Administration on Children, Youth and Families; Family and Youth Services Bureau; Notice of the Availability of Financial Assistance and Request for Applications To Establish and Operate the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 42336-42345 [05-14459]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 140 (Friday, July 22, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42336-42345]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-14459]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration on Children, Youth and Families; Family and Youth 
Services Bureau; Notice of the Availability of Financial Assistance and 
Request for Applications To Establish and Operate the National Domestic 
Violence Hotline

    Announcement Type: Grant.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-EV-0039.
    CFDA Number: 93.592.
    Due Date for Applications: August 22, 2005.
    Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families 
(ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) announces 
the availability of funds in fiscal year 2005 for the award of one 
grant on a competitive basis to operate a national, toll-free telephone 
hotline to provide information and assistance to victims of domestic 
violence.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Authorizing Statutes and Regulations: The Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Act (the Act) was originally enacted in 
sections 301-316 of Title III of the ``Child Abuse Amendments of 1984'' 
(Pub. L. 98-457, 10/9/84). The Act was most recently amended by the 
``Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003'' (Pub. L. 108-36).
    Supplementary Information: In accordance with amendments to the Act 
enacted by Pub. L. 108-36, ACF will award grants to one or more 
private, non-profit entities to assist in the establishment and 
operation of a highly secure Internet website to provide information 
and assistance to victims of domestic violence. A separate announcement 
regarding these awards will be issued at a future date.
    Program and Focus Area: The purpose of the National Domestic 
Violence Hotline (Hotline) is to provide information and referral 
services, counseling, and assistance to victims of domestic violence, 
their children and other family members, and others affected by such 
violence; and enable them to find safety and protection in crisis 
situations. The successful applicant will be required to provide 
telephonic assistance on a 24 hours-per-day, seven days-a-week basis 
throughout the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

[[Page 42337]]

Priority Area

    Notice of the availability of financial assistance and request for 
applications to establish and operate the National Domestic Violence 
Hotline.
1. Description
    Conceptual Framework and Scope of Services: The prevalence of 
family violence is widespread and its effective prevention and 
treatment requires coordination and collaboration among a broad range 
of legal and justice system entities, health and social service 
providers, and advocates at the Federal, State, and local levels.
    To serve the wide range of expected calls effectively, the entity 
chosen as the Hotline recipient must have expertise about domestic 
violence and the delivery of services to victims of domestic violence. 
The staff also must understand the importance of using appropriate 
linkages with State and local resources to serve callers to the 
Hotline. The benefits of a highly visible national Hotline to victims 
and others affected by domestic violence will be directly related to 
the productive working relationships and coordinated provision of 
services between and among the Hotline, State and local hotlines, and 
other services and resources.
    Calls to the Hotline may range from urgent and life-threatening to 
calls for general reference information. The target population to be 
served by the Hotline is specified in the statute as victims of 
domestic violence. The Hotline should be prepared to respond to the 
broad range of violence that occurs in the context of family and 
intimate relationships, domestic violence, spouse abuse, partner abuse, 
battering of women, sexual assault, date rape, and acquaintance rape. 
The Hotline also will serve those less directly affected by such abuse, 
i.e., relatives, children of victims and other family members, friends, 
neighbors, perpetrators and batterers, other concerned individuals, and 
the general public.
    In terms of the scope of the services provided by the Hotline, the 
statute requires the provision of information and assistance and 
counseling and referral services. Therefore, the applicant's proposed 
design and plan for operating the Hotline and responding to callers is 
important. However, the Hotline is not expected to provide extended or 
long-term counseling or therapy services. A more complete discussion of 
a problem and the consideration of options for the caller is done most 
appropriately at the local level, given the variation in laws and 
services available among the States and localities.
    As domestic violence often contributes to isolation, helplessness, 
loss of self-esteem, and dependence, a self-help and empowerment model 
of services is needed. Such a model:
     Protects and assures safety for all victims and other 
family members;
     Builds on the strengths and resources of individuals and 
families;
     Offers options and support for independent decision-making 
based on specific individual and family needs and circumstances; and
     Assists individuals and families to obtain protection and 
needed services that are respectful of cultural and community 
characteristics.
    Minimum Requirements: The following requirements must be met by the 
grantee and addressed in the application:
    1. All funds received by the grantee pursuant to Section 316 of the 
Act must be used to establish and operate a national toll-free 
telephone hotline to provide information and assistance to victims of 
domestic violence.
    2. In establishing the Hotline, the private, nonprofit entity 
shall:
     Contract with a carrier for the use of a toll-free 
telephone line;
     Employ, train, and supervise personnel to answer incoming 
calls and provide counseling and referral services on a 24-hours-a-day 
basis;
     Assemble and maintain a current database of information 
relating to services for victims of domestic violence to which callers 
may be referred throughout the United States, including information on 
the availability of shelters that serve victims of battering and their 
children; and
     Publicize the Hotline to potential users throughout the 
United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin 
Islands.
    3. To be approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
(the Secretary), the application must include a complete description of 
the applicant's plan for the operation of a National Domestic Violence 
Hotline, including a description of:
     The training program for Hotline personnel;
     The hiring criteria for Hotline personnel;
     The methodology for the creation, maintenance, and 
updating of a resource database;
     A plan for publicizing the availability of the Hotline;
     A plan for providing service to non-English speaking 
callers, including Hotline personnel for callers whose primary language 
is Spanish; and
     A plan for facilitating access to the Hotline by persons 
with hearing impairments.
    4. The applicant must demonstrate that it has:
     Expertise in the operation of a domestic violence hotline 
and a record of high quality service to victims of domestic violence, 
and;
     Commitment to diversity and to the provision of services, 
regardless of gender, to ethnic, racial, and non-English speaking 
minorities, in addition to older individuals and individuals with 
disabilities.
    5. The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the field, including 
the range of services and the resources available for domestic violence 
victims, their children and family members, perpetrators and batterers, 
and other concerned individuals. The applicant must also demonstrate 
knowledge of services and resources relating to substance and mental 
health problems, State and Indian Tribal domestic violence laws, 
including the availability of legal protection and the barriers 
affecting access to such services, resources, and protection.
    6. The applicant must demonstrate experience in providing high 
quality crisis intervention, information and referral, and counseling 
services and support to battered individuals, their children, their 
family, and friends, other domestic violence victims, batterers, and 
the general public through a national toll-free hotline.
    7. The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of the 
relationship of alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health problems to 
incidents of domestic violence and the ability to make appropriate 
referrals to callers.
    8. The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of the need for 
a national hotline for domestic violence victims, including a 
description of the function and limitation of the current network of 
national and State crisis hotlines, information lines, and State 
victims referral services.
    9. The applicant must provide a plan and demonstrate its ability to 
build, maintain, and keep current a comprehensive database of resource 
information that includes the full range of services available in local 
communities, the types of legal protection and services available in 
different States and localities, and the capability to access 
information.
    10. The applicant must provide a detailed description of:
     The telecommunications and computer technology that is, or 
will be, employed to establish and support the Hotline, including all 
management

[[Page 42338]]

functions, referral functions, resource database management functions, 
monitoring functions, and overall project administration and quality 
control.
     The design and operation of the telephone system that will 
be used to provide the service and its capacity and limitations, 
including information such as the capacity to facilitate the number of 
incoming calls, call conferencing, automatic call referral to local 
providers, and service integration with computers.
     The methods that will be used to ensure that the Hotline 
is providing confidential crisis intervention and the specific 
provisions that will be in place to safeguard the confidentiality of 
callers and ensure the proper handling of confidential or sensitive 
information;
     The personnel recruitment, hiring, and training program 
(i.e., a description of an initial and ongoing training plan for staff 
and volunteers should be included) that will ensure the delivery of 
quality crisis intervention, information and referral assistance, and 
counseling services to callers representing diverse populations;
     The specific emergency response and crisis protocol to be 
used, the ability to conference call (or ``patch'') a caller to a local 
domestic violence, legal services, mental health, or substance abuse 
program when appropriate; and the plans for minimizing such problems as 
crank or obscene calls and busy signals; and
     The methods the applicant will use to provide for the 
development, maintenance, and updating of a comprehensive resource 
database (distributed to the maximum extent appropriate); the technical 
capacity to link with other State and local databases in order to 
maintain an extensive and current resource locator or listing; the 
ability to facilitate communication among service providers to assist 
in the provision of services; and how the information on best practices 
gathered through various inventories will be used to assist victims of 
family violence.
    11. The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of the 
technological requirements of such a project and include a detailed 
timeline to provide the following services nationally:
     24-hours/365 days per year access;
     Direct access to English- and Spanish-speaking personnel 
at all times and the provision of services to other non-English 
speaking callers and the hearing impaired;
     Personnel (paid staff and volunteers) trained in crisis 
intervention, information and referral, and counseling skills;
     Comprehensive database of current information;
     The ability to connect callers directly to local programs 
or services when appropriate;
     Emergency response protocol for callers in immediate 
danger; and
     Appropriate confidentiality safeguards; and
     Data collection and data management capability sufficient 
to support program administration, reporting, monitoring, and an 
ongoing quality assessment of the Hotline service.
    12. The applicant must provide a plan to coordinate, work with, and 
provide Hotline services and data resource and referrals that make 
maximum use of existing domestic violence programs and resources 
including, but not limited to, local and statewide domestic violence 
hotlines, state domestic violence coalitions, state sexual assault 
coalitions, shelter programs, emergency services, legal services 
programs, national domestic violence resource centers, other existing 
national hotlines and other national organizations, resources related 
to child abuse and youth endangerment, perpetrators and batterers 
programs, and the various activities of the Centers for Disease Control 
under its campaign to prevent violence against women. The applicant 
must provide support to State and local domestic violence hotlines in 
response to any increased demand generated by a national public 
awareness campaign.
    13. The applicant must provide a description of the quality 
assurance system it will use to assess regularly the quality of the 
services being provided by the Hotline and the extent to which the 
goals and objectives of the service are being met. The quality 
assurance system also must include actions to address identified 
problems, such as, unanswered calls, wait time, data corruption, and 
other past and current technological problems.
    14. The applicant must provide a comprehensive plan to publicize 
the Hotline to a national audience, including efforts to ensure 
promotion through the national media and through targeted outreach to 
racially and ethnically diverse communities, older individuals, and 
individuals with disabilities.
    15. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to staff, 
financially support, and programmatically administer a national project 
of this scope.
    16. The author(s) of the application must be clearly identified 
together with a description of their current relationship to the 
applicant organization and any future project role they may have if the 
project is funded.
    17. The applicant must provide an assurance that any information 
collected as a part of this grant will become the property of the 
Federal Government.
    18. The applicant must provide an assurance that it will work with 
the Federal Project Officer to identify the information that will be 
compiled based on incoming calls; this includes compilation of 
information on both maternal and child victims of domestic violence and 
the individual and situational factors characterizing violent and 
abusive behavior.
    19. The applicant must provide an assurance that it will comply 
with grant administration requirements in 45 CFR Part 74.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $3,000,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $3,000,000 per budget 
period.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: None.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $3,000,000 per budget period.
    Length of Project Periods: 60-month project with five 12-month 
budget periods.
    Non-competitive, continuation grant awards for each of years two 
through five (FYs 2006-2009) are projected to be $3,000,000 per fiscal 
year subject to the availability of funds. As required by the Act, the 
provision of payments under a grant awarded to establish or operate the 
National Domestic Violence Hotline is subject to annual approval of the 
Secretary. Such annual approval may be withheld if a grantee does not 
comply with pertinent statutory changes enacted during the project 
period. Moreover, potential grantees are advised that the enactment of 
significant legislative changes during the project period may prompt a 
finding that early termination of the project and the holding of a new 
competition is in the best interest of the Federal Government.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

     Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other 
than institutions of higher education.
     Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the 
IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: Faith-based and community 
organizations are eligible applicants under this announcement.

[[Page 42339]]

    Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting 
eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable.

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 (https://www.grants.gov/). A DUNS number will be 
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation 
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement 
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at https://www.dnb.com/.
    Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to 
submit proof of their non-profit status.
    Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
     A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS Code.
     A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
     A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney 
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the 
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net 
earnings accrues 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 that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements 
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will 
not be considered for funding under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    ACYF Operations Center, c/o Dixon Group, Attn: FV-FYSB Funding for 
National Domestic Violence Hotline, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 
20002-2132. Phone: 866-769-1591. E-mail: fysb@dixongroup.com.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    The narrative should be typed and double-spaced on a single-side of 
an 8\1/2\ x 11 plain white paper, with 
1 margins on all sides. All pages of the narrative 
(including charts, references/footnotes, tables, maps, exhibits, etc.) 
must be sequentially numbered, beginning with ``Objectives and Need for 
the Project'' as page number one. Applicants should not submit 
reproductions of larger size paper, reduced to meet the size 
requirement.
    The length of the application, including the application forms and 
all attachments, should not exceed 60 pages. A page is a single side of 
an 8\1/2\ x 11 sheet of paper. Applicants are 
requested not to send pamphlets, maps, brochures, or other printed 
material along with their application as these pose photocopy 
difficulties. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in 
the review process if they exceed the 60-page limit. Each page of the 
application will be counted to determine the total length.
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format.
    To submit an application electronically, please use the https://
www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF 
will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile 
transmission.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov:
     Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly 
encouraged.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you 
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior 
to filing your application to fully understand the process and 
requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to 
submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties 
are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight. 
If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk 
at 1-800-518-4726 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 https://www.grants.gov/.
     You must search for the downloadable application package 
by the CFDA number.

[[Page 42340]]

    Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format 
should submit an original and two copies of the complete application. 
The original and each of the two copies must include all required 
forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an 
authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted 
unbound.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Standard Forms and Certifications: The project description should 
include all the information requirements described in the specific 
evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section 
V Application Review Information. In addition to the project 
description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms 
required for making applications for awards under this announcement.
    Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement 
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal 
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be 
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and 
return the standard forms with their application.
    Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the 
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding 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 this form. 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

    Due Date for Applications: August 22, 2005.
Explanation of Due Dates
    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced 
above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
closing date will be classified as late.
    Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date 
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring 
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of 
the application due date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section 
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. 
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted 
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
    Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above 
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant 
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
    Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two 
working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications. 
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare 
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests 
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
    Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be 
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier 
services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic 
acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via https://
www.grants.gov/.
    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       By application due date.
                                 V.                      IV.2. and V.
Project Description...........  See Sections IV.2. and  Found in Sections       By application due date.
                                 V.                      IV.2. and V.
Budget Narrative/Justification  See Sections IV.2. and  Found in Sections       By application due date.
                                 V.                      IV.2. and V.
SF 424........................  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......  See https:// By date of award.
                                                         www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
SF 424A.......................  See Section IV.2......  See https:// By application due date.
                                                         www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.

[[Page 42341]]

 
Support Letters...............  See Section V.........  Found in Section V....  By application due date.
Proof of Non-Profit Status....  See Section III.3.....  Found in Section III.3  By date of award.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Required form or
        What to submit             Required content             format                   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 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 that 
have 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.
    ACYF will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is 
to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than the 
applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the 
implementation of the project for which the funding is requested. This 
prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or subcontracting for 
specific services or activities that are needed to conduct the project.
    Construction and the purchase of real property are not allowable 
activities or expenditures under this grant award.

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: Operations 
Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., FV-FYSB Funding for the National 
Domestic Violence Hotline, 118 Q Street, 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: Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, FV-FYSB Funding 
for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 118 Q Street, NE., 
Washington, DC 20002-2132.
    Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and 
requirements when submitting applications electronically via https://
www.grants.gov/.

V. Application Review Information

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

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 25 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information.
    The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 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

[[Page 42342]]

application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that each 
criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under the 
ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).

Part I--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.
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation 
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project 
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the 
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
    For example, indicate the aggregate number of calls expected to be 
received and the number of individuals who will be assisted on an 
annual basis. Provide estimates of the expected volume of calls in 
service areas, such as, crisis counseling, immediate referrals to 
shelters, or the number of referrals made in response to non-English 
speaking callers.
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.
Evaluation
    Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and 
the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the 
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which 
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which 
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. 
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are 
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the 
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being 
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and 
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's 
effectiveness.
Additional Information
    The following are requests for additional information that need to 
be included in the application:
Staff and Position Data
    Provide a biographical sketch and job description for each key 
person appointed. Job descriptions for each vacant key position should 
be included as well. As new key staff is appointed, biographical 
sketches will also be required.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the 
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit 
status in its application.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A 
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal 
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State 
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that 
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the 
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a 
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or 
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of 
the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization 
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant

[[Page 42343]]

organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Letters of Support
    Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders 
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should 
be included in the application OR by application deadline.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations 
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. 
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit 
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the 
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding 
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
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 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,

[[Page 42344]]

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--30 Points
    The extent to which the application provides a sound workable plan 
of action (approach), which details: How the proposed work will be 
accomplished; how each task relates to the project's goals and 
activities; identifies the key staff member responsible for the 
specific tasks; provides a chart indicating the timetable for 
completing each task, the phasing in of the tasks over time, the lead 
staff person, and the time committed to the task; cites factors that 
might accelerate or decelerate the work; justifies the approach 
selected over other approaches; makes maximum use of existing 
facilities and resources and off-the-shelf technology; describes and 
supports any unusual features of the project, such as design or 
technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary 
social or community involvement; and provides projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved and identifies the activities for which 
Federal technical assistance, advice, or guidance as the project is 
implemented is anticipated and would be acceptable. The extent to which 
the application details how possible problems such as unanswered calls, 
wait time, outdated equipment and technology, and data corruption would 
be avoided or resolved.
Results or Benefits Expected--20 Points
    The extent to which the application identifies, in specific terms, 
the results and benefits to be derived from the project and relate each 
result and benefit to a specific objective. The extent to which the 
application indicates the aggregate number of calls expected to be 
received and individuals to be assisted on an annual basis, e.g., the 
expected volume of calls in such service areas as crisis counseling, 
immediate referrals to shelters, or the number of referrals made in 
response to non-English speaking callers. The extent to which the 
application indicates the anticipated impact on and the subsequent 
benefit of the national hotline to victims of domestic violence and on 
the existing network of State and local shelters and services. The 
extent to which the application identifies the kinds of data to be 
collected, maintained, and updated, and discuss the criteria to be used 
to assure the quality of the services provided.
Objectives and Need for Assistance--20 Points
    Need for Assistance: The extent to which the application provides a 
detailed discussion of the need for a national domestic violence 
hotline of the scope being proposed. The extent to which the 
application provides a detailed analysis of the available data related 
to the problem being addressed (both domestic violence in general and 
the specific lack of a national domestic violence hotline); the 
strengths and limitations of other national and local crisis 
intervention and victim services hotline/referral services available, 
and the ``state-of-art'' relative to the problem being addressed by the 
proposal.
    Goals and Objectives: The extent to which the application clearly 
states the project goals and objectives. The extent to which the 
objectives are stated in concrete, measurable terms that clearly 
identify the population(s) to be served; the type, quality, and level 
of service to be provided; the timeline for the establishment and 
delivery of services; and other project benchmarks. The extent to which 
the application discusses the anticipated demand for hotline services 
during the initial start-up period; provides a projection of the demand 
on an ongoing basis; and provides supporting documentation.
Budget and Budget Justification--6 Points
    The extent to which the proposed budget relates to the level of 
effort required to obtain the project objectives. The extent to which 
the proposed budget demonstrates that the project's costs are 
reasonable in view of the anticipated results.
Organizational Profiles--6 Points
    The extent to which the application describes the adequacy of the 
staffing pattern for the proposed project; how the individual 
responsibilities are linked to project tasks; and the contributions to 
be made by key staff. The extent to which the application lists each 
collaborating or cooperative organization, individual consultant, or 
other key individuals who will work on the project, along with a 
description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Letters of Support--12 Points
    Collaborative Efforts: The extent to which the application 
describes the additional anticipated private sector resources that may 
be available to support or enhance the overall program. The extent to 
which the application discusses in detail and provides documentation 
for any proposed collaborative or coordinated efforts with other public 
and private agencies or organizations. The extent to which the 
application identifies these agencies or organizations and explains how 
their participation will enhance the project. The extent to which the 
application provides letters from these agencies and organizations 
discussing their interest and/or commitment in supporting this project, 
the stage of the planning and decision-making, and the expected level 
of resource commitment.
Staff and Position Data--6 Points
    The extent to which the application describes the background and 
experience of the project director and key project staff, and the 
history and accomplishments of the organization; the qualifications of 
the project team, including any experience with similar projects; the 
variety of skills, relevant educational background, and the ability to 
effectively manage the project and to coordinate activities with other 
agencies. (One or two pertinent paragraphs on each key member are 
preferred to vitae/resumes. However, vitae/resumes may be included.)

2. Review and Selection Process

    No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of 
an incomplete application.
    Experts from the domestic violence community as well as experts 
from social services programs will use the evaluation criteria listed 
in this announcement to review and score the applications. The results 
of this review are a primary factor in recommending funding decisions. 
To the extent possible, efforts will be made to ensure that funding 
decisions reflect an equitable distribution among states and 
geographical regions, and rural and urban areas.
    Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the process, 
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not 
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals 
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers, if 
otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary 
salary information.

[[Page 42345]]

Approved but Unfunded Applications
    Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for 
funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, 
for a period not to exceed one year.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of 
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of 
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective 
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be 
given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the 
total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial 
Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted 
via postal mail.
    Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be 
notified in writing.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-
governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).
    Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF 
program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities 
such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, 
organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their 
inherently religious activities from the services funded under this 
Program. Regulations pertaining to the Equal Treatment For Faith-Based 
Organizations, which includes the prohibition against Federal funding 
of inherently religious activities, can be found at either 45 CFR 87.1 
or the HHS Web site at: https://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.

3. Reporting Requirements

    Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial 
reports (SF-269 found at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm) 
throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports 
are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final programmatic and 
financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project 
period.
    Program Progress Reports: Semi-Annually.
    Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: William D. Riley, Director, Family Violence 
Division, 330 C Street, SW., Switzer Building, Room 2117, Washington, 
DC 20447. Phone: 202-104-5529. E-mail: wriley@acf.hhs.gov.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Peter Thompson, Grants Officer, 
Administration on Children, Youth and Families, 330 C Street, SW., 
Switzer Building, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-401-4608. E-
mail: pathompson@acf.hhs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

    Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the 
Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005, applicants will be able to 
find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically 
for opportunities via: https://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be 
able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the 
ACF Web site located at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/.
    Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of 
received applications.

    Dated: July 15, 2005.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth & Families.
[FR Doc. 05-14459 Filed 7-21-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P