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Executive Summary: The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) is accepting applications for the Basic Center Program (BCP), which is authorized by the Runaway and Homeless Act to address runaway and homeless youth (RHY) problems. BCPs provide an alternative for runaway and homeless youth who might otherwise end up with law enforcement or in the child welfare, mental health, or juvenile justice systems. Each BCP must provide runaway and homeless youth with a safe and appropriate shelter, individual, family, and group counseling as appropriate, and aftercare.I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority Grants for Runaway and Homeless Youth Basic Center programs are authorized by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (Title III of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974), as amended by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, 42 U.S.C. sections 5701 through 5752. Text of this legislation can be located at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/content/aboutfysb/RHYComp.pdf. Funding Opportunity Description History In the early 1970s, an alarming number of youth were leaving home without parental permission, crossing State lines, and falling victim while away from home being exposed to exploitation and other dangers of street life. In response to the widespread concern about the problem of runaway and homeless youth, Congress authorized the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Act of 1974 which provided financial support for States through a competitive grant program. The implementation and administration of the program was placed in the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Today, FYSB continues to administer the BCP funding the organizations and shelters that serve and protect runaway and homeless youth. BCP funds are allotted annually to each State based on the States' relative population of youth less than 18 years of age. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, $17.1 million in funding was awarded in "new start" grants to 131 agencies for BCP services. An additional $31 million in funding was available to support 205 BCP projects in their second and third years. Purpose The purpose of this grant is to establish proposed or strengthen existing community-based BCPs that provide temporary emergency shelter and care to RHY. BCPs provide shelter and support services that assist youth in crisis, reunite youth with their families (as appropriate), strengthen family relationships, and help youth transition to safe and appropriate alternative living arrangements where they can become independent, self-sufficient, contributing members of society. Scope of Services Funds granted under this award may be used to establish, to renovate (not to exceed 15 percent of the grant award) and/or to operate local BCPs that provide services for RHY and their families outside of law enforcement and the child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice systems. Program Requirements 1. Mandatory Services:
2. Optional Services: The applicant may choose to provide the following optional services: street-based services, home-based services for families with youth at risk of separation from the family, drug abuse education and prevention services, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. These optional services must meet the following requirements: A. Street-based services. To provide these services, programs must demonstrate plans that will ensure:
B. Home-based services for families with youth at risk of separation from the family. To provide these services, programs must demonstrate plans that will ensure:
C. Drug abuse education and prevention services. To provide these services, programs must supply the following:
The applicant's signed application will constitute its assurance that when providing drug abuse education and prevention services, the applicant shall conduct outreach activities for runaway and homeless youth. D. Testing for sexually transmitted diseases. When requested by the youth. 3. Positive Youth Development (PYD): FYSB has worked to promote a PYD framework for all its funded grant programs and activities. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to develop their project descriptions with the PYD framework in mind as discussed below. The PYD approach is predicated on the understanding that all young people need support, guidance, and opportunities during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change. With this support, they can develop self-assurance and create a healthy, successful life. Key elements of PYD are:
If these factors are being addressed, young people can become not just "problem-free" but "fully prepared" and engaged constructively in their communities and society. These key elements result in the following PYD outcomes:
4. Record Keeping: Applicants must agree to keep adequate statistical records for profiling the youth and families served under this Federal grant. This information is required by program legislation and defined in the BCP contact report of the user-friendly Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information Systems (RHYMIS). RHYMIS "entrance records" include anonymous, secure identifiers, demographic information about each youth, information about where they lived before coming to the youth center, who referred them, and what kind of issues they are aware of (e.g., employment, substance abuse, mental health). "Exit records" describe services they received, education or employment status, living situation at exit, etc. These requirements and data definitions are built into the RHYMIS software distributed to each grantee. Hotline technical assistance is available during business hours. Applicants must have the proper computer equipment to operate RHYMIS. Applicants may budget for computer equipment in their application as needed. For more information on the proper equipment, applicants may go to the RHYMIS fact sheet located on the FYSB website at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/content/youthdivision/resources/rhymsfactsheet.htm or in Section VI.2 of this program announcement. Please note that the RHYMIS software operates best with hardware in general use from 1999-present. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) the data collection under RHYMIS is approved under Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 0970-0123, which expires September 30, 2010. 5. Technical Assistance: Applicants must agree to receive and participate in technical assistance efforts as recommended by Federal staff. 6. Measuring Program Success: FYSB is committed to fulfilling the objectives of its governing statute, the RHY Act, by providing temporary shelter and services for runaway, homeless, and street youth and ensuring the safe return of such youth to their homes or other appropriate alternative living arrangements according to the best interests of the youth. Because any period of time living on the street is extremely dangerous, key parts of BCP services are in-home and prevention programs that engage at-risk youth and their families before the youth runs away. BCPs are encouraged to establish prevention services of this nature. In 2007, FYSB began upgrading RHYMIS, which every grantee must utilize, to measure the types and modes of prevention services delivery, as well as their effectiveness in keeping youth safely connected with their families and diverting them from running away or entering emergency shelter. FYSB is committed to the following BCP goal, also tracked by RHYMIS: to maintain at 90 percent or higher the proportion of youth living in safe and appropriate settings after exiting ACF-funded BCP services. Additionally, the RHY Act requires that grantees in the RHY programs develop an adequate plan for providing counseling and aftercare services to such youth, for encouraging the involvement of their parents or legal guardians in counseling, and for ensuring, as possible, that aftercare services will be provided to those youth who are returned beyond the State in which the RHY center is located. To measure progress towards this goal, FYSB uses RHYMIS to track different exit situations from local BCP and other RHY programs, including family reunification, residential placements and programs such as Job Corps, entry into educational institutions or military service, and independent living situations, such as apartments or group homes. Examples of practices to follow or services that agencies can provide that facilitate these outcomes include:
Definitions AFTERCARE SERVICES - The provision of services to runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their families following the youth's return home or the youth's placement in alternative living arrangements, which assist in alleviating the problems that contributed to his or her running away or being homeless. (45 CFR 1351.1) AREA - A specific neighborhood or section of the locality in which the runaway and homeless youth project is or will be located. (45 CFR 1351.1) BUDGET PERIOD - The intervals of time into which a multi-year period of assistance is divided for budgetary and funding purposes. Budget periods are usually 12-months long but may be shorter or longer, if appropriate. (Grants Administration Manual - GAM) COORDINATED NETWORKS OF AGENICES - An association of two or more private agencies, whose purpose is to develop or strengthen services to runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their families. (45 CFR 1351.1) COUNSELING SERVICES - The provision of guidance, support, and advice to runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their families that are designed to alleviate the problems that contributed to the youth's running away or being homeless, resolve intra-family problems, to reunite such youth with their families, whenever appropriate, and to help them decide upon a future course of action. (45 CFR 1351.1) DEMONSTRABLY FREQUENTED BY OR REACHABLE - Located in an area in which runaway or otherwise homeless youth congregate, or an area accessible to such youth by public transportation, or by the provision of transportation by the runaway and homeless youth project itself. (45 CFR 1351.1) DRUG ABUSE EDUCATION AND PREVENTION SERVICES - Services to runaway and homeless youth to prevent or reduce the illicit use of drugs by such youth; and may include individual, family, group, and peer counseling; drop-in services; assistance to runaway and homeless youth in rural areas (including the development of community support groups); information and training relating to the illicit use of drugs by runaway and homeless youth, to individuals involved in providing services to such youth; and activities to improve the availability of local drug abuse prevention services to runaway and homeless youth. (Section 387 RHY Act, as amended) HOME-BASED SERVICES - Services provided to youth and their families for the purpose of preventing such youth from running away, or otherwise becoming separated, from their families; assisting runaway youth to return to their families; and includes services that are provided in the residences of families (to the extent practicable), including intensive individual and family counseling; and training relating to life skills and parenting. (Section 387 RHY Act, as amended) HOMELESS YOUTH - An individual who is not more than 21 years of age, or in the case of a youth seeking shelter in a center under Part A of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, not more than 18 years of age, and for the purposes of Part B, not less than 16 years of age; for whom it is not possible to live in a safe environment with a relative; and who has no other safe alternative living arrangement. (Section 387 RHY Act, as amended) JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM - Agencies such as, but not limited to, juvenile courts, law enforcement, probation, parole, correctional institutions, training schools, and detention facilities. (45 CFR 1351.1) LAW ENFORCEMENT STRUCTURE - Any police activity or agency with legal responsibility for enforcing a criminal code including police departments and sheriffs' offices. (45 CFR 1351.1) LOCALITY - A unit of general government--for example, a city, county, township, town, parish, village, or a combination of such units. Federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible to apply for grants as local units of government. (45 CFR 1351.1) PROJECT PERIOD - The total time stated in the Notice of Grant Award (including any amendments) for which Federal support is recommended. The period will consist of one or more budget periods. It does not constitute a commitment by the Federal Government to fund the entire period. (GAM) RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH PROJECT - A locally-controlled human service program facility outside the law enforcement structure and the juvenile justice system that provides temporary shelter, directly or through other facilities, counseling, and aftercare services to runaway or otherwise homeless youth. (45 CFR 1351.1) RUNAWAY YOUTH - A person under 18 years of age who absents himself or herself from home, or place of legal residence, without the permission of his or her family. (45 CFR 1351.1) SHORT-TERM TRAINING - The provision of local, State, or regionally-based instruction to runaway or otherwise homeless youth service providers in skill areas that will directly strengthen service delivery. (45 CFR 1351.1) STATE - Any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any Territory or possession of the United States. (45 CFR 1351.1) STREET-BASED SERVICES - Services provided to runaway and homeless youth, and street youth in areas where they congregate. These services are designed to assist such youth in making healthy personal choices regarding: where they live and how they behave, and may include identification of and outreach to runaway and homeless youth, and street youth; crisis intervention and counseling; information and referral for housing; information and referral for transitional living and health care services; as well as advocacy, education, and prevention services related to alcohol and drug abuse; sexual exploitation; sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and physical and sexual assault. (Section 387 RHY Act, as amended) STREET YOUTH - An individual who is a runaway youth or indefinitely or intermittently a homeless youth; and spends a significant amount of time on the street or in other areas that increase the risk to such youth of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, prostitution, or drug abuse. (Section 387 RHY Act, as amended) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - The provision of expertise, consultation and/or support for the purpose of strengthening the capabilities of grantee organizations to deliver services. (45 CFR 1351.1) TEMPORARY SHELTER - The provision of short-term (maximum of 15 days) room and board and core crisis intervention services, on a 24-hour basis by a RHY Project. (45 CFR 1351.1) YOUTH AT RISK OF SEPARATION FROM THE FAMILY - An individual who is less than 18 years of age; and who has a history of running away from the family of such individual whose parent, guardian, or custodian is not willing to provide for the basic needs of such individual; or who is at risk of entering the child welfare system or juvenile justice system as a result of the lack of services available to the family to meet such needs. (Section 387 RHY Act, as amended)
Description II. AWARD INFORMATION
The funds available for new awards and continuations in each State and insular area are listed below in the Basic Center Program Fiscal Year 2008 Allocations By State. Funding amounts available in each State are approximations at the time of publication. Actual amounts available may change due to the availability of funds. In this table, the amounts shown in the "New Award" column are the amounts available for competition under this announcement. The dollar amount available for awards in each State depends on the amount of the State's total allotment (based on the State's relative population of individuals who are less than 18 years of age) minus the amount required for non-competing continuations. Therefore, where the amount required for non-competing continuations in any State equals or exceeds the State's total allotment, it is possible that no new awards will be made in the State. Agencies in States where zero ($0) funding is reflected are highly encouraged to apply for grant funding in the event that additional funding becomes available. All applicants under this competitive grant area will compete with other eligible applicants in the State in which they propose to deliver services. BASIC
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Public and non-profit private entities and coordinated networks of such entities are eligible applicants under this announcement. Current BCP grantees with project periods ending on or before September 29, 2008, and all other eligible applicants not currently receiving BCP funds may apply for a new competitive BCP grant under this announcement. Current BCP grantees (including sub-grantees) with one or two years remaining in their project period may not apply for a new BC grant for the community they currently serve. These grantees will receive instructions from their respective RHY Specialist on the procedures for applying for non-competitive continuation grants. 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. Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project costs, in accordance with P.L. 108-96-83(a).. Grantees must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a total approved project cost of $666,670, requesting $600,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal share of at least $66,670 (10 percent of total approved project cost of $666,670.) Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if they exceed the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the required amount will result in the disallowance of Federal funds. A lack of supporting documentation at the time of application will not exclude the application from competitive review. Please refer to Section IV for any pre-award requirements. 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, Inc. Attn: Basic Center Program Funding 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: fysb@dixongroup.com URL: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Each application package must include the original and two copies. Do not staple the application or any section of the application. The length of the entire application package must not exceed 90 pages. This includes the required Federal Standard Forms (SF)/certifications (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B and Certification Regarding Lobbying), table of contents, project summary, project description, budget/budget justification, supplemental documentation, proof of non-profit status, summaries of sub-grants and contracts, and letters of agreement. All pages of the application package must be sequentially numbered beginning with page one. The required Federal forms will be counted towards the total number of pages. All pages of each application will be counted to determine the total length. All pages exceeding the 90-page limit will be removed and will not be considered in the reviewing process. A cover letter is not required. Applicants are reminded that if a cover letter is submitted, it will count towards the 90-page limit. The project description must be typed and double-spaced on a single-side of 8 1/2 x 11 inch plain white paper with at least 1/2 inch margins on all sides, using black print with 12-point size Times New Roman font. For charts, budget tables, supplemental letters, and support documents, applicants may use a different point size and font, but no less than 10-point size and single-spaced. Applicants that deviate from this format risk having their application not reviewed in its entirety. A final decision will be made by the Office of Grants Management on whether applications that deviate from the prescribed format will be reviewed in their entirety. The application package should include the following and be in the following order: a. The Required Federal Forms/Certifications - See below for description b. Table of Contents - This section should reference the order of the application sections and provide page numbers. c. One-Page Project Abstract - This section should contain the following information: agency name, city, State; proposed service area (state, county, city etc); amount of Federal funding requested for 12-month period; proposed model of program (for example host home shelter); target population (if applicable); point of contact, name, phone, and email; number of youth to shelter during the 36-month project; number of youth to receive non-shelter services during the 36-month project; two to three paragraph statement on what will be accomplished with the project. A suggested sample format is provided in Section VIII, Other Information. d. Project Description - This section is a comprehensive description of the proposed project, what it will accomplish and how it will be implemented. The Project Description should address each of the categories in Section V.1, and be structured in a manner that addresses each of the evaluation criteria in a logical format in the following order: Objectives and Need for Assistance; Results and Benefits, Approach; Staff and Position Data; Organizational Profiles; and Budget and Budget Justification. Applicants must title each section accordingly. e. Budget and Budget Justification - The budget is a line-item format and must be in a worksheet, table, or spreadsheet that illustrates how calculations were derived. The budget should reflect a 12-month budget period. Each category heading within the line-item budget should correspond with the budget categories listed in Section B of the SF-424A (e.g. Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, Equipment, Supplies, Contractual, Other, Indirect Charges). The budget justification is a narrative that provides a rationale for the items requested and how these items relate to the overall success of the project. f. Proof of Non-Profit Status - See Section III.3 for acceptable documentation that must be submitted by date of award. g. Third-Party Agreements - A summary of monetary sub-grant(s) and/or contract(s) must be provided as part of the application package. The summary must include a description of the project services that will be completed through the sub-grant or contract using Federal funds or a non-Federal match, and the process by which the primary applicant will maintain a substantive role with the sub-grant and/or contract assuring compliance with the grant requirements and project performance. h. Letters of Agreement - Letters of Agreement (LOA) are required if the applicant is proposing to provide services through a different agency or entity based on a non-monetary arrangement. The LOA must enumerate the project services that will be completed under the agreement. i. Non-Federal Resources Commitment Letters - Letters from organizations, entities, or individuals agreeing to provide non-Federal resources (cash or in-kind) to the project. 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_resources.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_resources.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. 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: 02/19/2008 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 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. No grant funds may be used for any program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug (42 U.S.C. 5752), see Section VI.3, Special Terms and Conditions of Awards. Costs for acquisition and renovation of existing construction may not exceed 15 percent of the grant amount awarded. 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, Inc. Attn: Basic Center Program Funding 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Hand Delivery ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group, Inc. Attn: Basic Center 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. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, the project description may cite measurable outcomes including, but not limited to, the number of RHY provided individual or family counseling services.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. 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.
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