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Executive Summary: The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announces that competing applications will be accepted for a cooperative agreement pursuant to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary's authority under section 678(A) of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act, as amended by the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services (COATES) Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Public Law (P.L.) 105-285). The proposed cooperative agreements will fund training and technical assistance (T/TA) resources for the CSBG Network focusing on improving the quality and the delivery of healthy marriage education service strategies among low-income people served by local community action agencies. Specifically, OCS will offer four to six, three-year cooperative agreements to fund a three-year project period for the creation and dissemination of "promising practice" technical assistance materials in supporting healthy marriages among clients as part of an overall strategy to help low-income people achieve family and child development, and/or self-sufficiency goals. Special emphasis is being placed on the development and dissemination of "promising practice" materials that focus on a wide range of low-income populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and teen parents.
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announces that competing applications will be accepted for a cooperative agreement pursuant to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary's authority under section 678(A) of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act, as amended by the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services (COATES) Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-285). Technical assistance to organizations in the CSBG Network will focus entirely on the lessons learned and best practices, based on cooperating entity's experiences and early findings, and will be disseminated throughout the entire project period. Awarded projects will be administered through a cooperative agreement. This agreement will require a close working relationship between OCS and the successful applicant. Background: ACF encourages the formation and maintenance of healthy marriages and families as part of its overall strategy to help low-income people achieve family and child development goals and greater economic self-sufficiency. Over the past four years, many community organizations, including designated community action agencies, faith-based groups, and public human service agencies, have undertaken special initiatives designed to promote healthy marriages, often with financial support from ACF program offices. Although some progress has been made, more needs to be done to expand the current knowledge base about the kinds of marriage support programs that are show promise and are culturally appropriate to meet the needs of diverse, low-income families to improve their marital health and stability. The CSBG Supporting Healthy Marriage Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) cooperative agreements will give community organizations a valuable opportunity to develop solid strategies to support healthy marriages and provide the CSBG Network with another effective support service for low-income families. These cooperative agreements will also help to answer questions about what shows promise and what challenges remain to support healthy marriages in low-income settings and to provide the network with a T/TA resource. Healthy marriages are good for children, families, and society as a whole. Research tells us that on average, men and women in healthy marriages are more likely to build wealth, have better health, experience emotional well-being and live longer. More important, children who are raised by their biological or adoptive parents in healthy, married families do better than those who grow up in other family forms. For example, studies have shown that children in healthy marriage families are at less risk for substance abuse, emotional distress and mental illness, suicide, criminal behavior, educational decline, poverty, child abuse and neglect. Children raised in healthy marriage families are more likely to develop better relationships with their parents, develop stable marriages and families themselves, experience greater economic security, perform better in school and on the job, and have better physical health. In addition, communities with high proportions of healthy marriage families are safer and experience fewer social problems than those with lower proportions of healthy marriage families. Research also tells us that one of the things that separates stable and healthy marriages from unstable and unhealthy ones is not the frequency of conflict, but how couples manage conflict. Couples who listen to each other with respect and resolve conflict in healthy ways report higher levels of marital satisfaction and are less likely to divorce than those who are not able to do so. Through marriage education these skills can be taught and increase the odds that couples will form and sustain healthy marriages to the benefit of their children, themselves and society. Research has shown that individuals and couples across the economic spectrum are similar in their desire to have stable, healthy marriages and family relationships for themselves and their children. However, those dealing with economic difficulties often face additional challenges to achieving these goals relative to couples who are more economically secure. For example, low-income families have higher divorce rates. There is limited information about the factors that contribute to these differences across economic and racial/ethnic groups. There is also limited information about the factors that contribute to marital quality and stability. More information on how to effectively implement healthy marriage programs is needed to fully gauge how to achieve greater family and child development successfully and how to inform other eligible organizations of implementation and design strategies that show promise in reducing highly stressed families faced with limited resources. The CSBG Supporting Healthy Marriage T/TA cooperative agreements are one of OCS' efforts to help community organizations share their experiences developing promising models within the broader network of CSBG entities attempting to provide healthy marriage initiatives in diverse settings. Program Purpose: This program's purpose is to develop Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) resources to help low-income individuals or couples who choose to form healthy, stable relationships and marriages. To achieve this objective, OCS will fund, through organizations, applications propose projects that help low-income families form and maintain such marriages. OCS seeks to fund projects that have thorough, well designed proposals that include implementation activities for the following: (A) client data gathering, planning, and model development; (B) program intervention and service delivery; and (C) T/TA activities for organizations eligible to receive assistance with the CSBG Network; and (D) a plan evaluating the rest of the project. A. Data Gathering, Planning and Model Development There is limited research that addresses the development and delivery of marriage education services to low-income couples including teen parents, where appropriate. For this reason, OCS is particularly interested in funding projects that assess the needs of low-income couples and then use that data to develop healthy marriage models and services for these consumers. The completed projects will provide T/TA by sharing their data and models with organizations in the CSBG Network so that data gathered and the models developed in these projects will benefit low-income couples across the nation. In the first two quarters after the award of the cooperative agreement, cooperating entities should gather information about the assets, issues, and barriers that healthy marriage projects should consider when developing programs for low-income couples. Once they have gathered the information, the projects should use that information to design healthy marriage programs. For example, during the data gathering stage, a project might discover that because most of the target couples have young school-age children, these couples would be unable to attend marriage education classes during the work week. Instead, the couples would prefer to attend weekend classes that offered on-site activities for the children as well. The project would take these insights and incorporate them into a model and a theory of practice. An additional barrier OCS healthy marriage projects should consider in the development of the healthy marriage cooperative agreement is the issue of domestic violence. To address this issue each healthy marriage project should collaborate with a local domestic violence agency or coalition to develop a comprehensive and site specific domestic violence protocol. While it is recognized that domestic violence is a complex problem and that physical and emotional abuse is a serious obstacle to stable and healthy relationships, each project should ensure that domestic violence issues within the targeted population are safely, routinely and consistently identified and appropriately addressed and that adequate supports and safeguards are in place for individuals/couples dealing with domestic violence. B. Program Intervention and Service Delivery OCS seeks to fund well-designed program interventions that will aid organizations within the CSBG Network to help low-income couples including teen parents, where appropriate, build and sustain healthy marriages through the formation of healthy marriage skill building techniques known to improve marital stability. Applicants shall provide a thorough description of how the intervention/service will be implemented, including reasonable plans for project marketing and outreach, participant (couples) recruitment and retention, the type of healthy marriage education services to be offered, guidelines on the frequency and duration of classes or services, staffing, training plans and projections of the number of couples to be served. Well-designed approaches will also be tailored to meet the needs of the target population. Proposals should demonstrate how the intervention would be designed to provide the necessary support services often required to meet the needs of low-income or diverse populations, e.g., transportation to and from healthy marriage activities, childcare and translation services. OCS intends to fund the creation of healthy marriage intervention models that can be used for T/TA activities for use within the CSBG Network that focus on:
Based on the experiences and successes of currently funded healthy marriage projects, OCS is interested in supporting program interventions and service models that do the following:
C. Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) Activities This area is intended to support healthy marriage T/TA activities that will enhance the CSBG Network's ability to improve the quality and delivery of healthy marriage education interventions for low-income people and where appropriate, teen parents. Successful applicants must be able to take the developed model/service and use their experience with that process to provide technical assistance to other community agencies that will implement healthy marriage interventions. Applicants should present a detailed, comprehensive plan for sharing their experiences and lessons learned with other agencies within the CSBG Network. Plans should describe how the applicant will provide technical assistance activities. These activities can include, but are not limited to: making presentations at community services conferences for those interested in implementing healthy marriage programs; creating and disseminating technical assistance documents that give tips for the development and implementation of healthy marriage programs; producing quarterly findings and written annual reports for distribution to other community organizations; and hosting site visits, roundtables or other forums to present healthy marriage lessons learned. Projects funded under this announcement will be expected to provide for the project director and the evaluator to attend an early kickoff meeting for the cooperating entities funded under this priority area to be held within the first three months of the project (first year only) in Washington, D.C. OCS strongly encourages applicants to consult their local domestic violence coalition to learn more about the information and services they provide to the community and in collaboration with the coalition develop domestic violence protocol that can be used by the CSBG Network. The purpose of these procedures is to ensure consistency in approach to domestic violence that can make a significant difference in the lives of project participants. Additionally the protocol will not only help project staff recognize and address domestic violence but will also create a safe environment should the participant decide to disclose the abuse. D. 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. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding Federal assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective responsibilities of OCS and the cooperating entity prior to the award. OCS anticipates that agency involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to them for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration includes: OCS review and approval of planning stages of the activities before implementation phases may begin; OCS involvement in the establishment of policies and procedures that maximize open competition, and rigorous and impartial development, review and funding of grant activities, if applicable; and OCS and recipient joint collaboration in the performance of key programmatic activities (e.g., strategic planning, implementation, information technology enhancements, T/TA, publications or products, and evaluation). It also includes close monitoring by OCS of the requirements stated in this announcement that limit the cooperating entity's discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational structure and management processes, coupled with close OCS monitoring during performance, which may, in order to ensure compliance with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal stewardship responsibilities customary for grant activities.
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. Eligible applicants for these grants are Statewide or local organizations, or associations with demonstrated expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-income families, and communities and organizations that are officially designated as a Community Action Agency (CAA) or a community action program under section 673(1) of the CSBG Act, as amended by the Human Service Amendments of 1994 (P.L. 103-252), and meets all requirements under section 673 (1)(A) and 676A of the CSBG Act, as amended by the COATES Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998. Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Peter ThompsonOffice of Community Services Operations Center 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 800-281-9519 Email: OCSGRANTS@lcgnet.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Originals, copies, and signatures. If submitting your application in paper format, the original and two copies of the complete application are required. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound. Each application must contain the following items in the order listed: Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form (SF) 424). Follow the instructions below and those that accompany the form.
Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A) and Budget Justification. Follow the instructions provided here and those in Section V, Application Review Information. If applicable, applicants must include a completed Single Point of Contact (SPOC) certification with the date of the SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF-424. Proof of Non-Profit Status (if applicable). Please see Section III.3 Other Eligibility for ways to demonstrate non-profit status. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. If claiming indirect costs, provide documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency. Letters of Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding. If applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their role, detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded. General Content and Form information: The application limit is 75 pages total including all forms and attachments. Pages over this page limit will be removed from the application and will not be reviewed. To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted with the Standard Federal Forms or through the electronic links provided at the end of this announcement and following the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. The application must be typed, double-spaced, printed on only one side, with at least 1/2 inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the top and bottom, using standard 12-point fonts (such as Times New Roman or Courier). Pages must be numbered. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single package, and a separate package must be submitted for each funding opportunity. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific funding opportunity it is addressing. Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including supporting documentation; however, each complete copy must be stapled securely in the upper left corner. Applicants are advised that the copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the Federal government for review. Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application. It is essential that applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before preparing an application and include all of the required application forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough understanding of the purpose and objectives of the applicable legislation. Reviewers expect applicants to understand the goals of the legislation and OCS interest in each topic. A "responsive application" is one that addresses all of the evaluation criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding. Applications that are considered to be "unresponsive" generally receive very low scores and are rarely funded. The OCS web site http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/ provides a wide range of information and links to other relevant web sites. Before you begin preparing an application, OCS suggests the applicant learn more about the mission and programs of OCS by exploring the website. Logic Model. A logic model is a tool that presents the conceptual framework for a proposed project and explains the linkages among program elements. While there are many versions of the logic model, they generally summarize the logical connections among the needs that are the focus of the project, project goals and objectives, the target population, project inputs (resources), the proposed activities/processes/outputs directed toward the target population, the expected short- and long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve, and the evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which proposed processes and outcomes actually occur. Information on the development of logic models is available on the Internet at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/ or http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cyfar/capbuilding/outcome/outcome_logicmdir.html . D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Please ensure that your organization has a D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com. Proof of Non-Profit Status Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. For research programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro Children Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice that implements the smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic Submission Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Hard Copy Submission Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal Reviewers Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date for Applications: 06/15/2007 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 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. Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects OCS will not fund any project 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-contracting for specific services or activities needed to conduct the project. 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 U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Hand Delivery U. S. Department of Health and Human Services 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 25 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. Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, describe the population to be served by the program and the number of married couples and couples interested in marriage that will be targeted for healthy marriage training. Explain how the project will reach the targeted population and how it will benefit low-income families, including how it will support low-income populations 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. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: APPROACH - 35 points 1) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant describes a work plan that is results-oriented and furthers the purposes of 678(A) of the CSBG Act; is specifically related to the program description; specifies efforts to gather data on programs that focus on communication, conflict resolution, and commitment; specifies efforts to gather data on programs of a specific minimum length (no less than eight hours); specifies how domestic violence protocols will be in place for sites/models that are a part of data gathering (if these sites have actual consumers); specifies an expectation to coordinate with Federal technical assistance; and specifies an entrance conference, in addition to technical assistance, to ensure both parties are clear about expectations for beginning. 2) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant addresses the following: specific outcomes to be achieved; performance targets that the project is committed to achieving, including a discussion of how the project will verify the achievement of these targets; critical milestones that must be achieved if results are to be gained; organizational support, including the level of support from the applicant organization; past performance in similar work; and specific resources contributed to the project that are critical to success. 3) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant defines the comprehensive nature of the project and methods that will be used to ensure that the results can be used to address a statewide or nationwide project as defined by the program description. 4) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant demonstrates an adequate knowledge of the information and services provided by domestic violence coalitions within their community and their ability to establish linkages with the coalitions. ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 30 points 1) If the application details T/TA activities, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant details the ability to provide those services on a nationwide basis. If applicable, the extent to which information provided by the applicant also addresses related achievements and competence of each cooperating or sponsoring organization. 2) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant describes, for example in a resume, the experience and skills of the proposed project director, primary staff and project evaluator showing specific qualifications and professional experiences relevant to the successful implementation of the proposed project. 3) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant demonstrates the ability to work with the CSBG Network and describes how it will involve partners in the CSBG Network in its activities. Where appropriate, the extent to which the applicant describes how it will interface with other related organizations. 4) If subcontracts are proposed, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant documents the willingness and capacity of the subcontracting organization(s) to participate as described. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 15 points 1) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant describes how the project will assure long-term program and management improvements for State CSBG offices, CAA State and/or regional associations, CAAs and/or other local providers of CSBG services and activities. 2) If the applicant proposes a project with a T/TA focus, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant indicates the number of organizations and/or staff that will benefit from those services. 3) If the applicant proposes a project with a data collection focus, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant describes a data analysis and written evaluation plan it will use to collect data, how it can assure collections from a significant number of States, and the number of States willing to submit data to the applicant. 4) If the applicant proposes to develop a symposium series or other policy-related project(s), the application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant identifies the number and types of beneficiaries. 5) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant describes methods of securing participant feedback and evaluations of activities. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 15 points 1) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant documents that the proposed project addresses a vital need related to the CSBG program purposes and provides data and information in support of its contention. 2) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the applicant provides current supporting documentation or other testimonies regarding the need for healthy marriage services from State CSBG Directors, CAAs and local service providers and/or State and Regional organizations of CAAs and other local service providers. BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points 1) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which the resources requested are reasonable and adequate to accomplish the project. 2) The application will be evaluated on the extent to which total costs are reasonable and consistent with anticipated results. 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 to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time and whether the proposed budget does not exceed the ceiling amount specified in Section II, Award Information. 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 relevant sections of this program announcement. The review panel will be comprised of Federal and non-Federal employees with knowledge in any of the following: domestic violence, sociology, psychology, social work and any other related discipline and/or experience. The review 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 program staff will use the reviewer scores when considering competing applications. Reviewer scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will 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 to the program of mobilized 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. 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 All reports are to be submitted through the US mail unless otherwise informed by the grantor agency. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Peter Thompson Grants Management Office Contact: Barbara Ziegler-Johnson, Grants Management Officer VIII. OTHER INFORMATION Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located on the following website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/. For general questions regarding this announcement please contact: Peter Thompson Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received applications.
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