[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 88 (Monday, May 9, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24437-24449]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-9225]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration on Developmental Disabilities; University Centers 
for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and 
Service (UCEDDs)

    Announcement Type: Grant--Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ADD-DD-0096.
    CFDA Number: 93.632.
    Due Date for Letter of Intent or Preapplications: June 8, 2005.
    Due Date for Applications: June 23, 2005.
    Executive Summary: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities 
(ADD) in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announces the 
availability of fiscal year 2005 funds to award grants to support the 
expansion of the National Network of University Centers for Excellence 
in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service 
(UCEDDs). The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights 
Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-402) section 152(d) (42 U.S.C. 15062) 
authorizes the expansion of the National Network of UCEDDs, ``* * * for 
States or populations that are unserved or underserved by Centers due 
to such factors as (1) population; (2) a high concentration of rural or 
urban areas; or (3) a high concentration of unserved or underserved 
populations.''
    Applicants should have expertise in addressing the health 
disparities and education issues of ethnic and racial minority groups. 
This funding opportunity will support the administration and operation 
of up to three new UCEDDs that are interdisciplinary education, 
research, and public service units of universities, or public or not-
for-profit entities associated with universities that engage in core 
functions (e.g., provision of interdisciplinary pre-service preparation 
and continuing education of students and fellows; provision of 
community services, including training and/or technical assistance; 
conduct of research; and dissemination of information) addressing, 
directly or indirectly, one or more of the areas of emphasis (e.g., 
quality assurance, education and early intervention, child care, 
health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation, and other 
services available or offered to individuals in a community, including 
formal and informal community supports, that affect their quality of 
life). This program announcement contains instructions for the 
submission of the fiscal year 2005 grant applications for core funding.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Legislative Authority

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) in the 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health 
and Human Services (DHHS) shares common goals with other ACF programs 
that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, 
individuals, and communities. ACF and ADD envision:
     Families and individuals empowered to increase their own 
economic independence and productivity;
     Strong, healthy, supportive communities having a positive 
impact on the quality of life and the development of children;
     Partnerships with individuals, front-line service 
providers, communities, States, and Congress that enable solutions that 
transcend traditional agency boundaries;
     Services planned and integrated to improve access to 
programs and supports for individuals and families;
     A community-based approach that recognizes and expands on 
the resources and benefits of diversity; and
     A recognition of the power and effectiveness of public-
private partnerships, including collaboration among a variety of 
community groups and government agencies, such as a coalition of faith-
based organizations, grassroots groups, families, and public agencies 
to address a community need.
    The vision, listed above, will enable more individuals, including 
people with developmental disabilities, to live productive and 
independent lives integrated into their communities. The University 
Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, 
Research, and Service are a means by which ADD promotes the achievement 
of this vision.
    ADD is the lead agency in ACF, DHHS, for administering the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 
(DD Act of 2000) (42 U.S.C. 15001, et seq.). The DD Act of 2000 
authorizes support and assistance to States, public agencies, and 
private, non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community 
organizations, to assure that individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have 
access to culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance 
and opportunities that promote independence, productivity, integration, 
and inclusion into the community.
    As defined in the DD Act of 2000, the term ``developmental 
disabilities'' means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that 
is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of 
mental and physical impairments that are manifested before the 
individual attains age 22 and are likely to continue indefinitely. 
Developmental disabilities result in

[[Page 24438]]

substantial limitations in three or more of the following functional 
areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, 
mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and capacity 
for economic self-sufficiency.
    The DD Act of 2000 identifies a number of significant findings, 
including:
     Disability is a natural part of the human experience that 
does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental 
disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, productivity, 
integration, and inclusion into the community.
     Individuals whose disabilities occur during their 
developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are 
likely to continue indefinitely.
     Individuals with developmental disabilities often require 
lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in a coordinated 
and culturally competent manner by many agencies, professionals, 
advocates, community representatives, and others to eliminate barriers 
and to meet the needs of such individuals and their families.
    The DD Act of 2000 also promotes the best practices and policies 
presented below:
     Individuals with developmental disabilities, including 
those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of 
achieving independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into 
the community, and often require the provision of services, supports, 
and other assistance to achieve such.
     Individuals with developmental disabilities have 
competencies, capabilities, and personal goals that should be 
recognized, supported, and encouraged, and any assistance to such 
individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consistent 
with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, 
and capabilities of the individual.
     Individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families are the primary decision makers regarding the services and 
support such individuals and their families receive, and play decision 
making roles in policies and programs that affect the lives of such 
individuals and their families.
    Toward these ends, ADD seeks to support and accomplish the 
following:
     Enhance the capabilities of families in assisting 
individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their maximum 
potential;
     Support the increasing ability of individuals with 
developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice and self-
determination and to engage in leadership activities in their 
communities;
     Ensure the protection of the legal and human rights of 
individuals with developmental disabilities;
     Ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities 
from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and their 
families enjoy increased and meaningful opportunities to access and use 
community services, individualized supports, and other forms of 
assistance available to other individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families; and
     Promote recruitment efforts that increase the number of 
individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who 
work with individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families in disciplines related to pre-service training, community 
training, practice, administration, and policymaking.
    There are four programs funded under the DD Act of 2000:
     State Developmental Disabilities Councils;
     State Protection and Advocacy Systems for Individuals with 
Developmental Disabilities' Rights;
     National Network of University Centers for Excellence in 
Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Service; and
     Projects of National Significance.
    This program announcement provides information about funding that 
will expand the National Network of University Centers for Excellence 
in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service.

National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental 
Disabilities Education, Research, and Service

    The purpose of this notice is to announce the availability of FY 
2005 grant award funds for the expansion of the National Network of 
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs). In accordance with 
requirements in Section 152(d) (42 U.S.C. 15062) of the DD Act of 2000, 
the grant awards will be made for populations that are unserved or 
underserved by UCEDDs due to factors such as elevated State residency 
rates, a high concentration of rural or urban areas, or increased rate 
of unserved or underserved populations. Applicants should have 
expertise in addressing the health disparities and education issues of 
ethnic and racial minority groups.
    UCEDDs are interdisciplinary education, research, and public 
service units of universities or public or not-for-profit entities 
associated with universities that engage in core functions (e.g., 
interdisciplinary training, community services (including training and/
or technical assistance), research, and dissemination of information) 
and address, directly or indirectly, one or more of the areas of 
emphasis (e.g., quality assurance, education and early intervention, 
child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation, 
and other services available or offered to individuals in a community, 
including formal and informal community supports, that affect their 
quality of life).
    As liaisons to service delivery systems, UCEDDs serve to positively 
affect the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and 
their families, and work towards increasing their independence, 
productivity, and integration into communities. The National Network 
has evolved considerably during its history. Established in 1963, the 
development of the National Network is marked by growth in three phases 
(Fifield & Fifield, 1995). The first phase, 1963-1974, involved the 
construction of institutions closely associated with universities and 
the development of centralized expertise, training programs, clinical, 
diagnostic, and treatment services for persons with intellectual 
disabilities. The second phase, 1975-1986, promoted community-based 
services, developmental concepts, and the provision of services through 
a person's full life span. This period also saw the creation of the 
three major components of the present-day developmental disabilities 
system: State Developmental Disabilities Planning Councils, Protection 
and Advocacy Agencies, and University Centers. The third period, from 
1987 to the present, has emphasized a consumer focus, as exemplified by 
the completion of an extensive national consumer satisfaction 
evaluation study, which brought to the forefront the issues of consumer 
empowerment, independence, and inclusion.
    Currently, UCEDDs engage in four broad tasks called core functions: 
(1) Interdisciplinary preservice preparation and continuing education, 
(2) exemplary community service programs and technical assistance at 
all levels from local service delivery to community and state 
governments, (3) research, and (4) information dissemination.
    UCEDD accomplishments include:
     Directing exemplary interdisciplinary training programs. 
The provision of training is offered in an interdisciplinary format 
where faculty

[[Page 24439]]

and trainees represent a variety of disciplines, such as pediatrics, 
education, psychology, and nursing, thereby expanding opportunities for 
students to learn about the differing perspectives of various 
professionals who are providing services to individuals with 
developmental disabilities and their families.
     Providing community services and technical assistance. 
Staff offer expertise through training and technical assistance 
activities to families, support service organizations, individuals with 
developmental disabilities and their family members, professionals, 
paraprofessionals, students, systems, and volunteers.
     Contributing to the development of new knowledge through 
research and information dissemination. UCEDDs develop and field test 
models of service delivery and evaluate existing innovative practices, 
which are then disseminated to the field to translate research into 
practice.
    The DD Act of 2000 requires that grants be made to entities 
designated as a UCEDD in each State. The DD Act defines a State as the 
fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, and Guam. Currently, there are 61 UCEDDs in every State and 
Territory. Public Law 108-447, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 
2005, supports the expansion of the national network of UCEDDs. Funds 
made available under this program announcement will support the 
administration and operation of up to three newly designated UCEDDs. 
This program announcement contains instructions for the submission of 
the fiscal year 2005 grant applications for core funding. Applicants 
should note that the instructions for responding to this announcement 
follow requirements set forth in the DD Act of 2000 with regard to the 
UCEDD program.

Priority Area

    University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
Education, Research, and Service.
1. Description
    Below are instructions for the submission of fiscal year 2005 grant 
applications for core funding to support the operation and 
administration of newly established UCEDD programs. This funding 
opportunity expands the national network of UCEDDs for States or 
populations that are unserved or underserved by UCEDDs due to such 
factors as the number of individuals in the State; a high concentration 
of rural or urban areas; or a high concentration of unserved or 
underserved populations. Applicants should have expertise in addressing 
the health disparities and education issues of ethnic and racial 
minority groups.
Five-Year Plan
    The application for core funding must describe a five-year plan 
that outlines a projected measurable goal for one or more area(s) of 
emphasis (e.g., quality assurance, education and early intervention, 
child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation, 
and other services available or offered to individuals in a community, 
including formal and informal community supports, that affect their 
quality of life) for each core function. The UCEDD core functions are 
the following:
    Interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education 
includes the preparation and continuing education of students and 
fellows representing leadership, direct service, clinical, or other 
personnel to strengthen and increase the capacity of States and 
communities. UCEDDs should promote recruitment efforts that increase 
the number of individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse 
backgrounds working with people with developmental disabilities and 
their families in disciplines related to pre-service training, 
community training, practice, administration, and policymaking. The 
nature of the UCEDD interdisciplinary training program should be 
reflected in the faculty and students. To this end, faculty and 
students should represent a variety of disciplines, which may include:
    [ctrcir] Audiology.
    [ctrcir] Dentistry.
    [ctrcir] Early Intervention.
    [ctrcir] Early Childhood Education.
    [ctrcir] Early Childhood Special Education.
    [ctrcir] Educational Administration.
    [ctrcir] General Education.
    [ctrcir] Health Administration.
    [ctrcir] Medicine.
    [ctrcir] Nursing.
    [ctrcir] Nutrition.
    [ctrcir] Pediatrics.
    [ctrcir] Physical Therapy.
    [ctrcir] Psychiatry.
    [ctrcir] Psychology.
    [ctrcir] Public Health.
    [ctrcir] Public Policy.
    [ctrcir] Occupational Therapy.
    [ctrcir] Pediatric Dentistry.
    [ctrcir] Social Work.
    [ctrcir] Special Education.
    [ctrcir] Speech-Language Pathology.
     Community services include the provision of training and 
technical assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities, 
their families, professionals, paraprofessionals, policy-makers, 
students, and other members of the community. It also may include the 
provision of services, supports, and assistance for the persons with 
developmental disabilities and their families through demonstration and 
model activities. Community services promote the delivery of programs, 
projects, activities, and services in community-based settings rather 
than academic or traditional clinical settings. In addition, the 
provision of community services should ensure that individuals with 
developmental disabilities from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds 
and their families enjoy increased and meaningful opportunities to 
access and use community services, individualized supports, and other 
forms of assistance available to other individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families.
     Research includes basic or applied research, evaluation, 
and the analysis of public policy in areas that affect or could affect, 
either positively or negatively, individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families. To the extent possible, UCEDDs should 
seek to include people with developmental disabilities and their 
families, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse 
groups, as active participants in the research process thereby ensuring 
that these individuals and their families participate in the 
development, design, and implementation of research activities.
     Information dissemination includes the distribution of 
knowledge that demonstrates the UCEDD network as a national and 
international resource with substantive areas of expertise that may be 
accessed and applied in diverse settings and circumstances. UCEDDs 
should strive to translate research into practice in the dissemination 
of information. Information should be disseminated in multiple 
accessible formats and in a culturally competent manner.
Organizational Experience
    The application for core funding should describe how the applicant 
has expertise in addressing the health disparities and education issues 
of ethnic and racial minority groups. In addition, the applicant should 
provide a description of how that experience will be applied in working 
to further improve the health and education services of persons with 
developmental disabilities, including those from racial and ethnic 
minority groups.

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Assurances
    The application for core funding must contain assurances that the 
applicant will implement requirements in the DD Act of 2000 with regard 
to the UCEDD program:
     The entity designated as the UCEDD will meet statutory and 
regulatory requirements that apply to Centers.
     The entity designated as the UCEDD will address the 
projected goals and carry out goal-related activities in a manner 
consistent with the objectives of the DD Act of 2000.
    The goal-related activities must be:
    [ctrcir] Based on data-driven strategic planning;
    [ctrcir] Developed in collaboration with the Consumer Advisory 
Committee (CAC);
    [ctrcir] Consistent with, and to the extent feasible, complement 
and further the State Developmental Disabilities Council goals 
contained in the State plan and the goals of the State Protection and 
Advocacy System; and
    [ctrcir] Reviewed and revised annually, as necessary, to address 
emerging trends and needs.
    [ctrcir] Funds made available through the grant will be used to 
supplement, and not supplant, the funds that would otherwise be made 
available for activities related to interdisciplinary pre-service 
preparation, and continuing education, community services, research, 
and information dissemination.
    [ctrcir] The entity designated as the UCEDD will protect the legal 
and human rights of all individuals with developmental disabilities 
(especially those individuals under State guardianship) who are 
involved in activities carried out under programs assisted by the DD 
Act of 2000.
    [ctrcir] The entity designated as the UCEDD will establish and 
maintain a Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC).
    [ctrcir] The majority of the members of the Consumer Advisory 
Committee shall be individuals with developmental disabilities and 
family members of such individuals.
    The CAC must also include representatives of:
    [ctrcir] The State Protection and Advocacy System;
    [ctrcir] The State Council on Developmental Disabilities;
    [ctrcir] A self-advocacy organization described in Section 
124(c)(4)(A)(ii)(I) of the DD Act of 2000; and
    [ctrcir] Organizations that may include Parent Training and 
Information Centers assisted under Sections 671 and 672 of the 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, 
entities carrying out activities in assistive technology authorized 
under section 101 or 102 of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, 
relevant State agencies, and other community groups concerned with the 
welfare of individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families.
     The CAC must reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of 
the State.
     The CAC should: be consulted regarding the development of 
the five-year plan, participate in an annual review, comment on 
progress in meeting projected goals, and meet as often as necessary, 
but at a minimum of twice during each grant year.
    [ctrcir] To the extent possible, the infrastructure and resources 
obtained through funds made available under the grant will be utilized 
to leverage additional public and private funds to successfully achieve 
the projected goals developed in the five-year plan.
    [ctrcir] The director of the UCEDD will hold appropriate academic 
credentials, demonstrate leadership, have expertise regarding 
developmental disabilities, have significant experience in managing 
grants and contracts, and have the ability to leverage public and 
private funds; and will allocate adequate staff time to carry out 
activities related to each of the core functions.
    [ctrcir] The entity designated as the UCEDD will educate and 
disseminate information related to the purpose of the DD Act of 2000 to 
the legislature of the State in which the Center is located and to 
Members of Congress from the State.
Coordinated Activities
    The respondents to this announcement should provide a narrative and 
related supporting documentation of how, if funded, the UCEDD will 
undertake coordinated activities with the State Developmental 
Disabilities Councils and the Protection and Advocacy System in the 
State to:
     Enhance the ability of individuals with developmental 
disabilities and their families to participate in the design of and 
have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and 
other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, 
independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets 
of community life;
     Bring about advocacy, capacity building, and systemic 
change activities (including policy reform), and other actions on 
behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities and their 
families, including individuals who are traditionally unserved or 
underserved, particularly individuals who are members of ethnic and 
racial minority groups and individuals from underserved geographic 
areas; and
     Bring about advocacy, capacity building, and systemic 
change activities that affect individuals with disabilities other than 
individuals with developmental disabilities;
Program Accountability
    Respondents to this program announcement must describe how they 
will comply with the accountability requirements outlined in the DD Act 
of 2000. The accountability requirements are comprised of two 
components: (1) the UCEDD's Annual Report, and (2) ADD's system of 
program accountability.
    Entities designated as UCEDDs must submit an Annual Report that 
provides information on progress made in achieving the UCEDD's 
projected goals for the previous year, including:
     The extent to which the goals were achieved;
     A description of the strategies that contributed to 
achieving the goals; and
     To the extent to which the goals were not achieved, a 
description of factors that impeded the achievement.
    The Annual Report should also include an accounting of the manner 
in which funds paid to the UCEDD for a fiscal year were expended; 
information on proposed revisions to the goals; and a description of 
successful efforts to leverage funds, other than funds made available 
to support the operation and administration of the UCEDD, to pursue 
goals consistent with the UCEDD program.
    The ADD system of program accountability is designed to:
     Monitor entities that received funds under the DD Act of 
2000 to carry out its activities;
     Determine the extent to which the entities have been 
responsive to the purpose of the DD Act of 2000; and
     Determine the extent to which the entities have taken 
actions consistent with the policy described in section 101(c) of the 
DD Act of 2000.
    The accountability system must include a process for identifying 
and reporting on progress achieved through advocacy, capacity building, 
and systemic change activities, undertaken by the UCEDDs that resulted 
in individuals with developmental disabilities and their families 
participating in the design of and having access to needed community 
services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that 
promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration 
and inclusion in all facets of community life. Progress achieved 
through the advocacy,

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capacity building, and systemic change activities must be reported by 
the areas of emphasis (e.g., quality assurance, education and early 
intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, 
recreation, and other services available or offered to individuals in a 
community, including formal and informal community supports, that 
affect their quality of life).
    In identifying progress made in the areas of emphasis, the UCEDD 
will report using indicators of progress that describe and measure the:
    [ctrcir] Satisfaction of individuals with developmental 
disabilities with the advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change 
activities provided by the UCEDD;
    [ctrcir] Extent to which the advocacy, capacity building, and 
systemic change activities provided through the UCEDD result in 
improvements in the ability of individuals with developmental 
disabilities to:
    [ctrcir] Make choices and exert control over the type, intensity, 
and timing of services, supports, and assistance that the individuals 
have used;
    [ctrcir] Participate in the full range of community life with 
persons of the individuals' choice; and
    [ctrcir] Access services, supports, and assistance in a manner that 
ensures that such an individual is free from abuse, neglect, sexual and 
financial exploitation, violation of legal and human rights, and the 
inappropriate use of restraints and seclusion; and
    [ctrcir] Extent to which the State Council on Developmental 
Disabilities, the Protection and Advocacy Agency, and UCEDD collaborate 
with each other to achieve the purpose of this title and the policy 
described in section 101(c).
    In responding to this announcement, applicants should provide 
assurances that they will, if funded, follow the reporting 
requirements, including the proposed ADD format, for the UCEDD program. 
A copy of the proposed ADD format may be obtained by contacting 
Jennifer Johnson at (202) 690-5982 or [email protected].

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $600,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 to 3.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $200,000 per budget period.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $200,000 per budget period.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $200,000 per budget period.
    Length of Project Periods: 60 month project with five 12 month 
budget periods.
    Entities awarded grants under this funding opportunity will apply 
each fiscal year for continued funding. In awarding and distributing 
grant funds for a fiscal year, ADD shall award and distribute grant 
funds in equal amounts to each UCEDD that existed during the preceding 
fiscal year, subject to the availability of appropriations. Therefore, 
the funding amounts for the first fiscal year of the project period may 
be different from subsequent years.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants:
     State controlled institutions of higher education.
     Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other 
than institutions of higher education.
     Private institutions of higher education.
    Additional Information on Eligibility:
    Faith-based and community organizations are eligible entities under 
this announcement.
    Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting 
eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable.
    2. Cost Sharing/Matching: Yes.
    Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project 
costs, in accordance with Developmental Disabilities Assistance and 
Bill of Rights Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 15064(d)(1). Grantees must 
provide at least 25% 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 
$133,000, requesting $100,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal 
share of at least $33,250 (25% of total approved project cost of 
$133,000). Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-
Federal resources even if over the amount of the required match. 
Failure to provide the amount will result in disallowance of Federal 
funds. 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 (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be 
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation 
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement 
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
    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.
    When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your 
proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Disqualification Factors:
    Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for funding under this 
announcement.

[[Page 24442]]

    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:

Jennifer Johnson Ed.D., Program Specialist, Office of Operations and 
Discretionary Grants, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 
Administration for Children and Families, Mail Stop: HHH 405-D, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: (202) 690-5982. 
Fax: (202) 205-8037. E-mail: [email protected].

    2. Content and Form of Application Submission:
    The required application package will include the following using 
the format described:

Letter of Intent

    In submitting a letter of intent, applicants are asked to remit a 
post card or letter with a statement indicating that they intend to 
apply and the following information:

Funding opportunity number;
Organizational name;
Point of contact;
Organizational address;
Phone number;
Fax number;
E-mail address.

    Letters of intent can be sent to:

Jennifer Johnson, Ed.D., Program Specialist, Office of Operations and 
Discretionary Grants, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 
Administration for Children and Families, Mail Stop: HHH 405-D, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: (202) 690-5982. 
Fax: (202) 205-8037. E-mail: [email protected].

    Letter of Intent information will be used to determine the number 
of reviewers necessary to complete the panel review process. Failure to 
submit a Letter of Intent will not impact eligibility to submit an 
application and will not disqualify an application from competitive 
review based on non-responsiveness.

Format

    The application must not exceed 50 double-spaced, numbered, typed 
pages excluding an abstract and a table of contents. Any application 
that exceeds the page limit requirement will have the additional pages 
removed from the application prior to the review. The type must not be 
smaller than 12 pitch or a point size of 12. The margins must not be 
less than one inch.

Appendix

    The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. Supplementary material, 
intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the 
Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement. 
The Appendix must be included with the original and the two copies of 
the application.

Budget

    The applicant shall develop a full budget, including a completed SF 
424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' a detailed 
budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF 424A, 
Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a twelve-month 
budget period. The budget justification should describe how the costs 
are reasonable and necessary for the proper and efficient 
administration of the proposed project. Applicants should include in 
their budget funds to pay for travel expenses to attend at least one 
ADD-sponsored Project Director's meeting in Washington, DC. The 
applicant must include the twelve-month Federal budget under Column 
(1), the twelve-month non-Federal budget under Column (2), and the 
total twelve-month budget under Column (5) of the SF 424A. The 
applicant shall use the three-column approach when preparing the 
detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining four years of the 
requested project period, the applicant must complete SF 424A, Section 
E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The applicant 
must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal contributions for 
the second through fifth years of the project on SF 424A, Section C.
    If the procurement policy of an applicant's institution includes an 
equipment definition other than the current Federal definition, a copy 
of the institution's current definition should be included in the 
application.

Checklist for a Complete Application

    The checklist below is for your use to ensure that your application 
package has been properly prepared.

----One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies.
----Application is from an organization that is eligible under the 
eligibility requirements, defined in the Priority Area description.
----Application length does not exceed 50 pages.
----Appendix length does not exceed 40 pages.

    A complete application has the following items in the order listed:

----Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424).
----A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact 
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable.
----Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A).
----Assurances Regarding Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B).
----Budget justification for Section B Budget Categories with a 
description of how the costs are reasonable and necessary.
----Table of Contents.
----Proof of Non-Profit Status, if applicable, (see Section III.3.).
----Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if 
appropriate (when charging indirect costs to Federal funds or when 
using indirect costs as a matching share).
----Project Description.
----Letter(s) of commitment verifying non-Federal cost share.
----Any appendices/attachments.
----Assurances Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B).
----Certification Regarding Lobbying (SF LLL).
----Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary.
----Certification of the Pro Children Act of 1994 (Environmental 
Tobacco Smoke), signature on the application represents certification.
----``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' for 
private, non-profit applicants.
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. 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 
encouraged.
     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.

[[Page 24443]]

     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 http://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: 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Standard Forms and Certifications:
    The project description should include all the information 
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in 
the program announcement under Section V Application Review 
Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant 
needs to complete all the standard forms required for making 
applications for awards under this announcement.
    Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement 
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal 
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be 
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and 
return the standard forms with their application.
    Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the 
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for 
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal 
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance 
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if 
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must 
sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for 
the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, Title XII 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A 
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking 
prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the 
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not 
mail back the certification with the application.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By 
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete 
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances 
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications 
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status, 
please refer to Section III.3.
    Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full 
project description.
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    Due Date for Letter of Intent or Preapplications: June 8, 2005.
    Due Date for Applications: June 23, 2005.

Explanation of Due Dates

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced 
above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
closing date will be classified as late.
    Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date 
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring 
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of 
the application due date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section 
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. 
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted 
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
    Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above 
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant 
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
    Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two 
working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications. 
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare 
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests 
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
    Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be 
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier 
services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic 
acknowledgement for

[[Page 24444]]

applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov.
    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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Abstract.....................  See Sections IV.2 and V.  Found in Sections IV.2 and V...........  By application due date.
Project Description..................  See Sections IV.2 and V.  Found in Sections IV.2 and V...........  By application due date.
Budget Narrative/Justification.......  See Sections IV.2 and V.  Found in Sections IV.2 and V...........  By application due date.
SF424................................  See Section IV.2........  See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ By application due date.
                                                                  forms.htm.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding         See Section IV.2........  See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ By date of award.
 Lobbying.                                                        forms.htm.
Certification Regarding Environmental  See Section IV.2........  See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ By date of award.
 Tobacco Smoke.                                                   forms.htm.
Assurances...........................  See Section IV.2........  See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ By date of award.
                                                                  forms.htm.
Letter of Intent.....................  See Section IV.2........  Found in Section IV.2..................  June 8, 2005.
Table of Contents....................  See Section IV.2........  Found in Section IV.2..................  By application due date.
SF424A...............................  See Section IV.2........  See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ By application due date.
                                                                  forms.htm.
Support Letters......................  See Section V...........  Found in Section V.....................  By application due date.
Non-Federal Commitment Letters.......  See Section V...........  Found in Section V.....................  By application due date.
SF424B...............................  See Section IV.2........  See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/ By application due date.
                                                                  forms.htm.
Proof of Non-Profit Status...........  See Section III.3.......  Found in Section III.3.................  By date of award.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What to submit                 Required content              Required form or format                          When to submit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant   See form................  Found in http://www.acf.hhs.gov/         By application due date.
 Applicants.                                                      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 is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this 
announcement.

[[Page 24445]]

    Applicants should include in their budget funds to pay for travel 
expenses to attend at least one ADD-sponsored Project Director's 
meeting in Washington.
    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. Please see Section IV.3 for an 
explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to:

Tim Chappelle, Office of Grants Management, Administration for Children 
and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447.
    Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application 
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two 
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30 
p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are 
hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be 
delivered to:

Tim Chapelle, Office of Grants Management, Administration for Children 
and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447.
    Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and 
requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov.

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 80 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:
    The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the 
``project summary/abstract'' and ``full project description'' sections 
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that 
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under 
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).

Part I--The Project Description Overview

Purpose
    The project description provides a major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and 
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are 
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can 
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project 
description, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation 
criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other 
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, 
therefore, that this information be included in the application in a 
manner that is clear and complete.
General Instructions
    ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions 
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended 
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of 
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are 
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. 
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly 
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an 
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an 
appendix.
    Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included 
for easy reference.
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation 
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project 
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the 
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
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.
Evaluation
    Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and 
the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the 
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which 
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which 
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. 
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are 
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project,

[[Page 24446]]

define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project 
is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented 
and discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the 
project's effectiveness.
Additional Information
    Following are requests for additional information that need to be 
included in the application:
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.
Letters of Support
    Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders 
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should 
be included in the application OR by application deadline.
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.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel 
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to 
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
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.
Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total Project Costs
    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 
(i.e., 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--40 points
    The applications will be evaluated according to the extent to which 
the applicant outlines a sound, workable, and detailed plan of action 
pertaining to the measurable goals and objectives of the proposed 
project and the proposed approach; identifies activities in 
chronological order, with target dates for accomplishment and the key 
personnel responsible for completing the activity; and clearly 
identifies the plan of action and delineates the roles and involvement 
of each of the proposed project's partners, collaborators, and/or sub-
grantees.
    Using the following values for each required item in this 
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the 
application:

15 Points

    Provides evidence of a well developed five-year work plan that 
includes a clear description of the scope and detail of the proposed 
work. Includes reference to a list of measurable and attainable goals 
and provides quantitative projections of the accomplishments to be 
achieved for each function or activity

[[Page 24447]]

in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of 
activities to be accomplished. Provides chronological order of approach 
with target dates.

5 Points

    Identifies innovative design and methods, including the provision 
of services in community-based rather than academic settings and 
strategies for reaching out to culturally and linguistically diverse 
populations.

5 Points

    Includes the provision of interdisciplinary training and continuing 
education, community services (training, services, and technical 
assistance), research, and dissemination of information in a culturally 
competent manner and provides for the meaningful participation of 
individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in the purpose 
and scope of activities.

5 Points

    Describes prior experience in addressing health disparities and 
education issues and how it will use that experience to further improve 
the health and education services to persons with developmental 
disabilities, including those from racial and ethnic minority groups.

5 Points

    Identifies and delineates the roles and involvement of DD Network 
partners and other collaborators, and/or sub-grantees.

3 Points

    Cites factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work.

2 Points

    Describes how the entity designated as a UCEDD will participate in 
the national network of UCEDDs as a national and international 
resource.
Objectives and Need for Assistance--25 points
    Applications will be evaluated according to the extent to which the 
applicant demonstrates a thorough understanding and analysis of the 
problem(s) being addressed in the project; documents the need for 
assistance, and the importance of addressing these problems in the 
area(s) to be addressed by the proposed project; outlines key goals and 
objectives of the project directly related to the four core functions 
(interdisciplinary training and continuing education, community 
services (training and technical assistance, research, and 
dissemination) in one or more selected areas of emphasis (quality 
assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, 
employment, housing, transportation, and recreation and other services 
available or offered to individuals in a community, including formal 
and informal community supports, that affect their quality of life); 
provides evidence that consumer members provided input into the 
development of the application for core funding; and provides any 
supporting documentation and relevant data based on research or 
planning studies, and maps and other graphical aids.
    Using the following values for each required item in this 
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the 
application:

15 Points

    Clearly identifies the need for assistance, describes the 
significant features and components of the program, clearly states the 
goals and subordinates objectives of the project, and provides a 
rationale for project goals directly related to the four core functions 
(interdisciplinary training and continuing education, community 
services (training and technical assistance, research, and 
disseminations) in one or more selected areas of emphasis (quality 
assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, 
employment, housing, transportation, and recreation and other services 
available or offered to individuals in a community, including formal 
and informal community supports, that affect their quality of life).

5 Points

    Provides evidence of input from consumers

5 Points

    Provides relevant data based on research and/or planning studies.
Evaluation--15 points
    The application will be evaluated according to the extent to which 
the applicant provides a narrative outlining how project results will 
be evaluated; states methods for measuring the extent to which project 
goals have been achieved; discusses the criteria to be used to evaluate 
results; explains the methodology that will be used to determine if the 
needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results 
and benefits are being achieved; with respect to the conduct of the 
project, defines the procedures to be employed to determine whether the 
project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan 
presented; and discusses the impact of the project's various activities 
on the project's effectiveness.
    Using the following values for each required item in this 
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the 
application:

5 Points

    Provides a detailed narrative outlining how project results will be 
evaluated, states methods for measuring the extent to which project 
goals have been achieved, and discusses the criteria to be used to 
evaluate results.

5 Points

    Explains the methodology that will be used to determine if the 
needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results 
and benefits are being achieved.

5 Points

    With respect to the conduct of the project, defines the procedures 
to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a 
manner consistent with the work plan presented and discusses the impact 
of the project's various activities on the project's effectiveness.
Staff and Position Data--10 points
    The applications will be evaluated according to the extent to which 
the applicant provides a biographical sketch and job description for 
each key person appointed; job descriptions for each vacant key 
position; methods for recruiting and maintaining key staff.
    Using the following values for each required item in this 
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the 
application:

4 Points

    Provides biographical sketches of key staff

4 Points

    Provides job descriptions for each key person appointed or to be 
appointed.

2 Points

    Details methods for the recruitment and retention of key staff.
Budget and Budget Justification--5 points
    The applications will be evaluated according to the extent to which 
the applicant provides a budget with line item detail and detailed 
calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget 
Information form; detailed calculations that include estimation 
methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail 
sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated; a breakout by the 
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF 424; a narrative 
budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are 
derived; and discusses the necessity,

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reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs.
    Using the following values for each required item in this 
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the 
application:

3 Points

    Provides a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived and discusses the necessity, 
reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs.

2 Points

    Provides a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations 
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form; 
detailed calculations that include estimation methods, quantities, unit 
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the 
calculation to be duplicated; a breakout by the funding sources 
identified in Block 15 of the SF 424.
Organizational Profiles--5 points
    The applications will be evaluated according to the extent to which 
the applicant identifies the project director/principal investigator 
and key project staff; includes qualifications of project staff that 
will be carrying out project activities. Applications should include a 
description of the experience of the organization that demonstrates the 
applicant's ability to effectively and efficiently administer this 
project. The application must describe the relationship between this 
project and other work that is planned, anticipated, or currently under 
way by the applicant. An organizational chart should be included.
    Using the following values for each required item in this 
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the 
application:

2 Points

    Identifies the background and experience of key staff members.

2 Points

    Assures compliance with the required affirmative action to employ 
and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

1 Point

    Includes an organizational chart.
    2. Review and Selection Process:
    No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of 
an incomplete application. ADD may consider other factors or elements, 
other than the evaluation criteria, such as geographical dispersion and 
diversity, in reviewing and selecting applications.
    The applications will be reviewed by a panel of approximately three 
individuals who are all non-Federal reviewers. The reviewers will have 
knowledge of issues pertaining to people with developmental 
disabilities, University systems, and/or the provision of 
interdisciplinary preservice preparation and continuing education, 
community services, research, and/or information dissemination.
    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.

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) or 45 CFR part 92 (governmental).
    Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this 
Family Support Initiative 2005 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 Equal Treatment For Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the 
prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, 
can be found at either 45 CFR 87.1 or the HHS Web site at: http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.
    3. Reporting Requirements:
    Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial 
reports (SF-269 found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm) 
throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports 
are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final programmatic and 
financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project 
period.
    Program Progress Reports: Annually.
    Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.
    Entities funded under this program announcement must respond to the 
ADD system of program accountability. The national network of UCEDDs 
will follow a template for reporting progress on an annual basis. To 
receive a copy of the proposed UCEDD Annual Report template, contact 
Jennifer Johnson at [email protected] or 202-690-5982.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact:
Jennifer Johnson, Ed.D., Program Specialist, Office of Operations and 
Discretionary Grants, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 
Administration for Children and Families, Mail Stop: HHH 405-D, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: (202) 690-5982. 
Fax: (202) 205-8037. E-mail: [email protected].
    Grants Management Office Contact:
Tim Chappelle, Grants Officer, Office of Grants Management, 
Administration for Children and Families, 370 L' Enfant Promenade, SW., 
Mail Stop: 8th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447. Phone: (202) 404-2344. 
Fax: (202) 205-8436. E-mail: [email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    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: http://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.
    Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of 
received applications.


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    Dated: May 4, 2005.
Debbie Powell,
Director, Office of Operations and Discretionary Grant Programs, 
Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 05-9225 Filed 5-6-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P