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Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), is accepting applications for a Service Delivery Demonstration Project Cooperative Agreement. The Service Delivery Demonstration Project (Project) is a cooperative agreement with an agency to ensure the national distribution of mentoring service vouchers to families and caregivers of children whose parent(s) are incarcerated. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority Authority to provide the Demonstration Grant for the Mentoring Children of Prisoners Vouchers Program is authorized by Public Law (P.L.) 109-288, the "Child and Family Services Improvement Act of 2006." This legislation reauthorizes and amends a number of key child and family services programs under title IV-B of the Social Security Act, notably the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program under subpart 2 of title IV-B. Text of the legislation may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/content/aboutfysb/documents.htm. Funding Opportunity Description History Empirical research has found that significant physical absence of a parent has profound effects on a child's development. Nearly 2.2 million children in the United States experience detrimental economic, social, and emotional effects of having an incarcerated parent. These children may also experience the trauma of multiple changes in caregivers and living arrangements. They are more likely succumb to depression and drug usage, and statistics indicate that, without intervention, children are seven times more likely to follow the footsteps of their parent(s) into the criminal justice system. In FY 2003, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), provided the first Mentoring Children of Prisoners (MCP) grant awards to States, local governments, faith- and community-based organizations to operate mentoring programs throughout the nation. In FY 2006, ACF funded 238 organizations to provide structured mentoring services between a caring adult and a child of incarcerated parent(s). Additional information on the MCP program and a list of current grantees may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/content/youthdivision/programs/mcpfactsheet.htm. Within the existing MCP grant award structure, families and caregivers who are seeking a mentor for their child have access only to the mentoring services of the 238 location-specific MCP grantees. However, beyond these grantees, there exist a substantial number of programs with the capacity to provide mentors. P.L. 109-288 establishes a Project in which the Secretary enters into a cooperative agreement with an entity to provide for the distribution of mentoring service vouchers to families of children whose parent(s) are incarcerated (including the caregivers for such children). Description The Project provides vouchers for mentoring services to children of prisoners and their families through a mentoring support agency. Vouchers enable the family to choose a mentoring program that meets quality standards, and enable mentoring organizations to serve children closer to where they live. A. Purpose This cooperative agreement will allow a mentoring support agency to recruit mentoring programs meeting quality standards that are located in the communities where families/caregivers and children of prisoners reside. The support agency will compile a nationwide list of these agencies thereby enabling families to select a program in their area that best meets their needs. Grantees entering into this cooperative agreement are expected to reach families not previously served through the MCP program by identifying children of prisoners who have not been matched with a mentor by the recipient of a MCP grant. Grantees will be required to give priority to identifying children who: reside in an area not already served by an MCP grantee; reside in an area that has a substantial number of children of prisoners; reside in a rural area; or are Indian. As such, the grantee may contact the correctional and judicial system to identify children and their families/caregivers and provide targeted services. In addition, the grantee may identify entities that have relationships with children of prisoners (e.g., faith- and community-based institutions, schools, and/or youth serving agencies). Vouchers shall be provided to the families of children of prisoners identified by the grantee to redeem for services at any participating agency meeting quality standards. Vouchers shall have a service value not to exceed $1,000. Vouchers will increase effective mentoring practices in several ways:
B. Scope of Services The Project gives families and/or caregivers the ability to select mentoring services for children of prisoners from programs meeting quality standards that may be closer to home and/or more reflective of their communities. The service delivery plan will achieve the following outcomes:
C. Program Requirements 1. Services and Activities: The mentoring support agency will provide the following -
2. Positive Youth Development: FYSB has worked to promote a Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework for all its funded grant programs and activities. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to develop their project descriptions with the PYD framework in mind as discussed below. The PYD approach is predicated on the understanding that all young people need support, guidance, and opportunities during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change. With this support, they can develop self-assurance and create a healthy, successful life. Key elements of PYD are:
If these factors are being addressed, young people can become not just "problem-free" but "fully prepared" and engaged constructively in their communities and society. These key elements result in the following PYD outcomes:
3. Measuring Program Success: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary is committed to fulfilling the objectives of the Project to provide program choice to children of prisoners and their families through the use of mentoring vouchers. To fulfill these objectives, the successful applicant will collect data elements as designated by the Secretary. Data elements will be specified and clarified through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) information collection approval process, published in the "Federal Register" and subject to public comment. Elements are expected to include information that can indicate how the program is being implemented by the support agency awarded through this cooperative agreement, such as the identification and development of quality standards for programs eligible to receive vouchers, specific quality assessments (based on the quality standards), specific characteristics of mentoring programs receiving vouchers, and information regarding the number of vouchers distributed. Data requirements will also include information about the administration of the program, outreach, collaboration with correctional, judicial and other systems, and accounting information. The organization funded under this cooperative agreement will be required to collect caseload data from each mentoring program about the children being mentored, as required under "Program Requirements," Section I. The data requirements affecting mentoring programs will be defined in collaboration with FYSB. The specific elements collected at this level and their frequency of collection will also be approved through the information collection approval process administered by OMB. 4. Definitions: Caregiver - A parent or legal guardian charged with the responsibility of caring for a child while one or both parents are incarcerated. Children of Prisoners (Also called a Mentee) - Children with one or both parents incarcerated in a Federal, State, or local correctional facility. The term is deemed to include children who are in an ongoing mentoring relationship in this program at the time of their parents' release from prison, for purposes of continued participation in the program. For the purposes of this grant program, a child of a prisoner is eligible for services if:
And
Jail - A detention facility for those awaiting trial or convicted of minor offenses. Mentoring - A structured, managed program in which children are appropriately matched with screened and trained adult volunteers (age 18 or older) for one-on-one relationships, involving meetings and activities on a regular basis, intended to meet, in part, the child's need for involvement with a caring and supportive adult who provides a positive role model. Mentoring Services - Those services and activities that support a structured, managed program of mentoring, including the management by trained personnel of outreach to, and screening of, eligible children; outreach to, education and training of, and liaison with sponsoring local organizations; screening and training of adult volunteers; matching of children with suitable adult volunteer mentors; support and oversight of the mentoring relationship; and establishment of goals and evaluation of outcomes for mentored children. Vouchers - Indirect funding, or funds provided indirectly, to a provider of mentoring services to provide services to children of prisoners where the choice of service provider is in the hands of the family. Each voucher shall have a service value not to exceed $1,000 and will be distributed to the provider of mentoring services in periodic payments over a 12-month period based on the demonstration of significant services and activities related to the provision of mentoring services to the child on whose behalf the voucher is issued. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: ACF will issue the Financial Assistance Award under this agreement as a cooperative agreement, as prescribed by statute. ACF uses cooperative agreements when it anticipates that the amount of Federal involvement in a particular project is greater than that which a grant requires or allows. The cooperative agreements will outline the terms of ACF's involvement, as well as the responsibilities of the recipient organization.
Cooperative Agreement funds are to be awarded in separate 12-month budget periods, subject to availability, in the following distribution: -- Up to $5,000,000 for the first fiscal year; -- Up to $10,000,000 for the second fiscal year; and -- Up to $15,000,000 for the third fiscal year. Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: The award of the cooperative agreement will include a delineation of the responsibilities of the successful applicant and ACYF. The responsibilities contained in the cooperative agreement will incorporate the core elements, scope of services, program requirements, and responsibilities. Federal Officials Minimum Responsibilities
Applicant Minimum Responsibilities
Continuation of Project An initial grant award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation grants beyond the initial 12-month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination that the continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. With respect to any fiscal year, no funds may be awarded for this project unless at least $25,000,000 is appropriated to make grants under this section in that fiscal year. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
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. An organization that provides mentoring services may not be an eligible entity for the purposes of being awarded a cooperative agreement. This includes any organization with affiliates that directly administer mentoring services. See Public Law (P.L) 109-288, the "Child and Family Services Improvement Act of 2006" for complete text. Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Disqualification Factors
An organization that provides mentoring services may not be an eligible entity for the purposes of being awarded a cooperative agreement. This includes any organization with affiliates that directly administer mentoring services. See Public Law (P.L) 109-288, the "Child and Family Services Improvement Act of 2006" for complete text. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group, Inc. Attn: MCP SERVICE VOUCHER Cooperative Agreement Funding 118 Q Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: fysb@dixongroup.com URL: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: The length of the entire application package must not exceed 120 pages. This includes the required Federal Standard Forms (SF)/certifications (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B and SF-LLL), table of contents, project summary, project description, budget/budget justification, supplemental documentation, proof of non-profit status, summaries of sub-grants and contracts, and letters of agreement. All pages of the application package must be sequentially numbered beginning with page one. The required Federal forms will be counted towards the total number of pages. All pages of each application will be counted to determine the total length. All pages exceeding the 120-page limit will be removed and will not be considered in the reviewing process. A cover letter is not required. Applicants are reminded that if a cover letter is submitted, it will count towards the 120-page limit. The project description must be typed and double-spaced on a single-side of 8 1/2 x 11 inch plain white paper with at least 1/2 inch margins on all sides, using black print with 12-point size Times New Roman font. For charts, budget tables, supplemental letters, and support documents, applicants may use a different point size and font, but no less than 10-point size and single-spaced. Applicants that deviate from this format risk having their application not reviewed in its entirety. A final decision will be made by the Office of Grants Management on whether applications that deviate from the prescribed format will be reviewed in their entirety. The application package should include the following and be in the following order: 1. The Required Federal Forms/Certifications - See below for description. 2. Table of Contents - This section should reference the order of the application sections and provide page numbers. 3. Project Summary/Abstract - This section should contain the following information: Agency name, city, State; amount of Federal funding requested for 12-month period; point of contact, name, phone, and email; two to three paragraph statement on what will be accomplished with the Project. See Section V. The following format is only suggested to assist the writers in developing their abstract. Applicants must address every issue in the abstract, but may choose a different format to relay the information. Agency name, city, State; Amount of Federal funding requested for 12-month period; Point of contact, name, phone, and email; Two to three paragraph statement on what will be accomplished with the Project. 4. Project Description - This section is a comprehensive description of the proposed Project, what it will accomplish and how it will be implemented. The project description should address each of the categories in Section V.1; be structured in a manner that addresses each of the evaluation criteria in a logical format in the following order: Objectives and Need for Assistance; Results and Benefits, Approach; Staff and Position Data; Organizational Profiles; and Budget and Budget Justification. Applicants must title each section accordingly. 5. Budget and Budget Justification - The budget is a line-item format and must be in a worksheet, table, or spreadsheet that illustrates how calculations were derived. The budget should reflect a 12-month budget period. Each category heading within the line-item budget should correspond with the budget categories listed in Section B of the SF-424A. The budget justification is a narrative that provides a rationale for the items requested and how these items relate to the overall success of the Project. 6. Proof of Non-Profit Status - See later in this section and in Section V. Organizational Profiles, for acceptable documentation that must be submitted by date of award. 7. Summary of Sub-grants/Contracts - A summary of a monetary sub-grant and/or contract must be provided as part of the application package. The summary must include a description of the project services that will be completed through the sub-grant or contract using Federal funds and the process by which the primary applicant will monitor the sub-grant and/or contract for compliance to the grant and project performance. 8. Third-Party Agreements - Third-party agreements are required if the applicant is proposing to provide services through a different agency or entity based on a non-monetary arrangement. The third-party agreement must enumerate the project services that will be completed under the agreement. 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 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. 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. 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:
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: 06/26/2007 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. 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 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.
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.
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. Administrative expenditures incurred by the entity in conducting the Project with respect to a fiscal year may not exceed an amount equal to 10 percent of the amount awarded to carry out the Project for that year. 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 Hand Delivery ACYF Operations Center 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. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, the project description may cite measurable outcomes including, but not limited to, the type and number of networks to be established with correction systems, community agencies, and/or mentoring organizations.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. 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 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 - 35 points
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 30 points
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 20 points
OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 10 points
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points
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.) Applications that pass the initial ACF screening will be evaluated and rated by an independent review panel made up of non-Federal reviewers that are experts in the field. The review panel will use the evaluation criteria listed in Section V.I to review and score the applications. The panel will assign a score (maximum 100) to each application and identify the application's strengths and weaknesses. The evaluation criteria were designed to assess the quality of a proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success. The evaluation criteria are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Points are awarded only to an application that is responsive to the evaluation criteria within the context of this program announcement. The results of these reviews will assist the FYSB Associate Commissioner and program staff in considering competing applications. 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. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Awards will be made by September 30, 2007. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing after the final awards have been made. 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: QuarterlyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Courtney Workman Grants Management Office Contact: ACYF Grants Officer VIII. OTHER INFORMATION
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