Executive Summary: Pursuant to this announcement and, contingent upon available funding and statutory authorization, the Office of Community Services (OCS) will award Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary grant funds for operational projects to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) that are experienced in implementing economic development projects. The purpose of these grants is to create new employment and business development opportunities for low-income individuals. Eligible CDCs, including American Indian, Native Alaskan, and faith-based CDCs, must have in place: (1) written unconditional financial commitments for all non-CED funding needed for the project, (2) management, staff and other resources to operate the project, (3) evidence of site control for the project (e.g., lease agreement or deed), and (4) referral sources from which low-income individuals would access the project. Written proof of commitments from third parties must be signed by the head of the partnering organization providing funding, referrals, or other resources. Low-income beneficiaries of such projects include those who are living in poverty, as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Guidelines on Poverty (found at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/poverty.shtml). Beneficiaries may be unemployed; public assistance recipients, including recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); at-risk youth; custodial and non-custodial parents; residents of public housing; persons with disabilities; persons who are homeless; or individuals transitioning from incarceration into the community. Grant funds awarded under this announcement are intended to provide resources to eligible CDCs for their job creation and business projects, as well as to address broader objectives such as arresting tendencies toward financial dependency, chronic unemployment, and community deterioration in both urban and rural areas. Eligible CDCs must submit a business plan that demonstrates the economic feasibility of the venture. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act of 1981, as amended by Section 680(a)(2) of the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998, (Public Law (P.L.)105-285) authorizes the HHS Secretary to make grants that provide technical and financial assistance for economic development activities designed to address the economic needs of low-income individuals and families by creating employment and business development opportunities. Funding Opportunity Description Project Goals CED projects are expected to further HHS goals of strengthening American families and promoting self-sufficiency, and the Administration for Children and Families' (ACF) goal of promoting healthy families in healthy communities. The CED program seeks to promote CDCs achieving public-private partnerships that develop employment and business opportunities for low-income persons and that revitalize distressed communities. Collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Applicants for CED grants are encouraged to partner and/or collaborate with organizations awarded grants by the Department of Labor, Employment Training Administration (ETA). The One-Stop Career Center Grant program is one of the ETA grant programs as a result of the Workforce Investment Act, which established comprehensive reform of existing job training programs. These grants were awarded to faith-based and community organizations to complement and supplement the efforts of local workforce investment systems in reaching individuals and meeting their training, job and career-support needs. For additional information about One-Stop Career Center Grants and other ETA grant projects that support workforce system-building visit the DOL website; http://www.doleta.gov/sga/awards. Project Scope Projects may include business start-ups, business expansions, development of new products and services, or other newly-undertaken physical and commercial activities. Projects must result in the creation of new jobs. Each applicant must describe the project scope including the low-income community to be served, business activities to be undertaken, and the types of jobs that will be created. Definitions of Terms The following definitions apply: BENEFICIARY--A low-income individual whose income level does not exceed 100 percent of the official poverty line as found in the most recent revision of the Poverty Income Guidelines published by HHS. These guidelines may be found at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.shtml. BUDGET PERIOD--The time interval into which a grant period is divided for budgetary and funding purposes. The budget period for CED projects cannot exceed 60 months for construction projects and 36 months for non-construction projects. CASH CONTRIBUTIONS--The grantee's cash outlay, including the outlay of money contributed to the grantee by third parties. COMMUNITY--Any geographically defined area (with boundaries) being targeted by a CED project. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CDC)--A private, non-profit corporation governed by a board of directors consisting of residents of the community and business and civic leaders, which has as a principal purpose planning, developing, or managing low-income housing or community development activities. COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (CED)--A process by which a community uses resources to attract capital and increase physical, commercial, and business development, as well as job opportunities for its residents. CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS--Projects that involve the initial building or large scale modernization or permanent improvement of a facility. DISTRESSED COMMUNITY--A geographic urban neighborhood or rural community with high unemployment and pervasive poverty. EMPLOYMENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM--A program that provides education and/or training to welfare recipients, at-risk youth, residents of public housing, displaced workers, homeless, and other low-income individuals and that has demonstrated organizational experience in employment directed education and training for these populations. EMPOWERMENT ZONE AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY PROJECT AREAS (EZ/EC)--Urban neighborhoods and rural areas designated as such by the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Agriculture. EQUITY INVESTMENT--The provision of capital to a business entity for some specified purpose in return for a portion of ownership using a third-party agreement as the contractual instrument. FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION--A community development corporation that has a religious character. HYPOTHESIS--An assumption made in order to test its validity. It should assert a cause-and-effect relationship between a program intervention and its expected result. Both the intervention and its result must be measured in order to confirm the hypothesis. For example, the following is a hypothesis: "Eighty hours of classroom training will be sufficient for participants to prepare a successful loan application.'' In this example, data would be obtained on the number of hours of training actually received by participants (the intervention), and the quality of loan applications (the result), to determine the validity of the hypothesis (that eighty hours of training is sufficient to produce the result). INDIRECT COSTS--Overhead costs of an organization that have been approved by HHS or other cognizant Federal agencies for use in applying for Federal funds. INTERVENTION--Any planned activity within a project that is intended to produce changes in the target population and/or the environment for the purpose of job creation and can be formally evaluated. For example, assistance in the preparation of a business plan is an intervention. JOB CREATION--New full-time, permanent jobs that did not exist prior to this project and came about as a result of the project. These activities can include development of new business ventures, the expansion of existing businesses, or self-employment/micro-enterprise businesses. Applicants must show that these newly created jobs will be sustainable for a minimum of 12 months. Jobs that exist prior to the start of the project or resulting independently from the project will not be considered. JOB PLACEMENT--Placing an individual in an existing vacant job of a business, service, or commercial activity not related to new development or expansion activity. All jobs supported by the project must be defined as job creations, not job placement. LETTER OF COMMITMENT--A signed letter or agreement from a third party to the applicant that pledges financial or other support for the grant activities contingent only on OCS accepting the applicant's project proposal. LOAN--Money given to a borrower under a binding pledge for a given purpose to be repaid, usually at a stated rate of interest and within a specified period. The creation of a revolving loan fund with funds received under this program is an allowable activity. Loans made to eligible beneficiaries for business development activities must be at or below market rate. Interest accrued on revolving loan funds must be used to continue or expand the activities of the approved project. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION--An organization (including a faith-based organization or community development corporation) exempt from taxation by reason of paragraph (3) or (4) of Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. OUTCOME EVALUATION--An assessment of project results as measured by collected data that define the net effects of the interventions applied in the project. An outcome evaluation will produce and interpret findings related to whether the interventions created the proposed jobs, or produced other desired changes. An outcome evaluation should address any unanticipated outcomes. It should answer the question: Did this project achieve its stated goals. POVERTY INCOME GUIDELINES--Guidelines published annually by HHS that establish the level of poverty defined as low-income for individuals and their families. The guideline information is posted on the Internet at the following address http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.shtml. PROCESS EVALUATION--A review and assessment of the planned activities implemented to produce the proposed outcomes (i.e., the creation of new, sustainable jobs). Focuses on the effectiveness and efficiency of the program's activities and interventions (e.g., methods of recruiting participants, quality of training activities, and usefulness of follow-up procedures). It should answer questions such as: Were the project activities comprehensive and were they implemented to achieve the desired outcome(s)?" It is also known as formative evaluation, because it gathers information that can be used as a management tool to improve the way a program operates while the program is in progress. It should also identify problems that occurred and how they were dealt with and recommend improved means of future implementation. In concert with the outcome evaluation, it should also help explain, "Why did this program work/not work?" and, "What worked and what did not?" PROGRAM INCOME--Gross income earned by the grantee that is directly generated by an activity supported with grant funds. PROJECT PERIOD--The total time for which a project is approved for CED support, including any approved extensions. For construction projects the project period cannot exceed 60 months. For non-construction projects the project period cannot exceed 36 months. REVOLVING LOAN FUND--A distinct loan fund established exclusively for CED projects as a resource to pay for eligible business development and operational activities that, when repaid, generates additional program income to make new loans. SELF-EMPLOYMENT--The employment status of an individual who engages in self-directed economic activities. SELF-SUFFICIENCY--A state of being or status of an individual or family where, by reason of employment, eligibility for public assistance is replaced by the ability to meet all basic needs. SUB-AWARD--An award of financial assistance in the form of money or property made under a CED award by a grantee to an eligible sub-grantee or by a sub-grantee to a lower tier sub-grantee. The term includes financial assistance when provided by any legal agreement, even if the agreement is called a contract, but does not include procurement of goods and services. It does not include any form of assistance excluded from the definition of "award'' under Federal regulations at 45 code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 74. (Note: Equity investments and loan transactions are not sub-awards.) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE--A problem-solving event generally using the services of a specialist. Such services may be provided on-site, by telephone, or by other means of communication. These services address specific problems and are intended to assist with immediate resolution of a given problem or set of problems. TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF)--The Federal block grant program authorized in Title I of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Part A of Title IV under the Social Security Act), as amended. The TANF program transformed "welfare'' into a system that requires work in exchange for time-limited assistance. THIRD PARTY--Any individual, organization, or business entity that is not the direct recipient of CED grant funds. THIRD-PARTY AGREEMENT--A written agreement entered into by the grantee and an organization, individual, or business entity (including a wholly owned subsidiary of a CDC), by which the grantee makes an equity investment of resources, or capitalizes on a loan in support of grant purposes. A loan commitment from a financial institution or memorandum of understanding from another community partner committing resources or capital is a typical third-party agreement. THIRD-PARTY IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS--The value of non-cash contributions provided by non-Federal third parties that may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies and/or other expendable property, and the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project or program. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Explanation of Other: Applications for operational projects exclusively for construction may have budget and project periods of up to five years (60 months) with use of funds consistent with the work plan. Applications for non-construction operational projects may have budget and project periods for up to three years (36 months) consistent with the work plan. Applicants must indicate their expected project period and budget periods for the proposed project. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. An applicant must be a private, non-profit CDC experienced in developing and managing economic development projects. For purposes of this grant program, the CDC must be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of residents of the community and business and civic leaders. The CDC must have as a principal purpose: planning, developing, or managing low-income housing or community development activities. An applicant must document its eligibility as a CDC for the purposes of this grant program. The application must include a list of governing board members along with their designations as a community resident, business, or civic leader. In addition, the application must include documentation that the organization has as a primary purpose: planning, developing, or managing low-income housing or community development activities. This documentation may include incorporation documents or other CDC organizational documents (e.g., article of incorporation papers, by-laws, official documents that identify the organization). 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Faith-based and community equal treatment policy organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. See Section IV, Funding Restrictions, for Faith-Based Community Organization Equal Treatment Language. Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Rafael J. ElizaldeAdministration for Children and Families Office of Community Services Operations Center 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 1-800-281-9519 Email: OCSGRANTS@acf.hhs.gov 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Application Content Each application must include the following components: (1) Table of Contents (2) Project Summary/Abstract--One or two paragraphs, not to exceed 350 words, that describe the community in which the project will be implemented, beneficiaries to be served, and the type(s) of business(es) to be developed. Include a statement that the project is financially feasible (i.e., debt coverage ratio is valid), and identify the type(s) of jobs to be created, projected cost-per-job, any land or building to be purchased or building constructed and resources leveraged. The summary should address how these elements will have the intended affect on the community. (3) Number of Copies--Each application should include one signed original and two additional copies. (4) Page Limitation--The application package must include sections for the Table of Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives and Business Plan and must not exceed 60 pages. The page limitation does not include the following attachments and appendices: Standard Forms or Assurances, Certifications, Disclosures and Appendices. The page limitation also does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this announcement. (5) Completed Standard Form (SF)-424 --The SF-424 must be signed by an official of the organization applying for the grant who has legal authority to obligate the organization. Under Box 11, indicate Operational Projects as the Priority Area for which the application is written. (6) SF-424A--Budget Information--Applies to non-construction programs only. (7) SF-424B--Budget Information--Applies to construction programs only. (8) Budget Narrative Justification - Use to justify each object class category required under Section B, SF-424A. Applicants are encouraged to use job titles and not specific names in developing the application budget. However, the specific salary rates or amounts for staff positions identified must be included in the application budget. See Section V for additional information for preparing the budget. (9) Project Description--A narrative that addresses issues described in the Section V, Application Review Information. (10) Private, Non-profit CDC--Applicants must provide proof of status as a non-profit organization and as a CDC as required by statute and as described in Section III. (11) Sufficiency of Financial Management System--CED funds are Federal, all grantees must be capable of meeting the requirements of 45 CFR Part 74 concerning their financial management system. 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. 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. Property and National Historic Preservation Act 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: 05/29/2007 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 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
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. Cost-Per-Job: OCS will not fund projects with a cost-per-job in CED funds that exceeds $10,000. An exception may be made if the project includes the purchase of land or a building, or major renovation or construction of a building. In this instance, the applicant must explain the factors that raise the cost beyond $10,000. In no instance, will OCS allow for a cost-per-job of more than $15,000 in CED funds. Cost-per-job is calculated by dividing the number of jobs created for low-income individuals into the amount of the CED grant request. Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects: OCS will not fund projects where the role of the applicant is primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracts for specific services or activities necessary to conduct the project. Prohibited Activities: OCS will not consider applications that propose to establish Small Business Investment Corporations or Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment Corporations. OCS will not fund projects that are primarily education, training and placement projects. In projects where participants must be trained, any funds proposed for training must be limited to specific job-related training for those individuals who have been selected for employment in the grant-supported project. Projects primarily involving training and placement for existing vacant positions will not be funded. OCS will not fund projects that would result in the relocation of a business from one geographic area to another resulting in job displacement. Faith-Based and Community Organization Equal Treatment Organizations and their faith-based and community partners shall not use direct Federal grants or contracts under the CED to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, an organization must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the CED- funded services. Some of the ways organizations may accomplish this include, but are not limited to, promoting only the Federally funded program in materials, websites, or commercials purchased with any portion of the Federal funds. Further, participation in such activity by individuals receiving services must be voluntary. 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 CED program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirement governing the conduct of HHS-funded activities. 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 either 45 CFR 87.1 or the HHS website at http://www.os.hhs.gov/fbc/waisgate21.pdf 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 Barbara Ziegler-Johnson Hand Delivery Barbara Ziegler-Johnson 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, describe the population to be served by the program and the number of new jobs that will be created for the target population. Explain how the project will reach the targeted population, how it will benefit participants, and how it will support individuals to become more economically self-sufficient.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: OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 10 points (1) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the application documents that the project addresses a vital need in a distressed community. (For the definition of "Distressed Community," see Section I). The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the application documents that both the unemployment rate and poverty level for the targeted neighborhood or community are equal to or greater than the State or national level and it the extent to which the application cites the most recent available statistics from published sources (e.g., the recent U.S. Census or updates, the State, county, city, election district, and other information are provided in support of its contention). (6 points) BUSINESS PLAN - 20 points The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it includes a business plan that contains the following elements:
SITE CONTROL - 10 points The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it includes evidence of site control demonstrated by properly executed, signed and dated documents by all applicable parties (e.g., lease agreements or deeds). When appropriate, a document submitted to meet this element could include a caveat, that the organization's site control is contingent on receipt of a successful OCS grant award. (10 points) COST-PER-JOB – 5 points The application will be evaluated on the extent that during the project period, the proposed project will create new, permanent jobs for low-income individuals located in the target community at a cost-per-job not to exceed $10,000 in CED funds unless the project involves construction or significant renovation, in which case the cost-per-job may reach $15,000. (Cost-per-job is calculated by dividing the number of jobs for low-income individuals into the requested grant amount. OCS will not fund projects if the cost-per job exceeds these ceiling amounts.) (5 points)
(a) The application will be evaluated on the extent on which all financial third-party agreements/partnership documents are signed by both parties and include a statement verifying the following (as appropriate): (10 points)
(b) The application will be evaluated on the extent that third-party agreements are accompanied by a signed statement from a Certified or Licensed Public Accountant as to the sufficiency of the third-party's financial management system in accordance with 45 CFR Part 74 and financial statements for the third-party organization for the prior three years. If such statements are not available because the organization is a newly formed entity, the application must include a statement to this effect. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that grant funds expended by it and the third party are expended in compliance with Federal regulations of 45 CFR Part 74 and OMB Circular A-122. (5 points)
NON-FEDERAL RESOURCES - 15 points The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant documents that it has the proposed balance of non-CED funding required to fully implement the project, (including evidence of adequate financing e.g., loan tax credits, equity investments, or other supporting grants). Lack of sufficient documentation to assure financial viability of the project will result in point deductions. Cash resources such as cash or loans contributed from all project sources (except for those contributed directly by the applicant and supported by a financial statement of cash available) are documented by letters of unconditional financial commitments from third parties making the contribution. The value of in-kind contributions for personal property is documented by an inventory valuation for equipment and a certified appraisal for real property. Also, a copy of a deed or other legal document is required for real property. (Anticipated or projected program income such as gross or net profits from the project or business operations will not be recognized as mobilized or contributed resources.) (15 points) ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 10 points (1) The extent on which the applicant cites it's organization's capability and relevant experience in developing and operating programs that deal with poverty problems similar to those to be addressed by the proposed project; demonstrates it's organization's experience in collaborative programming and operations that involve evaluations and data collection; and identifies the organization's executive and volunteer leadership, briefly describes its involvement in the proposed project, and provides assurance of the organization's commitment to its successful implementation. (5 points) STAFF AND POSITION DATA - 5 points (1) The extent on which the applicant identifies the individuals who will have the key responsibilities for managing the project, coordinating services and activities for participants and partners, and achieving performance targets. The focus should be on the qualifications, experience, capacity, and commitment to the program of the executive officials and volunteer leaders of the organization and the key staff persons who will administer and implement the project. The person identified as project director should have supervisory experience, experience in finance and business, and experience with the target population. Because this is a new project within an already established agency, OCS expects that the key staff person(s) will be identified, if not hired, or that an estimated hiring timeline for each individual will be provided. (3 points) EVALUATION - 5 points (1) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the application includes a well thought through outline of an Evaluation Plan for the entire project that includes both process and outcome measures. The extent to which the applicant's outline explains: (1) how the applicant proposes to answer the key questions about how effectively the project is being/was implemented; (2) whether the project activities or interventions achieved the expected immediate outcome, and why or why not (the process evaluation); and (3) whether and to what extent the project achieved its stated goal, and why or why not (the outcome evaluation.) Together the process and outcome evaluations should answer the question. "What did this project accomplish; and why was the project successful or why was the project not successful?'' Evaluation plans should describe a tracking system to measure the results of each component of the proposed Business Plan. (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.) Initial OCS Screening: Each application submitted to OCS will be screened for completeness and conformity with the requirements listed in this announcement. Late applications or those exceeding the funding limit will be returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable and will not be reviewed. OCS Evaluation of Applications: Applications that pass the initial OCS screening will be reviewed and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review criteria presented in the relevant sections of this program announcement. The evaluation criteria are designed to enable the review panel to assess the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood of its success. The criteria are closely related to each other and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. The review panel awards points only to applications that are responsive to the program elements and relevant review criteria within the context of this program announcement. The OCS Director and the program staff use the reviewer scores when considering competing applications. Reviewer scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but may not be the only factors considered. Applications generally will be considered in order of the average scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important factors are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not guaranteed funding. These other considerations include, for example: the timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded with OCS funds granted in the last five years; comments of reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; amount and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's consistency and harmony with OCS goals and policy; geographic distribution of applications; previous program performance of applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants, including the actual dedication of the applicant to acquire additional funding and other committed resources as set forth in project applications; audit reports; investigative reports; and applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous OCS or other Federal agency grants. 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 The semi-annual Program Progress Reports should include a description of the grantee's major activities and accomplishments for the reporting period, number of jobs created, challenges to meeting project objectives, information about the ongoing financial management of the project, significant finding and events, marketing activities, success stories which demonstrate results/outcomes and any activities the grantee may have planned for the next reporting period. Project Evaluation Reports are to be included with the semi-annual progress report. (See reference in Section V, Project Evaluation). VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Rafael J. Elizalde Grants Management Office Contact: Barbara Ziegler-Johnson VIII. OTHER INFORMATION NOTICE: Beginning with FY 2007, ACF will no longer publish grant announcements in the Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005, applicants will be able to find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically for opportunities via: www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF website located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html. The FY 2007 President's Budget does not include or propose funding for the Economic Development Discretionary Grant Program. Future funding is based on the availability of funds. Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located on the following website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs. | |||
