[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 22 (Thursday, February 3, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5852-5864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-1898]



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Part III





Department of Health and Human Services





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Administration for Children and Families



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Administration for Native Americans (ANA); FY 2005 Funds for the 
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program; FY 2005 Funds for New 
Community-Based Activities; FY 2005 for New Community-Based Projects; 
Notices

  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 22 / Thursday, February 3, 2005 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration for Native Americans (ANA); FY 2005 Funds for the 
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program

    Funding Opportunity Title: Environmental Regulatory Enhancement.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ANA-NR-0008.
    CFDA Number: 93.581.
    Due Date for Applications: March 25, 2005.
    Executive Summary: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), 
within the Administration for Children and Families, announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2005 funds for the Environmental 
Regulatory Enhancement (Environmental) Program. Financial assistance is 
provided utilizing the competitive process in accordance with the 
Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended.
    The Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers 
supportive to Native American communities. Although eligibility for 
funding is not restricted to projects of the type listed in this 
program announcement, these Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees 
as particularly beneficial to the development of healthy Native 
American communities.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the 
Administration for Children and Families, announces the availability of 
fiscal year (FY) 2005 funds for new community-based projects under the 
competitive area: Environmental Regulatory Enhancement. This 
announcement contains information on financial assistance from the 
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program, authorized under section 
803(d) of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (Act), 42 U.S.C. 
2991b. Despite an increasing environmental responsibility and growing 
awareness of environmental issues on Indian lands, there has been a 
lack of resources available to tribes to develop tribal environmental 
projects that are responsive to tribal needs. In many cases, the lack 
of resources has resulted in a delay in action on the part of the 
tribes. In 1990, Congress added section 803(d) to the Native American 
Programs Act of 1974 to address critical issues identified by tribes 
before congressional committees, some of which included: The need for 
assistance to train professional staff to monitor and enforce tribal 
environmental programs; the lack of adequate data for tribes to develop 
environmental statutes and establish quality environmental standards; 
and the lack of resources to conduct studies to identify sources of 
pollution and determine the impact on existing environmental quality. 
(Pub. L. 101-408, section 2, 1990.)
    The Native American Programs Act of 1974 was amended to strengthen 
tribal governments through building capacity in order to identify, 
plan, develop, and implement environmental programs in a manner that is 
consistent with tribal culture. Ultimate success in this program will 
be realized when the applicant's desired level of environmental quality 
is acquired and maintained.
    This program announcement will emphasize community-based, locally 
designed projects. This emphasis will increase the number of grants to 
local community organizations and expand the number of partnerships 
among locally-based non-profit organizations. ANA will accept 
applications from multiple organizations in the same geographic area.
    In this announcement, ANA encourages Native American tribes and 
organizational leaders to propose, coordinate and implement community-
based projects and services that meet the needs of its community 
members and create options and opportunities for future generations.
    The Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers 
supportive to Native American communities. Although eligibility for 
funding is not restricted to projects of the type listed in this 
program announcement, these Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees 
as particularly beneficial to the development of healthy Native 
American communities.
    ANA Administrative Policies:
    Applicants must comply with the following ANA Administrative 
Policies:
     An applicant must provide a 20% non-Federal match of the 
approved project costs.
     An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native Village or 
Native American organization must be from the governing body.
     A non-profit organization submitting an application must 
submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of submission. The 
non-profit organization can accomplish this by providing one of the 
following verifiable documents: (i) 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; or 
(ii) a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate; or 
(iii) 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 none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; or (iv) a certified 
copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar 
document that clearly establishes non-profit status; or (v) 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.
     If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native 
Village government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans, 
Alaska Natives, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly 
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the 
community to be served. Applicants must provide information that at 
least a majority of the individuals serving on a non-profit applicant's 
board fall into one or more of the following categories: (1) A current 
or past member of the community to be served; (2) a prospective 
participant or beneficiary of the project to be funded; or (3) have a 
cultural relationship with the community be to served.
     Applicants must describe how the proposed project 
objectives and activities relate to a locally determined strategy.
     ANA will review proposed projects to ensure applicants 
have considered all resources available to the community to support the 
project.
     Proposed projects must present a strategy to overcome the 
challenges that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the 
community.
     All funded applications will be reviewed to ensure that 
the applicant has provided a positive statement to give credit to ANA 
on all materials developed using ANA funds.
     ANA will not accept applications from tribal components 
that are tribally authorized divisions unless the ANA application 
includes a tribal resolution.
     ANA will only accept one application per eligible entity. 
The first application received by ANA shall be the application 
considered for competition unless ANA is notified in writing which 
application should be considered for competitive review.

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     An applicant can have only one active ANA Environmental 
grant operating at any given time.
     ANA funds short-term projects, not programs. Projects must 
have definitive goals and objectives that will be achieved by the end 
of the project period. All projects funded by ANA must be completed, 
self-sustaining, or supported by other than ANA funding at the end of 
the project period.
     Prior to funding the second or third year of a multi-year 
grant, ANA will require verification and support documentation from the 
Grantee that objectives and outcomes proposed in the preceding year 
were accomplished, and the non-Federal share has been met.
     ANA reviews the quarterly and annual reports of grantees 
to determine if the grantee is meeting its goals, objectives and 
activities identified in the OWP.
     Applications from National and Regional organizations must 
clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project 
originated, and discuss the community-based delivery strategy of the 
project, identify and describe the intended beneficiaries, describe and 
relate the actual project benefits to the community and organization, 
and describe a community-based delivery system. National and Regional 
organizations must describe their membership, define how the 
organization operates, and demonstrate Native community and/or tribal 
government support for the project. The type of community to be served 
will determine the type of documentation necessary to support the 
project.

Definitions

    Program specific terms and concepts are defined and must be used as 
a guide in writing and submitting the proposed project. The funding for 
allowable projects in this program announcement is based on the 
following definitions:
    Authorized Representative: The person or persons authorized by 
Tribal or Organizational resolution to execute documents and other 
actions required by outside agencies.
    Budget Period: The interval of time into which the project period 
is divided for budgetary or funding purposes, and for which a grant is 
made. A budget period is usually broken into twelve (12) month periods 
in a multi-year project.
    Community: A group of people residing in the same geographic area 
that can apply their own cultural and socio-economic values in 
implementing ANA's program objectives and goals. In discussing the 
applicant's community, the following information must be provided: (1) 
A description of the population segment within the community to be 
served or impacted; (2) the size of the community; (3) geographic 
description or location, including the boundaries of the community; (4) 
demographic data on the target population; and (5) the relationship of 
the community to any larger group or tribe.
    Community Involvement: How the community participated in the 
development of the proposed project, how the community will be involved 
during the project implementation and after the project is completed. 
Evidence of community involvement can include, but is not limited to, 
certified petitions, public meeting minutes, surveys, needs 
assessments, newsletters, special meetings, public Council meetings, 
public committee meetings, public hearings, and annual meetings with 
representatives from the community.
    Completed Project: A project funded by ANA is finished, self-
sustaining, or funded by other than ANA funds, and the results and 
outcomes are achieved by the end of the project period.
    Consortium--Tribal/Village: A group of Tribes or Villages that join 
together either for long-term purposes or for the purpose of an ANA 
project.
    Construction: The initial building of a facility.
    Core Administration: Salaries and other expenses for those 
functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for 
purposes unrelated to the actual management or implementation of the 
ANA project.
    Equipment: Tangible, non-expendable personal property, including 
exempt property, charged directly to the award having a useful life of 
more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. 
However, consistent with recipient policy, lower limits may be 
established.
    Impact Indicators: Measurement descriptions used to identify the 
outcomes or results of the project. Outcomes or results must be 
quantifiable, measurable, verifiable and related to the outcome of the 
project to determine that the project has achieved its desired 
objective and can be independently verified through ANA monitoring and 
evaluation.
    In-kind Contributions: In-kind contributions are property or 
services that benefit a federally assisted project which are 
contributed by the grantee, non-Federal third parties without charge to 
the grantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant agreement. Any 
proposed in-kind match must meet the applicable requirements found in 
45 CFR parts 74 and 92.
    Letter of Commitment: A third party statement to document the 
intent to provide specific in-kind contributions or cash to support the 
applicant. The Letter of Commitment must state the dollar amount (if 
applicable), the length of time the commitment will be honored, and the 
conditions under which the organization will support the proposed ANA 
project. If a dollar amount is included, the amount must be based on 
market and historical rates charged and paid. The resources to be 
committed may be human, natural, physical, or financial, and may 
include other Federal and non-Federal resources. Statements in an 
application about resources which have been committed to or support a 
proposed ANA project, but not supported with documentation, will be 
disregarded.
    Leveraged Resources: The total dollar value of all non-ANA 
resources that are committed to a proposed ANA project and are 
supported by documentation that exceed the 20% non-Federal match 
required for an ANA grant. Such resources may include any natural, 
financial, and physical resources available within the tribe, 
organization, or community to assist in the successful completion of 
the project. An example would be a letter from an organization that 
agrees to provide a supportive action, product, and service, human or 
financial contribution that will add to the potential success of the 
project.
    Minor Renovation or Alteration: Work required to change the 
interior arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing 
facility, or install equipment so that it may be more effectively used 
for the project. Minor alteration and renovation may include work 
referred to as improvements, conversion, rehabilitation, remodeling, or 
modernization, but is distinguished from construction and major 
renovations. A minor alteration and or renovation must be incidental 
and essential for the project (``incidental'' meaning the total 
alteration and renovation budget must not exceed the lesser of $150,000 
or 25 percent of total direct costs approved for the entire project 
period.).
    Multi-purpose Organization: A community-based corporation whose 
charter specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors 
and/or officers of the organization through an elective procedure and 
that the organization functions in several different areas of concern 
to the members of the local Native American community. These areas are 
specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization.

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    Multi-year Project: Encompasses a single theme and requires more 
than 12 or 17 months and up to 24 or 36 months to complete. A multi-
year project affords the applicant an opportunity to develop and 
address more complex and in-depth strategies that cannot be completed 
in one year. A multi-year project is a series of related objectives 
with activities presented in chronological order over a two or three-
year period.
    Objective(s): Specific outcomes or results to be achieved within 
the proposed project period that are specified in the Objective Work 
Plan. Completion of objectives must result in specific, measurable 
outcomes that would benefit the community and directly contribute to 
the achievement of the stated community goals. Applicants should relate 
their proposed project objectives to outcomes that support the 
community's long-range goals. Objectives are an important component of 
Criterion III and are the foundation for the Objective Work Plans.
    Objective Work Plan (OWP): The project plan the applicant will use 
in meeting the results and benefits expected for the project. The 
results and benefits are directly related to the Impact Indicators. The 
OWP provides detailed descriptions of how, when, where, by whom and why 
activities are proposed for the project and is complemented and 
condensed in the Objective Work Plan. ANA will require separate OWPs 
for each year of the project. (Form OMB 0980-0204 exp. 10/31/
06)
    Partnerships: Agreements between two or more parties that will 
support the development and implementation of the proposed project. 
Partnerships include other community-based organizations or 
associations, tribes, Federal and State agencies and private or non-
profit organizations.
    Real Property: Land, including land improvements, structures, and 
appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
    Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed and 
dated Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing 
body) in support of the project for the entire project period. The 
Resolution must indicate who is authorized to sign documents and 
negotiate on behalf of the Tribe or organization. The Resolution must 
indicate that the community was involved in the project planning 
process, and indicate the specific dollar amount of any eligible 
matching funds (if applicable).
    Sustainable Project: A sustainable project is an ongoing program or 
service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds.
    Self-Sufficiency: The ability to generate resources to meet a 
community's needs in a sustainable manner. A community's progress 
toward self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and 
direct resources in a comprehensive manner that is consistent with its 
established long-range goals. For a community to be self-sufficient, it 
must have local access to, control of, and coordination of services and 
programs that safeguard the health, well-being, and culture of the 
people that reside and work in the community.
    Total Approved Project Costs: The sum of the Federal request plus 
the non-Federal share.

Program Area

Environmental Regulatory Enhancement
    The strengthening of tribal governments or organizations through 
capacity building in order to identify, plan, develop, and implement 
environmental programs in a manner that is consistent with tribal 
culture for Native American communities.
    Program Areas of Interest include:
     Projects to develop regulations, ordinances and laws to 
protect the environment;
     Projects to develop the technical and program capacity to 
carry out a comprehensive tribal environmental program and perform 
essential environmental program functions to meet tribal and Federal 
regulatory requirements;
     Projects that promote environmental training and education 
of tribal employees;
     Projects that develop technical and program capability to 
monitor compliance and enforcement of tribal and Federal environmental 
regulations, ordinances, and laws.

Priority Area 1

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $3,000,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 20 to 30.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $250,000.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $50,000.
    Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for competition.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $125,000.
    Length of Project Periods:
    12 month project and budget period;
    17 month project and budget period;
    24 month project with two 12 month budget periods;
    36 month project with three 12 month budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Native American tribal governments (federally recognized).
    Native American tribal organizations (other than federally 
recognized tribal governments).
    Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education.
    Others (see Additional Information on Eligibility below).
Additional Information on Eligibility
     Federally Recognized Indian tribes;
     Incorporated non-federally and State recognized Indian 
tribes;
     Alaska Native Villages, as defined in the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA) and/or non-profit village consortia;
     Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/
Associations in Alaska with village specific projects;
     Other tribal or village organizations or consortia of 
Indian tribes; and
     Tribal governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or 
Traditional Councils) as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
    Please refer to Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, to 
review general ANA Administrative Policies and Section IV.5. Funding 
Restrictions.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    Yes.
Matching/Cost-Sharing
    Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project 
costs, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 2991(b)(3)(e)(1). Grantees must 
provide at least 20 percent of the total approved cost of the project. 
The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and 
the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-
kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their 
match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project 
requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $100,000 per 
budget period) must provide a match of at least $25,000 (20% of the 
total approved project costs). Grantees will be held accountable for 
commitments of non-Federal resources even if over the amount of the 
required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in 
disallowance of Federal dollars. Lack of

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supporting documentation at the time of application will not impact the 
responsiveness of the application for competitive review.

3. Other

    All Applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. On June 27, 
2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal 
Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant 
applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a 
Dun & 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 governmentwide 
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 
online at http://www.dnb.com.
    Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to 
submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is 
any one of the following:
     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 
earning 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.
     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.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
    Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for competition.
    Applications that do not include a current signed and dated 
Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing body) 
in support of the project for the entire project period will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be considered for competition.
    If the applicant is not a tribe or Alaska Native Village 
government, applications that do not include proof that a majority of 
the governing board of directors is representative of the community to 
be served will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered 
for competition.
    Please see Section III.2 Other, concerning requirements for the 
cost matching which do not impact the responsiveness of an application 
for competitive review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    To learn more about ANA and receive information about Training and 
Technical Assistance (T/TA) contact:

Region I: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, 
ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, 
TX, VA, VT, WI, W.VA.
    Native American Management Services, Inc., 6858 Old Dominion Drive, 
Suite 302, McLean, VA 22101. Phone: 888-221-9686. Fax: 703-821-368. e-
mail: [email protected]; http://www.anaeastern.org.
Region II: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY.
    ACKCO, Inc., 1326 N. Central, Suite 208, Phoenix, Arizona 85004. 
Toll Free: 800-525-2859; Direct: 602-253-9211; Fax 602-253-9135. Theron 
Wauneka, Project Manager, e-mail: [email protected]; http://www.anawestern.org.
Region III: Alaska.
    Native American Management Services, Inc., 11723 Old Glenn Highway, 
Suite 201, Eagle River, Alaska 99577. Toll Free 877-770-6230. Direct: 
907-694-5711. Fax 907-694-5775. P.J. Bell, Project Manager, e-mail: 
[email protected]; http://www.anaalaska.org.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Please refer to Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, to 
review general ANA Administrative Policies and Section IV.5. Funding 
Restrictions.
    Application Submission: Each application should include one signed 
original and two additional copies of the complete application are 
required. The original copy must include all required forms, 
certifications, assurances, and appendices, contain an original 
signature by an authorized representative, and be submitted unbound. 
The two additional copies of the complete application must include all 
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices and must 
also 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. A complete 
application for assistance under this Program Announcement consists of 
Three Parts.
    Part One includes the SF 424, other required government forms, and 
other required documentation. Part Two of the application is the 
project narrative. This section of the application may not exceed 40 
pages, the line-item budgets, budget justifications and the OWP form 
(OMB Control Number 0980-0204 exp 10/31/2006) will be exempt from the 
page limitation. Part Three of the application is the Appendix. This 
section of the application may not exceed 20 pages (the exception to 
this 20-page limit applies only to projects that require, if relevant 
to the project, a Business Plan or any Third-Party Agreements).
    Electronic Submission: While ACF does have the capability to 
receive program announcement applications electronically through 
Grants.gov, electronic submission of applications will not be available 
for this particular announcement. There are required application 
form(s) specific to ANA that have not yet received clearance from 
Grants.gov. While electronic submission of applications may be 
available in the next fiscal year for this program, no electronic 
submission of applications will be accepted for this announcement this 
year as they would be missing those required ANA forms and be 
considered incomplete.
    Organization and Preparation of Application: Due to the intensity 
and pace of the application review and

[[Page 5856]]

evaluation process, ANA strongly recommends applicants organize, label, 
and insert required information in accordance with Part One, Part Two 
and Part Three as presented in the table below. ANA strongly suggests 
applicants label the application for ease of reviewing. The application 
must begin with the information requested in Part One of the chart in 
the prescribed order. Utilizing this format will ensure all information 
submitted to support an applicant's request for funding is thoroughly 
reviewed. Submitting information in this format will assist the panel 
reviewer in locating and evaluating the information. Deviation from 
this suggested format will reduce the applicant's ability to receive 
maximum points, which are directly related to ANA's funding review 
decisions.
    ANA Application Format: ANA requires all applications to be labeled 
in compliance with the format provided in the program announcement. 
This format applies to all applicants submitting applications for 
funding. All pages submitted (including Government Forms, 
certifications and assurances) must be numbered consecutively (for 
example, the first page of the application is the SF 424 and must be 
labeled as page one). The paper size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, line 
spacing shall be a space and a half (1.5 line spacing), printed only on 
one side, and have a half-inch margin on all sides of the paper. (Note: 
The 1.5 line spacing does not apply to the Project Abstract Form, 
Appendices, the Table of Contents, the Objective Work Plans, and the 
Budget.) The font size shall be 12-point and the font type shall be 
Times New Roman.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Standard Forms and Certifications
    The project description should include all the information 
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in 
the program announcement under Section V Application Review 
Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant 
needs to complete all the standard forms required for making 
applications for awards under this announcement.
    Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement 
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal 
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be 
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and 
return the standard forms with their application.
    Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the 
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, 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, if 
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must 
sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for 
the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, Title XII 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A 
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking 
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the 
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not 
mail back the certification with the application.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By 
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete 
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances 
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications 
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the 
full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Due Date: March 25, 2005.
Explanation of Due Dates
    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced 
above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
closing date will be classified as late.
    Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date 
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring 
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of 
the application due 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, at the address referenced in Section 
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. 
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted 
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
    Late Applications: Applications that 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.
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
    Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two 
working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications. 
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.
    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, or in other rare 
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests 
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
Checklist
    You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your 
application package.

[[Page 5857]]



                              Part One--Federal Forms and Other Required Documents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Required form or
         What to submit           Required content           format                     When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents..............  See Section IV....  Applicant must include  By application closing date.
                                                      a table of contents
                                                      that accurately
                                                      identifies the page
                                                      number and where the
                                                      information can be
                                                      located. Table of
                                                      Contents does not
                                                      count against
                                                      application page
                                                      limit.
SF424..........................  See Section IV....  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application closing date.
                                                      programs/ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
SF424A.........................  See Section IV....  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application closing date.
                                                      programs/ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
SF424B.........................  See Section IV....  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application closing date.
                                                      programs/ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
Grant Application Data Summary   See Section I.....  ANA Form: OMB           By application closing date.
 (GADS) form--Environmental.                          Clearance Number 0970-
                                                      0263 exp. 3/31/07
                                                      http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana programs/ana
                                                     (Go to Forms link to
                                                      obtain the document).
Proof of Non-Profit Status.....  See Section III...  As described in this    By application closing date.
                                                      announcement under
                                                      Section III
                                                      ``Additional
                                                      Information on
                                                      Eligibility''.
Resolution.....................  See Section I.....  As described in this    By application closing date.
                                                      announcement under
                                                      Section I
                                                      ``Definitions''.
Board of Directors               See Section I.....  As described in this    By application closing date.
 Documentation.                                       announcement under
                                                      Section I ``ANA
                                                      Administrative
                                                      Policies''.
Audit Letter...................  See Section I.....  A Certified Public      By application closing date.
                                                      Accountant's
                                                      ``Independent
                                                      Auditors' Report on
                                                      Financial
                                                      Statement.'' This is
                                                      usually only a two to
                                                      three page document.
                                                      (This requirement
                                                      applies only to
                                                      applicants with
                                                      annual expenditures
                                                      of $500,000 or more
                                                      of federal funds).
                                                      Applicant must also
                                                      include only that
                                                      portion of the audit
                                                      document titled
                                                      ``Supplemental
                                                      Schedule of
                                                      Expenditures of
                                                      Federal Awards''.
Indirect Cost Agreement........  See Section V.....  Organizations and       By application closing date.
                                                      Tribes must submit a
                                                      current indirect cost
                                                      agreement (if
                                                      claiming in-direct
                                                      costs) that aligns
                                                      with the approved ANA
                                                      project period. The
                                                      In-direct Cost
                                                      Agreement must
                                                      identify the
                                                      individual components
                                                      and percentages that
                                                      make up the indirect
                                                      cost rate.
Non-Federal Share of Waiver      See Section III...  A request for a waiver  By application closing date.
 Request, per CFR 1336.50(b).                         of the non-Federal
                                                      share requirement may
                                                      be submitted in
                                                      accordance with 45
                                                      CFR 1336.50(b)(3) of
                                                      the Native American
                                                      Program regulations.
                                                      (if applicable).
Certification regarding          See Section I.....  May be found at: http:/ By application closing date.
 Maintenance of Effort.                               /www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                      programs/ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
Certification regarding          See Section IV....  May be found at: http:/ By application closing date.
 Lobbying Disclosure of                               /www.acf.hhs.gov/
 Lobbying Activities--SF LLL.                         programs/ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke      See Section IV....  May be found at: http:/ By application closing date.
 Certification.                                       /www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                      programs/ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      Part Two--Application Review Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Required form or
                                                     format ANA application
         What to submit           Required content    review criteria this              When to submit
                                                     section may not exceed
                                                            40 pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criteria One (10 pts)..........  See Section V.....  Introduction and        By application closing date.
                                                      Project Summary/
                                                      Application Format.
                                                     Include the ANA
                                                      Project Abstract form
                                                      (OMB  0980-
                                                      0204 exp. 10/31/06).
Criteria Two (20 pts)..........  See Section V.....  Need for Assistance...  By application closing date.
Criteria Three (25 pts)........  See Section V.....  Project Approach--      By application closing date.
                                                      Include an Objective
                                                      Work Plan (OWP) form
                                                      (OMB  0980-
                                                      0204 exp. 10/31/2006)
                                                      for each 12 month
                                                      budget period.
                                                     A 17-month project
                                                      period requires only
                                                      one OWP.
                                                     Note: The OWP is not
                                                      included in the page
                                                      count for this Part..
Criteria Four (15 pts),........  See Section V.....  Organizational          By application closing date.
                                                      Capacity.
Criteria Five (15 pts).........  See Section V.....  Project Impact/         By application closing date.
                                                      Evaluation.
Criteria Six (15 pts)..........  See Section V.....  Budget and Budget       By application closing date.
                                                      Justification/ Cost
                                                      Effectiveness.
                                                     Note: The line item
                                                      budget and budget
                                                      justification are not
                                                      included in the page
                                                      count for this Part..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 5858]]


                                              Part Three--Appendix
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Required form or
                                                       format this section
         What to submit           Required content      may not exceed 20               When to submit
                                                              pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Support Documentation..........  See Section V.....  Part Three includes     By application closing date.
                                                      only supplemental
                                                      information or
                                                      required support
                                                      documentation that
                                                      addresses the
                                                      applicant's capacity
                                                      to carry out and
                                                      fulfill the proposed
                                                      project. These items
                                                      include: Letters of
                                                      agreement with
                                                      cooperating entities,
                                                      in-kind commitment
                                                      and support letters,
                                                      business plans, and a
                                                      summary of the Third
                                                      Party Agreements. Do
                                                      not include books,
                                                      videotapes, studies
                                                      or published reports
                                                      and articles, as they
                                                      will not be made
                                                      available to the
                                                      reviewers or returned
                                                      to the applicant.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Forms
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

    Applications are not subject to Executive Order 12372.

5. Funding Restrictions

    ANA does not fund:
     Activities in support of any foreseeable litigation 
against the United States Government that are unallowable under OMB 
Circulars A-87 and A-122.
     ANA does not fund duplicative projects or allow any one 
community or region to receive a disproportionate share of the funds 
available for award. When making decisions on awards of grants the 
Agency will consider whether the project is essentially identical or 
similar, in whole or significant part, to projects in the same 
community previously funded or being funded under the same competition. 
The Agency will also consider whether the grantee is already receiving 
funding for a SEDS, Language, or Environmental project from ANA. The 
Agency will also take into account in making funding decisions whether 
a proposed project would require funding on indefinite or recurring 
basis. This determination will be made after it is determined whether 
the application meets the requirements for eligibility as set forth in 
45 CFR 1336, subpart C, but before funding decisions are complete (see 
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description--ANA Administrative Policies 
regarding short-term projects).
     Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or 
technical assistance (T/TA) to other tribes or Native American 
organizations that are otherwise eligible to apply for ANA funding. 
However, ANA will fund T/TA requested by a grantee for its own use or 
for its members' use (as in the case of a consortium), when the T/TA is 
necessary to carry out project objectives.
     The purchase of real property or construction because 
these activities are not authorized by the Native American Programs Act 
of 1974, as amended.
     Core administration (see Definitions) functions, or other 
activities, that essentially support only the applicant's ongoing 
administrative functions and are not related to the proposed project.
     Costs associated with fund-raising, including financial 
campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and 
similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain 
contributions are unallowable under an ANA grant award.
     Projects originated and designed by consultants who 
provide a major role for themselves and are not members of the 
applicant organization, tribe, or village.
     Activities that are not responsive to Environmental 
Regulatory Enhancement program goals.
     Major renovations or alterations are prohibited activities 
because these activities are not authorized under the Native American 
Programs Act of 1974 as amended. Minor alterations, as defined in this 
announcement, may be allowable.
     ANA will not fund activities by a consortium of tribes 
that duplicate activities for which a consortium member tribe also 
receives funding from ANA.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the 
address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date.
    Applications should be mailed to: Attention: Tim Chappelle, U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children 
and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary 
Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
    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 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. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be 
delivered to: Attention: Tim Chappelle, U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary 
Grant, ACF Mail Room, Second Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 
D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.

[[Page 5859]]

V. Application Review Information

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

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 120 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information.
    The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.

1. Criteria

Purpose
    The project description provides a major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and 
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are 
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can 
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project 
description, 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 this information be included in the application in a 
manner that is clear and complete.
General Instructions
    ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions 
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended 
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of 
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are 
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. 
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly 
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an 
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an 
appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be 
included for easy reference.
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.
    Applicants are encouraged to describe the qualitative and 
quantitative data collected, how this data will measure progress 
towards the stated results or benefits, and how performance indicators 
under economic and social development and governance projects can be 
monitored, evaluated and verified.
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 that might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished.
    When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, 
list them in chronological order to show the schedule of 
accomplishments and their target dates.
    If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
    Examples of these activities would be the number of businesses 
started or expanded, the number of jobs created or retained, the number 
of people trained, the number of youth, couples or families assisted or 
the number of elders participating in the activity during that 
reporting period.
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

[[Page 5860]]

organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate.
Third-Party Agreements
    Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and 
subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These 
agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules, 
remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define 
the relationship.
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.
General
    Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget 
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed 
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. ``Federal 
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. 
``Non Federal resources'' are all other Federal and non-Federal 
resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be 
presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories; 
second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), 
and last column, total budget. The budget justification should be a 
narrative.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel 
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to 
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
    Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.)
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the 
equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports 
the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts 
(if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant.
    Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will 
be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, 
open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than 
States that are required to use part 92 procedures, must justify any 
anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without 
competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 
U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).
    Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award 
review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or 
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.


    Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the 
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed 
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency 
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in 
these instructions.

Other
    Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable 
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food, 
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs, 
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use, 
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs, 
and administrative costs.
    Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a 
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
    Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should 
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate 
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or 
another cognizant Federal agency.
    Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the 
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the 
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or 
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it 
should immediately develop a tentative indirect

[[Page 5861]]

cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in 
accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing 
indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants 
awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request 
indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs 
included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct 
costs to the grant. Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which 
is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized 
representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed 
acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than 
allowed.
Program Income
    Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be 
generated from this project.
    Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of 
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application 
which contain this information.
Nonfederal Resources
    Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to 
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be 
documented and submitted with the application so the applicant is given 
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for 
each funding source.

Evaluation Criteria

    The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending 
order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance 
that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need 
not develop their applications precisely according to the order 
presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer 
will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (e.g. 
from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about 
how it will be conducted).
    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:
Approach
    Project Approach (25 Points):
    The Project Approach narrative must be clear and concise. The 
narrative must include a detailed project description with goals and 
objectives. It must discuss the project strategy and implementation 
plan over the project period. The applicant must use the Objective Work 
Plan (OWP) form to identify the project objectives, time frames, 
proposed activities, results and benefits expected and criteria for 
evaluating results and benefits, as well as the individuals responsible 
for completing the objectives and performing the activities. Within the 
results and benefits section of the OWP the applicant must provide 
quantitative quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be 
achieved for each function or activity. In this criterion, the 
applicant describes how the project description, objective(s), approach 
and strategy are inter-related. The applicant must also include the 
names and activities of any organizations, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will contribute to the project, utilizing the column 
for Non-Salaried Personnel to list the hours incurred for these 
activities. The applicant must discuss ``Leveraged Resources'' (see 
Definitions) used to strengthen and broaden the impact of the proposed 
project. The applicant must discuss how commitments and contributions 
from other entities will enhance the project. Applicants must discuss 
the relationship of non-ANA funded activities to those objectives and 
activities that will be funded with ANA grant funds. Applicants must 
discuss the relationship of non-ANA funded activities to those 
objectives and activities that will be funded with ANA grant funds.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Need for Assistance (20 Points):
    Applicant must show a clear relationship between the proposed 
project, the Environmental Regulatory Enhancement strategy, and the 
community's long-range goals. The need for assistance must clearly 
identify the physical, economic, social, financial, governmental, and 
institutional challenges and problem(s) requiring a solution that 
supports the funding request. Describe the community (see Definitions) 
to be affected by the project and the community involvement in the 
project. The applicant must describe the community's long-range goals, 
the community planning process, and how the project supports the 
community goals. The applicant must describe how the proposed goals, 
objectives, and activities reflect the Environmental Regulatory needs 
of the local community. Discuss the geographic location of the project 
and where the project and grant will be administered. Applicant must 
describe how the proposed project objectives and activities relate to a 
locally determined strategy.
    The applicant must provide documentation of the community's support 
for the proposed project. Applications from National and Regional 
organizations must clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain 
how the project originated, identify the intended beneficiaries, 
describe and relate the actual project benefits to the community and 
organization, and describe a community-based project delivery strategy. 
National and Regional organizations must also identify their membership 
and specifically discuss how the organization operates and impacts 
Native American people and communities. Proposed project objectives 
support the identified need and must be measurable.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Budget and Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness (15 Points):
    An applicant must submit an itemized budget detailing the 
applicant's Federal and non-Federal share and cite source(s) of 
funding. The applicant must provide a detailed line-item Federal and 
non-Federal share budget by year for each year of project funds 
requested. A budget justification narrative to support the line-item 
budget request must be included for each year of project funds 
requested. The budget must include a line item justification for each 
Object Class Category listed under Section B: ``Budget Categories'' of 
the ``Budget Information-Non Construction Programs'' (SF 424A) form. 
The line-item budget and budget justification narrative must include 
the necessary details to facilitate the determination of allowable 
costs and the relevance of these costs to the proposed project.
    The non-Federal budget share must identify the source and be 
supported by letters of commitment (see Definitions). Letters of 
commitment are binding when they specifically state the nature, the 
amount, and conditions under which another agency or organization or 
individual will support a project. These resources may be human, 
natural, or financial, and may include other Federal and non-Federal 
resources. Statements that additional funding will be sought from other 
specific sources are not considered a binding commitment of outside 
resources. Letters of Support merely express another organization's 
endorsement of a proposed project. Support letters are not binding 
commitment letters, as they do not factually establish the authenticity

[[Page 5862]]

of other resources and do not offer or bind specific resources to the 
project.
    If an applicant plans to charge or otherwise seek credit for 
indirect costs in its ANA application, a copy of its current Indirect 
Cost Rate Agreement must be included in the application, with all costs 
broken down by category so ANA reviewers can be certain that no 
budgeted line items are included in the indirect cost pool. Applicants 
that do not submit a current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, may not be 
able to claim the allowable cost, may have the grant award amount 
reduced, or may experience a delay in grant award.
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to include sufficient funds for 
principal representatives, such as the applicant's chief financial 
officer or project director to travel to one regional ANA post-award 
grant training and technical assistance workshop. This expenditure is 
allowable for new grant recipients and optional for grantees that have 
had previous ANA grant awards, and will be negotiated upon award. 
Applicants may also include costs for two staff persons to attend the 
ACF National Native American Conference.
    Cost Effectiveness:
    This section of the criterion reflects ANA's concern with ensuring 
that the expenditure of its limited resources yields the greatest 
benefit possible in achieving environmentally sound and healthy Native 
American communities. Applicants demonstrate this by: summarizing 
partnerships and the efficient use of leveraged resources; explaining 
the impact on the identified community through measurable project 
outcomes, and presenting a project that is completed, self-sustaining 
or supported by other than ANA funds by the end of the project period.
Organizational Profiles
    Organizational Capacity (15 Points):
    In this criterion, the application provides information on the 
management structure of the applicant and the organizational 
relationships with its cooperating partners. Include an organizational 
chart that indicates where the proposed project will fit in the 
existing structure. Demonstrates experience in the program area. 
Describe the administrative structure, and the applicant's ability to 
administer and implement a project of the proposed scope and its 
capacity to fulfill the implementation plan. Applicants are required to 
affirm that they will credit the Administration for Native Americans, 
and reference the ANA funded project on any audio, video, and/or 
printed materials developed in whole or in part with ANA funds.
    Applicants must list all current sources of Federal funding, the 
agency, purpose, amount, and provide the most recent certified signed 
audit letter for the organization to be included in Part One of the 
application. If the applicant has audit exceptions, these issues must 
be discussed in this criterion.
    Applicants must provide ``staffing and position data'' to include a 
proposed staffing pattern for the project where the applicant 
highlights the new project staff. Positions discussed in this section 
must match the positions identified in the Objective Work Plan and in 
the proposed budget. Applicant must provide a paragraph of the duties 
and skills required for the proposed staff and a paragraph on 
qualifications and experience of current staff. Full position 
descriptions are required to be submitted and included in the Appendix. 
Applicant must explain how the current and future staff will manage the 
proposed project. Brief biographies of key positions or individuals 
must be included. (Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give 
preference to qualified Native Americans in hiring project staff and in 
contracting services under an approved ANA grant.)
    If applicable, applicant must identify consortium membership. The 
consortium applicant must be the recipient of the funds. A consortium 
applicant must be an ``eligible entity'' as defined by this Program 
Announcement and the ANA regulations. Consortium applicants must 
include documentation (a resolution adopted pursuant to the 
organization's established procedures and signed by an authorized 
representative) from all consortium members supporting the ANA 
application. An application from a consortium must have goals and 
objectives that will create positive impacts and outcomes in the 
communities of its members. ANA will not fund activities by a 
consortium of tribes that duplicate activities for which member Tribes 
also receive funding from ANA. The consortium application must identify 
the role and responsibility of each participating consortium member and 
a copy of the consortia legal agreement or Memoranda of Agreement to 
support the proposed project.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Project Impact/Evaluation (15 Points):
    In this criterion, the applicant will discuss the ``Impact 
Indicators'' (see Definitions) and the benefits expected as a result of 
this project. Impact indicators identify qualitative and quantitative 
data directly associated with the project. Each applicant must submit 
five impact indicators to support the applicant's project. Two of the 
five are standard and required across all ANA programs. For each impact 
indicator submitted the applicant must discuss the relevance of the 
impact indicators to the project, the method used to track the 
indicator and the method used to determine project success. Impact 
indicators will be reported to ANA in the grantee's quarterly report. 
The applicant must indicate a target number to be achieved for the 
required standard impact indicators. In addition to the two standard 
required impact indicators, an applicant must also submit three 
additional indicators. These three impact indicators may be selected 
from the suggested list below, or they may be developed for a specific 
proposed project, or the applicant may submit a combination of both the 
ANA suggested indicators and project specific indicators. The two 
standard required impact indicators are: (a) Number of partnerships 
formed; and (b) amount of dollars leveraged beyond the required NFS 
match. The suggested ANA indicators are: (1) The number of 
environmental regulations, codes or ordinances created; (2) the number 
of people to successfully complete a workshop/training; (3) the number 
of workshops/trainings provided; (4) types of capacity building systems 
created and implemented to support environmental program functions; (5) 
identification of tribal or village government regulations, codes or 
ordinances that were enacted and adopted; (6) the number of 
regulations, codes or ordinances successfully enforced; and (7) number 
of infrastructure and administrative systems, including policies and 
procedures developed and implemented.
    The applicant should discuss the projects value and long-term 
impact to the participants and the community and explain how the 
information relates to the proposed project goals, objectives and 
outcomes. The applicant should discuss how the project will be 
completed, self-sustaining, or supported by other than ANA funds at the 
end of the project period. Applicants should discuss and present 
objectives and goals to be achieved and evaluated at the end of each 
budget period or quarter (if applicable). Project outcomes should 
support the identified need and should be measurable and quantifiable.
Introduction--Project Summary/Abstract
    Introduction and Project Summary/Application Format (10 Points):
    Introduction and Project Summary: Using the ANA Project Abstract 
form

[[Page 5863]]

(OMB Control Number 0980-0204, Exp. 10/31/2006), the applicant must 
include: the name of the applicant, the project title, the Federal 
amount requested, the amount of matching funds to be provided, length 
of time required to accomplish the project, the goal of the project, a 
list of the project objectives (not activities), the estimated number 
of people to be served and the expected outcomes of the project.
    In addition to the Project Abstract form, the applicant will 
provide an introductory summary narrative that includes: An overview of 
the project, a description of the community to be served, the location 
of the identified community, a declarative statement identifying the 
need for the project, and a brief overview of the project's objectives, 
strategy and community or organizational impact.
    Application Format: Applicants are required to submit applications 
in a standard format, following the ANA requirements on application 
length, font, numbering, line spacing, etc. Please refer to Section IV 
Part 2, ``Content and Form of Application Submission'' for detailed 
formatting instructions.

2. Review and Selection Process:

    No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of 
an incomplete application.
    Initial Screening: Each application submitted under an ANA program 
announcement will undergo a pre-review screening to determine: (a) 
Timeliness--the application was received by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on 
the closing date; (b) the Federal request does not exceed the upper 
value of the dollar range specified; (c) the applicant has submitted a 
current signed and dated resolution from the governing body; and, (d) 
if the applicant is not a tribe or Alaska Native village government, 
the applicant has submitted proof a majority of the board of directors 
is representative of the community to be served. An application that 
does not meet one of the above elements will be determined to be 
incomplete and excluded from the competitive review process. Applicants 
with incomplete applications will be notified by mail within 30 
business days from the closing date of this program announcement. ANA 
staff cannot respond to requests for information regarding funding 
decisions prior to the official applicant notification. After the 
Commissioner has made decisions on all applications, unsuccessful 
applicants will be notified in writing within 90 days. The notification 
will include the reviewer comments. Applicants are not ranked based on 
general financial need. Applicants who are initially excluded from 
competition because of ineligibility may appeal the agency's decision. 
Applicants may also appeal an ANA decision that an applicant's proposed 
activities are ineligible for funding consideration. The appeals 
process is stated in the final rule published in the Federal Register 
on August 19, 1996 (61 FR 42817 and 45 CFR part 1336, subpart C).
    Competitive Review Process: Applications that pass the initial ANA 
screening process will be analyzed, evaluated and rated by an 
independent review panel on the basis of the Evaluation Criteria. The 
evaluation criteria were designed to analyze and assess the quality of 
a proposed community-based project, the likelihood of its success, and 
the ability of ANA to monitor and evaluate community impact and long-
term results. The evaluation criteria and analysis are closely related 
and are wholly considered in judging the overall quality of an 
application. In addition, the evaluation criteria standardizes the 
review of each application and distributes the number of points more 
equitably. Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the 
program announcement criteria and ANA's program areas of interest. A 
determination will be made as to whether the project is an effective 
use of Federal funds.
    Application Review Criteria: Applicants will be reviewed based on 
the following criteria and points: ANA's criteria categories are 
Introduction and Project Summary/Application Format; Need for 
Assistance; Project Approach; Organizational Capacity; Project Impact/
Evaluation; and Budget and Budget Narrative/Cost Effectiveness.
    Application Consideration: The Commissioner's funding decision is 
based on an analysis of the application by the review panel, panel 
review scores and recommendations; an analysis by ANA staff; review of 
previous ANA grantee's past performance; comments from State and 
Federal agencies having contract and grant performance related 
information; and other interested parties. The Commissioner makes grant 
awards consistent with the purpose of the Native American Programs Act 
(NAPA), all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, this 
program announcement, and the availability of appropriated funds. The 
Commissioner reserves the right to award more, or less, than the funds 
described or under such circumstances as may be deemed to be in the 
best interest of the Federal government. Applicants may be required to 
reduce the scope of projects based on the amount of approved award.
    Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review 
process, 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.
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 later 
competition.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    Approximately 120 days after the application due date, the 
successful applicants will be notified by mail through the issuance of 
a Financial Assistance Award document which will set forth the amount 
of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective 
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be 
given, the non-Federal share to be provided and the total project 
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance 
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and sent to the applicant's 
Authorizing Official. Applications not funded in this competition will 
be notified in writing.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of 
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of 
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective 
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be 
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the total project 
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance 
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal 
mail.
    Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be 
notified in writing.

[[Page 5864]]

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

45 CFR Part 74.
45 CFR Part 92.
45 CFR part 1336, subpart C, and 42 U.S.C. 2991 et seq.--Native 
American Programs Act of 1974.

3. Reporting Requirements

    Programmatic Reports: Quarterly.
    Financial Reports: Quarterly.
    Special Reporting Requirements: An original and one copy of each 
performance report and financial status report must be submitted to the 
Grants Officer. Failure to submit these reports when required will mean 
the grantee is non-compliant with the terms and conditions of the grant 
award and subject to administrative action or termination. Performance 
reports are submitted 30 days after each quarter (3-month intervals) of 
the budget period. The final performance report, due 90 days after the 
project period end date, shall cover grantee performance during the 
entire project period. All grantees shall use the SF 269 (Long Form) to 
report the status of funds. Financial Status Reports are submitted 30 
days after each quarter (3-month intervals) of the budget period. The 
final SF 269 report shall be due 90 days after the end of the project 
period.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: ANA Applicant Help Desk, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building 8th Floor-West, Washington, DC 
20447-0002. Phone: 1-877-922-9262. E-mail: [email protected].
    Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, ACF, Office of 
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building 8th 
Floor-West, Washington, DC 20447-0002. Phone: 202-401-2344. E-mail: 
[email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    Training and Technical Assistance: All potential ANA applicants are 
eligible to receive T&TA in the SEDS, Language, or Environmental 
program areas. Prospective applicants should check ANA's Web site for 
training and technical assistance dates and locations, or contact the 
ANA Help Desk at 1-877-922-9262. Due to the new application and program 
additions and modifications, ANA strongly encourages all prospective 
applicants to participate in free pre-application training.
    Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received 
applications.

    Dated: January 26, 2005.
Quanah Crossland Stamps,
Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.
[FR Doc. 05-1898 Filed 2-2-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P