|
Executive Summary: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 funds to award grants to plan and implement Youth Information, Training and Resource Centers. The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, Public Law (P.L.) 106-402, 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 15081(2)(D) states "...projects of sufficient size and scope that hold promise to expand or improve opportunities for such individuals, including - (i) projects that provide technical assistance for the development of information and referral systems;... (vi) projects that provide aid to transition youth with developmental disabilities from school to adult life, especially in finding employment and postsecondary education opportunities and in upgrading and changing any assistive technology devices that may be needed as a youth matures." This funding opportunity will support an increasing ability of individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice, self-determination and to engage in leadership activities in their communities. Applicants must have a demonstrated record of working in partnership with various groups that empower youth to be emerging leaders with developmental disabilities, making informed life choices. This program announcement contains instructions for the submission of the FY 2007 grant applications for core funding. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the Federal agency responsible for implementation and administration of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act of 2000) (42 U.S.C. 15001, et seq.) and the disability provisions of the Help America Vote Act (42 U.S.C. Sections 15421-15425, 15461-15462). This agency is located within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The DD Act of 2000 authorizes support and assistance to States, public agencies, and private, non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations, to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of, and have access to, culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance and opportunities that promote independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community. As defined in the DD Act of 2000, the term "developmental disabilities" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments that are manifested before the individual attains age 22 and are likely to continue indefinitely. Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three or more of the following functional areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and capacity for economic self-sufficiency. The DD Act of 2000 identifies a number of significant findings, including:
The DD Act of 2000 also promotes the best practices and policies presented below:
Toward these ends, ADD seeks to support and accomplish the following:
ADD, like other programs in ACF, promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities. ACF and ADD envision:
The vision, listed above, will enable more individuals, including people with developmental disabilities, to live productive and independent lives integrated into their communities. The Projects of National Significance (PNS) is a means by which ADD promotes the achievement of this vision. There are four programs funded under the DD Act of 2000:
This program announcement provides information about funding within the Projects of National Significance. Funding Opportunity Description Projects of National Significance - Youth Information, Training and Resource Centers The purpose of this notice is to announce the availability of FY 2007 grant award funds to plan and implement Youth Information, Training and Resource Centers. The purpose is to design and demonstrate community-based information, training, and resource centers with youth and emerging leaders, as defined above for this program announcement. Young people with developmental disabilities are more than twice as likely to drop out of high school (as shown in the 2005 Department of Education, IDEA: Special Education Grants to States, during 2002 to 2003, 34 percent of youths with developmental disabilities dropped out of school) and are less likely to graduate high school with a standard diploma than youth without developmental disabilities (as shown in the 2005 Department of Education, IDEA: Special Education Grants to States, during 2002 to 2003, 52 percent of students with developmental disabilities graduated with a standard diploma compared to approximately 74 percent (2004, National Center for Education Statistics, Department of Education) of their non-disabled counterparts). Through the design and demonstration of youth information, training and resource centers, ADD envisions improving the odds for youth with developmental disabilities to graduate with a standard high school diploma and encouraging emerging leaders with developmental disabilities to seek and maintain employment. In FY 2004, ADD awarded funding to 15 Youth Centers to design and implement youth information, training and resource centers. The Youth Centers have worked toward becoming a voice and advocate for young people with developmental disabilities, especially with regard to post high school education, training and employment activities. For the purposes of this program announcement, the term "targeted communities" refers to poor and/or geographically unserved or underserved communities (including underserved areas with persons from racial, ethnic or cultural minority backgrounds) with persons with developmental disabilities. Additionally, the term "youth" is defined as individuals with developmental disabilities between the ages of 13 and 17 while "emerging leaders" refers to individuals with developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 and 30 with the desire and interest to engage in community leadership and policymaking activities. Note to Applicants: If multiple years of funding are being requested for the proposed project, the application must identify project objectives for each year. Minimum Requirements for Project Design
Priority Area: Youth Information, Training and Resource Centers Description The purpose of this notice is to announce the availability of FY 2007 grant award funds to plan and implement Youth Information, Training and Resource Centers. The purpose is to design and demonstrate community-based information, training, and resource centers with youth and emerging leaders, as defined above for this program announcement. Young people with developmental disabilities are more than twice as likely to drop out of high school (as shown in the 2005 Department of Education, IDEA: Special Education Grants to States, during 2002 to 2003, 34 percent of youths with developmental disabilities dropped out of school) and are less likely to graduate high school with a standard diploma than youth without developmental disabilities (as shown in the 2005 Department of Education, IDEA: Special Education Grants to States, during 2002 to 2003, 52 percent of students with developmental disabilities graduated with a standard diploma compared to approximately 74 percent (2004, National Center for Education Statistics, Department of Education) of their non-disabled counterparts). Through the design and demonstration of youth information, training and resource centers, ADD envisions improving the odds for youth with developmental disabilities to graduate with a standard high school diploma and encouraging emerging leaders with developmental disabilities to seek and maintain employment. In FY 2004, ADD awarded funding to 15 Youth Centers to design and implement youth information, training and resource centers. The Youth Centers have worked toward becoming a voice and advocate for young people with developmental disabilities, especially with regard to post high school education, training and employment activities. For the purposes of this program announcement, the term "targeted communities" refers to poor and/or geographically unserved or underserved communities (including underserved areas with persons from racial, ethnic or cultural minority backgrounds) with persons with developmental disabilities. Additionally, the term "youth" is defined as individuals with developmental disabilities between the ages of 13 and 17 while "emerging leaders" refers to individuals with developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 and 30 with the desire and interest to engage in community leadership and policymaking activities.
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. ACF solicits applications from local public or private non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations, or local for-profit organizations that wish to compete for funds which are available to establish Youth Information, Training and Resource Centers. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees must provide at least 25 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 $200,000, requesting $150,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal share of at least $50,000 (25 percent of total approved project cost of $200,000.) 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. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Ophelia McLain, Program SpecialistU.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Administration on Developmental Disabilities 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW. Mail Stop: HHH 405D Washington, DC 20447 Phone: 202-690-7025 Fax: 202-205-8037 Email: ophelia.mclain@acf.hhs.gov URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/index.html 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Please submit the Letter of Intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3. The Letter of Intent should include the following information:
Letter of Intent information will be used to determine the number of reviewers needed to evaluate applications. Failure to submit a Letter of Intent will not affect eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. The original and two copies of the application package shall be submitted. The application package must include and place in the following order: (a). The Standard Certifications and Forms See the checklist in Section IV for additional information. (b). A Full Budget and Budget Narrative Applicants must include a completed Standard Form (SF) 424A, "Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs," a detailed budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF- 424A, Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a 12-month budget period. The budget justification should describe how the costs are reasonable and necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the proposed project. Each applicant's proposed project budget must include estimated travel expenses (e.g. airfare, ground transportation, lodging) for one key project staff member and an emerging leader to attend a three-day meeting in Washington, DC, with Federal staff, for training and technical assistance. The applicant must include the 12-month Federal budget under Column (1), the 12-month non-Federal budget under Column (2), and the total 12-month budget under Column (5) of the SF-424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining two years of the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF-424A, Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal contributions for the second through third years of the project on SF-424A, Section C. (c). A Table of Contents (d). A One-Page Project Abstract (e). The Project Description The project description must not exceed 60 double-spaced, typed pages. The type must not be smaller than 12 point. The margins must not be less than one inch. The program description pages should be numbered. Any application that exceeds the 60-page limit requirement will have the additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. (f). The Appendix Supplementary material, intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement. The Appendix must be included with the original and the two copies of the application. The length of the application including the appendix and required Federal forms must not exceed 60 pages. 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 Letter of Intent: 06/22/2007 Due Date for Applications: 07/23/2007 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications that do not meet the deadline requirements 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. Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting the announced deadline if they are either received on or before the due date or postmarked on or before the due date and received by ACF in time for the independent review referenced in Section V.2. Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the application(s). To be acceptable as a proof of timely mailing, a postmark from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of the commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the package was received by the commercial mail service company from the applicant. Privately metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting the announced deadline if they are 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 THAT DOES NOT MEET THE DEADLINE REQUIREMENTS ABOVE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
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. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Tim Chappelle, Grants Officer Hand Delivery Tim Chappelle, Grants Officer 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. (This information collection is currently under OMB review for extension of the expiration date. According to OMB policy, the approval will not expire while the collection is under its review). 1. Criteria: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included for easy reference. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. APPROACH Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement. Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates. If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from the OMB. This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF." Provide a list of organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
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: PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT - points APPROACH - 40 points The applications will be evaluated according to the extent to which the applicant outlines a sound, workable, and detailed plan of action pertaining to the measurable goals and objectives of the proposed project and the proposed approach; identifies activities in chronological order, with target dates for accomplishment and the key personnel responsible for completing the activity; and clearly identifies the plan of action and delineates the roles and involvement of each of the proposed project's partners, collaborators, and/or sub-grantees. Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the applicant: 15 Points
5 Points
5 Points
5 Points
5 Points
3 Points
2 Points
OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 25 points The applications will be evaluated according to the extent to which the applicant demonstrates a thorough understanding and analysis of the problem(s) being addressed in the project; documents the need for assistance, and the importance of addressing these problems in the area(s) to be addressed by the proposed project; outlines key goals and objectives of the project in three or more selected areas of emphasis (child care, education and early intervention, employment, health, housing, recreation, transportation, and quality assurance); and provides any supporting documentation and relevant data based on research or planning studies, and maps and other graphical aids. Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the applicant: 15 Points
5 Points
5 Points
EVALUATION - 15 points The applications will be evaluated according to the extent to which the applicant provides a narrative outlining how project results will be evaluated; states methods for measuring the extent to which project goals have been achieved; discusses the criteria to be used to evaluate results; explains 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, defines the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented; and discusses the impact of the project's various activities on the project's effectiveness. Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the applicant: 5 Points
5 Points
5 Points
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 15 points The applications will be evaluated according to the extent to which the applicant provides a biographical sketch and job description for each key person appointed; job descriptions for each vacant key position; and methods for recruiting and maintaining key staff. Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the applicant: 4 Points
4 Points
3 Points
3 Points
1 Point
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points The applications will be evaluated according to the extent to which the applicant provides a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form; detailed calculations that include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated; a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424; a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived; and discusses the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs. Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the applicant: 3 Points
2 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.) ADD may consider geographical dispersion, in reviewing and selecting applications. The applications will be reviewed by a panel of approximately three individuals who are all non-Federal reviewers. The reviewers will have knowledge of issues pertaining to people with developmental disabilities. 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: Not ApplicableVI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1. Award Notices: The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award document, which sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental). Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this program. Regulations pertaining to the Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be found at the HHS web site at: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html. HHS Grants Policy Statement The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 3. Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html) throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period. Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII of this announcement. Program Progress Reports: Semi-AnnuallyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Ophelia McLain, Program Specialist Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, Grants Officer VIII. OTHER INFORMATION The statutory requirements for the ADD programs and information about program accountability can be found at http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add/ddact/DDACT2.html.
EXPIRED |
|||
