ACF Grant Opportunities

Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children and Families EXPIRED
Program Office:	Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau
Funding Opportunity Title:	AdoptUsKids
Announcement Type:	Initial
Funding Opportunity Number:	HHS-2007-ACF-ACYF-CQ-0066
CFDA Number:	93.254
Due Date for Applications:	05/15/2007

Executive Summary:

The purpose of this program announcement is to establish, by awarding a cooperative agreement, a multi-faceted national AdoptUsKids program designed to assist States and Tribes in the recruitment and support of foster and adoptive families for children in public foster care. AdoptUsKids will:

Provide training and technical assistance to States and Tribes regarding the recruitment, including interjurisdictional recruitment, of foster and adoptive families for children who require these services.
Maintain a National Adoption Internet Photolisting Service (currently operating as AdoptUsKids).
Operate a National Adoption Information Exchange System that helps locate and recruit prospective adoptive parents for the adoption of children from foster care and assists in making connections between the public and private agencies that may be involved in achieving these adoptions within and across jurisdictions.
Plan, carry out, and assist States and Tribes to carry out fulfillment activities in response to a national multi-media adoptive and foster home recruitment campaign.
Implement adoptive family support activities.

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Legislative Authority

Adoption Opportunities: Section II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978, as amended, [42 United States Code (USC) 5111]

42 USC 254c-7, as amended by Public Law (P.L.) 106-310, the Children's Health Act of 2000

Background

With the passage of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA), States are no longer permitted to use jurisdictional barriers as a reason to delay or deny a permanent home to a child. ASFA calls upon States to use regional and national information exchange systems (particularly electronic exchange systems), and to report on this utilization in their State plan for child welfare services. The first round of Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR) authorized by ASFA was completed in 2004 and demonstrated the need for a more integrated and coordinated technical assistance approach to help States to meet Program Improvement Plan (PIP) objectives and to avoid penalties for failure to do so.

In addition, the Safe and Timely Interstate Placement of Foster Children Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-239), which became law on July 3, 2006, is intended to accelerate interjurisdictional placements by mandating that certain interjurisdictional placement activities be completed within prescribed timelines. A national foster care and adoption information exchange may play a key role in helping States meet these mandates.

An adoption exchange is a service that helps agencies match waiting children with prospective adoptive parents by maintaining two lists: (1) children, often older children; children of color; and children with special needs who are available and waiting for adoption; and (2) adoptive parents who have been approved as potential placements for these children.

A State exchange lists children and families from a single State, while a regional exchange lists children and families from several surrounding States. The national exchange lists children and families from all over the United States and is expected to work with and assist both regional and State exchanges. Exchanges often employ Internet technologies, in addition to the standard book-format of photolistings, to provide information.

The Children's Health Act of 2000 provides for the development and implementation of a national adoption recruitment campaign. It also provides for assistance to support groups for adoptive families, adopted children and their siblings.

The Multi-Ethnic Placement Act of 1994, as amended, prohibits the delay or denial of any adoption or placement in foster care due to the race, color, or national origin of the child or the foster or adoptive parents. It also requires States to provide for diligent recruitment of potential foster and adoptive families that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of children for whom homes are needed. Section 1808 of P.L. 104-188 affirms the prohibition against delaying or denying the placement of a child for adoption or foster care on the basis of race, color, or national origin of the foster or adoptive parents of the child involved [42 USC 1996b].

Requirements

Through a cooperative agreement, AdoptUsKids must meet the following requirements. Applicants should address each of these components in their project description:

Models and Strategies

Provide training and technical assistance to States and Tribes regarding the recruitment, including interjurisdictional recruitment, of foster and adoptive families for children who require these services.
Raise public awareness and recruit foster and adoptive families for children in foster care.
Maintain a National Adoption and Foster Care Information Exchange System that helps locate and recruit prospective adoptive parents for the adoption of children from foster care and assists in making connections between the public and private agencies that may be involved in achieving these adoptions within and across jurisdictions.
Provide information and referral services in both English and Spanish to prospective foster and adoptive parents, and be prepared to accomplish information and referral services in any additional languages the situation may dictate.
Coordinate National Adoption Month activities.
Prominently feature National Foster Care Month and National Adoption Month information and activities.
Promote effective practice models for adoptive and foster family recruitment and retention, with an emphasis on recruiting families for older children and youth, sibling groups and children with physical, emotional, mental or behavioral conditions that present challenges to making and maintaining placements;
Promote strategies for addressing barriers associated with matching and linking children with prospective foster and adoptive families. Include strategies for matches and linkages in which the children needing placement are located in jurisdictions that are different from the jurisdictions in which the prospective foster and adoptive families for them are located.
Promote models for building agency and staff capacity in adoptive and foster family recruitment and retention. Promote models of diligent recruitment of foster and adoptive families that reflect ethnic and racial diversity of children for whom homes are needed.

Information Technology

Enhance and maintain a national database of waiting children and adoptive families.
Maintain and manage the National Adoption Internet Photolisting web site, www.AdoptUsKids.org, including the continued development of related software. (This web site is designed to link children in foster care with qualified prospective foster and adoptive parents and to promote national recruitment efforts to reach prospective foster and adoptive parents for children in public foster care.) The web site must be easily accessible by the general public for general information about foster care and adoption and for introductory, non-protected information about the specific children for whom foster or adoptive families are sought.
Maintain and provide password-protected information for authorized professionals working on behalf of children in foster care for whom families are sought, as well as professionals who are working on behalf of such families.
Manage and track the linking of children and families.
Have the capacity, from data maintained on the web site, to produce multiple types of reports for a variety of audiences.
Obtain feedback from users of the web site throughout the project, to include both professionals (i.e., State and Tribal child welfare and adoption agency employees) and prospective foster and adoptive parents, and incorporate that feedback into web site technology, content, and accessibility improvements.

Training and Technical Assistance

Provide training and technical assistance (T/TA) to assist States and Tribes in the development and implementation of comprehensive recruitment and retention strategies to develop an adequate pool of foster and adoptive families.
Provide T/TA at no cost to recipients, and in coordination with the appropriate Federal Regional Office, the Children's Bureau Training and Technical Assistance (CB T/TA) Coordinating Committee, the CB T/TA Network and the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement.
Forge strong links with the full range of the Children's Bureau resource centers and support contractors, including joint T/TA presentations and resources development.
Use alternative methods of delivering T/TA to single or multiple jurisdictions. Achieve T/TA outcomes through a combination of strategies, including on-site training, on- and off-site technical assistance, and consultation with all appropriate stakeholder groups.
Promote recruitment strategies for foster and adoptive families that address the following criteria:

Description of the characteristics of children in care, utilizing information and analysis of Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) data and other data available to the State, County or Tribe;
Specific strategies to reach all parts of the community in a culturally competent manner;
Diverse methods of disseminating both general and child specific information;
Strategies for assuring that all prospective parents have access to the home study process, including location and hours of services that facilitate access by all members of the community;
Strategies for training staff to work with diverse cultural, racial, and economic communities;
Strategies for dealing with linguistic barriers, non-discriminatory fee structures; and
Procedures for timely search for prospective parents for children in care, including the recruitment and development of homes that can provide placement for foster care as a part of concurrent planning for the child.

Develop and distribute brochures, technical assistance announcements, articles, and other materials. Be creative and innovative in responding to questions and requests from State agencies, as well as developing new materials on cutting edge issues as they emerge from Federal and State legislation, new regulations and other developments in the child welfare field.
Collaborate with the CB T/TA Network to support interjurisdictional placement of children building on strategies identified as promising practices in the Interjurisdicitional Placement of Children in the Child Welfare system: Improving the Process http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/ij_adopt/index.htm, and through facilitating linkages and partnerships between States and Tribes and with existing and emerging regional exchanges.
Host an annual event to raise awareness of National Adoption Month and to promote and recognize the recipients of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) annual Adoption Excellence Awards. Encourage States and Tribes to recognize and publicize local adoption and foster care excellence during National Adoption Month, National Foster Care Month and throughout the year.
Promote methods for developing and maintaining State and regional information exchange systems using the latest technology.
Implement a T/TA approach that is consistent with current and recent research findings regarding successful methodologies for States and Tribes to improve child welfare outcomes, taking into consideration the characteristics and needs of foster and adoptive parents, foster and adopted children and their siblings.

T/TA Network

Be a part of an integrated and coordinated technical assistance approach to assist States to support and enhance their child welfare systems and to help them meet PIP objectives, especially since States that fail to meet objectives face penalties. Through its provision of T/TA related to the recruitment of foster and adoptive families, AdoptUsKids will assist States to improve performance on permanency-related outcomes for children (as measured and reported in the CFSRs), address the systemic factors related to foster and adoptive parent recruitment, licensing, and retention, and increase compliance with national standards for permanency. For more information on the T/TA Network, see http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/cbttan/index.cfm.
Work collaboratively with the T/TA Network and other Children's Bureau partners, including public/private, State, Tribal, regional, and Federal partnerships in implementing their T/TA efforts to ensure a coordinated and immediate response to on-site T/TA requests from the States, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Regional Offices, and the Children's Bureau. The National Child Welfare Resource Center on Organizational Improvement (NCWRCOI) works with the Regional Offices and the T/TA Network members to coordinate States' requests for T/TA.
Cooperate with the T/TA Coordination Committee. The committee is composed of Federal staff from both the Central and Regional Offices of the Children's Bureau. It provides direction to the strategic development of the T/TA Network.
Provide evaluation data to the NCWRCOI, which evaluates the results and benefits of the technical assistance provided by all seven National Child Welfare Resource Centers and AdoptUsKids. The purpose of this evaluation is to track and coordinate activities in order to improve services and build knowledge. The evaluation is not used to determine compliance or merit and the results of the evaluation are not used to judge, reward or penalize performance.
Provide partial financial support for speakers and planning support for the annual two- to three-day national Permanency Conference, which the Children's Bureau may convene for State adoption managers, State foster care managers, and other State and Tribal staff involved in child welfare programs.

AdoptUsKids National Workgroup

Convene and provide logistical support to the AdoptUsKids National Workgroup composed of no more than twenty members identified by the Children's Bureau.
Arrange for periodic meetings of the Workgroup with no more than one in-person, face-to-face meeting each year. The remainder will be held by tele-conference or video-conference. The Workgroup will provide input for the ongoing development and implementation of all aspects of the Project.

National Recruitment Campaign Fulfillment

The planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Children's Bureau's multimedia national recruitment campaign will be conducted under a separate mechanism, not as part of this program announcement. However, the successful applicant will provide follow-up and technical support through fulfillment and coordination activities:

Provide comprehensive campaign fulfillment for the national recruitment campaign including responding to inquiries at both the State and national level. Assist the States and Tribes to plan and implement follow-up activities in response to the national recruitment campaign.
Conduct National Adoption Month activities and coordinate with organizations sponsoring National Foster Care Month activities.

Resources and Communication

Provide 24-hour, nationwide toll-free communications that make information available regarding the provision of temporary and permanent family placements for children and youth in foster care. This information includes lists of national, State and regional organizations that provide services. Provide information on subsidies and supports, including support groups and other post-adoption services available to individuals adopting children from foster care.
Provide this service in English and Spanish, and make it accessible to other limited English speaking (LES) and non-English speaking callers and those who may require other communication accommodations.

Support Groups

Create, maintain and provide assistance to a network of adoptive support groups for adoptive parents, adopted children and youth, and the biological and adopted siblings of adopted children and youth.
Use an approach to working with support groups for adoptive families that is consistent with current and recent research findings regarding the characteristics and needs of adoptive parents, adopted children and their siblings.

Evaluation

Evaluate the results of the project and the conduct of the project.
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.
Evaluate results, determine if needs are being met and if results and benefits are being achieved.
Implement a methodologically sound plan for evaluating the impact and effectiveness of each component task or activity.
Conduct a process component that describes each of the activities of the project, how the project operates, how well the design was followed, and the extent to which it produced the expected results for each task or activity.
Conduct an outcome component with output and outcome measures. (Output measures are tools, or indicators to count the services and goods produced by the project. These may include the number of people participating in a program or receiving a service, the number of services delivered, the number of responses to an outreach program, etc. Outcome measures are indicators of the actual impact or effect a program's activities have on the problem or situation. For example, what benefits did children waiting for adoption derive from these services? How did the activities help the States?)
Collaborate in the following aspects of project evaluation (AdoptUsKids will not have primary responsibility for these two evaluation components):

NCWRCOI will evaluate the results and benefits of the technical assistance component of this award. AdoptUsKids will be required to provide evaluation data to the NCWRCOI. The purpose of this evaluation is to track and coordinate activities in order to improve services and build knowledge.
Evaluation of the multimedia national recruitment campaign will be conducted separately and is not part of this funding announcement.

Transition

Collaborate with the current awardee, which has the same requirement for cooperation, in the timely transfer of any software and photolisting system materials developed under the previous cooperative agreement. Cooperate with future awardees to transfer products developed under the cooperative agreement awarded from this announcement.

Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement

A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding Federal assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective responsibilities of the Children's Bureau and the awardee prior to the award. The Children's Bureau anticipates that agency involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to it for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration includes: Children's Bureau review and approval of planning stages of the activities before implementation phases may begin; Children's Bureau involvement in the establishment of policies and procedures that maximize open competition, and rigorous and impartial development, review and funding of awardee or sub-awardee activities, if applicable; and Children's Bureau and recipient joint collaboration in the performance of key programmatic activities (e.g., strategic planning, implementation, information technology enhancements, T/TA, publications or products, and evaluation). It also includes close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of the requirements stated in this announcement that limit the awardee's discretion with respect to the scope of services offered, organizational structure and management processes, coupled with close Children's Bureau monitoring during performance, which may, in order to ensure compliance with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal stewardship responsibilities customary for cooperative agreement activities.

Assurances

The acceptance of funds for projects responsive to this announcement will signify the applicant's assurance that it will comply with the following requirements:

If the incumbent AdoptUsKids grantee is not chosen for the new award, the new grantee will:

Ensure that the website continuously operates during the transition from the previous grantee;
Have the website transitioned to the new grantee and operational by October 1, 2007; and
Have the rest of the project fully functioning within 90 days following the notification of the cooperative agreement award.

Participate, if the Children's Bureau chooses, in a national evaluation or a technical assistance contract that relates to this funding announcement.
Submit all performance indicator data, program and financial reports in a timely manner, in recommended format (to be provided), and submit the final report on disk or electronically using a standard word-processing program.
Submit a copy of the final report, the evaluation report, and any program products to Child Welfare Information Gateway within 90 days of project end date. This is in addition to the standard requirement that the final program and evaluation report must also be submitted to the Grants Management Specialist and the Federal Project Officer.
Allocate sufficient funds in the budget to:

Provide for the project director, the evaluator, and other key partners 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, D.C.
Provide for the project director, the evaluator, and other key partners to attend an annual three day grantees' meeting in Washington, D.C.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

Funding Instrument Type:	Cooperative Agreement
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding:	$3,669,500
Anticipated Number of Awards:	0 to 1
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards:	$3,669,500 per budget period
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards:	None
Average Projected Award Amount:	$3,669,500 per budget period
Length of Project Periods:	60-month project with five 12-month budget periods

Explanation of Other:

In the first budget period, the maximum Federal share of each project is not to exceed $3,669,500. The projects awarded will be for a project period of 60 months. The initial award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation beyond each 12-month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress on the part of the awardee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government.

Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds.

Note: The planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Children's Bureau's multimedia national recruitment campaign will be conducted under a separate mechanism, not as part of this program announcement.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants:

Non-profits with 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institutions of higher education)
Non-profits without 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institutions of higher education)
Private institutions of higher education

Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement.

Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement.

Applicants must demonstrate experience in child welfare, foster home development, and adoption services.

The Children's Bureau will accept applications that represent partnerships among organizations with relevant experience. Applicants may subcontract with organizations specializing in their assigned tasks. Applications from collaborations must identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the cooperative agreement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes

This project is being funded under both the Adoption Opportunities program, which has no match requirement, and the Children's Health Act (CHA), which has a 25 percent match requirement.

The Adoption Opportunities program is providing $1,800,000 and the CHA is providing $1,869,500, for a total Federal share of $3,669,500.

The awardee must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved cost of the CHA portion of the project. The total approved cost is the sum of the Federal share (CHA portion) and the non-Federal share (25 percent match). Therefore, a project requesting $3,669,500 per budget period must include a match of at least $623,167 per budget period.

The following example shows how to calculate the required 25 percent match amount for a $3,669,500 Federal award:

$1,869,500 (CHA Federal share)

divided by	.75	(100% - 25%)
equals	$2,492,667	(total CHA share of project cost including match)
minus	$1,869,500	(CHA Federal share)
equals	$623,167	(required 25% match)

The non-Federal share may be cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Applicants should provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs. If approved for funding, awardees will be held accountable for the commitment of non-Federal resources and failure to provide the required amount will result in a disallowance of unmatched Federal funds.

3. Other:

Disqualified applications will NOT be returned to sender.

Disqualification Factors

Section II.,

Section IV.3.,

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package:

ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132
Phone: 866-796-1591

2. Content and Form of Application Submission:

Each application must contain the following items in the order listed:

Application for Federal Assistance. (Standard Form (SF) 424). Follow the instructions below and those that accompany the form.

In Item 5 of SF-424, put D-U-N-S number in "Organizational D-U-N-S:" box.
In Item 5 of SF-424, include name, phone number, and, if available, email and fax numbers of the contact person.
In Item 8 of SF-424, check 'New.'
In Item 10 of SF-424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for which funds are being requested as stated in this funding opportunity announcement.
In Item 11 of SF-424, identify the single funding opportunity the application addresses.
In Item 12 of SF-424, identify the specific geographic area to be served.
In Item 14 of SF-424, identify Congressional districts of both the applicant and project.

Budget Information. Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) and Budget Justification. Follow the instructions provided here and those in Section V, Application Review Information. Note that Federal funds provided to States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds may not be used to match project awards.

Certifications/Assurances. Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-construction projects must file the SF-424B, "Assurances: Non-Construction Programs." Applicants must sign and return the SF-424B with their applications.

Applicants must file the Certification Regarding Lobbying when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their applications.

If applicable, applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the SF-LLL. See the information on the Certification Regarding Lobbying form for further information.

Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application, the applicant is providing this certification and need not mail back this certification with the application.

Project Summary/Abstract (one page maximum, double spaced). Clearly mark this page with the applicant name as shown on Item 5 of SF-424, identify the program announcement and the title of the proposed project as shown in Item 11 and the service area as shown in Item 12 of SF-424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words.

Care should be taken to produce an abstract/summary that accurately and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the objectives of the project, the approach to be used, and the results or benefits expected.

The Project Description. Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: 1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; 2) Approach; 3) Evaluation; 4) Organizational Profiles; and 5) Budget and Budget Justification.

Non-Federal Resources. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs (see Sections III.2 and V).

Indirect Charges. If claiming indirect costs, provide documentation that the applicant currently has an indirect cost-rate approved by HHS or another cognizant Federal agency.

Third-Party Agreements. If applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their role, detailing specific project tasks to be performed, and expressing commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded. Note: general letters of support are not required and are not considered under the evaluation criteria.

Page Limit. The application limit is 100 pages total including all forms and attachments. Pages over this page limit will be removed from the application and will not be reviewed.

General Content and Form Information. To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the award.

The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one side, with at least 1-inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the top and bottom, using standard 12-Point fonts (such as Times New Roman or Courier). All pages must be numbered. When spacing, margins, and font instructions are not followed, excess pages will be removed and will not be reviewed.

All copies of an application must be submitted in a single package, and a separate package must be submitted for each funding opportunity. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific funding opportunity it is addressing.

Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including supporting documentation. Use a clip (not a staple) to securely bind the application together. Applicants are advised that the copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the Federal Government for review.

Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application. It is essential that applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before preparing an application and include all of the required application forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough understanding of and support the purpose and objectives of the applicable legislation. Reviewers expect applicants to understand the goals of the legislation and the Children's Bureau's interest in each topic. A "responsive application" is one that addresses and follows all of the evaluation criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding. Applications that are considered to be "unresponsive" or do not clearly address the evaluation criteria or program requirements generally receive very low scores and are rarely funded.

The Children's Bureau's web site (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb) provides a wide range of information and links to other relevant web sites. Before preparing an application, applicants can learn more about the mission and programs of the Children's Bureau by exploring the web site.

Organizing the Application. Reviewers will use the specific evaluation criteria in Section V of this funding announcement to review and evaluate each application. The applicant should address each of these specific evaluation criteria in the project description. Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: 1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; 2) Approach; 3) Evaluation; 4) Organizational Profiles; and 5) Budget and Budget Justification. The applicant must use the same headings as these criteria, so that reviewers can readily find information that directly addresses each of the specific review criteria.

Evaluation. A logic model is a tool that presents the conceptual framework for a proposed project and explains the linkages among program 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 inputs (resources), the proposed activities/processes/outputs 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. Information on the development of logic models is available on the Internet at http://childwelfare.gov/preventing/developing/toolkit/.

Project evaluations are very important. If the applicant does not have the in-house capacity to conduct an objective, comprehensive evaluation of the project, then the Children's Bureau advises that the applicant contract with a third-party evaluator specializing in social science or evaluation, or a university or college, to conduct the evaluation. In either case, it is important that the evaluator has the necessary independence from the project to assure objectivity. A skilled evaluator can help develop a logic model and assist in designing an evaluation strategy that is rigorous and appropriate given the goals and objectives of the proposed project. Additional assistance may be found in a document titled "Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation." A copy of this document can be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/other_resrch/pm_guide_eval/reports/pmguide/pmguide_toc.html.

Evaluation plans that include obtaining identifiable private information about clients may involve non-exempt human subjects research and require compliance with the HHS Protection of Human Subjects regulations (45 CFR Part 46). Applicants proposing such research are asked to describe: (a) the procedures for protecting the privacy of clients and insuring the confidentiality of data collected about clients; and (b) the process for obtaining institutional review board (IRB) review of the proposed evaluation plans. While IRB approval is not required at the time of award, applicants proposing non-exempt human subjects research will be required, as a condition of award, to hold a Federal-wide Assurance (FWA) approved by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) and to provide certification to ACF that an IRB designated under the FWA has reviewed and approved the research prior to enrolling any subjects in the proposed evaluation. Certifications of IRB approval may be submitted to ACF using the form at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/assurance/OF310.rtf.

General information about the HHS Protection of Human Subjects regulations can be obtained at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp. Applicants may also contact OHRP by email (ohrp@csophs.dhhs.gov) or by phone (240-453-6900).

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:

A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the IRS's 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 non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.
Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

When applying electronically, we strongly suggest 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 titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.

Forms, Assurances, 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 (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. For research programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All 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 Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.)

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 Children 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/grants/grants_resources.html.

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 Submission

Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site.

When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email.

Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants 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 www.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 planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:

Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.
Applicants may access the electronic application for this program at http://www.Grants.gov. There applicants can search for the downloadable application package by utilizing the www.Grants.gov FIND function.
It is strongly recommended that applicants do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through www.Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties are encountered there will still be sufficient time to submit a hard copy via express mail. It is to an applicant's advantage to submit 24 hours ahead of the closing date and time in order to address any difficulties that may be encountered.
To use www.Grants.gov, you, the applicant must have a D-U-N-S number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). Applicants should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration. REMINDER: CCR registration expires each year and thus must be updated annually. Applicants cannot upload an application to www.Grants.gov without having a current CCR registration AND electronic signature credentials for the AOR.
The electronic application is submitted by the AOR. To submit electronically, the AOR must obtain and register electronic signature credentials approved by the organization's E-Business Point of Contact who maintains the organization's CCR registration.
Applicants may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF-424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.
Though applying electronically, the application must still comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
After the application is submitted electronically, the applicant will receive an automatic acknowledgement from www.Grants.gov that contains a www.Grants.gov tracking number. ACF will retrieve the electronically submitted application from www.Grants.gov.
ACF may request that the applicant provide original signatures on forms at a later date.
Applicants will not receive additional point value for submitting a grant application in electronic format, nor will ACF penalize an applicant if they submit an application in hard copy.
If any difficulties are encountered in using www.Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1-800-518-4726, or by email at support@grants.gov to report the problem and obtain assistance.
Checklists and registration brochures are maintained to assist applicants in the registration process and may be found at: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.
When submitting electronically via www.Grants.gov, applicants must comply with all due dates AND times referenced in Section IV.3. Submission Dates and Times.
For applicants that must demonstrate proof of non-profit status before the award date, ACF strongly suggests that proof of non-profit status be attached to the electronic application. Proof of non-profit status and any other required documentation may be scanned and attached as an "Other Attachment." Acceptable types of proof of non-profit status are stated earlier in this section.
The Grants.gov website complies with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Grants.gov webpages are designed to work with assistive technologies such as screen readers. If an applicant uses assistive technology and is unable to access any material on the site, email the www.Grants.gov contact center at support@grants.gov for assistance.

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, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s).

Non-Federal Reviewers

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: 05/15/2007

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.

Mail

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.

What to Submit	Required Content	Required Form or Format	When to Submit
SF-424	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html	By application due date.
SF-424A	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html	By application due date.
SF-424B	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html	By application due date.
Certification Regarding Lobbying	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html	By date of award.
Project Summary/Abstract	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
Project Description	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
Budget and Budget Justification	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
Non-Federal Resources	See Sections IV and V	Found in Sections IV and V	By application due date.
Indirect charges (indirect cost-rate agreement if applicable)	See Sections IV and V	Found in Sections IV and V	By application due date.
Third-Party Agreements (letters of commitment from partner organizations, if applicable)	See Sections IV and V	Found in Sections IV and V	By application due date.

Additional Forms

What to Submit	Required Content	Required Form or Format	When to Submit
Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants	See form.	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html	By application due date.

4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs:

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)

This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs.

As of August 1, 2006, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Exec. Order process: Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. As these jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a.

Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations, which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule.

Comments submitted directly to ACF should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447.

Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to Exec. Order 12372.

The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions:

Fundraising is not an allowable cost under this program.

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.

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

ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132

Hand Delivery

ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132

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 40 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.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES

Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and cooperating partners, such as: organizational charts; financial statements; audit reports or statements from Certified Public Accountants/Licensed Public Accountants; Employer Identification Number(s); contact persons and telephone numbers; names of bond carriers; 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, it should submit proof of its non-profit status in its application. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing any one of the following: a) a reference to the applicant organization's listing in the IRS's 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 accrues 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; or e) any of the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

THIRD-PARTY AGREEMENTS

Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and subgrantees, or subcontractors, or other cooperating entities. These agreements must detail the scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.

BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (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.

GENERAL

Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources (when required) shall be detailed and justified in the budget and budget narrative justification. "Federal resources" refers only to the ACF grant funds for which you are applying. "Non-Federal resources" are all other non-ACF 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 in a narrative form.

PERSONNEL

Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.

Justification: Identify the project director or principal investigator, if known at the time of application. 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, personnel costs of delegate agencies, or of specific project(s) and/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. (This item 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 that 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 and/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, that 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 that 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) and/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 45 CFR Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 USC 403(11), currently set at $100,000.

Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such as requests for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

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

OTHER

Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to: insurance; food; medical and dental costs (noncontractual); professional services costs; space and equipment rentals; printing and publication; computer use; training costs, such as tuition and stipends; staff development costs; and administrative costs.

Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a justification for each cost under this category.

INDIRECT CHARGES

Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.

Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate that 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 that 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 that the applicant is given credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for each funding source.

TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

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:

OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 20 points

In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, reviewers will consider the extent to which:

The applicant demonstrates an understanding of the goals and objectives of the relevant legislation.

The proposed project will contribute to achieving those legislative goals and objectives, and the goals stated in the purpose and background sections of this funding opportunity announcement.

The applicant presents a clear description of the proposed project, including a clear statement of the goals (the intended end products of an effective project) and objectives (measurable steps for reaching these goals) of the proposed project.

These goals and objectives are based on a thorough understanding of the characteristics of the clients and the context of the proposed intervention.

The applicant demonstrates a thorough understanding of the characteristics of the target population, the service needs of this population and community, and the status of existing services for the target population.
The applicant demonstrates an understanding of the CFSR process and results.

The proposed project will support and coordinate with the relevant PIPs.

APPROACH - 35 points

In reviewing the approach, reviewers will consider the extent to which:

The applicant provides a reasonable timeline for implementing the proposed project, including major milestones and target dates.

The applicant describes the factors that could speed or hinder project implementation and explains how these factors would be managed.

The proposed project has a primary emphasis on services identified in this funding announcement. To the extent practicable they are also comprehensive in scope and will address a broad range of the target population's needs.

A well-defined logic model guides the proposed project. The logic model demonstrates strong links between proposed inputs and activities and intended short-term and long-term outcomes.

There is a detailed description of the services the program proposes to provide.

The program will bridge gaps or substantially improve the current service delivery system and benefit the target population.
The proposed services will involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for maximizing the effectiveness of service delivery.

There are letters of commitment or memoranda of understanding from organizations, agencies, and consultants that will be partners, subcontractors, or collaborators in the proposed project. These documents describe the role of the agency, organization, or consultant and detail specific tasks to be performed.
The project will be culturally responsive to the target population.
The approach addresses each of the requirements listed in this program announcement.
The design of the proposed project is evidence-based, reflects up-to-date knowledge from the research and literature on known effective practices, and builds on current theory, research, evaluation data and best practices.

The project will contribute to increased knowledge or understanding of the problems and issues addressed by this program announcement.

The project is likely to yield findings or results about effective strategies and contribute to and promote evaluation research and evidence-based practices that may be used to guide replication or testing in other settings.
The project would develop products and provide information on strategies used and the outcomes achieved that would support evidence-based improvements of practices in the field.

The schedule for developing these products is appropriate in scope and budget.
The intended audience (e.g., researchers, policymakers, and practitioners) for product dissemination is appropriate to the goals of the proposed project.

The project's products would be useful to the identified audiences; the plan for disseminating information is appropriate; and the mechanisms and forums that would be used to convey the information and support replication by other interested agencies are appropriate.

The proposed dissemination plan is appropriate in scope and budget.
There is a sound plan for continuing this project beyond the period of Federal funding.

EVALUATION - 20 points

In reviewing the evaluation, reviewers will consider the extent to which:

The applicant proposes a clear and convincing plan for evaluating the project and satisfies the requirements for the evaluation published in this program announcement.

The methods of evaluation are feasible, comprehensive, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and context of the project.

The evaluation plan is strongly guided by the project's logic model.

The methods of evaluation include process and outcome analyses for assessing the effectiveness of program strategies and the implementation process.
The evaluation plan outlines an appropriate sampling plan that ensures sample sizes sufficient to detect significant effects.

The target sample represents the intended recipients of the services to the greatest extent possible given the project's structure and resources.
The evaluation plan includes an appropriate comparison group for determining the influence of the project activities on outcomes. If a comparison group is not proposed, the applicant provides a reasonable explanation for not using a comparison group and offers another, equally rigorous approach to evaluating the influence of the program on outcomes.

This comparison group and the program/treatment group are assigned at random or matched on key characteristics. If not assigned at random or matched on key characteristics, the applicant provides a reasonable explanation of how it will identify and address any pre-existing differences between the comparison group and the program/treatment group.
The applicant proposes a sound plan for collecting high-quality data on the services provided, the costs of these services, the outcomes of these services, and their cost effectiveness.

The methods of evaluation include the use of strong measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the program as identified in the project logic model.

The evaluation includes measures of outcomes, in addition to measures of inputs and outputs. The measures are objective and have strong reliability, validity, and internal consistency.
The proposed evaluator has sufficient experience with research and/or evaluation, understands the population of interest, and demonstrates the necessary independence from the project to assure objectivity.
The applicant provides an appropriate, feasible, and realistic plan for using evaluation findings to produce ongoing documentation of project activities and results.

The evaluation plan includes performance feedback and periodic assessment of program progress that can be used to modify the program, as necessary, and serve as a basis for program adjustments.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 20 points

In reviewing the organizational profiles, reviewers will consider the extent to which:

The applicant's organization and any partnering organizations collectively have sufficient relevant experience and expertise, and experience with administration, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of similar projects.

Each participating organization (including partners and/or subcontractors) possesses the organizational capability to fulfill its assigned roles and functions effectively.
The proposed project director and key project staff demonstrate sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and capabilities (e.g., resume) to institute and manage a project of this size, scope, and complexity effectively.

The role, responsibilities and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, is clearly defined (e.g., job description), and appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
There is a sound management plan for achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality.

The plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities of the lead agency.

The plan clearly describes the effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any partners, subcontractors, and consultants (if applicable).
There would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the proposed project and other work planned, anticipated, or underway with Federal assistance by the applicant.

BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points

In reviewing the budget and budget justification, reviewers will consider the extent to which:

The costs of the proposed project are reasonable, thoroughly justified, and appropriate in view of the activities to be conducted and expected results and benefits.
The applicant's fiscal controls and accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely disbursement, and accurate accounting of funds received under this program announcement.

2. Review and Selection Process:

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

Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time (Section IV.3.) and whether the requested amount exceeds the ceiling or upper range value, whichever is appropriate (Section II.)

A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside the Federal Government) will use the evaluation criteria described in this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide comments about the strengths and weaknesses, and give each application a numerical score.

The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to the ACYF Commissioner. The Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF) reserves the option of discussing applications with other funding sources when this is in the best interest of the Federal Government. ACYF may also solicit and consider comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions. ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds for the proposed project; or the potential for high benefit from low Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants having known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other problems that make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective services or effectively complete the proposed activity.

With the results of the peer review and the information from Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding decisions. The Commissioner may give special consideration to applications proposing services of special interest to the Federal Government and to achieve geographic distributions of cooperative agreement awards. Applications of special interest may include, but are not limited to, applications focusing on underserved or inadequately served clients or service areas and programs addressing diverse ethnic populations.

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.

Available Funds. Applicants should note that grants to be awarded under this program announcement are subject to the availability of funds.

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:

Applications will be reviewed no later than Summer 2007. Cooperative agreement awards will have a start date no later than September 30, 2007.

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.

Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:

Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).

Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this 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.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.

A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities.

Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html.

HHS Grants Policy Statement

The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.

3. Reporting Requirements:

Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html) 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.

Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII of this announcement.

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

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

Program Office Contact:

Kathy Ledesma
Children's Bureau
Portals Office Building, 8th Floor
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW.
Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 202-205-7277
Email: kledesma@acf.hhs.gov

Grants Management Office Contact:

Daphne Weeden, Grants Officer
Division of Discretionary Grants
ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132
Phone: 866-796-1591
Email: cb@dixongroup.com

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION

Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/.

For general information regarding this announcement please contact:

ACYF

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