Office of Community Services; Community Food and Nutrition Program, 32794-32805 [05-11192]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 107 (Monday, June 6, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32794-32805]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11192]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Office of Community Services; Community Food and Nutrition 
Program

    Funding Opportunity Title: Community Food and Nutrition Program.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OCS-EN-0018.
    CFDA Number: 93.571.
    Due Date for Applications: Application is due July 21, 2005.
    Executive Summary:
    Authority: The Community Services Block Grant Act (the Act), as 
amended, authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make 
funds available under several programs to support program activities 
that will result in direct benefits targeted to low-income people. This 
program announcement covers the grant authority found at

[[Page 32795]]

Section 681 of the Act, (Pub. L. 97-35), as amended by the Community 
Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services 
Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285). The Act authorizes the Secretary to 
award grants on a competitive basis to eligible agencies for community-
based, local, statewide, and national programs (1) to coordinate 
private and public food assistance resources, wherever the grant 
recipient involved determines such coordination to be inadequate, to 
better serve low-income populations; (2) to assist low-income 
communities to identify potential sponsors of child nutrition programs 
and to initiate such programs in underserved or unserved areas; and (3) 
to develop innovative approaches at the State and local level to meet 
the nutrition needs of low-income individuals.
    Purpose: The Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Community Services (OCS), invites eligible agencies to submit 
competitive grant applications for the award of one cooperative 
agreement to support the Community Food and Nutrition Program's (CFNP) 
Nationwide Initiative: Youth Obesity, An American Crisis.
    The problem of overweight children and adolescents is an American 
crisis. The Surgeon General reports that:
     In 2001-2002, 16 percent of children aged 6 to 19 years in 
the United States were overweight, and 31 percent were at risk for 
being overweight. This prevalence has nearly tripled for adolescents in 
the past 2 decades.
     Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol 
and high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency in overweight 
children and adolescents compared to children with a healthy weight.
     Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, 
has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweightness 
and obesity are closely linked to Type 2 diabetes.
     Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of 
becoming overweight or obese adults.
     The most immediate consequence of being overweight, as 
perceived by the children themselves, is social discrimination. This is 
associated with poor self-esteem and depression.
    Recently, Federal and State governments, industry, schools, and 
numerous organizations nationwide have taken comprehensive and 
ambitious actions to reverse the rapid rise in obesity among children 
and youth. In 2005, the Department of Health and Human Services, in 
collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, released 
``Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005'' (DGAs). The DGAs establish 
Federal nutrition standards for food and nutrition programs, including 
nutrition assistance programs.
    ACF/OCS is seeking assistance, through a cooperative agreement, to 
identify, complement, coordinate, and promote the numerous youth-
obesity programs nationwide. The goal will be to identify and compile 
data on youth obesity, specifically focusing on the prevalence of youth 
obesity throughout rural, urban, and suburban locations nationwide. 
Socioeconomic factors, demographics, income level and percentage of 
youth obesity in low-income households will be assessed. This 
information will be utilized to recommend intervention as warranted. 
The cooperative agreement will require active partnership between ACF/
OCS and the successful applicant.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

1. Purpose, Scope, Focus

    The Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community 
Services (OCS), invites eligible agencies to submit competitive grant 
applications for the award of one cooperative agreement to support the 
Community Food and Nutrition Program's (CFNP) Nationwide Initiative: 
Youth Obesity, An American Crisis.
    The problem of overweight children and adolescents is an American 
crisis. The Surgeon General reports that:
     In 2001-2002, 16 percent of children aged 6 to 19 years in 
the United States were overweight, and 31 percent were at risk for 
being overweight. This prevalence has nearly tripled for adolescents in 
the past 2 decades.
     Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol 
and high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency in overweight 
children and adolescents compared to children with a healthy weight.
     Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, 
has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweightness 
and obesity are closely linked to Type 2 diabetes.
     Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of 
becoming overweight or obese adults. As overweight or obese adults, 
they are at risk for a number of health problems including heart 
disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of 
cancer.
     The most immediate consequence of being overweight, as 
perceived by the children themselves, is social discrimination. This is 
associated with poor self-esteem and depression.
    Recently, Federal and State governments, industry, schools, and 
numerous organizations nationwide have taken comprehensive and 
ambitious actions to reverse the rapid rise in obesity among children 
and youth. In 2005, the Department of Health and Human Services, in 
collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, released 
``Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005'' (DGAs). The DGAs establish 
Federal nutrition standards for food and nutrition programs, including 
nutrition assistance programs. The Federal Government makes available 
health and obesity prevention grants and a major health insurance 
company now offers obesity prevention benefits.
    ACF/OCS is seeking assistance, through a cooperative agreement, to 
identify, complement, coordinate, and promote the numerous youth 
obesity programs nationwide. The goal will be to identify and compile 
data on youth obesity, specifically focusing on the prevalence of youth 
obesity throughout rural, urban, and suburban locations nationwide. 
Socioeconomic factors, demographics, income level, and percentage of 
youth obesity in low-income households will be assessed. This 
information will be utilized to recommend intervention as warranted. 
The cooperative agreement will require active partnership between ACF/
OCS and the successful applicant.

2. Authority

    The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act (the Act) (Pub.L. 97-
35), as amended, authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
to make funds available under several programs to support program 
activities that will result in direct benefits targeted to low-income 
people. This program announcement covers the grant authority found at 
Section 681 of the Act, as amended by the Community Opportunities, 
Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998 (Pub. 
L. 105-285). The Act authorizes the Secretary to award grants on a 
competitive basis to eligible agencies for non-profit, faith-based, 
community-based, local, statewide, and national programs (1) to 
coordinate private and public food assistance resources, wherever the 
grant recipient involved determines such coordination to be inadequate, 
to better serve low-income populations; (2) to assist low-income 
communities to identify potential sponsors of child nutrition programs 
and to initiate such programs

[[Page 32796]]

in underserved or unserved areas; and (3) to develop innovative 
approaches at the State and local level to meet the nutrition needs of 
low-income individuals.

3. The Cooperative Agreement

    This announcement uses a cooperative agreement as the vehicle for 
funding the nationwide initiative. A cooperative agreement is an 
assistance instrument for which substantial involvement is anticipated 
between the awarding office and the recipient during performance of the 
funded activity. Substantial involvement may include collaboration or 
participation by the designated awarding office staff in activities 
specified in the award and, as appropriate, decision-making at 
specified milestones related to performance. Potential types of 
substantial involvement under a cooperative agreement include, but are 
not limited to, collaborating in the design of a research protocol or a 
training or service delivery model; approving research protocols or 
analytical approaches or approving the initiation of a subsequent phase 
in a phased activity; training project staff in participating 
organizations; assisting in the evaluation of potential contractors; 
participating in the presentation of research results, including co-
authorship of papers; or providing other assistance in program 
management or technical performance.
    ACF/OCS and the recipient will each be responsible for particular 
duties and responsibilities throughout the project.
    Responsibilities of ACF/OCS:
     Throughout the term of the cooperative agreement, provide 
the time and expertise of ACF/OCS to help the applicant implement the 
goals and objectives of the project. Specifically, ACF/OCS will 
organize periodic consultations and teleconferences to review planned 
activities, to share information, and to promote nationwide 
coordination;
     Provide to the applicant a complete list of current 
Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP) grantees;
     Organize a 2-3 day meeting in Washington, DC to discuss 
and finalize the major goals and objectives of the overall project and 
the fiscal year work plan, to exchange program information, and to 
share information on strategies for achieving the goals and objectives 
of the project;
     Review and comment on quarterly progress reports and other 
relevant materials prior to their finalization;
     Make available to the applicant program information and/or 
products from ACF/OCS activities that are available and relevant to the 
project;
     Promote the involvement of the applicant in meetings, 
conferences, and other initiatives to strengthen its knowledge and 
resource base for providing effective assistance to ACF/OCS and CFNP 
grantees;
     Provide consultation to the grantee with regard to the 
development of the work plan approaches to address problems that arise, 
and identification of areas needing technical assistance;
     Consult with and provide the grantee the data collection 
requirements of ACF/OCS, and keep the grantee informed of policy 
developments as they affect the implementation of the project;
     Provide timely review, comment and decisions on 
significant project documents;
     Work together to address issues or problems with regard to 
the grantee's ability to carry out the full range of activities 
included in the approved application in the most efficient and 
effective manner; and
     Promptly review written requests for approval of 
deviations from the project description or approved budget. Any changes 
that affect the terms and conditions of the grant award or revisions/
amendments to the cooperative agreement or to the approved scope of 
activities will require prior written approval by the ACF Grants 
Management Officer.
    Responsibilities of the Grantee:
     In collaboration with ACF/OCS, design, coordinate, and 
implement the project;
     Attend a 2-3 day meeting in Washington, DC to discuss and 
finalize the major goals and objectives of the overall project and the 
fiscal year work plan, exchange and share information on strategies for 
achieving the goals and objectives of the project;
     Establish subordinate objectives to guide the focus of 
their research based upon the needs assessed in the major objectives;
     Develop a CFNP database for use and maintenance by ACF/
OCS;
     Implement activities described in the approved project 
description;
     Develop and implement work plans that will ensure that the 
services and activities included in the approved application address 
the goals and objectives of the approved project in an efficient, 
effective and timely manner;
     Submit regular semi-annual Financial Status (Standard Form 
269) and progress reports that describe activities including, at a 
minimum, (a) information about the actions taken to implement the 
proposed project, and (b) the proposed plan for outcomes measurement 
and program evaluation of the activities supported with Federal funds;
     Work cooperatively and collaborately with ACF officials, 
other Federal agency officials conducting related activities, and other 
entities or organizations contracted by ACF to assist in carrying out 
the purposes of the Community Food and Nutrition Program; such 
cooperation and collaboration shall include, but not be limited to, 
providing requested financial and programmatic information, creating 
opportunities for interviews with agency officials and staff, and 
allowing on-site observation of activities supported under the 
cooperative agreement;
     Notify the Community Food and Nutrition Project Officer if 
revisions are needed to the cooperative agreement; and
     Consult with the Office of Community Services Project 
Officer in implementing the activities on an ongoing and frequent basis 
during each phase of the project.

4. Definition of Terms

    The following definitions apply:
Budget Period
    The interval of time into which a grant period of assistance 
(project period) is divided for budgetary and funding purposes.
Cooperative Agreement
    An award instrument of financial assistance when substantial 
involvement is anticipated between the awarding agency of the Federal 
Government and the recipient during performance of the contemplated 
project. Substantial involvement may include collaboration or 
participation by the designated awarding office staff in activities 
specified in the award and, as appropriate, decision-making at 
specified milestones related to performance. The involvement may range 
from joint conduct of a project to awarding office approval prior to 
the recipient's undertaking the next phase of a project.
Eligible Entity
    Public and private non-profit agencies, including organizations 
benefiting Indians and migrant and seasonal farm workers. Faith-based 
organizations and community-based organizations are eligible to apply 
for this Community Food and Nutrition Program grant.

[[Page 32797]]

Indian Tribe
    A tribe, band, or other organized group of Native American Indians 
recognized in the State or States in which it resides, or considered by 
the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian tribe or an Indian 
organization.
Innovative Project
    One that departs from, or significantly modifies, past program 
practices and tests a new approach.
Migrant Farm Worker
    An individual who works in agricultural employment of a seasonal or 
other temporary nature who is required to be absent from his/her place 
of permanent residence in order to secure such employment.
Non-profit Organization
    Refers to an organization, including a faith-based or community-
based organization, which meets the requirement for proof of non-profit 
status in the III. Eligibility Information 3. Other section of this 
announcement and has demonstrated experience in providing training to 
individuals and organizations on methods of effectively addressing the 
needs of low-income families and communities.
Poverty Income Guidelines
    Guidelines published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS). HHS establishes the level of poverty defined as 
low-income for individuals and their families. The guideline 
information is posted on the Internet at the following address: https://
www.aspe.hhs.gov/poverty.
Seasonal Farm Worker
    Any individual employed in agricultural work of a seasonal or other 
temporary nature who is able to remain at his/her place of permanent 
residence while employed.
Project Period
    The total time for which a project is approved for support, 
including any approved extensions.
Self-Sufficiency
    A condition where an individual or family does not need, and is not 
eligible to receive, TANF assistance under Title I of the Personal 
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Part A 
of Title IV of the Social Security Act.)
Underserved Area
    (As it pertains to child nutrition programs) A locality in which 
less than one-half of the low-income children eligible for assistance 
participate in any child nutrition program.

5. Other

    Mobilization of Resources--There is no match requirement for the 
Community Food and Nutrition Program. However, ACF/OCS would like to 
mobilize as many resources as possible to enhance this nationwide 
initiative. The lack of a cost share or match will not affect 
application responsiveness or screening, review or scoring, or 
selection for funding.
    Administrative Costs/Indirect Costs--There is no predetermined 
administrative cost ceiling for projects funded under this program. 
Indirect costs consistent with approved indirect cost rate agreements 
are allowable. Applicants should enclose a copy of the current approved 
rate agreement. However, it should be understood that indirect costs 
are part of, and not in addition to, the amount of funds awarded in the 
subject grant.
    Multiple Submittals--There is no limit to the number of 
applications that can be submitted by an eligible applicant as long as 
each application is for a different project. However, no applicant will 
receive more than one grant.
    Repeat Grantee--Applicants receiving ACF/OCS funds for CFNP 
projects completed within the last five years must submit with the 
application an abstract for each such project. The abstract should 
include the applicant's name, address, CFNP grant number and amount, 
the title of the project, and a summary of accomplishments.

Priority Area 1

Description

    The Community Food and Nutrition Program--Nationwide Initiative is 
a national research project to study the impact of current CFNP 
projects on low-income communities, families, and children nationwide. 
The applicant selected to manage the Nationwide Initiative will be 
responsible for performing this task in coordination with the Office of 
Community Services.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Federal Substantial Involvement With Cooperative Agreement: This 
announcement uses a cooperative agreement as the vehicle for funding 
the nationwide initiative. A cooperative agreement is an assistance 
instrument for which substantial involvement is anticipated between the 
awarding office and the recipient during performance of the funded 
activity. Substantial involvement may include collaboration or 
participation by the designated awarding office staff in activities 
specified in the award and, as appropriate, decision-making at 
specified milestones related to performance. Potential types of 
substantial involvement under a cooperative agreement include, but are 
not limited to, collaborating in the design of a research protocol or a 
training or service delivery model; approving research protocols or 
analytical approaches or approving the initiation of a subsequent phase 
in a phased activity; training project staff in participating 
organizations; assisting in the evaluation of potential contractors; 
participating in the presentation of research results, including co-
authorship of papers; or providing other assistance in program 
management or technical performance.
    ACF/OCS and the recipient will each be responsible for particular 
duties and responsibilities throughout the project.
    Responsibilities of ACF/OCS:
     Throughout the term of the cooperative agreement, provide 
the time and expertise of ACF/OCS to help the applicant implement the 
goals and objectives of the project. Specifically, ACF/OCS will 
organize periodic consultations and teleconferences to review planned 
activities, to share information, and to promote nationwide 
coordination;
     Provide to the applicant a complete list of current 
Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP) grantees;
     Organize a 2-3 day meeting in Washington, DC to discuss 
and finalize the major goals and objectives of the overall project and 
the fiscal year work plan, to exchange program information, and to 
share information on strategies for achieving the goals and objectives 
of the project;
     Review and comment on quarterly progress reports and other 
relevant materials prior to their finalization;
     Make available to the applicant program information and/or 
products from ACF/OCS activities that are available and relevant to the 
project;
     Promote the involvement of the applicant in meetings, 
conferences, and other initiatives to strengthen its knowledge and 
resource base for providing effective assistance to ACF/OCS and CFNP 
grantees;
     Provide consultation to the grantee with regard to the 
development of the work plan approaches to address problems that arise, 
and identification of areas needing technical assistance;
     Consult with and provide the grantee the data collection 
requirements

[[Page 32798]]

of ACF/OCS, and keep the grantee informed of policy developments as 
they affect the implementation of the project;
     Provide timely review, comment and decisions on 
significant project documents;
     Work together to address issues or problems with regard to 
the grantee's ability to carry out the full range of activities 
included in the approved application in the most efficient and 
effective manner; and
     Promptly review written requests for approval of 
deviations from the project description or approved budget. Any changes 
that affect the terms and conditions of the grant award or revisions/
amendments to the cooperative agreement or to the approved scope of 
activities will require prior written approval by the ACF Grants 
Management Officer.
    Responsibilities of the Grantee:
     In collaboration with ACF/OCS, design, coordinate, and 
implement the project;
     Attend a 2-3 day meeting in Washington, DC to discuss and 
finalize the major goals and objectives of the overall project and the 
fiscal year work plan, exchange and share information on strategies for 
achieving the goals and objectives of the project;
     Establish subordinate objectives to guide the focus of 
their research based upon the needs assessed in the major objectives;
     Develop a CFNP database for use and maintenance by ACF/
OCS;
     Implement activities described in the approved project 
description;
     Develop and implement work plans that will ensure that the 
services and activities included in the approved application address 
the goals and objectives of the approved project in an efficient, 
effective and timely manner;
     Submit regular semi-annual Financial Status (Standard Form 
269) and progress reports that describe activities including, at a 
minimum, (a) information about the actions taken to implement the 
proposed project, and (b) the proposed plan for outcomes measurement 
and program evaluation of the activities supported with Federal funds;
     Work cooperatively and collaborately with ACF officials, 
other Federal agency officials conducting related activities, and other 
entities or organizations contracted by ACF to assist in carrying out 
the purposes of the Community Food and Nutrition Program; such 
cooperation and collaboration shall include, but not be limited to, 
providing requested financial and programmatic information, creating 
opportunities for interviews with agency officials and staff, and 
allowing on-site observation of activities supported under the 
cooperative agreement;
     Notify the Community Food and Nutrition Project Officer if 
revisions are needed to the cooperative agreement; and
     Consult with the Office of Community Services Project 
Officer in implementing the activities on an ongoing and frequent basis 
during each phase of the project.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $236,019.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $236,019.
    An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range 
specified will be considered non-responsive.
    Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period: $236,019.
    Length of Project Periods: 36-month project with three 12-month 
budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, public 
agencies, other than institutions of higher education; Non-profits that 
do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, public agencies, other 
than institutions of higher education; and State, county and local 
public agencies.
    Additional Information on Eligibility:
    Faith-based and community-based organizations are eligible to 
apply.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    No. There is no match requirement for the Community Food and 
Nutrition Program. However, OCS would like to mobilize as many 
resources as possible to enhance this nationwide initiative. While OCS 
supports and encourages applications submitted by applicants whose 
programs include a voluntary cost share, either cash or third party in-
kind, the presence or level of a proposed voluntary cost share or match 
will not affect application responsiveness or screening, review or 
scoring, or selection for funding.

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 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.
    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 considered for funding under this 
announcement.
    Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements 
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-

[[Page 32799]]

responsive and will not be considered for funding under this 
announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Catherine Beck, Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Community Services' Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 
100, Arlington, VA 22209, Phone: 202-401-9352, Fax: 703-528-0716, e-
mail: OCSGRANTS@acf.hhs.gov; URL: https://www.lcgnet.com.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Application Content--An original and two copies of each application 
are required. Each application must include the following components:
     Table of Contents. The Table of Contents must include page 
numbers.
     Abstract of the Proposed Project. Very brief, not to 
exceed 250 words. The abstract should be suitable for use in an 
announcement that the application has been selected for a grant award 
and that identifies the type of project, the target population and the 
major elements of the work plan
     Completed Standard Form 424. Must be signed by an official 
of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to 
obligate the organization legally.
     Standard Form 424A. Budget Information-Non-Construction 
Programs.
     Narrative Budget Justification. Justify each object class 
category required under Section B, Standard Form 424A. Applicants have 
the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) 
of specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the 
application budget.
     Project Narrative. A narrative that addresses issues 
described in Section V of this announcement, ``Application Review 
Information.''
    Application Format--Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 
11 inch paper only. Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials. 
Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional 
materials, slides, films, clips, etc. The font size may be no smaller 
than 12 pitch and the margins must be at least one inch on all sides. 
Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package, 
beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one. 
Please present application materials either in loose-leaf notebooks or 
in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center and fastened 
separately with a slide paper fastener.
    Page Limitation--The application package including sections for the 
Table of Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives must 
not exceed 45 pages. The page limitation does not include the following 
attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also 
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this 
announcement.
    Required Standard Forms--Applicants requesting financial assistance 
for a non-construction project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, 
Assurances: Non-Construction Programs with their applications. 
Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying. Prior to 
receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish an 
executed copy of the lobbying certification. Applicants must sign and 
return the certification with their application. Applicants must make 
the appropriate certification of their compliance with the requirements 
of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as outlined in 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.
    Applicants who are submitting their application in paper format 
should submit an original and two copies of the complete application. 
The original and each of the two copies must include all required 
forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an 
authorized representative, 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

[[Page 32800]]

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 that they will be held accountable 
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Title XII 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A 
copy of the Federal Register notice that 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 for Applications: August 5, 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.
    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....  the ``Application        By application due date.
                                                       Format'' section of
                                                       this announcement..
Project Abstract................  See Section IV....  the ``Application        By application due date.
                                                       Format'' section of
                                                       this announcement..
Project Narrative...............  See Section IV....  the ``Application        By application due date.
                                                       Format'' section of
                                                       this announcement..
SF424...........................  See Section IV....  https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due date.
                                                       programs/ofs/forms.htm.
SF424A..........................  See Section IV....  https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due date.
                                                       programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Assurances and Certifications...  See Section IV....  https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due date.
                                                       programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Certification Regarding Lobbying  See Section IV....  https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due date.
                                                       programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Certification Regarding           See Section IV....  https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due date.
 Environmental Tobacco Smoke.                          programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 32801]]

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: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of 
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building, 
Washington, DC 20447-0002.
    Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate 
in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the 
program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. 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 that 
have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following 
URL: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
    A list of Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory is 
included with the application materials for this announcement.

5. Funding Restrictions

    SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B--The application must contain a signed 
Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), a 
Standard Form 424A Budget Information (SF 424A) and signed Standard 
Form 424B Assurance--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B) completed 
according to instructions provided in this Program Announcement.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status--For non-profit organizations, the 
application must contain documentation of the applicant's tax-exempt 
status as indicated in Section III of this announcement, Eligible 
Applicants.
    Project Narrative--The application must include a project narrative 
that addresses issues described in Section V of this announcement.
    Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects--ACF/OCS will not fund any 
project where the role of the applicant is primarily to serve as a 
conduit for funds to organizations other than the applicant. The 
applicant must have a substantive role in the implementation of the 
project for which funding is requested. This prohibition does not bar 
the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting for specific services or 
activities to conduct the project.
    Number of Projects in Application--Each application may include 
only one proposed project.
    Page Limitation--The application package including sections for the 
Table of Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives must 
not exceed 45 pages. The page limitation does not include the following 
attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also 
does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this 
announcement.
    Maximum Grant Amount--An application that exceeds the ceiling on 
the amount of the award, will be considered non-responsive and be 
returned to the applicant without further review.

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' Operations Center, 1515 Wilson 
Boulevard, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209, Attention: Catherine Beck.
    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' Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 
100, Arlington, VA 22209; Attention: Catherine Beck.
    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 25 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 April 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.

[[Page 32802]]

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 the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Additional Information
    Following are requests for additional information that need to be 
included in the application:
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; (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.
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
    Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget

[[Page 32803]]

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 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 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 45 CFR 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 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.
Non-Federal 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 pro