Executive Summary: The Office of Head Start (OHS), within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the availability of funds and requests applications for higher education grants for Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCUs) with experience in educating and preparing early childhood education teachers to work effectively with young Native American children and their families. Those receiving grants will work in partnership with Head Start and with Early Head Start programs (when the TCU offers an infant toddler degree or specialization). The primary purpose of these TCUs partnerships is to increase the number of Head Start teaching staff with associate and baccalaureate degrees in early childhood education to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of education program services to Native American children and their families. These projects must implement academic programs through partnerships between/among institutions of higher education and Head Start and Early Head Start programs (when infant toddler degrees or specializations can be awarded). This announcement provides up to $1,000,000 annually for five years to support multiple TCU Partnerships. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority The Head Start Act, Section 648, 42 United States Code and as amended 42 United States Code--9831 et seq., is the authorizing legislation for the Head Start TCU program. Increasing the number of Head Start classroom teachers with degrees in early childhood education is a primary goal of this legislation. To ensure that selected colleges and universities are able to fulfill this task, it is very important that TCUs applying for funds under this announcement be able to clearly demonstrate that they have established relationships with the Head Start program(s) in their community and that these Head Start programs have indicated that they are willing to work collaboratively with the institution(s). Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. section 301 note), any other institution that qualifies for funding under the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978, (25 U.S.C. section 1801 et seq.), and Navajo Community College, Authorized in the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, Title II (25 U.S.C. section 640a note). Only those institutions that meet these definitions shall be eligible for assistance under this announcement. Funding Opportunity Description The Head Start program was established to ensure that children of low-income families acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to allow them to enter school ready for success. Programs funded under the Head Start Act provide comprehensive services to these children and their families. The Head Start program enhances children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development and supports parents' efforts to fulfill their parental roles as primary educators. Head Start also provides support for parents as they work towards employment and self-sufficiency, and requires parental involvement in administering the Head Start program. Historically, Head Start has supported many demonstration projects to ensure that highly qualified and well-trained staff provide high-quality services to enrolled children and their families. For example, Head Start supported the creation of the national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential designed for early childhood teaching staff; implemented the Head Start Teaching Center Demonstration, and developed other innovative projects. OHS (formerly the Head Start Bureau) also implemented partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Latino Service Partnership Institutions (HSIs). The Head Start Act as reauthorized in 1998 contains provisions to improve quality and accountability in Head Start programs. These 1998 amendments require the establishment of educational performance standards and measures, authorize the expansion of program monitoring incorporating evidence of progress on outcome-based measures, authorize additional funding to upgrade program quality and staff compensation, and establish higher qualifications for Head Start teachers. When President George W. Bush addressed the Nation in the 2002 "State of the Union Address," he discussed the importance of preparing our children to read and succeed in school and included the improvement of Head Start and early childhood development programs as a goal. As a result, the White House developed an early childhood initiative, which includes the raising of the bar for Head Start educational methods to create more effective learning environments and improved outcomes for children. In announcing the Good Start, Grow Smart Early Childhood Initiative in April 2002, the President identified children's early literacy as a major component for Head Start program improvement. At that time, the President presented the following three areas of focus for Head Start: (1) strengthening Head Start programs; (2) partnering with States to improve early childhood education; and (3) providing child development and early education information to teachers, caregivers, and parents. Priority Area: Head Start Tribally Controlled Land Grant College and University Partnerships Description OHS is announcing the availability of funds and requests applications for higher education grants for accredited institutions with experience and capability in educating and preparing professionals to work effectively with Native American young children and their families, in partnership with Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This Head Start Higher Education TCU Partnership program is funded to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of educational program services to Native American children and their families through increased numbers of Head Start and Early Head Start teachers with associate and baccalaureate degrees in early childhood education and partnerships between/among institutions of higher education and Head Start and Early Head Start programs (when infant toddler degrees or specializations are offered.) Through this announcement, ACF is making available up to $1,000,000 annually for each of five years to support TCU partnerships. These partnerships seek to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of Head Start and Early Head Start grantees (when infant toddler degrees can be awarded) increasing the number of Head Start and Early Head Start teachers with degrees in age-appropriate early childhood education. Applying TCUs must provide a Head Start program participation agreement as specified in Section V of this announcement and related supportive information. To ensure that selected colleges and universities are able to fulfill this task, applicants under this announcement must demonstrate the following: They have established relationships with tribal leaders, Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Applicants must submit a jointly signed letter of agreement between the Director(s) of the Head Start program and the college/university's Project Director for this grant. The letter must describe the Head Start program's specific level of need for degreed, early childhood teachers, verify that the applicant has an established relationship with the program and provide a commitment that they will continue to work collaboratively. The letter should include a detailed description of the support that the college/university, the Head Start programs, and the tribal government/s will provide to the students to facilitate their attendance at the college/university and their success in achieving their degrees. This should specifically address the provision of supports such as: the assessment of basic skills, study groups, tutoring, basic skills courses such as reading, writing, math, or other assistance to help ensure the success of the students with their course work; and payments for tuition and fees, assistance with books, transportation, and childcare, if needed. Applying TCUs need to outline a recruitment plan that identifies the number of Head Start/Early Head Start teaching staff to be recruited and supported to associate or baccalaureate degree completion in age-specific early childhood education each semester and the total number to be graduated by the completion of the grant. Please indicate if only one or more than one cohort will be supported through these funds. In the event that total actual enrollment is below 80 percent of the number identified in recruitment plan, the applicant should also provide a plan for recruiting, enrolling, and supporting up to 20 percent of Head Start staff who are not teaching staff but currently work in another capacity directly with children and who may intend to pursue Head Start/Early Head Start teaching positions upon graduation. TCUs that are currently funded under previous Higher Education Head Start Partnership competitions and whose funding will end after October 1, 2007, are not eligible to apply under this announcement. 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. This announcement is limited to TCUs as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. section 301 note), any other institution that qualifies for funding under the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978, (25 U.S.C. section 1801 et seq.), and Navajo Community College, Authorized in the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, Title II (25 U.S.C. section 640a note). Only institutions meeting these definitions shall be eligible for assistance under this announcement. This announcement is limited to TCU institutions of higher education with existing early childhood degree programs, institutional experience, and capability in educating and preparing early childhood teachers to work effectively with young Native American children and their families. All institutions planning to compete under this announcement, including eligible faith-based institutions of higher education, must meet the same eligibility requirements. Each institution must be accredited by one of the bodies identified in the U.S. Department of Education data base, http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation. Each applicant must submit proof of current accreditation for their institution and the relevant degree program(s). Institutions of higher education that are not accredited for the degree program they propose to offer Head Start teachers are not eligible to apply under this announcement. Accredited applicants must submit short descriptions and titles of the current early childhood education and child development courses included in the early childhood program. The applicant must submit documentation of current accreditation for the degree program identified as meeting the objectives of this announcement (i.e., increasing the number of Head Start and Early Head Start teachers with an associate or baccalaureate degree in early childhood education). Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Awards will be made on a competitive basis and will be for a one-year budget period. The total project period will not exceed 60 months. Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the first 12-month budget period (but within the project period) will be considered on a noncompetitive basis subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress and performance, and a determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the Federal Government. Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: ACYF Operations CenterOffice of Head Start Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities Partnerships 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: OHS@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Declaration of Intent Prior to submission of the application, and within 30 days from date of this publication, applicants may submit a post card, an email or call the ACYF Operations Center with the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and email address of the college/university intending to apply to receive TCU for Head Start partnership funds. Please see Section IV.1. for ACYF Operations Center email, address and telephone contact information. Proof of Accreditation Status Applicants must submit proof of accreditation by an agency identified in the directory of accredited colleges and universities on the following U.S. Department of Education web site. Go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation for the list. Applicants must also submit proof of accreditation of the specific degree program(s) described in their application. Head Start Program Participation Agreement Applicants must submit a letter(s) of agreement and participation with their applications from a Head Start Program Director(s) verifying that the applicant has established a relationship with the program(s) and that the Head Start program(s) is willing to partner with the applicant institution of higher education in supporting teachers obtaining degrees. Application Requirements The project description section of the application is to be double-spaced and single-sided on 81/2" x 11" plain white paper, with 1" margins on all sides. Use only a standard font size no smaller than 12-point throughout the application. Application packages should be assembled in the following manner: first, the Standard Form (SF)-424 and SF 424A budget forms, immediately followed by the project abstract, and then the table of contents. All narrative sections of the application (including appendices, resumes, charts, references/footnotes, tables, maps, and exhibits) must be sequentially numbered, beginning on the first page after the table of contents. The length of the application, including the project description, appendices, and resumes must not exceed 75 pages. Each page over the 75- page limit will be removed and not distributed to the reviewers. The one-page abstract need not be counted in the 75-page total. Applicants are NOT to send pamphlets, brochures, or other printed materials with their applications. Extensive exhibits are not required. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in the review process. In addition, applicants must NOT submit any additional letters of endorsement beyond those required in this announcement. Please do not use staples to facilitate photocopying. Project Description Specific factual information and statements of measurable enrollee goals and progress in quantifiable terms must be included in the project description. Please see Section V for further information regarding the Project Description. Table of Contents All pages must be consecutively and accurately numbered. A table of contents outlining the numbered pages of the application is to be included. Standard Forms and Certifications Information on required Standard Forms and Certifications follows this section. 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: 07/23/2007 Due Date for Applications: 08/20/2007 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 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.
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 Hand Delivery Office of Head Start 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. For example, Specifically describe how the strategies and methods proposed by the college or university will increase the number of qualified Head Start/Early Head Start teaching staff with associate or baccalaureate degrees in age-specific, early childhood education. Specify the anticipated number of teachers in a cohort, the number of cohorts, and the total number of Head Start/Early Head Start teachers to earn age-specific early childhood degrees over the five years of the project.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. Describe how a cohort of Head Start teachers will be recruited and retained through completion of a degree program in early childhood education (or a related field such as child development). Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state the 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. Outline a recruitment plan that identifies the number of Head Start/Early Head Start teaching staff to be recruited and supported to associate or baccalaureate degree completion in age-specific early childhood education each semester and the total number to be graduated by the completion of the grant. Please indicate if only one, or more than one, cohort will be supported through these funds. In the event that total actual enrollment is below 80 percent of the number identified in recruitment plan, the applicant should also provide a plan for recruiting, enrolling, and supporting up to 20 percent of Head Start staff who are not teaching staff but currently work in another capacity directly with children and who may intend to pursue Head Start/Early Head Start teaching positions upon graduation. A signed letter must be included from any non-Head Start teaching staff who work directly with children. The letter should describe their interest in the degree program and their intent to teach or to continue to work directly with children in Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms or home-based programs. 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. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 15 points In determining the need for assistance for the proposed project, the following factors are considered:
APPROACH - 30 points The approach provides a detailed plan of action for increasing the number of Head Start and/or Early Head Start teachers with an associate or baccalaureate degrees in early childhood with age specific degrees or specializations within degree programs.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 15 points In reviewing the required staff and position data, the following factors are considered:
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 10 points In determining the quality of expected benefits, the following factors are considered:
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION - 5 points The following factors are considered:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 25 points In determining the soundness of the budget and budget justification, the following factors are considered:
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.) Responsive applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the Federal Government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in Section V of this announcement, as well as the eligibility criteria specified in Section III to review and score the applications. The results of this review will be a primary factor in making funding decisions. Application review panels will assign a score to each application and identify its strengths and weaknesses. OHS will conduct an administrative review of the applications and results of the competitive review panels and make recommendations for funding. The Director of the Office of Head Start will make the final selections of the applications to be funded. An application may be funded in whole or in part depending on: (1) the ranked order of applicants resulting from the competitive review; (2) staff review and consultations; (3) the combination of projects that best meets the objectives of the OHS; (4) the funds available; and (5) other relevant considerations. The Director of the Office of Head Start may also elect not to fund any applicants with known management, fiscal, reporting, program, or other problems that make it unlikely they would be able to provide effective services. 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: The anticipated start date for the new awards is September 30, 2007. Projects may run through September 29, 2012 for a period of up to 60 months. 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: Quarterly Financial Reports: Semi-Annually Program Progress Reports: Quarterly All grantees are required to submit quarterly program progress reports. Each institution will report at the end of each academic recording period, semester, or academic quarter, to document the number of courses completed by each student, attrition and retention rates, and graduates. Financial Reports: Semi-Annually Grantees are also required to submit semi-annual expenditure reports using the required financial standard form (SF-269), which can be found at the following URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. A suggested format for the program report will be sent to all grantees after the awards are made. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Amanda Bryans Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, Grants Officer VIII. OTHER INFORMATION Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located on the following web sites: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc
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