[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 91 (Thursday, May 12, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25084-25091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-9427]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Office of Community Services; Community Services Block Grant 
Training and Technical Assistance Program: Special State Technical 
Assistance

    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OCS-EZ-0026.
    CFDA Number: 93.569.
    Due Date for Applications: Application is due June 27, 2005.
    Executive Summary: The Office of Community Services (OCS) within 
the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announces that 
competing applications will be accepted for a new grant pursuant to the 
Secretary's authority under section 674(b) of the Community Services 
Block Grant (CSBG) Act, as amended, by the Community Opportunities, 
Accountability, and Training and Educational Services (COATES) Human 
Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285).
    The proposed grant program, the Special State Technical Assistance 
Program,will fund 12 to 15 State CSBG Lead Agenciesand/or State 
Community Action Associations to develop and support interventions in 
cases where an eligible entity is in a crisis situation.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Under sections 674(b)(2)(B) and 678A, funds may be used by the 
Secretary to assist States in carrying out corrective action activities 
of the CSBG and monitoring to correct programmatic deficiencies of 
eligible entities. States are required to determine whether eligible 
entities meet the performance goals, administrative standards, 
financial management obligations and other requirements of the State. 
The CSBG legislation mandates that States offer to eligible entities 
training and technical assistance (T&TA), as appropriate, prior to any 
termination procedures. It also requires States to carry out corrective 
activities and to monitor all eligible entities at least every three 
years.
    The CSBG Act requires States to conduct regular, on-site reviews of 
eligible entities. When a State determines that an eligible entity has 
a deficiency that must be corrected, the CSBG legislation mandates that 
the State offer an eligible entity T&TA, if appropriate, to help 
correct such a deficiency. A State may support this T&TA with the CSBG 
funds remaining after it has made grants to eligible entities. However, 
OCS recognizes that, in some instances, the problem to be addressed may 
be of such a complex or pervasive nature that it cannot be adequately 
addressed with the resources available to the State CSBG Administrator.
    In addition to the standard procedures outlined above, H.R. Rep. 
108-636 (September 7, 2004) makes the following recommendation:''The 
Committee further encourages Training and Technical Assistance funding 
appropriated for fiscal year 2005 to be used for activities to carry 
out corrective action and monitoring activities (including the 
development of reporting systems and electronic data systems) to assist 
States in continuing to improve their local programs.''

Definitions of Terms

    The following definitions apply:
    Community Action Agency (CAA)--refers to local-level organizations 
that are Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Eligible Entities 
(Section 673(1)A))--the term ``eligible entity'' means an entity that 
is an eligible entity described in Section 673(1)(a) of the CSBG Act. 
They provide a number of types of assistance with the goals of reducing 
poverty and enabling low-income families to become economically self-
sufficient.
    Community Services Network--refers to the various organizations 
involved in planning and implementing programs funded through the CSBG 
or providing training, technical assistance or support to them. The 
network includes local CAAs and other eligible entities; State CSBG 
offices and their national association; CAA State, regional and 
national associations; and related organizations that collaborate and 
participate with CAAs and other eligible entities in their efforts on 
behalf of low-income people.
    Cooperative Agreement--an award instrument of financial assistance 
when substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding 
office, (the Federal government) and the recipient during performance 
of the contemplated project. Substantial involvement may include 
collaboration or participation by OCS staff in activities specified in 
the award and, as appropriate, decision-making at specified milestones 
related to performance. The involvement may range from joint conduct of 
a project to OCS approval prior to the recipient's undertaking the next 
phase in a project.
    Eligible Entities--(Section 673(1)(A))--an eligible entity as 
described in section 673(1)(A) of the CSBG Act (as in effect on the day 
before the date of enactment of the COATES Human Services 
Reauthorization Act of 1998) or is designated by the process described 
in section 676A (including an organization serving migrant or seasonal 
farmworkers that is so described or designated) and has a tripartite 
board (Section 676B of the CSBG Act) or other mechanism described in 
the CSBG Act.


    Special Note: Under the Act, CAAs are eligible entities; however 
not all eligible entities are CAAs. Throughout this announcement, 
the reference is to organizations defined in section 673(1)(A) of 
the CSBG Act whenever CAAs are mentioned.


    Nationwide--refers to the scope of the technical assistance, 
training, data collection, or other capacity-building projects to be 
undertaken with grant funds. Nationwide projects must provide for the 
implementation of technical assistance, training or data collection for 
all or a significant number of States, and the CAAs and other local 
service providers who administer CSBG funds.
    Non-profit Organization--refers to an organization, including 
faith-based or community-based, which meets the requirement for proof 
of non-profit status in the ``Additional Information on Eligibility'' 
section of this announcement and has demonstrated experience in 
providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of 
effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and 
communities.
    Outcome Measures--are indicators that focus on the direct results 
one wants to have on customers and on communities.
    Performance Measurement--is a tool used to assess how a program is 
accomplishing its mission through the delivery of products, services 
and activities.
    Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) System--ROMA 
is a system that provides a framework for focusing on results for local 
agencies funded by the CSBG Program. It involves setting goals and 
strategies and developing plans and techniques that focus on a result-
oriented performance based model for management.
    State--means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Except

[[Page 25085]]

where specifically noted, for purposes of this program announcement, it 
also includes Territories as defined below.
    Technical assistance--is an activity, generally utilizing the 
services of an expert (often a peer), aimed at enhancing capacity, 
improving programs and systems, or solving specific problems. Such 
services may be provided proactively to improve systems or as an 
intervention to solve specific problems.
    Territories--refers to Guam, American Samoa, the United States 
Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    Training--is an educational activity or event that is designed to 
impart knowledge, understanding or increase the development of skills. 
Such training activities may be in the form of assembled events such as 
workshops, seminars, conferences or programs of self-instructional 
activities.

Program Purpose, Scope and Focus

    The purpose of this program priority area is to improve the 
capacity of States in carrying out corrective action activities and 
monitoring to correct programmatic deficiencies of eligible entities. 
The grant will support interventions in cases where an eligible entity 
is in a crisis situation. It will preclude the need for termination 
hearings and proceedings by stabilizing eligible entities in crises and 
correcting programmatic deficiencies, if possible.

Program Statutes

    Section 319 of Public Law 101-121, signed into law on October 23, 
1989, imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and 
certification related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, 
grants, cooperative agreements, and loans. It provides exemptions for 
Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Current and prospective 
recipients (and their sub-tier contractors and/or grantees) are 
prohibited from using Federal funds, other than profits from a Federal 
contract, for lobbying Congress or any Federal agency in connection 
with the award of a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or loan. In 
addition, for each award action in excess of $100,000 (or $150,000 for 
loans) the law requires recipients and their sub-tier contractors and/
or sub-grantees (1) to certify that they have neither used nor will use 
any appropriated funds for payment to lobbyists, (2) to disclose the 
name, address, payment details, and purpose of any agreements with 
lobbyists whom recipients or their sub-tier contractors or sub-grantee 
will pay with profits or non-appropriated funds on or after December 
22, 1989, and (3) to file quarterly updates about the use of lobbyists 
if material changes occur in their use. The law establishes civil 
penalties for noncompliance. Required Certification and Disclosure 
forms to be submitted with your application are attached.
    Public Law 103-227, Part C. Environmental Tobacco Smoke, also known 
as the Pro-Children Act of 1994 (Act), requires that smoking not be 
permitted in any portion of any indoor facility owned or leased or 
contracted for by an entity and used routinely or regularly for the 
provision of health, day care, education, or library services to 
children under the age of 18, if the services are funded by Federal 
programs either directly or through States and local government by 
Federal grant, contract, loan or loan guarantee. The law does not apply 
to facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, and portions 
of facilities used for in-patient drug or alcohol treatment. Failure to 
comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a 
civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per day and/or the imposition of 
an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity.
    By signing and submitting this application the applicant certifies 
that s/he will comply with the requirement of the Act. The applicant/
grantee further agrees that it will require the language of this 
certification be included in any sub-awards, which contain provisions 
for children's services and that all sub-grantees shall certify 
accordingly.

Priority Area 1

Special State Technical Assistance Program
    1. Description: The purpose of this program priority area is to 
improve the capacity of States in carrying out corrective action 
activities and monitoring to correct programmatic deficiencies of 
eligible entities. The grant will support interventions in cases where 
a CSBG eligible entity is in a crisis situation. It will preclude the 
need for termination hearings and proceedings by stabilizing eligible 
entities in crises and correcting programmatic deficiencies, if 
possible.
    The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration 
for Children and Families (ACF) announces that competing applications 
will be accepted for a new grant pursuant to the Secretary's authority 
under section 674(b) of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act, 
as amended, by the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and 
Training and Educational Services (COATES) Human Services 
Reauthorization Act of 1998, (Pub. L. 105-285). The proposed grant 
program, the Special State Technical Assistance Program, will fund 12 
to 15 State CSBG Lead Agencies and/or State Community Action 
Associations to develop and support interventions in cases where an 
eligible entity is in a crisis situation.
    Under sections 674(b)(2)(B) and 678A, funds may be used by the 
Secretary to assist States in carrying out corrective action activities 
of the CSBG and monitoring to correct programmatic deficiencies of 
eligible entities. States are required to determine whether eligible 
entities meet the performance goals, administrative standards, 
financial management obligations and other requirements of the State. 
The CSBG legislation mandates that States offer to eligible entities 
training and technical assistance (T&TA), if appropriate, prior to any 
termination procedures. It also requires States to carry out corrective 
activities and to monitor all eligible entities at least every three 
years.
    The CSBG Act requires States to conduct regular, on-site reviews of 
eligible entities. When a State determines that an eligible entity has 
a deficiency that must be corrected, the CSBG legislation mandates that 
the State offer an eligible entity training and technical assistance 
(T&TA), if appropriate, to help correct such a deficiency. A State may 
support this T&TA with the CSBG funds remaining after it has made 
grants to eligible entities. However, OCS recognizes that, in some 
instances, the problem to be addressed may be of such a complex or 
pervasive nature that it cannot be adequately addressed with the 
resources available to the State CSBG Administrator.
    In addition to the standard procedures outlined above, the H.R. 
Rep. 108-636 (September 7, 2004) makes the following 
recommendation:''The Committee further encourages Training and 
Technical Assistance funding appropriated for fiscal year 2005 to be 
used for activities to carry out corrective action and monitoring 
activities (including the development of reporting systems and 
electronic data systems) to assist States in continuing to improve 
their local programs.''

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $500,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 12 to 15.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards per Project Period: $50,000.

[[Page 25086]]

    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards Per Project Period: $10,000.
    Average Projected Award Amount Per Project Period: $33,000.
    Length of Project Periods: 12 month project and budget period.

    Note: The Fiscal Year 2006 President's Budget does not include 
or propose funding for the CSBG program.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    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: Community Services Block 
Grant eligible entities, State Community Action Associations, for-
profit organizations, non-profit organizations having 501(c)(3) status, 
and non-profit organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status. Faith-
based organizations are eligible to apply.
    As prescribed by the Community Services Block Grant Act (Pub. L. 
105-285, section 678A(c)(2)), eligible applicants are eligible entities 
or statewide or local organizations, or associations with demonstrated 
expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations on 
methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and 
communities.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    None.

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 eligible for funding under this 
announcement.
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

    Dr. Margaret Washnitzer, Office of Community Services Operations 
Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209. Phone: 800-
281-9519. E-mail: [email protected].

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Each application must include the following components:
    Table of Contents:
    a. Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed 250 
words that would be suitable for use in an announcement that the 
application has been selected for a grant award and which identifies 
the type of project, the target population and the major elements of 
the work plan.
    b. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an official 
of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to 
obligate the organization legally.
    c. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non-Construction 
Programs.
    d. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category 
required under section B, Standard Form 424A.
    Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described in 
the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and Selection 
Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
    Application Format: Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 
11 inch paper only. Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials. 
Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional 
materials, slides, films, clips, etc. The font size may be no smaller 
than 12 pitch and the margins must be at least one inch on all sides. 
Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package, 
beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one. 
Please present application materials either in loose-leaf notebooks or 
in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center and fastened 
separately with a slide paper fastener.
    Page Limitation: The application package including sections for the 
Table of Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives must 
not exceed 65 pages. The page limitation does not include the following 
attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also 
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this 
announcement.
    Required Standard Forms: Applicants must provide a Certification 
Regarding Lobbying. Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, 
applicants shall furnish an executed copy of the lobbying 
certification. Applicants must sign and return the certification with 
their applications.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with

[[Page 25087]]

the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as outlined in 
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke. By signing and 
submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification 
and need not mail back a certification form.
    Additional requirements: The application must contain a signed 
Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance ``SF-424'', a 
Standard Form 424-A Budget Information ``SF-424A'' and signed Standard 
Form 424B Assurance--Non-Construction Programs ``SF-424B'' completed 
according to instructions provided in this Program Announcement. The 
forms SF-424 and the SF-424B must be signed by an official of the 
organization applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the 
organization legally. The applicant's legal name as required on the SF-
424 (Item 5) must match that listed as corresponding to the Employer 
Identification Number (Item 6);
    1. The application must include a project narrative that meets 
requirements set forth in this announcement.
    2. The application must contain documentation of the applicant's 
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Funding Opportunity 
Description'' section of this announcement.
    Project summary abstract: Provide a one page (or less) summary of 
the project description with reference to the funding request.
    Full project description requirements: Describe the project clearly 
in 30 pages or less (not counting supplemental documentation, letters 
of support or agreements) using the following outline and guidelines. 
Applicants are required to submit a full project description and must 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions. The pages of the project description must be 
numbered and are limited to 30 typed pages starting on page one of 
``Objectives and Need of Assistance''. The description must be doubled-
spaced, printed on only one side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins. 
Pages over the limit will be removed from the competition and will not 
be reviewed.
    The maximum number of pages for supplemental documentation is 10 
pages. The supplemental documentation, subject to the 10-page limit, 
must be numbered and might include brief resumes, position 
descriptions, proof of non-profit status (if applicable), news 
clippings, press releases, etc.
    Supplemental documentation over the 10-page limit will not be 
reviewed. Applicants must include letters of support or agreement, if 
appropriate or applicable, in reference to the project description. 
Letters of support are not counted as part of the 30-page project 
description limit or the 10-page supplemental documentation limit.
    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.
     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.
    An original and two copies of the complete application are 
required. 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

[[Page 25088]]

Public Law 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known 
as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice 
which implements the smoking prohibition is included with forms. By 
signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification with the 
application.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By 
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete 
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances 
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications 
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    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

    Explanation of Due Dates: The closing date for submission of 
applications is referenced above in the Due Date for Applications 
field. Mailed applications postmarked after the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are either received on or before the 
deadline date or sent on or before the deadline date and received by 
ACF in time for the independent review referenced in Section IV.6.
    Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service 
postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial 
mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the 
application(s). To be acceptable as a proof of timely mailing, a 
postmark from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of 
the commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the 
package was received by the commercial mail service company from the 
applicant. Private Metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof 
of timely mailing. (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight 
mail services do not always deliver as agreed.)
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by 
other representatives of the applicant 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). Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax. 
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 not 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 Grants.gov.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late 
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current 
competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare 
cases. Determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rest 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Abstract...............  See Sections IV.2   Found in Sections IV.2   By application due date.
                                  and V.              and V.
Project Description............  See Sections IV.2   Found in Sections IV.2   By application due date.
                                  and V.              and V.
Budget Narrative/Justification.  See Sections IV.2   Found in Sections IV.2   By application due date.
                                  and V.              and V.
SF424..........................  See Section IV.2..  See http://              By application due date.
                                                      www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                      programs/ofs/forms.htm.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding   See Section IV.2..  See http://              By application due date.
 Lobbying.                                            www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                      programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Certification Regarding          See Section IV.2..  See http://              By application due date.
 Environmental Tobacco Smoke.                         www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                      programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Assurances.....................  See Section IV.2..  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/  By application due date.
                                                      programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Table of Contents..............  See Section IV.2..  Found in Section IV.2..  By application due date.
SF424A.........................  See Section IV.2..  See http://              By application due date.
                                                      www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                                      programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Support Letters................  See Section IV.2..  .......................  By application due date.
Project Narrative..............  See Section IV....  Found in Section IV....  By application due 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: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

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


[[Page 25089]]

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

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an 
explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: Department 
of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) Operations Center, 
Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, 
Arlington, VA 22209.
    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: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community 
Services (OCS) Operations Center, Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson, 
1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209.
    Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov. Please see Section 
IV.2 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 10 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

[[Page 25090]]

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.
    Explain how the project will assist the CSBG eligible entity in 
correcting programmatic deficiencies and stabilizing program 
operations.
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, define the 
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being 
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and 
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's 
effectiveness.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the 
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit 
status in its application.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A 
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal 
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate; (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State 
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that 
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the 
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a 
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or 
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status; (e) any of 
the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization 
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant 
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Third-Party Agreements
    Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and 
subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These 
agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules, 
remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define 
the relationship.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations 
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. 
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit 
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the 
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding 
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
    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 30 Points
    Factors: The work program is results-oriented and appropriately 
related to the CSBG legislative mandate. The extent to which the 
applicant describes how it will involve the local CAA Board of 
Directors and other partners in the community in its activities. The 
extent to which the applicant addresses:

[[Page 25091]]

specific outcomes to be achieved; performance targets which the project 
is committed to achieving; critical milestones, which must be achieved 
if results are to be gained; and organizational support; the level of 
support including the priority this project has for the agency.
Objectives and Need for Assistance 25 Points
    Factors: The applicant documents that the project addresses vital 
needs related to the purposes stated and discussed under this 
announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected 20 Points
    Factor: The extent to which the applicant adequately describes how 
the project will assure long-term program and management improvements 
that will aid in removal from the ``at risk category.''
Organizational Profiles 20 Points
    Factors: The applicant fully describes, for example in a resume, 
the experience and skills of the proposed resources of technical 
assistance showing specific qualifications including how the CSBG 
eligible entities will be monitored for a specified period of time 
following the corrective action to assure long-term program and 
management improvements that will aid the organization from being in 
the ``at-risk category'' again.
Budget and Budget Justification 5 Points
    Factors: (a) The extent to which the resources requested are 
reasonable and adequate to accomplish the project. (0-3 points)
    (b) The extent to which total costs are reasonable and consistent 
with anticipated results. (0-2 points)

2. Review and Selection Process

    No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of 
an incomplete application.
    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

    In cases where more applications are approved for funding than ACF 
can fund with the money available, the Grants Officer shall fund 
applications in their order of approval until funds run out. In this 
case, ACF has the option of carrying over the approved applications up 
to a year for funding consideration in a later competition of the same 
program. These applications need not be reviewed and scored again if 
the program's evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must 
then be placed in rank order along with other applications in later 
competition.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

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

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) and 45 CFR Part 1050.

3. Reporting Requirements

    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.
    Program Progress Reports: Semi-Annually.
    Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact

    Dr. Margaret Washnitzer, Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of 
Community Services Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, 
Arlington, VA 22209. Phone: 800-281-9519. E-mail: 
[email protected].

Grants Management Office Contact

    Barbara Ziegler-Johnson, Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of 
Community Services Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, 
Arlington, VA 22209. Phone: 800-281-9519. E-mail: 
[email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    The FY 2006 President's budget does not include or propose funding 
for the community Services Block Grant Training and Technical 
Assistance Program. Future funding is based on the availability of 
Federal funds.
    Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under the 
Administration for Children and Families programs 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 Charitable Choice Provisions Applicable to Programs Authorized 
under the Community Services Block Grant Act can be found at either 45 
CFR Part 1050 or the HHS Web site at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.
    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.
    Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received 
applications.

    Dated: May 5, 2005.
Josephine B. Robinson,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 05-9427 Filed 5-11-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P