate is applied, and the total indirect expense.

VI. Application Review Information

    In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities 
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial 
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following 
criteria:

1. Criteria (Total Possible Points: 105)

Criterion 1: Approach (Maximum 40 Points)
    Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
present a plan that (1) clearly reflects an understanding of the 
characteristics of the targeted population (college students) and 
methods for successfully motivating such students to participate as 
poll workers or other election administration assistants on Election 
Day; (2) provides appropriate services that directly address the goals 
of this program; (3) provides services that are appropriate and 
feasible; and (4) can be reliably evaluated.
     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they outline a plan of action pertaining to the scope and detail 
on how the proposed work will be accomplished for each project, and 
include a definition of the goals and specific measurable objectives 
for the project (15 points);
     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they describe any unusual features of the project, such as design 
or technological innovation, reductions in cost or time, or 
extraordinary social and community involvement (10 points);
     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they describe the products to be developed during the 
implementation of the proposed project, such as brochures and 
promotional materials, data collection instruments, internet 
applications, reports, evaluation results, and a dissemination plan for 
conveying the information (5 points);
     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they cite factors which might accelerate or decelerate the work 
and provide reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others (5 
points);
     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they include information on meeting the poll worker eligibility 
requirements for the jurisdiction(s) covered by the student population 
described in the application (2.5 points);
     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they show current involvement and/or support from the local 
election administrator(s) and other key stakeholders of the 
jurisdiction(s) covered by the student population described in the 
application or ways in which such involvement and/or support will be 
developed during the proposed project period (2.5 points).
Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum 30 Points)
    Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results, explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met, and the results and benefits identified are 
being achieved.
     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they identify the kinds of data to be collected and maintained 
and discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results and success 
of the project. For example, the applicant may provide a description of 
how the proposed project will be evaluated to determine the extent to 
which it has achieved its stated goals and objectives; the applicant 
may also provide a description of methods of evaluation that include 
the use of performance measures that are clearly related to the 
intended outcome of the project; (15 points).
     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they provide for each project, when possible, a quantitative 
description of the accomplishments to be achieved and, when 
quantification is not possible, a list of activities, in chronological 
order, to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target date; 
(10 points).
     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they provide information regarding how the project will build on 
current research, evaluation and/or best practices to contribute to 
increased knowledge and understanding of the problems, issues, or 
effective strategies and practices as they relate to college students 
participating as poll workers or other election administration 
assistants; (5 points).
Criterion 3: Organizational Profile (Maximum 25 Points)
    Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
identify how the applicant organization (or the unit within the 
organization that will have responsibility for the project) is 
structured, the types and quantity of services, and the management 
capabilities it possesses. Applications will be evaluated based on the 
extent to which the applicant demonstrates a capacity to implement the 
proposed project including (1) Experience with similar projects; (2) 
experience with the target population; (3) qualifications and 
experience of the project leadership; (4) experience and commitment of 
any proposed consultants and subcontractors; and (5) appropriateness of 
the organizational structure, including its management information 
system, to carry out the project.
     Application will be evaluated based on the extent to which 
they demonstrate experience with similar projects and the target 
population (10 points);
     Application will be evaluated based on the extent to which 
they identify the background of the project director and key project 
staff (such as the inclusion of name, address, and training, 
educational background and other qualifying experience) and the extent 
to which they demonstrate that the experience of the organization is 
such that the applicant may effectively and efficiently administer this 
project and produce a usable final product. For example, this can 
include providing brief resumes of key project staff (10 points);

[[Page 52660]]

     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they provide a brief background description of how the applicant 
organization is organized (such as an organizational chart that 
illustrates the relationship of the project to the current 
organization) the types and quantity of services it provides, and the 
research and management capabilities it possesses (5 points).
Criterion 4: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum 10 Points)
    Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which the 
applicant presents a budget with reasonable project costs, 
appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient to 
accomplish the objectives, such as the inclusion of a justification for 
and documentation of the dollar amount requested.
    (1) Applications will be evaluated based upon the extent to which 
they include a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived and a discussion of the reasonableness 
and appropriateness of the proposed costs. Line item allocations and 
justifications are required for Federal funds.
    All necessary salary information must appear on the signed original 
application for the EAC. Applicants, however, have the option of 
omitting the Social Security Numbers and specific salary rates of the 
proposed project personnel from the two copies submitted with the 
original applications to EAC. For purposes of the outside review 
process, applicants may elect to summarize salary information on the 
copies of their application.
     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they discuss and justify the costs of the proposed project as 
being reasonable and programmatically justified in view of the 
activities to be conducted and the anticipated results and benefits (5 
points) and;
     Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to 
which they describe the fiscal control and accounting procedures that 
will be used to ensure prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate 
accounting of funds received under this program announcement (5 
points).

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. 
Applications which pass the initial EAC screening will be evaluated and 
rated by an independent review panel on the basis of the specific 
evaluation criteria. The results of these reviews will assist the 
Commissioners of the EAC in considering competing applications. The 
scores determined by the Independent Review Panel will weigh heavily in 
funding decisions made by the EAC, but will not be the only factors 
considered. 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.

VII. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The successful applicant will be notified through the issuance of a 
Financial Assistance Award. The Financial Assistance Award will be 
signed by the Help America Vote College Program Director and 
transmitted via postal mail.
    Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be 
notified in writing by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    The EAC has not promulgated any such requirements at this time. It 
is expected that general administrative and national policy 
requirements will be followed, and the EAC will seek guidance on these 
requirements from other Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department 
of Health and Human Services.

3. Reporting

    Programmatic Reports: Monthly.
    Financial Reports: At end of project period (4-month maximum).
    Special Reporting Requirements: None.
    All grantees are required to submit monthly program reports to the 
EAC; grantees are also required to submit expenditure reports using the 
required financial standard form (SF-269) which is located on the 
Internet at: http://forms.psc.gov/forms/sf/SF-269.pdf. A suggested 
format for the program report will be sent to all grantees after the 
awards are made.

VIII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Karen Lynn-Dyson, Program Director, Help 
America Vote College Program, U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 1225 
New York Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Phone: (202) 
566-3100; Fax (202) 566-1389; e-mail: [email protected].

IX. Other Information

    Additional information about the U.S. Election Assistance 
Commission and its purpose can be found on the following Internet 
address: http://www.eac.gov.
    Thank you for your interest in improving the voting process in 
America.

    Dated: August 24, 2004.
Ray Martinez, III,
Commissioner, Election Assistance Commission.
[FR Doc. 04-19632 Filed 8-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-MP-P