|
Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance (OFA), Child Care Bureau (CCB) announces the availability of funds to operate the National Child Care Toll-Free Hotline. The National Child Care Toll-Free Hotline will provide high quality child care consumer education to families searching for child care; and link families to local organizations that provide child care referrals. Through the activities of this cooperative agreement, the CCB's National Child Care Toll-Free Hotline will promote a central point of entry for families to locate child care services and provide resources to support them in making informed choices by providing customer information and educational materials. In addition, those who want to start a child care business will be directed to community-based organizations that provide support and/or resources. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority The legislative authority for this program is the Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (Pub. L. 110-5) and the Child Care and Development Fund (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq). Background The Child Care Bureau is responsible for administering the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The CCDF was established under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 to help low-income families achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency and to improve the overall quality of child care. The CCDF is administered by the Child Care Bureau within the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance (OFA). For more information about the CCB, please visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb. The CCDF was created when Title VI of the PRWORA of 1996 consolidated four Federal Child Care funding streams, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act, Aid to Families with Dependent Children/Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Child Care, Transitional Child Care, and At-Risk Child Care. The entitlement portion consisted of mandatory and matching funds made available under section 418 of the Social Security Act, while the discretionary funding was authorized by the CCDBG Act. The combined funding from these streams was designated the CCDF. The CCDF provides annual funds to States, Territories, and Tribes to help low-income families, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) linked families, in accessing child care for their children when the parents work or participate in education or training. The CCB works closely with States, Territories, Tribes, and ACF regions to facilitate, oversee, and document the implementation of new policies and programs that support State, local, and private sector administration of child care services and systems. In addition, the CCB collaborates extensively with other offices throughout the Federal Government to promote integrated approaches, family-focused services, and coordinated child care delivery systems. In all of these activities, the CCB strives to enhance parental choice and involvement in their children's care, support the healthy growth and development of children in safe child care environments, promote children's early learning and school readiness, and facilitate the linkage of child care with other community services. Funding Opportunity Description The Child Care Bureau currently provides funds for the National Child Care Toll-Free Hotline through a cooperative agreement. The current cooperative agreement will expire in Fiscal Year 2007. The new cooperative agreement will be competitively awarded prior to the end of Fiscal Year 2007. The hotline and website must have the annual capacity to reach over one million families nationwide to help families in every State and community find the child care of their choice. The website will be available to families to access information about child care. In addition, the grantee will: develop and disseminate high quality child care consumer education information to families; have the capability to mail over 400,000 publications annually; and post relevant information to the website. It is the Child Care Bureau's expectation that the grantee will: (1) Operate a toll-free child care hotline to increase access to local child care resource and referral services, particularly among low-income families; (2) Develop and disseminate high quality child care consumer education materials to increase knowledge about recognizing and choosing quality child care resources; (3) Develop methods to ensure that families have access to consistent, high quality child care consumer education and referral services; (4) Provide referrals and high quality, child care consumer education materials in English and Spanish, and in other languages as requested by the CCB; and (5) Develop and maintain a website for dissemination of high quality child care consumer education and provide linkages with families to local child care resource and referral agencies in English and in Spanish. Design This cooperative agreement will support the work of the National Child Care Toll-Free Hotline, which will serve as a national resource to link families to their community child care resource and referral agencies and provide high quality child care consumer education materials to families, and help providers by linking them to local child care resource and referral agencies. The grantee must submit an annual workplan to the CCB for review and approval. Specifically, this cooperative agreement will provide a funding opportunity to address the following areas: 1) Increase access to local child care resource and referral (CCR&R) information and services via a toll-free hotline. The toll-free hotline will be available from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern Time; 2) Develop, manage, and maintain a website as a public service provided by the CCB that will enable families to locate information about their local CCR&R and obtain high quality child care consumer education materials 24 hours a day; maintain the website in a usable, accessible, and visually appealing format, and continually update the information; and coordinate and receive approval for all web development and postings by the CCB prior to posting; 3) Use various sources to increase the public's knowledge of CCR&R. Develop a plan for review and approval by the CCB, which will strategically target national and local organizations, and private entities to deliver an effective message. As part of the strategy, the development of other national partnerships to increase the program's potential to distribute information and increase families' access to trusted child care information will be sought; 4) Develop a workplan for review and approval by the CCB to provide outreach to low-income families and other targeted populations including, but not limited to: Tribal families, non-English speaking families, refugee families, and military families. The workplan will include a method(s) for tracking and reporting services provided to families; 5) Develop a menu of potential topics and possible options for the development of child care publications and materials that will increase knowledge about recognizing and choosing quality child care resources in their community and/or other related topics. The publications and materials should address a range of topics, including issues related to the cost of child care, availability of child care, quality of child care, and potential choice. The type of material may include but is not limited to brochures, presentation kits, video formats, training curricula, manuals, web-based solutions, and worksheets. The CCB will select the types of publications and materials, as well as the content of the materials, based on suggestions from the grantee and other stakeholders. The publications and materials should be available to families in both English and Spanish. It is the CCB's expectation that the readability of each publication will be at an eighth grade reading level. It is the CCB's expectation that products will be delivered throughout the year to the CCB for approval, in accordance with timeframes in the approved workplan. At the discretion of the Federal Project Officer (FPO), a draft product may be shared with other stakeholders (such as other ACF program offices) for comment. Printing and dissemination of publications is the responsibility of the grantee. Electronic versions of the materials for posting on the project's website also must be provided; 6) Develop and distribute a variety of high quality child care consumer education materials to increase knowledge about recognizing and choosing quality child care resources in a community; materials will be available in print and electronically; 7) Possess in-house capability to respond quickly to the CCB's requests for written products such as talking points and briefing materials on child care consumer education, and resource and referral services, as well as other program issues. The FPO will make these assignments on an "as needed" basis and they will generally be completed in one to three business days. Such materials should provide expert information and perspectives that will assist CCB officials when delivering presentations, responding to requests, or making decisions related to technical assistance or other areas. For budgeting purposes, it is expected that there will be approximately five of these assignments during a project year; 8) Ensure the widest possible access to services for families who speak languages other than English. To accommodate the needs of Spanish-speaking families, a bilingual Consumer Education and Referral Specialist will be hired. A translation service will be used to ensure that resource and referral information is provided in other languages as requested; 9) Ensure that families have access to consistent, high quality child care consumer education and referral services. Develop and implement a method(s) to ensure that agencies providing referrals in local communities are assisting families. However, participation in this process by local child care resource and referral programs is voluntary; and 10) Assist potential child care providers in accessing information and resources. Link potential child care providers to other appropriate sources, community-based CCR&R's, or the appropriate State agency through a toll-free number and website. Potential child care providers will be provided with access to CCR&R information through the operation of the toll-free hotline and website. Ensure that potential providers have access to consistent, high quality information.
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: A cooperative agreement is a type of Federal assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is anticipated. Responsibilities of Federal staff and the successful applicant are generally negotiated prior to award, however, substantial involvement also is expected throughout the term of the award and with the workplan. The grantee funded under this announcement will work collaboratively with the Child Care Bureau on the development of all work and its products. Prior to finalization and dissemination, the grantee will submit draft products of all documents and materials such as brochures and content for the website to the CCB for review and approval. The CCB will approve project participation at meetings and conferences; and conduct ongoing reviews of all project activities, including progress and financial status reports and participate in conference calls and training activities as appropriate. The grantee is expected to clearly identify all materials and publications as being developed with Federal funds provided by the CCB. The website will be clearly identified as being a public service of the CCB and include appropriate logos. The Federal share of project costs shall not exceed $882,080 per year and will be from the CCDBG funds. Please see Section I, Funding Opportunity Description, for a detailed description of the cooperative agreement.
The initial award will be for the first 12-month budget period. Award of the second, third, fourth, and fifth 12-month budget periods will be made subsequent to approval of non-competing continuation applications and will be subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. The budget information in Item 15 of the SF-424 and Sections A and B of the SF-424A should represent only the first 12-month budget. The 60-month project period should be identified in Item 13 of the SF-424, in Section E of the SF-424A, in the project narrative, and in the budget documents. During the first 12-month budget period, the grantee will receive instructions on how to submit a non-competing continuation application for each of the four subsequent budget periods. 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. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group Office of Family Assistance Attn: Child Care Bureau 118 Q Street NE Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: ccb@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: A. Letters of Intent. Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify the Operations Center at ccb@dixongroup.com of their intent to submit an application under this announcement by the deadline specified in Section IV.3. The Letter of Intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement (required); the name and address of the applicant organization (required); and the applicant's contact person, phone number, fax number, and email address. Letter of Intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications and to update the mailing list for future program announcements. Do not include a description of your proposed project. Failure to submit a Letter of Intent will not disqualify an application from competitive review. B. Content and Form of Application. Applicants must limit their application packages to 100 pages on white 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper only, printed on only one side, double-spaced, with a font no smaller than 12 point, and margins of at least one inch on all sides. The page limit applies to both narrative text and supporting materials (Appendices, if applicable), however the Standard Forms (SF) and Certifications listed below are excluded. Applicants must number the pages of their application beginning with the Table of Contents. Pages in excess of the page limitation will be removed and not reviewed. Each application will be duplicated, therefore, applicants are reminded to not use or include colored paper, colored ink, separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, over-sized paper, videotapes, folded brochures, or any other items that cannot be easily duplicated on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way the various sections of the application, including the supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that a copy (not the original) of the application as submitted will be reproduced by the Federal Government for review by the panel of evaluators. Applicants must submit one signed original and two copies of the application, including all attachments, to the application receipt point specified in Section IV.1. The original copy of the application must have original signatures, signed in blue ink. The original must be stapled (back and front) in the upper left corner. Rubber bands may be used to secure the pages of the two copies. The original application and the two copies must be submitted in a single package. A complete application consists of the following items: Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424). Follow the instructions on the back of the form; the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance program title and number is National Child Care Toll-Free Hotline, 93.575. The SF-424 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. Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A). Follow the instructions on the back of the form. Table of Contents. List the contents of the application including appropriate page numbers. Project Summary/Abstract. The Project Summary/Abstract must be double-spaced, use a 12-point font, with one-inch margins, and cannot exceed 250 words and one page in length. The Project Summary/Abstract must accurately and concisely reflect the proposed project. It should briefly describe the service area, project objectives, approach, and the results and benefits expected. Project Narrative. The applicant is strongly encouraged to use the evaluation criteria to organize its response. Specific information should be provided that addresses all components of each criterion. It is in the applicant's best interest to ensure that the project description is easy to read, logically developed in accordance with the evaluation criteria, adheres to recommended page limitations, and includes page numbers. In addition, the applicant should be mindful of the importance of preparing and submitting applications using language, terms, concepts, and descriptions that are generally known to the field of child care as defined under this announcement. Budget Documents. The applicant is required to provide a separate budget break-out and budget justification/narrative for each of the five 12-month budget/project periods. Budgets must be prepared in accordance with the object class categories in Section B of the SF-424A. Use the guidelines in Section V.1 for preparing the budget and budget justification. Appendices. These documents may include but are not limited to: composition of board of directors to determine eligibility, required proof of non-profit status, resumes and job descriptions for key staff, letters of support, third-party agreements, audit information, and/or statistical information. 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). 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent:06/08/2007 Due Date for Applications: 07/06/2007 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications that do not meet the deadline requirements will be classified as late and will not be considered in the current competition. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that applications are mailed or hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date and time. Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting the announced deadline if they are either received on or before the due date or postmarked on or before the due date and received by ACF in time for the independent review referenced in Section V.2. Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the application(s). To be acceptable as a proof of timely mailing, a postmark from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of the commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the package was received by the commercial mail service company from the applicant. Privately metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting the announced deadline if they are received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition. ANY APPLICATION THAT DOES NOT MEET THE DEADLINE REQUIREMENTS ABOVE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Additional Forms Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: 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 and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Operations Center Hand Delivery Operations Center Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2007. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. (This information collection is currently under OMB review for extension of the expiration date. According to OMB policy, the approval will not expire while the collection is under its review.). 1. Criteria: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included for easy reference. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. 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.
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: Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 10 points
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 10 points
APPROACH - 40 points
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 30 points
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 10 points
2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time (Section IV.3.) and whether the requested amount exceeds the ceiling or upper range value, whichever is appropriate (Section II.) Applications that pass the screening process will be evaluated on a competitive basis according to the specified evaluation criteria listed in Section V.1. The competitive review will be conducted in the Washington, DC metropolitan area by panels of Federal and non-Federal experts knowledgeable in the areas of child care, subsidy programs, Native Hawaiian/American Indian populations, and other relevant program areas. Panels will assign a score to each application and identify its strengths and weaknesses in relation to the evaluation criteria in Section V.1. The CCB will conduct an administrative review of the applications and the results of the competitive review and make recommendations to the OFA Director. The OFA Director will make the final selection of the applicant to be funded. The application may be funded in whole or in part depending on: (1) the rank order of applicants resulting from the competitive review; (2) Federal staff review and consultations; (3) the combination of projects that best meets the CCB's objectives; (4) the funds available; and (5) other relevant considerations. 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 applicable. 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. 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 An original and one copy of both the program progress and financial reports (SF-269 Long Form) must be mailed to: ACF Grants Officer, Aerospace Building, 6th Floor East, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., Washington, DC 20047. One copy of both the program progress and financial reports (SF-269 Long Form) must be mailed to: Carol L. Gage, Federal Project Officer, Child Care Bureau, Portals I Building, Room 8215, 1250 Maryland Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20024. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Carol L. Gage Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle VIII. OTHER INFORMATION
EXPIRED |
