[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 4, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23175-23188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8893]



[[Page 23175]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Family and Youth Services Bureau; Basic Center Program

    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-CY-0063.
    CFDA Number: 93.623.
    Due Date for Applications: Application is due June 20, 2005.
    Executive Summary: The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) is 
accepting applications for the Basic Center Program (BCP). The Basic 
Center Program is one of the programs authorized under Part A of the 
Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Act of 1974 to address runaway and 
homeless youth problems. Basic Center Programs provide an alternative 
to involving runaway and homeless youth in the law enforcement, child 
welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice systems. Each program must 
provide a safe and appropriate shelter and individual, family, and 
group counseling, as appropriate. Optional services that programs may 
provide are:
     Street-based services;
     Home-based services for families with youth at risk of 
separation from the family;
     Drug abuse education and prevention services; and
     At the request of runaway and homeless youth, testing for 
sexually transmitted diseases.
    Each BCP is required to provide to runaway and homeless youth; 
temporary shelter for up to fifteen (15) days including room and board; 
individual, group and family counseling (as appropriate); and aftercare 
and referrals, as appropriate. Some programs also provide some or all 
of their services through host homes (usually private homes under 
contract to the centers) with counseling and referrals being provided. 
Basic Center programs shelter youth through 18 years of age.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Authorizing Legislation

    Grants for Runaway and Homeless Youth programs are authorized by 
the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (Title III of the Juvenile Justice 
and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974), as amended by the Runaway, 
Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act of 2003, Public Law 108-
96. Text of the 2003 amended legislation may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb (click on Grants Programs, then click on 
the link for ``Missing, Exploited, and Runaway Children Protection 
Act'').

B. Program Background, Purpose and Scope of Services

    In the early 1970s, there were an alarming number of youth leaving 
home without parental permission, crossing State lines and, while away 
from home, were exposed to exploitation and other dangers of street 
life. In response to the widespread concern about the problem of 
runaway and homeless youth, Congress created a system of financial 
support for States through a competitive grant program as authorized by 
the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Act of 1974. The implementation 
and administration of the program was placed in the Family and Youth 
Services Bureau (FYSB) within the Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS).
    The Basic Center Program (BCP) was one of the grant programs 
authorized under Part A of the RHY Act of 1974 to address the runaway 
and homeless youth problems. The overall purpose of BCP is to provide a 
system of care for young runaways outside the traditional child 
welfare, mental health, law enforcement, or juvenile justices systems. 
Each program must provide a safe and appropriate shelter and 
individual, family, and group counseling as appropriate. Optional 
services that programs may provide are:
     Street-based services;
     Home-based services for families with youth at risk of 
separation from the family;
     Drug abuse education and prevention services; and
     At the request of runaway and homeless youth, testing for 
sexually transmitted diseases
    While each Basic Center is slightly different, each Basic Center 
Program is required to provide outreach to runaway and homeless youth; 
temporary shelter for up to fifteen (15) days, including room and 
board; individual, group and family counseling (as appropriate); and 
aftercare and referrals, as appropriate. Some programs also provide 
some or all of their shelter services through host homes (usually 
private homes under contract to the centers) with counseling and 
referrals being provided. BCPs shelter youth through 18 years of age.
    In fiscal year 2004, a total of $44.4 million was available for the 
program, which allowed FYSB to fund 345 Basic Centers.

C. Positive Youth Development

    The Family and Youth Services Bureau has worked to promote a 
positive youth development (PYD) framework for all of its funded grant 
programs (including the Basic Center Programs) and activities. 
Therefore, applicants are encouraged, to the extent possible, to 
develop their project descriptions with the PYD framework in mind as 
discussed below.
    The positive youth development approach is predicated on the 
understanding that all young people need support, guidance and 
opportunities during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change. 
With this support, they can develop self-assurance and create a 
healthy, successful life. Key elements of positive youth development 
are:
     Healthy messages to adolescents about their bodies, their 
behaviors and their interactions;
     Safe and structured places for teens to study, recreate 
and socialize;
     Strengthened relationships with adult role models, such as 
parents, mentors, coaches or community leaders;
     Skill development in literacy, competence, work readiness 
and social skills; and
     Opportunities to serve others and build self-esteem.
    If these factors are being addressed, young people can become not 
just ``problem free'' but ``fully-prepared'' and engaged constructively 
in their communities and society.
    These key elements result in the following outcomes:
     Increased opportunities and avenues for the positive use 
of time;
     Increased opportunities for positive self-expression; and
     Increased opportunities for youth participation and civic 
engagement.
    It is FYSB's hope and expectation that awareness of this PYD 
approach and its importance for serving youth will increase. The FYSB 
publications, Understanding Youth Development: Promoting Positive 
Pathways of Growth (http://www.ncfy.com/pubs/undyouth.htm) and 
Reconnecting Youth and Community: A Youth Development Approach (http://www.ncfy.com/Reconnec.htm) are widely distributed as a source document 
for positive youth development concepts and applications. These 
publications are available online from the FYSB National Clearinghouse 
on Families and Youth (NCFY) at http://www.ncfy.com or by phone at 
(301-608-8098). Additionally, a recent Statement of Principles for 
Positive Youth Development, endorsed by a broad range of agencies, 
institutions and organizations, may be found in the brochure: Toward a 
Blueprint for Youth: Making Positive Youth Development a National 
Priority. Multiple copies of this

[[Page 23176]]

resource are available from NCFY or it can be found online at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/youthdev.htm.

D. Definitions

    Definitions may be found at Section 387 of the RHY Act, as amended.
    Homeless Youth--The term ``homeless youth'' means an individual who 
is not more than 21 years of age, or in the case of a youth seeking 
shelter in a center under Part A of the Runaway and Homeless Act, not 
more than 18 years of age, and for the purposes of Part B not less than 
16 years of age for whom it is not possible to live in a safe 
environment with a relative; and who has no other safe alternative 
living arrangement.
    Street Youth--The term ``street youth'' means an individual who is 
a runaway youth; or indefinitely or intermittently a homeless youth; 
and spends a significant amount of time on the street or in other areas 
that increase the risk to such youth for sexual abuse, sexual 
exploitation, prostitution, or drug abuse.
    Youth at Risk of Separation from the Family--The term ``youth at 
risk of separation from the family'' means an individual who is less 
than 18 years of age; and who has a history of running away from the 
family of such individual whose parent, guardian, or custodian is not 
willing to provide for the basic needs of such individual; or who is at 
risk of entering the child welfare system or juvenile justice system as 
a result of the lack of services available to the family to meet such 
needs.
    Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Services--The term ``drug abuse 
education and prevention services'' means services to runaway and 
homeless youth to prevent or reduce the illicit use of drugs by such 
youth; and may include individual, family, group, and peer counseling; 
drop-in services; assistance to runaway and homeless youth in rural 
areas (including the development of community support groups); 
information and training relating to the illicit use of drugs by 
runaway and homeless youth, to individuals involved in providing 
services to such youth; and activities to improve the availability of 
local drug abuse prevention services to runaway and homeless youth.
    Home-Based Services--The term ``home-based services'' means 
services provided to youth and their families for the purpose of 
preventing such youth from running away, or otherwise becoming 
separated, from their families; assisting runaway youth to return to 
their families; and includes services that are provided in the 
residences of families (to the extent practicable), including intensive 
individual and family counseling; and training relating to life skills 
and parenting.
    Street-Based Services--The term ``street-based services'' means 
services provided to runaway and homeless youth and street youth in 
areas where they congregate. These services are designed to assist such 
youth in making healthy personal choices regarding where they live and 
how they behave; and may include identification of and outreach to 
runaway and homeless youth, and street youth; crisis intervention and 
counseling; information and referral for housing; information and 
referral for transitional living and health care services; advocacy, 
education, and prevention services related to alcohol and drug abuse; 
sexual exploitation; sexually transmitted diseases, including human 
immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and physical and sexual assault.
    Transitional Living Youth Project--The term ``transitional living 
youth project'' means a project that provides shelter and services 
designed to promote a transition to self-sufficient living and to 
prevent long-term dependency on social services.
    Locality--The term ``locality'' refers to a unit of general 
government. For example, a ``locality'' may be a city, county, 
township, town, parish, village, or a combination of such units. 
Additionally, Federally-recognized Indian tribes are eligible to apply 
for grants as local units of government.
    Aftercare Services--The term ``aftercare services'' means the 
provision of services to runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their 
families subsequent to the youth's return home or the youth's placement 
in alternative living arrangements, which assist in alleviating the 
problems that contributed to his or her running away or being homeless.
    Area--The term ``area'' means a specific neighborhood or section of 
the locality in which the runaway and homeless youth project is or will 
be located.
    Coordinated Networks of Agencies--The term ``coordinated networks 
of agencies'' means an association of two or more private agencies, 
whose purpose is to develop or strengthen services to runaway or 
otherwise homeless youth and their families.
    Counseling Services--The term ``counseling services'' means the 
provision of guidance, support, and advice to runaway or otherwise 
homeless youth and their families that is designed to alleviate the 
problems that contributed to the youth's running away or being 
homeless, resolve intra-family problems, to reunite such youth with 
their families, whenever appropriate, and to help them decide upon a 
future course of action.
    Demonstrably Frequented by or Reachable--The term ``demonstrably 
frequented by'' or ``reachable'' means located in an area in which 
runaway or otherwise homeless youth congregate, or an area accessible 
to such youth by public transportation, or by the provision of 
transportation by the runaway and homeless youth project itself.
    Juvenile Justice System--The term ``juvenile justice system'' means 
agencies such as, but not limited to, juvenile courts, law enforcement, 
probation, parole, correctional institutions, training schools, and 
detention facilities.
    Law Enforcement Structure--The term ``law enforcement structure'' 
means any police activity or agency with legal responsibility for 
enforcing a criminal code including police departments and sheriffs' 
offices.
    A Locality is a unit of general government--for example, a city, 
county, township, town, parish, village, or a combination of such 
units. Federally recognized Indian tribes are eligible to apply for 
grants as local units of government.
    Runaway and Homeless Youth Project--The term ``runaway and homeless 
youth project'' means a locally controlled human service program 
facility outside the law enforcement structure and the juvenile justice 
system that provides temporary shelter, directly or through other 
facilities, counseling, and aftercare services to runaway or otherwise 
homeless youth.
    Runaway Youth--The term ``runaway youth'' means a person under 18 
years of age who absents himself or herself from home, or place of 
legal residence, without the permission of his or her family.
    Short-Term Training--The term ``short-term training'' means the 
provision of local, State, or regionally based instruction to runaway 
or otherwise homeless youth service providers in skill areas that will 
directly strengthen service delivery.
    State--The term ``State'' includes any State of the United States, 
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Trust 
Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any territory or possession of 
the United States.
    Technical Assistance--The term ``technical assistance'' means the 
provision of expertise or support for the purpose of strengthening the

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capabilities of grantee organizations to deliver services.
    Temporary Shelter--The term ``temporary shelter'' means the 
provision of short-term (maximum of 15 days) room and board and core 
crisis intervention services, on a 24-hour basis, by a runaway and 
homeless youth project.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $13,800,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 107.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $200,000.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: None.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $129,000.
    Length of Project Periods: 36-month project with three 12-month 
budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    County governments; City or township governments; Special district 
governments; State controlled institutions of higher education; Native 
American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Native American 
tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal 
governments); Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other 
than institutions of higher education; Non-profits that do not have 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

    Public and non-profit private entities and coordinated networks of 
such entities are eligible applicants under this announcement.
    Faith-based and community organizations are eligible applicants 
under this announcement.
    Current BCP grantees with project periods ending on or before 
September 29, 2005, and all other eligible applicants not currently 
receiving BCP funds may apply for a new competitive Basic Center grant 
under this announcement.
    Current BCP grantees (including sub-grantees) with one or two years 
remaining in their project period may not apply for a new Basic Center 
grant for the community they currently serve. These grantees will 
receive instructions from their respective Administration for Children 
and Families (ACF) Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Regional Office 
contacts on the procedures for applying for noncompetitive continuation 
grants. Current grantees that have questions regarding their 
eligibility to apply for new funds should consult with the appropriate 
Regional Office Youth Contact to determine if they are eligible to 
apply for a new grant award.
    The funds available for new awards and continuations in each State 
and insular area are listed below in the Basic Center Program Table of 
Allocations by State. In this Table, the amounts shown in the ``New 
Awards'' column are the amounts available for competition under this 
announcement. The dollar amount available for awards in each State 
depends on the amount of the State's total allotment (based on the 
State's relative population of individuals who are less than 18 years 
of age) minus the amount required for non-competing continuations. 
Therefore, where the amount required for non-competing continuations in 
any State equals or exceeds the State's total allotment, it is possible 
that no new awards will be made in the State. However, agencies in 
States where zero ($ -0-) funding is reflected on the BCP Table of 
Allocation are highly encouraged to apply for grant funding in the 
event that additional funding becomes available.
    All applicants under this competitive grant area will compete with 
other eligible applicants in the State in which they propose to deliver 
services.

                            Basic Center Program Fiscal Year 2005 Allocation by State
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Continuations    New awards        Totals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Region I:
    Connecticut.................................................         244,645         265,285         509,930
    Maine.......................................................         334,371               0         334,371
    Massachusetts...............................................         495,892         447,996         943,888
    New Hampshire...............................................         190,923               0         190,923
    Rhode Island................................................         221,382               0         221,382
    Vermont.....................................................         199,992               0         199,992
                                                                 -----------------
        Region I Total..........................................       1,687,205         713,281       2,400,486
                                                                 -----------------
Region II:
    New Jersey..................................................         800,000         473,789       1,273,789
    New York....................................................       1,325,328       1,431,407       2,756,735
    Puerto Rico.................................................         144,149         417,514         561,663
    Virgin Islands..............................................               0          45,000          45,000
                                                                 -----------------
        Region II Total.........................................       2,269,477       2,367,710       4,637,187
                                                                 -----------------
Region III:
    Delaware....................................................         118,601               0         118,601
    District of Columbia........................................         112,500               0         112,500
    Maryland....................................................         300,000         502,305         802,305
    Pennsylvania................................................       1,307,385         523,718       1,831,103
    Virginia....................................................         445,000         632,767       1,077,767
    West Virginia...............................................         251,254          19,680         270,934
                                                                 -----------------
        Region III Total........................................       2,534,740       1,678,470       4,213,210
                                                                 -----------------
Region IV:
    Alabama.....................................................         653,305          21,636         674,941
    Florida.....................................................       1,705,646         810,104       2,515,750
    Georgia.....................................................         907,066         378,453       1,285,519

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    Kentucky....................................................         550,000          65,242         615,242
    Mississippi.................................................          97,299         319,483         416,782
    North Carolina..............................................         976,521         272,620       1,249,141
    South Carolina..............................................         440,779         173,450         614,229
    Tennessee...................................................         435,000         421,351         856,351
                                                                 -----------------
        Region IV Total.........................................       5,765,616       2,462,339       8,227,955
                                                                 -----------------
Region V:
    Illinois....................................................       1,594,832         291,184       1,886,016
    Indiana.....................................................         531,398         380,171         911,569
    Michigan....................................................       1,073,564         419,475       1,493,039
    Minnesota...................................................         391,247         351,106         742,353
    Ohio........................................................       1,335,219         364,232       1,699,451
    Wisconsin...................................................         779,372          40,551         819,923
                                                                 -----------------
        Region V Total..........................................       5,705,632       1,846,719       7,552,351
                                                                 -----------------
Region VI:
    Arkansas....................................................         412,070               0         412,070
    Louisiana...................................................         528,222         140,123         668,345
    New Mexico..................................................         183,151          93,728         276,879
    Oklahoma....................................................         457,900          66,225         524,125
    Texas.......................................................       1,860,823       1,391,757       3,252,580
                                                                 -----------------
        Region VI Total.........................................       3,442,166       1,691,833       5,133,999
                                                                 -----------------
Region VII:
    Iowa........................................................         381,022          58,266         439,288
    Kansas......................................................         300,737         103,175         403,912
    Missouri....................................................         473,000         365,528         838,528
    Nebraska....................................................         158,475          97,871         256,346
                                                                 -----------------
        Region VII Total........................................       1,313,234         624,840       1,938,074
                                                                 -----------------
Region VIII:
    Colorado....................................................         368,288         300,207         668,495
    Montana.....................................................         144,106               0         144,106
    North Dakota................................................         158,910               0         158,910
    South Dakota................................................         100,000               0         100,000
    Utah........................................................               0         350,660         350,660
    Wyoming.....................................................         118,000               0         118,000
                                                                 -----------------
        Region VIII Total.......................................         889,304         650,867       1,540,171
                                                                 -----------------
Region IX:
    American Samoa..............................................               0          45,000          45,000
    Arizona.....................................................         507,725         314,768         822,493
    California..................................................       3,998,388       1,267,985       5,266,373
    Guam........................................................               0          45,000          45,000
    Hawaii......................................................         174,214               0         174,214
    Northern Marianas...........................................  ..............          45,000          45,000
    Nevada......................................................         295,710          38,966         334,676
                                                                 -----------------
        Region IX Total.........................................       4,976,037       1,756,719       6,732,756
                                                                 -----------------
Region X:
    Alaska......................................................         224,000               0         224,000
    Idaho.......................................................         224,955               0         224,955
    Oregon......................................................         473,431          58,310         531,741
    Washington..................................................         607,515         298,500         906,015
                                                                 -----------------
        Region X Total..........................................       1,529,901         356,810       1,886,711
                                                                 -----------------
        FY 2005 BCP Total.......................................      30,113,312      14,149,588      44,262,900
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: Agencies in States where zero ($ -0-) funding is reflected 
on the BCP Table of Allocations are highly encouraged to apply for 
grant funding in case additional funds become available.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    Yes.
Matching/Cost-Sharing
    Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project 
costs, in accordance with Pub. L. 108-96, section

[[Page 23179]]

83(a). Grantees must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved 
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum 
of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may 
be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are 
encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. 
For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a 
total approved cost of $666,670, requesting $600,000 (based on an award 
of $200,000 per budget period) in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal 
share of at least $66,667 (10 percent of total approved project cost of 
$666,670). Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-
Federal resources even if over the amount of the required match. 
Failure to provide the amount will result in disallowance of Federal 
funds. Lack of 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 government-wide 
electronic portal (www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required for 
every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, 
including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block 
grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
    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: 
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
    Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for funding under this 
announcement.
    Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements 
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will 
not be considered for funding under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Attn: Basic Center 
Program Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. Phone: 
866-796-1591. E-mail: [email protected].

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Each application package must include an original and two copies. 
Do not staple the application or any section of the application.
    The length of the entire application package must not exceed 80 
pages. This includes the required Federal forms/certifications (SF-424, 
SF-424A, SF-424B and SF-LLL), table of contents, project summary, 
project description, budget/budget justification, supplemental 
documentation, proof of non-profit status, summaries of sub-grants and 
contracts, and letters of support or agreement. All pages of the 
application package must be sequentially numbered beginning with page 
one. The required Federal forms will be counted towards the total 
number of pages. All pages of each application will be counted to 
determine the total length. All pages exceeding the 80 page limit will 
be removed and will not be considered in the reviewing process. A cover 
letter is not required. Applicants are reminded that if a cover letter 
is submitted, it will count towards the 80 page limit.
    The project description must be typed and double-spaced on a 
single-side of 8\1/2\ x 11 plain white paper with at least \1/2\ inch 
margins on all sides, using black print with 12 pitch or 12 point size 
Times New Roman font. For charts, budget tables, supplemental letters, 
and support documents, applicants may use a different pitch size and 
font but no less than 10 pitch size and single-spaced.
    Additional Application Guidance--If more than one agency is 
involved in submitting a single application, one entity must be 
identified as the applicant organization that will have legal 
responsibility for the grant. Follow the additional guidance below to 
complete the SF-424:
     Item 6: Insure the accuracy of Employer Identification 
Number (EIN). This number is provided to an organization by the 
Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
     Item 10: Clearly state the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance (CFDA) number (93.623) and title of the program (Basic 
Center Program).
     Item 13: Proposed Project Start Date is 09/30/2005; End 
Date is 09/29/2008.
     Item 14: Include the Congressional District where the 
applicant is located in 14a and other district(s) affected by the 
project in 14b. An applicant may insure the accuracy of its district(s) 
via the following website address: http://www.house.gov/writerep/. Once 
in the site: select your State, enter your zip code, including the 4-
digit zip code extension, and then click ``contact my representative''. 
This will take you to a page where the correct Congressional District 
is listed.
     Item 15: The Estimated Funding should reflect only the 
budgeted amount for a 12-month budget period. Assume that if the 
application is awarded a grant in this cycle that future funding based 
on non-competitive continuation grants will remain at this level based 
on the availability of funds.
    Table of Contents--Should reference the order of the application 
sections and provide page numbers.
    One Page Project Summary/Abstract--An abstract should describe the 
project and reference the funding

[[Page 23180]]

request. Clearly mark this page with the applicant name as shown on 
item 5 of the SF-424 and the services area as shown in item 12 of the 
SF-424. Also, include the applicant's telephone number and E-mail 
address. The summary description is limited to one page and can be 
single or double-spaced. Care should be taken to produce a summary 
which accurately and concisely reflects the proposed project. The 
summary should describe the goals and objectives and the results and 
benefits expected.
    Project Description--Should provide a broad overview of the project 
and of what the project intends to achieve; address each of the 
categories in Section V.1; be structured in a manner that addresses 
each of the evaluation criteria (Objectives and Need for Assistance, 
Results and Benefits, Approach, Staff and Position Data, Organizational 
Profiles, and Budget and Budget Justification); and respond to the 
evaluation criteria in Section V.1.
    Budget and Budget Justification--The budget detail must be in a 
worksheet, table, or spreadsheet format and should reflect a 12-month 
budget period. Each category within the budget should correspond with 
the budget categories' titles listed in Section B of form SF-424A under 
Budget and Budget Justification and should include a description of 
each line item within the category and the calculations derived. The 
budget justification must be in a narrative format. The budget 
justification must provide a rationale for the items requested and how 
these items relate to the overall success of the project.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status--See Section III.3 for acceptable 
documentation that must be submitted by date of award.
    Summary of Sub-grants/Contracts--A summary of a monetary sub-grant 
and/or contract must be provided as part of the application package. 
The summary must include a description of the project services that 
will be completed through the sub-grant or contract using Federal 
funds.
    Letters of Agreement--Letters of agreement are required if the 
applicant is proposing to provide services that will be provided by a 
different agency or entity based on a non-monetary arrangement. The 
letter of agreement must enumerate the project services that will be 
completed under the agreement.
    Letters of Support--Letters from community, public, and commercial 
leaders and organizations that support funding for the proposed 
project.
    Non-Federal Resources Commitment Letters--Letters from 
organizations, entities, or individuals agreeing to provide non-Federal 
resources (cash or in-kind) to the project.
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format.
    To submit an application electronically, please use the 
www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF 
will not accept grant applications via email or facsimile transmission.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov
     Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly 
recommended.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you 
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior 
to filing your application to fully understand the process and 
requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to 
submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties 
are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight. 
If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk 
at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the 
system.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS 
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You 
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize 
you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, including all 
information typically included on the SF-424 and all necessary 
assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and 
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
     We may request that you provide original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application package 
by the CFDA number.
    Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format 
should submit an original and two copies of the complete application. 
The original and each of the two copies must include all required 
forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an 
authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted 
unbound.
    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: 
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

[[Page 23181]]

smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 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 the forms. By signing and submitting the 
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not 
mail back the certification with the application.
    Applicants seeking to provide drug abuse education and prevention 
services must also understand that they will be held accountable for 
conducting outreach activities for runaway and homeless youth. (See 42 
U.S.C. 5712(e)(2)) By signing and submitting the application, 
applicants are providing this certification and need not mail back a 
separate 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: 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 for Applications: June 20, 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.
    Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided 
to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or 
by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement 
for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov.
    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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What to submit                 Required content     Required form or format       When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents....................  See Sections IV........  Found in Section IV....  By application due
                                                                                          date.
Project Abstract.....................  See Sections IV. and V.  Found in Sections IV.    By application due
                                                                 and V.                   date.
Project Description..................  See Section IV. and V..  Found in Sections IV.    By application due
                                                                 and V.                   date.
SF-424...............................  See Section IV.........  Found at: http://        By application due
                                                                 www.acf.hhs.gov/         date.
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
SF-424A..............................  See Section IV.........  Found at: http://        By application due
                                                                 www.acf.hhs.gov/         date.
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Budget and Budget Justification......  See Sections IV. and V.  Found in Sections IV.    By application due
                                                                 and V.                   date.
SF-424B..............................  See Section IV.........  Found at: http://        By application due
                                                                 www.acf.hhs.gov/         date.
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Proof of Non-Profit Status...........  See Section III........  Found in Section III...  By date of award.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding         See Section IV.........  Found at: http://        By date of award.
 Lobbying.                                                       www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Letters of Support...................  See Sections IV. and V.  Found in Sections IV.    By application due
                                                                 and V.                   date.
Non-Federal Resources Commitment       See Section IV.........  Format described in      By application due
 Letters.                                                        Section IV.              date.
Letters of Agreement.................  See Section IV.........  Format described in      By application due
                                                                 Section IV.              date.
Summary of sub-grant and/or contract.  See Section IV.........  Format described in      By application due
                                                                 Section IV.              date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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: 
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

[[Page 23182]]



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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs.
    As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to 
participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California, 
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New 
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, 
North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these 
jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order 
process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating 
jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert 
them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants 
must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate 
the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is 
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a.
    Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. 
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and 
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to the 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., 4th 
floor, Washington, DC 20447.
    Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate 
in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the 
program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore, 
applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by 
federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to 
E.O. 12372.
    The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that 
have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following 
URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
    Construction of a facility is not an allowable activity or 
expenditure under this program. However, it is permissible to use grant 
funds to renovate existing structures as described in program 
regulations at 45 CFR 1351.15.
    No grant funds may be used for any program of distributing sterile 
needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug. 
(42 U.S.C. 5752) [See Section VI.3. Special Terms and Conditions of 
Awards.]
    A minimum of $100,000 will be allotted to each State, the District 
of Columbia and Puerto Rico. A minimum of $45,000 will be awarded to 
each of the four insular areas: Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Marianas and the Virgin Islands.

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: c/o The Dixon Group, Attn: Basic 
Center Program Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, 
Attention: ACYF Operations Center.
    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: c/o The Dixon Group, Attn: Basic Center Program Funding, 
118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, Attention: ACYF 
Operations Center.
    Electronic Submission: www.Grants.gov. Please see section IV. 2 
Content and Form of Application Submission, for guidelines and 
requirements when submitting applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

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

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 20 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 Expectations and Instructions
    ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions 
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended 
performance. Project

[[Page 23183]]

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 identify the 
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, the 
project description may cite measurable outcomes, including but not 
limited to, the number of youth returning home for reunification with 
family or returning to a safe and appropriate alternative living 
arrangement.
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.
Geographic Location
    Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the 
area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids 
may be attached.
Staff and Position Data
    Provide a biographical sketch and job description for each key 
person appointed. Job descriptions for each vacant key position should 
be included as well. As new key staff is appointed, biographical 
sketches will also be required.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the 
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit 
status in its application.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A 
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal 
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State 
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that 
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the 
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a 
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or 
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of 
the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization 
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant 
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations 
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. 
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit 
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the 
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding 
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
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.

[[Page 23184]]

    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 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.
Non-Federal Resources
    Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to 
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be 
documented and submitted with the application 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 (35 Points)
    1. The extent to which the application describes how the Basic 
Center will operate programmatically and

[[Page 23185]]

administratively and meet the needs of runaway and homeless youth and 
their families providing the scope of services required by the 
authorizing RHY legislation and program administration requirements.
    2. The extent to which the application describes the delivery of 
counseling services to youth that encourages, to the extent possible, 
the involvement of parents or legal guardians in the counseling.
    3. The extent to which the application describes the delivery of 
aftercare services to youth and ensures that services will be provided 
to all youth, including those who are returned to a home or domicile 
that is beyond the State in which the runaway and homeless youth center 
is located.
    4. The extent to which the application states the expected or 
estimated ratio of staff to youth in a BCP center and explains how this 
ratio will be sufficient to ensure adequate supervision and treatment 
of youth accessing services.
    5. The extent to which the application describes plans for 
conducting an outreach program that, where applicable, will attract 
members of ethnic, cultural, and racial minorities and/or persons with 
limited ability to speak English. As such, the application should 
describe the strategies and activities for encouraging awareness of and 
sensitivity to the diverse needs of runaway and homeless youth who are 
persons of low English proficiency, or represent particular ethnic and 
racial backgrounds.
    6. If the application proposes to serve a specific RHY population 
(e.g. single-sex programs, gay and lesbian youth, or a particular 
ethnic group, etc.) then the application will be evaluated on the 
extent to which the applicant describes plans for providing focused 
services to meet the special needs of this population and how the 
applicant will make referrals or otherwise provide for the needs of RHY 
youth who are not in the specific population the applicant will serve.
    7. The extent to which the application describes plans for ensuring 
coordination with schools to which runaway and homeless youth will 
return and for assisting the youth to stay current with the curricula 
of these schools. Specific information on how the applicant will work 
with the McKinney-Vento School District Liaison (as designated by the 
State Coordinator) to assure that runaway and homeless youth are 
provided information about the educational services available to such 
youth under 42 U.S.C. 11431 through 11435. A list of McKinney-Vento 
State Coordinators can be found at www.serve.org/nche/downloads/sccontact.pdf.
    8. The extent to which the application describes procedures for 
dealing with youth who have run away from foster care placements and 
from correctional institutions and must show that procedures are in 
accordance with Federal, State and local laws.
    9. The extent to which the application describes procedures for 
maintaining confidentiality of records on the youth and families 
served. Procedures must insure that no information on the youth and 
families is disclosed without the consent of the individual youth, 
parent or legal guardian. Note: Disclosures without consent made to 
another agency compiling statistical records or to a government agency 
involved in the disposition of criminal charges against an individual 
youth may be permissible if individually identifiable information is 
not provided, and if such disclosures are consistent with applicable 
State, local, or other Federal laws.
    10. If the applicant proposes to provide optional home-based 
services, then the application will be evaluated on the extent to which 
it provides a description of:
     The nature of counseling and information provided to youth 
and the families (including unrelated individuals in the family 
households) of such youth, including services relating to basic life 
skills, interpersonal skill building, educational advancement, job 
attainment skills, mental and physical health care, parenting skills, 
financial planning, and referral to sources of other needed services;
     How the center will provide directly, or through an 
arrangement made by the center, 7-day, 24-hour service to respond to 
family crises (including immediate access to temporary shelter for 
runaway and homeless youth and youth at risk of separation from the 
family);
     The objectives and measures of success to be achieved in 
partnership with the families of runaway and homeless youth and youth 
at risk of separation from the family, as a result of receiving home-
based services;
     Initial and ongoing training for staff who provide home-
based services;
     How caseloads will remain sufficiently low to allow for 
intensive involvement (i.e., 5 to 20 hours per week) with each family 
receiving such services and how staff providing such services will 
receive qualified supervision.
    11. If the applicant proposes to provide optional drug abuse 
education and prevention services, then the application will be 
evaluated on the extent to which it provides a description of:
     The types of such services that the applicant proposes to 
provide;
     The objectives of such services;
     The types of information and training to be provided to 
individuals providing such services to runaway and homeless youth; and,
     How outreach activities for runaway and homeless youth 
will be conducted.
    12. If the applicant proposes to provide optional street-based 
services, then the application will be evaluated on the extent to which 
it provides a description of:
     Staff supervision, including on-street supervision by 
appropriately trained staff;
     Backup personnel for on-street staff;
     Initial and ongoing training for staff who provide such 
services; and
     How outreach activities for runaway and homeless youth and 
street youth will be conducted.
Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points)
    1. The extent to which the application describes specific 
measurable outcomes and how they will be achieved.
    2. The extent to which the application describes the anticipated 
changes in attitudes, values, and behavior of the youth served and 
improvements in individual and family functioning that will result from 
services provided.
Objectives and Need for Assistance (15 Points)
    1. The extent to which the application describes the goals and 
objectives of the proposed Basic Center project and how implementation 
will fulfill the purpose and provide the scope services stated in Part 
A of the RHY legislation as described in the ``Background, Purpose and 
Scope of Services'' in Section I.
    2. The extent to which the application describes the need for 
assistance by describing the general conditions of youth and families 
in the area to be served and the estimated number and characteristics 
of runaway and homeless youth and their families in the vicinity. The 
extent to which the discussion includes matters of family functioning 
and the health, education, employment, and social conditions of the 
youth in the service area, including at-risk conditions or behaviors 
such as drug use, school failure, and delinquency.
    3. The extent to which the application describes the existing 
support systems for youth at risk of separation from the family and 
homeless youth in the area, with specific references to law 
enforcement, health and mental health care, social services, schools 
and child

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welfare. In addition, the extent to which the applicant identifies 
other agencies providing shelter and services to runaway and homeless 
youth in the area and gaps in service between such agencies. Supporting 
documentation of need from other community groups may be included.
    4. The extent to which the application describes the area to be 
served, states the precise location(s) of program services, and 
demonstrates that the services will be located in an area which is 
frequented by and/or easily accessible by runaway and homeless youth.
    5. The extent to which the application specifies the annual number 
of qualifying runaway and homeless youth (RHY) and their families 
expected to be directly served (i.e., sheltered and counseled) by the 
BCP. The extent to which the application provides the number of beds 
available for runaway and homeless youth. (This number is restricted to 
a minimum of 4 RHY youth and a maximum shelter capacity of 20 youth 
unless the applicant is required by State or local law or regulations 
to meet a higher maximum to comply with licensure requirements for 
child and youth serving facilities; proof is required for this 
exception.)
Staff and Position Data (10 Points)
    1. The extent to which the application describes key staff 
(including key staff, consultants, and volunteers) skills, knowledge, 
and experience as it relates to working with RHY generally and BCP 
specifically.
    2. The extent to which the application provides for key staff, 
biographical sketches or resumes, and position descriptions that are 
consistent with those described in the narrative budget justification. 
Resumes must indicate what positions staff will fill; and position 
descriptions must specifically describe each job as it relates to the 
proposed project.
    3. The extent to which the application describes the cultural 
competencies of staff and how that competency relates to the youth 
being served.
    4. The extent to which the application describes a plan for 
training project staff as well as staff of cooperating organizations 
and individuals. Training should include at a minimum: organizational 
policies and procedures, job responsibilities, and subject matter 
knowledge of issues pertaining to runaway and homeless youth and at-
risk youth, such as positive youth development.
Budget and Budget Justification (10 Points)
    1. The extent to which the application provides a detailed line 
item budget and narrative budget justification for requested Federal 
and non-Federal funds to implement the full scope of services and 
related activities for the first year (12-months) of the project. The 
Budget Categories described, must be the same as the categories listed 
on the SF-424A, Section B: Personnel, fringe benefits, travel, 
equipment, supplies, contractual, other, total direct charges, indirect 
charges, and total budget. The non-Federal share, as appropriate, must 
be reflected among the same categories in a separate column.
    2. The extent to which the application describes how each category 
of costs are derived, i.e., detailed calculations that include 
estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, etc., that equate to the 
total costs proposed in a particular category (e.g., travel costs 
should be broken down into hotel costs, per diem rates, airfare, etc.).
    3. The extent to which the applicant has appropriately allocated 
funds toward the purchase of necessary computer equipment in order to 
comply with the special requirements of statistical record keeping 
through RHYMIS (Runaway and Homeless Youth Management information 
System). (See Section VI.2. Administrative and National Policy 
Requirements.)
    4. The extent to which the application describes fiscal controls 
(including accounting procedures and audit requirements) to ensure 
prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate accounting of Federal 
funds received as well as accounting for non-Federal resources.
Organizational Profiles (10 Points)
    1. The extent to which the application describes the organization's 
past experience in working with runaway, homeless, and street youth 
populations. Experience does not have to pertain only to past FYSB 
funded program experience. Note: Past experience means that a major 
activity of the agency has been the provision of temporary shelter, 
counseling, and referral services to runaway or otherwise homeless 
youth and their families, either directly or through linkages 
established with other community agencies.
    2. The extent to which the application describes the role of other 
organizations or multiple sites of the agency that will be involved in 
direct services (through monetary or non-monetary arrangements) to 
runaway and homeless youth through this grant. The application should 
list all of these sites and include addresses, phone numbers and staff 
contact names if different from the address and contact on the SF-424. 
Letters of agreement and an Organizational Chart are required.
    3. If the agency is a current recipient of funds from the 
Administration for Children and Families for services to runaway and 
homeless youth for programs other than those applied for in this 
application, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which 
it shows how the services supported by these funds are, or will be, 
integrated with the existing services.
    4. The extent to which the application provides a plan for project 
continuance beyond grant support, including a plan for securing 
resources and continuing project activities after Federal assistance 
has ceased. A listing of the applicant's other funding sources must be 
included. The extent to which the application either describes how the 
activities implemented under this project will be continued by the 
agency once Federal funding for the project has ended or describes 
specific plans for accomplishing program phase-out in the event the 
applicant cannot obtain new operating funds at the end of the 36-month 
project period. Availability of funds is not guaranteed.
    5. The extent to which the application includes letters of support 
from community, public, and commercial leaders and organizations that 
support the proposed project for funding.

2. Review and Selection Process

    No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of 
an incomplete application.
    Applications will be reviewed and scored competitively. This review 
will be conducted in Washington, DC, by a panel of experts in the 
field, generally persons from outside the Federal Government. The 
review panels will use the evaluation criteria listed in Section V.1. 
of this announcement to review and score the applications. In addition, 
the panels will assign a score (maximum score 100) to each application. 
The panels will identify the application's strengths and weaknesses 
based on the application's responsiveness to the evaluation criteria. 
The results (scores) of this review will be a primary factor in making 
funding decisions. Each application in the funding range will be 
subject to an administrative review by the ACF Central and Regional 
Offices after the panel review process. ACF may consider a variety of 
factors in addition to the review criteria identified above, including 
geographic location, relative

[[Page 23187]]

needs for services, types of applicant organizations, and comments 
solicited from the ACF regional offices, in order to ensure that the 
interests of the Federal Government are met in making the final 
selections.
    As required by the RHY Act, in making grant award decisions, 
priority for funding shall be given to private entities with past 
experience in providing services to runaway, homeless and street youth. 
Past experience means that a major activity of the agency has been the 
provision of temporary shelter, counseling, and referral services to 
runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their families, either directly 
or through linkages established with other community agencies.
    Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the 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 and Social Security Numbers, if 
otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary 
salary information.
Approved but Unfunded Applications
    Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for 
funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, 
for a period not to exceed one year.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    Awards will be made by September 30, 2005. Unsuccessful applicants 
will be notified in writing after the final awards have been made.

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, (if applicable), 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.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-
governmental) and 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).
Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Administration Requirements (45 CFR, 
Part 1351)
    Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under this ACF 
Program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities 
such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, 
organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their 
inherently religious activities from the services funded under this 
Program. Regulations pertaining to the prohibition of Federal funds for 
inherently religious activities can be found on the HHS Web site at 
http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.
    Applicants are advised that no grant funds may be used for any 
program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic 
injection of any illegal drug. Prospective grantees are advised that 
entities which receive Basic Center Program (BCP) grant funds and which 
operate a program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for 
hypodermic injections of illegal drugs must account for all funds used 
for such programs separately from any expenditure of BCP grant funds. 
(42 U.S.C. 5752.) See Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions.
Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS)
    RHYMIS (Runaway and Homeless Youth Management information System)--
Grantees must agree to keep adequate statistical records profiling the 
youth and families served under the Federal grant and to gather and 
submit program and client data required by FYSB. This information is 
required by the RHY program legislation and defined in user-friendly 
Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS or 
RHYMIS-LITE). Recipients of a grant administered through the Family and 
Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) are required and expected to submit the 
data via RHYMIS or in an approved format which RHYMIS can receive. 
Grantees have the option of using RHYMIS for internal management 
improvement or for research and other program needs. A RHYMIS hotline/
help desk is available at 888-749-6474, and/or at [email protected].
    The Family and Youth Services Bureau will fund computer software 
for RHY program data collection through RHYMIS. An applicant lacking 
the computer equipment (hardware) for RHYMIS data collection must 
include an estimated cost for such equipment in their proposed budget. 
If the applicant already has such equipment, this fact must be noted. 
(See Section V.1. Evaluation Criteria/Budget and Budget Justification.) 
(Note: Existing grantees generally report that their staff has been 
able to easily train themselves to operate RHYMIS due to its user-
friendliness, prompts, help features, and FYSB's technical support 
service.)
    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 
104-13) the data collection under RHYMIS is approved under OMB control 
number 0970-0123, which expires September 30, 2007.

3. Reporting Requirements

    Program Progress Reports: Semi-Annual.
    Financial Reports: Semi-Annual.
    Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial 
reports (SF 269) throughout the project period. Program progress and 
financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. In 
addition, final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days 
after the close of the project period.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact

    Dorothy W. Pittard, Family and Youth Services Bureau, c/o ACYF 
Operations Center, 118 Q Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-2132. Phone: 
866-796-1591. E-mail: [email protected].

Grants Management Office Contact

    Peter Thompson, ACYF Grants Officer, Family and Youth Services 
Bureau, c/o ACYF Operations Center, 118 Q Street, NE, Washington, DC 
20002-2132. Phone: 866-796-1591. E-mail: [email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of 
received applications.
    Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the 
Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005, applicants will be able to 
find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically 
for opportunities via: www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to 
find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF Web 
site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.


[[Page 23188]]


    Dated: April 28, 2005.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 05-8893 Filed 5-3-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P