Funding Opportunity Title: Community Services Block Grant-Rural Community Development Activities Program, 21229-21238 [05-8133]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Administration for Children and Families
• Office of Community Services
• Children and Families Administration

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 78 (Monday, April 25, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21229-21238]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8133]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

Office of Community Services


Funding Opportunity Title: Community Services Block Grant--Rural 
Community Development Activities Program

    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OCS-EF-0030.
    CFDA Number: 93.570.
    Due Date for Applications: June 24, 2005.

Summary

    The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of 
Community Services (OCS), announces that competing applications will be 
accepted for new grants pursuant to the Secretary's discretionary 
authority. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act of 1981; as 
amended (Section 680(a)(3)(B) of the Community Opportunities, 
Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998), 
authorizes the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) to provide assistance for rural community development 
activities, which shall include providing grants to multi-state, 
regional, private, non-profit organizations to enable the organizations 
to provide training and technical assistance to small, rural 
communities concerning meeting their community facilities needs.
    Awards will be contingent on the outcome of the competition and the 
availability of funds. This announcement is inviting applications for a 
12-month budget period and a 60-month project period. Applications for 
continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year 
budget period but within the five-year project period will be 
entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to 
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a 
determination that continued funding will be in the best interest of 
the Government.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act of 1981, as amended 
(Section 680(a)(3)(B) of the Community Opportunities, Accountability, 
and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998), authorizes the 
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to 
provide assistance for rural community development activities, which 
shall include providing grants to multi-state, regional, private, non-
profit organizations to enable the organizations to provide training 
and technical assistance to small, rural communities concerning meeting 
their community facility needs. Pursuant to this announcement, the 
Office of Community Services (OCS) will award grants to private non-
profits to provide training and technical assistance on water and waste 
water management systems for small, rural low-income communities. The 
low-income beneficiaries to this program are those who are determined 
to be living in poverty as determined by the HHS Guidelines on Poverty 
(See Appendix A).

Program Evaluation

    Pursuant to the requirement of Section 680(b) of the COATES Act, 
OCS will provide funds to an independent third party research 
organization to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs and services 
carried out by the grantees funded pursuant to this announcement, 
individually and as an overall strategy for improving the quality of 
life and economic well-being of residents in small, rural communities, 
particularly as they affect low-income residents of those communities 
and contribute to developing and sustaining healthy rural communities.
    Pursuant to that requirement, approximately $200,000 in FY 2005 
funds will be made available for developing an evaluation design.

Project Goals

    The ultimate goals of the projects to be funded under this program 
are:
    1. To provide training and technical assistance in developing and 
managing community facilities in rural areas that will help low-income 
rural communities

[[Page 21230]]

develop the capacity and expertise to establish and/or maintain needed 
community facilities, which include: (a) Affordable, adequate and safe 
water and waste water treatment facilities; (b) increasing the 
community capacity building skills; and (c) assisting the communities 
with developing community leadership skills.
    2. To improve the coordination of Federal, State and local 
agencies' funding resources to assist with: (a) Water and waste water 
management systems; (b) community capacity building; and (c) developing 
community leadership skills.
    3. To provide data and information needed for the evaluation of the 
projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of these activities and 
interventions and of the project designs through which they were 
implemented; and to cooperate with the third-party entity carrying out 
evaluation of the programs; and
    4. To distribute information to low-income rural communities on 
available Federal assistance to support these activities and contribute 
to developing and sustaining healthy rural communities.

Program Priority Areas

    There is only one program priority area in this announcement.

Definition of Terms

    For the purposes of this announcement:
    1. Budget Period: The time intervals into which a project period is 
divided for budgetary and funding purposes.
    2. Cash Contributions: The cash outlay including the money 
contributed to the project or program by the recipient and third 
parties.
    3. Community Economic Development (CED): A process by which a 
community uses resources to attract capital and increase physical, 
commercial, and business development and job opportunities for its 
residents.
    4. Distressed Community: An urban neighborhood or rural community 
of high unemployment and pervasive poverty.
    5. Eligible Applicant: A multi-state, regional, private non-profit 
organization that can provide training and technical assistance to 
small, rural communities concerning their community facility needs. 
Faith-based organizations that meet the above requirements are eligible 
to apply.
    6. Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities (EZ/EC): Those 
communities designated as such by the Secretaries of Agriculture or 
Housing and Urban Development.
    7. Faith-based Organizations: Faith-based organizations that are 
exempt from taxation under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 by reason of paragraph (3) or (4) of Section 501(c) of such Code 
and private non-profit corporations or organizations are also eligible 
to apply for funds under this program announcement.
    8. Indian Tribe: An Indian tribe or a private, non-profit 
corporation or organization.
    9. Job Creation: Jobs that were not in existence before the start 
of the project.
    10. Job Placement: Placing a person in an existing vacant job of a 
business, service, or commercial activity not related to new 
development or expansion activity.
    11. Poverty Income Guidelines: Guidelines published annually by the 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that establish the level 
of poverty defined as low-income for individuals and their families.
    12. Program Income: Gross income earned by the grant recipient that 
is directly generated by an activity supported with grant funds.
    13. Project Period: The total time for which a project is approved 
for OCS support, including any approved extensions.
    14. Rural Community: A community or defined rural area with a 
population under 10,000, although most activities of the Rural 
Community Assistance Program are carried out in rural areas with 
populations of 2,000 or less.
    15. Secretary: The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting 
through the Director of the Office of Community Services.
    16. Self-Sufficiency: A condition where an individual or family 
neither needs nor is eligible for public assistance.
    17. Technical Assistance: A problem-solving event or intervention 
utilizing the services of an expert. Such services may be provided on-
site, by telephone, or by other communications. These services address 
specific problems and are intended to assist in immediately resolving a 
given problem or set of problems.
    18. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Title I of the 
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 
(Pub. L. 104-193) created the TANF program that transformed welfare 
into a system that requires work in exchange for time-limited 
assistance.
    19. Third Party: Any individual organization, or business entity 
that is not the direct recipient of grant funds.
    20. Third Party In-kind Contributions: The value of non-cash 
contributions provided by non-federal third parties in the form of real 
property, equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, and the 
value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically 
identifiable to the project or programs.
    Awards will be contingent on the outcome of the competition and the 
availability of funds.

Priority Area: Rural Community Development Activities Program

    1. Description:
    The project description provides the major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise, 
complete, and address the activity for which Federal funds are being 
requested. Supporting documents should present information clearly and 
succinctly. Applicants are required to provide information on their 
organizational structure, staff, related experience, and other relevant 
information. Awarding offices use this and other information to 
determine whether the applicant has the capability and resources 
necessary to carry out the proposed project. It is important, to 
include this information in the application. However, in the narrative, 
the applicant must distinguish resources directly related to the 
proposed project from those that will not be used specifically to 
support the project for which funds are requested.
    The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act of 1981, as amended 
(Section 680(a)(3)(B) of the Community Opportunities, Accountability, 
and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998), authorizes the 
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to 
provide assistance for rural community development activities, which 
shall include providing grants to multi-state, regional, private, non-
profit organizations to enable the organizations to provide training 
and technical assistance to small, rural communities concerning meeting 
their community facility needs. Pursuant to this announcement, the 
Office of Community Services (OCS) will award grants to multi-state, 
regional, private, non-profit organizations to provide training and 
technical assistance to rural low-income communities in the development 
of community facilities. The low-income community beneficiaries to this 
program are those who are determined to be living in poverty as 
determined by the HHS Guidelines on Poverty (See Appendix A).

[[Page 21231]]

Project Goals

    The ultimate goals of the projects to be funded under this program 
are:
    1. To provide training and technical assistance in developing and 
managing community facilities in rural areas that will help low-income 
communities develop the capability and expertise to establish and/or 
maintain needed community facilities, which may include: (a) 
Affordable, adequate, and safe water and waste water treatment 
facilities; (b) increasing the community capacity building skills; and 
(c) developing leadership skills.
    2. To improve the coordination of Federal, State and local 
agencies' funding resources to assist with: (a) water and waste water 
management systems; (b) community capacity building; and (c) developing 
community leadership skills.
    3. To provide data and information needed for the evaluation of the 
projects to demonstrate the effectiveness of these activities and 
interventions and of the project designs through which they were 
implemented; and to cooperate with the third-party entity carrying out 
evaluation of the programs;and
    4. To distribute information to low-income rural communities on 
available Federal assistance to support these activities and contribute 
to developing and sustaining healthy rural communities.

Attendance of Technical Assistance and Evaluation Workshops/
Conferences.

    OCS will sponsor at least one national evaluation workshop in 
Washington, DC or in other locations, if necessary, during the course 
of the project period. Project Directors will be expected to attend 
such workshops and should include the expenses of attending as a part 
of their original budget request.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $6,719,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 6 to 7.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $1,000,000 per budget 
period.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $719,000 per budget period.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $1,000,000 per budget period.
    Length of Project Periods: 5 year project period with 12 month 
budget periods
    This announcement invites applications for project periods up to 
five years. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year 
budget period, although project periods may be for five years. 
Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond 
the one-year budget period but within the five-year project period will 
be entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject 
to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a 
determination that continued funding will be in the best interest of 
the Government.
    An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range 
specified will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible 
for funding under this announcement.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with 
the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the optional survey located under ``Grant Manuals & 
Forms Related Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-
Profit Grant Applicants'' at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/
forms.htm.

Additional Information on Eligibility

    1. Multi-state, regional, private, non-profit organizations that 
can provide training and technical assistance to small, rural 
communities concerning their community facility needs.
    2. Faith-based organizations that meet the program requirements.
    2. Cost Sharing/Matching: None.
    Please refer to Section IV. for any pre-award requirements.
    3. Other:
    1. Must be multi-state, regional, private, nonprofit organizations 
that can provide training and technical assistance to small, rural 
communities concerning their community facility needs.
    2. Faith-based organizations that meet the program requirements.
    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 government-wide 
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 
on-line 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.

(The only applicable methods for the rural facilities program are the 
first and second items. The applicant should disregard the other areas 
listed).

    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

    Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this 
announcement.
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
    No award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an 
incomplete application.

[[Page 21232]]

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: Veronica Terrell, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services' 
Operation Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209; 
Phone: 1-800-281-9519; E-mail: OCS@lcgnet.com.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Application pages 
should be numbered sequentially throughout the application package, 
beginning with a Summary/Abstract of the proposed project as page 
number one; and each application must include all of the following:
    1. Project Summary/Abstract-brief, not to exceed one page on the 
applicant's letterhead (that will not be counted as part of the Project 
Narrative/Description) and that includes the following information;
    2. Table of Contents;
    3. A completed Standard Form 424 which has been signed by an 
official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority 
to obligate the organization legally;
    4. A completed Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs (SF-
424A);
    5. A Budget Justification, including narrative budget justification 
for each object class category;
    6. Proof of current non-profit status of applicant;
    7. A Project Narrative, limited to 30 pages;
    8. Appendices, which should include the following: (a) All the 
Assurances--Non-Construction; (b) resumes and/or position descriptions; 
(e) any letters and/or supporting documents from collaborating or 
partnering agencies in the target communities; (f) single point of 
contact comments.

List of Attachments

A. Income Poverty Guidelines
B. Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424)
C. Budget Information--Non Construction Programs (SF 424A)
D. Assurances--Non Construction Programs (SF 424B)
E. Certification Regarding Lobbying
F. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
G. Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke

    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the https://
www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF 
will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile 
transmission.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov
     Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly 
encouraged.
     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.gov.
     We may request that you provide original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on https://www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application package 
by the CFDA number.
    An original and two copies of the complete application are 
required. The original and each of the two copies must include all 
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed 
by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be 
submitted unbound.
    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.

[[Page 21233]]

    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.
    3. Submission Dates and Times: Explanation of Due Dates: The 
closing date for submission of applications is referenced above. 
Applications received after 4:30 eastern time on the closing date will 
be classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are either 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.
    Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be 
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier 
services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic 
acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via Grants.gov.
    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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What to submit                 Required content     Required form or format       When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents....................  See Section IV.2.......  Format described in      By application due
                                                                 IV.2.                    date.
Project Abstract.....................  See Section IV.2.......  Format described in V..  By application due
                                                                                          date.
Project Narrative....................  See Section IV.2.......  Format described in V..  By application due
                                                                                          date.
SF424................................  See Section IV.2.......  Format described in V..  By application due
                                                                                          date.
Assurances and Certifications........  See Section IV.2.......  Format described in      By application due
                                                                 IV.2.                    date.
Non-Federal Commitment Letters.......  See Section V..........  Format described in V..  By application due
                                                                                          date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additional Forms: 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 https://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   Per required form......  May be found on https:// By application due
 Applicants.                                                     www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4. Intergovernmental Review:
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs.
    As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to 
participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California, 
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New 
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, 
North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these 
jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order 
process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating 
jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert 
them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants 
must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate 
the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is 
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).
    A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on 
proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to 
eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official 
recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly 
differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State 
process recommendations which may trigger the ``accommodate or 
explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, 
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th 
floor, Washington, DC 20447.
    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., Washington, DC 20447.
    Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate 
in the process, entities that meet the eligibility

[[Page 21234]]

requirements of the program are still eligible to apply for a grant 
even if a State, Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. 
Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects 
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action 
in regard to E.O. 12372.
    The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions 
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
    5. Funding Restrictions: Grant awards will not allow reimbursement 
of pre-award costs.
    An application that is received after the deadline date or exceeds 
the upper value of the dollar range specified will not be considered 
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this 
announcement.
    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: Administration for 
Children and Families, Office of Community Services' Operation Center, 
1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, Attention: Veronica 
Terrell.
    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: Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Community Services' Operation Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, 
Arlington, VA 22209, Attention: Veronica Terrell.
    Electronic Submission: https://www.Grants.gov. Please see section 
IV. 2 Content and Form of Application Submission, for guidelines and 
requirements when submitting applications electronically.

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 10 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.

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

[[Page 21235]]

the project along with a short description of the nature of their 
effort or contribution.

Evaluation

    Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and 
the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the 
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which 
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which 
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. 
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are 
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the 
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being 
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and 
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's 
effectiveness.

Geographic Location

    Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the 
area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids 
may be attached.

Staff and Position Data

    Provide a biographical sketch and job description for each key 
person appointed. Job descriptions for each vacant key position should 
be included as well. As new key staff is appointed, biographical 
sketches will also be required.

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; and (e) any of the items 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.

Dissemination Plan

    Provide a plan for distributing reports and other project outputs 
to colleagues and the public. Applicants must provide a description of 
the kind, volume and timing of distribution.

Third-Party Agreements

    Provide written and signed 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.

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 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 salary, wage rates, etc. Do not 
include the costs of consultants or personnel costs of delegate 
agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the 
applicant.

Fringe Benefits

    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate. Justification: Provide a 
breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit 
costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, taxes, etc.

Travel

    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel). 
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.

Equipment

    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.) Justification: For each type of 
equipment requested, provide a description of the equipment, the cost 
per unit, the number of units, the total cost, and a plan for use on 
the project, as well as use or disposal of the equipment after the 
project ends. An applicant organization that uses its own definition 
for equipment should provide a copy of its policy or section of its 
policy which includes the equipment definition.

Supplies

    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that

[[Page 21236]]

included under the Equipment category. Justification: Specify general 
categories of supplies and their costs. Show computations and provide 
other information which supports the amount requested.

Contractual

    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts 
(if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant. Justification: Demonstrate that all 
procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to 
the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and 
subrecipients, other than States that are required to use Part 92 
procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is 
expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified 
acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at 
$100,000). Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-
award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals 
or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc. Note: 
Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the project to 
another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed budget and budget 
narrative for each delegate agency, by agency title, along with the 
same supporting information referred to in these instructions.
    Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award 
review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or 
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

    Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the 
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed 
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency 
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in 
these instructions.

Other

    Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable 
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food, 
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs, 
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use, 
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs, 
and administrative costs. Justification: Provide computations, a 
narrative description and a justification for each cost under this 
category.

Indirect Charges

    Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should 
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate 
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or 
another cognizant Federal agency. Justification: An applicant that will 
charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current 
rate agreement. If the applicant organization is in the process of 
initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an 
award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect 
cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in 
accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing 
indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants 
awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request 
indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs 
included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct 
costs to the grant. Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which 
is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized 
representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed 
acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than 
allowed.

Program Income

    Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be 
generated from this project. Justification: Describe the nature, source 
and anticipated use of program income in the budget or refer to the 
pages in the application which contain this information.

Nonfederal Resources

    Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to 
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. 
Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be 
documented and submitted with the application so the applicant is given 
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for 
each funding source. Grantees will be held accountable for any non-
federal resources represented in their applications as committed to the 
project.

Evaluation Criteria

    In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities 
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial 
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following 
criteria:

Approach 30 Points

Element I--Approach 1--Project Implementation--(Maximum: 20 Points)
    The Work Plan is both sound and feasible. The project responds to 
the needs identified in the Analysis of Need. It sets forth realistic 
quarterly time targets for task completion. Critical issues or 
potential problems that might impact negatively on the project are 
defined and the project objectives can be reasonably attained despite 
such potential problems.
Element II--Approach 2--Public Private Partnerships (Maximum: 10 
Points)
    The application documents that the applicant will mobilize from 
public and/or private sources cash and/or in-kind contributions. 
Applicants documenting that the fair value of such contributions will 
at least equal the OCS funds requested will receive the maximum number 
of points for this element. Applications proposing to mobilize 
contributions that are valued less than the total amount of Federal 
grant funds requested will receive prorated points in this element.

Staff and Position Data 15 Points

Element III--Staff Skills, Resources and Responsibilities (Sub-Rating 
0-15 Points)
    The application describes in brief resume form the experience and 
skills of the Project Director who is not only well qualified, but 
possesses professional capabilities relevant to successfully 
implementing the project. If the key staff person has not yet been 
identified, the application must contain a comprehensive position 
description indicating the relevance of the responsibilities to be 
assigned to the Project Director who will be successfully implementing 
the project. The applicant has adequate facilities and resources (i.e., 
space and equipment) to successfully carry out the work plan. The 
assigned responsibilities of the staff are appropriate to the tasks 
identified for the project and sufficient time of senior staff will be 
budgeted to assure timely implementation and cost-effective management 
of the project.

Organizational Profiles 15 Points

Element IV--Organizational Experience of Program Area and Staff 
Responsibilities (Maximum: 15 Points)
     Documentation provided indicates that previous projects 
were relevant and effective and provided permanent benefits to the low-
income population.

[[Page 21237]]

     Organizations that propose providing training and 
technical assistance have detailed competence in the specific program 
priority area and as a deliverer with expertise in the fields of 
training and technical assistance. If applicable, information provided 
by these applicants also should address related achievements and 
competence of each cooperating or sponsoring organization.

Results or Benefits Expected 15 Points

Element V--Results or Benefits Expected--Significant and Beneficial 
Impact (Maximum: 15 Points)
    The application contains a full and accurate description of the 
proposed use of the requested financial assistance. The proposed 
project will produce permanent and measurable results that will reduce 
the incidence of poverty in the areas targeted and significantly 
enhance the health of the communities served and the well-being of 
their residents. Results are quantifiable in terms of program area 
expectations, for example, number of water systems or waste water 
treatment facilities begun, in construction, or completed; measurable 
improvement in water quality and health of watershed; amount of 
resources successfully mobilized for facilities improvement; and number 
of communities provided assistance with community capacity building and 
development of leadership skills. The OCS grant funds, in combination 
with private and/or other public resources, are targeted into rural 
low-income and/or designated empowerment zones and enterprise 
communities.

Objectives and Need for Assistance 15 Points

Element VI--Analysis of Need (Maximum: 15 Points)
    The application must precisely identify the target population(s) 
and/or communities to be served. The geographic area to be impacted 
should then be briefly described, citing the percentage of low-income 
residents and/or communities that will be impacted and providing any 
other data relevant to the project design. The applicant should 
describe the needs of the communities and how they plan to address 
these needs in each relevant area of activity-training and technical 
assistance on water and waste water management systems, community 
capacity building and developing leadership.

Budget and Budget Justification 5 Points

Element VII--Budget Appropriateness and Reasonableness (Maximum: 5 
Points)
    Funds requested are commensurate with the level of effort necessary 
to accomplish the goals and objectives of the project. The application 
includes a narrative detailed budget break-down for each of the budget 
categories in the SF-424A. The applicant presents a reasonable 
administrative cost. The estimated cost to the government of the 
project also is reasonable in relation to the anticipated results.

Evaluation 5 Points

Element VIII--Cooperation With Project Evaluation (Maximum: 5 Points)
    The applicant should provide a well thought through outline of a 
plan for collecting, validating and reporting or providing data 
concerning its activities, services and constituent services to 
recipients. The applicant must indicate its willingness to cooperate 
with the organization developing the national evaluation design in 
identifying performance goals and measures. To be considered for 
funding, the applicant must provide a signed statement agreeing to 
cooperate with the organization evaluating the national program by 
providing the data and information necessary for carrying out the 
evaluation.
    2. Review and Selection Process:

Initial OCS Screening

    Each application submitted under this Program Announcement will 
undergo a pre-review to determine that the application was received by 
the closing date and submitted in accordance with the instructions in 
this Announcement.
    All applications that meet the published deadline requirements as 
provided in this Program Announcement will be screened for completeness 
and conformity with the following requirements.
    The following requirements must be met by all Applicants except as 
noted:
    1. The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424 
``Application of Federal Assistance'' (SF-424), a budget (SF-424A) and 
signed ``Assurances'' (SF-424B) completed according to instructions. 
The SF-424 and the SF-424B must be signed by an official of the 
organization applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the 
organization legally. Applicant's must also be aware that the 
applicant's legal name as required on the SF-424 (Item 5) must match 
that listed as corresponding to the Employer Identification Number 
(Item 6).
    2. A project narrative must also accompany the standard forms. OCS 
requests that the narrative portion of the application be limited to 30 
letter-size pages, numbered consecutively, and typewritten on one side 
of the paper only with one-inch margins single spaced and type face no 
smaller than 12 characters per inch or equivalent.
    3. Application should contain documentation of the applicant's non-
profit status. Documentation must be provided before date of award.

Consideration of Applications

    Applications which pass the initial OCS screening will be reviewed 
and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of the specific 
review criteria described in Priority Area I. The review criteria were 
designed to assess the quality of proposed project, and to determine 
the likelihood of its success. The review criteria are closely related 
and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an 
application. Points are awarded only to applications which are 
responsive to the review criteria and program elements within the 
context of this Program Announcement. The results of these reviews will 
assist the Director and OCS program staff in considering competing 
applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding 
decisions, but will not be the only factors considered.
    Applications generally will be considered in order of the average 
scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly ranked applications are 
not guaranteed funding because other factors are taken into 
consideration, including, but not limited to, the timely and proper 
completion of applicant of projects funded with OCS funds granted in 
the last five (5) years; comments of reviewers and government 
officials; staff evaluation, and input; the amount and duration of the 
grant requested, the proposed project's consistency and harmony with 
OCS goals and policy; geographic distribution of applications; previous 
program performance of applicants; compliance with grant terms under 
previous HHS grants, including the actual dedication to program of 
mobilized resources as set forth in project applications; audit 
reports; investigative reports; and applicant's progress in resolving 
any final audit disallowances on previous OCS or other Federal agency 
grants.
    Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the process, 
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not 
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for

[[Page 21238]]

individuals specified in the application budget and Social Security 
Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include 
summary salary information. OCS reserves the right to discuss 
applications with other Federal or non-Federal funding sources to 
verify the applicant's performance record and the documents submitted.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices:
    The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of 
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of 
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective 
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be 
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the total project 
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance 
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal 
mail.
    Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be 
notified in writing.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:
    Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR part 74 (non-
governmental) or 45 CFR part 92 (governmental).
    3. Reporting Requirements:
    Programmatic Reports: Semi-Annually.
    Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.
    Grantees will be required to submit a semi-annual program progress 
and financial report (SF 269) throughout the project period, as well as 
a final program and financial report 90 days after the end of the 
project period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days 
after the reporting period.
    Special Terms and Conditions of Awards:

Audit Requirements

    Grantees are subject to the audit requirement in 45 CFR part 74 
(non-profit organizations) or part 92 (governmental entities) which 
require audits under OMB Circular A-133.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Veronica Terrell, Administrative for 
Children and Families Office of Community Services, Division of 
Community and Discretionary Programs, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW.--5th 
Floor West, 901 D Street, SW.--5th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447; 
Phone: 202-401-5295; Fax: 202-205-5008 Email: vterrell@acf.hhs.gov.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Barbara Ziegler-Johnson, Grants 
Management Officer, Administration for Children and Families Office of 
Grants Management Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, SW.--4th Floor West 901 D Street, SW.--4th Floor West, 
Washington , DC 20447; Phone: 1-800-281-9519; Email: OCS@lcgnet.com.

VIII. Other Information

    Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, The Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the 
Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005 applicants will be able to 
find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically 
for opportunities via: https://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be 
able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the 
ACF Web site located at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/.
    The FY 2006 President's budget does not include or propose funding 
for the Rural Community Development Activities Program. Future funding 
is based on the availability of Federal funds.
    Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under this 
rural Community Development Activities Program shall not be used to 
support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, 
worship, or proselytization. Therefor