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Executive Summary: This announcement governs the proposed award of formula grants under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) to private, non-profit State Domestic Violence Coalitions (Coalitions). The purpose of these grants is to assist in the conduct of activities to promote domestic violence intervention and prevention and to increase public awareness of domestic violence issues. This notice for family violence prevention and services grants to Coalitions serves two purposes. The first is to confirm a Federal commitment to reducing domestic violence; and the second purpose is to urge States, localities, cities, and the private sector to become involved in State and local planning towards an integrated service delivery approach. I. DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority: Title III of the Child Abuse Amendments of 1984 (Public Law (P.L.) 98-457, 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 10401 et seq.) is entitled the “Family Violence Prevention and Services Act” (FVPSA). FVPSA was first implemented in Fiscal Year (FY) 1986. The statute was subsequently amended by P.L. 100-294, the “Child Abuse Prevention, Adoptions, and Family Services Act of 1988;” further amended in 1992 by P.L. 102-295; and then amended in 1994 by P.L. 103-322, the “Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act.” FVPSA was amended again in 1996 by P.L. 104-235, the “Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) of 1996;” in 2000 by P.L. 106-386, the “Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act,” and amended further by P.L. 108-36, the “Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003.” FVPSA was most recently amended by P.L. 109-162, the “Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2005” and by P.L. 109-271, which was enacted on August 17, 2006.” Background Section 311 of FVPSA authorizes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to award grants to statewide, private, non-profit Coalitions to conduct activities to promote domestic violence intervention and prevention and to increase public awareness of domestic violence issues. Annual State Domestic Violence Coalition Grantee Conference Coalitions should plan to send one or more representatives to the annual grantee conference. A subsequent Program Instruction and/or Information Memorandum will advise Coalition administrators of the date, time, and location of their grantee conference. Client Confidentiality FVPSA programs must establish or implement policies and protocols for maintaining the safety and confidentiality of the adult victims and their children of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It is essential that the confidentiality of individuals receiving FVPSA services be protected. Consequently, when providing statistical data on program activities and program services, individual identifiers of client records will not be used (see Section 303(a)(2)(E)). The confidentiality provisions described at 42 U.S.C., section 13701, apply to programs funded under the Violence Against Women Act, as amended, including certain awards made under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. These confidentiality requirements were strengthened and clarified with the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2005, P.L. 109-162, as recently amended by P.L. 109-271. The revised confidentiality provisions impose conditions regarding the disclosure of personally identifying information, confidentiality, information sharing, and compulsory release of information.” Stop Family Violence Postal Stamp As of FY 2006, $2.3 million has been transferred and made available in support of grants for The Importance of Coordination of Services Coordination and collaboration among the police, prosecutors, the courts, victim services providers, child welfare and family preservation services, and medical and mental health service providers is needed to provide more responsive and effective services to victims of domestic violence and their families. It is essential that all interested parties are involved in the design and improvements of intervention and prevention activities. To help bring about a more effective response to the problem of domestic violence, HHS urges the designated Coalitions receiving funds under this grant announcement to continue to coordinate activities funded under this grant with other new and existing resources for the prevention of family and intimate violence and related issues. National Data Collection and Outcomes Measurement The need to accurately communicate reliable and appropriate data that capture the impact of domestic violence prevention and intervention efforts and to provide shelters, States, and Coalitions with tools for self-assessment continues as the Documenting our Work (DOW) Initiative. In collaboration with our partners at the State FVPSA programs, Coalitions, and experts on both data collection and domestic violence prevention issues, the effort to develop informative, succinct, and non-burdensome reporting formats continues. During FY 2006 and in concert with State FVPSA administrators, Coalitions and local service providers, four states have volunteered as pilot sites to assess proposed program reporting procedures and test the reliability of the outcome measures for FVPSA programs. Any recommended changes for information and reporting formats will be accompanied by specifically designated workshops or adjunctive discussions to regularly occurring meetings. II. FUNDS AVAILABLE In FY 2007, HHS will make 10 percent of the amount appropriated under section 310(a)(1) of the FVPSA, which is not reserved under section 310(a)(2), available for grants to the State-designated, statewide, domestic violence Coalitions. One grant will be available for each of the Coalitions in the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The Coalitions of the U.S. Territories (Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) are also eligible for grant awards under this announcement. Expenditure Period FVPSA funds may be used for expenditures on or after October 1 of each fiscal year for which they are granted and will be available for expenditure through September 30 of the following fiscal year, i.e., FY 2007 funds may be used for expenditures from October 1, 2006, through September 30, 2008. Funds are available for obligation through September 30, 2008, and must be liquidated by September 30, 2009. III. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for grants under this program announcement, an organization shall be designated as a statewide, private, non-profit domestic violence coalition meeting the following criteria:
Additional Information on Eligibility 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 the applicant’s organization has a D-U-N-S number. To acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost call the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com. Survey for Private Non-Profit Grant Applicants Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under "Grant Related Documents and Forms," "Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants," titled, "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants," at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. IV. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COALITION (COALITIONS) APPLICATIONS This section includes application requirements for family violence prevention and services grants for Coalitions, as follows: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) The project description is approved under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 0970-0280, which expires October 31, 2008. 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. Form and Content of Application Submission The Coalition application must be signed by the Executive Director of the Coalition or the official designated as responsible for the administration of the grant. The application must contain the following information:
Certifications All applicants must submit or comply with the required certifications found in the Appendices, as follows: Certification Regarding Lobbying (See Appendix A): Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications (approved by OMB under control number 0348-0046). Applicants should sign and return the certification with their application. Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke (See Appendix B): Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within 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 the forms. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the application. Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (See Appendix C): The signature on the application by the program official attests to the applicants’ intent to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace requirements and compliance with the Debarment Certification. The Drug-Free Workplace certification does not have to be returned with the application. These certifications also may be found at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. Notification Under Executive Order 12372 This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs” for State plan consolidation and simplification only – 45 CFR 100.12. The review and comment provisions of the Executive Order and Part 100 do not apply. Applications should be sent to: Family and Youth Services Bureau V. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Performance Reports The Coalition grantee must submit an annual report of activities describing the coordination, training and technical assistance, needs assessment, and comprehensive planning activities carried out. Additionally, the Coalition must report on the public information and education services provided; the activities conducted in conjunction with judicial and law enforcement agencies; the actions conducted in conjunction with other agencies such as the State child welfare agency; and any other activities undertaken under this grant award. The annual report also must provide an assessment of the effectiveness of the grant-supported activities. The annual report is due 90 days after the end of the fiscal year in which the grant is awarded, i.e., December 29. Annual reports should be sent to: Family and Youth Services Bureau Please note that HHS may suspend funding for an approved application if any applicant fails to submit an annual performance report or if the funds are expended for purposes other than those set forth under this announcement. Financial Status Reports Grantees must submit annual Financial Status Reports. The first SF-269A is due December 29, 2007. It covers expenditures from date of award through September 30, 2007. The interim SF-269A is due December 29, 2008. The final SF-269A is due December 29, 2009. SF-269A can be found at the following URL: Completed reports should be sent to: Rachel Hickson Grantees have the option to submit their reports online through the Online Data Collection (OLDC) system at the following address: https://extranet.acf.hhs.gov/ssi. The Division of Mandatory Grants can assist grantees with access to OLDC. Failure to submit reports on time may be a basis for withholding grant funds, suspension or termination of the grant. In addition, all funds reported after the obligation period will be recouped. VI. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74. 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 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/regulations/index.html. 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. VII. OTHER INFORMATION For Further Information Contact: William D. Riley at (202) 401-5529 or e-mail at WRiley@acf.hhs.gov.
Appendices: Required Certifications: A. Certification Regarding Lobbying Appendix A
Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
Statement for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance The undersigned states, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that: 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 undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance with its instructions. Submission of this statement is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required statement shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Appendix B CERTIFICATION REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE
Public Law 103227, Part C Environmental Tobacco Smoke, also known as the Pro Children Act of 1994 (Act), requires that smoking not be permitted in any portion of any indoor routinely owned or leased or contracted for by an entity and used routinely or regularly for provision of health, day care, education, or library services to children under the age of 18, if the services are funded by Federal programs either directly or through State or local governments, by Federal grant, contract, loan, or loan guarantee. The law does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, and portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1000 per day and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. By signing and submitting this application the applicant/grantee certifies that it will comply with the requirements of the Act.
The applicant/grantee further agrees that it will require the language of this certification be included in any subawards which contain provisions for the children's services and that all subgrantees shall certify accordingly. CERTIFICATION REGARDING DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTSThis certification is required by the regulations implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988: 45 CFR Part 76, Subpart, F. Sections 76.630(c) and (d)(2) and 76.645(a)(1) and (b) provide that a Federal agency may designate a central receipt point for STATE-WIDE AND STATE AGENCY-WIDE certifications, and for notification of criminal drug convictions. For the Department of Health and Human Services, the central pint is: Division of Grants Management and Oversight, Office of Management and Acquisition, Department of Health and Human Services, Room 517-D, 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201. Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements Alternate I. (Grantees Other Than Individuals) The grantee certifies that it will or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by:
(B) The grantee may insert in the space provided below the site(s) for the performance of work done in connection with the specific grant: Check if there are workplaces on file that are not identified here. Alternate II. (Grantees Who Are Individuals) (a) The grantee certifies that, as a condition of the grant, he or she will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity with the grant;(b) If convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any grant activity, he or she will report the conviction, in writing, within 10 calendar days of the conviction, to every grant officer or other designee, unless the Federal agency designates a central point for the receipt of such notices. When notice is made to such a central point, it shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant. EXPIRED |
