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Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families' (ACF) Office of Head Start announces the availability of funds to implement the concluding phase of the Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program project. This grant will promote the adoption and continued use of practices developed under the Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program by Early Head Start and Head Start programs and their community partners. The grantee will identify existing activities by national, regional, and statewide stakeholders intended to improve inclusive early childhood service opportunities for young children with disabilities and their families in Early Head Start, Head Start, and other early childhood settings, and will work with these various stakeholders to demonstrate how Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program materials and practices would contribute to their efforts. Since its inception in 1997, the Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program has provided intensive training and follow-up coaching support to over 500 Early Head Start (EHS) and Migrant Head Start programs and their community partners (e.g., agencies implementing Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (referred to in this announcement as Part C/early intervention agencies), preschool Head Start programs, child care providers, and parents of children with disabilities). Given these accomplishments, the Office of Head Start is interested in supporting this final phase of the project so that Hilton/EHS Training Program practices will have a sustained impact -- contributing as an integral part of ongoing efforts to increase and improve inclusive early childhood environments for young children with disabilities. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority The Head Start Act, as amended, Section 648, 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 9843. Funding Opportunity Description The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start, announces the availability of funds to implement the concluding phase of the Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program project. This grant will promote the adoption and continued use of practices developed under the Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program by Early Head Start and Head Start programs and their community partners. The grantee will identify existing activities by national, regional, and statewide stakeholders intended to improve inclusive early childhood service opportunities for young children with disabilities and their families in Early Head Start, Head Start, and other early childhood settings, and will work with these various stakeholders to demonstrate how Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program materials and practices would contribute to their efforts. Since its inception in 1997, the Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program has provided intensive training and follow-up coaching support to over 500 Early Head Start (EHS) and Migrant Head Start programs and their community partners (e.g., Part C/early intervention agencies, preschool Head Start programs, child care providers, and parents of children with disabilities). Given these accomplishments, the Office of Head Start is interested in supporting this final phase of the project so that Hilton/EHS Training Program practices will have a sustained impact, being integrated to the greatest extent possible, in continuing efforts designed to increase and improve inclusive early childhood education environments for young children with disabilities. Background The Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program has been supported from its beginning through a public/private partnership between the Office of Head Start and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The project has provided regional SpecialQuest training events, followed by on-site coaching, to more than 500 community teams from local EHS and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs striving to effectively include infants and toddlers with significant disabilities and their families. The Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program model delivers training tailored to meet the objectives of each local team. In addition to the EHS program staff, each team includes a Part C/early intervention service provider, a parent of a young child with a disability, and a child care partner. The training model stresses follow-up coaching, which supports each community team as it implements a local action plan for improving their program's inclusion of young children with disabilities and their families. Phase I (1997-2002) of the Hilton/EHS Training Program began shortly after several hundred new EHS grant programs were first funded in 1996 and 1997. Phase I provided training for 240 of these programs, enabling them to focus on planning and delivering services that would effectively include infants and toddlers with significant disabilities, and to do so as partners with parents and the local Part C/early intervention agencies in their community. Each program team completed four years of intensive SpecialQuest training and on-site follow-up coaching, developing and applying skills and strategies that supported the inclusion of infants and toddlers with significant disabilities and their families in the EHS programs in participating communities. The training project was exceptional in its commitment to continuous, on-site coaching and follow-up (i.e., going beyond providing information to trainees on such concepts of "inclusion," "parent empowerment," and "collaboration," to setting up conditions in which participants were supported by their learning coaches to act upon these principles to improve local program practices). Phase II (2002-2007) of the Hilton/EHS Training Program project was funded to enable participation by more EHS and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start grantees, especially those that began operation in 1999 and later. Enhancements to the project in Phase II included involving local child care partners as SpecialQuest team members, and addressing the transition of EHS children with significant disabilities and their families into inclusive Head Start preschool programs. By the conclusion of Phase II, an additional 250 EHS and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) program teams will have completed the four years of SpecialQuest training and follow-up coaching. During Phase II the project identified 50 exceptionally dedicated graduates of Phase I SpecialQuest training and provided them with leadership training activities. This network of "SpecialQuest Ambassadors" promotes, beyond their local communities, their practical experiences in improving opportunities for inclusive services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Descriptions of the Hilton/EHS Training Program activities and accomplishments can be found at the project's website: http://www.specialquest.org. Summary evaluation reports for the program can be found at: http://www.specialquest.org/ciReports.html. Project Design This grant will support the Hilton/EHS Training Program in a third and final phase intended to broaden and sustain the Hilton/EHS Training Program project's contribution to improving the inclusion of young children with disabilities in EHS/MSHS programs. Additionally, this phase of the project will promote use of Hilton/EHS Training Program materials and practices, to the greatest extent applicable, to improving inclusion in the larger universe of 1,400 Head Start programs serving preschool age children. There will be a continuing emphasis on partnership with parents, with agencies implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (both local and statewide special education and early intervention agencies), and with child care providers. To fully address the scope of experience and activities this project requires, an application may be comprised of a consortium of organizations. Additional, non-Federal funds of $1.5 million are anticipated to be made available by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for the first year of this project and, subject to availability, the Foundation would provide that same level of contribution in each of the subsequent two years of the project. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation funds would be made available to the grantee to address the same objectives outlined in the An applicant for this grant should propose an approach that will lead to more extensive adoption and sustainable use of the Hilton/EHS Training Program model to enable its continued contribution to improving inclusion of young children with disabilities in EHS and Head Start programs and in other early childhood settings where EHS and Head Start children and families participate. Specifically, the approach for this project should include efforts to: 1. Build capacity, within at least 10 States, for sustainable use of Hilton/EHS Training Program materials/procedures in statewide efforts to promote inclusive early childhood services for young children with disabilities, including a specific focus on improving practices in EHS and Head Start programs and the special education/early intervention agencies, child care providers, and others with which programs collaborate to serve children with disabilities and their families. (Identifying the specific States in which to support these efforts will require, shortly after the award of the grant, consultation with Office of Head Start, its Regional Offices, and the Head Start State Collaboration Grant Offices within the States). 2. Complement, to the greatest extent possible, existing efforts by regional, State and community-level systems to improve inclusion for young children with disabilities through training and technical assistance, professional development, parent information and support activities; special attention should be devoted to coordinating with existing efforts that address EHS/Head Start, PART C/early intervention, Section 619 preschool, and child care. 3. Demonstrate how Hilton/EHS Training Program materials and practices could be adopted as flexible and practical tools for the ongoing work of local, State, and regional systems charged with improving inclusive early childhood services, with particular attention to how Hilton/EHS Training Program resources could be incorporated in their ongoing efforts to:
4. Promote sustained use of Hilton/EHS Training Program materials and practices by community teams that completed Special Quest Training in Phases I and II, helping them build upon their accomplishments in including young children with significant disabilities and their families, increasing the participation of Head Start preschool and child care programs on their teams, and addressing inclusive services for EHS children with significant disabilities as they transition into Head Start and other preschool-age programs. 5. Promote dissemination of Hilton/EHS Training Program information to a broad audience seeking general information and guidance on improving opportunities for inclusion for young children with disabilities and their families, including:
6. Implement a strategy most likely to sustain the benefits of the Hilton/EHS Training Program beyond this three-year project period. This should include a plan to provide products developed under this grant for use in Head Start's Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) website at: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc, and in other appropriate venues. 7. Provide a systematic approach to evaluating the project, including:
The applicant may propose necessary training events, particularly within the States identified in item 1 above, for the purpose of building sustained capacity to utilize Hilton/EHS Training Program products and practices. Any training or on-site coaching activities proposed should address the main objective of this phase of the project (i.e., promoting sustained and systemic applications of the Hilton/EHS Training Program). Therefore, it would not be appropriate for an applicant to propose to repeat the large-scale, intensive SpecialQuest training events provided in Phases I and II of this project. Priority Area 1: Head Start/Hilton Foundation Training Program to Support Inclusive Early Childhood Services
Description II. AWARD INFORMATION
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: Office of Head Start Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group ATTN: Hilton/HS Project 118 Q St., NE Washington , DC 20002 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: OHS@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Letters of Intent Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify the Office of Head Start Operations Center by mail of their intention to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3. Letters of intent should be mailed or e-mailed to: Office of
Head Start Operations Center Email: OHS@dixongroup.com The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement (required); your contact person's name, 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. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. Application The total length of the application should not exceed 150 pages. The body of the application should not exceed 75 double-spaced, one-sided, numbered pages with 12-point font. Appendices should be limited to 75 pages. A table of contents should be included with the application and will not be counted in the page limitations. D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Please ensure that your organization has a D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com. Proof of Non-Profit Status Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. For research programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro Children Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice that implements the smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic Submission Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Hard Copy Submission Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal Reviewers Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 06/13/2007 Due Date for Applications: 07/25/2007 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date will be classified as late and will not be considered in the current competition. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that applications are mailed or hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date and time. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition. ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER 4:30 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. As of August 1, 2006, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Exec. Order process: Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. As these jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations, which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule. Comments submitted directly to ACF should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to Exec. Order 12372. The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 5. Funding Restrictions: Fundraising is not an allowable cost under this program. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. 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 Office of Head Start Operations Center Hand Delivery Office of Head Start 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. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, describe the extent to which, by the end of this project, stakeholders will be able to continue to employ Hilton/EHS Training Program materials and practices in their ongoing efforts to increase and improve inclusive early childhood environments for young children with disabilities and their families. Provide a logic model, (i.e., a diagram that displays the rationale or logic that underlies your project, depicting the links between program objectives, program activities, and expected program outcomes). Describe the types of data that will be collected to measure the project's attainment of the expected results.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. EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 15 points The extent to which the applicant:
APPROACH - 40 points The extent to which the applicant's approach:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 30 points The extent to which the key staff and the organization possess the experience and expertise necessary to plan and implement a project of this type and scope, including:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 15 points The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are clearly identified, justified and reasonable, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected results and benefits. 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.) The Office of Head Start will convene a panel of reviewers in Washington, DC, to read and score each application based on the published criteria. The results of these reviews will assist the Office of Head Start's Director and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications generally will be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, the highest ranked application is not guaranteed funding because other factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to: written comments of reviewers and government officials, staff evaluation and input, previous program performance of applicants, compliance with grant terms under previous Approved but Unfunded Applications Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Not ApplicableVI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1. Award Notices: The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award document, which sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental). Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this program. Regulations pertaining to the Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be found at the HHS web site at: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html. HHS Grants Policy Statement The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 3. Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html) throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period. Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII of this announcement. Program Progress Reports: Semi-AnnuallyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Jim O'Brien Grants Management Office Contact: Administration for Children and Families VIII. OTHER INFORMATION
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