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Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), invites applications from State Title IV-D agencies for Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 funding of demonstration activities intended to add to the knowledge and to promote the objectives of the Child Support Enforcement Program under Section 1115 and Title IV-D of the Social Security Act. Only State Title IV-D agencies or the umbrella agencies of which they are a part are eligible to apply for these grants. Applications should identify the results and benefits to be derived, the extent to which they are consistent with the goals and objectives of the project, their contributions to policy and practice in promoting the objectives of the Title IV-D program listed in Section 451 of the Act, and the extent to which the proposed project costs are reasonable in view of the expected results. Applications will be screened and evaluated as indicated in this program announcement. Awards will be contingent on the outcomes of the competition and the availability of funds. For new grants in FY 2007, $660,000 in Section 1115 funds are available for all priority areas. The Section 1115 funds awarded to each project will represent 29 percent of the total project costs. Grantees must provide at least five percent of the total approved cost of the project. For the purposes of the demonstration project, the combined 34 percent of the State and grant funds will be treated as State expenditures under Title IV-D and will be reimbursed by the regular Federal match of 66 percent of expenditures for Title IV-D administrative activities. An example of the project budget for one possible grant award available under this announcement is provided below under Section II. Applicants must prepare a formal budget on the required forms, as listed in Section IV.2, below. The Section 1115 grant (29 percent of the total), the State match (five percent of the total), and the Title IV-D match (66 percent of the total) must be identified separately on the budget forms. OCSE is interested in funding proposals for projects that can be replicated in other States. Applicants should, to the extent possible, identify how their project can benefit other IV-D agencies. Additionally, OCSE is interested in projects that, if successful, can be sustained after the grant funding expires. Although innovation is preferred, OCSE will consider funding projects that have been successfully implemented in other States, but have not been evaluated or measured for their effectiveness. Refer to Section V for additional guidance. Collaborative efforts that focus on a particular ethnicity must be inclusive in nature; that is, outreach and eligibility for services cannot be limited to a particular ethnic or cultural group. Resources for applicants: Applicants are encouraged to review the grant related materials posted on the OCSE website at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/grants/. The site includes abstracts of recent grants, tips on writing applications, information on grant writing training, developing logic models and information about how to submit applications electronically. Additionally, please note that the "Objectives and Need for Assistance" criteria directs applicants to identify other successful demonstrations that may have implications for their proposed project. Applicants are encouraged to view materials such as Action Transmittals, Information Memoranda, Dear Colleague Letters, recent publications and annual reports posted on the OCSE website to help formulate their proposals http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority Section 1115(a) is the statutory authority for this program. Section 1115 provides funds for experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects that are likely to assist in promoting the objectives of Part D of Title IV. The projects:
Priority Area 1: Increased Efficiencies in Child Support Enforcement through Reengineering Business Practices and Increasing Levels of Automation Priority Area 2: Improving Scores in Child Support Performance, Excluding Cost-Effectiveness Priority Area 3: Improved Child Support Results through Collaboration on Shared Caseloads with Other Agencies Priority Area 1: Increased Efficiencies in Child Support Enforcement through Reengineering Business Practices and Increasing Levels of Automation Description Keeping program, policy and automated systems synchronized presents challenges to the child support community. Business practices, staffing, and policy decisions that were developed years ago based on the technological environment at the time ought to be looked at again in light of technological advancements. Successful applicants will demonstrate innovative business practices and use of technology intended to improve program efficiency and results through shortened timeframes and reduced program costs. Some States with certified child support enforcement systems continue to focus on improving the level of automation by automating many processes related to the provision of IV-D services including Federal Institutional Data Match, license suspension, review and adjustment and case closure. In other States, these processes still involve a significant amount of manual intervention by the caseworker to complete. OCSE invites proposals that incorporate a cost-effective means of reducing manual interventions to the current automated system functionality, while maintaining appropriate application of techniques geared to improve enforcement. States are encouraged to demonstrate inventive ways to reconfigure current business practices, which typically include an analysis of staffing and organizational structure, that will, along with technology, contribute to greater efficiencies and cost reductions in administering the program. For example, two States with enabling legislation incorporated debit authorization as a means of collecting child support in lieu of the standard income withholding order (IWO) process in IV-D cases that meet certain criteria (reference PIQ-03-10). Debit authorization eliminates generating the IWO and verification of employment forms, saves employers time and effort, and affords a degree of privacy to the employee who receives wages. Debit authorization can also reduce the risk of accruing arrearages due to the gap in time between the first pay period and the receipt of the Successful proposals will include both reengineered business practices and use of technology. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Funding for continuation awards for the second and third budget periods is conditioned on the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding of the project is in the best interest of the Federal Government. Maximum Section 1115 Amount for Each Award: OCSE is providing a maximum of $150,000 for the first 12-month budget period, a maximum of $100,000 for the second 12-month budget period and $75,000 for the third 12-month budget period. An example of the project budget for FY 07 for one possible grant award available under this priority area is:
III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. Eligible applicants for these Section 1115 demonstration project grants are State (including the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Throughout the priorities, OCSE notes that States may collaborate with faith- and community-based organizations in the proposed projects, as appropriate. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Failure to provide the required cost sharing/matching amount will result in a disallowance of unmatched Federal funds. All grant awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds. The Section 1115 funds awarded to each project will represent 29 percent of the total project costs. For the purposes of the demonstration project, the total expenditures will be treated as State expenditures under Title IV-D that will be reimbursed by the regular Federal match of 66 percent of expenditures for Title IV-D administrative activities. Grantees must provide at least five percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF grant award under Section 1115, regular Title IV-D Federal Financial Participation (FFP), and the State share. Applicants must prepare a formal budget on the required forms, as listed in Section IV.2, below. The proposed State five percent match must be identified on the budget forms. Matching funds must be provided in cash; they may not be in-kind. However, services provided by the grantee State are not considered in-kind funds. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Xavier NelsonACF/OCSE Aerospace Building 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW. 4th Floor Washington, DC 20447 Phone: 202-401-5536 Email: xavier.nelson@acf.hhs.gov 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: The applicant must clearly indicate in the project abstract the specific priority area for which he/she is applying. This information is necessary in order that the application be judged according to the priority area description and in competition with other applications. Applicants may submit different applications covering different priority areas or they may submit different applications for different projects under one priority area; however, they may not submit one application for the same project covering multiple priority areas. The length of the application, excluding the application forms, certifications, and resumes, should be no more than 25 pages double-spaced, using a 12-point font. A page is a single-side of an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of plain white paper. (Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, maps, brochures or other printed material along with their application as these are difficult to photocopy. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in the review process.) Each page of the application will be counted (excluding required forms, certifications and resumes) to determine the total length. If submitting electronically, the downloaded copy must meet the standards listed above. To facilitate the review of applications, applicants should address each requirement in the priority area description under the appropriate Section of the program narrative statement. The reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application using each element of the evaluation criteria listed below, provide written comments, and assign numerical scores to each application. Additional Application Requirements:Each application must be submitted in accordance with the guidance provided below.
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. Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. For research programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice that implements the smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 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). 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date for Applications: 05/09/2007 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.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," or 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities". 5. Funding Restrictions: Fundraising is not an allowable cost under this program. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction costs may not be included in the project. Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects: OCSE 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. In accordance with the general rule stated above under the heading TRAVEL, applicants should include funds in their budget for one trip to an ACF/OCSE conference or training session in Washington, DC, budgeting for two and half days for up to three people. If OCSE requests other travel, it will reimburse the grantee. Applicants should understand that OCSE will not award grants for demonstration projects that: (a) Duplicate automated data processing and information retrieval system requirements/enhancements and associated tasks that are specified in the Social Security Act; or (b) Cover costs for routine activities that would normally be reimbursed under the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Program, e.g., adding staff positions to perform routine CSE tasks, or by other Federal funding sources. Proposals and their accompanying budgets will be reviewed from this perspective. Number of Projects in Application Applicants may submit different applications covering different priority areas or they may submit different applications for different projects under one priority area; however, they may not submit one application for the same project covering multiple priority areas. 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 Administration for Children and Families Hand Delivery Administration for Children and Families 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. The applicant identifies the results and benefits to be derived, the extent to which they are consistent with the goals and objectives of the project, their contributions to policy and practice in promoting the objectives of the Title IV-D program listed in Section 451 of the Act, and the extent to which the proposed project costs are reasonable in view of the expected results. Additionally, the application should present quantifiable measures for assessing whether these goals are met.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: RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 20 points The applicant identifies the results and benefits to be derived, the extent to which they are consistent with the goals and objectives of the project, their contributions to policy and practice in promoting the objectives of the Title IV-D program listed in Section 451 of the Act, and the extent to which the proposed project costs are reasonable in view of the expected results. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 20 points The applicant pinpoints the problem or issue requiring a solution and demonstrates the need for the assistance; states the goals and principle and subordinate objectives of the project; provides supporting documentation or other testimonies from concerned interests other than the applicant; identifies other successful demonstration projects that may have implications for the proposed demonstration; identifies the conceptual or theoretical framework for this model; and describes whether the proposed project replicates or modifies previously evaluated model(s) addressing the identified need. The application should present quantifiable measures for assessing whether the goals of the proposal are met. Discuss how support to fund the project will be sought should the project become a regular part of agency operations following the demonstration. OCSE 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. EVALUATION - 20 points The applicant should describe the evaluation methodology to be used to determine if the process proposed was implemented, if the needs identified were addressed, and if the benefits expected were achieved. Preferred evaluations will include: 1) a process evaluation, 2) an outcome evaluation, and 3) an impact 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 the applicant 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 affect of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. The application should identify the kinds of data to be collected and maintained, describe procedures for informed consent of participants, where applicable, and discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results of the project. A supplement to this description may be presented in a logic model. Independent evaluations are the normal and preferred evaluation arrangements for all projects. An independent evaluation contractor is an entity independent of the executive branch of State government (not including State universities, which may be considered as independent for the purpose of conducting evaluations). Entities that provide services for the grantee under contract are not deemed to be sufficiently indepedent of the project and must not perform the evaluation. APPROACH - 20 points The applicant outlines a sound and workable plan of action and timeline, and details how the proposed work will be accomplished; describes the approach in detail and points out its unique features; cites factors that might accelerate or delay this approach, giving acceptable reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others; describes and supports any unusual features of the project, such as extraordinary social and community involvement; includes an adequate staffing plan that lists key and support staff, consultants, and any agency, organization, other key group, and/or advisory panels involved or proposed; and describes the responsibilities, activities, and/or training plans for each, if applicable. Applicants must provide assurance that their proposal is in accordance with existing State statutes. A supplement to this description may also be presented in a logic model. A logic model is a graphic depiction or map that shows the links between assumptions about the target group, program resources, activities, outputs and outcomes. BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 10 points The applicant proposes reasonable project costs and allocates sufficient funds appropriately across activities to accomplish the objectives. The applicant describes the relationships between the proposed project and other Federally assisted work planned, anticipated or underway by the applicant. If the project proposed is a collaboration, the applicant must describe the nature and extent of the collaboration, including the responsibilities of the respective agencies or organizations in carrying out the activities identified in the work plan. The description of activities to be conducted under the grant must provide, for each person, detail of the level of person-hours of each position and their annual salary and the cost to this grant, and a delineation of the costs for the same categories listed in item six (Object Class Categories) of SF-424A. OCSE 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. In accordance with the general rule stated above under the heading TRAVEL, applicants should include funds in their budget for one trip to an OCSE conference or training session in Washington, DC, budgeting for two and half days for up to three people. If OCSE requests other travel, it will reimburse the grantee. ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 10 points The applicant identifies the educational and professional background of the project director and key project staff and the experience of the organization to demonstrate the applicant's ability to administer and implement the project effectively and efficiently. 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.) Each application submitted under this program announcement will undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received by the closing date and submitted in accordance with the instructions in this announcement and (2) the applicant is eligible for funding. The applicant must clearly indicate in the project abstract the specific priority area for which it is applying. Applications that pass the initial ACF screening will be evaluated and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of specific evaluation criteria. The results of these reviews will assist the OCSE Commissioner and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewers' 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 reviewers. However, highly ranked applications are not guaranteed funding because other factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to, the number of similar types of existing grants or projects funded with OCSE funds in the last five years; comments of reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; previous program performance of applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and an applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous OCSE or other Federal agency grants. OCSE may consider the geographic distribution of funds among States and the relative proportion of funding among rural and urban areas. The evaluation criteria are designed to assess the quality of a proposed project and to determine the likelihood of its success. The evaluation criteria are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Points are awarded only to applications that are responsive to the evaluation criteria within the context of this program announcement. 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: The anticipated starting date for the new awards is September 2007. Projects may run through August 2010. The period of each award is also specified under each Priority Area. VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1. Award Notices: The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award document, which sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental). Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this program. Regulations pertaining to the Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be found at the HHS web site at: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html. HHS Grants Policy Statement The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. These requirements may be found at the following URL: www.hhs.gov/grantsnet/admin/fedreg45.htm. 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: QuarterlyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Karen Anthony Grants Management Office Contact: Daphne Weeden, Director VIII. OTHER INFORMATION Grants.gov provides electronic acknowledgement of grant applications received electronically. Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of applications received by other means. Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located at URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/grants/. Notice of Possible Cross-site Evaluation While local evaluation of individual projects is a valued requirement for these projects, there is also the possibility that individual projects may be asked to gather and compile data in a manner that facilitates cross-site evaluation. It is anticipated that cross-site evaluations for some projects may be undertaken in this and subsequent years, using funds in addition to those referenced in this announcement. Applicants must agree to become part of, and fully cooperate with, cross-site evaluators, should OCSE undertake such an evaluation. Grantees should be prepared to meet with other grantees, Federal officials, and the evaluator, as appropriate. If a cross-site evaluation is conducted, OCSE will bear the cost of it. Priority Area 2: Improving Scores in Child Support Performance, Excluding Cost-Effectiveness Description The five National Child Support Enforcement performance measures represent the best in government program performance management; they are data-driven and reflect a public policy and statutory commitment to children and families. These measures -- paternity establishment, order establishment, current collections and collections on arrears -- derive from the program's mission (the fifth measure is cost-effectiveness). While several States meet or exceed their annual performance targets for achieving these goals, many States continue to have low scores. This grant priority is aimed at those States that in FY 2006 had deficient scores on at least two of the following four performance measures defined as: at 60 percent or lower for order establishment, current collections, collections on arrears and, for paternity establishment, States that are in penalty status and face a reduction in their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. Under this priority area, States would aim to improve performance in at least one of the areas where they are performing below par. Examples of strategies to improve performance include data clean up, early intervention, improving or reengineering business practices, enhancing automated systems, making better use of the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS) or other available data, improving in-hospital paternity establishment procedures, analyzing and improving caseload management, developing new partnerships, etc. OCSE will give five extra points if the applicant selects current collections or collections on arrears as a priority and three points to States that have not been awarded an 1115 grant within five years. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Funding for continuation awards for the second and third budget periods is conditioned on the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding of the project is in the best interest of the Federal Government. Maximum Section 1115 Amount for Each Award: OCSE is providing a maximum of $60,000 for the first 12-month budget period, a maximum of $50,000 for the second 12-month budget period and $37,500 for the third 12-month budget period. An example of the project budget for FY 07 for one possible grant award available under this priority area is:
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 Section 1115 demonstration project grants are State (including the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) Title IV-D or the umbrella agencies of the IV-D program. Throughout the priorities, OCSE notes that States may collaborate with faith- and community-based organizations in the proposed projects, as appropriate. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Failure to provide the required cost sharing/matching amount will result in a disallowance of unmatched Federal funds. All grant awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds. The Section 1115 funds awarded to each project will represent 29 percent of the total project costs. For the purposes of the demonstration project, the total expenditures will be treated as State expenditures under Title IV-D that will be reimbursed by the regular Federal match of 66 percent of expenditures for Title IV-D administrative activities. Grantees must provide at least five percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF grant award under Section 1115, regular Title IV-D Federal Financial Participation (FFP), and the State share. Applicants must prepare a formal budget on the required forms, as listed in Section IV.2, below. The proposed State five percent match must be identified on the budget forms. Matching funds must be provided in cash; they may not be in-kind. However, services provided by the grantee State are not considered in-kind funds. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Xavier NelsonACF/OCSE Aerospace Building 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW. 4th Floor Washington , DC 20447 Phone: 202-401-5536 Email: xavier.nelson@acf.hhs.gov 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: The applicant must clearly indicate in the project abstract the specific priority area for which he/she is applying. This information is necessary in order that the application be judged according to the priority area description and in competition with other applications. Applicants may submit different applications covering different priority areas or they may submit different applications for different projects under one priority area; however, they may not submit one application for the same project covering multiple priority areas. The length of the application, excluding the application forms, certifications, and resumes, should be no more than 25 pages double-spaced, using a 12-point font. A page is a single-side of an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of plain white paper. (Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, maps, brochures or other printed material along with their application as these are difficult to photocopy. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in the review process.) Each page of the application will be counted (excluding required forms, certifications and resumes) to determine the total length. If submitting electronically, the downloaded copy must meet the standards listed above. To facilitate the review of applications, applicants should address each requirement in the priority area description under the appropriate Section of the program narrative statement. The reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application using each element of the evaluation criteria listed below, provide written comments, and assign numerical scores to each application. Additional Application Requirements:Each application must be submitted in accordance with the guidance provided below.
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. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under Grant Related Documents and Forms: Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants, titled, Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants, at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. For research programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice that implements the smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under Grant Related Documents and Forms: Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants, titled, Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants, at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/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). 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date for Applications: 05/09/2007 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.
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