Administration for Native Americans (ANA); FY 2005 Funds for the Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program, 5852-5864 [05-1898]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Administration for Children and Families
• Children and Families Administration

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 22 (Thursday, February 3, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5852-5864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-1898]



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Part III





Department of Health and Human Services





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Administration for Children and Families



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Administration for Native Americans (ANA); FY 2005 Funds for the 
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program; FY 2005 Funds for New 
Community-Based Activities; FY 2005 for New Community-Based Projects; 
Notices

Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 22 / Thursday, February 3, 2005 / 
Notices

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration for Native Americans (ANA); FY 2005 Funds for the 
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program

    Funding Opportunity Title: Environmental Regulatory Enhancement.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ANA-NR-0008.
    CFDA Number: 93.581.
    Due Date for Applications: March 25, 2005.
    Executive Summary: The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), 
within the Administration for Children and Families, announces the 
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2005 funds for the Environmental 
Regulatory Enhancement (Environmental) Program. Financial assistance is 
provided utilizing the competitive process in accordance with the 
Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended.
    The Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers 
supportive to Native American communities. Although eligibility for 
funding is not restricted to projects of the type listed in this 
program announcement, these Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees 
as particularly beneficial to the development of healthy Native 
American communities.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the 
Administration for Children and Families, announces the availability of 
fiscal year (FY) 2005 funds for new community-based projects under the 
competitive area: Environmental Regulatory Enhancement. This 
announcement contains information on financial assistance from the 
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Program, authorized under section 
803(d) of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (Act), 42 U.S.C. 
2991b. Despite an increasing environmental responsibility and growing 
awareness of environmental issues on Indian lands, there has been a 
lack of resources available to tribes to develop tribal environmental 
projects that are responsive to tribal needs. In many cases, the lack 
of resources has resulted in a delay in action on the part of the 
tribes. In 1990, Congress added section 803(d) to the Native American 
Programs Act of 1974 to address critical issues identified by tribes 
before congressional committees, some of which included: The need for 
assistance to train professional staff to monitor and enforce tribal 
environmental programs; the lack of adequate data for tribes to develop 
environmental statutes and establish quality environmental standards; 
and the lack of resources to conduct studies to identify sources of 
pollution and determine the impact on existing environmental quality. 
(Pub. L. 101-408, section 2, 1990.)
    The Native American Programs Act of 1974 was amended to strengthen 
tribal governments through building capacity in order to identify, 
plan, develop, and implement environmental programs in a manner that is 
consistent with tribal culture. Ultimate success in this program will 
be realized when the applicant's desired level of environmental quality 
is acquired and maintained.
    This program announcement will emphasize community-based, locally 
designed projects. This emphasis will increase the number of grants to 
local community organizations and expand the number of partnerships 
among locally-based non-profit organizations. ANA will accept 
applications from multiple organizations in the same geographic area.
    In this announcement, ANA encourages Native American tribes and 
organizational leaders to propose, coordinate and implement community-
based projects and services that meet the needs of its community 
members and create options and opportunities for future generations.
    The Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers 
supportive to Native American communities. Although eligibility for 
funding is not restricted to projects of the type listed in this 
program announcement, these Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees 
as particularly beneficial to the development of healthy Native 
American communities.
    ANA Administrative Policies:
    Applicants must comply with the following ANA Administrative 
Policies:
     An applicant must provide a 20% non-Federal match of the 
approved project costs.
     An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native Village or 
Native American organization must be from the governing body.
     A non-profit organization submitting an application must 
submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of submission. The 
non-profit organization can accomplish this by providing one of the 
following verifiable documents: (i) 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; or 
(ii) a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate; or 
(iii) 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 none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; or (iv) a certified 
copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar 
document that clearly establishes non-profit status; or (v) any of the 
items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national 
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization 
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
     If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native 
Village government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans, 
Alaska Natives, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly 
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the 
community to be served. Applicants must provide information that at 
least a majority of the individuals serving on a non-profit applicant's 
board fall into one or more of the following categories: (1) A current 
or past member of the community to be served; (2) a prospective 
participant or beneficiary of the project to be funded; or (3) have a 
cultural relationship with the community be to served.
     Applicants must describe how the proposed project 
objectives and activities relate to a locally determined strategy.
     ANA will review proposed projects to ensure applicants 
have considered all resources available to the community to support the 
project.
     Proposed projects must present a strategy to overcome the 
challenges that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the 
community.
     All funded applications will be reviewed to ensure that 
the applicant has provided a positive statement to give credit to ANA 
on all materials developed using ANA funds.
     ANA will not accept applications from tribal components 
that are tribally authorized divisions unless the ANA application 
includes a tribal resolution.
     ANA will only accept one application per eligible entity. 
The first application received by ANA shall be the application 
considered for competition unless ANA is notified in writing which 
application should be considered for competitive review.

[[Page 5853]]

     An applicant can have only one active ANA Environmental 
grant operating at any given time.
     ANA funds short-term projects, not programs. Projects must 
have definitive goals and objectives that will be achieved by the end 
of the project period. All projects funded by ANA must be completed, 
self-sustaining, or supported by other than ANA funding at the end of 
the project period.
     Prior to funding the second or third year of a multi-year 
grant, ANA will require verification and support documentation from the 
Grantee that objectives and outcomes proposed in the preceding year 
were accomplished, and the non-Federal share has been met.
     ANA reviews the quarterly and annual reports of grantees 
to determine if the grantee is meeting its goals, objectives and 
activities identified in the OWP.
     Applications from National and Regional organizations must 
clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project 
originated, and discuss the community-based delivery strategy of the 
project, identify and describe the intended beneficiaries, describe and 
relate the actual project benefits to the community and organization, 
and describe a community-based delivery system. National and Regional 
organizations must describe their membership, define how the 
organization operates, and demonstrate Native community and/or tribal 
government support for the project. The type of community to be served 
will determine the type of documentation necessary to support the 
project.

Definitions

    Program specific terms and concepts are defined and must be used as 
a guide in writing and submitting the proposed project. The funding for 
allowable projects in this program announcement is based on the 
following definitions:
    Authorized Representative: The person or persons authorized by 
Tribal or Organizational resolution to execute documents and other 
actions required by outside agencies.
    Budget Period: The interval of time into which the project period 
is divided for budgetary or funding purposes, and for which a grant is 
made. A budget period is usually broken into twelve (12) month periods 
in a multi-year project.
    Community: A group of people residing in the same geographic area 
that can apply their own cultural and socio-economic values in 
implementing ANA's program objectives and goals. In discussing the 
applicant's community, the following information must be provided: (1) 
A description of the population segment within the community to be 
served or impacted; (2) the size of the community; (3) geographic 
description or location, including the boundaries of the community; (4) 
demographic data on the target population; and (5) the relationship of 
the community to any larger group or tribe.
    Community Involvement: How the community participated in the 
development of the proposed project, how the community will be involved 
during the project implementation and after the project is completed. 
Evidence of community involvement can include, but is not limited to, 
certified petitions, public meeting minutes, surveys, needs 
assessments, newsletters, special meetings, public Council meetings, 
public committee meetings, public hearings, and annual meetings with 
representatives from the community.
    Completed Project: A project funded by ANA is finished, self-
sustaining, or funded by other than ANA funds, and the results and 
outcomes are achieved by the end of the project period.
    Consortium--Tribal/Village: A group of Tribes or Villages that join 
together either for long-term purposes or for the purpose of an ANA 
project.
    Construction: The initial building of a facility.
    Core Administration: Salaries and other expenses for those 
functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for 
purposes unrelated to the actual management or implementation of the 
ANA project.
    Equipment: Tangible, non-expendable personal property, including 
exempt property, charged directly to the award having a useful life of 
more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. 
However, consistent with recipient policy, lower limits may be 
established.
    Impact Indicators: Measurement descriptions used to identify the 
outcomes or results of the project. Outcomes or results must be 
quantifiable, measurable, verifiable and related to the outcome of the 
project to determine that the project has achieved its desired 
objective and can be independently verified through ANA monitoring and 
evaluation.
    In-kind Contributions: In-kind contributions are property or 
services that benefit a federally assisted project which are 
contributed by the grantee, non-Federal third parties without charge to 
the grantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant agreement. Any 
proposed in-kind match must meet the applicable requirements found in 
45 CFR parts 74 and 92.
    Letter of Commitment: A third party statement to document the 
intent to provide specific in-kind contributions or cash to support the 
applicant. The Letter of Commitment must state the dollar amount (if 
applicable), the length of time the commitment will be honored, and the 
conditions under which the organization will support the proposed ANA 
project. If a dollar amount is included, the amount must be based on 
market and historical rates charged and paid. The resources to be 
committed may be human, natural, physical, or financial, and may 
include other Federal and non-Federal resources. Statements in an 
application about resources which have been committed to or support a 
proposed ANA project, but not supported with documentation, will be 
disregarded.
    Leveraged Resources: The total dollar value of all non-ANA 
resources that are committed to a proposed ANA project and are 
supported by documentation that exceed the 20% non-Federal match 
required for an ANA grant. Such resources may include any natural, 
financial, and physical resources available within the tribe, 
organization, or community to assist in the successful completion of 
the project. An example would be a letter from an organization that 
agrees to provide a supportive action, product, and service, human or 
financial contribution that will add to the potential success of the 
project.
    Minor Renovation or Alteration: Work required to change the 
interior arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing 
facility, or install equipment so that it may be more effectively used 
for the project. Minor alteration and renovation may include work 
referred to as improvements, conversion, rehabilitation, remodeling, or 
modernization, but is distinguished from construction and major 
renovations. A minor alteration and or renovation must be incidental 
and essential for the project (``incidental'' meaning the total 
alteration and renovation budget must not exceed the lesser of $150,000 
or 25 percent of total direct costs approved for the entire project 
period.).
    Multi-purpose Organization: A community-based corporation whose 
charter specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors 
and/or officers of the organization through an elective procedure and 
that the organization functions in several different areas of concern 
to the members of the local Native American community. These areas are 
specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization.

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    Multi-year Project: Encompasses a single theme and requires more 
than 12 or 17 months and up to 24 or 36 months to complete. A multi-
year project affords the applicant an opportunity to develop and 
address more complex and in-depth strategies that cannot be completed 
in one year. A multi-year project is a series of related objectives 
with activities presented in chronological order over a two or three-
year period.
    Objective(s): Specific outcomes or results to be achieved within 
the proposed project period that are specified in the Objective Work 
Plan. Completion of objectives must result in specific, measurable 
outcomes that would benefit the community and directly contribute to 
the achievement of the stated community goals. Applicants should relate 
their proposed project objectives to outcomes that support the 
community's long-range goals. Objectives are an important component of 
Criterion III and are the foundation for the Objective Work Plans.
    Objective Work Plan (OWP): The project plan the applicant will use 
in meeting the results and benefits expected for the project. The 
results and benefits are directly related to the Impact Indicators. The 
OWP provides detailed descriptions of how, when, where, by whom and why 
activities are proposed for the project and is complemented and 
condensed in the Objective Work Plan. ANA will require separate OWPs 
for each year of the project. (Form OMB 0980-0204 exp. 10/31/
06)
    Partnerships: Agreements between two or more parties that will 
support the development and implementation of the proposed project. 
Partnerships include other community-based organizations or 
associations, tribes, Federal and State agencies and private or non-
profit organizations.
    Real Property: Land, including land improvements, structures, and 
appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
    Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed and 
dated Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing 
body) in support of the project for the entire project period. The 
Resolution must indicate who is authorized to sign documents and 
negotiate on behalf of the Tribe or organization. The Resolution must 
indicate that the community was involved in the project planning 
process, and indicate the specific dollar amount of any eligible 
matching funds (if applicable).
    Sustainable Project: A sustainable project is an ongoing program or 
service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds.
    Self-Sufficiency: The ability to generate resources to meet a 
community's needs in a sustainable manner. A community's progress 
toward self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and 
direct resources in a comprehensive manner that is consistent with its 
established long-range goals. For a community to be self-sufficient, it 
must have local access to, control of, and coordination of services and 
programs that safeguard the health, well-being, and culture of the 
people that reside and work in the community.
    Total Approved Project Costs: The sum of the Federal request plus 
the non-Federal share.

Program Area

Environmental Regulatory Enhancement
    The strengthening of tribal governments or organizations through 
capacity building in order to identify, plan, develop, and implement 
environmental programs in a manner that is consistent with tribal 
culture for Native American communities.
    Program Areas of Interest include:
     Projects to develop regulations, ordinances and laws to 
protect the environment;
     Projects to develop the technical and program capacity to 
carry out a comprehensive tribal environmental program and perform 
essential environmental program functions to meet tribal and Federal 
regulatory requirements;
     Projects that promote environmental training and education 
of tribal employees;
     Projects that develop technical and program capability to 
monitor compliance and enforcement of tribal and Federal environmental 
regulations, ordinances, and laws.

Priority Area 1

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $3,000,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 20 to 30.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $250,000.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $50,000.
    Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for competition.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $125,000.
    Length of Project Periods:
    12 month project and budget period;
    17 month project and budget period;
    24 month project with two 12 month budget periods;
    36 month project with three 12 month budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Native American tribal governments (federally recognized).
    Native American tribal organizations (other than federally 
recognized tribal governments).
    Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education.
    Others (see Additional Information on Eligibility below).
Additional Information on Eligibility
     Federally Recognized Indian tribes;
     Incorporated non-federally and State recognized Indian 
tribes;
     Alaska Native Villages, as defined in the Alaska Native 
Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA) and/or non-profit village consortia;
     Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/
Associations in Alaska with village specific projects;
     Other tribal or village organizations or consortia of 
Indian tribes; and
     Tribal governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or 
Traditional Councils) as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
    Please refer to Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, to 
review general ANA Administrative Policies and Section IV.5. Funding 
Restrictions.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    Yes.
Matching/Cost-Sharing
    Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project 
costs, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 2991(b)(3)(e)(1). Grantees must 
provide at least 20 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. Therefore, a project 
requesting $100,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $100,000 per 
budget period) must provide a match of at least $25,000 (20% of the 
total approved project costs). Grantees will be held accountable for 
commitments of non-Federal resources even if over the amount of the 
required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in 
disallowance of Federal dollars. Lack of

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supporting documentation at the time of application will not impact the 
responsiveness of the application for competitive review.

3. Other

    All Applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. 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 Federal grant applicants to provide a 
Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when 
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after 
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant 
is submitting a paper application or using the governmentwide 
electronic portal (https://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 
online at https://www.dnb.com.
    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:
     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.
     A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
     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 
earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
     A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status.
     Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above 
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by 
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
    Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for competition.
    Applications that do not include a current signed and dated 
Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing body) 
in support of the project for the entire project period will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be considered for competition.
    If the applicant is not a tribe or Alaska Native Village 
government, applications that do not include proof that a majority of 
the governing board of directors is representative of the community to 
be served will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered 
for competition.
    Please see Section III.2 Other, concerning requirements for the 
cost matching which do not impact the responsiveness of an application 
for competitive review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    To learn more about ANA and receive information about Training and 
Technical Assistance (T/TA) contact:

Region I: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, 
ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, 
TX, VA, VT, WI, W.VA.
    Native American Management Services, Inc., 6858 Old Dominion Drive, 
Suite 302, McLean, VA 22101. Phone: 888-221-9686. Fax: 703-821-368. e-
mail: kking@namsinc.org; https://www.anaeastern.org.
Region II: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY.
    ACKCO, Inc., 1326 N. Central, Suite 208, Phoenix, Arizona 85004. 
Toll Free: 800-525-2859; Direct: 602-253-9211; Fax 602-253-9135. Theron 
Wauneka, Project Manager, e-mail: theron.wauneka@ackco.com; https://
www.anawestern.org.
Region III: Alaska.
    Native American Management Services, Inc., 11723 Old Glenn Highway, 
Suite 201, Eagle River, Alaska 99577. Toll Free 877-770-6230. Direct: 
907-694-5711. Fax 907-694-5775. P.J. Bell, Project Manager, e-mail: 
region3@gci.net; https://www.anaalaska.org.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Please refer to Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, to 
review general ANA Administrative Policies and Section IV.5. Funding 
Restrictions.
    Application Submission: Each application should include one signed 
original and two additional copies of the complete application are 
required. The original copy must include all required forms, 
certifications, assurances, and appendices, contain an original 
signature by an authorized representative, and be submitted unbound. 
The two additional copies of the complete application must include all 
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices and must 
also be submitted unbound. 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. A complete 
application for assistance under this Program Announcement consists of 
Three Parts.
    Part One includes the SF 424, other required government forms, and 
other required documentation. Part Two of the application is the 
project narrative. This section of the application may not exceed 40 
pages, the line-item budgets, budget justifications and the OWP form 
(OMB Control Number 0980-0204 exp 10/31/2006) will be exempt from the 
page limitation. Part Three of the application is the Appendix. This 
section of the application may not exceed 20 pages (the exception to 
this 20-page limit applies only to projects that require, if relevant 
to the project, a Business Plan or any Third-Party Agreements).
    Electronic Submission: While ACF does have the capability to 
receive program announcement applications electronically through 
Grants.gov, electronic submission of applications will not be available 
for this particular announcement. There are required application 
form(s) specific to ANA that have not yet received clearance from 
Grants.gov. While electronic submission of applications may be 
available in the next fiscal year for this program, no electronic 
submission of applications will be accepted for this announcement this 
year as they would be missing those required ANA forms and be 
considered incomplete.
    Organization and Preparation of Application: Due to the intensity 
and pace of the application review and

[[Page 5856]]

evaluation process, ANA strongly recommends applicants organize, label, 
and insert required information in accordance with Part One, Part Two 
and Part Three as presented in the table below. ANA strongly suggests 
applicants label the application for ease of reviewing. The application 
must begin with the information requested in Part One of the chart in 
the prescribed order. Utilizing this format will ensure all information 
submitted to support an applicant's request for funding is thoroughly 
reviewed. Submitting information in this format will assist the panel 
reviewer in locating and evaluating the information. Deviation from 
this suggested format will reduce the applicant's ability to receive 
maximum points, which are directly related to ANA's funding review 
decisions.
    ANA Application Format: ANA requires all applications to be labeled 
in compliance with the format provided in the program announcement. 
This format applies to all applicants submitting applications for 
funding. All pages submitted (including Government Forms, 
certifications and assurances) must be numbered consecutively (for 
example, the first page of the application is the SF 424 and must be 
labeled as page one). The paper size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, line 
spacing shall be a space and a half (1.5 line spacing), printed only on 
one side, and have a half-inch margin on all sides of the paper. (Note: 
The 1.5 line spacing does not apply to the Project Abstract Form, 
Appendices, the Table of Contents, the Objective Work Plans, and the 
Budget.) The font size shall be 12-point and the font type shall be 
Times New Roman.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Standard Forms and Certifications
    The project description should include all the information 
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in 
the program announcement under Section V Application Review 
Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant 
needs to complete all the standard forms required for making 
applications for awards under this announcement.
    Applicants seeking 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. Applicants must sign and 
return the standard forms with their application.
    Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the 
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for 
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal 
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance 
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if 
applicable, with their applications (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. Complete 
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances 
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications 
may be found at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the 
full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Due Date: March 25, 2005.
Explanation of Due Dates
    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced 
above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
closing date will be classified as late.
    Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date 
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring 
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of 
the application due 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., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section 
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. 
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted 
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
    Late Applications: Applications that 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. eastern time 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.
Checklist
    You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your 
application package.

[[Page 5857]]



                              Part One--Federal Forms and Other Required Documents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Required form or
         What to submit           Required content           format                     When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents..............  See Section IV....  Applicant must include  By application closing date.
                                                      a table of contents
                                                      that accurately
                                                      identifies the page
                                                      number and where the
                                                      information can be
                                                      located. Table of
                                                      Contents does not
                                                      count against
                                                      application page
                                                      limit.
SF424..........................  See Section IV....  https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application closing date.
                                                      programs/ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
SF424A.........................  See Section IV....  https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application closing date.
                                                      programs/ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
SF424B.........................  See Section IV....  https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application closing date.
                                                      programs/ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
Grant Application Data Summary   See Section I.....  ANA Form: OMB           By application closing date.
 (GADS) form--Environmental.                          Clearance Number 0970-
                                                      0263 exp. 3/31/07
                                                      https://
www.acf.hhs.gov/
 programs/ana
                                                     (Go to Forms link to
                                                      obtain the document).
Proof of Non-Profit Status.....  See Section III...  As described in this    By application closing date.
                                                      announcement under
                                                      Section III
                                                      ``Additional
                                                      Information on
                                                      Eligibility''.
Resolution.....................  See Section I.....  As described in this    By application closing date.
                                                      announcement under
                                                      Section I
                                                      ``Definitions''.
Board of Directors               See Section I.....  As described in this    By application closing date.
 Documentation.                                       announcement under
                                                      Section I ``ANA
                                                      Administrative
                                                      Policies''.
Audit Letter...................  See Section I.....  A Certified Public      By application closing date.
                                                      Accountant's
                                                      ``Independent
                                                      Auditors' Report on
                                                      Financial
                                                      Statement.'' This is
                                                      usually only a two to
                                                      three page document.
                                                      (This requirement
                                                      applies only to
                                                      applicants with
                                                      annual expenditures
                                                      of $500,000 or more
                                                      of federal funds).
                                                      Applicant must also
                                                      include only that
                                                      portion of the audit
                                                      document titled
                                                      ``Supplemental
                                                      Schedule of
                                                      Expenditures of
                                                      Federal Awards''.
Indirect Cost Agreement........  See Section V.....  Organizations and       By application closing date.
                                                      Tribes must submit a
                                                      current indirect cost
                                                      agreement (if
                                                      claiming in-direct
                                                      costs) that aligns
                                                      with the approved ANA
                                                      project period. The
                                                      In-direct Cost
                                                      Agreement must
                                                      identify the
                                                      individual components
                                                      and percentages that
                                                      make up the indirect
                                                      cost rate.
Non-Federal Share of Waiver      See Section III...  A request for a waiver  By application closing date.
 Request, per CFR 1336.50(b).                         of the non-Federal
                                                      share requirement may
                                                      be submitted in
                                                      accordance with 45
                                                      CFR 1336.50(b)(3) of
                                                      the Native American
                                                      Program regulations.
                                                      (if applicable).
Certification regarding          See Section I.....  May be found at: http:/ By application closing date.
 Maintenance of Effort.                               /www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Certification regarding          See Section IV....  May be found at: http:/ By application closing date.
 Lobbying Disclosure of                               /www.acf.hhs.gov/
 Lobbying Activities--SF LLL.                         programs/ofs/
                                                      forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke      See Section IV....  May be found at: http:/ By application closing date.
 Certification.                                       /www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      Part Two--Application Review Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Required form or
                                                     format ANA application
         What to submit           Required content    review criteria this              When to submit
                                                     section may not exceed
                                                            40 pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criteria One (10 pts)..........  See Section V.....  Introduction and        By application closing date.
                                                      Project Summary/
                                                      Application Format.
                                                     Include the ANA
                                                      Project Abstract form
                                                      (OMB  0980-
                                                      0204 exp. 10/31/06).
Criteria Two (20 pts)..........  See Section V.....  Need for Assistance...  By application closing date.
Criteria Three (25 pts)........  See Section V.....  Project Approach--      By application closing date.
                                                      Include an Objective
                                                      Work Plan (OWP) form
                                                      (OMB  0980-
                                                      0204 exp. 10/31/2006)
                                                      for each 12 month
                                                      budget period.
                                                     A 17-month project
                                                      period requires only
                                                      one OWP.
                                                     Note: The OWP is not
                                                      included in the page
                                                      count for this Part..
Criteria Four (15 pts),........  See Section V.....  Organizational          By application closing date.
                                                      Capacity.
Criteria Five (15 pts).........  See Section V.....  Project Impact/         By application closing date.
                                                      Evaluation.
Criteria Six (15 pts)..........  See Section V.....  Budget and Budget       By application closing date.
                                                      Justification/ Cost
                                                      Effectiveness.
                                                     Note: The line item
                                                      budget and budget
                                                      justification are not
                                                      included in the page
                                                      count for this Part..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 5858]]


                                              Part Three--Appendix
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Required form or
                                                       format this section
         What to submit           Required content      may not exceed 20               When to submit
                                                              pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Support Documentation..........  See Section V.....  Part Three includes     By application closing date.
                                                      only supplemental
                                                      information or
                                                      required support
                                                      documentation that
                                                      addresses the
                                                      applicant's capacity
                                                      to carry out and
                                                      fulfill the proposed
                                                      project. These items
                                                      include: Letters of
                                                      agreement with
                                                      cooperating entities,
                                                      in-kind commitment
                                                      and support letters,
                                                      business plans, and a
                                                      summary of the Third
                                                      Party Agreements. Do
                                                      not include books,
                                                      videotapes, studies
                                                      or published reports
                                                      and articles, as they
                                                      will not be made
                                                      available to the
                                                      reviewers or returned
                                                      to the applicant.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Forms
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         What to submit           Required content          Location                    When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit   See form..........  May be found on https:// By application due date.
 Grant Applicants.                                    www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

    Applications are not subject to Executive Order 12372.

5. Funding Restrictions

    ANA does not fund:
     Activities in support of any foreseeable litigation 
against the United States Government that are unallowable under OMB 
Circulars A-87 and A-122.
     ANA does not fund duplicative projects or allow any one 
community or region to receive a disproportionate share of the funds 
available for award. When making decisions on awards of grants the 
Agency will consider whether the project is essentially identical or 
similar, in whole or significant part, to projects in the same 
community previously funded or being funded under the same competition. 
The Agency will also consider whether the grantee is already receiving 
funding for a SEDS, Language, or Environmental project from ANA. The 
Agency will also take into account in making funding decisions whether 
a proposed project would require funding on indefinite or recurring 
basis. This determination will be made after it is determined whether 
the application meets the requirements for eligibility as set forth in 
45 CFR 1336, subpart C, but before funding decisions are complete (see 
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description--ANA Administrative Policies 
regarding short-term projects).
     Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or 
technical assistance (T/TA) to other tribes or Native American 
organizations that are otherwise eligible to apply for ANA funding. 
However, ANA will fund T/TA requested by a grantee for its own use or 
for its members' use (as in the case of a consortium), when the T/TA is 
necessary to carry out project objectives.
     The purchase of real property or construction because 
these activities are not authorized by the Native American Programs Act 
of 1974, as amended.
     Core administration (see Definitions) functions, or other 
activities, that essentially support only the applicant's ongoing 
administrative functions and are not related to the proposed project.
     Costs associated with 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 under an ANA grant award.
     Projects originated and designed by consultants who 
provide a major role for themselves and are not members of the 
applicant organization, tribe, or village.
     Activities that are not responsive to Environmental 
Regulatory Enhancement program goals.
     Major renovations or alterations are prohibited activities 
because these activities are not authorized under the Native American 
Programs Act of 1974 as amended. Minor alterations, as defined in this 
announcement, may be allowable.
     ANA will not fund activities by a consortium of tribes 
that duplicate activities for which a consortium member tribe also 
receives funding from ANA.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. The application must be received at the 
address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date.
    Applications should be mailed to: Attention: Tim Chappelle, 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.
    Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application 
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two 
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30 
p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are 
hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be 
delivered to: Attention: Tim Chappelle, U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary 
Grant, ACF Mail Room, Second Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 
D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.

[[Page 5859]]

V. Application Review Information

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 120 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information.
    The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.

1. Criteria

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, information 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 Instructions
    ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions 
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended 
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of 
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are 
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. 
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly 
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an 
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an 
appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be 
included for easy reference.
Introduction
    Applicants 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 your project 
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the 
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
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.
    Applicants are encouraged to describe the qualitative and 
quantitative data collected, how this data will measure progress 
towards the stated results or benefits, and how performance indicators 
under economic and social development and governance projects can be 
monitored, evaluated and verified.
Approach
    Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how 
the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or 
activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished.
    When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, 
list them in chronological order to show the schedule of 
accomplishments and their target dates.
    If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the 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.
    Examples of these activities would be the number of businesses 
started or expanded, the number of jobs created or retained, the number 
of people trained, the number of youth, couples or families assisted or 
the number of elders participating in the activity during that 
reporting period.
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. If the 
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit 
status in its application.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (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 immediately above for a State or national parent organization 
and a statement signed by the parent

[[Page 5860]]

organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate.
Third-Party Agreements
    Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and 
subgrantees 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.
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. 
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit 
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the 
calculation to be duplicated. Also 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 allocability of the proposed costs.
General
    Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget 
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed 
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. ``Federal 
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. 
``Non Federal resources'' are all other Federal and non-Federal 
resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be 
presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories; 
second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), 
and last column, total budget. The budget justification should be a 
narrative.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant