Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau; Demonstration Projects That Improve Child Well-Being by Fostering Healthy Marriages Within Underserved Communities, 33508-33519 [05-11298]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 8, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33508-33519]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11298]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's 
Bureau; Demonstration Projects That Improve Child Well-Being by 
Fostering Healthy Marriages Within Underserved Communities

    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-CA-0089.
    CFDA Number: 93.670.
    Due Date for Applications: Application is due August 8, 2005.
    Executive Summary: This funding announcement seeks proposals that 
improve child well-being by removing barriers to and strengthening 
family formation and healthy marriage in underserved communities. The 
Children's Bureau believes that by designing strategies to target 
funding for healthy marriage activities to community-based agencies in 
underserved communities where high rates of child protection and foster 
care resources are used, child well-being may be improved and the rate 
of children of color in foster care could be reduced. Projects will 
explore and remove barriers to forming lasting families and healthy 
marriages as a means to promote the well-being of children and families 
who are at risk of entering, or are already in the child welfare 
system. Projects will also explore what particular services, delivery, 
and outreach efforts designed to support the formation and stability of 
healthy marriages are most effective at helping children and families 
in targeted communities.
    Grantees must comply with applicable laws, including those that 
prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, 
disability, and age in their programs.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Priority Area 1: Demonstration Projects That Improve Child Well-Being 
by Fostering Healthy Marriages within Underserved Communities

1. Description
    This funding announcement seeks proposals that improve child well-
being by removing barriers to and strengthening family formation and 
healthy marriage in underserved communities. The Children's Bureau 
believes that by designing strategies to target funding for healthy 
marriage activities to community-based agencies in underserved 
communities where high rates of child protection and foster care 
resources are used, child well-being may be improved and the rate of 
children of color in foster care could be reduced. Projects will 
explore and remove barriers to forming lasting families and healthy 
marriages as a means to promote the well-being of children and families 
who are at risk of entering, or are already in the child welfare 
system. Projects will also explore what particular services, delivery, 
and outreach efforts designed to support the formation and stability of 
healthy marriages are most effective at helping children and families 
in targeted communities.
    Grantees must comply with applicable laws, including those that 
prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, 
disability, and age in their programs.
Background
    The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Healthy Marriage 
Initiative (HMI) seeks to improve child well-being by helping those who 
choose marriage for themselves to develop the skills and knowledge 
necessary to form and sustain healthy marriages. Research demonstrates 
the strong correlation between family structure and a family's social 
and economic well-being.

[[Page 33509]]

Congress, recognizing the fact that two-parent, married families 
represent the ideal environment for raising children, incorporated 
marriage, family formation and responsible fatherhood as key components 
in welfare reform legislation (the Temporary Assistance for Needy 
Families program), enacted in 1996. More information on the HMI is 
available at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/. The ACF 
HMI has recognized the importance of adapting these program components 
to address the unique needs of various cultures and to make them 
relevant to various underserved populations.
    It has been widely known for decades that there is an over-
representation of children of color in the child welfare system. In 
fact, over-representation extends to all the major public child serving 
systems. Yet, despite efforts to improve this situation, children of 
color continue to be over-represented in the child welfare system. For 
example, African American children make up 20 per cent of the nation's 
children, yet they make up 40 per cent of the foster care population. 
As the largest minority group, Hispanics were overrepresented in child 
welfare caseloads versus general population by 12.2 percent in 
Connecticut, 6 percent in Colorado, 6.1 percent in Massachusetts, and 
4.9 percent in Rhode Island (2001 Child Welfare Outcomes Report). 
Native American children make up 1.1 per cent of the nation's children, 
but they make up 1.7 per cent of the foster care population (Fact Sheet 
2: Racial Disproportionality in the Child Welfare System. The Annie E. 
Casey Foundation). Further, according to the results of the Child and 
Family Service Reviews, children of color were over-represented in the 
2002 Foster Care Cases by a substantial margin. Even when children and 
families of color have the same characteristics as their Caucasian 
counterparts, research reveals differential treatment at virtually all 
points of the child welfare decision-making process including 
reporting, investigation, child placement, service provision, and 
permanency decision-making (Casey Fact Sheet). Clearly there is a need 
to address issues of over-representation if there is to be any 
substantial improvement in reducing these rates. Enhancing the array of 
prevention and family support services in communities may contribute to 
reducing the need for child welfare involvement.
    By creating components of the Healthy Marriage Initiative that are 
adapted to the Hispanic and the African American communities, ACF has 
taken steps to begin to address the unique needs of minority and 
underserved populations. Excerpts and references to these initiatives 
follow:
    The African American Healthy Marriage Initiative (AAHMI) is a 
component of the ACF Healthy Marriage Initiative and more specifically 
promotes a culturally competent strategy for fostering healthy marriage 
and responsible fatherhood, improving child well-being, and 
strengthening families within the African American community. Cultural 
orientation, traditions, and practices form a diversity of beliefs, 
attitudes, interpersonal styles, and behaviors. Differences in age, 
race, ethnicity, gender, education, religious background, and socio-
economic status can influence how people and organizations view and 
respond to ACF's healthy marriage activities.
    AAHMI Goals and Objectives are to:
     Improve the well-being of African American children by 
increasing the proportion of African American children living in 
healthy, two-parent married households.
     Increase the proportion of healthy marriages in the 
African American community.
     Improve the overall well-being of the African American 
community.
     Develop and improve the capacity within the African 
American community to provide healthy marriage programs and services.
    More information on the AAHMI is available at https://
www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/aa_hmi/AAHMI.html.
    The Hispanic Healthy Marriage Initiative (HHMI) is another focused 
strategy within the ACF Healthy Marriage Initiative. The goal of the 
HHMI is to address the unique cultural, linguistic, demographic, and 
socio-economic needs of children and families in Hispanic communities.
    ACF's targeted strategy to engage the Hispanic community in an 
effective, culturally appropriate healthy marriage initiative will:
     Increase awareness in the Hispanic community of the 
importance of the ACF Healthy Marriage Initiative.
     Promote collaboration with the Hispanic community and its 
leadership to design and inform an ongoing Hispanic Healthy Marriage 
Initiative strategy.
     Establish a base of receptivity and readiness in the 
Hispanic community.
     Develop a long term strategy to broaden Hispanic Healthy 
Marriage discussion, strategy, and action.
    More information on the HHMI is available at https://
www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/about/hispanic_hm_
initiative.html#mission.
    The Children's Bureau is interested in supporting projects that 
contribute to understanding how removing barriers to and strengthening 
family formation and healthy marriage can contribute to improving child 
well-being and reducing over-representation of children of color in the 
child welfare system. Further, these projects will have the potential 
to inform the ACF Healthy Marriage Initiative with respect to the needs 
of particular underserved populations, and contribute to the array of 
prevention and family support services available to the target 
population. Through these projects, the Children's Bureau hopes to 
understand which particular services, delivery, and outreach efforts 
designed to support the formation and stability of healthy marriages 
are most effective at helping children and families in targeted 
communities.

    Note: Activities funded under this funding announcement are 
demonstration projects. For the purposes of this program, a 
demonstration project is one that puts into place and tests new, 
unique or distinctive approaches for delivering services to a 
specific population. Demonstration projects may test whether a 
program or service that has proven successful in one location or 
setting can work in a different context. Demonstration projects may 
test a theory, idea, or method that reflects a new and different way 
of thinking about service delivery. Demonstration projects may be 
designed to address the needs of a very specific group of clients, 
or focus on one service component available to all clients. The 
scope of these projects may be broad and comprehensive or narrow and 
targeted to specific populations. A demonstration project must:
    (a) Develop and implement an evidence-based model with specific 
components or strategies that are based on theory, research, or 
evaluation data; or, replicate or test the transferability of 
successfully evaluated program models;
    (b) Determine the 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.


    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

[[Page 33510]]

(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.
    5. Allocate sufficient funds in the budget to:
    (a) Provide for the project director, the evaluator and a child 
welfare representative to attend an annual 3-day grantees' meeting in 
Washington, DC,
    (b) Provide for the project director, the evaluator and a child 
welfare representative 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.
    ACF strongly encourages applicants to consult their local domestic 
violence coalition to learn more about the information and services 
they provide to the community.
Legislative Authority
    The Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program (Section 430, Title 
IV-B, subpart 2, of the Social Security Act) (42 U.S.C. 629a)
    The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Section 105 (b)(5) (42 
U.S.C. 5106)

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,500,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 0 to 10.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $150,000.
    Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period: $150,000.
    Length of Project Periods: 48 month project with four 12 month 
budget periods.
    In the first budget period, the maximum Federal share of each 
project is not to exceed $150,000. The projects awarded will be for a 
project period of 48 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

Eligible Applicants

State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Independent school districts

    Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education and Non-profits that do not have a 
501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher 
education.
Additional Information on Eligibility
    Applicants, and their partner organizations (if any), must have 
experience and background in working with children and families in the 
targeted minority community. Applicants or their partner organizations 
should have the experience and capability to provide healthy marriage 
services. Applicants must either be engaged in child welfare 
activities, or have a partnership with their local public child welfare 
agency, or they must be engaged in child welfare research. Applicants 
must have a demonstrated capacity to engage children and families in 
the targeted minority community who are at risk of entering, or are 
already in the child welfare system.
    Collaborative efforts are acceptable, but applications should 
identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the grant. 
Applicants must be engaged in research or child welfare activities.
    Faith-based and community organizations that meet all eligibility 
requirements are eligible to apply.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    None.

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 (www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required for 
every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, 
including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block 
grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at https://www.dnb.com.
    Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to 
submit proof of their non-profit status.
    Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
     A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS Code.
     A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
     A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney 
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the 
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net 
earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
     A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status.
     Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above 
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by 
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
    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 considered for funding under this 
announcement.
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.

[[Page 33511]]

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    ACYF Operations Center, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children's Bureau, 
118 Q St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. Phone: 866-796-1591.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

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.
    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.
    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.
    Proof of non-profit status (if applicable). Please see Section 
III.3 Other Eligibility for ways to demonstrate non-profit status.
    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 75 pages total including all forms and 
attachments. Pages over this page limit will be removed from the 
application and will not be reviewed.
    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.
    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 New Roman 
or Courier). Pages must be numbered.
    All copies of an application must be submitted in a single package, 
and a 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.
    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 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 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 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/
opre/other_resrch/pm_guide_eval/reports/pmguide/pmguide_toc.html.
    Logic Model. A logic model is a tool that presents the conceptual 
framework for a proposed project and explains the linkages among 
program elements. While there are many versions of the logic model, 
they generally summarize the logical connections among the needs that 
are the focus of the project, project goals and objectives, the target 
population, project inputs (resources), the proposed activities/
processes/outputs directed toward the target population, the expected 
short- and

[[Page 33512]]

long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve, and the 
evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which proposed processes 
and outcomes actually occur. Information on the development of logic 
models is available on the Internet at https://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/ or https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cyfar/capbuilding/outcome/outcome_
logicmdir.html.
    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 off-line, 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 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.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Standard Forms and Certifications
    The project description should include all the information 
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in 
the program announcement under Section V Application Review 
Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant 
needs to complete all the standard forms required for making 
applications for awards under this announcement.
    Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement 
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal 
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be 
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and 
return the standard forms with their application.
    Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the 
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for 
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal 
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance 
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if 
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must 
sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for 
the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, Title XII 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A 
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking 
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the 
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not 
mail back the certification with the application.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By 
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete 
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances 
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications 
may be found at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    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: 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

[[Page 33513]]

received on or before the deadline time and date.
    Applications handcarried 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: 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 and   Found in Sections IV.2  By application due date.
                                 V.                      and V.
Project Description...........  See Sections IV.2 and   Found in Sections IV.2  By application due date.
                                 V.                      and V.
Budget Narrative/Justification  See Sections IV.2 and   Found in Sections IV.2  By application due date.
                                 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 date of award.
 Lobbying.                                               www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Certification Regarding         See Section IV.2......  See https:// By date of award.
 Environmental Tobacco Smoke.                            www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Assurances....................  See Section IV.2......  Found in Section IV.2.  By date of award.
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 (if  See Section III.3.....  Found in Section III.3  By date of award.
 applicable).
Indirect Cost rate Agreement,   See Section IV........  Format described in IV  By application due date.
 if applicable.
Letters of commitment from      See Section IV........  Format described in IV  By time of award.
 partner organizations, if
 applicable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
 Grant Applicants.                                       www.acf.hhs.gov/
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

[[Page 33514]]

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.
    Applicants should note that grants to be awarded under this program 
announcement are subject to the availability of funds. The size of the 
actual awards will vary.

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: ACYF 
Operations Center, The Dixon Group, Attention: Children's Bureau, 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: ACYF Operations Center, The Dixon Group, Attention: 
Children's Bureau,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)

    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 4/30/2007.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.
1. Criteria
    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).
The Project Description Overview
Purpose
    The project description provides a major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and 
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are 
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can 
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project 
description, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation 
criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other 
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, 
therefore, that this information be included in the application in a 
manner that is clear and complete.
General Instructions
    ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions 
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended 
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of 
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are 
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. 
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly 
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an 
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an 
appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be 
included for easy reference.
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation 
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project 
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the 
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
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

[[Page 33515]]

others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or 
technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary 
social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or 
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of 
accomplishments and their target dates.
    If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will work on the project, along with a short 
description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the 
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit 
status in its application.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A 
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal 
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State 
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that 
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the 
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a 
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or 
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of 
the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization 
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant 
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations 
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. 
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit 
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the 
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding 
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
General
    Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget 
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed 
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. ``Federal 
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. 
``Non Federal resources'' are all other Federal and non-Federal 
resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be 
presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories; 
second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), 
and last column, total budget. The budget justification should be a 
narrative.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant 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.
Equipment
    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.)
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the 
equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports 
the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts 
(if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific

[[Page 33516]]

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, 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.

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 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 applicant would complete the 
development and implementation of the project in a timely manner and 
conduct a thorough evaluation of its effectiveness within the 4 year 
project time frame.
    (2) The extent to which the applicant proposes a sound strategy for 
identifying and engaging a substantial number of target population 
children and families who are at risk of entering, or are already in 
the child welfare system. The extent to which the applicant can 
effectively demonstrate that they have adequate knowledge of the 
information and services provided by domestic violence coalitions 
within their community.
    (3) The extent to which the proposed project would improve child 
well-being and reduce the over-representation of children of color in 
the child welfare system, by removing barriers to and strengthening 
family formation and healthy marriage in the targeted community. The 
extent to which specific measurable outcomes will occur as a result of 
the proposed project. The extent to which there will be a strong 
relationship between the proposed project and improved outcomes for the 
targeted population of children and families who are at risk of 
entering, or are already in the child welfare system.
    (4) The extent to which the proposed project would develop strong 
and effective partnerships with the appropriate child welfare agencies, 
targeted community organizations, community agencies, etc., to further 
the goal of improving child well-being and reducing the over-
representation of children of color in the child welfare system through 
healthy marriage related activities. The extent to which the proposed 
project would utilize community partnerships and/or collaborations in 
providing community supports. The extent to which the proposed project 
would build on and partner with other ACF marriage initiatives in the 
applicant's location (if applicable). The extent to which there are 
appropriate letters of commitment from these partner organizations.
    (5) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough 
understanding of the challenges to improving child well-being and 
reducing the over-representation of children of color in the child 
welfare system, by removing barriers to and strengthening family 
formation and healthy marriage in the targeted community. The extent to 
which the application demonstrates a thorough understanding of the 
challenges that the proposed project will have in promoting the well-
being of children in targeted families through healthy marriage 
activities. The extent to which the applicant provides a sound plan 
explaining how the project would successfully overcome these 
challenges.
    (6) The extent to which the proposed project will provide 
culturally competent services to the targeted population. The extent to 
which the proposed project would inform the ACF Healthy Marriage 
Initiative with respect to the particular needs of the target 
population, and identify particular services, delivery, and outreach 
that are most effective at helping children and families in targeted 
communities.
    (7) The extent to which the project's evaluation plan would measure 
achievement of project objectives, customer satisfaction, acquisition 
of competencies, effectiveness of program services and project 
strategies, the efficiency of the implementation process, 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

[[Page 33517]]

(e.g., using AFCARS data to assist in identifying the target population 
and establishing a baseline for evaluation purposes). 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.
    (8) 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 thorough 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.
    (9) 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 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.
    (10) The extent to which there is a sound plan for continuing this 
project beyond the period of Federal funding.
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 culturally competent service delivery 
involving the targeted population; in removing barriers to and 
strengthening family formation and healthy marriage; in providing 
healthy marriage services to promote the well-being of children; in 
collaboration with child welfare agencies and other appropriate 
entities; and 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) in serving the targeted population.
    (2) The extent to which the proposed project director and key 
project staff possess suffici