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 the Transitional Living Program (TLP) and for Maternity Group Homes (MGH). These activities are authorized by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, 42 USC sections 5701 through 5752 to address runaway and homeless youth (RHY) problems. TLPs provide an alternative to involving RHY in the law enforcement, child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice systems. Each TLP must provide a safe and appropriate shelter for up to 18 months of services with adult supervision, life and interpersonal skill building, career counseling and job skills, counseling, and medical care as appropriate. MGHs provide the same services as a TLP in addition to providing parenting instructions and child care. Other services that are offered include, but are not limited to, transportation, family planning, abstinence education and pregnancy prevention services. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority Grants for Runaway and Homeless Youth Transitional Living Programs and Maternity Group Homes are authorized by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (Title III of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974), as amended by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, 42 USC sections 5701 through 5752. Text of this legislation can be located at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/content/aboutfysb/RHYComp.pdf Funding Opportunity Description The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) is accepting applications for the Transitional Living Program (TLP) and for Maternity Group Homes (MGH). These programs are authorized by the Runaway, Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act of 2003 to address runaway and homeless youth (RHY) problems. TLPs provide an alternative to involving RHY in the law enforcement, child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice systems. Each TLP must provide a safe and appropriate shelter for up to 18 months of services with adult supervision, life and interpersonal skill building, career counseling and job skills, counseling, and medical care as appropriate. MGHs provide the same services as a TLP in addition to providing parenting instructions and child care. Other services that are offered include, but are not limited to, transportation, family planning, abstinence education and pregnancy prevention services. Priority Areas Priority Area 1: Transitional Living Program Description Scope of Services TLP grantees are required to provide homeless youth with stable, safe living accommodations and services that help them develop the skills necessary to move to independence. Living accommodations may be host family homes, group homes, MGH's, or "supervised apartments." (Supervised apartments are either agency-owned apartment buildings or "scattered site" apartments, which are single-occupancy apartments rented directly by young people with support from the agency.) Program Requirements 1. Mandatory Services: TLP grantees are required to offer the following services, either directly or by referral:
2. Positive Youth Development (PYD): FYSB has worked to promote a 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. Record Keeping: Agree to keep adequate statistical records for profiling the youth and families served under this Federal grant. This information is required by program legislation and defined in the TLP contact report of the user-friendly Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information Systems (RHYMIS). Applicants must have the proper computer equipment to operate RHYMIS. Applicants may budget for computer equipment in their application as needed. For more information on the proper equipment, applicants may go to the RHYMIS fact sheet located on the FYSB website at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/content/youthdivision/resources/rhymsfactsheet.htm or in Section VI.2 of this program announcement. Please note that the RHYMIS software operates best with hardware in general use from 1999-present. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law (P.L. 104-13) the data collection under RHYMIS is approved under Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 0970-0123, which expires September 30, 2007. 4. Technical Assistance: Agree to receive and participate in technical assistance efforts as recommended by Federal staff. Measuring Program Success FYSB is committed to fulfilling the objectives of its governing statute, the RHY Act, by providing temporary shelter and services for runaway, homeless, and street youth and ensuring the safe return of such youth to their homes or other appropriate alternative living arrangements according to the best interests of the youth. Beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, FYSB will upgrade the Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS), which every grantee must operate, to measure the types and modes of prevention services delivery, as well as their effectiveness in keeping youth safely connected with their families and diverting them from running away or entering emergency shelter. Additionally, the RHY Act requires that grantees in the RHY programs develop an adequate plan for providing counseling and aftercare services to such youth, for ensuring the proper referral of youth to social service, law enforcement and other entities to help integrate and coordinate such services for youth. To measure progress towards this goal, FYSB uses RHYMIS to track different exit situations from local TLP and other RHY programs, including family reunification, residential placements and programs such as Job Corps, entry into educational institutions or military service, and independent living situations, such as an apartment or group home. Examples of services that agencies can provide that facilitate these outcomes include:
Definitions AFTERCARE SERVICES - The provision of services to runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their families subsequent to the youth's return home or the youth's placement in alternative living arrangements, which assist in alleviating the problems that contributed to his or her running away or being homeless. AREA - A specific neighborhood or section of the locality in which the runaway and homeless youth project is or will be located. BUDGET PERIOD - The intervals of time into which a multi-year period of assistance is divided for budgetary and funding purposes. Budget periods are usually 12-months long but may be shorter or longer, if appropriate. COORDINATED NETWORKS OF AGENICES - An association of two or more private agencies, whose purpose is to develop or strengthen services to runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their families. COUNSELING SERVICES - The provision of guidance, support, and advice to runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their families that are designed to alleviate the problems that contributed to the youth's running away or being homeless, resolve intra-family problems, to reunite such youth with their families, whenever appropriate, and to help them decide upon a future course of action. DEMONSTRABLY FREQUENTED BY OR REACHABLE - Located in an area in which runaway or otherwise homeless youth congregate, or an area accessible to such youth by public transportation, or by the provision of transportation by the runaway and homeless youth project itself. HOMELESS YOUTH - An individual who is not more than 21 years of age, or in the case of a youth seeking shelter in a center under Part A of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, not more than 18 years of age, and for the purposes of Part B, not less than 16 years of age; for whom it is not possible to live in a safe environment with a relative; and who has no other safe alternative living arrangement. JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM - Agencies such as, but not limited to, juvenile courts, law enforcement, probation, parole, correctional institutions, training schools, and detention facilities. LAW ENFORCEMENT STRUCTURE - Any police activity or agency with legal responsibility for enforcing a criminal code including police departments and sheriffs' offices. LOCALITY - A unit of general government--for example, a city, county, township, town, parish, village, or a combination of such units. Federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible to apply for grants as local units of government. MATERNITY GROUP HOMES - A community-based, adult-supervised transitional living arrangement that provides pregnant and parenting youth and their children with a supportive and supervised living arrangement in which such pregnant or parenting youth are required to learn parenting skills, including child development, family budgeting, health and nutrition, and other skills to promote their long-term economic independence in order to ensure the well-being of their children. PROJECT PERIOD - The total time stated in the Notice of Grant Award (including any amendments) for which Federal support is recommended. The period will consist of one or more budget periods. It does not constitute a commitment by the Federal Government to fund the entire period. RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH PROJECT - A locally-controlled human service program facility outside the law enforcement structure and the juvenile justice system that provides temporary shelter, directly or through other facilities, counseling, and aftercare services to runaway or otherwise homeless youth. RUNAWAY YOUTH - A person under 18 years of age who absents himself or herself from home, or place of legal residence, without the permission of his or her family. SHORT-TERM TRAINING - The provision of local, State, or regionally based instruction to runaway or otherwise homeless youth service providers in skill areas that will directly strengthen service delivery. STATE - Any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any Territory or possession of the United States. STREET-BASED SERVICES - Services provided to RHY and street youth in areas where they congregate. These services are designed to assist such youth in making healthy personal choices regarding: where they live and how they behave, and may include identification of and outreach to RHY and street youth; crisis intervention and counseling; information and referral for housing; information and referral for transitional living and health care services; advocacy, education, and prevention services related to alcohol and drug abuse; sexual exploitation; sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and physical and sexual assault. STREET YOUTH - An individual who is a runaway youth; or indefinitely or intermittently a homeless youth; and spends a significant amount of time on the street or in other areas that increase the risk to such youth of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, prostitution, or drug abuse. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - The provision of expertise or support for the purpose of strengthening the capabilities of grantee organizations to deliver services. TEMPORARY SHELTER - The provision of short-term (maximum of 15 days) room and board and core crisis intervention services, on a 24-hour basis, by a RHY project. YOUTH AT RISK OF SEPARATION FROM THE FAMILY - An individual who is less than 18 years of age and who has a history of running away from the family of such individual whose parent, guardian, or custodian is not willing to provide for the basic needs of such individual; or who is at risk of entering the child welfare system or juvenile justice system as a result of the lack of services available to the family to meet such needs.II. AWARD INFORMATION
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. Public and non-profit private entities and coordinated networks of such entities are eligible applicants under this announcement. Current TLP grantees with project periods ending on or before September 29, 2007, and all other eligible applicants not currently receiving TLP funds may apply for a new competitive TLP grant under this announcement. Current TLP grantees (including sub-grantees) with one or more years remaining in their project period may not apply for a new TLP grant for the community they currently serve. These grantees will receive instructions from their respective RHY Specialist on the procedures for applying for non-competitive continuation grants. Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project costs, in accordance with section 383 of the RHY Act. Grantees must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a total approved project cost of $220,000, requesting $200,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal share of at least $20,000 (10 percent of total approved project cost of $222,000.) Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if they exceed the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the required amount will result in the disallowance of Federal funds. A lack of supporting documentation at the time of application will not exclude the application from competitive review. Please refer to Section IV for any pre-award requirements. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling amount (for research projects) or the upper range value (for all other projects) will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. See Section II., Award Information. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group, Inc. Attn: Transitional Living Program 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: Each application package must include the original and two copies. Do not staple the application or any section of the application. If applicants are applying for both Priority Areas under this funding announcement they must submit a separate application package for each Priority Area for which they are applying. Applicants must also note on the Federal Standard Form 424 what priority area they are applying for. The length of the entire application package must not exceed 90 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 90-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 90-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 pitch size and font, but no less than 10-pitch 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 Grants Officers 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: a. The Required Federal Forms/Certifications - See below for description. b. Table of Contents - Should reference the order of the application sections and provide page numbers. c. One-Page Project Abstract - Should contain the following information: Agency name, city, State; proposed service area (State, county, city, etc.); Priority Area applied for (e.g., TLP, MGH); amount of Federal funding requested for 12-month period; proposed model of program (e.g., street-based or drop-in center model); target population (if applicable); point of contact, name, phone, and email; number of youth to receive services during the 36-month project; two-three paragraph statement on what will be accomplished with the project. A suggested sample format is provided in Section VIII, Other Information. d. 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 and 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. e. 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 (i.e., Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, Equipment, Supplies, Contractual, Construction, Other, Indirect Charges). 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. f. Proof of Non-Profit Status - See Section III.3 for acceptable documentation that must be submitted by date of award. g. Third-Party Agreements - 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 or a non-Federal match, and the process by which the primary applicant will maintain a substantive role with the sub-grant and/or contract assuring compliance with the grant requirements and project performance. h. Letters of Agreement - Letters of Agreement (LOA) are required if the applicant is proposing to provide services that will be provided by a different agency or entity based on a non-monetary arrangement. The LOA must enumerate the project services that will be completed under the agreement. NOTE: Street youth must have guaranteed access to emergency shelter, therefore a LOA with the shelter provider must be included in the application. The agreement must stipulate that the applicant's street outreach staff workers will have guaranteed access to street youth that are residing in the shelter. If the applicant agency is providing the shelter services through other means, then the applicant must state that in the application, but a LOA is not required. i. Non-Federal Resources Commitment Letters - Letters from organizations, entities, or individuals agreeing to provide non-Federal resources (cash or in-kind) to the project. j. Assessment of Youth's Needs - Must be based on the youth's needs and include information on the transition from supervised accommodations to independent living or other appropriate living arrangements. 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-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice that implements the smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/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: 05/08/2007 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.
Additional Forms 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. No grant funds may be used for any program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug (42 U.S.C. 5752), see Section VI.3, Special Terms and Conditions of Awards. No grant funds may be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. More information can be found https://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf Costs for acquisition and renovation of existing construction may not exceed 15 percent of the grant amount awarded. If applying for a TLP and MGH or for those applicants who currently have a TLP and are applying for a MGH, supplanting of shelter beds is prohibited. 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 number of RHY provided independent living skills.APPROACH Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement. Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates. If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from the OMB. This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF." Provide a list of organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: APPROACH - 30 points
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 20 points
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 15 points
OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 15 points
STAFF AND POSITION DATA - 15 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 submitted under this program announcement will undergo a pre-review screening to determine that (1) the application was received by the closing date and submitted in accordance with the instructions in this announcement, and (2) the applicant is eligible for funding based on the eligibility requirements in Sections II and III. Applications that pass the initial ACF screening will be evaluated and rated by an independent review panel made up of non-Federal reviewers who 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 panels will assign a score (maximum 100) to each application and identify the application's strengths and weaknesses. The results of these reviews will assist the FYSB Associate Commissioner and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decision, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications generally will be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly ranked applications are not guaranteed funding because other factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to: comments of reviewers and government officials, staff evaluation and input, geographic distribution, previous program performance of applicants, compliance with grant terms under previous Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants, audit reports, investigative reports, an applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous FYSB or other Federal agency grants. For those applicants either applying for both TLP and MGH or who currently operate a TLP and are applying for a MGH, verification on non-supplementation of shelter beds will also factor into the decision process. 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. FYSB has the authority to pass over ranking order based on geographic area (location) and capacity needs. As required by the RHY Act, in making grant award decisions, priority for funding shall be given to private entities with past experience in providing services to runaway, homeless and street youth. Past experience means that a major activity of the agency has been the provision of temporary shelter, street outreach, counseling, and referral services to runaway, street or otherwise homeless youth and their families, either directly or through linkages established with other community agencies. 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. Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS) Grantees must agree to keep adequate statistical records profiling the youth and families served under the Federal grant and to gather and submit program and client data required by FYSB. This information is required by the RHY program legislation and defined in user-friendly RHYMIS. Recipients of a grant administered through FYSB are required and expected to submit the data via RHYMIS or in an approved format which RHYMIS can receive. Grantees have the option of using RHYMIS for internal management improvement or for research and other program needs. A RHYMIS hotline/help desk is available at 888-749-6474, and/or at rhymis_help@csc.com. FYSB will fund computer software for RHY program data collection through RHYMIS. An applicant lacking the computer equipment (hardware) for RHYMIS data collection must include an estimated cost for such equipment in their proposed budget. If the applicant already has such equipment, this fact must be noted. (See Section V.1 Evaluation Criteria/Budget and Budget Justification.) (Note: Existing grantees generally report that their staff has been able to easily train themselves to operate RHYMIS due to its user-friendliness, prompts, help features, and FYSB's technical support service.) In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) the data collection under RHYMIS is approved under OMB control number 0970-0123, which expires September 30, 2007. Confidentiality Grantees shall keep adequate statistical records profiling the youth and family members whom it serves (including youth who are not referred to out-of-home shelter services), except that records maintained on individual runaway and homeless youth shall not be disclosed without the consent of the individual youth and parent or legal guardian to anyone other than another agency compiling statistical records or a government agency involved in the disposition of criminal charges against an individual runaway and homeless youth, and reports or other documents based on such statistical records shall not disclose the identity of individual runaway and homeless youth. Moreover, section 384 of the RHY Act requires that records containing the identity of individual youth pursuant to this Act under no circumstances be disclosed or transferred to any individual or to any public or private agency. Separate Accounting Section 389 of the RHY Act requires any individual or entity who receives any funds awarded under the RHY Act and who carries out any program described in subsection (a) of the Act to account for all funds used for such program separately from any funds contained in this title. 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. 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-AnnuallyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Victoria Marquez Grants Management Office Contact: ACYF Grants Officer VIII. OTHER INFORMATION The following resources are available to all applicants:
Region I (States: CT, MA, NH, RI, VT) New England Network of Child, Youth & Family Services: Phone: (978) 544-2067 or (802) 658-9182, Contacts: Doug Tanner or Melanie Goodman, Email: dtanner@nenetwork.org or mgoodman@nenetwork.org. Region II (States: NJ, NY, PR, Virgin Islands) Region III (States: DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV) Mid Atlantic Network of Youth & Family Services: Phone: (412) 366-6562, Contacts: Megan Klein-Blondin, Email: megan@manynet.org. Region IV (States: AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, TN) Southeastern Network of Youth & Family Services: Phone: (239) 949-4414, Contact: Sherry Allen, Email: Sherryallen@senetwork.org. Region V (States: IL, IN, OH, MI, MN, WI) Youth Network Council: Phone: (312) 704-1257, Contacts: Kristen Truffa or Denis Murstein, Email: ktruffa@youthnetworkcouncil.org or Murstein@youthnetworkcouncil.org. Region VI (States: AR, LA, NM, OK, TX) Southwest Network of Youth Services: Phone: (512) 328-6860, Contact: Theresa Tod, Email: TTod@tnoys.org. Region VII (States: IA, KS, MO, NE) MINK Youth Services: Phone: (913) 888-5992, Contacts: Amy Gray, Email: minknet@aol.com or amy.gray@minkyouthservicenetwork.org. Region VIII (States: CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY) Mountain Plains Network for Youth: Phone: (701) 355-0721, Contact: Linda Garding, Email: MTNPLAINS@aol.com. Region IX (States: AZ, CA, HI, NV, American Samoa, Guam, Marshall Islands, Northern Marianas, Palau) Western States Youth Services Network: Phone: (707) 763-2213, Contact: Nancy Fastenau, Email: WSYSN@aol.com. Region X (States: AK, ID, OR, WA) Northwestern Network for Youth: Phone: (206) 628-3760, Contact: Gary Hammons, Email: gary@nwny.org. One-Page Project Abstract (suggested sample format): This 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 Priority Area (e.g., TLP, MGH) Proposed Service Area (State, county, city) Amount of Federal Funding requested for 12-month period Proposed model of program (for example host home shelter) Target Population (if applicable) Point of Contact, name, phone, and email Number of youth to shelter during the 60-month project Number of youth to receive non-shelter services during the 60-month project Two to three paragraph statement on what will be accomplished with the project.Priority Area 2: Maternity Group Homes Description Scope of Services TLP grantees are required to provide homeless youth with stable, safe living accommodations and services that help them develop the skills necessary to move to independence. Living accommodations may be host family homes, group homes, MGH's, or "supervised apartments." (Supervised apartments are either agency-ow | |||
