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Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance (OFA), Child Care Bureau (CCB) announces the availability of funds and requests applications for its Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Native Hawaiian and Non-profit American Indian Organization Child Care Grants. This funding opportunity provides funds for up to two child care programs: one serving Native Hawaiian youth; and one serving Indian and/or Native Hawaiian youth. The purpose of these grants is to increase the availability, affordability, and quality of child care programs in areas that have been previously underserved and/or have unmet needs. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority The legislative authority for this program is the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (P.L. 104-193) as amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193, 42 U.S.C. 9801 et. seq). Funding Opportunity Description The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance (OFA), Child Care Bureau (CCB) announces the availability of funds and requests applications for its FY 2007 Native Hawaiian and Non-profit American Indian Organization Child Care Grants. This funding opportunity provides funds for up to two child care programs: one serving Native Hawaiian youth; and one serving Indian and/or Native Hawaiian youth. The purpose of these grants is to increase the availability, affordability, and quality of child care programs in areas that have been previously underserved and/or have unmet needs. Since its establishment in 1995, CCB has been dedicated to enhancing the quality, affordability, and supply of child care available to low-income working families (for more information about CCB, please visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb. CCB administers the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), a $5 billion child care program that includes funding for child care subsidies and activities to improve the availability of quality child care to low-income working families. CCDF assists 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. Child care and other work supports will be critical in the next phase of welfare reform as more TANF families engage in productive work activities leading to self-sufficiency. CCDF was created when Title VI of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act 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. CCDF provides annual funds to States, Territories, and Tribes in combination with related State and Federal child care funding, to help low-income working families access child care. 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, 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, CCB strives to support the healthy growth and development of children in safe child care environments, promote children's early learning and school readiness, enhance parental choice and involvement in their children's care, and facilitate the linkage of child care with other community services. While the majority of CCDF funding is awarded by formula grants to States, Territories, and Federally recognized Indian Tribes, the two grants under this announcement will be awarded competitively to organizations that are not currently direct recipients of CCDF formula grants from the Federal Government. One of the goals of the CCDF is "to promote parental choice to empower working parents to make their own decisions on the child care that best suits their family's needs." In support of this goal, the applicant is required to design and implement a certificate program as part of its approach to promote parental choice in selecting CCDF-funded child care providers. While certificates ensure parental choice, contracted slots can also play a role in meeting the child care needs of families, particularly in rural areas, for infant care, or for children with special needs. To promote full parental choice, care by sectarian providers (i.e., faith-based) may not be limited or excluded under this announcement. To meet the purposes and goals of the CCDBG Act, as amended, the applicant is required to comply with the same requirements as grantees receiving Tribal formula grants under the CCDF program. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the regulations at 45 CFR Parts 98 and 99 will apply to grants awarded under this announcement. The applicant must also include a statement that it will comply with the applicable list of assurances found in 45 CFR 98.15 of the CCDF final rule. Therefore, it is incumbent for the applicant to design a child care program that will adequately address the needs and unique circumstances of the population it intends to serve and will promote parental choice. In developing a project, an applicant should review the CCDF Tribal Plan Preprint because it requests information required by the CCDF Act and regulations at 45 CFR Parts 98 and 99. The Tribal Plan Preprint is available on the CCB's website at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/law/tribal_byyear.htm. CCB's website also contains extensive technical assistance resources to assist applicants in developing proposals at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/ta/index.htm. Title VI of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193) amended the CCDBG Act to permit Tribal grantees to use CCDF funds for construction or major renovation of child care facilities. Therefore, in its grant application the applicant should describe any anticipated construction and renovation projects that will be funded with CCDF funds, and estimate the amount of funds that will be used for these projects. However, grant funds cannot be spent for construction or major renovation until a grantee has applied for and received approval from HHS, through a separate application process. A grantee may submit a request to spend part of its grant for construction or renovation through this separate application process once it has been awarded a CCDF grant under this announcement. Information on the separate application process can be found on CCB's website at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/law/guidance/current/pi0401/pi0401.htm. As part of the separate application process, a grantee must show that adequate facilities are not otherwise available to implement child care programs, and that the lack of facilities will inhibit the operation of such programs in the future. The amount of funds that a grantee may request for construction or major renovation through the separate application process is limited to the amount estimated in the grantee's original CCDF application under this announcement. Furthermore, statutory language at section 658O(c) of the amended CCDBG Act indicates that Congress does not intend for construction and major renovation projects to unnecessarily divert resources from the provision of child care services. Because grants under this announcement are designed to operate child care programs in areas with unmet need, a grantee should reserve adequate funds for direct child care services. While some construction and major renovation activity is allowable under this program announcement, in accordance with Section IV.5, the applicant must demonstrate that funds will be used for direct child care services and the funds requested are reasonable in regard to the number of eligible children to be served. Definition of Terms. The following definitions apply: Categories of Care---means center-based child care, group home child care, family child care, and in-home care. Center-Based Child Care Provider---means a provider licensed or otherwise authorized to provide child care services for fewer than 24 hours per day per child in a non-residential setting, unless care in excess of 24 hours is due to the nature of the parent(s) work. Child Care Certificate---means a certificate (that may be a check, or other disbursement) that is issued by a grantee directly to a parent who may use such certificate only as payment for child care services or as a deposit for child care services if such a deposit is required of other children being cared for by the provider, pursuant to 45 CFR 98.30. Nothing in this part shall preclude the use of such a certificate for sectarian child care services if freely chosen by the parent. For the purposes of this part, a child care certificate is assistance to the parent, not assistance to the provider. Construction---means the erection of a facility that does not currently exist. Discretionary Funds---means the funds authorized under section 658B of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. The discretionary funds were formerly referred to as the Child Care and Development Block Grant. Eligible Child Care Provider---means: (1) A center-based child care provider, a group home child care provider, a family child care provider, an in-home child care provider, or other provider of child care services for compensation that is licensed, regulated, or registered under applicable State or local law as described in 45 CFR 98.40; and satisfies State and local requirements, including those referred to in 45 CFR 98.41 applicable to the child care services it provides; or (2) a child care provider who is 18 years of age or older who provides child care services only to eligible children who are, by marriage, blood relationship, or court decree, the grandchild, great grandchild, sibling (if such provider lives in a separate residence), niece, or nephew of such provider, and complies with any applicable requirements that govern child care provided by the relative involved. Family Child Care Provider---means one individual who provides child care services for fewer than 24 hours per day per child, as the sole caregiver, in a private residence other than the child's residence, unless care in excess of 24 hours is due to the nature of the parent(s) work. Group Home Child Care Provider---means two or more individuals who provide child care services for fewer than 24 hours per day per child, in a private residence other than the child's residence, unless care in excess of 24 hours is due to the nature of the parent(s) work. Indian Tribe---means any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native Village or regional or Village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) that is recognized as eligible for the special program and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. In-Home Child Care Provider---means an individual who provides child care services in the child's own home. Licensing or Regulatory Requirements---means requirements necessary for a provider to legally provide child care services in a State or locality, including registration requirements established under State, local, or Tribal law. Major Renovation---means: (1) structural changes to the foundation, roof, floor, exterior, or load-bearing walls of a facility, or the extension of a facility to increase its floor area; or (2) extensive alteration of a facility such as to significantly change its function and purpose, even if such renovation does not include any structural change. Native Hawaiian Organization---means a private non-profit organization that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians and is recognized by the Governor of Hawaii for the purpose of planning, conducting, or administering programs (or portions of programs) for the benefit of Native Hawaiians. Other Tribal Organizations---means for the purposes of this announcement, such term refers to those organizations defined by section 658P(14)(B) of the CCDBG Act as a private non-profit organization established for the purpose of serving youth who are Indians or Native Hawaiians. Parent---means a parent by blood, marriage, or adoption and also means a legal guardian, or other person standing in loco parentis. Provider---means the entity providing child care services. Sliding Fee Scale---means a system of cost sharing by a family based on income and size of the family, in accordance with 45 CFR 98.42. Types of Providers---means the different classes of providers under each category of care. For the purposes of CCDF, types of providers include non-profit providers, for-profit providers, sectarian providers, and relatives who provide care.
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Initial awards will be for the first 12-month budget period. Awards for the second and third 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 36-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, grantees will receive instructions on how to submit a non-competing continuation application for each of the two 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. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 amended the CCDBG Act to add the following definition to the term "Tribal organization," to indicate other organizations that are potentially eligible for Discretionary Funding: "Other organizations--Such term includes a Native Hawaiian Organization, as defined in section 4009(4) of the Augustus F. Hawkins-Robert T. Stafford Elementary and Secondary School Improvement Amendments of 1988 and a private nonprofit organization established for the purpose of serving youth who are Indians or Native Hawaiians." Therefore, under this announcement, eligible applicants are: (1) A private non-profit organization that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians and is recognized by the Governor of Hawaii for the purpose of planning, conducting, or administering programs (or parts of programs) for the benefit of Native Hawaiians; and (2) a private non-profit organization established for the purpose of serving youth who are Indians or Native Hawaiians. Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Applicant Board Composition An applicant must provide assurance that its duly elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the community identified to be served. To establish compliance with this requirement, applicants should provide information establishing that at least a majority of the individuals serving on the non-profit's governing board are included within one or more of the following categories: (1) A current or past member of the community to be served; (2) a prospective participant or beneficiary of the project to be funded; or (3) have a cultural relationship with the community to be served. Beneficiary Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible to receive CCDF-funded child care services under this announcement, a child must be under the age of 13 and reside with a family whose income does not exceed 85 percent of the State Median Income (or Tribal Median Income) for a family of the same size and whose parent(s) are working or attending a job training or educational program or who receive or need to receive protective services. Other Eligibility Criteria: If an Indian organization is already receiving CCDF funding directly from the Federal Government, it is not eligible to receive funding under this program announcement. A list of current Tribal CCDF grantees is available at: http://nccic.org/tribal/grantees.html. An applicant may submit only one application under this announcement. 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 Native Hawaiian and Non-profit American Indian Organization Child Care Grants, 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 three 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 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). Non-Federal Reviewers Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 03/12/2007 Due Date for Applications: 04/09/2007 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.
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.
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. Title VI of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193) amended the CCDBG Act to permit Tribal grantees to use CCDF funds for construction or major renovation of child care facilities. Therefore, in its grant application the applicant should describe any anticipated construction and renovation projects that will be funded with CCDF funds, and estimate the amount of funds that will be used for these projects. However, grants funds cannot be spent for construction or major renovation until a grantee has applied for and received approval from HHS, through a separate application process. A grantee may submit a request to spend part of its grant for construction or renovation through this separate application process once it has been awarded a CCDF grant under this announcement. Information on the separate application process can be found on the CCB's website at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/law/guidance/current/pi0401/pi0401.htm. As part of the separate application process, a grantee must show that adequate facilities are not otherwise available to implement child care programs, and that the lack of facilities will inhibit the operation of such programs in the future. The amount of funds that a grantee may request for construction or major renovation through the separate application process is limited to the amount estimated in the grantee's original CCDF application under this announcement. Furthermore, statutory language at section 658O(c) of the amended CCDBG Act indicates that Congress does not intend for construction and major renovation projects to unnecessarily divert resources from the provision of child care services. Because grants under this announcement are designed to operate child care programs in areas with unmet need, a grantee should reserve adequate funds for direct child care services. While some construction and major renovation activity is allowable under this program announcement, the applicant will have to demonstrate that funds will be used for direct child care services and the funds requested are reasonable in regard to the number of eligible children to be served. 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. 1. Criteria: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included for easy reference. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, describe who will receive child care services, where and how these services will be provided, the anticipated numbers of children and families to be served, and how the services will benefit the children, families, and community to be served.APPROACH Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement. Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates. If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from the OMB. This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF." Provide a list of organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: APPROACH - 30 points
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 20 points
OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 20 points
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 10 points
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 10 points
EVALUATION - 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 applicants to be funded. Applications 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: 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 awarded, the terms and conditions of the award, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, and the total project period for which support is anticipated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified in writing. 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. Special Reporting Requirements: Annual Aggregate Tribal program Data Form (ACF-700 form). The form and reporting instructions can be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/law/guidance/current/pi0602/ccdfacfpi0602.htm. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Carol L. Gage Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle VIII. OTHER INFORMATION
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