Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau; Funding Opportunity, 32825-32838 [05-11197]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
Dated: May 26, 2005.
Naomi Goldstein,
Director, Office of Planning, Research and
Evaluation.
[FR Doc. 05–11191 Filed 6–3–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and
Families
Administration on Children, Youth and
Families, Children’s Bureau; Funding
Opportunity
Funding Opportunity Title: National
Quality Improvement Center on the
Privatization of Child Welfare Services.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS–
2005–ACF–ACYF–CA–0027.
CFDA Number: 93.670.
Due Date for Applications:
Application is due August 5, 2005.
Executive Summary: The purpose of
this funding announcement is to award
a cooperative agreement for the creation
of a national Quality Improvement
Center (QIC) focused on identifying
effective practices in the privatization of
child welfare services. The QIC will
assess needs and resources, then plan
and implement research and
demonstration activities to develop
knowledge about improving child
welfare services and systems through
privatization.
The QIC will be awarded funds for a
planning period and an implementation
phase. During the planning period, the
QIC will engage in a collaborative
process to review the literature, clarify
the focus and refine the implementation
plan for the remainder of its child
welfare privatization knowledgebuilding activities. During the
implementation phase, the QIC will
sponsor (through sub-grants), monitor
and evaluate research or demonstration
projects that test a variety of
privatization models or hypotheses at
multiple sites. The QIC will also
provide technical assistance to its subgrantees, funded under this initiative.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The purpose of this funding
announcement is to award a cooperative
agreement for the creation of a national
Quality Improvement Center (QIC)
focused on identifying effective
practices in the privatization of child
welfare services. The QIC will assess
needs and resources, then plan and
implement research and demonstration
activities to develop knowledge about
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
improving child welfare services and
systems through privatization.
The QIC will be awarded funds for a
planning period and an implementation
phase. During the planning period, the
QIC will engage in a collaborative
process to review the literature, clarify
the focus and refine the implementation
plan for the remainder of its child
welfare privatization knowledgebuilding activities. During the
implementation phase, the QIC will
sponsor (through sub-grants), monitor
and evaluate research or demonstration
projects that test a variety of
privatization models or hypotheses at
multiple sites. The QIC will also
provide technical assistance to its subgrantees, funded under this initiative.
Priority Area 1
National Quality Improvement Center
on the Privatization of Child Welfare
Services
1. Description
The purpose of this funding
announcement is to award a cooperative
agreement for the creation of a national
Quality Improvement Center (QIC)
focused on identifying effective
practices in the privatization of child
welfare services. The QIC will assess
needs and resources, then plan and
implement research and demonstration
activities to develop knowledge about
improving child welfare services and
systems through privatization.
The QIC will be awarded funds for a
planning period and an implementation
phase. During the planning period, the
QIC will engage in a collaborative
process to review the literature, clarify
the focus and refine the implementation
plan for the remainder of its child
welfare privatization knowledgebuilding activities. During the
implementation phase, the QIC will
sponsor (through sub-grants), monitor
and evaluate research or demonstration
projects that test a variety of
privatization models or hypotheses at
multiple sites. The QIC will also
provide technical assistance to its subgrantees, funded under this initiative.
Background
Our nation’s child welfare systems are
faced with the challenge of producing
positive outcomes for the children and
families they serve. Over the past
several years, many States have
embarked on system improvement
efforts in response to changes in Federal
laws, shrinking State budgets, and/or
emerging trends and innovations in the
field of child welfare. System
improvements have been further
spurred by the CB’s approach to
PO 00000
Frm 00083
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
32825
monitoring the performance of State
child welfare systems by assessing
outcomes. These reviews seek to
determine what is actually happening to
children and families as they are
engaged in State child welfare services,
and to assist States to enhance their
capacity to help children and families
achieve positive outcomes.
In October, 2004, the Administration
for Children and Families (ACF)/
Children’s Bureau released its report on
findings from the initial Child and
Family Services Reviews (CFSRs). This
report includes data from all 50 States,
the District of Columbia, and Puerto
Rico regarding States’ conformity with
Federal standards for child welfare.
General findings from the Federal Child
and Family Services Review may be
found at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/cb/cwrp/results/statefindings/
genfindings04/index.htm. The report
discusses common challenges that
States face in providing for the safety,
permanency and well-being of children.
One common challenge pertains to
conducting risk and safety assessments
that are sufficiently comprehensive to
capture underlying family problems that
might contribute to child maltreatment.
Other common challenges pertain to
providing sufficient services to children
and parents when children remain in
their own homes, monitoring
participation in services, and
determining on an ongoing basis
whether the family situation has altered
enough to reduce risk of harm to the
child. Another key challenge for many
States is having a sufficient number and
type of placement options to ensure that
a child’s out-of-home placement is
based on appropriateness rather than
availability. Many States also are
experiencing challenges in
implementing concurrent planning on a
consistent basis.
Some States and counties are turning
to privatization of their child welfare
services. They believe this will move
the system toward innovation through
competition with incentives for good
results. Their goals are to increase
efficiency and effectiveness, improve
outcomes for children and families, and
control costs. Given the Children’s
Bureau’s mission of child safety,
permanency of placement, and wellbeing of children and families, it is
incumbent that new and promising
approaches to supporting children and
families be tested.
Some child welfare services have
already been privatized, some are in the
process of being privatized and some
States are considering privatization.
Kansas and Florida have implemented
statewide privatization efforts, while in
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
32826
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
Missouri; Maine; Hamilton County,
Ohio; and Wayne County, Michigan,
initiatives are targeted to specific
populations such as foster care and lowrisk families (An Assessment of the
Privatization of Child Welfare Services:
Challenges and Successes; 2003,
Freundlich, M.; Gerstenzang, S;
Children’s Rights, Inc., New York, NY).
Growing numbers of public child
welfare agencies are entering into
arrangements with private entities to
provide services for children and
families. However, experts do not
always agree on the value of these
efforts, in terms of cost savings,
efficiency, and improved outcomes
(Experts Disagree About Benefits of
Child Welfare Privatization, Children’s
Bureau Express, March, 2003 https://
cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/
nonissart.cfm?issue_id=2003–
03&disp_art=610&hlt=1.
Privatization can take a variety of
forms. Privatization—
Æ can be State wide or limited to
certain parts of States.
Æ can include all of child welfare, or
just parts, such as investigation, family
preservation, in-home services,
adoption and/or foster care.
Æ can be done all at once, or phased
in gradually.
Æ approaches include purchase-ofservice, managed care and network
development (i.e., contract with local
lead agencies that in turn subcontract to
create comprehensive service networks).
Æ service providers may be non-profit
or for-profit organizations.
The success of privatization
initiatives—
Æ can be judged by the extent to
which it improves outcomes for
children and families and/or saves
money.
Æ can depend on the quality of the
performance-based contract.
Privatization efforts take place against
a backdrop of Federal law and
regulations that must be considered as
public agencies strategically use
contracting to help them achieve their
goals. These include, but are not limited
to:
Æ Section 471(a) (2) of the Social
Security Act, which requires that a
single State agency administer or
supervise the administration of the title
IV–E programs to assure the uniform
statewide operation of these programs
and proper accountability to the Federal
government.
Æ 45 CFR–205.100(b), which provide
for this uniformity and accountability
by requiring the designated single State
agency to perform those administrative
functions that require the exercise of
discretion. The regulations prohibit the
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
State agency from delegating (to other
than its own officials) its authority for
exercising administrative discretion in
the administration or supervision of the
[State] plan.
Æ Office of Management and Budget
Circular A–76, ‘‘Performance of
Commercial Activities,’’ which in
pertinent part sets the parameters for
identifying inherently governmental
function.
When privatizing child welfare
services, the State maintains
administrative control and ultimate
responsibility for the components of the
Child Welfare system that are being
contracted out to the private sector.
In 1998 the Child Welfare League of
America stated ‘‘Twenty-nine states
reported to the Child Welfare League of
America that they utilized a managed
care or privatization model for the
delivery of child welfare services. The
states identified a total of 47 initiatives
that were designed to improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of services
through changes in management tools
and funding or contract strategies. Most
of the initiatives have transferred
responsibility for the management and
delivery of services to private nonprofit
agencies. However, the public agency
has a primary role in decision making.’’
(Managed Care and Privatization Child
Welfare Tracking Project: 1998 State and
County Survey Results, McCullough,
C.;Schmitt, B.; Child Welfare League of
America).
Through the national Quality
Improvement Center on the
Privatization of Child Welfare Services,
the ACF/Children’s Bureau will develop
and disseminate knowledge about what
works to States or counties which are
considering or have chosen to privatize
part or all of their Child Welfare system.
This support is intended to improve the
likelihood that these privatization
activities will result in better outcomes
for children and families.
The Children’s Bureau has an interest
in finding answers to questions about
privatization of child welfare services,
including—
Æ What is currently known about
challenges, successful strategies, lessons
learned, recommendations, best
practices?
Æ What knowledge gaps exist
regarding challenges, successful
strategies, lessons learned,
recommendations, best practices?
Æ Is enough now known about
privatization of child welfare services to
promote it, or does the field first need
to find out more about it? Are there
aspects that can be promoted now, like
best practices in contracting, while more
is learned about other issues?
PO 00000
Frm 00084
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Æ Are there aspects of child welfare
privatization that are more commonly
practiced, or that are more effectively
practiced?
Æ What is known about the role of
faith-based child welfare agencies and
their congregational partners in the
privatization of the child welfare
system? Is there any evidence of
effective models of collaboration?
Æ Are there portions of the child
welfare system that lend themselves to
privatization more than other portions?
Æ Are there some areas that should
not be privatized?
Æ What kind of contract monitoring
capacity should exist within child
welfare agencies before they undertake
these efforts?
Æ Are there certain jurisdictions (e.g.
urban/rural) or populations (youth,
children with special needs) for which
privatization is more appropriate?
Æ How is child welfare privatization
similar to/different from privatization of
other social services like child care,
child support enforcement, health care,
etc.? If there are similarities, what can
be learned from these other
privatization initiatives that can be
applied to child welfare privatization?
Legislative Authority
The Promoting Safe and Stable
Families Program, Title IV–B, subpart 2
of the Social Security Act, as amended
(42 U.S.C. 629 et seq.); see Section 435
(42 U.S.C. 629(e)).
The Child Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Act Section 105(b)(5)a (42
U.S.C. 5106).
Projects funded under this
announcement will be expected to:
1. Have the project fully functioning
within 90 days following the
notification of the grant award.
2. Participate if the Children’s Bureau
chooses to do a national evaluation or
a technical assistance contract that
relates to this funding announcement.
3. Submit all performance indicator
data, program and financial reports in a
timely manner, in recommended format
(to be provided), and submit the final
report on disk or electronically using a
standard word-processing program.
4. Submit a copy of the final report,
the evaluation report, and any program
products to the National Clearinghouse
on Child Abuse and Neglect
Information, 330 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20447, within 90 days
of project end date. This is in addition
to the standard requirement that the
final program and evaluation report
must also be submitted to the Grants
Management Specialist and the Federal
Project Officer.
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
5. Allocate sufficient funds in the
budget to:
(a) Provide for the project director, the
evaluator and other key partners to
attend an annual 3-day grantees’
meeting in Washington, DC.
(b) Provide for the project director, the
evaluator and other key partners to
attend an early kickoff meeting for
grantees funded under this priority area
to be held within the first three months
of the project (first year only) in
Washington, DC; and
(c) Provide for 10–15 percent of the
proposed budget to project evaluation.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Quality
Improvement Center on the
Privatization of Child Welfare Services
The Quality Improvement Center on
the Privatization of Child Welfare
Services is expected to perform the
following functions:
(a) Develop knowledge about
improving outcomes for children and
family in the child welfare system
through privatization;
(b) Promote collaborative problem
solving among sub-grantees;
(c) Develop and implement
privatization research and
demonstration projects to promote
innovation, evidence-based practice
improvements, and advancement of
knowledge about privatization of child
welfare services;
(d) Establish an information-sharing
network to disseminate information on
promising practices; and
(e) Evaluate the impact of
privatization on the quality, availability,
cost-effectiveness and overall
effectiveness of child welfare services.
It must be emphasized that the QIC on
the Privatization of Child Welfare
Services will not assume training,
technical assistance and information
dissemination functions and
responsibilities currently performed by
the Children’s Bureau National
Resource Centers, Clearinghouses, and
other T/TA Network partners.
One distinctive function of the QIC
that separates it from other support
resources provided by the Children’s
Bureau is that the QIC will build
knowledge in the area of child welfare
service privatization by announcing and
disbursing sub-grant funding to conduct
research and demonstration projects.
The QIC will also monitor and evaluate
these research or demonstration projects
and provide technical assistance and
support to these sub-grantees.
Research and demonstration projects
sponsored by the QIC under this
initiative must:
(a) Develop and implement an
evidence-based privatization model or
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
innovative improvement through
privatization of the Child Welfare
system with specific components or
strategies that are based on theory,
research, or evaluation data;
(b) Conduct an evaluation and cost
analysis to determine the effectiveness
and cost-effectiveness of the model and
its components or strategies using
multiple measures of results; and
(c) Produce detailed procedures and
materials, based on the evaluation, that
will contribute to and promote
evidence-based strategies, practices and
programs that may be used to guide
replication or testing in other settings.
Specific Tasks To Be Performed by the
Quality Improvement Center During the
Planning and Implementation Phases
Applicants are required to submit a
design that clearly and concisely
describes a strategy for a 12-month
planning phase (Phase I) for the
development of the QIC to be followed
by a 48-month implementation phase
(Phase II). In Phase II, the QIC will
announce, award, monitor and evaluate
48-month, research and demonstration
project sub-grants. The QIC will also
provide technical assistance (using its
own resources or through sub-contracts
with other technical assistance
providers) to sub-grantees funded under
this initiative.
The QIC will be required to cooperate
fully with any evaluation requested by
the ACF/Children’s Bureau. The QIC
will also be required to conduct an
evaluation of the research and
demonstration projects they sponsor.
Travel for Conferences and
Presentations
Within two months after the award of
the 12-month planning phase of the
cooperative agreement, the project
director of the QIC will be required to
attend a 1-day work planning meeting in
Washington, DC, with the Federal
Project Officer and other staff of the
ACF/Children’s Bureau for the purpose
of discussing details of the project work
plan and cooperative agreement.
Additionally, 10 months after the
award of the 12-month planning
cooperative agreements, the QIC
awardee will be required to make an
oral presentation to the ACF/Children’s
Bureau staff in Washington, DC, to
describe and defend their plan for the
Phase II-Version A implementation
(described below). Applicants are
advised to propose sending three project
staff to make the presentation—the
project director, the evaluator and one
other key partner).
The budget for the 12-month planning
grant should include funding for these
PO 00000
Frm 00085
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
32827
three meetings in Washington, DC: the
project director’s meeting within two
months, the three-person presentation
meeting at month 10, and two key staff
persons to the ACF/Children’s Bureau
annual grantees meeting, usually held in
the spring. In each of the four
implementation years, the QIC awardee
will be expected to send only the project
director and the evaluator to the annual
grantee meeting.
Plan for Phase I (Planning)
Applicants are expected to present a
Phase I plan that addresses the
components described in the
Background section of this
announcement and includes, but is not
limited to: (1) An analysis of the current
state of privatization in child welfare,
and the issues and opportunities
privatization presents for improving
child welfare practice and (2) a feasible
and appropriate method for conducting
a comprehensive needs assessment; (3)
a systematic approach for fine tuning
the topic focus and refining the
implementation plan; (4) a strategy for
developing a comprehensive review of
the literature and best practices; (5) an
approach and method for the timely
development of the Phase II
implementation plan; and (6) a
preliminary design for the Phase IIVersion A implementation plan that
presents a clear and comprehensive
vision of how the proposed QIC would
operate.
Although applicants will be accorded
considerable flexibility in developing a
strategy tailored to the needs and
resources they identify in their Year 1
comprehensive needs assessment, it is
anticipated that applications for the first
year of funding must present a method
for completing the following tasks
during Phase I:
(a) Conduct a comprehensive needs
assessment that describes and evaluates
the effectiveness of current child
welfare service privatization efforts and
identifies service gaps, knowledge gaps,
and other issues (e.g., legal, cultural,
administrative) related to the effective
privatization of child welfare services.
This assessment should include, but not
be limited to, the collection and analysis
of data on the following factors, as
appropriate:
• Demographic characteristics of the
children and families receiving
privatized child welfare services and the
disposition of these cases (e.g.,
investigated, referred to social services,
or referred to court);
• Availability of agencies and
community-based organizations that can
provide privatized services (including
drug/alcohol and mental health
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
32828
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
treatment facilities and programs) for
families involved in the child welfare
system;
• Legal, administrative, court, social
service, financial and other issues
related to the effective privatization of
child welfare services;
• Strengths and weaknesses of
current privatization practices
pertaining to engagement, assessment,
case planning and service delivery,
monitoring and evaluation, case closure
and outcomes for children;
• Agencies on the national, regional,
State and local level that are engaged in
child welfare service privatization
activities;
• Availability of resources on the
national, regional, State and local level;
and
• Gaps in knowledge and resources
on the national, regional, State and local
level.
In developing a strategy for
conducting the needs assessment,
applicants are advised to propose
methods that do not require respondents
to complete written surveys or
questionnaires, because these surveys
will require prior approval from the
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). The OMB approval process
takes approximately 5–6 months.
Methods that do not require prior OMB
approval include conference calls, focus
groups, and unstructured telephone or
in-person interviews.
(b) Conduct a literature review that
provides a comprehensive analysis of
the research and promising practices
nationally and regionally on
privatization of child welfare services,
including cultural, financial, legal,
bureaucratic and other barriers to the
effective privatization of child welfare
services;
In the implementation phase (Phase
II), the QIC will focus on 4 years of
research/demonstration projects.
Therefore, the work plan has to be of
sufficient scope and magnitude to merit
intensive investigation. The activities
identified in the work plan and the
findings from the research and
demonstration projects sponsored by the
QIC should have a high probability of
significantly advancing theory, policy
and evidence-based practice in the field.
Additionally, and as explained below,
the research and demonstration projects
implemented in Phase II should be
designed to evaluate multiple
approaches and/or multi-site
interventions on the selected focus
topic. This strategy dictates that the
number of subjects (e.g., children,
families, social service providers, case
workers, supervisors) be large enough to
sustain a rigorous, methodologically
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
At a minimum, technical assistance
provided by the QIC to prospective subgrantees should consist of instructions
and materials providing information on
grant application requirements, suitable
grant topics, the role of partnerships and
collaborations, program and research
Plan for Phase II—Version A:
designs, data sources and data
Implementation
collection strategies, and evaluation
In Phase I, the QIC will be required to designs and analytic techniques. Other
develop and submit a Phase II—Version vehicles for providing technical
A plan for announcing and awarding
assistance may be proposed. For
research and demonstration sub-grants,
example, QIC applicants may propose
and monitoring and evaluating these
conducting a 1-day workshop open to
projects. These plans are expected to
all prospective grantees in the
build on knowledge gained from a
designated geographical region. The
review of the literature and promising
workshop should be designed to
practices in the field, the results from
provide information and answer
the comprehensive needs assessment,
questions of attendees;
and input from other sources.
5. Technical assistance to subApplicants are required to submit a
grantees awarded funding by the QIC.
preliminary design for Phase II—Version The QIC will be required to not only
A in this application that presents a
monitor the operations of the subclear and comprehensive vision of how
grantee projects, but also provide
the proposed QIC would operate.
ongoing support, guidance, and
Applicants are expected to describe the
technical assistance to sub-grantees to
approach and processes that will be
assist them in project implementation,
used to develop the implementation
data collection and evaluation;
plan, and address anticipated logistical
6. Administrative and management
and administrative issues. The Phase
structure for ensuring that sub-projects
II—Version A plan will be due 9 months are implemented within 90-days of the
after the award of the cooperative
award of their funding by the QIC,
agreement and must include, but not be monitoring sub-grants funded under this
limited to, the following components:
initiative, including appropriate plans
1. Comprehensive review of the
for fiscal accountability from the subliterature developed during the
grantees;
7. Mechanisms for forming and
planning phase (Phase I);
2. Conceptual framework or logic
maintaining a consortium and
model describing the linkages between
information-sharing network consisting
and among the (a) attributes of the
of partnerships with and among sites
populations, problems, conditions, and
awarded grants sponsored by the QIC
systems that are the target of the
(The Children’s Bureau anticipates that
interventions; (b) strategies; (c)
the members of the consortium will
resources; (d) traditional and innovative meet regularly to exchange information
services/strategies to be provided; and
and engage in collaborative problem(e) short- and long-term outcomes;
solving efforts.);
3. Administrative structure for
8. Methodology for evaluating subannouncing the availability of funding,
grantee research and demonstration
and reviewing and awarding sub-grants, projects, including ensuring that
including program description,
appropriate qualitative and quantitative
eligibility, funding levels, application
process and outcome data are collected
evaluation criteria and selection
by sub-grantees and participating
process. Eligible applicants for subagencies and organizations;
9. Strategy for information
grants will be those agencies that have
dissemination, including fostering and
authority over the child welfare
strengthening communication and
functions to be privatized;
4. The QIC will be required to provide coordination activities with National
technical assistance to prospective subResource Centers and Clearinghouses
grantees to assist them in designing
including, but not limited to, the
initiatives that meet the standards for
National Data Archive on Child Abuse
research and demonstration projects
and Neglect and the National
funded under this initiative. The design Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and
of these projects must be evidence-based Neglect Information; and
10. Institutionalize linkages with
with specific components or strategies
appropriate agencies, organizations and
that are based on theory, research, or
resources on the local, State or Federal
evaluation data. They must also pertain
level that are addressing issues
to issues of national scope and
pertaining to the prevention and
incorporate logic models and an
treatment of child abuse and neglect and
evaluation framework.
sound implementation and evaluation
plan.
Because the QIC initiative is funded
through a cooperative agreement, the
work plan will be subject to final
approval by the Children’s Bureau.
PO 00000
Frm 00086
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
the functions and operations of child
welfare services.
Presentation. Ten months after the
award of the cooperative agreement, the
grantee will be required to make an oral
presentation to the ACF/Children’s
Bureau staff in Washington, D.C., to
describe and defend their Phase II—
Version A implementation plan.
Plan for Phase II—Version B:
Implementation
One month after the presentation, the
QIC will be required to submit a revised
implementation work plan (Plan for
Phase II—Version B) incorporating the
recommendations of the Children’s
Bureau staff. This plan will be subject
to further review and approval by the
ACF/Children’s Bureau prior to
continuation funding.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type:
Cooperative Agreement.
Federal Substantial Involvement with
Cooperative Agreement: A cooperative
agreement is a specific method of
awarding Federal assistance in which
substantial Federal involvement is
anticipated. A cooperative agreement
clearly defines the respective
responsibilities of the ACF/Children’s
Bureau and the grantee prior to the
award. The ACF/Children’s Bureau
anticipates that agency involvement will
produce programmatic benefits to the
recipient otherwise unavailable to them
for carrying out the project. The
involvement and collaboration includes
ACF/Children’s Bureau review and
approval of planning stages of the
activities before implementation phases
may begin; ACF/Children’s Bureau
involvement in the establishment of
policies and procedures that maximize
open competition, and rigorous and
impartial development, review and
funding of grant or sub-grant activities,
if applicable; and ACF/Children’s
Bureau and recipient joint collaboration
in the performance of key programmatic
activities (i.e., strategic planning,
implementation, information technology
enhancements, training and technical
assistance, publications or products,
and evaluation). It also includes close
monitoring by the Children’s Bureau of
the requirements stated in this
announcement that limit the grantee’s
discretion with respect to scope of
services offered, organizational structure
and management processes, coupled
with close ACF/Children’s Bureau
monitoring during performance, which
may, in order to ensure compliance with
the intent of this funding, exceed those
Federal stewardship responsibilities
customary for grant activities.
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
Anticipated Total Priority Area
Funding: $900,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 0 to
1.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual
Awards Per Budget Period: $900,000.
Average Projected Award Amount Per
Budget Period: $900,000.
Length of Project Periods: 60 month
project with five 12 month budget
periods; Other.
Explanation of Other: The maximum
Federal share of this project is not to
exceed $900,000 per period. In years 2–
5 the grantee will use $550,000 per year
for operating the QIC and will award the
balance of the grant funds ($350,000 per
year) to sub-grantees. The project
awarded will be for a project period of
60 months. The initial grant award will
be for a 12-month budget period. The
award of continuation beyond each 12month budget period will be subject to
the availability of funds, satisfactory
progress on the part of the grantee, and
a determination that continued funding
would be in the best interest of the
government.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State controlled institutions of higher
education, Non-profits having a
501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3)
status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education, Private
institutions of higher education, Forprofit organizations other than small
businesses, Small businesses.
Additional Information on Eligibility:
Partnerships are encouraged between
for-profit and non-profit agencies and
universities with experience in child
welfare and privatization issues, but
applications should identify a primary
applicant responsible for administering
the grant.
Faith-based and community
organizations that meet all other
eligibility criteria are eligible to apply.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
Yes.
In year 1 the required match is 10
percent of the total project, based on the
$900,000 Federal share. The total
approved cost of the project is the sum
of the ACF share and the non-Federal
share. The non-Federal share may be
met by cash or in-kind contributions,
although applicants are encouraged to
meet their match requirements through
cash contributions. Therefore, a project
requesting $900,000 in Federal funds for
the first budget period must provide a
match of at least $100,000 (10 percent
PO 00000
Frm 00087
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
32829
of the total approved project costs) in
the first budget period. In years 2–5 the
required match is 10 percent based on
the $550,000 of the Federal share which
the QIC uses to operate the project. In
years 2–5 the QIC will not be required
to match the $350,000 which is awarded
by the QIC to its sub-grantees.
The project or activity will have a
greater likelihood of success if the
grantee contributes to the costs of the
project. Cost-sharing will not be used as
a preference and/or evaluation criterion
in the review of applications.
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 nonprofit 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.
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
32830
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
• 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.
When applying electronically we
strongly suggest you attach your proof of
non-profit status with your electronic
application.
Private, non-profit organizations are
encouraged to submit with their
applications the survey 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 nonresponsive and will not be eligible for
funding under this announcement.
Any application that fails to satisfy
the deadline requirements referenced in
Section IV.3 will be considered nonresponsive and will not be considered
for funding under this announcement.
IV. Application and Submission
Information
1. Address To Request Application
Package
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The
Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: ACF/
Children’s Bureau, 118 Q St., NE.,
Washington, DC 20002–2132.
2. Content and Form of Application
Submission
Each application must contain the
following items in the order listed:
Application for Federal Assistance
(Standard Form 424). Follow the
instructions below and those that
accompany the form.
In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS
number in ‘‘Organizational DUNS:’’ box.
In Item 5 of Form 424, include name,
phone number, and, if available, email
and fax numbers of the contact person.
In Item 8 of Form 424, check ‘‘New.’’
In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly
identify the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) program title and
number for the program for which funds
are being requested as stated in this
funding opportunity announcement.
In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the
single funding opportunity the
application addresses.
In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the
specific geographic area to be served.
In Item 14 of Form 424, identify
Congressional districts of both the
applicant and project.
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
Budget Information Non-Construction
Programs (Form 424A) and Budget
Justification.
Follow the instructions provided here
and those in Section V. Application
Review Information. Note that Federal
funds provided to States and services or
other resources purchased with Federal
funds may not be used to match project
grants.
Certifications/Assurances. Applicants
requesting financial assistance for nonconstruction projects must file the
Standard Form 424B, ‘‘Assurances: NonConstruction Programs.’’ Applicants
must sign and return the Standard Form
424B with their applications.
Applicants must provide a certification
regarding lobbying when applying for
an award in excess of $100,000.
Applicants must sign and return the
certification with their applications.
Applicants must disclose lobbying
activities on the Standard Form LLL
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 to
report lobbying. Applicants must sign
and return the disclosure form, if
applicable, with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate
certification regarding environmental
tobacco smoke. By signing and
submitting the application, the
applicant is providing the certification
and need not mail back the certification
with the applications.
If applicable, applicants must include
a completed SPOC certification (Single
Point of Contact) with the date of the
SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1
of the Form 424.
In implementing their projects,
grantees are expected to comply with all
applicable administrative regulations
regarding extent or types of costs.
Applicable DHHS regulations can be
found in 45 CFR Part 74 or 92.
Project Abstract/Summary (one page
maximum, double spaced). Clearly mark
this page with the applicant name as
shown on item 5 of the Form 424,
identify the competitive grant funding
opportunity and the title of the
proposed project as shown in item 11
and the service area as shown in item
12 of the Form 424. The summary
description should not exceed 300
words.
Care should be taken to produce an
abstract/summary that accurately and
concisely reflects the proposed project.
It should describe the objectives of the
project, the approach to be used and the
results or benefits expected.
PO 00000
Frm 00088
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Project Description for Evaluation.
Applicants should organize their project
description in this sequence: (1)
Objectives and Need for Assistance; (2)
Approach; (3) Organizational Profiles;
(4) Budget and Budget Justification.
Match. Provide a letter of
commitment verifying the actual
amount of the non-Federal share of
project costs (see Section III.2).
Indirect cost rate agreement. If
claiming indirect costs, provide
documentation that applicant currently
has an indirect cost rate approved by the
Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) or another cognizant
Federal agency.
Letters of agreement and memoranda
of understanding. If applicable, include
a letter of commitment or Memorandum
of Understanding from each partner
and/or sub-contractor describing their
role, detailing specific tasks to be
performed, and expressing commitment
to participate if the proposed project is
funded.
General Content and Form Information
The application limit is 90 pages total
including all forms and attachments.
Pages over this page limit will be
removed from the application and will
not be reviewed.
The ACF/Children’s Bureau strongly
prefers that the entire application
(including all forms, assurances and
letters of commitment) be sent in one
package.
To be considered for funding, each
application must be submitted with the
Standard Federal Forms (provided at the
end of this announcement or through
the electronic links provided) and
following the guidance provided. The
application must be signed by an
individual authorized to act for the
applicant agency and to assume
responsibility for the obligations
imposed by the terms and conditions of
the grant award.
To be considered for funding, each
applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the
application, including all forms and
attachments, to the Application Receipt
Point specified in the section titled
Deadline at the beginning of the
announcement. The original copy of the
application must have original
signatures.
The application must be typed,
double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least 1⁄2 inch margins on
each side and 1 inch at the top and
bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts
(such as Times Roman or Courier).
Pages must be numbered.
All copies of an application must be
submitted in a single package, and a
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
separate package must be submitted for
each funding opportunity. The package
must be clearly labeled for the specific
funding opportunity it is addressing.
Because each application will be
duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs,
plastic inserts, maps, brochures, or any
other items that cannot be processed
easily on a photocopy machine with an
automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple,
or fasten in any way separate
subsections of the application,
including supporting documentation;
however, each complete copy must be
stapled securely in the upper left corner.
Applicants are advised that the copies
of the application submitted, not the
original, will be reproduced by the
Federal government for review.
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 and Social Security
numbers, if otherwise required for
individuals. The copies may include
summary salary information.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive
Application. It is essential that
applicants read the entire
announcement package carefully before
preparing an application and include all
of the required application forms and
attachments. The application must
reflect a thorough understanding of the
purpose and objectives of the applicable
legislation. Reviewers expect applicants
to understand the goals of the legislation
and the ACF/Children’s Bureau’s
interest in each topic. A ‘‘responsive
application’’ is one that addresses all of
the evaluation criteria in ways that
demonstrate this understanding.
Applications that are considered to be
‘‘unresponsive’’ generally receive very
low scores and are rarely funded.
The ACF/Children’s Bureau’s Web
site (https://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/
cb) provides a wide range of information
and links to other relevant Web sites.
Before you begin preparing an
application, we suggest that you learn
more about the mission and programs of
the Children’s Bureau by exploring the
Web site.
Organizing Your Application. The
specific evaluation criteria in Section V
of this funding announcement will be
used to review and evaluate each
application. The applicant should
address each of these specific evaluation
criteria in the project description.
Applicants should organize their project
description in this sequence: (1)
Objectives and Need for Assistance; (2)
Approach; (3) Organizational Profiles;
(4) Budget and Budget Justification; and
should use the same headings as these
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
criteria, so that reviewers can readily
find information that directly addresses
each of the specific review criteria.
Project Evaluation Plan. Project
evaluations are very important. If you
do not have the in-house capacity to
conduct an objective, comprehensive
evaluation of the project, then the ACF/
Children’s Bureau advises that you
propose contracting with a third-party
evaluator specializing in social science
or evaluation, or a university or college,
to conduct the evaluation. A skilled
evaluator can assist you in designing a
data collection strategy that is
appropriate for the evaluation of your
proposed project. Additional assistance
may be found in a document titled
‘‘Program Manager’s Guide to
Evaluation.’’ A copy of this document
can be accessed at https://
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/core/
pubs_reports/prog_mgr.html or ordered
by contacting the National
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and
Neglect Information, 330 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20447; phone (800)
394–3366; fax (703) 385–3206; e-mail
nccanch@calib.com.
Use of Human Subjects. If your
evaluation plan includes gathering data
from or about clients, there are specific
procedures which must be followed in
order to protect their privacy and ensure
the confidentiality of the information
about them. Applicants planning to
gather such data are asked to describe
their plans regarding an Institutional
Review Board (IRB) review. If
applicable, applicants must include a
completed Form 310, Protection of
Human Subjects. For more information
about use of human subjects and IRB’s
you can visit these Web sites: https://
www.hhs.gov/ohrp/irb/irb_
chapter2.htm#d2 and https://
www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/
guidance/ictips.htm.
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 offline, and then upload and submit the
application via the Grants.gov site. ACF
will not accept grant applications via email 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
PO 00000
Frm 00089
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
32831
you do not wait until the application
deadline date to begin the application
process through Grants.gov.
• We recommend you visit Grants.gov
at least 30 days prior to filing your
application to fully understand the
process and requirements. We
encourage applicants who submit
electronically to submit well before the
closing date and time so that if
difficulties are encountered an applicant
can still send in a hard copy overnight.
If you encounter difficulties, please
contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1–
800–518–4276 to report the problem
and obtain assistance with the system.
• 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
www.Grants.gov
• You must search for the
downloadable application package by
the CFDA number.
Originals, Copies and Signatures
If submitting your application in
paper format, 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
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
32832
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
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.
Those organizations required to
provide proof of non-profit status,
please refer to Section III.3.
Please see Section V.1, for
instructions on preparing the full
project description.
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—NonConstruction 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
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
What to submit
3. Submission Dates and Times
Explanation of Due Dates
The closing time and date for receipt
of applications is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern
Time Zone) on the date noted above.
Mailed or hand carried applications
received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing
date will be classified as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be
considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or
before the deadline time and date at the
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc., ATTN: ACF/Children’s
Bureau, 118 Q Street NE., Washington,
DC 20002–2132. Applicants are
responsible for mailing applications
well in advance, when using all mail
services, to ensure that the applications
are received on or before the deadline
time and date.
Required content
Project Abstract ........................................
Project Description ....................................
Budget Narrative/Justification ...................
SF424 .......................................................
See
See
See
See
SF-LLL Certification Regarding Lobbying
See Section IV.2 ...........
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
Assurances ...............................................
See Section IV.2 ...........
SF424A .....................................................
See Section IV.2 ...........
SF424B .....................................................
See Section IV.2 ...........
Proof of Non-Profit Status ........................
Letters of commitment from partners (if
applicable).
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable).
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
Sections IV.2 and V
Sections IV.2 and V
Sections IV.2 and V
Section IV.2 ...........
Applications hand-carried by
applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by
overnight/express mail couriers shall be
considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or
before the deadline date, between the
hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, at
the ACYF Operations Center, c/o The
Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: ACF/
Children’s Bureau, 118 Q Street NE.,
Washington, DC 20002–2132, between
Monday and Friday (excluding Federal
holidays). This address must appear on
the envelope/package containing the
application with the note. Applicants
are cautioned that express/overnight
mail services do not always deliver as
agreed.
Late applications: Applications which
do not meet the criteria above are
considered late applications. ACF shall
notify each late applicant that its
application will not be considered in
the current competition. Any
application received after 4:30 p.m. on
the deadline date will not be considered
for competition. Applicants using
express/overnight mail services should
allow two working days prior to the
deadline date for receipt of applications.
(Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always
deliver as agreed).
Extension of deadlines: ACF may
extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God
(floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or when
there are widespread disruptions of mail
service, or in other rare cases. A
determination to extend or waive
deadline requirements rests with the
Chief Grants Management Officer.
Checklist:
You may use the checklist below as a
guide when preparing your application
package.
Required form or format
When to submit
By
By
By
By
See Section III.3 ............
See Section IV ..............
Found in Sections IV.2 and V .................
Found in Sections IV.2 and V .................
Found in Sections IV.2 and V .................
See https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
See https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
See https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
See https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
See https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
See https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Found in Section III.3 ..............................
See Section IV .........................................
See Section IV ..............
See Section IV .........................................
By application due date.
See Section IV.2 ...........
PO 00000
Frm 00090
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
application
application
application
application
due
due
due
due
date.
date.
date.
date.
By application due date.
By application due date.
By application due date.
By application due date.
By application due date.
By application due date.
By application due date.
32833
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
What to submit
Required content
Required form or format
Non-Federal Commitment Letter ..............
See Section III.2 ............
See Section III.2 ......................................
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
When to submit
By Time of Award.
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 Grant Applicants.
See form ........................
Found in https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
By application due date (with
application).
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.
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
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
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 federallyrecognized 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.
Center, 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC
20002–2132.
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: c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc. ATTN: ACF/Children’s
Bureau, Attention: ACYF Operations
Center, 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC
20002–2132.
Electronic Submission: https://
www.Grants.gov Please see Section IV.2
for guidelines and requirements when
submitting applications electronically.
V. Application Review Information
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(Pub. L. 104–13)
Grant awards will not allow
reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction is not an allowable
activity or expenditure under this
solicitation.
Public reporting burden for this
collection of information is estimated to
average 40 hours per response,
including the time for reviewing
instructions, gathering and maintaining
the data needed and reviewing the
collection information.
The project description is approved
under OMB control number 0970–0139
which expires 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.
6. Other Submission Requirements
1. Criteria
Submission by Mail: An applicant
must provide an original application
with all attachments, signed by an
authorized representative and two
copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an
explanation of due dates. Applications
should be mailed to: c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc. ATTN: ACF/Children’s
Bureau, Attention: ACYF Operations
The following are instructions and
guidelines on how to prepare the
‘‘project summary/abstract’’ and ‘‘full
project description’’ sections of the
application. Under the evaluation
criteria section, note that each criterion
is preceded by the generic evaluation
requirement under the ACF Uniform
Project Description (UPD).
5. Funding Restrictions
PO 00000
Frm 00091
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
32834
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
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
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
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.
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.
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.
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00092
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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 nonprofit 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.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide a budget with line item detail
and detailed calculations for each
budget object class identified on the
Budget Information form. Detailed
calculations must include estimation
methods, quantities, unit costs, and
other similar quantitative detail
sufficient for the calculation to be
duplicated. Also include a breakout by
the funding sources identified in Block
15 of the SF–424.
Provide a narrative budget
justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss
the necessity, reasonableness, and
allocability of the proposed costs.
General
Use the following guidelines for
preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and nonFederal resources shall be detailed and
justified in the budget and narrative
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
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), nonFederal 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.
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
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 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,
PO 00000
Frm 00093
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
32835
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 process. A detailed budget must
be prepared for each funding source.
Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect
Charges, Total Project Costs
Evaluation Criteria:
The following evaluation criteria
appear in weighted descending order.
The corresponding score values indicate
the relative importance that ACF places
on each evaluation criterion; however,
applicants need not develop their
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
32836
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
applications precisely according to the
order presented. Application
components may be organized such that
a reviewer will be able to follow a
seamless and logical flow of information
(i.e., from a broad overview of the
project to more detailed information
about how it will be conducted).
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 50 points
In reviewing the approach, the
following factors will be considered: (50
points)
1. The extent to which there is a
sound timeline for effectively
implementing the proposed project,
including major milestones and target
dates. The extent to which the proposed
project would complete all the activities
described in this funding announcement
within the 5 year project time frame.
2. The extent to which the overall
design and strategies to be used by the
proposed QIC demonstrate an
understanding of issues in the child
welfare system and in child welfare
service privatization, and the
characteristics, needs and services
currently available to children and
families brought to the attention of the
child welfare system.
3. The extent to which the plan for
conducting the needs assessment is: (a)
Appropriate and feasible; (b) likely to
result in the development of a
comprehensive description and
evaluation of the current state of child
welfare privatization; and (c) likely to
identify knowledge gaps and barriers to
the effective privatization of child
welfare services.
4. The extent to which the strategy for
refining the focus for the QIC during the
planning year will involve input from a
wide range of stakeholders, including
key national, regional, State, and local
agencies and organizations.
5. The extent to which the Phase I
plan presents a feasible and appropriate
method for conducting a comprehensive
review of the literature that includes the
identification of best practices and
promising approaches in child welfare
service privatization.
6. The extent to which the applicant’s
preliminary design for Phase II–Version
A:
a. Demonstrates that the
implementation plan would be
developed in a manner which is likely
to result in the timely production of a
plan that is feasible and appropriate,
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
and includes input from a wide range of
relevant sources.
b. Presents a viable conceptual
framework or logic model describing the
linkages between and among the (1)
attributes of the populations, problems,
conditions, and systems that are the
target of the interventions; (2) resources;
(3) traditional and innovative services to
be provided; and (4) short- and longterm outcomes.
c. Presents an appropriate and feasible
approach for creating an administrative
structure for announcing the availability
of funding, and reviewing and awarding
sub-grants, including program
description, agency eligibility, funding
levels, application evaluation criteria,
and selection process.
d. Presents an appropriate and
feasible plan for providing technical
assistance to prospective sub-grantees to
assist them in designing initiatives that
meet the standards for research and
demonstration projects funded under
this initiative.
e. Presents an appropriate and feasible
plan for providing support, guidance
and technical assistance to sub-grantees
to assist them in project
implementation, data collection and
evaluation.
f. Presents an appropriate and feasible
plan constructing an administrative and
management structure for ensuring that
sub-grantee projects are implemented
within 90-days of the award of their
funding by the QIC, monitoring and
managing sub-grants funded under this
initiative, including appropriate plans
for fiscal accountability from the subgrantee projects.
g. Presents a feasible and appropriate
approach to the formation of a
consortium and information-sharing
network consisting of partnerships with
and among sites awarded grants
sponsored by the QIC.
h. Presents a feasible and appropriate
methodology for evaluating and
conducing a cost analysis of sub-grantee
research and demonstration projects,
including ensuring that appropriate
qualitative and quantitative process and
outcome data are collected by subgrantee sites and participating agencies
and organizations.
i. Presents feasible and appropriate
strategies for information dissemination,
including fostering and strengthening
communication and coordination
activities with National Resource
Centers and Clearinghouses including
the National Data Archive on Child
Abuse and Neglect and the National
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and
Neglect Information.
j. Identifies and addresses the
conceptual, management and logistical
PO 00000
Frm 00094
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
issues involved in developing and
implementing the QIC-sponsored
research and demonstration projects.
k. Presents a clear and comprehensive
vision of how the proposed QIC would
operate once sub-grants are awarded.
7. The extent to which there will be
an effective administrative and
organizational interface between the
applicant and key partners. The extent
to which the application includes
appropriate letters of commitment from
these partner organizations.
8. The extent to which the project’s
evaluation plan would address both the
entire project, and each of its sub-parts.
The extent to which the evaluation
would measure achievement of project
objectives, customer satisfaction,
acquisition of competencies,
effectiveness of program services and
project strategies, the efficiency of the
implementation process, the effect of
privatizing services on outcomes for
children and family in the child welfare
system, the cost-effectiveness of
privatized services, and the impact of
the project. The extent to which the
methods of evaluation would provide
performance feedback, support periodic
assessment of program progress and
provide a sound basis for program
adjustments. The extent to which the
proposed evaluation plan would be
likely to yield useful findings or results
about effective strategies, and contribute
to and promote evaluation research and
evidence-based practices that could be
used to guide replication or testing in
other settings. The extent to which
applicants that do not have the in-house
capacity to conduct an objective,
comprehensive evaluation of the project
present a sound plan for contracting
with a third-party evaluator specializing
in social science or evaluation, or a
university or college to conduct the
evaluation.
9. The extent to which there is a
sound plan for documenting project
activities and results, including the
development of a data collection
infrastructure that is sufficient to
support a methodologically sound and
rigorous evaluation. The extent to which
relevant data would be collected. The
extent to which there is a sound plan for
collecting these data, securing informed
consent and implementing an
Institutional Review Board (IRB) review,
if applicable.
10. The extent to which there is a
sound plan for developing useful
products during the proposed project
and a reasonable schedule for
developing these products. The extent
to which the intended audience (e.g.,
researchers, policymakers, and
practitioners) for product dissemination
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
is comprehensive and appropriate. The
extent to which the dissemination plan
includes appropriate mechanisms and
forums that would effectively convey
the information and support successful
replication by other interested agencies.
Organizational Profiles 20 points
In reviewing the organizational
profiles, the following factors will be
considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the
application evidences sufficient
experience and expertise in
administration, development,
implementation, management, and
evaluation of similar projects. The
extent to which each participating
organization (including partners and/or
subcontractors) possesses the
organizational capability to fulfill their
assigned roles and functions effectively
(if the application involves partnering
and/or subcontracting with other
agencies/organizations).
(2) The extent to which the proposed
project director and key project staff
possess sufficient relevant knowledge,
experience and capabilities to
implement and manage a project of this
size, scope and complexity effectively
(e.g., resumes). The extent to which the
role, responsibilities and time
commitments of each proposed project
staff position, including consultants,
subcontractors and/or partners, are
clearly defined and appropriate to the
successful implementation of the
proposed project.
(3) The extent to which there is a
sound management plan for achieving
the objectives of the proposed project on
time and within budget, including
clearly defined responsibilities, for
accomplishing project tasks and
ensuring quality. The extent to which
the plan clearly describes the effective
management and coordination of
activities carried out by any partners,
subcontractors and consultants (if
appropriate). The extent to which there
would be a mutually beneficial
relationship between the proposed
project and other work planned,
anticipated or underway with Federal
assistance by the applicant.
Objectives and Need for Assistance 20
points
In reviewing the objectives and need
for assistance, the following factors will
be considered: (20 points)
1. The extent to which the applicant
demonstrates an understanding of the
goals and objectives of this Quality
Improvement Center on Privatization of
Child Welfare Services initiative. The
extent to which the application presents
a clear vision for the proposed project
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
to be developed and implemented. The
extent to which the applicant makes a
clear statement of the goals (end
products of an effective project) and
objectives (measurable steps for
reaching these goals) of the proposed
project. The extent to which these goals
and objectives closely relate to
objectives of this funding
announcement. The extent to which the
applicant demonstrates how the
proposed project would contribute to
achieving these goals and objectives.
2. The extent to which the application
demonstrates an understanding of the
Child Welfare System and applicable
laws, and Federal policies regarding the
contracting of Child Welfare services.
3. The extent to which the applicant
demonstrates an understanding the
challenges facing the child welfare
system and the current status of existing
services.
4. The extent to which the application
demonstrates a thorough understanding
of the need for developing and
disseminating knowledge about child
welfare privatization. The extent to
which the applicant clearly describes
and documents the types and extent of
barriers to privatizing child welfare
services; and the potential benefits of
child welfare service privatization.
5. The extent to which the applicant
demonstrates a clear and concise vision
of the role of the QIC in implementing
the proposed project.
6. The extent to which the application
demonstrates a thorough understanding
of the challenges of privatizing child
welfare services. The extent to which
the application demonstrates a thorough
understanding of the challenges that the
proposed project will have in
developing knowledge about child
welfare service privatization. The extent
to which the applicant provides a sound
plan explaining how the project would
successfully overcome these challenges.
7. The extent to which the proposed
QIC, if successfully implemented,
would build the knowledge base about
best practices in child welfare service
privatization.
8. The extent to which the application
presents a thorough review of the
relevant literature that reflects a clear
understanding of the research on best
practices and promising approaches as
it relates to the child welfare system and
privatization of child welfare services.
The extent to which the review includes
a description of the cultural, financial,
legal, bureaucratic and other types of
barriers to the efficient and effective
privatization of child welfare services.
The extent to which the review of the
literature sets a sound context and
rationale for the project. The extent to
PO 00000
Frm 00095
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
32837
which it provides evidence that the
proposed project is innovative and, if
successfully implemented and
evaluated, likely to contribute to the
knowledge base on child welfare service
privatization.
9. The extent to which the proposed
QIC would build an infrastructure of
collaborative partnerships and
information networks that will promote
research and innovative demonstration
projects that will contribute to increased
knowledge or understanding of the
problems, issues, and effective strategies
and practices in the field of child
welfare service privatization.
10. The extent to which the proposed
QIC, if successfully implemented,
would be likely to yield findings or
results that may be used by other
agencies and organizations interested in
privatization of child welfare services.
The extent to which the lessons learned
through the proposed project would
benefit policy, practice and theory
development related to privatization of
child welfare services.
11. The extent to which the proposed
QIC, if successfully implemented, is
likely to develop strategies and sponsor
research and demonstration projects
that can be replicated by other regions
and/or agencies addressing the same or
similar problems and, as appropriate,
the potential for implementation in a
variety of settings.
Budget and Budget Justification
points
10
In reviewing the budget and budget
justification, the following factors will
be considered: (10 points)
(1) The extent to which the costs of
the proposed project are reasonable and
appropriate, in view of the activities to
be conducted and expected results and
benefits. The extent to which the
applicant will provide the required
match (see Section III.2).
(2) The extent to which the
applicant’s fiscal controls and
accounting procedures would ensure
prudent use, proper and timely
disbursement and accurate accounting
of funds received under this program
announcement.
2. Review and Selection Process
Since ACF will be using non-Federal
reviewers in the review process,
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.
No grant award will be made under
this announcement on the basis of an
incomplete application.
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
32838
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 107 / Monday, June 6, 2005 / Notices
A panel of at least three reviewers
(primarily experts from outside the
Federal government) will use the
evaluation criteria described in this
announcement to evaluate each
application. The reviewers will
determine the strengths and weaknesses
of each application, provide comments
about the strengths and weaknesses and
give each application a numerical score.
The results of the competitive review
are a primary factor in making funding
decisions. In addition, Federal staff
conducts administrative reviews of the
applications and, in light of the results
of the competitive review, will
recommend applications for funding to
the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF
reserves the option of discussing
applications with other funding sources
when this is in the best interest of the
Federal government. ACYF may also
solicit and consider comments from
ACF Regional Office staff in making
funding decisions. ACYF may take into
consideration the involvement
(financial and/or programmatic) of the
private sector, national, or State or
community foundations; a favorable
balance between Federal and nonFederal funds for the proposed project;
or the potential for high benefit from
low Federal investment. ACYF may
elect not to fund any applicants having
known management, fiscal, reporting,
programmatic, or other problems which
make it unlikely that they would be able
to provide effective services or
effectively complete the proposed
activity.
With the results of the peer review
and the information from Federal staff,
the Commissioner of ACYF makes the
final funding decisions. The
Commissioner may give special
consideration to applications proposing
services of special interest to the
Government and to achieve geographic
distributions of grant awards.
Applications of special interest may
include, but are not limited to,
applications focusing on underserved or
inadequately served clients or service
areas and programs addressing diverse
ethnic populations.
Available Funds. Applicants should
note that grants to be awarded under
this program announcement are subject
to the availability of funds.
Approved but Unfunded Applications
Applications that are approved but
unfunded may be held over for funding
in the next funding cycle, pending the
availability of funds, for a period not to
exceed one year.
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:25 Jun 03, 2005
Jkt 205001
3. Anticipated Announcement and
Award Dates
Applications will be reviewed in the
summer of 2005. Grant awards will have
a start date no later than September 30,
2005.
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 (nongovernmental) or 45 CFR Part 92
(governmental).
Direct federal grants, sub-award
funds, or contracts under this program
shall not be used to support inherently
religious activities such as religious
instruction, worship, or proselytization.
Therefore, organizations must take steps
to separate, in time or location, their
inherently religious activities from the
services funded under this program.
Regulations pertaining to the
prohibition of Federal funds for
inherently religious activities can be
found on the HHS web site at https://
www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf
Special Terms and Conditions
None.
3. Reporting Requirements
Program Progress Reports: Semiannually.
Financial Reports: Semi-annually.
Grantees will be required to submit
program progress and financial reports
(SF–269) throughout the project period.
Program progress and financial reports
are due 30 days after the reporting
period. In addition, final programmatic
and financial reports are due 90 days
after the close of the project period.
Performance Indicator Data,
Programmatic Reports and Financial
Reports are required semi-annually. All
required reports will be submitted in a
timely manner, in recommended
formats (to be provided), and the final
PO 00000
Frm 00096
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
report will also be submitted on disk or
electronically using a standard wordprocessing program.
Within 90 days of project end date,
the applicant will submit a copy of the
final report and any program products
to the National Clearinghouse on Child
Abuse and Neglect Information, 330 C
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
This is in addition to the standard
requirement that the final program and
evaluation report must also be
submitted to the Grants Management
Specialist and the Federal Project
Officer.
II. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Jan Shafer,
Administration for Children and
Families, Children’s Bureau, 330 C
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447,
phone: 202–205–8172, e-mail:
jshafer@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact:
Peter Thompson, Grants Officer,
Administration for Children and
Families, Children’s Bureau, 330 C
Street, SW. Room 2070, Washington, DC
20447, phone: 202–401–4608, e-mail:
pathompson@acf.hhs.gov.
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/.
Additional information about this
program and its purpose can be located
on the following Web sites: https://
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/.
For general questions regarding this
announcement please contact: ACYF
Operations Center, The Dixon Group
ATTN: Children’s Bureau, 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington DC 20002–2132,
Telephone: 866–796–1591.
Applicants will not be sent
acknowledgements of received
applications.
Dated: May 25, 2005.
Susan Orr,
Acting Commissioner, Administration on
Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 05–11197 Filed 6–3–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184–01–P
E:\FR\FM\06JNN1.SGM
06JNN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 107 (Monday, June 6, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32825-32838]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11197]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's
Bureau; Funding Opportunity
Funding Opportunity Title: National Quality Improvement Center on
the Privatization of Child Welfare Services.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-CA-0027.
CFDA Number: 93.670.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due August 5, 2005.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this funding announcement is to
award a cooperative agreement for the creation of a national Quality
Improvement Center (QIC) focused on identifying effective practices in
the privatization of child welfare services. The QIC will assess needs
and resources, then plan and implement research and demonstration
activities to develop knowledge about improving child welfare services
and systems through privatization.
The QIC will be awarded funds for a planning period and an
implementation phase. During the planning period, the QIC will engage
in a collaborative process to review the literature, clarify the focus
and refine the implementation plan for the remainder of its child
welfare privatization knowledge-building activities. During the
implementation phase, the QIC will sponsor (through sub-grants),
monitor and evaluate research or demonstration projects that test a
variety of privatization models or hypotheses at multiple sites. The
QIC will also provide technical assistance to its sub-grantees, funded
under this initiative.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The purpose of this funding announcement is to award a cooperative
agreement for the creation of a national Quality Improvement Center
(QIC) focused on identifying effective practices in the privatization
of child welfare services. The QIC will assess needs and resources,
then plan and implement research and demonstration activities to
develop knowledge about improving child welfare services and systems
through privatization.
The QIC will be awarded funds for a planning period and an
implementation phase. During the planning period, the QIC will engage
in a collaborative process to review the literature, clarify the focus
and refine the implementation plan for the remainder of its child
welfare privatization knowledge-building activities. During the
implementation phase, the QIC will sponsor (through sub-grants),
monitor and evaluate research or demonstration projects that test a
variety of privatization models or hypotheses at multiple sites. The
QIC will also provide technical assistance to its sub-grantees, funded
under this initiative.
Priority Area 1
National Quality Improvement Center on the Privatization of Child
Welfare Services
1. Description
The purpose of this funding announcement is to award a cooperative
agreement for the creation of a national Quality Improvement Center
(QIC) focused on identifying effective practices in the privatization
of child welfare services. The QIC will assess needs and resources,
then plan and implement research and demonstration activities to
develop knowledge about improving child welfare services and systems
through privatization.
The QIC will be awarded funds for a planning period and an
implementation phase. During the planning period, the QIC will engage
in a collaborative process to review the literature, clarify the focus
and refine the implementation plan for the remainder of its child
welfare privatization knowledge-building activities. During the
implementation phase, the QIC will sponsor (through sub-grants),
monitor and evaluate research or demonstration projects that test a
variety of privatization models or hypotheses at multiple sites. The
QIC will also provide technical assistance to its sub-grantees, funded
under this initiative.
Background
Our nation's child welfare systems are faced with the challenge of
producing positive outcomes for the children and families they serve.
Over the past several years, many States have embarked on system
improvement efforts in response to changes in Federal laws, shrinking
State budgets, and/or emerging trends and innovations in the field of
child welfare. System improvements have been further spurred by the
CB's approach to monitoring the performance of State child welfare
systems by assessing outcomes. These reviews seek to determine what is
actually happening to children and families as they are engaged in
State child welfare services, and to assist States to enhance their
capacity to help children and families achieve positive outcomes.
In October, 2004, the Administration for Children and Families
(ACF)/Children's Bureau released its report on findings from the
initial Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs). This report includes
data from all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico
regarding States' conformity with Federal standards for child welfare.
General findings from the Federal Child and Family Services Review may
be found at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/cwrp/results/
statefindings/genfindings04/index.htm. The report discusses common
challenges that States face in providing for the safety, permanency and
well-being of children. One common challenge pertains to conducting
risk and safety assessments that are sufficiently comprehensive to
capture underlying family problems that might contribute to child
maltreatment. Other common challenges pertain to providing sufficient
services to children and parents when children remain in their own
homes, monitoring participation in services, and determining on an
ongoing basis whether the family situation has altered enough to reduce
risk of harm to the child. Another key challenge for many States is
having a sufficient number and type of placement options to ensure that
a child's out-of-home placement is based on appropriateness rather than
availability. Many States also are experiencing challenges in
implementing concurrent planning on a consistent basis.
Some States and counties are turning to privatization of their
child welfare services. They believe this will move the system toward
innovation through competition with incentives for good results. Their
goals are to increase efficiency and effectiveness, improve outcomes
for children and families, and control costs. Given the Children's
Bureau's mission of child safety, permanency of placement, and well-
being of children and families, it is incumbent that new and promising
approaches to supporting children and families be tested.
Some child welfare services have already been privatized, some are
in the process of being privatized and some States are considering
privatization. Kansas and Florida have implemented statewide
privatization efforts, while in
[[Page 32826]]
Missouri; Maine; Hamilton County, Ohio; and Wayne County, Michigan,
initiatives are targeted to specific populations such as foster care
and low-risk families (An Assessment of the Privatization of Child
Welfare Services: Challenges and Successes; 2003, Freundlich, M.;
Gerstenzang, S; Children's Rights, Inc., New York, NY).
Growing numbers of public child welfare agencies are entering into
arrangements with private entities to provide services for children and
families. However, experts do not always agree on the value of these
efforts, in terms of cost savings, efficiency, and improved outcomes
(Experts Disagree About Benefits of Child Welfare Privatization,
Children's Bureau Express, March, 2003 https://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/
nonissart.cfm?issue_id=2003-03&disp_art=610&hlt=1.
Privatization can take a variety of forms. Privatization--
[cir] can be State wide or limited to certain parts of States.
[cir] can include all of child welfare, or just parts, such as
investigation, family preservation, in-home services, adoption and/or
foster care.
[cir] can be done all at once, or phased in gradually.
[cir] approaches include purchase-of-service, managed care and
network development (i.e., contract with local lead agencies that in
turn subcontract to create comprehensive service networks).
[cir] service providers may be non-profit or for-profit
organizations.
The success of privatization initiatives--
[cir] can be judged by the extent to which it improves outcomes for
children and families and/or saves money.
[cir] can depend on the quality of the performance-based contract.
Privatization efforts take place against a backdrop of Federal law
and regulations that must be considered as public agencies
strategically use contracting to help them achieve their goals. These
include, but are not limited to:
[cir] Section 471(a) (2) of the Social Security Act, which requires
that a single State agency administer or supervise the administration
of the title IV-E programs to assure the uniform statewide operation of
these programs and proper accountability to the Federal government.
[cir] 45 CFR-205.100(b), which provide for this uniformity and
accountability by requiring the designated single State agency to
perform those administrative functions that require the exercise of
discretion. The regulations prohibit the State agency from delegating
(to other than its own officials) its authority for exercising
administrative discretion in the administration or supervision of the
[State] plan.
[cir] Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76, ``Performance
of Commercial Activities,'' which in pertinent part sets the parameters
for identifying inherently governmental function.
When privatizing child welfare services, the State maintains
administrative control and ultimate responsibility for the components
of the Child Welfare system that are being contracted out to the
private sector.
In 1998 the Child Welfare League of America stated ``Twenty-nine
states reported to the Child Welfare League of America that they
utilized a managed care or privatization model for the delivery of
child welfare services. The states identified a total of 47 initiatives
that were designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of
services through changes in management tools and funding or contract
strategies. Most of the initiatives have transferred responsibility for
the management and delivery of services to private nonprofit agencies.
However, the public agency has a primary role in decision making.''
(Managed Care and Privatization Child Welfare Tracking Project: 1998
State and County Survey Results, McCullough, C.;Schmitt, B.; Child
Welfare League of America).
Through the national Quality Improvement Center on the
Privatization of Child Welfare Services, the ACF/Children's Bureau will
develop and disseminate knowledge about what works to States or
counties which are considering or have chosen to privatize part or all
of their Child Welfare system. This support is intended to improve the
likelihood that these privatization activities will result in better
outcomes for children and families.
The Children's Bureau has an interest in finding answers to
questions about privatization of child welfare services, including--
[cir] What is currently known about challenges, successful
strategies, lessons learned, recommendations, best practices?
[cir] What knowledge gaps exist regarding challenges, successful
strategies, lessons learned, recommendations, best practices?
[cir] Is enough now known about privatization of child welfare
services to promote it, or does the field first need to find out more
about it? Are there aspects that can be promoted now, like best
practices in contracting, while more is learned about other issues?
[cir] Are there aspects of child welfare privatization that are
more commonly practiced, or that are more effectively practiced?
[cir] What is known about the role of faith-based child welfare
agencies and their congregational partners in the privatization of the
child welfare system? Is there any evidence of effective models of
collaboration?
[cir] Are there portions of the child welfare system that lend
themselves to privatization more than other portions?
[cir] Are there some areas that should not be privatized?
[cir] What kind of contract monitoring capacity should exist within
child welfare agencies before they undertake these efforts?
[cir] Are there certain jurisdictions (e.g. urban/rural) or
populations (youth, children with special needs) for which
privatization is more appropriate?
[cir] How is child welfare privatization similar to/different from
privatization of other social services like child care, child support
enforcement, health care, etc.? If there are similarities, what can be
learned from these other privatization initiatives that can be applied
to child welfare privatization?
Legislative Authority
The Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, Title IV-B, subpart
2 of the Social Security Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 629 et seq.); see
Section 435 (42 U.S.C. 629(e)).
The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Section 105(b)(5)a (42
U.S.C. 5106).
Projects funded under this announcement will be expected to:
1. Have the project fully functioning within 90 days following the
notification of the grant award.
2. Participate if the Children's Bureau chooses to do a national
evaluation or a technical assistance contract that relates to this
funding announcement.
3. Submit all performance indicator data, program and financial
reports in a timely manner, in recommended format (to be provided), and
submit the final report on disk or electronically using a standard
word-processing program.
4. Submit a copy of the final report, the evaluation report, and
any program products to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and
Neglect Information, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, within 90
days of project end date. This is in addition to the standard
requirement that the final program and evaluation report must also be
submitted to the Grants Management Specialist and the Federal Project
Officer.
[[Page 32827]]
5. Allocate sufficient funds in the budget to:
(a) Provide for the project director, the evaluator and other key
partners to attend an annual 3-day grantees' meeting in Washington, DC.
(b) Provide for the project director, the evaluator and other key
partners to attend an early kickoff meeting for grantees funded under
this priority area to be held within the first three months of the
project (first year only) in Washington, DC; and
(c) Provide for 10-15 percent of the proposed budget to project
evaluation.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Quality Improvement Center on the
Privatization of Child Welfare Services
The Quality Improvement Center on the Privatization of Child
Welfare Services is expected to perform the following functions:
(a) Develop knowledge about improving outcomes for children and
family in the child welfare system through privatization;
(b) Promote collaborative problem solving among sub-grantees;
(c) Develop and implement privatization research and demonstration
projects to promote innovation, evidence-based practice improvements,
and advancement of knowledge about privatization of child welfare
services;
(d) Establish an information-sharing network to disseminate
information on promising practices; and
(e) Evaluate the impact of privatization on the quality,
availability, cost-effectiveness and overall effectiveness of child
welfare services.
It must be emphasized that the QIC on the Privatization of Child
Welfare Services will not assume training, technical assistance and
information dissemination functions and responsibilities currently
performed by the Children's Bureau National Resource Centers,
Clearinghouses, and other T/TA Network partners.
One distinctive function of the QIC that separates it from other
support resources provided by the Children's Bureau is that the QIC
will build knowledge in the area of child welfare service privatization
by announcing and disbursing sub-grant funding to conduct research and
demonstration projects. The QIC will also monitor and evaluate these
research or demonstration projects and provide technical assistance and
support to these sub-grantees.
Research and demonstration projects sponsored by the QIC under this
initiative must:
(a) Develop and implement an evidence-based privatization model or
innovative improvement through privatization of the Child Welfare
system with specific components or strategies that are based on theory,
research, or evaluation data;
(b) Conduct an evaluation and cost analysis to determine the
effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the model and its components or
strategies using multiple measures of results; and
(c) Produce detailed procedures and materials, based on the
evaluation, that will contribute to and promote evidence-based
strategies, practices and programs that may be used to guide
replication or testing in other settings.
Specific Tasks To Be Performed by the Quality Improvement Center During
the Planning and Implementation Phases
Applicants are required to submit a design that clearly and
concisely describes a strategy for a 12-month planning phase (Phase I)
for the development of the QIC to be followed by a 48-month
implementation phase (Phase II). In Phase II, the QIC will announce,
award, monitor and evaluate 48-month, research and demonstration
project sub-grants. The QIC will also provide technical assistance
(using its own resources or through sub-contracts with other technical
assistance providers) to sub-grantees funded under this initiative.
The QIC will be required to cooperate fully with any evaluation
requested by the ACF/Children's Bureau. The QIC will also be required
to conduct an evaluation of the research and demonstration projects
they sponsor.
Travel for Conferences and Presentations
Within two months after the award of the 12-month planning phase of
the cooperative agreement, the project director of the QIC will be
required to attend a 1-day work planning meeting in Washington, DC,
with the Federal Project Officer and other staff of the ACF/Children's
Bureau for the purpose of discussing details of the project work plan
and cooperative agreement.
Additionally, 10 months after the award of the 12-month planning
cooperative agreements, the QIC awardee will be required to make an
oral presentation to the ACF/Children's Bureau staff in Washington, DC,
to describe and defend their plan for the Phase II-Version A
implementation (described below). Applicants are advised to propose
sending three project staff to make the presentation--the project
director, the evaluator and one other key partner).
The budget for the 12-month planning grant should include funding
for these three meetings in Washington, DC: the project director's
meeting within two months, the three-person presentation meeting at
month 10, and two key staff persons to the ACF/Children's Bureau annual
grantees meeting, usually held in the spring. In each of the four
implementation years, the QIC awardee will be expected to send only the
project director and the evaluator to the annual grantee meeting.
Plan for Phase I (Planning)
Applicants are expected to present a Phase I plan that addresses
the components described in the Background section of this announcement
and includes, but is not limited to: (1) An analysis of the current
state of privatization in child welfare, and the issues and
opportunities privatization presents for improving child welfare
practice and (2) a feasible and appropriate method for conducting a
comprehensive needs assessment; (3) a systematic approach for fine
tuning the topic focus and refining the implementation plan; (4) a
strategy for developing a comprehensive review of the literature and
best practices; (5) an approach and method for the timely development
of the Phase II implementation plan; and (6) a preliminary design for
the Phase II-Version A implementation plan that presents a clear and
comprehensive vision of how the proposed QIC would operate.
Although applicants will be accorded considerable flexibility in
developing a strategy tailored to the needs and resources they identify
in their Year 1 comprehensive needs assessment, it is anticipated that
applications for the first year of funding must present a method for
completing the following tasks during Phase I:
(a) Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment that describes and
evaluates the effectiveness of current child welfare service
privatization efforts and identifies service gaps, knowledge gaps, and
other issues (e.g., legal, cultural, administrative) related to the
effective privatization of child welfare services. This assessment
should include, but not be limited to, the collection and analysis of
data on the following factors, as appropriate:
Demographic characteristics of the children and families
receiving privatized child welfare services and the disposition of
these cases (e.g., investigated, referred to social services, or
referred to court);
Availability of agencies and community-based organizations
that can provide privatized services (including drug/alcohol and mental
health
[[Page 32828]]
treatment facilities and programs) for families involved in the child
welfare system;
Legal, administrative, court, social service, financial
and other issues related to the effective privatization of child
welfare services;
Strengths and weaknesses of current privatization
practices pertaining to engagement, assessment, case planning and
service delivery, monitoring and evaluation, case closure and outcomes
for children;
Agencies on the national, regional, State and local level
that are engaged in child welfare service privatization activities;
Availability of resources on the national, regional, State
and local level; and
Gaps in knowledge and resources on the national, regional,
State and local level.
In developing a strategy for conducting the needs assessment,
applicants are advised to propose methods that do not require
respondents to complete written surveys or questionnaires, because
these surveys will require prior approval from the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB). The OMB approval process takes approximately 5-6
months. Methods that do not require prior OMB approval include
conference calls, focus groups, and unstructured telephone or in-person
interviews.
(b) Conduct a literature review that provides a comprehensive
analysis of the research and promising practices nationally and
regionally on privatization of child welfare services, including
cultural, financial, legal, bureaucratic and other barriers to the
effective privatization of child welfare services;
In the implementation phase (Phase II), the QIC will focus on 4
years of research/demonstration projects. Therefore, the work plan has
to be of sufficient scope and magnitude to merit intensive
investigation. The activities identified in the work plan and the
findings from the research and demonstration projects sponsored by the
QIC should have a high probability of significantly advancing theory,
policy and evidence-based practice in the field. Additionally, and as
explained below, the research and demonstration projects implemented in
Phase II should be designed to evaluate multiple approaches and/or
multi-site interventions on the selected focus topic. This strategy
dictates that the number of subjects (e.g., children, families, social
service providers, case workers, supervisors) be large enough to
sustain a rigorous, methodologically sound implementation and
evaluation plan.
Because the QIC initiative is funded through a cooperative
agreement, the work plan will be subject to final approval by the
Children's Bureau.
Plan for Phase II--Version A: Implementation
In Phase I, the QIC will be required to develop and submit a Phase
II--Version A plan for announcing and awarding research and
demonstration sub-grants, and monitoring and evaluating these projects.
These plans are expected to build on knowledge gained from a review of
the literature and promising practices in the field, the results from
the comprehensive needs assessment, and input from other sources.
Applicants are required to submit a preliminary design for Phase
II--Version A in this application that presents a clear and
comprehensive vision of how the proposed QIC would operate. Applicants
are expected to describe the approach and processes that will be used
to develop the implementation plan, and address anticipated logistical
and administrative issues. The Phase II--Version A plan will be due 9
months after the award of the cooperative agreement and must include,
but not be limited to, the following components:
1. Comprehensive review of the literature developed during the
planning phase (Phase I);
2. Conceptual framework or logic model describing the linkages
between and among the (a) attributes of the populations, problems,
conditions, and systems that are the target of the interventions; (b)
strategies; (c) resources; (d) traditional and innovative services/
strategies to be provided; and (e) short- and long-term outcomes;
3. Administrative structure for announcing the availability of
funding, and reviewing and awarding sub-grants, including program
description, eligibility, funding levels, application evaluation
criteria and selection process. Eligible applicants for sub-grants will
be those agencies that have authority over the child welfare functions
to be privatized;
4. The QIC will be required to provide technical assistance to
prospective sub-grantees to assist them in designing initiatives that
meet the standards for research and demonstration projects funded under
this initiative. The design of these projects must be evidence-based
with specific components or strategies that are based on theory,
research, or evaluation data. They must also pertain to issues of
national scope and incorporate logic models and an evaluation
framework.
At a minimum, technical assistance provided by the QIC to
prospective sub-grantees should consist of instructions and materials
providing information on grant application requirements, suitable grant
topics, the role of partnerships and collaborations, program and
research designs, data sources and data collection strategies, and
evaluation designs and analytic techniques. Other vehicles for
providing technical assistance may be proposed. For example, QIC
applicants may propose conducting a 1-day workshop open to all
prospective grantees in the designated geographical region. The
workshop should be designed to provide information and answer questions
of attendees;
5. Technical assistance to sub-grantees awarded funding by the QIC.
The QIC will be required to not only monitor the operations of the sub-
grantee projects, but also provide ongoing support, guidance, and
technical assistance to sub-grantees to assist them in project
implementation, data collection and evaluation;
6. Administrative and management structure for ensuring that sub-
projects are implemented within 90-days of the award of their funding
by the QIC, monitoring sub-grants funded under this initiative,
including appropriate plans for fiscal accountability from the sub-
grantees;
7. Mechanisms for forming and maintaining a consortium and
information-sharing network consisting of partnerships with and among
sites awarded grants sponsored by the QIC (The Children's Bureau
anticipates that the members of the consortium will meet regularly to
exchange information and engage in collaborative problem-solving
efforts.);
8. Methodology for evaluating sub-grantee research and
demonstration projects, including ensuring that appropriate qualitative
and quantitative process and outcome data are collected by sub-grantees
and participating agencies and organizations;
9. Strategy for information dissemination, including fostering and
strengthening communication and coordination activities with National
Resource Centers and Clearinghouses including, but not limited to, the
National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect and the National
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information; and
10. Institutionalize linkages with appropriate agencies,
organizations and resources on the local, State or Federal level that
are addressing issues pertaining to the prevention and treatment of
child abuse and neglect and
[[Page 32829]]
the functions and operations of child welfare services.
Presentation. Ten months after the award of the cooperative
agreement, the grantee will be required to make an oral presentation to
the ACF/Children's Bureau staff in Washington, D.C., to describe and
defend their Phase II--Version A implementation plan.
Plan for Phase II--Version B: Implementation
One month after the presentation, the QIC will be required to
submit a revised implementation work plan (Plan for Phase II--Version
B) incorporating the recommendations of the Children's Bureau staff.
This plan will be subject to further review and approval by the ACF/
Children's Bureau prior to continuation funding.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
Federal Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: A
cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding Federal
assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is anticipated. A
cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective responsibilities
of the ACF/Children's Bureau and the grantee prior to the award. The
ACF/Children's Bureau anticipates that agency involvement will produce
programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to them
for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration
includes ACF/Children's Bureau review and approval of planning stages
of the activities before implementation phases may begin; ACF/
Children's Bureau involvement in the establishment of policies and
procedures that maximize open competition, and rigorous and impartial
development, review and funding of grant or sub-grant activities, if
applicable; and ACF/Children's Bureau and recipient joint collaboration
in the performance of key programmatic activities (i.e., strategic
planning, implementation, information technology enhancements, training
and technical assistance, publications or products, and evaluation). It
also includes close monitoring by the Children's Bureau of the
requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational
structure and management processes, coupled with close ACF/Children's
Bureau monitoring during performance, which may, in order to ensure
compliance with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal
stewardship responsibilities customary for grant activities.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $900,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 0 to 1.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $900,000.
Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period: $900,000.
Length of Project Periods: 60 month project with five 12 month
budget periods; Other.
Explanation of Other: The maximum Federal share of this project is
not to exceed $900,000 per period. In years 2-5 the grantee will use
$550,000 per year for operating the QIC and will award the balance of
the grant funds ($350,000 per year) to sub-grantees. The project
awarded will be for a project period of 60 months. The initial grant
award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation
beyond each 12-month budget period will be subject to the availability
of funds, satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of
the government.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State controlled institutions of higher education, Non-profits
having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of
higher education, Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with
the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private
institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than
small businesses, Small businesses.
Additional Information on Eligibility: Partnerships are encouraged
between for-profit and non-profit agencies and universities with
experience in child welfare and privatization issues, but applications
should identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the
grant.
Faith-based and community organizations that meet all other
eligibility criteria are eligible to apply.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
Yes.
In year 1 the required match is 10 percent of the total project,
based on the $900,000 Federal share. The total approved cost of the
project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-
Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although
applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash
contributions. Therefore, a project requesting $900,000 in Federal
funds for the first budget period must provide a match of at least
$100,000 (10 percent of the total approved project costs) in the first
budget period. In years 2-5 the required match is 10 percent based on
the $550,000 of the Federal share which the QIC uses to operate the
project. In years 2-5 the QIC will not be required to match the
$350,000 which is awarded by the QIC to its sub-grantees.
The project or activity will have a greater likelihood of success
if the grantee contributes to the costs of the project. Cost-sharing
will not be used as a preference and/or evaluation criterion in the
review of applications.
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.
[[Page 32830]]
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.
When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your
proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey 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 that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will
not be considered for funding under this announcement.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: ACF/
Children's Bureau, 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Each application must contain the following items in the order
listed:
Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424). Follow the
instructions below and those that accompany the form.
In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS number in ``Organizational DUNS:''
box.
In Item 5 of Form 424, include name, phone number, and, if
available, email and fax numbers of the contact person.
In Item 8 of Form 424, check ``New.''
In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for
which funds are being requested as stated in this funding opportunity
announcement.
In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single funding opportunity the
application addresses.
In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the specific geographic area to be
served.
In Item 14 of Form 424, identify Congressional districts of both
the applicant and project.
Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and Budget
Justification.
Follow the instructions provided here and those in Section V.
Application Review Information. Note that Federal funds provided to
States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds may
not be used to match project grants.
Certifications/Assurances. Applicants requesting financial
assistance for non-construction projects must file the Standard Form
424B, ``Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign
and return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants
must provide a certification regarding lobbying when applying for an
award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the
certification with their applications.
Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form
LLL 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 to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding
environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application,
the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the
certification with the applications.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC
contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
In implementing their projects, grantees are expected to comply
with all applicable administrative regulations regarding extent or
types of costs. Applicable DHHS regulations can be found in 45 CFR Part
74 or 92.
Project Abstract/Summary (one page maximum, double spaced). Clearly
mark this page with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the Form
424, identify the competitive grant funding opportunity and the title
of the proposed project as shown in item 11 and the service area as
shown in item 12 of the Form 424. The summary description should not
exceed 300 words.
Care should be taken to produce an abstract/summary that accurately
and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the
objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the results or
benefits expected.
Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize
their project description in this sequence: (1) Objectives and Need for
Assistance; (2) Approach; (3) Organizational Profiles; (4) Budget and
Budget Justification.
Match. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount
of the non-Federal share of project costs (see Section III.2).
Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs, provide
documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If applicable,
include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of Understanding from each
partner and/or sub-contractor describing their role, detailing specific
tasks to be performed, and expressing commitment to participate if the
proposed project is funded.
General Content and Form Information
The application limit is 90 pages total including all forms and
attachments. Pages over this page limit will be removed from the
application and will not be reviewed.
The ACF/Children's Bureau strongly prefers that the entire
application (including all forms, assurances and letters of commitment)
be sent in one package.
To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted
with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this
announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following
the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual
authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility
for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant
award.
To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the application, including all
forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in
the section titled Deadline at the beginning of the announcement. The
original copy of the application must have original signatures.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the
top and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
All copies of an application must be submitted in a single package,
and a
[[Page 32831]]
separate package must be submitted for each funding opportunity. The
package must be clearly labeled for the specific funding opportunity it
is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps,
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation; however, each complete copy must be stapled
securely in the upper left corner. Applicants are advised that the
copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be
reproduced by the Federal government for review.
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 and Social Security numbers, if
otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary
salary information.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application. It is essential that
applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before
preparing an application and include all of the required application
forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough
understanding of the purpose and objectives of the applicable
legislation. Reviewers expect applicants to understand the goals of the
legislation and the ACF/Children's Bureau's interest in each topic. A
``responsive application'' is one that addresses all of the evaluation
criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding. Applications that
are considered to be ``unresponsive'' generally receive very low scores
and are rarely funded.
The ACF/Children's Bureau's Web site (https://www.acf.dhhs.gov/
programs/cb) provides a wide range of information and links to other
relevant Web sites. Before you begin preparing an application, we
suggest that you learn more about the mission and programs of the
Children's Bureau by exploring the Web site.
Organizing Your Application. The specific evaluation criteria in
Section V of this funding announcement will be used to review and
evaluate each application. The applicant should address each of these
specific evaluation criteria in the project description. Applicants
should organize their project description in this sequence: (1)
Objectives and Need for Assistance; (2) Approach; (3) Organizational
Profiles; (4) Budget and Budget Justification; and should use the same
headings as these criteria, so that reviewers can readily find
information that directly addresses each of the specific review
criteria.
Project Evaluation Plan. Project evaluations are very important. If
you do not have the in-house capacity to conduct an objective,
comprehensive evaluation of the project, then the ACF/Children's Bureau
advises that you propose contracting with a third-party evaluator
specializing in social science or evaluation, or a university or
college, to conduct the evaluation. A skilled evaluator can assist you
in designing a data collection strategy that is appropriate for the
evaluation of your proposed project. Additional assistance may be found
in a document titled ``Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation.'' A copy
of this document can be accessed at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
core/pubs_reports/prog_mgr.html or ordered by contacting the
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 330 C
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447; phone (800) 394-3366; fax (703) 385-
3206; e-mail nccanch@calib.com.
Use of Human Subjects. If your evaluation plan includes gathering
data from or about clients, there are specific procedures which must be
followed in order to protect their privacy and ensure the
confidentiality of the information about them. Applicants planning to
gather such data are asked to describe their plans regarding an
Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. If applicable, applicants must
include a completed Form 310, Protection of Human Subjects. For more
information about use of human subjects and IRB's you can visit these
Web sites: https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2 and http:/
/www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm.
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.
We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior
to filing your application to fully understand the process and
requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to
submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties
are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight.
If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk
at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the
system.
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 www.Grants.gov
You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
Originals, Copies and Signatures
If submitting your application in paper format, 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
[[Page 32832]]
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 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 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.
Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status,
please refer to Section III.3.
Please see Section V.1, for instructions on preparing the full
project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Explanation of Due Dates
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
(Eastern Time Zone) on the date noted above. Mailed or hand carried
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be
classified as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date at the ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.,
ATTN: ACF/Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street NE., Washington, DC 20002-
2132. Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications
are received on or before the deadline time and date.
Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group,
Inc., ATTN: ACF/Children's Bureau, 118 Q Street NE., Washington, DC
20002-2132, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
This address must appear on the envelope/package containing the
application with the note. Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current
competition. Any application received after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline
date will not be considered for competition. Applicants using express/
overnight mail services should allow two working days prior to the
deadline date for receipt of applications. (Applicants are cautioned
that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed).
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
Checklist:
You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your
application package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Abstract.............. See Sections IV.2 Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
and V. and V.
Project Description........... See Sections IV.2 Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
and V. and V.
Budget Narrative/Justification See Sections IV.2 Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
and V. and V.
SF424......................... See Section IV.2. See https:// By application due date.
www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding See Section IV.2. See https:// By application due date.
Lobbying. www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Certification Regarding See Section IV.2. See https:// By application due date.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke. www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Assurances.................... See Section IV.2. See https:// By application due date.
www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
SF424A........................ See Section IV.2. See https:// By application due date.
www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
SF424B........................ See Section IV.2. See https:// By application due date.
www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Proof of Non-Profit Status.... See Section III.3 Found in Section III.3 By application due date.
Letters of commitment from See Section IV... See Section IV........ By application due date.
partners (if applicable).
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement See Section IV... See Section IV........ By application due date.
(if applicable).
[[Page 32833]]
Non-Federal Commitment Letter. See Section III.2 See Section III.2..... By Time of Award.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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......... Found in https:// By application due date (with
Grant Applicants. www.acf.hhs.gov/ application).
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 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.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this
solicitation.
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. Please see Section IV.3 for an
explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: c/o The
Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: ACF/Children's Bureau, Attention: ACYF
Operations Center, 118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
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: c/o The Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: ACF/Children's Bureau,
Attention: