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Executive Summary: The Administration for Native Americans ( 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. The 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. NAHMI Goals are to:
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority Native American Programs Act, 42 U.S.C. 2991 et seq. 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 resources such as marriage education/enrichment training or pre-marital education; relationship skills education including courses on communication, conflict resolution, and commitment; and other activities such as family outings, family strengthening groups, and weekend pre-marital/marital education retreats necessary to promote the well-being of Native American children and families. ANA Administrative Policies: Applicants must comply with the following ANA Administrative Policies:
ANA 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 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 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 the value of goods and/or services that benefit a Federally assisted project that are contributed by third parties without charge to recipient (or sub-recipient or a cost-type contractor under a grant). Any proposed in-kind match must meet the applicable requirements found in 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. Letter of Commitment: A third-party statement to document the intent to provide specific in-kind contributions or cash to support the applicant. The Letter of Commitment must state the dollar amount (if applicable), the length of time the commitment will be honored, and the conditions under which the organization will support the proposed ANA project. If a dollar amount is included, the amount must be based on market and historical rates charged and paid. The resources to be committed may be human, natural, physical, or financial, and may include other Federal and non-Federal resources. Statements in an application about resources that 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 percent 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. Logic Model: A logic model is a systematic and visual way to present and share your understanding of the relationships among the resources you have to operate your project, the activities you plan and the changes or results you hope to achieve. 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 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 OWP. 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 OWPs. 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 OWP. ANA will require separate OWPs for each year of the project (OMB # 0980-0204, exp. 10/31/06). Partnerships: Agreements between two or more parties that will support the development and implementation of the proposed project. Partnerships include other community-based organizations or associations 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 Improving the Well-Being of Children/Native American Healthy Marriage Initiative
Description 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 that 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. Applicants should choose Program Areas of Interest from the list below. A maximum of three of these Program Areas of Interest should be chosen for a project. Program Areas of Interest are:
II. AWARD INFORMATION
III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement.
Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project costs, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 2991 b (b). Grantees must provide at least 20 percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a total approved project cost of $125,000, requesting $100,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal share of at least $25,000 (20 percent of total approved project cost of $125,000.) Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if they exceed the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the required amount will result in the disallowance of Federal funds. A lack of supporting documentation at the time of application will not exclude the application from competitive review. The non-Federal match will be evaluated according to the "Non-Federal Resources" evaluation criterion found in Section V of this announcement. 3. Other: D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S 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 D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Proof of Non-Profit Status 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:
When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under
Grant Related Documents and Forms: Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants, titled, Survey on Ensuring Equal
Opportunity for Applicants, at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be deemed 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 deemed 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. If the applicant is not a Tribe or Alaska Native Village government, applications that do not include proof that a majority of the governing board individuals are representative of the community to be served, will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for competition. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Region I East: Native American Management Services, Inc. (www.anaeastern.org)Region II West: ACKCO (www.anawestern.org) Region III Alaska: Native American Management Services, Inc. (www.anaalaska.org) Region IV Pacific: Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (www.anapacific.org) Phone: 877-922-9262 Email: ana@acf.hhs.gov URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/index.html 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. ANA Application Format: Applications should be labeled in compliance with the format provided in the program announcement. 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 no less than a half-inch margin on all sides of the paper. The font size shall be 12-point and the font type shall be Times New Roman. These requirements only apply to the project narrative in Part Two. Forms and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms as described in this section. All applicants must submit SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424A, Budget Information and SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. 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 SF-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 application. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice that implements the smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. 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. Applicants must understand they will be held accountable for the Maintenance of Effort certification. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and acknowledge that a signed certification will be required prior to award. Applicants may submit a non-Federal share waiver request for all or part of the match requirement. Requests must be submitted in accordance with 45 CFR 1336.50 (b) (3) of the Native American Programs requirements.
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.
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. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic SubmissionYou may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before you submit an electronic application, you must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if you plan to submit your application electronically via Grants.gov:
Hard Copy Submission
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should
submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original
and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications,
assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, have
original signatures, and be unbound.
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the
option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates
or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security
Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary
information.
If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same
specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and
selection process.
3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date for Applications: 04/04/2006 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date will be classified as late and will not be considered in the current competition. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that applications are mailed or hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date and time. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements 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 DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
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.
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:
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. ANA Does Not Fund:
6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Tim ChappelleU.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Office of Grants Management Division of Discretionary Grants 8th Floor-West 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW Washingtion, DC 20447 Hand Delivery Tim ChappelleU.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Aerospace Building ACF Mail Room, Second Floor Loading Dock 901 D Street SW Washington, DC 20024 Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.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: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It 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 the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project 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. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are 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 the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. Applicants are encouraged to describe the qualitative and quantitative data collected, how this data will measure progress towards the stated results or benefits, and how impact indicators under this program area can be monitored, evaluated and verified.APPROACH Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement. Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates. If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from the OMB. This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF." Provide a list of 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. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
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 (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, 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 allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: APPROACH - 25 points Project Approach: The narrative must be clear and concise. Include a detailed project description with goals and objectives. Present a project strategy and implementation plan for the entire project period. Summarize how the project description, objectives (not to exceed six per budget period), and strategy are inter-related and relate to a locally determined strategy. Use ANA's OWP form to identify the project objectives, time frames, activities (including type of courses, length of courses, etc), chosen audience (youth, individuals, unmarried couples, married couples, etc) results and benefits (how many serviced, number trained, etc) expected criteria for evaluating results and benefits, and the individuals responsible for completing the objectives and performing the activities. Within the results and benefits section of the OWP, provide quantitative quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity. Utilizing the OWP, include the names of any organizations, partners, consultants, or other key individuals who will contribute to the project activities. In the OWP column "Non-Salaried Personnel" list the hours incurred by non-project staff for identified activities. Project outcomes should support the identified need and should be measurable and quantifiable. Present objectives and goals to be achieved and evaluated at the end of each quarter and at the end of the project period. Discuss any leveraged resources (see Definitions) used to strengthen and broaden the impact of the proposed project. Discuss how commitments and contributions from other entities will enhance the project. Discuss the relationship of non-ANA-funded activities to those objectives and activities that will be funded with ANA grant funds. Discuss how the project will be completed, self-sustaining, or funded by other than ANA funds at the end of the project period. Discuss the protocol your project will use to identify and provide appropriate referral or services for individuals or couples where domestic violence is occurring. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of the information and services provided by domestic violence coalitions within the community.OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 20 points Need for Assistance: The need for assistance shows a clear relationship between the proposed project, the strategy, and the community's long-range goals. Identify the physical, economic, social, financial, governmental, and institutional challenges and problem(s) requiring a solution that support the funding request. Discuss the geographic location of the project and where the project and grant will be administered. Describe the community (see Definitions) to be affected by the project and the community involvement in the project. Describe the community's long-range goals, the community planning process, and how the project supports these goals. Document the community's support for the proposed project. Applications from national and regional Native 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. Identify the membership and specifically discuss how the organization operates and impacts Native communities. Demonstrate Native community and/or Tribal government support for the project. The type of community served will determine the type of documentation necessary. BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 15 points Budget and Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness: Submit itemized budgets detailing the applicant's Federal and non-Federal share (cite source(s) of non-Federal funding) for each year of funding requested. A budget justification narrative to support the line-item budget request must be included for each year of project funds requested. The budget and justification must align with an Object Class Category listed under Section B-Budget Categories on the SF-424A form "Budget Information-Non Construction Programs." 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 identifies the source and is 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 (see Uniform Project Description definition) must be included in the application, with all costs broken down by category so ANA reviewers can be certain that no budgeted line items are included in the indirect cost pool. Applicants that do not submit a current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement may not be able to claim the allowable cost, may have the grant award amount reduced, or may experience a delay in grant award. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include sufficient funds for principal representatives, such as the chief financial officer and project director, to travel to one ANA post-award grant T/TA workshop. Applicants may also include costs for two staff persons to attend the ACF Best Practices 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 safe and healthy Native communities. Applicants demonstrate this by: summarizing partnerships and the efficient use of leveraged resources, explaining the impact on the identified community through measurable project outcomes, and presenting a project that is completed, self-sustaining or supported by other than ANA funds by the end of the project period. ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 15 points Organizational Capacity: Provide information on the management structure of the applicant and the organizational relationships with its cooperating partners. 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. Include an organizational chart that indicates where the proposed project will fit in the existing structure. Demonstrate experience in the program area. List all current sources of Federal funding, the agency, purpose, amount, and provide the most recent certified signed audit letter for the organization. If the applicant has audit exceptions, these issues should be discussed in this criterion. Provide staffing and position data to include a proposed staffing pattern for the project. Project positions discussed in this section must match the positions identified in the OWP and in the proposed budget. Provide a paragraph of the duties and skills required for the proposed staff and a paragraph on qualifications and experience of current identified staff. Full position descriptions are required to be submitted and included in the Appendix. Explain how the current and future staff will manage the proposed project. Brief biographies of key positions or identified individuals must be included and indicate the project position they will fill. 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. Applicants are required to affirm that they will credit the ANA, and reference the ANA-funded project on any audio, video, and/or printed materials developed in whole or in part with ANA funds. If applicable, a consortium applicant must identify the 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. 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. Include 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. Identify the role and responsibility of each participating consortia member and include 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 appendices. (Not counted in Appendix page limit.) 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. The two standard required impact indicators are (1) number of partnerships formed and (2) amount of dollars leveraged beyond the required Non-Federal Share match. 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 also submits 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 ANA suggested impact indicators are: (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; or (6) number of jobs created. For each impact indicator submitted, 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. Discuss the project's value and long-tem impact to the participants and the community. Explain how the information relates to the proposed project goals, objectives and outcomes. Impact indicators will be reported to ANA in the grantee's quarterly report. 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. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT - 10 points Introduction and Project Summary: Using the ANA Project Abstract form (OMB # 0980-0204, exp.10/31/06), the applicant includes 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 objectives (not activities), the estimated number of people to be served and the expected outcomes of the project. In addition to the ANA Project Abstract form, provide an introductory summary narrative that includes: an overview of the project, a description of the community to be served, the location of the identified community, a declarative statement identifying the need for the project, and a brief overview of the project's objectives, strategy, and community or organizational impact. 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 are 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 of ANA 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 ANA'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 Federal Register 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 ANA 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. 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: Applications will be reviewed based on the following evaluation criterion. ANA's six evaluation review categories are: Introduction and Project Summary; Need for Assistance; Project Approach; Organizational Capacity; Project Impact/Evaluation; and Budget and Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness. Application Consideration: The ANA 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; other interested parties and geographic distribution. The Commissioner makes grant awards consistent with the purpose of the Native American Program Act, 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. Please reference Section IV.2 for information on non-Federal reviewers in the review process. Approved but Unfunded Applications Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year. VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1. Award Notices:
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Financial
Assistance Award document, which sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and
conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which
initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total
project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will
be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:
Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental) and Part 1336.
Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF program shall not be used to support inherently
religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take
steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this
program. Regulations pertaining to the Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the
prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be found at the
HHS web site at:
http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. 42 U.S.C. 2991 et seq. - Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended. 3. Reporting Requirements:
Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm)
throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30
days after the reporting period. Final programmatic and financial
reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period.
Financial Reports: Quarterly In addition, grantees funded under this program area will participate in a monthly conference call from the ACF Regional Office's HMI point of contact. The ACF Regional Office will submit a report of this call to the ANA program office. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: ANA Applicant Help Desk Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle VIII. OTHER INFORMATION Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA): All potential ANA applicants are eligible to receive free T/TA in this program area. Prospective applicants must check ANA's web site for T/TA dates and locations, or contact the ANA Help Desk at 1-877-922-9262.
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