Wilson/Fish Discretionary Grant Program
Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Federal Agency Name
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement;
Wilson/Fish Discretionary Grant Program
Funding Opportunity Title: Wilson/Fish Discretionary Grant Program
Announcement Type: Standing
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ORR-RW-0005
Category of Funding: ISS Income Security and Social Services.
CFDA Number: 93.583
Due Date: This is a standing announcement applicable from the date of publication
until canceled or modified by the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
The closing date for new projects is January 31 of each year. The closing date for
existing projects that are applying to begin a new project period is April 30 of each year.
Under Category One, if a State withdraws from the program, the Director may invite applications
outside of the proposed closing date, if necessary, to respond to the needs of the State's refugee population.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Executive Summary: The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
announces that applications will be accepted from public and private
non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community
organizations, under a standing announcement for Wilson/Fish projects
which propose alternative approaches to serving refugees.\1\ The
purpose of Wilson/Fish projects is to provide integrated services and
cash assistance to refugees in order to increase refugees' prospects
for early employment and self-sufficiency, reduce their level of
welfare dependence and promote coordination among voluntary
resettlement agencies and service providers. Projects will be accepted
under either of two categories: (1) Projects to establish or maintain a
refugee program in a State where the State is not participating in the
refugee program or is withdrawing from the refugee program or a portion
of the program; and (2) projects to provide an alternative to the
existing system of assistance and services to refugees. Funding is
available to these projects under the ``Wilson/Fish'' authority. This
notice replaces the notice published in the Federal Register of April
22, 1999 (64 FR 19793).
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\1\ Eligibility for Wilson-Fish includes refugees, asylees,
Cuban and Haitian entrants, certain Amerasians from Vietnam who are
admitted to the U.S. as immigrants, certain Amerasians from Vietnam
who are U.S. citizens, and victims of a severe form of trafficking
who receive certification or eligibility letters from ORR. (See Part
I of this notice on ``Legislative Authority,'' and refer to 45 CFR
400.43 and the ORR State Letter 01-13 on the Trafficking
Victims Protection Act dated May 3, 2001, located at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/exit_page.html?http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/orr/policy/sl01-13.htm
, as modified by ORR
State Letter 02-01 dated January 4, 2002, located at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/exit_page.html?http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/orr/policy/sl02-01.htm).
The term ``refugee,'' used in this notice for convenience, is intended to
encompass these additional persons who are eligible to participate
in refugee program services, including the Wilson-Fish program.
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The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) announces that
applications will be accepted from public and private non-profit
organizations including faith-based and community organizations, under
this standing announcement for Wilson/Fish projects which propose
alternative approaches to serving refugees. Projects will be accepted
under either of two categories: (1) Projects to establish or maintain a
refugee program in a State where the State is not participating in the
refugee program or is withdrawing from the refugee program or a portion
of the program; and (2) projects to provide an alternative to the
existing system of assistance and services to refugees.
Category One of this announcement provides an opportunity for an
applicant(s) to continue the provision of refugee program services and
assistance, including refugee cash and medical assistance, employment
and other social services and targeted assistance in a State when the
State elects to discontinue participation in the program or is not
currently participating in the program. This category may also be used
when a State elects to cease participation in all of the above
components except for medical assistance and preventive health and
where the Director of ORR believes that continued resettlement of
refugees in that State is in the best interests of the government. A
consortium of voluntary agencies, a lead voluntary agency, or another
public or private non-profit agency may apply to administer and provide
services and assistance to refugees in the State or local geographic
area.
Category Two provides interested applicants an opportunity to
implement alternative projects to promote refugee self-sufficiency.
Some examples include: (1) Where assistance and services for refugees
receiving refugee cash assistance (RCA) and those receiving Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) could be provided in a better
coordinated, effective, and efficient manner; (2) where TANF-eligible
refugees may not have access to timely, culturally and linguistically
compatible services or employment and training programs; (3) where the
regulatory options for delivery of services and assistance to refugees
do not present the most effective resettlement in that location, and
where resettlement could be made more effective through the
implementation of an alternative project; (4) where refugees,
particularly in two-parent families, are in danger of becoming
dependent upon welfare and using the full-time period of assistance
allowed under the TANF program in a State, thereby removing the ability
of the family to access TANF as a safety net in the future; (5) where
the continuity of services from the time of arrival until the
attainment of self-sufficiency needs to be strengthened; or (6) where
it is in the best interest of refugees to receive assistance and
services outside the traditional welfare system.
At a minimum, applicants are expected to propose a range of
services and financial assistance generally comparable to those
currently available to eligible refugees in the State. Applicants in
Category One may propose to transfer and serve in the Wilson/Fish
project those clients who have not completed their period of
eligibility under the existing RCA program. Applicants in Category Two
must propose an alternative project for refugees in one or more
geographic areas and cover, at a minimum, all newly arriving refugees
in a geographic area of the cash assistance type proposed, e.g., all
refugees otherwise eligible for RCA and/or TANF (referred to as ``RCA-
type'' or ``TANF-type'' refugees). No projects in either category may
propose transferring to the Wilson/Fish project refugees who are
already enrolled in the TANF program.
Services and assistance under these awards are intended to help
refugees attain self-sufficiency within the period of support defined
by 45 CFR 400.211. This period is currently eight months after arrival.
We expect that most funded projects funded will provide services and
assistance to refugees for this period of time, as needed.
ORR will entertain proposals, subject to the availability of
appropriated funds, to provide interim cash support to refugees who
would otherwise be eligible for the Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families (TANF) program, in addition to those refugees who would
otherwise be eligible for the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program.
Consistent with section 412(e)(7)(B) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (INA), refugees in projects funded under this
announcement will be precluded from receiving cash assistance under the
TANF program or the RCA program during the period of support provided
under the Wilson/Fish project. If alternative medical assistance is
included, participants will be precluded from receiving RMA or Medicaid
during the period of support provided under the Wilson/Fish project.
Applications will be screened and evaluated as indicated in this
program announcement. Awards will be contingent on the outcome of the
competition and the availability of funds.
ORR encourages prospective applicants to consult with ORR during
the development of the application.
Program Purpose
The purpose of the announcement is to enable applicants to
implement alternative projects under one of two categories in order to
provide interim financial assistance, social services and case
management to refugees in a manner that encourages self-sufficiency,
reduces the likelihood of welfare dependency and fosters greater
coordination among resettlement agencies and services providers in a
community. ORR is interested in projects which optimize all available
resources--from Federal and State governments and the community--to
make the resettlement period as beneficial as possible. An integrated
system of assistance and services is an essential characteristic of a
Wilson/Fish project.
Although ORR has included the provision of medical assistance as an
allowable activity under this announcement, the best medical assistance
option available in most circumstances is the existing State-
administered program of refugee medical assistance or Medicaid. The
option to provide medical assistance under this announcement is
available under two circumstances: (a) Primarily for Category One
projects where a State chooses to discontinue participation in all
areas of the refugee program, including the provision of refugee
medical assistance; and (b) under Category Two, in the event that there
are significant problems in the provision of medical assistance to
refugees in a State and where an alternative private medical assistance
plan or provider is available which is able to provide a more
appropriate and a timely range of services for refugees at an
affordable cost.
In the case where an alternative medical assistance system is
approved, refugee participants would not be permitted to receive
Medicaid or RMA during the period of support provided under the Wilson/
Fish project because they would be receiving comparable medical
assistance.
Legislative Authority
In October, 1984, Congress amended the Immigration and Nationality
Act to provide authority for the Secretary of Health and Human Services
to implement alternative projects for refugees. This provision, known
as the Wilson/Fish Amendment, 8 U.S.C. 1522(e)(7), provided:
(7)(A) The Secretary shall develop and implement alternative
projects for refugees who have been in the United States less than
thirty-six months, under which refugees are provided interim
support, medical services, support services, and case management, as
needed, in a manner that encourages self-sufficiency, reduces
welfare dependency, and fosters greater coordination among the
resettlement agencies and service providers * * *.
(B) Refugees covered under such alternative projects shall be
precluded from receiving cash or medical assistance under any other
paragraph of this subsection or under title XIX or part A of title
IV of the Social Security Act * * *.
(D) To the extent that the use of such funds is consistent with
the purposes of such provisions, funds appropriated under section
414(a) of this Act, part A of title IV of the Social Security Act,
or title XIX of such Act, may be used for the purpose of
implementing and evaluating alternative projects under this
paragraph.
Funding Availability
ORR will consider requests for funding based on the merits of the
proposals. Requests do not have to be limited to the amount being spent
for current assistance and services, but such amounts will be one of
the measures used in considering the reasonableness of the request.
Interim cash and medical assistance under the Wilson/Fish program
will be provided from funds appropriated under the Transitional
Assistance and Medical Services (TAMS) line item. Funds for social
services under the Wilson/Fish program will be provided separately
through the formula refugee social services grant. Social services
funding will be based upon each State's allocation listed in the Final
Social Services Notice.
Applicants are encouraged to cover all or a portion of the costs of
interim financial support in this program for TANF-eligible refugees by
either seeking a relevant portion of State and Federal TANF funds from
the State TANF agency, or seeking State-only funds which may be counted
under certain circumstances toward the State's maintenance of effort
(MOE) requirement. Those refugees supported by Federal or State TANF
funds would be subject to TANF participation and work requirements,
while refugees supported with State-only funds would not be subject to
TANF rules. Medical services for TANF-eligible refugees must be charged
to the State Medicaid program if otherwise eligible.
Definition of Terms
Interim Financial Support: To provide financial assistance adequate
to meet the basic needs of refugees otherwise eligible for RCA and/or
for TANF at a level generally comparable to assistance allowable under
those programs. The greater part of this assistance is expected to be
provided in the form of cash payments to refugees, but may also include
incentive bonuses for early employment or payment for work-related
expenses such as transportation or tools.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
Description of Federal Substantial Involvement with Cooperative
Agreement: Under the cooperative agreement, the grantee will be
expected to submit for Federal review and approval the:
(1) Design of the service delivery model and amendments to the
model.
(2) Policy manual and proposed amendments to manual.
(3) Staffing component and grantee is to promptly notify ORR of any
changes regarding top level staff.
(4) Quarterly performance and expenditure reports.
(5) Schedule for monitoring sub-grantees (if applicable) with
respect to location, dates and topics.
(6) Reports following site visits.
Anticipated Total Funding Amount: $22,000,000 annually.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 11-13.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: none.
Floor on Amount of individual awards: none.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $1,600,000 per budget period.
Length of Project Period: Five years, funded in five 12-month
budget periods.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants: State governments;
County governments;
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education;
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other
than institutions of higher education;
Others.
Additional Information of Eligibility:
In addition to persons who meet all requirements of 45 CFR 400.43,
``Requirements for documentation of refugee status'', eligibility for
refugee program services and assistance also includes: (1) Asylees \2\
admitted under section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (2)
Cuban and Haitian entrants under section 501 of the Refugee Education
Assistance Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-422); (3) certain Amerasians from
Vietnam who are admitted to the U.S. as immigrants under section 584 of
the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Program
Appropriations Act, 1988, as included in the FY 1988 Continuing
Resolution (Pub. L. 100-202); (4) certain Amerasians from Vietnam,
including U.S. citizens, under title II of the Foreign Operations,
Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Acts, 1989 (Pub.
L. 100-461), 1990 (Pub. L. 101-167), and 1991 (Pub. L. 101-513); and
(5) victims of a severe form of trafficking as required by section
107(b)(1)(A) of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act
of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-386) (22 U.S.C. 7105(b)(1)(A). For convenience,
the term ``refugee'' is used in this notice to encompass all such
eligible persons unless the specific context indicates otherwise.
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\2\ The time-eligibility for ORR assistance and services begins
from the date asylum is granted (see ORR State Letter 00-12).
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Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
(a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS code.
(b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
(c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General,
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
(d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
(e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for an
agency or national parent organization and a statement signed by the
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
Because a Wilson/Fish project will have a potential impact on a
State's or locality's budgetary needs for cash assistance and/or
medical assistance, as well as social services, a non-State applicant
must coordinate its activities with the State Refugee Coordinator in
the development and implementation of an alternative project under
Category Two of this announcement. State applicants should also
coordinate their proposed activities with other participants in refugee
resettlement such as voluntary resettlement agencies, mutual assistance
associations, community and faith-based organizations, if applicable.
2. Cost Sharing and Matching: Cost sharing or matching funds are
not required for applications submitted under this program
announcement.
3. Other: On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget
published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to
all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant
applicants to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative
agreements on or before October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be
required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or
using the government-wide electronic portal (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/exit_page.html?http://www.Grants.gov). A
DUNS 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 DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/exit_page.html?http://www.dnb.com.
Eligible applicants include public and private non-profit
organizations, such as States, private voluntary resettlement agencies,
a consortium of agencies, local government entities, refugee mutual
assistance associations, community and faith-based organizations.
Private, nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants''
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
Carl Rubenstein, Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for
Children and Families, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor West,
Washington, DC 20447, E-mail: crubenstein@acf.hhs.gov, Telephone: (202)
205-5933, URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/funding/akit.htm.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Application Content
Each application must include the following components:
1. Table of Contents.
2. Project Summary/Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief,
not to exceed one page, that would be suitable for use in an
announcement that the application has been selected for a grant award
and which identifies the type of project, the target population and the
major elements of the work plan.
3. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an
Authorized Official of the organization applying for the grant who has
the authority to obligate the organization legally.
4. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non-Construction
Programs.
5. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
6. Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
Application Format
Each application should include one signed original and two
additional copies. Faxed applications are not acceptable. Applications
should be submitted on white 8.5 x 11 inch paper only. Do not use
colored, oversized or folded materials. The font size may be no smaller
than 12 pitch and the margins must be at least one inch on all sides.
Attachment and appendices should be used only to provide supporting
documentation such as maps, administration charts, position
descriptions, resumes, and letters of intent for partnership
agreements. Please do not include books or video tapes as they are not
easily reproduced and are therefore inaccessible to the reviewers. Each
page should be numbered sequentially, including the attachments or
appendices.
Required Standard Forms
Applicants for financial assistance under this announcement must
file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance;
SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-424B,
Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for
use in submitting applications. An application with an original
signature and two copies is required.
Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior
to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish
an executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office
of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants
must sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for
the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form.
Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies
(not to original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers. The
copies may include summary salary information.
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format.
To submit an application electronically, please use the
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/exit_page.html?http://www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to
download a coy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grants.gov:
. Electronic submission is voluntary;
. When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will
find information about submitting an application electronically through
the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.gov.
. To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must
have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry
(CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR
registration.
. You will not receive additional point value
because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will
we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
. You may submit all documents electronically,
including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all
necessary assurances and certifications.
. Your application must comply with any page
limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
. After you electronically submit your
application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from
Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The
Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application
from Grants.
. We may request that you provide original
signatures on forms at a later date.
. You may access the electronic application for
this program on http://www.acf.hhs.gov/exit_page.html?http://www.Grants.gov.
. You must search for the downloadable application
package by the CFDA number.
Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily submit with their
applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and
Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Please see Section V. 1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing
the project summary/abstract and the full project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
(Eastern Time Zone) on the date noted above. Mailed or hand carried
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be
classified as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date at 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.,
Washington, DC 20447. Applicants are responsible for mailing
applications well in advance, when using all mail services, to ensure
that the applications are received on or before the deadline time and
date.
Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants
Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor
(near loading dock), Aerospace Building, 901 D Street, SW., Washington,
DC 20024, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This
address must appear on the envelope/package containing the application
with the note. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail
services do not always deliver as agreed.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria
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. on the deadline date will
not be considered for competition. Applicants using express/overnight mail
services should allow two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt
of applications. (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services
do not always deliver as agreed).
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
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.
Required Forms:
| What to submit | Required Content | Required Form or Format | When to Submit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Table of Contents | As described above. | Consistent with guidance in ``Application Format'' section of this announcement. |
By application due date. |
| Project Summary/Abstract | Summary of application request. | Do. | Do. |
| SF424, SF424A, SF 424B |
Per required form. |
May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | Do. |
Narrative Budget Justication |
As described above. | Consistent with guidance in ``Application Format'' section of this announcement. |
Do. |
| Project Narrative | Do. | Narrative that addresses issues described in the "Application Review Information" and the "Review and Selection Criteria" sections of this announcement. | Do. |
| Certification Regarding Lobbying | Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | Do. |
| Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) | Do. | Do. | Do. |
| Environmental Tobacco Smoke Certification | Do. | Do. | Do. |
Additional Forms:
Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily submit with their
applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and
Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Nonprofit Grant Applicants'' at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
| What to submit | Required content | Required form or format | When to submit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants. | Per required form...... | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC), Notification Under Executive
Order 12372
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 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 Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of January, 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action
in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447. The
official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions elected to
participate in E.O. 12372 can be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/exit_page.html?http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory
is included with the application materials in this announcement.
5. Funding Restrictions
Pre-award costs cannot be charged to this grant.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Electronic Address to Submit Applications: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/exit_page.html?http://www.Grants.Gov.
Submission by Mail: Mailed applications shall be considered as
meeting the announced deadline if they are received on or before the
deadline time and date at the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of
Discretionary Grants, Attention: Sylvia Johnson, Division of
Discretionary Grants, ACF, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC
20447. Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications
are received on or before the deadline time and date.
Hand Delivery: Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant
couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/
express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between
the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families,
Division of Discretionary Grants ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor (near loading
dock), Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024,
between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This address
must appear on the envelope/package containing the application with the
note ``Attention: Sylvia Johnson, Division of Discretionary Grants''.
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not
always deliver as agreed.
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV. 2. Content and Form
of Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when
submitting applications electronically.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 20 hours per overall response, including the time
for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed,
and reviewing the collection of information.
The following information collections are included in the program
announcement: The Uniform Project Description is approved under OMB
control number 0970-0139, which expires 3/31/2004.
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.
Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and 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 your project
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation
criteria should 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.
General Instructions
ACF is particularly interested in specific factual information and
statements of measurable goals in quantitative terms. Project
descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, not length.
Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross referencing should be used
rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities
that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does
not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant funded activity
should be placed in an appendix.
Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included
for easy reference.
General Instructions for Preparing a Full Project Description
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a 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. All applicants
will be required to establish proposed performance goals for each of
the six ORR performance outcome measures for the upcoming Federal
fiscal year. Proposed performance goals must be included in the
application for each performance measure. The six ORR performance
measures are: entered employments, cash assistance reductions due to
employment, cash assistance terminations due to employment, 90-day
employment retentions, average wage at placement, and entered
employments with available health benefits. Wilson/Fish program
activity and progress achieved toward meeting performance outcome goals
are to be reported quarterly on the ORR-6, the ``Quarterly Performance
Report.'' Identify other benefits refugees will realize as a result of
the Wilson/Fish project, including enhanced acculturation and other
social adjustment measures. Describe how and what data will be
collected and how this data will be used to analyze project results.
Describe the plan and schedule for project monitoring.
Approach
Outline a plan of action which 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 which might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List 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
Following are requests for additional information that need to be
included in the application:
Staff and Position Data
Provide a biographical sketch for each key person appointed and a
job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch
will also be required for new key staff as appointed.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.
The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of
the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most
recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3)
of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or
association is domiciled.
Third-Party Agreements
Include written agreements between grantees and sub-grantees or
subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These agreements must
detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and
other terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.
Letters of Support
Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should
be included in the application or by application deadline.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Criteria I: Approach (Maximum: 30 points)
The proposed project design is clear, logical, complete and
reasonable in terms of (a) the proposed strategies related to the
target population, the geographic area to be covered, the adequacy of
the system, the policies and administration of interim cash support;
(b) the likelihood that the relationship between the interim support
and services described will result in a program which delivers quality
resettlement; and (c) the adequacy of the cash assistance policies and
procedures for appeals and fair hearings. The application has included
adequate evidence of consultation with other relevant agencies and
actors, e.g., the State Coordinator in a non-State application and the
voluntary agencies and refugee service providers in a State
application. The application will be evaluated on the extent to which
it addresses the following:
a. The target population (numbers, ethnicity, and other
characteristics such as age, family composition, ability to speak
English, and labor skills); and the targeted populations by the
anticipated category of public assistance for which the population may
otherwise be eligible.
b. The proposed management plan indicating who has fiscal and
programmatic responsibility for the overall project and for individual
components. Applicant identifies the organizational structure and
includes a staffing pattern and key position descriptions. Sources and
allocation of funds for administration and staffing should be detailed
and clearly shown for each position and activity.
c. The proposed services and how they will be provided, e.g.,
employment and case management services.
d. The proposed system for providing cash support, including: (i)
The income standards for cash assistance eligibility; (ii) payment
levels to be used to provide cash assistance to eligible refugees;
(iii) assurance that the payment levels established are not lower than
the State TANF amount; (iv) a detailed description of how benefit
payments will be structured, including the employment incentives and/or
income disregards to be used, if any; (v) a description of how refugees
residing within the project area will have appropriate access to cash
assistance and services; (vi) a description of the eligibility
criteria; (vii) a description of provisions for sanctions for non-
cooperation as required by section 412(e)(2) of the INA; (viii) a
description of the constitutionally required due process procedures to
be used to ensure appropriate protections and due process for refugees,
such as notice of adverse action and the right to mediation (in the
case of a failure to accept employability services), a predetermination
hearing, and an appeal to an independent entity; and (ix) a description
of the procedures to be used to safeguard the disclosure of information
on refugee clients.
e. The proposed system for providing alternative medical
assistance, if applicable, including: (a) The type and range of
services to be made available (e.g., physician, inpatient,
prescription, surgical, emergency, dental, etc.); (b) a comparison of
the system and range of medical services proposed to the currently
available RMA and Medicaid system and services; (c) the type of
provider proposed and history of the proposed provider, especially in
providing services to low-income and ethnically diverse communities;
(d) a description of how refugees, especially those who do not speak
English or who have limited English skills, will have equal, easy, and
timely access to medical assistance; (e) variables which will affect
the cost of this assistance. Include a comparison of current costs with
proposed costs. A description of the constitutionally required due
process procedures described in d(viii), above, must also be included
for medical assistance alternative projects.
f. Assurances that the written policies of the alternative project
will be made available to refugee clients, including agency eligibility
standards, duration and amount of cash assistance payments and medical
assistance (if applicable), the requirements for participation in
services, the penalties for non-cooperation, and client rights and
responsibilities to ensure that refugees understand what they are
eligible for, what is expected of them, and what protections are
available to them. Assurance that agency policy materials will be made
available to refugee clients in English and in their own language.
g. How all activities of the project will be coordinated among
resettlement agencies and service providers in the community, and how
refugees will have access to other programs in the community, such as
the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), child care services,
and other support programs for working families and individuals.
Evaluation Criteria II: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum: 20
points)
The improvements proposed to be implemented by the project are
based on a thorough review and description of the current resettlement
system in the geographic area to be covered, in terms of the services
and assistance available; the ability of refugees to access culturally
and linguistically appropriate services; the employment outcomes
achieved (types of jobs currently available and length of time after
arrival required to obtain these jobs); and the post-employment
services available. The application will be evaluated on the extent to
which it clearly describes:
a. The improvements to be made by the alternative strategy, stated
in terms of the population to be served, assistance and services to be
provided, and outcomes to be achieved.
b. The planning and preparation for the project, including the
primary participants involved in planning for this project and those
institutions and organizations consulted, such as the State (if the
applicant is applying under category two), refugee mutual assistance
associations, local community and faith-based agencies, national
voluntary organizations, and other agencies that serve refugees.
Evaluation Criteria III: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 20 points)
The application must demonstrate that the organization as described
has the capacity and resources for effective administration and
management of the project, project staff are qualified and have the
necessary expertise to manage the project and to deliver bilingual and
bicultural services and assistance to refugees in the manner described.
The application must describe a system for monitoring and reporting
that is attainable and adequate considering the organizational capacity
and resources described.
Evaluation Criteria IV: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 15
points)
The outcomes proposed are reasonable, and the methodology for
collecting outcome and other data are clearly described and adequate.
The application establishes proposed performance goals using the six
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) measures currently in use
in the refugee resettlement program. The six ORR performance measures
are: The number of employable refugees in the caseload, the number of
entered employments, the number of cash assistance reductions due to
employment, the number of cash assistance terminations due to
employment, the average hourly wage at entered employment, the number
of 90-day employment retentions, and the number of entered employments
with health benefits available. The application identifies other
benefits refugees will realize as a result of the Wilson/Fish project,
including enhanced acculturation and other social adjustment measures.
Evaluation Criteria V: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 15
points)
The budget is clear, logical, complete, and reasonable in relation
to the expected activities and outcomes. The line-item budget narrative
is understandable and adequately justifies the costs proposed. The data
provided to justify the budget are consistently and logically presented
in terms of the population to be served. ORR is also interested in the
following:
1. A client loading chart showing the anticipated arrival of
clients over the budget period and the projected interim assistance
(and medical assistance, if applicable) needed on a monthly basis
throughout the year to assist those refugees. Provide assumptions about
the length of time clients are expected to need that assistance.
2. Identification of administrative costs required for the
provision of interim cash assistance and for services separately from
those costs projected as part of the overall role of coordinating the
refugee program in the geographic area.
3. The amount and source of any additional funding, including in-
kind contributions, that will help support the project.
4. If medical assistance is proposed, provide a detailed budget and
a narrative concerning the underlying assumptions used in developing
the budget, such as the system for co-payments and the proposed amounts
of co-payments, if applicable, and other variables such as deductibles,
premium amounts, prescription costs, etc.
2. Review and Selection Process
Initial ORR Screening
Each application submitted under this program announcement will
undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received
by the applicable closing date and submitted in accordance with the
instructions in this announcement; and (2) the applicant is an eligible
public or private non-profit agency, and/or a faith-based or community
organization, and therefore eligible for funding. ORR will return to
the applicant those applications which are found not eligible or
incomplete.
Competitive Review and Evaluation Criteria
Applications which pass the initial ORR screening will be evaluated
and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of specific
evaluation criteria. The evaluation criteria were designed to assess
the quality of a proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of
its success. The evaluation criteria are closely related and are
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.
Points are awarded only to applications that are responsive to the
evaluation criteria within the context of this program announcement.
Non-Federal Reviewers
ORR may use Federal as well as non-Federal reviewers. Therefore,
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not
the original) of specific salary rates or amounts of individuals
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers. The
copies may include summary salary information.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
ORR anticipates that successful and unsuccessful applicants will be
notified of the results of this grant competition within 90 days of the
application deadline date.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive, by postal mail, a cover letter
signed by the ORR Director, attaching the official notice of award, the
Financial Assistance Award (FAA) notice, which is signed by the grants
management officer. As indicated in part V.3. above, ORR anticipates
that successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the
results of this grant competition within 90 days of the application
deadline.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
45 CFR Part 74
45 CFR Part 92
45 CFR Part 400, where applicable.
3. Reporting Requirements
A. Programmatic Reports: Quarterly
B. Financial Reports: Quarterly
C. Special Reporting Requirements:
Grantees are required to file the Financial Status Report (SF-269)
and the Program Progress Reports on a quarterly basis. Funds issued
under these awards must be accounted for and reported upon separately
from all other grant activities. A final Financial Status Report and
Program Progress Report shall be due 90 days after the project period
end date. Grantees must maintain adequate records to track and report
on project outcomes and expenditures by budget line item.
The official receipt point for the original of all reports and
correspondence is the ORR Grants Officer. An original and one copy of
each report shall be submitted within 30 days of the end of each
reporting period: the original addressed to the Grants Officer, Office
of Grants Management; a copy addressed to the ORR Project Officer,
Office of Refugee Resettlement (see section VII below for contact
information).
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Carl Rubenstein, Office of Refugee
Resettlement, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW. 8th Floor West, Aerospace
Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002, E-mail: crubenstein@acf.hhs.gov,
Telephone: (202) 205-5933.
Grants Management Office Contact: Sylvia Johnson, Office of Grants
Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade
SW. 4th Floor, Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002, E-mail:
syjohnson@acf.hhs.gov, Telephone: (202) 401-4524.
VIII. Other Information
None.
Dated: March 23, 2004.
Nguyen Van Hanh,
Director, Office of Refugee Resettlement.
[FR Doc. 04-7541 Filed 4-2-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P