[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 102 (Friday, May 27, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30738-30751]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-10661]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration for Native Americans; Funding Opportunity

    Funding Opportunity Title: Projects that Improve Child Well-Being 
by Fostering Healthy Marriages within Native Communities.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ANA-NA-0021.
    CFDA Number: 93.612.
    Due Date for Applications: 07/8/2005.
    Executive Summary: The Administration for Native Americans, within 
the Administration for Children and Families, announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2005 funds for projects that include 
approaches to improve child well-being by removing barriers associated 
with forming and sustaining healthy families and marriages in Native 
American communities. The Administration for Native Americans (ANA's) 
FY 2005 goals and program areas of interest are focused on 
strengthening children, families, and communities through financial 
assistance to community-based organizations including faith-based 
organizations, Tribes, and Village governments.
    The Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers 
supportive to Native American communities. Eligibility for funding is 
restricted to projects of the type listed in this program announcement 
and these Program Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees as 
particularly beneficial to the development of healthy Native American 
communities. The primary objectives of these projects are pre-marital 
education, marriage education and relationship skills for youth, 
adults, and couples. Project components may include but are not limited 
to: Healthy relationship skills, communication skills, conflict 
resolution, foster parenting, marital counseling, abstinence education, 
and fatherhood accountability.
    Financial assistance under this program is provided utilizing a 
competitive process in accordance with the Native American Programs Act 
of 1974, as amended. The purpose of this Act is to promote the goal of 
social self-sufficiency for American Indians, Native Hawaiians, Alaskan 
Natives, and other Native American Pacific Islanders, including 
American Samoa natives.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    This funding announcement seeks to fund projects that offer 
approaches to remove barriers to forming lasting families and healthy 
marriages in Native communities. Such projects shall consider 
activities that provide community supports, relationship skills 
education, and other activities necessary to promote the well-being of 
Native American children and families.
    The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Healthy Marriage 
Initiative (HMI) seeks to improve child well-being by helping those who 
choose marriage for themselves to develop the skills and knowledge 
necessary to form and sustain healthy marriages. Research demonstrates 
the strong correlation between family structure and a family's social 
and economic well-being. More information on the HMI is available at 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/index.html.
    The Native American Healthy Marriage Initiative (NAHMI) is a 
component of the ACF Healthy Marriage Initiative and specifically 
promotes a culturally competent strategy for fostering healthy 
marriage, responsible fatherhood, child well-being, and strengthening 
families within the Native American Community. ANA believes a focused 
strategy is needed to support the Native American Community because:
     There is a perception the Healthy Marriage Initiative has 
not considered the unique experiences of the Native American 
population;
     There is a clear link between healthy marriage and child 
well-being;
     There are crisis-level statistics (e.g. rates of divorce 
and non-married child-bearing).
    [cir] 34.4% of Native-American (NA) adults are married, compared to 
51.3% of white adults, 41% of African Americans, and 60% of Hispanic 
adults (2002).
    [cir] 25.6% of NA couples divorce per year, compared to 20.4% of 
white

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couples, 22.7% of African Americans, and 15.2% of Hispanic couples 
(2002).
    [cir] 58.7% of NA births are to unmarried women, compared to 27.7% 
for white women, 68.4% for African-American women, and 42.5% of 
Hispanic women (2001).
    [cir] 36.6% of NA children live with single parents, compared to 
18.7% of white children, and 32.6% of Hispanic children (2000).
    The NAHMI focused strategy includes three components:
    1. Education and Communication.
    2. Creation and Enhancement of Collaborations and Partnerships.
    3. Identifying Resources.
    NAHMI Goals and Objectives are to:
     Improve the well-being of Native American children.
     Improve the well-being of Native American children living 
in healthy, two-parent married households.
     Improve the number of healthy marriages in the Native 
American community.
     Improve the overall well-being of the Native American 
community.
     Develop and improve the capacity within the Native 
American community to provide healthy marriage activities.
    Projects funded under this announcement will be expected to:
    Provide for the project director and the evaluator to attend an 
early kickoff meeting for grantees funded under this priority area to 
be held within the first three months of the project (first year only) 
in Washington, DC.
    ANA Administrative Policies: Applicants must comply with the 
following ANA Administrative Policies:
     An applicant must provide a 20% non-Federal match of the 
approved project costs. Applications originating from American Samoa, 
Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are covered 
under section 501(d) of Public Law 95-134, as amended (48 U.S.C. 
1469a), under which HHS waives any requirement for matching funds under 
$200,000 (including in-kind contributions).
     An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native Village or 
Native American organization must be from the governing body.
     A non-profit organization submitting an application must 
submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of submission. The 
non-profit organization can accomplish this by providing one of the 
following verifiable documents: (i) A reference to the applicant 
organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most 
recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code; or 
(ii) a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate; or 
(iii) a statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or 
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; or (iv) a certified 
copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar 
document that clearly establishes non-profit status; or (v) any of the 
items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national 
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization 
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate. 
Organizations incorporating in American Samoa are cautioned that the 
Samoan government relies exclusively upon IRS determination of non-
profit status; therefore, articles of incorporation approved by the 
Samoan government do not establish non-profit status for the purpose of 
ANA eligibility.
     If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native 
Village government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans, 
Alaska Natives, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly 
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the 
community to be served. Applicants must provide information that at 
least a majority of the individuals serving on a non-profit applicant's 
board fall into one or more of the following categories: (1) A current 
or past member of the community to be served; (2) a prospective 
participant or beneficiary of the project to be funded; or (3) have a 
cultural relationship with the community be to served.
     Applicants must describe how the proposed project 
objectives and activities relate to a locally determined strategy.
     ANA will review proposed projects to ensure applicants 
have considered all resources available to the community to support the 
project.
     Proposed projects must present a strategy to overcome the 
challenges that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the 
community.
     All funded applications will be reviewed to ensure that 
the applicant has provided a positive statement to give credit to ANA 
on all materials developed using ANA funds.
     ANA will not accept applications from tribal components 
that are tribally authorized divisions unless the ANA application 
includes a tribal resolution.
     ANA will only accept one application per eligible entity. 
The first application received by ANA shall be the application 
considered for competition unless ANA is notified in writing which 
application should be considered for competitive review.
     ANA funds short-term projects not programs. Projects must 
have definitive goals and objectives that will be achieved by the end 
of the project period. All projects funded by ANA must be complete, 
self-sustaining, or supported by other than ANA funding at the end of 
the project period.
     Before funding the second year of a multi-year grant, ANA 
will require verification and support documentation from the grantee 
that objectives and outcomes proposed in the preceding year were 
accomplished, and the non-Federal share requirement has been met.
     ANA reviews the quarterly and annual reports of grantees 
to determine if the grantee is meeting its goals, objectives and 
activities identified in the Objective Work Plan (OWP).
     Applications from National and Regional organizations must 
clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project 
originated, and discuss the community-based delivery strategy of the 
project, identify and describe the intended beneficiaries, describe and 
relate the actual project benefits to the community and organization, 
and describe a community-based delivery system. National and Regional 
organizations must describe their membership, define how the 
organization operates, and demonstrate native community and/or Tribal 
government support for the project. The type of community to be served 
will determine the type of documentation necessary to support the 
project.

Definitions

    Program specific terms and concepts are defined and must be used as 
a guide in writing and submitting the proposed project. The funding for 
allowable projects in this program announcement is based on the 
following definitions:
    Authorized Representative: The person or person(s) authorized by 
Tribal or Organizational resolution to execute documents and other 
actions required by outside agencies.
    Budget Period: The interval of time into which the project period 
is divided for budgetary or funding purposes, and for which a grant is 
made. A budget period usually lasts one year in a multi-year project 
period.
    Community: A group of people residing in the same geographic area 
that can apply their own cultural and socio-economic values in 
implementing ANA's program objectives and goals. In discussing the 
applicant's community, the following information must be provided: (1) 
A description of the

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population segment within the community to be served or impacted; (2) 
the size of the community; (3) geographic description or location, 
including the boundaries of the community; (4) demographic data on the 
target population; and (5) the relationship of the community to any 
larger group or tribe.
    Community Involvement: How the community participated in the 
development of the proposed project, how the community will be involved 
during the project implementation and after the project is completed. 
Evidence of community involvement can include, but is not limited to, 
certified petitions, public meeting minutes, surveys, needs 
assessments, newsletters, special meetings, public Council meetings, 
public committee meetings, public hearings, and annual meetings with 
representatives from the community.
    Completed Project: A project funded by ANA is finished, self-
sustaining, or funded by other than ANA funds, and the results and 
outcomes are achieved by the end of the project period.
    Consortium-Tribal/Village: A group of Tribes or Villages that join 
together either for long-term purposes or for the purpose of an ANA 
project.
    Construction: The initial building of a facility.
    Core Administration: Salaries and other expenses for those 
functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for 
purposes unrelated to the actual management or implementation of the 
ANA project.
    Economic Development: Involves the promotion of the physical, 
commercial, technological, industrial, and/or agricultural capacities 
necessary for a sustainable local community. Economic development 
includes activities and actions that develop sustainable, stable, and 
diversified private sector local economies. For example, initiatives 
that support employment options, business opportunities, development 
and formation of a community's economic infrastructure, laws and 
policies that result in the creation of businesses and employment 
options, and opportunities that provide for the foundation of healthy 
communities and strong families.
    Equipment: Tangible, non-expendable personal property, including 
exempt property, charged directly to the award having a useful life of 
more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. 
However, consistent with recipient policy, lower limits may be 
established.
    Governance: Involves assistance to Tribal and Alaska Native village 
governments to increase their ability to exercise local control and 
decision-making over their resources.
    Impact Indicators: Measurement descriptions used to identify the 
outcomes or results of the project. Outcomes or results must be 
quantifiable, measurable, verifiable and related to the outcome of the 
project to determine that the project has achieved its desired 
objective and can be independently verified through ANA monitoring and 
evaluation.
    In-kind Contributions: In-kind contributions are property or 
services that benefit a federally assisted project which are 
contributed by the grantee, non-Federal third parties without charge to 
the grantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant agreement. Any 
proposed in-kind match must meet the applicable requirements found in 
45 CFR parts 74 and Part 92.
    Letter of Commitment: A third party statement to document the 
intent to provide specific in-kind contributions or cash to support the 
applicant. The Letter of Commitment must state the dollar amount (if 
applicable), the length of time the commitment will be honored, and the 
conditions under which the organization will support the proposed ANA 
project. If a dollar amount is included, the amount must be based on 
market and historical rates charged and paid. The resources to be 
committed may be human, natural, physical, or financial, and may 
include other Federal and non-Federal resources. Statements in an 
application about resources which have been committed to or support a 
proposed ANA project, but not supported with documentation, will be 
disregarded.
    Leveraged Resources: The total dollar value of all non-ANA 
resources that are committed to a proposed ANA project and are 
supported by documentation that exceed the 20% non-Federal match 
required for an ANA grant. Such resources may include any natural, 
financial, and physical resources available within the tribe, 
organization, or community to assist in the successful completion of 
the project. An example would be a letter from an organization that 
agrees to provide a supportive action, product, and service, human or 
financial contribution that will add to the potential success of the 
project.
    Minor Renovation or Alteration: Work required to change the 
interior arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing 
facility, or install equipment so that it may be more effectively used 
for the project. Minor alteration and renovation may include work 
referred to as improvements, conversion, rehabilitation, remodeling, or 
modernization, but is distinguished from construction and major 
renovations. A minor alteration and or renovation must be incidental 
and essential for the project (``incidental'' meaning the total 
alteration and renovation budget must not exceed the lesser of $150,000 
or 25 percent of total direct costs approved for the entire project 
period.).
    Multi-purpose Organization: A community-based corporation whose 
charter specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors 
and/or officers of the organization through an elective procedure and 
that the organization functions in several different areas of concern 
to the members of the local Native American community. These areas are 
specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization. 
They may include, but need not be limited to, economic, artistic, 
cultural, and recreational activities, and the delivery of human 
services such as day care, education, and training.
    Multi-year Project: Encompasses a single theme and requires more 
than 12 or 17 months and up to 24 or 36 months to complete. A multi-
year project affords the applicant an opportunity to develop and 
address more complex and in-depth strategies that cannot be completed 
in one year. A multi-year project is a series of related objectives 
with activities presented in chronological order over a two or three-
year period.
    Objective(s): Specific outcomes or results to be achieved within 
the proposed project period that are specified in the Objective Work 
Plan. Completion of objectives must result in specific, measurable 
outcomes that would benefit the community and directly contribute to 
the achievement of the stated community goals. Applicants should relate 
their proposed project objectives to outcomes that support the 
community's long-range goals. Objectives are an important component of 
Criterion III and are the foundation for the Objective Work Plans.
    Objective Work Plan (OWP): The project plan the applicant will use 
in meeting the results and benefits expected for the project. The 
results and benefits are directly related to the Impact Indicators. The 
OWP provides detailed descriptions of how, when, where, by whom and why 
activities are proposed for the project and is complemented and 
condensed in the Objective Work Plan. ANA will require separate OWPs 
for each year of the project (Form OMB 0980-0204 exp 10/31/
2006).
    Partnerships: Agreements between two or more parties that will 
support the

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development and implementation of the proposed project. Partnerships 
include other community-based organizations or associations including 
faith-based organizations, Tribes, Federal and State agencies, and 
private or non-profit organizations.
    Real Property: Land, including land improvements, structures, and 
appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
    Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed and 
dated Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing 
body) in support of the project for the entire project period. The 
Resolution must indicate who is authorized to sign documents and 
negotiate on behalf of the Tribe or organization. The Resolution must 
indicate that the community was involved in the project planning 
process, and indicate the specific dollar amount of any eligible 
matching funds (if applicable).
    Sustainable Project: A sustainable project is an ongoing program or 
service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds.
    Self-Sufficiency: The ability to generate resources to meet a 
community's needs in a sustainable manner. A community's progress 
toward self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and 
direct resources in a comprehensive manner that is consistent with its 
established long-range goals. For a community to be self-sufficient, it 
must have local access to, control of, and coordination of services and 
programs that safeguard the health, well-being, and culture of the 
people that reside and work in the community.
    Social Development: Investment in human and social capital for 
advancing the well-being of members of the Native American community 
served. Social development is the action taken to support the health, 
education, culture, and employment options that expand an individual's 
capabilities and opportunities, and that promote social inclusion and 
combat social ills.
    Total Approved Project Costs: The sum of the Federal request plus 
the non-Federal share.

Priority Area 1

Projects That Improve Child Well-Being by Fostering Healthy Marriage 
Within Native Communities

    Description:
    Program Areas of Interest are:
     Projects that implement and test new, unique or 
distinctive approaches for delivering services to a specific 
population.
     Projects that test whether a program or service that has 
proven successful in one location or setting can work in a different 
context.
     Projects that test a theory, idea, or method that reflects 
a new and different way of thinking about service delivery.
    ACF strongly encourages applicants to consult their local domestic 
violence coalition to learn more about the information and services 
they provide to the community.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,000,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 5 to 8.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $150,000.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $50,000.
    Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period: $125,000.
    Length of Project Periods: 36 month project with three 12 month 
budget periods.
    Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for competition.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Native 
American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal 
governments);
    Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education;
    Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other 
than institutions of higher education.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: An applicant must be one of 
the following to be eligible under this announcement:
     Federally recognized Indian Tribes;
     Consortia of Indian Tribes;
     Incorporated non-Federally recognized Tribes:
     Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based 
Indian organizations;
     Urban Indian Centers;
     National or regional incorporated non-profit Native 
American organizations with Native American community-specific 
objectives;
     Alaska Native villages, as defined in the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or non-profit village consortia;
     Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-purpose 
community-based organizations;
     Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/
Associations in Alaska with village specific projects;
     Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with village 
specific projects;
     Public and non-profit private agencies serving Native 
Hawaiians;
     Public and non-profit private agencies serving native 
peoples from Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands (the populations served may be located on these islands 
or in the United States);
     Tribally-controlled Community Colleges, Tribally-
controlled Post-Secondary Vocational Institutions, and colleges and 
universities located in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa or the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands which serve Native Pacific 
Islanders; and
     Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or Tribal 
governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or Traditional Councils) as 
recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

Yes
    Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project 
costs, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 2991(b)(3)(e)(1). Grantees must 
provide at least 20% 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 
$125,000, requesting $100,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal 
share of at least $25,000 (20% of total approved project cost of 
$125,000.) 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

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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.
    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.
    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.
    Applications that do not include a current signed and dated 
Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing body) 
in support of the project for the entire project period will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be considered for competition. 
[See Section I. Funding Opportunity Description--Definitions, for 
information on resolutions]
    Applications, if the applicant is other than a Tribe or Alaska 
Native Village government, that do not include proof that a majority of 
the governing board of directors is representative of the community to 
be served, will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered 
for competition.
    Please see Section III.2 Other, concerning requirements for the 
cost matching which do not impact the responsiveness of an application 
for competitive review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    To learn more about ANA and receive information about Training and 
Technical Assistance (T/TA) contact:
    Region I: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, 
MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, 
TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV. Native American Management Services, Inc., 6858 
Old Dominion Drive, Suite 302, McLean, VA 22101, Phone: 888-221-9686, 
Fax: 703-821-3680, Rondelle Clay, Project Manager; Email: 
[email protected]; URL: http://www.anaeastern.org.
    Region II: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY. ACKCO, Inc., 
1326 N. Central, Suite 208, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, Toll Free: 800-525-
2859, Direct: 602-253-9211, Fax: 602-253-9135, Theron Wauneka, Project 
Manager; Email: [email protected]; URL: http://www.anawestern.org.
    Region III: Alaska. Native American Management Services, Inc., 
11723 Old Glenn Highway, Suite 201, Eagle River, Alaska 99577, Toll 
Free: 877-770-6230, Direct: 907-694-5711, Fax: 907-694-5775, P.J. Bell, 
Project Manager; Email: [email protected]; URL: http://www.anaalaska.org.
    Region IV: American Samoa (AS), Guam, Hawaii (HI), Commonwealth of 
Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Council for Native Hawaiian 
Advancement, 33 South King Street, Suite 513, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, 
Toll-Free: 800-709-2642, Local: 808-521-5011, Fax: 808-521-4111, Lilia 
Kapuniai, Vice President, Community Development; E-Mail: 
[email protected]; URL: http://www.anapacific.org.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

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

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pace of the application review and evaluation process, ANA strongly 
recommends applicants organize, label, and insert required information 
in accordance with Part One, Part Two and Part Three as presented in 
the table below. ANA strongly suggests applicants label the application 
for ease of reviewing. The application must begin with the information 
requested in Part One of the chart in the prescribed order. Utilizing 
this format will insure all information submitted to support an 
applicant's request for funding is thoroughly reviewed. Submitting 
information in this format will assist the panel reviewer in locating 
and evaluating the information. Deviation from this suggested format 
will reduce the applicant's ability to receive maximum points, which 
are directly related to ANA's funding review decisions.
    ANA Application Format: ANA requires all applications to be labeled 
in compliance with the format provided in the program announcement. 
This format applies to all applicants submitting applications for 
funding. All pages submitted (including Government Forms, 
certifications and assurances) must be numbered consecutively (for 
example, the first page of the application is the SF 424 and must be 
labeled as page one). The paper size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, line 
spacing shall be a space and a half (1.5 line spacing), printed only on 
one side, and have a half-inch margin on all sides of the paper. (Note: 
the 1.5 line spacing does not apply to the Project Abstract Form, 
Appendices, the Table of Contents, the Objective Work Plans, and the 
Budget.) The font size shall be 12-point and the font type shall be 
Times New Roman.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Standard Forms and Certifications: The project description should 
include all the information requirements described in the specific 
evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section 
V Application Review Information. In addition to the project 
description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms 
required for making applications for awards under this announcement.
    Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement 
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal 
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be 
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and 
return the standard forms with their application.
    Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the 
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for 
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal 
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance 
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if 
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must 
sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for 
the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, Title XII 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A 
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking 
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the 
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not 
mail back the certification with the application.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By 
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete 
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances 
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications 
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    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 Applications: 7/8/2005.
    Explanation of Due Dates: The closing date for receipt of 
applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. 
eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.
    Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date 
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring 
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of 
the application due date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section 
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. 
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted 
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
    Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be 
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier 
services, or by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an 
electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via 
http://www.Grants.gov.
    Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above 
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant 
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
    Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two 
working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications. 
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare 
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests 
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
    Checklist: You may use the checklist below as a guide when 
preparing your application package.

[[Page 30744]]



                                                  Part One.--Federal Forms and Other Required Documents
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What to submit                      Required content             Required form or format                     When to submit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents....................  See Section IV...................  Applicant must include a      By application due date.
                                                                           table of contents that
                                                                           accurately identifies the
                                                                           page number and where the
                                                                           information can be located.
                                                                           Table of Contents does not
                                                                           count against application
                                                                           page limit.
SF424................................  See Section IV...................  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/       By application due date.
                                                                           programs/ofs/forms.htm.
SF424A...............................  See Section IV...................  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/       By application due date.
                                                                           programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Assurances and Certifications........  See Section IV...................  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/       By award date.
                                                                           programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Indirect Cost Agreement..............  See Section V....................  Organizations and Tribes      By award date.
                                                                           must submit a current
                                                                           indirect cost agreement (if
                                                                           claiming indirect costs)
                                                                           that aligns with the
                                                                           approved ANA project
                                                                           period. The Indirect Cost
                                                                           Agreement must identify the
                                                                           individual components and
                                                                           percentages that make up
                                                                           the indirect cost rate.
Proof of Non-Profit Status...........  See Section III..................  As described in this          By award date.
                                                                           announcement under Section
                                                                           III ``Additional
                                                                           Information on
                                                                           Eligibility''.
Resolution...........................  See Section I....................  Information for submission    By application due date.
                                                                           can be found in the Program
                                                                           Announcement Section I,
                                                                           ``Definitions''.
Board of Directors Documentation.....  See Section I....................  As described in this          By application due date.
                                                                           announcement under Section
                                                                           I ``ANA Administrative
                                                                           Policies''.
Audit Letter.........................  See Section I....................  A Certified Public            By application due date.
                                                                           Accountant's ``Independent
                                                                           Auditors' Report on
                                                                           Financial Statement.'' This
                                                                           is usually only a two to
                                                                           three page document. (This
                                                                           requirement applies only to
                                                                           applicants with annual
                                                                           expenditures of $500,000 or
                                                                           more of Federal funds).
                                                                           Applicant must also include
                                                                           that portion of the audit
                                                                           document that identifies
                                                                           all other Federal sources
                                                                           of funding entitled
                                                                           ``Supplemental Schedule of
                                                                           Expenditures of Federal
                                                                           Awards''.
Non-Federal Share of Waiver Request,   See Section I....................  A request for a waiver of     By award date.
 per CFR 1336.50(b).                                                       the non-Federal share
                                                                           requirement may be
                                                                           submitted in accordance
                                                                           with 45 CFR 1336.50(b)(3)
                                                                           of the Native American
                                                                           Program regulations. (if
                                                                           applicable).
Certification regarding Maintenance    See Section IV.2.................  May be found at http://       By award date.
 of Effort.                                                                www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
                                                                           ofs/forms.htm.
Certification regarding Lobbying       See Section IV.2.................  May be found at http://       By award date.
 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities--                                       www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
 SF LLL.                                                                   ofs/forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke            See Section IV.2.................  May be found at http://       By award date.
 Certification.                                                            www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
                                                                           ofs/forms.htm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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


[[Page 30745]]


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

Additional Forms

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

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

4. Intergovernmental Review

    This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' or 45 CFR Part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities''.

5. Funding Restrictions

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

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an 
explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: Tim 
Chappelle, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of 
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., Washington, DC 20447.
    Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application 
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two 
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30 
p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are 
hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications

[[Page 30746]]

should be delivered to: Tim Chappelle, U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Grants Management--Discretionary Grants, ACF Mail Room, Second Floor 
Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street SW., Washington, DC 20447.

V. Application Review Information

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

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 20 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information.
    The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.

1. Criteria

    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. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or 
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of 
accomplishments and their target dates.
    If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will work on the project, along with a short 
description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
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

[[Page 30747]]

immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a 
statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant 
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations 
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. 
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit 
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the 
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding 
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
General
    Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget 
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed 
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. ``Federal 
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. 
``Non-Federal resources'' are all other Federal and non-Federal 
resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be 
presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories; 
second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), 
and last column, total budget. The budget justification should be a 
narrative.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel 
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to 
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
    Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.)
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the 
equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports 
the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts 
(if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant.
    Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will 
be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, 
open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than 
States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any 
anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without 
competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 
U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).
    Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award 
review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or 
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

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

Other
    Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable 
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food, 
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs, 
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use, 
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs, 
and administrative costs.
    Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a 
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
    Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should 
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate 
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or 
another cognizant Federal agency.
    Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the 
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the 
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or 
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it 
should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal 
based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with 
the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, 
and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of 
their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an 
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect 
cost pool

[[Page 30748]]

should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the 
applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under 
the program, the authorized representative of the applicant 
organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is 
accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Program Income
    Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be 
generated from this project.
    Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of 
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application 
which contain this information.
Non-Federal Resources
    Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to 
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be 
documented and submitted with the application so the applicant is given 
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for 
each funding source.
    Evaluation Criteria: The following evaluation criteria appear in 
weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the 
relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; 
however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely 
according to the order presented. Application components may be 
organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and 
logical flow of information (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--25 Points
    Project Approach: The applicant's narrative must be clear and 
concise. The narrative must include a detailed project description with 
goals and objectives. It must discuss the project strategy and 
implementation plan over the project period. The applicant must use the 
Objective Work Plan (OWP) form to identify the project objectives, time 
frames, proposed activities, results and benefits expected and criteria 
for evaluating results and benefits, as well as the individuals 
responsible for completing the objectives and performing the 
activities. Within the results and benefits section of the OWP, the 
applicant must provide quantitative quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity. The 
extent to which the applicant can effectively demonstrate that they 
have adequate knowledge of the information and services provided by 
domestic violence coalitions within their community.
    The applicant must also include the names and activities of any 
organizations, consultants, or other key individuals who will 
contribute to the project, utilizing the column for Non-Salaried 
Personnel to list the hours incurred for these activities. The 
applicant must discuss ``Leveraged Resources'' (see Definitions) used 
to strengthen and broaden the impact of the proposed project. The 
applicant must discuss how commitments and contributions from other 
entities will enhance the project. Applicants must discuss the 
relationship of non-ANA funded activities to those objectives and 
activities that will be funded with ANA grant funds.
Objectives and Need for Assistance--20 Points
    Need for Assistance: Applicant must show a clear relationship 
between the proposed project, the social and economic development 
strategy, and the community's long-range goals. The need for assistance 
must clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
governmental, and institutional challenges and problem(s) requiring a 
solution that supports the funding request. Describe the community (see 
Definitions) to be affected by the project and the community 
involvement in the project. The applicant must describe the community's 
long-range goals, the community planning process, and how the project 
supports the community goals. The applicant must describe how the 
proposed goals, objectives, and activities reflect either the economic 
and social development or governance needs of the local community. 
Discuss the geographic location of the project and where the project 
and grant will be administered. Applicant must describe how the 
proposed project objectives and activities relate to a locally 
determined strategy.
    The applicant must provide documentation of the community's support 
for the proposed project. Applications from National and Regional 
organizations must clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain 
how the project originated, identify the intended beneficiaries, 
describe and relate the actual project benefits to the community and 
organization, and describe a community-based project delivery strategy. 
National and Regional organizations must also identify their membership 
and specifically discuss how the organization operates and impacts 
Native American people and communities. Proposed project objectives 
support the identified need and must be measurable.
Budget and Budget Justification--15 Points
    Budget and Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness: An applicant 
must submit an itemized budget detailing the applicant's Federal and 
non-Federal share and cite source(s) of funding. The applicant must 
provide a detailed line-item Federal and Non-Federal share budget by 
year for each year of project funds requested. A budget justification 
narrative to support the line-item budget request must be included for 
each year of project funds requested. The budget must include a line-
item justification for each Object Class Category listed under Section 
B ``Budget Categories'' of the SF 424 A ``Budget Information-Non 
Construction Programs'' form. The line-item budget and budget 
justification narrative must include the necessary details to 
facilitate the determination of allowable costs and the relevance of 
these costs to the proposed project.
    The non-Federal budget share must identify the source and be 
supported by letters of commitment (see Definitions). Letters of 
commitment are binding when they specifically state the nature, the 
amount, and conditions under which another agency or organization or 
individual will support a project. These resources may be human, 
natural, or financial, and may include other Federal and non-Federal 
resources. Statements that additional funding will be sought from other 
specific sources are not considered a binding commitment of outside 
resources. Letters of Support merely express another organization's 
endorsement of a proposed project. Support letters are not binding 
commitment letters, as they do not factually establish the authenticity 
of other resources and do not offer or bind specific resources to the 
project.
    If an applicant plans to charge or otherwise seek credit for 
indirect costs in its ANA application, a copy of its current Indirect 
Cost Rate Agreement must be included in the application, with all costs 
broken down by category so ANA reviewers can be certain that no 
budgeted line items are included in the indirect cost pool. Applicants 
that do not submit a current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement may not be 
able to claim the allowable cost, may have the grant

[[Page 30749]]

award amount reduced, or may experience a delay in grant award.
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to include sufficient funds for 
principal representatives, such as the applicant's chief financial 
officer or project director to travel to one ANA post-award grant 
training and technical assistance workshop. This expenditure is 
allowable for new grant recipients and optional for grantees that have 
had previous ANA grant awards. Applicants may also include costs for 
two staff persons to attend the ACF National Native American 
Conference, Marriage Best Practices Conference, and an ACF Consultation 
Conference.
    Cost Effectiveness: This section of the criterion reflects ANA's 
concern with ensuring that the expenditure of its limited resources 
yields the greatest benefit possible in achieving economic and social 
self-sufficiency for Native American communities. Applicants 
demonstrate this by: summarizing partnerships and the efficient use of 
leveraged resources; explaining the impact on the identified community 
through measurable project outcomes, and presenting a project that is 
completed, self-sustaining or supported by other than ANA funds by the 
end of the project period.
Results or Benefits Expected--15 Points Project Impact/Evaluation:
    In this criterion, the applicant will discuss the ``Impact 
Indicators'' (see Definitions) and the benefits expected as a result of 
this project. Impact indicators identify qualitative and quantitative 
data directly associated with the project. Each applicant must submit 
five impact indicators to support the applicant's project. Two of the 
five are standard and required across all ANA programs. For each impact 
indicator submitted the applicant must discuss the relevance of the 
impact indicator to the project, the method used to track the 
indicator, and the method used to determine project success. Impact 
indicators will be reported to ANA in the grantee's quarterly report. 
The applicant must indicate a target number to be achieved for the 
required standard impact indicators. In addition to the two standard 
required impact indicators, an applicant must also submit three 
additional impact indicators. These three impact indicators may be 
selected from the suggested list given below, or they may be developed 
for the specific proposed project, or the applicant may submit a 
combination of both the ANA suggested indicators and applicant project-
specific indicators. The two standard required impact indicators are; 
(a) Number of partnerships formed; and (b) Amount of dollars leveraged 
beyond the required NFS match. The applicant must also choose three 
indicators from the list below or submit three other project specific 
indicators: (1) Number of infrastructures and administrative systems, 
including policies and procedures developed and implemented; (2) Number 
of people to successfully complete a workshop/training; (3) Number of 
children, youth, families or elders assisted or participating; (4) 
Number of volunteer hours; (5) Number of faith-based and community-
based partnerships; (6) Number of jobs created.
    The applicant should discuss the projects value and long-tem impact 
to the participants and the community and explain how the information 
relates to the proposed project goals, objectives and outcomes. The 
applicant should discuss how the project will be complete, self-
sustaining, or supported by other than ANA funds at the end of the 
project period. Applicants should discuss and present objectives and 
goals to be achieved and evaluated at the end of each budget period or 
quarter (if applicable). Project outcomes should support the identified 
need and should be measurable and quantifiable.
    ANA suggests applicants describe a logic model that presents the 
conceptual framework for the proposed project and the linkages among 
the project elements. While there are many versions of the logic model, 
they generally summarize the logical connections among the needs that 
are the focus of the project, project goals and objectives, the target 
population, project resources, the proposed activities/processes/
outcomes directed toward the target population, the expected short- and 
long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve, and the 
evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which proposed processes 
and outcomes actually occur.
Organizational Profiles--15 Points
    Organizational Capacity: In this criterion, the application 
provides information on the management structure of the applicant and 
the organizational relationships with its cooperating partners. 
Applicants and their partner organizations (if any) should demonstrate 
experience and background in providing family support and healthy 
marriage activities. Include an organizational chart that indicates 
where the proposed project will fit in the existing structure. 
Demonstrate experience in the program area. Describe the administrative 
structure, and the applicant's ability to administer and implement a 
project of the proposed scope and its capacity to fulfill the 
implementation plan. Applicants are required to affirm that they will 
credit the Administration for Native Americans, and reference the ANA 
funded project on any audio, video, and/or printed materials developed 
in whole or in part with ANA funds.
    Applicants must list all current sources of Federal funding, the 
agency, purpose, amount, and provide the most recent certified signed 
audit letter for the organization to be included in Part One of the 
application. If the applicant has audit exceptions, these issues must 
be discussed in this criterion.
    Applicants must provide ``staffing and position data'' to include a 
proposed staffing pattern for the project where the applicant 
highlights the new project staff. Positions discussed in this section 
must match the positions identified in the Objective Work Plan and in 
the proposed budget. Applicant must provide a paragraph of the duties 
and skills required for the proposed staff and a paragraph on 
qualifications and experience of current staff. Full position 
descriptions are required to be submitted and included in the Appendix. 
Applicant must explain how the current and future staff will manage the 
proposed project. Brief biographies of key positions or individuals 
must be included. Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give 
preference to qualified Native Americans in hiring project staff and in 
contracting services under an approved ANA grant.
    If applicable, applicant must identify consortium membership. The 
consortium applicant must be the recipient of the funds. A consortium 
applicant must be an ``eligible entity'' as defined by this Program 
Announcement and the ANA regulations. Consortium applicants must 
include documentation (a resolution adopted pursuant to the 
organization's established procedures and signed by an authorized 
representative) from all consortium members supporting the ANA 
application. An application from a consortium must have goals and 
objectives that will create positive impacts and outcomes in the 
communities of its members. ANA will not fund activities by a 
consortium of tribes that duplicate activities for which member Tribes 
also receive funding from ANA. The consortium application must identify 
the role and responsibility of each participating consortia member and 
a copy of the consortia legal agreement or Memoranda of Agreement to 
support the proposed project.
    If relevant to the project, applicants must provide a Business Plan 
or any Third-Party Agreements in the

[[Page 30750]]

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

2. Review and Selection Process

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

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

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

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of 
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of 
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective 
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be 
given, the non-Federal share to be provided (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.

[[Page 30751]]

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); 45 CFR part 1336, 
subpart C; and, 42 U.S.C. 2991 et seq.--Native American Programs Act of 
1974.
    Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under this 
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

    Program Progress Reports: Quarterly.
    Financial Reports: Quarterly.
    An original and one copy of each performance report and financial 
status report must be submitted to the Grants Officer. Failure to 
submit these reports when required will mean the grantee is non-
compliant with the terms and conditions of the grant award and subject 
to administrative action or termination. Program Progress reports are 
submitted 30 days after each quarter (3-month intervals) of the budget 
period. The final Program Progress report, due 90 days after the 
project period end date, shall cover grantee performance during the 
entire project period. All grantees shall use the SF 269 (Long Form) to 
report the status of funds. Financial Status Reports are submitted 30 
days after each quarter (3-month intervals) of the budget period. The 
final SF 269 report shall be due 90 days after the end of the project 
period. In addition, these demonstration projects will participate in 
monthly regional conference calls to discuss the implementation of the 
NAHMI project.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: ANA Applicant Help Desk, Aerospace Center, 
8th Floor West, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., Washington, DC 20447, 
Phone: 877-922-9262; Email: [email protected].
    Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of 
Discretionary Grants Aerospace Center--8th Floor West, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade SW., Washington, DC 20447, Phone: 202-401-2344; Email: 
[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.

    Training and Technical Assistance: All potential ANA applicants are 
eligible to receive free T&TA in this program area. Prospective 
applicants must check ANA's Web site for training and technical 
assistance dates and locations, or contact the ANA Help Desk at 1-877-
922-9262.
    Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of 
received applications.

    Dated: May 24, 2005.
Kimberly Romine,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.
[FR Doc. 05-10661 Filed 5-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P