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Executive Summary: The Family and Youth Services Bureau is accepting applications to provide support to public and private entities for the development and implementation of the Community-Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) program. The purpose of these programs is to educate young people and create an environment within communities that supports teen decisions to postpone sexual activity until marriage. Acceptable applications will be designed to provide abstinence-until-marriage education as defined by Section 510(b)(2) of the Social Security Act, for adolescents aged 12 through 18. The anticipated number of awards is 80 to 90, with funding ranges between $250,000 and $600,000 depending upon the availability of funds and enactment of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 program appropriation. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority The Community-Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) program is authorized by Title XI, Section 1110 of the Social Security Act. Programs funded through the CBAE program must promote abstinence education as defined by Section 510(b)(2) of Title V of the Social Security Act set forth below. Programs that utilize this definition promote abstinence-until-marriage education. Sex education programs that promote the use of contraceptives are not eligible for funding under this announcement. Pursuant to Section 510(b)(2) of Title V of the Social Security Act, the term "abstinence education," for purposes of this program means an educational or motivational program that: (A) Has as its exclusive purpose, teaching the social, psychological, and health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity; (B) Teaches abstinence from sexual activity outside marriage as the expected standard for all school age children; (C) Teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated health problems; (D) Teaches that a mutually faithful monogamous relationship in the context of marriage is the expected standard of human sexual activity; (E) Teaches that sexual activity outside of the context of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects; (F) Teaches that bearing children out-of-wedlock is likely to have harmful consequences for the child, the child's parents, and society; (G) Teaches young people how to reject sexual advances and how alcohol and drug use increases vulnerability to sexual advances; and (H) Teaches the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity. Funding Opportunity Description A. Background of Funding for the Community-Based Abstinence Education Program Sexual activity among teens has health, emotional and social consequences. Nearly half of all new cases of sexually transmitted diseases occur among young people aged 15 to 24.[i] Despite recent improvements in teen pregnancy and birthrates, the United States (U.S.) rates are higher than any other developed nation.[ii] According to a National Vital Statistics report, there were 34.5 births per 1,000 unmarried females, aged 15 to19 in 2005.[iii] Despite these negative statistics, choosing to abstain from sexual activities until marriage, marrying someone who has also abstained, and maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship offer youth 100 percent protection from pre-marital pregnancy and from acquiring an STD. For teens who have been sexually active, a decision to delay further sexual activity until marriage offers 100 percent protection from new risk. Today's youth are bombarded by implicit and explicit messages that promote sexual activity before, and outside of, marriage. Unfortunately, teens receive less information about the physical and emotional benefits that they are more likely to find by having one lifelong sexual partner within marriage. Those youth who are aware of these benefits and want to delay sex until marriage may not receive from society the support and training they need to achieve this goal. Government agencies often use special programs to target specific audiences that are underserved by other systems. The increasing numbers of youth who are open to the message of delaying sex until marriage are such an audience. Teen sexual abstinence improves preparation for stable marriage, especially when teens have a greater awareness of the psychological, emotional and relational context in which sexual relations take place. This is important because research demonstrates that healthy marriages are beneficial to children. Children growing up with their two biological, married parents are, for example, significantly less likely to experience physical, sexual and emotional abuse or neglect, poverty, drug or alcohol abuse, emotional and behavioral problems, academic failure or incarceration.[iv],[v] The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) administers the CBAE program. CBAE programs adapt a variety of strategies to help young people make choices to abstain from sex until marriage. For example, one program might serve a target population of single teenage mothers encouraging "secondary abstinence" as a viable and healthy choice. This program might have a concentrated dose of 50 hours of curriculum per student, and serve only 1100 young people a year. Another program might serve the general population of 9th graders in 15 school districts in a state. In this case the dose of the curriculum might be only 10 hours over the course of the school year, but the reach of young people might be 15,000. There is not one ideal approach to programming; however, the question of efficiency (the cost/youth hour) is a matter that should be taken into consideration in proposed programming. As a reference point, FYSB commissioned a contractor to perform statistical analyses on dose and efficiency among CBAE recipients. The analysis was performed using grantees' projected activities for the second year of a grant originally awarded in FY 06. Based on these calculations, it was assessed that the average dose for core curriculum was 5.10 hours. The average cost per youth hour was $17.85. It is important to understand that this figure is a conservative estimate, taking into account the average participation rate and only core curriculum hours, defined as those components of the program where materials are delivered to students in an instructional setting following A-H guidelines, generally designed in a lesson-plan fashion. It did not include secondary activities such as drama productions, mentoring, or clubs with an abstinence focus that would bolster the dosage. The CBAE program complements other programs administered by FYSB by working to prevent young peoples' involvement in risky behavior such as alcohol consumption, drug use, and crime; providing youth with healthy messages about their bodies, their behaviors, and their interactions; and supporting youth in making the healthy decision to postpone sexual activity until marriage. B. Purpose, Priorities and Scope of the CBAE Program 1. Purpose: The CBAE program supports programs that are designed to promote abstinence-until-marriage education, as defined by Section 510(b)(2) in Title V of the Social Security Act, for adolescents aged 12 through 18. The entire focus of these programs is to educate young people and create an environment within communities that supports teen decisions to postpone sexual activity until marriage. Since communicating abstinence education to various target populations requires a number of different approaches, activities may include adult and peer mentoring, before- and after-school programs, and parent education groups to promote abstinence from sexual activity until marriage. 2. Priorities: Applicants are strongly encouraged to address the following: Cultural Sensitivity and Environment Successful applicants will tailor programs to the unique cultural and environmental needs of the target population they intend to serve; they will describe a plan for developing staff cultural competency; and they will adjust their programs to meet the needs of youth and their families coming from a diversity of backgrounds. For example, programs designed to serve youth in foster care should give consideration to the factors resulting in those youth being at greater risk for premarital sex and how abstinence-until-marriage education materials can be adapted so that they are relevant and effective. Another example is an applicant's adjustment of their program and curriculum to meet the needs of youth and their families for which English is not their first language. Successful applicants will provide referrals for youth and their families that need other kinds of services. High School Aged Youth/Peer Support While CBAE programs can be geared towards children aged 12 through 18, applicants are encouraged to target high school aged youth and/or to plan for programs to continue through the high school years. Recent research suggests a need for older teens to receive support in both abstinence messaging and in a positive peer climate that is supportive of the choice to abstain from sex until marriage. Healthy Marriage/Relationship Building Skills Sustainability Evaluation Outputs are the direct products or deliverables of program activities. Often they are a measure of the service delivery (e.g., how much service was delivered and to how many people). An internal output measures activities internal to your organization or activities involving outside entities but not the youth or community members served. For example, a director of an abstinence education program hires and trains her staff. This is an internal output and would be measured/quantified by the number of staff trained/trainings completed. An external output measures the activities undertaken for the population served. An example of an external output is an abstinence education program that provides a class to teach students the skills and knowledge necessary to remain abstinent until marriage. One external output measure for this activity is the number of people who completed the class. Successful applicants will provide quantified projections for all of their identified project outputs. There are three outputs that grantees are required to estimate and track:
Applications that do not present reasonable methods of collecting this data accurately and routinely will receive fewer points as described in the Evaluation Criteria given in Section V.1. Successful applicants will choose additional internal and external outputs that will allow for effective monitoring and management of the project. Additional examples of outputs include the number of staff trained to provide services (internal), the number of events hosted (external), number of marketing materials distributed (external), the number of student mentors trained (internal or external), the number of parents reached (external), etc. Outcomes are the results of a program, typically describing a change in people or systems. For example, youth that participate in an abstinence education program may be more likely to commit to abstain from sex until marriage. Successful applicants are required to measure the following two outcomes:
In addition, successful applicants will be required to administer a 10-item survey to all participants as a pre-test and post-test when appropriate (e.g., when students are participating in a curriculum- based program). They will also be required to administer a post-post test to a representative sample of participants six months and/or 12 months after completion of the abstinence education program. Successful applicants will provide plans for working with the grant evaluator to determine appropriate sample size and response rate so that post-post test results are meaningful. This grant announcement does not include specific guidelines for sample size and response rate; however, the successful applicant will demonstrate knowledge of these concepts and a strategy for working with the evaluator to determine how to proceed with the post-post test. For example, the evaluator may determine that 5 percent, or 50 percent, or some other number, of all students enrolled must be evaluated by the post-post test in order to determine long-term results meaningfully; likewise, the evaluator may determine that the post-post test must have a response rate of 75 percent, or 90 percent, or some other number, in order for long-term results to be meaningful. The applicant will work with the evaluator to randomly select, recruit, and survey a sufficient sample of students for the post-post test. Additional examples of outcomes that could be examined include: knowledge of the benefits of abstinence, relationship skills and knowledge, knowledge of refusal or assertiveness skills to resist sexual advances, knowledge of the relationship of alcohol and drug use to vulnerability to sexual advances, etc. Successful applicants will also contract with independent, third-party evaluators to form and implement an evaluation plan to show that the project activities are accomplishing the goals of the project. A detailed evaluation plan should include: information about the affiliation and qualifications of the evaluator, hypotheses or research questions that are directly tied to program objectives, description of the comparison strategy (e.g., experimental, quasi-experimental), expected sample size (including recruitment strategies), how outcomes will be operationalized (including data collection instruments), plans to ensure that the instruments are age appropriate, plans to ensure accurate responses, plans for the protection of data (e.g., confidentiality issues), plans for data analysis (including statistical techniques), plans for follow-up assessment beyond pre- and post-testing, plans for how relevant findings will be reported to the professional field, and plans for utilizing reported findings to aid with program improvement. To support quality evaluations, the project periods are five years. ACF requires that a minimum of 15 percent of the total project budget be used for the purpose of program evaluations, which includes data collection of required outputs and outcomes described above. For example, if an applicant has requested the full amount of $600,000, it must indicate that at least $90,000 of this total amount is dedicated to evaluation activities. The 15 percent may be divided between a third party contractor and other evaluation costs. For example, a member of the staff of the applicant organization might assist with data collection or data entry. Additionally, applicants should include appropriate expenses for the third-party evaluator to attend a one-day technical assistance conference in Washington, DC. Expenses for the evaluator's travel and per diem should be part of the 15 percent of the total budget allocated to evaluation. Because ACF believes grantee activities can increase our national knowledge about what works in abstinence-until-marriage education programs, some approved grantees may be selected to participate in a more in-depth evaluation study. These grantees will be selected after grant awards are made. Therefore, all approved applicants must agree to work cooperatively with ACF and with contractors hired by ACF to conduct evaluations. Involvement may include allowing for a random assignment of participants to either grant program activities or control groups who don't receive grantee services. It might include access to more detailed project-related information and data, including but not limited to, information about access, attendance, and outcomes measures. Grantees selected for the evaluation study will likely participate in interviews, surveys, and on-site observations by evaluators. (Information collections under this announcement are approved through OMB clearance number 0970-0272, which expires on 8/31/09. Burden hours per response to this collection are estimated to be 9 hours.) 3. Scope: All aspects of the proposed program must be consistent with the definition of abstinence education set forth at subparagraphs A-H of Section 510(b)(2) of the Social Security Act (the "A-H elements"). Additionally, successful applicants must adequately address each of the elements within the "Scope" section of this program announcement as indicated below. Required Content:
Additional Guidance Regarding Curriculum Content:
Successful Abstinence Education Curriculum A. It is essential that the abstinence education curriculum has as its exclusive purpose, teaching the social, psychological, and health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity. The curriculum must be consistent with the bulleted examples. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
B. It is critical that the abstinence education curriculum teaches abstinence from sexual activity outside marriage as the expected standard for all school-aged children. The curriculum must adequately address each of the themes below and be consistent with the bulleted examples. Theme B1. Teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the expected standard for all school-age children. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
Theme B2. Teaches, in an age-appropriate manner, the topic of returning to abstinence, that teens who have engaged in non-marital sexual activity may abstain from further non-marital sexual activity, thereby reducing potential negative psychological, health, and social consequences. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
C. Abstinence education curriculum must teach that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, STDs, and other associated health problems. The curriculum must adequately address each of the themes below and be consistent with the bulleted examples. Theme C1. Teaches, in an age-appropriate manner, that abstinence is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
Theme C2. Teaches, in a medically accurate and age-appropriate manner, that abstinence is the only certain way to avoid the sexual transmission of STDs and related health problems. Teaches the harmful physical effects of infection by STDs that may result from sexual activity outside of the context of faithful marriage. Teaches the physical health gains realized by abstaining from sexual activity. (This theme is limited to STDs; the physical effects of out-of-wedlock pregnancy are covered in themes F1 and F2.) Examples may include, but are not limited to:
D. It is required that the abstinence education curriculum teaches that a mutually faithful monogamous relationship in the context of marriage is the expected standard of human sexual activity. The curriculum must adequately address each of the themes below and be consistent with the bulleted examples. Theme D1. Teaches that the expected standard for sexual activity is within the context of a mutually monogamous marriage relationship. Teaches that healthy human sexuality involves enduring fidelity, love and commitment; and that human happiness and well-being are often associated with a stable, loving marriage. Teaches that non-marital sex can undermine the capacity for healthy marriage, love and commitment. Teaches that abstinence is beneficial in preparation for successful marriage and significantly increases the probability of a happy, healthy marriage. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
Theme D2. Teaches that human sexuality includes deep emotional and psychological aspects and is not merely physical in nature. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
E. It is essential that the abstinence education curriculum teaches that sexual activity outside of the context of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects. The curriculum must adequately address each of the themes below and be consistent with the bulleted examples. Theme E1. Teaches the harmful psychological effects that can occur as a consequence of sexual activity outside the context of marriage. Teaches the psychological gains that can be realized by abstaining from sexual activity until marriage. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
Theme E2. Teaches that teen sexual activity may have harmful effects in addition to the effects previously mentioned in C1, C2, and E1. Teaches that abstinence can help youth to avoid these potentially harmful effects. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
F. It is critical that the abstinence education curriculum teaches that bearing children out-of-wedlock is likely to have harmful consequences for the child, the child's parents, and society. The curriculum must adequately address each of the themes below and be consistent with the bulleted examples. Theme F1. Teaches that sexual activity outside of marriage may result in non-marital pregnancy. Teaches, in an age-appropriate manner, that bearing children out-of-wedlock may have harmful consequences for the child. Teaches that by abstaining from non-marital sexual activity, teens may have increased potential to form healthy marriages that will benefit their future children. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
Theme F2. Teaches the potential beneficial effects of marriage to the well-being of adults and society. Teaches, in an age-appropriate manner, that bearing children out-of-wedlock can have harmful consequences for the child's parents and society as a whole. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
G. Abstinence education curriculum must teach young people how to reject sexual advances and how alcohol and drug use increase vulnerability to sexual advances. The curriculum must adequately address each of the themes below and be consistent with the bulleted examples. Theme G1. Teaches the importance of goal setting and future-oriented thinking as a means of promoting sexual abstinence. Teaches the importance of personal character in deciding to remain sexually abstinent. Teaches the value of building and maintaining healthy relationships that are free from sexual involvement. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
Theme G2. Teaches techniques and skills to help young people reject sexual advances and maintain the expected standard of abstinence. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
Theme G3. Teaches that the use of drugs or alcohol can increase one's vulnerability to sexual advances (including sexual exploitation or violence). Teaches skills for avoiding high-risk situations where sexual activity is more likely. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
H. It is required that the abstinence education curriculum teaches the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity. The curriculum must be consistent with the bulleted example.
C. Other Program Requirements Grants under this program shall be made to entities that agree that, with respect to an adolescent to whom the entities provide abstinence education under such grant, the entities will not provide to that adolescent any other education regarding sexual conduct, except in the case of an entity expressly required by law to provide health information or services. No adolescent shall be precluded from seeking health information or services from the entity in a different setting - either in time or place - than the setting in which abstinence education was provided. Nothing shall preclude entities that have a public health mandate from discussing other forms of sexual conduct or providing services, as long as this is conducted in a different setting - either in time or place - than where and when the abstinence-until-marriage course is being conducted. ACF requires applicants to prepare, sign and submit with their applications a document of assurance that speaks to this separation of Federal abstinence education services and private abstinence and/or sex education services. An example of an acceptable statement of assurance is provided in Appendix A. Medical Accuracy and Section 317P(c)(2) of the Public Health Service Act Mass produced educational materials that are specifically designed to address STDs, including human papillomavirus (HPV), are required by Section 317P(c)(2) of the Public Health Service Act to contain medically accurate information regarding the effectiveness or lack of effectiveness of condoms in preventing the sexually transmitted disease the materials are designed to address. This requirement applies to materials mass produced by grantees or subgrantees for the public and health care providers, including curriculum, but not to routine communications. Should ACF find medically inaccurate information during the review process, or at any time during the grant project period, grantees will be required to correct the inaccuracies. Technical Assistance Applicants must agree to receive and participate in technical assistance efforts, as recommended by Federal staff. All grantees must send at least two key personnel - one programmatic and one fiscal - to attend the CBAE grantees' annual technical assistance three day meeting in
Description II. AWARD INFORMATION
This announcement invites applications for five-year project periods (up to $600,000 per budget period). In the first year of the project, grants will be awarded on a competitive basis. Continuation grant applications will be considered on a noncompetitive basis for years two through five subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. Grants will be awarded for 12-month budget periods with a five-year project period. Applicants will prepare a detailed budget for the first year of the project only. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Faith-based and community organizations are eligible to apply under this announcement. Organizations and their faith-based and community partners shall not use direct Federal grants or contracts under the CBAE program to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, an organization must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the CBAE funded services. Some of the ways organizations may accomplish this include, but are not limited to, promoting only the Federally funded program in materials, websites, or commercials purchased with any portion of the Federal funds. Further, participation in such activity by individuals receiving services must be voluntary. 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 CBAE program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. 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 either 45 C.F.R. 87.1 or the HHS website at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. Sex education programs that promote the use of contraceptives are not eligible for funding under this announcement. Grantees currently receiving funding from the Abstinence Education program in FYSB may not apply for funding unless they are in the final year of their project period. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group Attn: Community-Based Abstinence Education Program Funding 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: fysb@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Application Content Each application must include the following components placed in the order given: 1) Application for Federal Assistance - applicant must use Standard Form (SF) 424. 2) Table of Contents - In the past, some successful applicants have used a second table of contents or index that serves as a cross-reference, clearly directing reviewers to the part of the application that responds to the evaluation criteria in Section V. 3) Project Abstract - A single-spaced, typed abstract not to exceed one page must be included in the application. Use plain language that is easy for non-experts to understand. Guidelines for content and format of the abstract are as follows: Contact information at the top of the abstract should include:
The section headings of the abstract should include:
For example, if an organization receives $600,000 and implements an intervention that involves 4,800 young people taking a school curriculum that is 8.2 hours, the following information should be stated:
4) Project Description - A narrative description that addresses the criteria described in Section V. 5) Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs SF- 424A. 6) Detailed Budget and Justification - Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes the necessity of the proposed costs. The detailed budget and justification must address the criteria given in Section V. 7) Logic Model - ACF requires applicant organizations to use a model for designing and managing their project. A logic model is a one-page diagram that presents the conceptual framework for a proposed project and explains the links among program elements. While there are many versions of logic models, for the purposes of this announcement the logic model should summarize the connections between the:
The project's evaluation plan should describe how the internal and external outputs and outcomes will be measured. 8) Work Plan - CBAE requires applicant organizations to develop a work plan in table format (limited to two pages) that lists a set of activities to be conducted in order to accomplish each objective. For each activity listed, the applicant should include at least the following information: internal or external output, quantity, party responsible, start and end dates, and status (i.e., a field for tracking the progress of the activity). 9) Curriculum Description Curriculum Description - ACF requires applicants to provide a detailed description of each of the curricula they propose to use, limited to two pages. Background Information - Indicate the applicant's name, city/state, project title, project director, project director telephone, project director e-mail, curriculum title, author/publisher's name and address, copyright date, and target audience. Provide a brief summary describing the proposed curriculum and the agency's past experience in administering it. For commercially produced curricula, describe any modifications to the curriculum from previous editions. Describe any planned modifications to the curriculum and provide the rationale for each addition or deletion. Demonstration of Curriculum's Consistency with Legislative Requirements - Using the requirements listed in the "Purpose, Priorities and Scope of the CBAE Program" section of this announcement. Provide examples (e.g., quotes, descriptions or references to page numbers) that show how the curriculum reflects each of the 13 themes in an adequate and balanced manner. Applicants may be required to submit a complete copy of the proposed curriculum materials before a final funding decision is made. It is not necessary to submit a complete copy of the proposed curriculum by the application due date. If one is required, the applicant organization will be contacted. 10) Support Documents - These may include organizational charts, financial statements, copies of third-party agreements, and resumes of key staff members. Include a copy of each written third-party agreement, such as contracts, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or other similar documentation. For example, if an applicant will work in school district XYZ, the application should include a letter from the school district indicating this agreement. Include a copy of the applicant's organizational chart. Section V describes additional information about the relevant content to include in the supporting documents. Page Limitation The length of the entire application package should not exceed 80 pages. This includes all of the items listed above, with the exception of items that are stated not to count toward the 80-page limit. Project description narratives should be limited to 20 pages. Remaining pages may be used for all other forms and materials required. Pages submitted in excess of the 80-page limit will be removed and not reviewed. The Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants and the Complete Curriculum (if requested) are the only materials that do not count towards the 80-page limit. Application Format Applicants may submit their applications in electronic format through www.Grants.gov (see Electronic Submission section) and/or in hard copy (see Section IV.3). No preference is given to either format during the review process. If applicants have concerns about whether all of the application materials are received for review, they may consider using multiple formats and delivery services. Please note the following for submission of applications in paper format:
(Information collections under this announcement are approved through OMB clearance number 0970-0272, which expires on 8/31/09. Burden hours per response to this collection are estimated to be 9 hours.) 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. When required for 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 appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 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.) The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Information on the Certification Regarding Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. 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. Where return of a form is required, complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions found on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Information on the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) or FOIA may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Documents of Assurance - ACF requires applicants to prepare, sign and submit with their applications two documents of assurance. The first provides the proper assurance that CBAE grant applicants will not provide to an adolescent and/or adolescents any other education regarding sexual conduct, except, in the case of any entity expressly required by Federal law to provide health information or services. Please see Section I. Funding Opportunity Description for a full description. An example of an acceptable statement of assurance is provided in Appendix A. The second is an assurance of medical accuracy, an example of which can be found in Appendix B. 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. 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 SubmissionApplicants 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:
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 ReviewersSince 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 Applications: 06/02/2008 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.
Additional Forms Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: 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. The official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372, including addresses and contact persons, may be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 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 to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form (SF) 424, item 19. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date 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 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 some 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. 5. Funding Restrictions: Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are unallowable. 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. Applicants should note that grants to be awarded under this program announcement are subject to the availability of funds. The amount of the actual awards may vary from $250,000 to $600,000 per budget period (See Section II. Award Information). Sex education programs that promote the use of contraceptives are not eligible for funding under this announcement. 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 ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group Attn: Community-Based Abstinence Education Program Funding 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Hand Delivery ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group Attn: Community-Based Abstinence Education Program Funding 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 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 4/30/2010. 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. 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. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. 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. 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 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.
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