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Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families' (ACF) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has supported the field of microenterprise development since 1991 with discretionary grants to various public agencies, community economic development agencies, community action and other human service agencies, local mutual assistance associations, and voluntary agencies. Organizations with successful programs have typically been those with a long-term commitment to microenterprise, particularly access to lending and to its adaptation to the refugee experience. They have committed agency resources to support refugee programs and their work in refugee microenterprise development has been consistent with the overall agency mission. Background: A public or private non-profit agency interested in receiving funding under this announcement must have the organizational capacity to work with refugees who have low incomes, limited English-language proficiency, no credit history or poor credit history, and neither assets nor American business experience. Many newly arrived refugees do not qualify for commercial loans or for admission into mainstream microenterprise development programs for these reasons. Organizations that cannot support in-house lending and essential loan-servicing responsibilities may experience difficulties in implementing a microenterprise project. Refugees bring positive attributes to microenterprise development projects, including a diverse and rich array of business ideas, skills, experiences, and a strong desire to succeed. These characteristics have been largely responsible for the success of the ORR Microenterprise Development program. During the last 15 years, refugees have started or expanded or strengthened more than 3,600 micro-businesses (with a business survival rate of about 88 percent). ORR grantees have provided approximately $6.95 million in financing to these entrepreneurs and the agencies have used these loans to leverage an additional $6.2 million in loans from other sources. The loan repayment rate is close to 100 percent. Additionally, 3,609 new jobs have been created. Over 10,500 refugees have gained new entrepreneurial skills and knowledge; and the additional business income is helping refugee families to achieve economic self-sufficiency. By commonly accepted measures of performance such as business survival rates, loan default rates, etc., the ORR-funded programs have excelled and frequently led the microenterprise field in achievement. Building on the experience of the last 15 years, ORR seeks through this announcement to continue to support this field, particularly on behalf of those refugees who, because of language and cultural barriers, are unlikely to gain access to commercial loans or business training through other programs. To be successful in this competition, refugee-serving organizations must demonstrate their organization's capacity to provide the technical expertise necessary to help refugees start, expand, or strengthen businesses and to provide access to credit. Economic development agencies must show how they will modify their existing programs to serve refugees effectively. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority: Section 412(c)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1522(c)(1)(A)) authorizes the ORR Director "to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or private non-profit agencies for projects specifically designed- (i) to assist refugees in obtaining the skills which are necessary for economic self-sufficiency, including projects for job training, employment services, day care, professional refresher training, and other recertification services; (ii) to provide training in English where necessary (regardless of whether the refugees are employed or receiving cash or other assistance), and (iii) to provide where specific needs have been shown and recognized by the Director, health (including mental health) services, social services, educational and other services." In addition, section 412(a)(4)(A)(i) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1522 (a)(4)(A)(i) authorizes the Director to make loans for the purpose of carrying out this section. Funding Opportunity Description Discretionary Funds for Refugee Microenterprise Development Projects 1. Description: Purpose and Scope: The main purposes of the ORR Microenterprise Development program are: 1) to assist refugees in becoming economically self-sufficient, 2) to help refugee communities in developing employment and capital resources, and 3) to enhance the integration of refugees into the mainstream. To achieve these purposes, applicants for microenterprise development projects may request funds for business technical assistance, short-term training, a revolving microloan fund or loan loss reserve fund, and post-loan technical assistance. Funds may also be requested to cover administrative costs associated with managing a microenterprise project. Projects should be designed in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate for the refugee population. Applicants should also be familiar with the capital needs and capital market gaps for refugee entrepreneurs and should describe how refugees will gain access to business credit. Furthermore, applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the economic opportunities in the community for refugees and should have established working partnerships with the communities' refugee resettlement services network, as well as with existing microenterprise development organizations and financial institutions in their area of operations. Allowable Activities: Project components may include pre-loan technical assistance such as one-on-one business consultation and training, training in classroom settings, business plan preparation, access to business credit, revolving loan funds and/or loan loss reserve funds, and post-loan technical assistance to refugee-owned businesses. ORR funds may also be used for the administrative costs associated with managing a revolving loan fund. Training and Technical Assistance Training and other services should be individualized and flexible to meet the needs of the refugee clients. While not all clients need extensive training or comprehensive technical assistance, applicants should address how the grant award will be allocated among technical assistance services, loan fund/loan loss reserve, and administrative costs based on an assessment of client needs. Applications should indicate what, and how, technical assistance will be provided to address the complexity of the business plan, the level of risk entailed by the business, and the experiential background of the client. If structured training is offered, it is generally recommended that the training be relatively short-term. One of the main goals of training should be the completion of the business plan. Training should also stress marketing, cash-flow projections, and general small business management. If applicants plan to provide other training for a fee, the nature of the training and the amount of the fee should be included in the application. Loans Microloans consist of small amounts of credit that do not exceed $15,000 and are extended to low-income entrepreneurs for start-ups of microenterprises or for the expansion or stabilization of existing microenterprises. These funds may be disbursed through individual loans as a revolving loan fund or be used as a loan loss reserve. (A loan loss reserve (LLR) refers to a certain amount of grant funds set aside to make up for the dollar amount of loans made to refugee participants if the loan, or part of the loan, is declared non-recoverable and written off, net of recoveries.) Grantees with loan funds must have, and will be responsible for, establishing written lending policies and procedures and for collecting and servicing loan repayments. ORR supports the use of commercial lending institutions for refugee borrowers to leverage the limited amount of ORR funds available for this purpose and to provide borrowers with the opportunity to establish creditworthy histories with traditional lenders. Applicants may elect to establish cooperative relationships with one or more of the community's financial institutions to obtain access to commercial loan funds. Alternatively, grantees may establish a loan-loss reserve fund with a financial institution, but should ensure that the agreement with the financial institution is beneficial to the grantee and the refugee clients; this should be monitored particularly in reference to the amount of additional funds leveraged using ORR monies and the way in which loans will be approved. If a grantee establishes a loan loss reserve fund, the loans that are made may not exceed $15,000 and the repayment of the loan may not exceed 36 months. ORR does not encourage the use of below-market rates of interest for the loan funds. Conversely, grantees may not charge refugees interest rates that exceed four percentage points above the New York prime lending rate at the time of loan approval. If ORR loan funds are to be used in combination with other sources of funds to meet the financial need of the client, the interest rate on the ORR portion of the loan cannot exceed prime plus four percent. ORR microloans will have a maximum maturity of three years (36 months) even when these loan funds are used in combination with funds from other sources. The applicant must demonstrate how they will ensure that loans are closed out by the end of the project period. If the term of the loan will exceed the time of the grant, grantees must also propose how they will continue to administer the loan repayment and any necessary technical assistance after the end of the project period. Loans may be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery, tools, equipment, building renovation, and/or leasehold improvements. Microloan funds may not be used for the following:
Treatment of Program Income: Projects with revolving loan funds consists of repayment of principal, interest on individual loans or from loan loss reserves deposited in the bank, and application and closing fees. Specifically, program income funds may be retained by the project to expand the pool of credit in accordance with 45 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 74.24(b)(1), (b)(2) and (e) for non-profit organizations and 45 CFR 92.25(g)(2) for governmental entities. Program income may be retained by the grantee so long as the use of these funds furthers the objectives of the grant and is consistent with the Federal statute under which the grant was made (45 CFR 74.24(e)). Any fees such as application and closing fees or charges imposed on refugee clients by the grantee or its subcontractors or affiliates (e.g., loan processing or training fees) must be disclosed in the application and pre-approved by ORR. Program income must be reported on the Financial Status Report (Standard Form (SF) 269) semi-annually during the project period. The proposed use of such income must be described in the application. Grantees will be expected to coordinate their policies and procedures for developing and administering refugee microenterprise development projects with the existing refugee microenterprise services network. To ensure an exchange of technical and training information among programs, all grantees are encouraged to attend ORR training meetings during each year of their participation in this program area. Grant funds may be used to offset the cost of attendance. Priority Area: Discretionary Funds for Refugee Microenterprise Development Projects Description ORR has supported the field of microenterprise development since 1991 with discretionary grants to various public agencies, community economic development agencies, community action and other human service agencies, local mutual assistance associations, and voluntary agencies. Organizations with successful programs have typically been those with a long-term commitment to microenterprise, particularly access to lending and to its adaptation to the refugee experience. They have committed agency resources to support refugee programs and their work in refugee microenterprise development has been consistent with the overall agency mission. 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. Eligible applicants for refugee programs under 412(c)(1)(A) are "public and private nonprofit agencies." Client Eligibility: Eligible clients are refugees who aspire to establish, expand, or stabilize a microenterprise but who lack the financial resources, credit history, or personal assets to qualify for business loans or assistance through commercial institutions. Refugees who are not yet citizens may participate regardless of their date of arrival in the U.S. However, refugees who arrived in the More specifically, eligibility for refugee microenterprise development program services includes: (1) refugees; (2) asylees; (3) Cuban and Haitian entrants; (4) certain Amerasians, and (5) victims of severe forms of trafficking. Detailed information is available at 45 CFR 400.43 and in Letters 00-17, 01-13, 02-01, and 04-12. Please visit the website at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr to access these letters. Grantees will be responsible for documenting refugee client eligibility for services under this project. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: 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, ORR strongly suggests that the applicant attach proof of non-profit status with the 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/programs/ofs/forms.htm. Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Daphne WeedenDivision of Discretionary Grants Office of Grants Management Administration for Children and Families 370 L'Enfant Promenade S.W., 6th Floor East Washington, DC 20447 Phone: 202-401-5513 Email: ACFOGME-Grants@acf.hhs.gov URL: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Applicants that are submitting an application in paper format should submit an 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, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound. ACF is particularly interested in specific factual information and statements of measurable specific goals in quantitative terms. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, 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. A table of contents and an executive summary should be included. The application narrative should be in a 12-point with space and a half spacing, with a 20 page a space and half (1.5) narrative limit (up to an additional 25 pages of attachments are allowable, not including letters of support, table of contents, executive summary, or standard forms, certifications, and budget and budget justification). Applications that exceed these page limitations are considered unresponsive and reviewers may disregard the narrative over the page limit. Each page should be numbered sequentially, including any attachments or appendices. Please do not staple or in any way bind the application other than with a rubber band or a clip. Please do not include books or videotapes as they are not easily reproduced and are, therefore, inaccessible to reviewers. Submit applications to ACF in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If using Grants.gov, download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via email or facsimile transmission. Please note the following if submitting an application electronically via Grants.gov.
D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Please ensure that your organization has a D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. For research programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro Children Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice that implements the smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic Submission Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Hard Copy Submission Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date for Applications: 06/04/2007 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. 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 Daphne Weeden Hand Delivery Daphne Weeden 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 25 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. ORR is particularly interested in the number and type of businesses established, expanded, or stabilized; the employment generated by the businesses; the number and size of loans provided to refugees; the amount of additional funds leveraged by the ORR funds for microenterprise loans, and the effect of the businesses assisted on the refugees' transition toward self-sufficiency and integration.APPROACH Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement. Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates. If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from the OMB. This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF." Provide a list of organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
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: BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 20 points Appropriateness and reasonableness of the proposed budget, including the relative distribution of funds for administrative costs, training, technical assistance, and loan capital. Consistency of budget with narrative description of application. The application should include project timelines and a narrative justification supporting each budget line item. ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 20 points Demonstrated organizational and management capacity including bilingual/bicultural competent services and experience serving refugees and other economically disadvantaged populations; description of experience in organizational management, including previous experience in managing grants of similar size; description of experience in providing microenterprise development services and in the management of loan funds. A projected monthly cash flow chart for the loan fund for the five-year period beginning September 30, 2007, is included. Description of results achieved under any previous grant awarded by ORR for microenterprise; detailed description of accounting system to effectively administer the project, and experience in collaboration with the specific refugee community(ies) and coalition building among refugee and non-refugee service providers are provided. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 20 points Extent to which the expected goals and outcomes and unit costs of the project are appropriate, consistent with reported nationwide performance in microenterprise projects, and reasonable in relation to the proposed activities. Results may include the effect of business income and business assets on clients' welfare status, if applicable, and on economic self-sufficiency, as well as projected outcomes for business income, employment, and survivability. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 15 points Quality of the description of the prospective refugee communities' profile with respect to welfare utilization, English proficiency, length of time in the U.S., interest in microbusiness, and the description of local capital needs and capital market gaps for refugee microentreprenuers, including their ability to access mainstream financial services. Quality of data provided that demonstrates levels of refugee welfare dependence and self-sufficiency, opportunities for small business, and available resources for microenterprise development. APPROACH - 25 points Adequacy and appropriateness of the program approach or design, including description of project goals and structure (policies, procedures, activities); training and technical assistance; loan funds, lending criteria, and fees, if included in the design; whether the business targets are start-ups, expansions, strengthening, or all of the above, and how the applicant will aid each type of client; partner agencies; and credit provision. 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 ORR Director uses review panel scores when considering competing applications. Review panel 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 the review panel. Because other important factors are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not guaranteed funding. These other considerations include the timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded with ORR funds granted in the last five years; comments of reviewers and government officials; ORR staff evaluation and input; amount and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's consistency and harmony with ORR goals and policy; administrative costs associated with any sub-grantees; geographic distribution of applicants; previous program performance of applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance or program review finding on previous ORR or other Federal agency grants. 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: Belay Embaye Grants Management Office Contact: Daphne Weeden VIII. OTHER INFORMATION NOTICE: Beginning with FY 2006, ACF will no longer publish grant announcements in the Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005, applicants will be able to find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically for opportunities via: http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF web site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.
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