Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau, 35087-35097 [05-11920]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 115 (Thursday, June 16, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35087-35097]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11920]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau

    Funding Opportunity Title: Training of Child Welfare Agency 
Supervisors in the Effective Delivery and Management of Federal 
Independent Living Service for Youth in Foster Care
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-CW-0009.
    CFDA Number: 93.556.
    Due Date for Applications: August 5, 2005.
    Category of Funding Activity: Social Services and Income Security.
    Executive Summary: The Children's Bureau announces the availability 
of funds and requests applications to develop, implement, evaluate and 
disseminate a training curriculum for public child welfare agency 
supervisors. This curriculum will strengthen supervision of staff 
interventions with older youth who are in foster care and/or in 
independent living programs. These youth, mostly ages 16 to 21, need 
assistance in making a successful transition to adulthood, as well as 
achieving self-sufficiency to avoid long-term dependency on the social 
welfare system.
    These youth often face decisions with regard to personal housing, 
transportation, employment and education. They need workers who can 
guide them and who understand these challenges. The target youth also 
need workers who have a working knowledge of adolescent transition 
programs. ``In the continuing work of the Muskie School of Public 
Service, University of Southern Maine and National Resource Center for 
Youth Services, College of Continuing Education University of Oklahoma, 
four core principles have emerged as essential in order for adolescent 
transitional living programs to be successful.'' It is the thinking of 
current experts in the field that programs for youth are more likely to 
be successful when these four principles are incorporated into the 
program design regardless of the type of services provided. The 
principles are:
    (1) Positive youth development;
    (2) Collaboration;
    (3) Cultural competence; and
    (4) Permanent connections.

Priority Area 1

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Children's Bureau announces the availability of funds and 
requests applications to develop, implement, evaluate and disseminate a 
training curriculum for public child welfare agency supervisors. This 
curriculum will strengthen supervision of staffs' interventions with 
older youth who are in foster care and/or in independent living 
programs. These youth, mostly age 16 to 21, need assistance in making a 
successful transition to adulthood, as well as help in avoiding long-
term dependency on the social welfare system.
    These youth often face decisions with regard to personal housing, 
transportation, employment and education. They need workers who can 
guide them and who understand these challenges. The target youth also 
need workers who have a working knowledge of adolescent transition 
programs. ``In the continuing work of the Muskie School of Public 
Service, University of Southern Maine and National Resource Center for 
Youth Services, College of Continuing Education University of

[[Page 35088]]

Oklahoma, four core principles have emerged as essential in order for 
adolescent transitional living programs to be successful.'' It is the 
thinking of current experts in the field that programs for youth are 
more likely to be successful when these four principles are 
incorporated into the program design regardless of the type of services 
provided. The principles are:
    (1) Positive youth development;
    (2) Collaboration;
    (3) Cultural competence; and
    (4) Permanent connections.
    For more information on these principles contact the University of 
Oklahoma, National Resource Center for Youth Services at https://
www.nrcys.ou.edu.
    Child welfare supervisors must ensure that child welfare workers 
understand and utilize:
    (1) Positive youth development philosophy;
    (2) Client assessment;
    (3) Age-appropriate intervention planning; and
    (4) Implementation and evaluation of individualized Independent 
Living Program (ILP) training and program activities.
    Training based on the curriculum should increase child welfare 
supervisor's ability to supervise a worker in:
    (1) Assessing a youth's readiness for ILP services, support and 
training;
    (2) Identifying culturally competent ILP program services and 
activities;
    (3) Utilizing positive youth development principles for involving 
youth in decisionmaking, implementation and evaluation of training and 
program activities;
    (4) Identifying areas of stress and its impact on youth in foster 
care;
    (5) Working with youth to help them deal with crisis situations and 
to assess the results of the intervention;
    (6) Working with youth to develop and maintain permanent 
connections; and
    (7) Collaborating with both inter- and intra-agency resource people 
to achieve positive outcomes for youth transitioning to adulthood.

Background

    In December 1999, Congress passed new independent living 
legislation, the John H. Chaffee Foster Care Independence Program which 
amended the original Federal Independent Living Program (section 477 of 
the Social Security Act). The new program provides States with 
increased funding and flexibility to help youth make the transition 
from foster care to self-sufficiency. Currently all 50 States, Puerto 
Rico and the District of Columbia have an ILP. Services and activities 
include educational and employment assistance, training in basic living 
skills (budgeting, housekeeping, food shopping, building and 
maintaining positive social relationships), counseling, housing, case 
management and outreach services. The new legislation allows the use of 
these funds for additional activities including room and board, age-
appropriate services to youth younger than 16, post-secondary 
educational assistance and preventive health activities.
    In addition, the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) has 
had considerable impact on child welfare practice and how the goals of 
safety, permanency and well-being of youth must be accomplished. Thus, 
there is a need to refocus attention on practice approaches that give 
attention, as appropriate, to reunification with the biological 
parents, adoption, placement, or other alternative approaches to 
permanency for youth of all ages. For many older foster care youth, 
even if they can spend time with family members, their chances for a 
successful transition to adulthood are greatly improved if they learn 
to count on themselves to address their daily challenges, and if they 
have the knowledge, skills and experience to do so.
    Older youth in foster care need special help and support. As of 
September 30, 2002 there were an estimated 533,897 children in 
substitute/foster care. Of these children an estimated 39 percent were 
identified as being 13 years of age or older (AFCARS--Adoption and 
Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System--data as of October 2003). 
Approximately 20,000 youth age out of the system every year. These 
young people often have histories of significant abuse, neglect and 
multiple foster care placements. They often find themselves completely 
on their own after discharge, with few, if any, financial resources; 
limited education, training and employment options; no safe place to 
live; and little or no support from family, friends and community. A 
focus on the four core principles for these youth is crucial. The 
permanent connections work to help ground the youth in the community 
and provide a support system that these traumatized youth often lack. 
Collaborations help to ensure that a full array of services is 
available to the youth during and after their transition from care. A 
focus on positive youth development allows the youth to have the daily 
living skills needed to function on their own along with the knowledge 
to maintain their emotional health. Through the provision of culturally 
competent services, the agencies ensure that youth feel protected and 
connected in their environment.
    Training of child welfare supervisors has predominantly focused on 
supervising staff to meet generalized permanency needs while focusing 
on the family as a whole. Most of this work is still done in the 
context of family-centered services that build on family strengths and 
meet family needs. There is limited attention given to assessing 
problem situations from the youth's perspective and preparing a youth 
for independence and/or transitioning out of foster care. This training 
would focus on strategies for supervising the child welfare worker in 
how to identify the specific needs of these youth and develop a plan 
for achieving goals to meet those needs regardless of other permanency 
work being done in the family unit.
    Specialized skills are essential to work effectively with older 
youth. Child welfare supervisors need training to understand youth 
development principles and strategies, to focus on giving young people 
age-appropriate opportunities to exercise leadership, build skills, and 
become involved in the decision-making about their future.
    In January 2000, DHHS established the Child and Family Service 
Reviews (CFSR) that have enhanced monitoring of State child welfare 
programs. Previous approaches had not allowed for states to learn from 
their mistakes and make improvements accordingly. Meetings with 
stakeholders during CFSR indicate that foster parents, guardians and 
other primary care providers need youth development training. In 
addition, state agency staff need training and technical assistance in 
assisting youth in developing their case plan, and developing life-long 
connections that will assist them with permanency. Results of the 2002 
reviews indicate that all of the states were found to need improvement 
in involving the family in case planning, assessing needs and providing 
services.
    In the fall of 2000, the Children's Bureau awarded twelve grants 
for Independent Living Training for Child Welfare practitioners. One 
finding of these recently completed projects is that Child Welfare 
supervisors needed training on youth development to understand the 
unique developmental and service needs of youth in care in order to 
support caseworker efforts.
    The Children's Bureau recognizes the need to involve young people 
in decision-making and planning for a life of independence. To 
accomplish this,

[[Page 35089]]

service providers must offer specialized, age-appropriate support for 
these youth as they transition to adulthood. Training implemented under 
this program will provide child welfare supervisors with the training 
and tools needed to assist child welfare workers to help move their 
older youth through a successful transition to independence and 
achieving self-sufficiency.
    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.
    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 
walfare 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 
evaluaton.

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)

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated total priority area funding: $1,000,000.
    Anticipated number of awards: 0 to 4.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $250,000.
    Length of Project Periods: 36 month project with three 12 month 
budget periods.
    Other:
    Explanation of other: The grant amount will not exceed $250,000 in 
the first budget period. The projects will be awarded for a project 
period of 36 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-month 
budget period. The award of continuation funding 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.
    Ceiling of Individual Awards per budget period: $250,000.
    Floor on amount of individual awards None.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Independent school districts
Nonprofits 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
State controlled institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education

Additional Information on Eligibility

    Faith-based and community organizations that meet all other 
eligibility requirements are eligible to apply.
    Institutions of higher education that choose to apply must have an 
accredited social work education program, or other accredited bachelor 
or graduate level programs leading to a degree relevant to work in 
child welfare. Government agencies must be child welfare agencies to be 
eligible to apply.
    Collaborative efforts are acceptable, but applications should 
identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the grant.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    Cost Sharing/Matching: Yes.
Matching/Cost-Sharing
    Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved 
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum 
of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may 
be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are 
encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. 
Therefore, a project requesting $250,000 in Federal funds (based on an 
award of $250,000 per budget period) must provide a match of at least 
$83,333 (25 percent of the total approved project costs). Grantees will 
be held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if 
over the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the amount 
will result in disallowance of Federal funds. Lack of supporting 
documentation at the time of application will not impact the 
responsiveness of the application for competitive review.
    Cost-sharing will not be used as a preference and/or evaluation 
criterion in the review of applications.

3. Other Eligibility Information

    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 all Federal grant applicants to provide 
a Dun and 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

[[Page 35090]]

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.

Disqualification Factors

    Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for funding under this 
announcement.
    Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements 
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will 
not be considered for funding under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package
    ACYF Operations, The Dixon Group ATTN: Children's Bureau, 118 Q 
St., NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, Phone: 866-796-1591, URL: https://
www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2005-ACF-ACY-CA-0001.html.
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.
    Description--Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on 
preparing the project summary/abstract and the full project 
description.
    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.
    Match. Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount 
of the non-Federal share of project costs (see Section III.2).
    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.
    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.

[[Page 35091]]

    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 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.
    Project 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. You may 
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.Gov
     Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly 
encouraged.
     When you enter the Grants.Gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you 
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.Gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS 
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You 
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize 
you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, including all 
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary 
assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and 
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
     We may request that you provide original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on 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
    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: 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 p.m., e.s.t., 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).

[[Page 35092]]

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.

                                               Required Documents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What to submit                 Required content     Required form or format       When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Abstract.....................  See Section IV and V...  Format described in      By application due
                                                                 Section IV and V.        date.
Project Narrative....................  See Section IV and V...  Format described in      By application due
                                                                 Section IV and V.        date.
SF424................................  See Section IV.........  Format described in      By application due
                                                                 Section IV.              date.
SF424A...............................  See Section IV.........  Format described in      By application due
                                                                 Section IV.              date.
SF424B...............................  See Section IV.........  Format described in      By application due
                                                                 Section IV.              date.
Assurances and Certifications........  See Section IV.........  Format described in      By Time of Award.
                                                                 Section IV.
Proof of Non-profit status, if         See Section III and IV.  Format described in      By Time of Award.
 applicable.                                                     Section III.
Indirect Cost rate Agreement, if       See Section IV.........  Format described in IV.  By Time of Award.
 applicable.
Letters of commitment from partner     See Section IV.........  Format described in IV.  By Time of Award.
 organizations, if applicable.
Non-Federal Commitment Letter........  See Section III.2......  See Section III.2......  By Time of Award.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What to submit                 Required content     Required form or format       When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant   Per required form......  May be found on https:// With application.
 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 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.
    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.

[[Page 35093]]

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.
    Because this is a training grant, indirect costs used for these 
projects shall not exceed 8 percent. Funds from this grant cannot be 
used to match Title IV-E training funds.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An Application 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, 118 Q St. NE., Washington, DC 
20002-2132, Attention: Children's Bureau.
    Hand Delivery: 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 delivered to: ACYF Operations Center, The Dixon 
Group, 118 Q St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-2132, Attention: Children's 
Bureau.
    Electronic Submission: https://www.grants.gov Please see section 
IV.2 Content and Form of Application Submission, for guidelines and 
requirements when submitting applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

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

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 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.
    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).

1. Criteria

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 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

[[Page 35094]]

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 in the budget.
Equipment
    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.) Justification: For each type of 
equipment requested, provide a description of the equipment, the cost 
per unit, the number of units, the total cost, and a plan for use on 
the project, as well as use or disposal of the equipment after the 
project ends. An applicant organization that uses its own definition 
for equipment should provide a copy of its policy or section of its 
policy which includes the equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the Equipment category. Justification: Specify 
general categories of supplies and their costs. Show computations and 
provide other information which supports the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts 
(if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant. Justification: Demonstrate that all 
procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to 
the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and 
subrecipients, other than States that are required to use 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

[[Page 35095]]

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 (e.g. 
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 reasonable timeline for 
effectively implementing the proposed project, including major 
milestones and target dates. The extent to which the project will 
complete the development, field testing and revisions of the training 
program in a timely manner and conduct a thorough evaluation of its 
effectiveness within the 3-year project time frame.
    (2) The extent to which the application proposes development of 
appropriate materials and provides for effective training under the 
proposed project.
    (3) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough 
knowledge and understanding of the issues related to interventions with 
older youth and differences and similarities between youth-centered and 
family-centered practice. The extent to which the application 
demonstrates a thorough understanding of these issues in terms of the 
Adoption and Safe Families Act goals of safety, permanency and well-
being of older youth and the results of the Child and Family Service 
Reviews.
    (4) The extent to which the application evidences a thorough 
knowledge and understanding of the challenges of providing and 
improving training for supervisors within a public child welfare 
agency. The extent to which the proposed project would successfully 
overcome these challenges.
    (5) The extent to which past and/or current collaboration between 
the applicant and the public (State/local and Tribal) agencies in 
training of child welfare staff would strengthen this project. The 
extent to which this project will be strengthened by building on 
existing partnerships with such agencies. The extent to which the 
applicant includes interagency agreements and commitments from the 
participating entities. The extent to which there are strong links 
between the proposed project, and the State's Child and Family Service 
Review Program Improvement Plan.
    (6) The extent to which the proposed approach to developing a 
curriculum is soundly based on an appropriate conceptual framework, 
research and practice experience. The extent to which this curriculum 
would build on, expand and strengthen the existing curriculum 
approaches/models that emphasize youth-focused services.
    (7) The extent to which the application evidences a thorough 
knowledge and understanding of the four core principles (youth 
development, cultural competence, collaboration, and permanent 
connections) and the challenges attendant to incorporating these 
principles within child welfare practices.
    (8) The extent to which the curriculum development and training of 
supervisors will be culturally responsive to the diverse child welfare 
population.
    (9) The extent to which appropriate criteria would be utilized for 
selection and recruitment of trainees. The extent to which there are 
specific, sound, strategies for recruiting minority and Tribal agency 
trainees.
    (10) The extent to which there is a sound plan for evaluating the 
training curriculum. The extent to which there is a sound plan for 
field-testing the effectiveness of the competency-based curriculum and 
modifying the curriculum, if necessary. The extent to which the 
applicant clearly identifies and justifies the location of the project 
and the State/local child welfare agencies where the proposed 
curriculum will be field-tested. The extent to which the evaluation 
will examine outcomes identified in this announcement.
    (11) The extent to which there is a sound plan for dissemination of 
the curriculum and project evaluation findings. The extent to which the 
applicant's dissemination plan will contribute to the purposes 
described in this announcement. The extent to which the dissemination 
plan clearly describes what will be disseminated, to whom, how 
extensive these efforts will be, and includes plans for evaluating 
dissemination efforts.
    (12) 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 developing training curricula and providing 
training to child welfare agency staff in the area of youth-focused 
services; 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).
    (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., resume). 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, timelines and 
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The 
extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities 
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the 
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any 
partners, subcontractors and

[[Page 35096]]

consultants (if applicable). 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 application demonstrates a thorough 
understanding of the need for a specific curriculum and training to 
strengthen child welfare supervisors' capacity to prepare and guide 
staff in their work with older youth involved in the child welfare 
system.
    (2) The extent to which the application demonstrates a thorough 
knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by older youth involved 
in the child welfare system and appropriate intervention approaches for 
working with these youth.
    (3) The extent to which the proposed project's goals (end products 
of an effective project) and objectives (measurable steps for reaching 
these goals) clearly and appropriately relate to the training needs of 
public child welfare agency frontline workers and supervisory staff.
    (4) The extent to which the proposed project would produce 
significant results and benefits by developing, field testing, 
delivering, evaluating and disseminating a youth-focused training 
curriculum for supervisors.
    (5) The extent to which an appropriate group of trainees and a 
reasonable number of trainees will be trained over the life of the 
project.
    (6) The extent to which the lessons learned from the project will 
clearly and significantly benefit policy, practice and theory 
development in addressing older youth's transition needs, issues and 
crises.
Budget and Budget Justification 10 Points
    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 
clearly identified, justified and reasonable, in view of the activities 
to be conducted and expected results and benefits.
    (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.
    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 t