Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Availability, etc.: Child Development Associate Credentialing Program, 42562-42571 [05-14557]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 141 (Monday, July 25, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42562-42571]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-14557]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Availability, etc.: Child 
Development Associate Credentialing Program

    Program Office: Administration on Children, Youth and Families Head 
Start Bureau.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Child Development Associate (CDA) 
National Credentialing Program.
    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-YD-0064.
    CFDA Number: 93.600.
    Due Date for Applications: September 23, 2005.
    Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families 
(ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) announces 
the availability of $1,000,000 annually for each of five years to 
support staff development for all individuals employed in local Head 
Start, Early Head Start, and other child care programs to increase the 
understanding and skills necessary to carry out their jobs, as well as 
professional development leading to credentials and degrees. A 
cooperative agreement is a form of Federal financial assistance that 
allows substantial Federal involvement in the activities for which 
funds are awarded.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Head Start is a national program that provides comprehensive 
developmental services for preschool children, ages three through five, 
and under the Early Head Start program for infants, toddlers, and 
pregnant women. Since the inception of Head Start in 1965, over 22 
million children and their families have been served. In 2004, nearly 
900,000 Head Start and Early Head Start children and their families and 
6,227 pregnant women received services based on the requirements of The 
Head Start Program Performance Standards and Other Regulations.
    The Head Start Act as amended in 1998, Sec. 648(e) (42 U.S.C. 
9843), Technical Assistance and Training, requires that the Secretary 
shall provide, either directly or through grants or other arrangements, 
funds from programs authorized under this subchapter to support an 
organization to administer a centralized child development and national 
assessment program leading to recognized credentials for personnel 
working in early childhood development and child care programs.
    In 2004, 47,000 classrooms were staffed with more than 56,208 
infant, toddler, and preschool teachers, and

[[Page 42563]]

52,541 assistant teachers. Also, 5,293 home visitors worked with 
individual parents to support their role as their ``child's first 
teacher.'' In addition, 1,810 family child care providers delivered 
comprehensive child development services. Programs are located 
nationwide, including in settings that serve American Indians, Alaska 
Natives, Migrant and Seasonal Workers.

Development and Implementation of the CDA National Credentialing 
Program in the 1970s

    In 1970, the Head Start Bureau announced its commitment to improve 
the quality of child care by focusing on staff competence. In 1971, the 
Bureau convened a task force of leaders in the fields of child 
development and early childhood education to elicit their suggestions 
and their support in establishing professional recognition for 
competent child development personnel. The task force envisioned a 
nationally supported effort to:

--Identify basic competencies (skills) needed by staff to provide 
competent care;
--Provide training for caregivers in these competencies; and
--Evaluate the work of caregivers on the basis of these national 
standards and recognize them with a national credential or award.

    Based on the recommendations of the task force, competencies were 
identified and standardized assessment procedures, by which to assess 
candidates, were developed. In 1975, the first credential was awarded 
by The Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing 
Program.
    In the 1980s, CDA training standards were developed and a process 
was established for approving training institutions to provide early 
childhood training and to prepare the candidate for successful CDA 
assessment: The CDA Professional Preparation Program (CDA P3). To 
support postsecondary institutions offering the CDA P3, a training 
curriculum was developed entitled ``Essentials for Child Development 
Associates.'' This curriculum serves as the core content of the CDA P3 
training.

Credentialed to Date

    The number of candidates credentialed each year has steadily grown 
from approximately 2,000 to more than 13,000. As of March 2005, 183,567 
CDA credentials had been awarded to home visitors, family child care 
providers, teachers of infants and toddlers, and teachers of preschool 
age children. This included staff working in a variety of settings--
Head Start, Early Head Start, Even Start, State Pre-K, Title 1, faith-
based preschools, and in the various military sectors. The initial CDA 
credential is valid for three years and may be renewed for the same 
setting and age-level endorsement for five-year periods thereafter, 
based on evidence of professional growth.
    The candidate's cost of the CDA application and assessment process 
is maintained at $325, because many of the candidates have limited 
income and a large number of them are former or current Head Start 
parents. The actual cost of the CDA credentialing process exceeds the 
candidate's cost of $325 and is covered by Federal funds awarded to the 
agency or organization selected to administer the Head Start CDA 
National Credentialing Program. In 1992, both the House and Senate 
Appropriations Committees directed the Department of Health and Human 
Services to continue to allocate Head Start funds to administer the CDA 
National Credentialing Program and to maintain the cost of the 
credential at $325.

Recognition and Continued Need for the CDA National Credentialing 
Program

    The CDA credential is widely recognized and respected. Forty-eight 
states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico recognize the CDA 
credential within their licensing regulations for child care centers. 
This enables staff to move from state-to-state with recognition of 
their CDA credential and qualifications.
    Another indication of the CDA's credibility is that the credential 
is earned by thousands of persons each year who are employed under a 
variety of auspices beyond Head Start and Early Head Start. This 
includes military-sponsored programs, church-based, private-for-profit, 
State funded preschools, and programs funded by the Department of 
Education.
    In addition, since 1998, Sec. 648A of the Head Start Act has 
required that not later than September 30, 2003, at least 50 percent of 
all Head Start teachers nationwide in center-based programs have an 
associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree in early childhood 
education; or an associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree in a 
field related to early childhood education, with experience in teaching 
preschool children. Alternatively, for each Head Start classroom in 
center-based programs that do not have a teacher with these 
qualifications, the Act states that one way of meeting this national 
degree requirement is to assign a teacher in each such classroom who 
has a CDA credential appropriate to the age of children being served in 
center-based programs. The two remaining credentialing alternatives are 
either a State-awarded certificate for preschool teachers that meets or 
exceeds the requirements for a child development associate credential, 
or a degree in a field related to early childhood education with 
experience in teaching preschool children and a State-awarded 
certificate to teach in a preschool program.
    As of September 2005, 65 percent [36,477] of Head Start and Early 
Head Start teachers hold a qualifying degree as compared to 37 percent 
in 1998. In addition, 26 percent [14,681] hold a CDA or equivalent 
State-issued certificate. Of this number, 46.5 percent [6,837] are 
enrolled in early childhood education degree programs. Also, 1,585 
teachers who do not have a CDA are enrolled in degree programs. 
Although good overall progress has been made, there still are a number 
of individual programs without qualified teachers.
    Other factors that impact the necessity for credentialed infant, 
toddler, and preschool teachers include welfare reform and military 
deployment of parents. Welfare reform requires low-income mothers to 
engage in work-training and employment. This necessitates that they 
locate safe child care services for their young children. In military 
families, a more recent demand is due to one or both parents being 
deployed on active military duty.
Program Purpose
    The CDA National Credentialing Program created through this 
announcement will credential qualified caregivers who work with 
children, birth to age five, in a variety of public and private agency 
settings, and in a variety of roles, including as center-based teachers 
of infants and toddlers or preschool age children; as home visitors; or 
as family child care providers.
    The CDA National Credentialing Program will work closely with Head 
Start grantees and delegate agencies to support the provision of 
qualified staff as local programs work to provide high quality and 
effective services to children and families; address the emerging 
priorities of assessing and fostering progress towards specific child 
outcomes; and working with increasing numbers of English language 
learners. To serve Head Start agencies effectively, the CDA National 
Credentialing Program will establish ongoing communication and 
cooperation with various community colleges and universities, including 
the Historically Black Colleges and Universities,

[[Page 42564]]

Hispanic Service Institutions, Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges 
and Universities, the Head Start State Collaboration Offices, the Head 
Start Quality Research Centers, and the Head Start Technical Assistance 
Network including the Electronic Learning Center.
    The need for qualified, credentialed staff is an urgent matter. 
Although steady progress has been made to ensure that Early Head Start 
and Head Start children have qualified teachers, the challenge 
continues. Grantees and delegate agencies are serving nearly one 
million children, families, and pregnant women, annually, while 
experiencing an annual turnover of nearly 15 percent among teachers; 
and 10 percent among assistant teachers, home visitors, and family 
child care providers. A unique challenge is to assess and credential 
qualified candidates within a 30-day period for Migrant and Seasonal, 
and American Indian and Native Alaskan programs due primarily to 
shortened seasons for the Migrant programs and to the geographic 
isolation of American Indian communities. The Head Start program 
continues to maintain a commitment to preserving opportunities for Head 
Start and Early Head Start parents and community members to gain 
employment in entry level positions, to develop professionally, and to 
advance up the career ladder, including to jobs as teachers. Supporting 
teacher assistants (52,541 in year 2004) to earn the CDA not only opens 
a pathway to their professional development, it also ensures that 
children and families have a more knowledgeable and skilled classroom 
team. Many of the 7,000 Head Start and Early Head Start home visitors 
and family day care providers are likely to be candidates for the CDA.
    The Head Start Act (as amended October 27, 1998) is in the process 
of being reauthorized by Congress. It is expected that the need and 
support for the CDA National Credentialing Program will be maintained 
within the reauthorized Act. The Head Start Bureau's estimate of the 
number of candidates to be credentialed annually includes staff from 
the various sectors of child care that are also likely to apply for CDA 
assessment and credentialing.
Definitions
    Assessment System--The process by which competence is evaluated by 
the CDA National Credentialing Program. The CDA Assessment System 
includes application, information collection, validation, and 
credential award.
    Bilingual Specialization--An applicant for CDA assessment may be 
assessed for a bilingual specialization. The applicant must be able to 
speak, read, and write two languages well enough to understand and be 
understood by others, and work in a program where the two languages and 
cultures are used consistently with adults and children. A bilingual 
specialization candidate is assessed on the basis of competence in all 
13 of the required functional areas and in their ability to promote 
children's bilingual development.
    CDA--An individual who has successfully completed a Child 
Development Associate assessment and has been awarded the CDA 
credential and is able to meet the specific needs of children and who, 
with parents and other adults, works to nurture children's physical, 
social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development 
framework. The CDA behaves in an ethical manner. The CDA demonstrates 
competence in the CDA competency goals through work in center-based, 
home-based, or family child care.
    CDA Professional Preparation Program (CDA P3)--A one-year, college 
training program that offers candidates child development coursework 
and field experiences in child care settings to enable them to build 
the necessary skills to become a CDA.
    Competence--Skill or ability to do something well.
    Competency Goals--General statements of competence that a caregiver 
should work towards. There are six CDA competency goals: I. To 
establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment; II. To 
advance physical and intellectual competence; III. To support social 
and emotional development and provide positive guidance; IV. To 
establish positive and productive relationships with families; V. To 
ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participants needs; 
and VI. To maintain a commitment to professionalism.
    Competency Standards--Criteria that define the goals and skills 
that a competent child care provider, home visitor, or family child 
care provider should demonstrate in working with young children. The 
Competency Standards consist of six goals, 13 functional areas, and 
examples of competent behavior. They were developed and validated by 
the early childhood profession and the CDA National Credentialing 
Program.
    Credential--A written document from an authorizing body showing 
that a person has met certain standards. The CDA Credential is awarded 
to those who have demonstrated competence in the CDA Competency 
Standards during the CDA assessment process.
    Dual Credential--A CDA credential earned in more than one 
endorsement area.
    Essentials--``Essentials for Child Development Associates Working 
with Young Children,'' a college training curriculum.
    Functional Area--A category of responsibility that defines a 
caregiver's competency in relation to children. The six CDA competency 
goals are divided into functional areas.

Priority Area

    To Administer the Child Development Associate (CDA) National 
Credentialing Program.

1. Description

    The CDA National Credentialing Program created through this 
announcement will credential qualified caregivers who work with 
children from birth to age five, in a variety of public and private 
agency settings, and in a variety of roles, including as center-based 
teachers of infants and toddlers or preschool age children, as home 
visitors, or as family child care providers.
Requirements of This Cooperative Agreement: The CDA National 
Credentialing Program Roles And Responsibilities
--Maintain a national credentialing program for the assessment of 
competencies of teachers of infants and toddlers, teachers of preschool 
age children, home visitors, and family child care providers, including 
with a bilingual specialization in Spanish; and the award of the CDA 
credential.
--Ensure that CDAs will be credentialed in numbers sufficient to meet 
the staffing needs of Early Head Start and Head Start grantee and 
delegate agencies; and staff from the various sectors of child care. 
This is estimated at 12,000 candidates for each of five years, 
beginning in fiscal year (FY) 2005.
--Promote and support CDA credentialing among qualified candidates 
nationally. This includes rural, urban, American Indian reservations, 
Alaskan villages, the Outer Pacific, and in Migrant settings, taking 
into consideration that each community has varying levels of 
educational and training resources.
--Maintain a sufficient number of geographically distributed Field 
Advisors to monitor the candidates' progress and provide guidance for 
the application of the principles in

[[Page 42565]]

Essentials; and maintain a sufficient number of qualified and trained 
CDA Representatives to assess candidates.
--Maintain a process for the renewal of the CDA credential. The initial 
CDA credential is valid for three years and may be renewed for the same 
setting and age-level endorsement for five-year periods thereafter 
based on evidence of continuous professional growth. Maintain the fee 
for renewal at $50.
--Provide a process to assess credentialed CDAs seeking a dual 
credential endorsement at a fee lower than the initial credentialing 
fee.
--Maintain a process to ensure the assessment and credentialing of 
qualified Migrant and Seasonal Program staff within a 30-day period.
-- Maintain two approaches to candidate assessment and credentialing: 
The direct assessment route, and the CDA Professional Preparation 
Program--the CDA P3.
--Identify where candidates may enroll in the CDA P3 through on-line 
enrollment.
--In conjunction with the ACYF maintain the CDA credentialing fee at 
$325.
--Convene annually a representative group of approximately 10 people 
from Head Start and Early Head Start programs, colleges and 
universities, parents, State licensing agencies, Head Start TA Network, 
Head Start State Collaboration Offices to facilitate access of Head 
Start and Early Head Start staff to degree-awarding programs with 
credit-recognition for the CDA.
--Maintain regular communication with Head Start and Child Care 
Technical Assistance Networks to provide candidate assessment and 
credentialing information, and to engender their assistance in 
recruiting Advisors for the CDA Direct Assessment process.
--Participate in national meetings of the Head Start Technical 
Assistance Network as convened by ACYF.
--Join ACYF in conducting open forums at selected events identified by 
the Head Start Bureau. The purpose of the forums will be to solicit and 
encourage comment and input by the early childhood education and child 
care fields as to the best ways in which the objectives of the CDA 
program may be achieved and to provide information regarding CDA 
credentialing.
--Promote interest in, and understanding of, the CDA Credential through 
a variety of methods such as, the publication and dissemination of a 
newsletter to provide information to potential candidates to highlight 
the experiences and successes of individuals who earn the CDA 
Credential, to provide information regarding times and places of 
available training for candidates, and to illustrate the connections 
between qualified staff and quality outcomes for children and their 
families.
--On a case-by-case basis, consider assessment requests from CDA 
Candidates in bilingual programs using language combinations other than 
Spanish/English.
--Collect data about CDAs credentialed under the direct assessment 
system and the CDA Professional Preparation Program (P3) in order to 
determine if changes might be needed in either/both of the systems to 
make it/them more efficient and more supportive of candidates.
--Update, publish, and disseminate the ``National Directory of Early 
Childhood Teacher Preparation Institutions,'' which lists institutions 
that offer Early Childhood training and the credits, degrees, and 
certificates awarded.
--Maintain a strong network of cooperating postsecondary education 
institutions for the CDA P3 by securing new, as well as, ongoing 
institutional recommitment.
--Communicate directly with Head Start grantee and delegate agencies, 
and the Head Start Technical Assistance Network to support them in 
negotiating and securing the cooperation of local colleges in the 
delivery of various types of CDA training for Head Start and child care 
staff.
--Assist the Head Start Bureau and Regional Office CDA Liaisons to stay 
current regarding assessment and credentialing, including joining Head 
Start Bureau staff in periodic conference calls with the Regional 
Offices.
--Respond to requests from grantee and delegate agencies for: Materials 
and information regarding assessment and credentialing; arranging 
candidate assessments; arranging enrollments in the CDA P3 program and 
coordinating with the candidate, his or her agency, and the institution 
of higher learning; handling candidate fees and award certificates; and 
responding to requests for local workshop presentations, as feasible.
--Conduct at least one CDA information workshop during a statewide or 
regional conference in each region or combined region, annually. The 
fourth quarterly report will include the summary of these activities.
--Assist the Head Start Bureau in strengthening linkages with the child 
care community by including child care networks, agencies, and 
organizations on the mailing list; disseminating information regarding 
CDA to the child care community, including individual providers, as 
possible; and promoting the availability of the CDA for Family Child 
Care Providers.
--Assist ACYF to conceptualize and support the roles of mentors among 
staff, including family child care providers, home visitors, infant and 
toddler teachers, preschool teachers, and possibly other members of the 
Head Start and child care team in keeping with the Head Start Program 
Performance Standards, which integrate comprehensive services for 
children, birth to age five, and services for pregnant women.
--Establish and maintain a process to identify and determine State-by-
State, if State-awarded certificate(s) for preschool teachers and 
infant and toddler teachers are equivalent to the CDA credential, and 
if they are ``State-awarded'', thus meeting the Head Start Teacher 
Qualifications Mandate of 1998. Review findings of the State's 
credential with Head Start Bureau staff. The Associate Commissioner of 
the Head Start Bureau will determine if a State's certification meets 
the Teacher Qualification Mandate. The Associate Commissioner will 
notify the State and Regional Office, accordingly.
--Develop, and keep current for the Head Start Bureau, a printout of 
the various State credentials reviewed and the findings.
--Provide quarterly reports that include an overview of the number and 
type of credentials awarded during the past quarter, year-to-date, and 
1971-to-date according to each State, and also by Migrant and Seasonal 
Programs, and American Indian and Native Alaskan Programs.
--Meet with the ACYF bi-monthly, or as requested, to assess progress 
regarding the scope of work of the cooperative agreement.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Substantial Involvement With Cooperative Agreement: Federal 
involvement in the CDA National Credentialing Program will include 
substantial roles for the Head Start Bureau, which includes the 
American Indian and Native Alaskan Programs Branch, the Migrant and 
Seasonal Programs Branch, and the ACF Regional

[[Page 42566]]

Offices each of which provide a CDA Liaison to serve as the primary 
point of contact for grantee and delegate agencies in their regions 
regarding staff qualification requirements as mandated by Section 648A 
of the Head Start Act and by the Head Start Program Performance 
Standards and Other Regulations. The Head Start Bureau will also ensure 
that the programs of the ACF Child Care Bureau will be supported 
through the CDA National Credentialing Program.
    Supporting the CDA National Credentialing Program through a 
cooperative agreement will ensure cooperation and coordination in the 
provision of credential awards to qualified candidates nationally. The 
close involvement of the Head Start Bureau in the implementation of 
this cooperative agreement will also help the CDA Program to be 
sensitive and responsive to the challenges meeting candidates working 
in a variety of program settings located in communities with varying 
levels of educational and training resources.
--Provide the time and expertise of the Federal Project Officer (FPO) 
to help the CDA National Credentialing Program ensure that CDAs will be 
credentialed in numbers sufficient to meet the staffing needs of Early 
Head Start and Head Start grantee and delegate agencies. This is 
estimated at 8,000 candidates annually for the five-year period 
beginning in FY 2005.
--The FPO will participate in national meetings of the Head Start 
Technical Assistance Network as convened by ACYF, as a means of 
supporting and assisting the CDA National Credentialing Program in 
their collaboration with this important group of technical assistance 
providers.
--The FPO will attend the annual meeting of a representative group of 
approximately 10 people to facilitate access of Head Start and Early 
Head Start staff to degree-awarding programs with credit-recognition 
for the CDA.
--The FPO will facilitate and support the CDA National Credentialing 
Program's communications and coordination with the Federal Regional 
Offices (I-X), the Migrant and Seasonal Programs Branch, and the 
American Indian and Native Alaskan Programs Branch.
--The FPO will join the CDA National Credentialing Program in 
conducting forums at selected events identified by ACYF.
--The FPO will assure that ACYF considers and responds promptly to the 
CDA National Credentialing Program's recommendations regarding 
individual States that award credentials meeting the Head Start Teacher 
Qualifications Mandate of 1998.
--The FPO will meet with the CDA National Credentialing Program staff 
bi-monthly to assess progress regarding the scope of work of the 
cooperative agreement, and to provide guidance and direction, and 
information regarding possible changes in national Head Start policy or 
initiatives.
--Early Head Start and Head Start grantee and delegate agencies will 
direct all inquiries regarding assessment and credentialing directly to 
the CDA National Credentialing Program. Grantee and delegate agencies 
and/or individual candidates will also arrange directly with the CDA 
National Credentialing Program the dates and places of candidates' 
assessments; enrollments in the CDA P3 Program; handling and submission 
of fees; requests for workshops by staff of the CDA National 
Credentialing Program; and other similar matters.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,000,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $1,000,000 per budget 
period.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $1,000,000 per budget period.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $1,000,000 per budget period.
    Length of Project Periods: 60-month project with five 12-month 
budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

     State controlled institutions of higher education.
     Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other 
than institutions of higher education.
     Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the 
IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
     Private institutions of higher education.
     For-profit organization other than small businesses.
     Small businesses.
     Others (See Additional Information on Eligibility below.)
    Additional Information on Eligibility: Eligible applicants are 
agencies or organizations with expertise in training early childhood 
personnel. These include colleges and universities, private or public 
non-profit or for-profit organizations, or associations in the field of 
early childhood education or the related fields of child development, 
child care, and family studies. Only incorporated agencies and 
organizations are eligible to apply. Faith-based and community-based 
organizations are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to 
apply under this announcement.
    On applications developed jointly by more than one agency or 
organization, the application must identify only one organization as 
the lead organization and the official applicant.
    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 
earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

[[Page 42567]]

     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

    The Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program, The 
Dixon Group, ACYF Operations Center, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 
20002, Phone: 1-800-351-2293, e-mail: HSB@Dixongroup.com.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Standard instructions for application content can be found in 
Section V.1. Applicants are advised to follow the format outlined in 
Section V.1. in order to address Head Start specific requirements of 
this expansion announcement. Additional application submission 
requirements are provided below.
    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.
    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

[[Page 42568]]

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: September 23, 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 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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          What to submit             Required content          Required form or format          When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Abstract.................  See Sections IV.2     Found in Sections IV.2 and V......  By application due
                                    and V.                                                    date.
Project Description..............  See Sections IV.2     Found in Sections IV.2 and V......  By application due
                                    and V.                                                    date.
Budget Narrative/Justification...  See Sections IV.2     Found in Sections IV.2 and V......  By application due
                                    and V.                                                    date.
SF424............................  See Section IV.2....  See https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due
                                                          programs/ofs/forms.htm.             date.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding     See Section IV.2....  See https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By date of award.
 Lobbying.                                                programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Certification Regarding            See Section IV.2....  See https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By date of award.
 Environmental Tobacco Smoke.                             programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Assurances.......................  See Section IV.2....  See https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By date of award.
                                                          programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          What to submit             Required content          Required form or format          When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit     See form............  Found in https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due
 Grant Applicants.                                        programs/ofs/forms.htm.             date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 42569]]

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.
    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: ACYF 
Operations Center, CDA National Credentialing Program, 118 Q Street, 
NE., Washington, DC 20002.
    Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application 
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two 
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30 
p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are 
hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be 
delivered to: ACYF Operations Center, CDA National Credentialing 
Program, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002.
    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 (P.L. 104-13)

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information.
    The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.

1. Criteria

    The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the 
``project summary/abstract'' and ``full project description'' sections 
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that 
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under 
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).
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.
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 Summry/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.

[[Page 42570]]

Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
    For example, describe the extent to which the applicant's 
recommendations and possible strategies for enhancing the current CDA 
National Credentialing Program system, the number of CDA candidates to 
be credentialed annually and the extent to which the assessment and 
credentialing fee is affordable to potential candidates.
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.
Geographic Location
    Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the 
area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids 
may be attached.
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.

Evaluation Criteria

    The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending 
order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance 
that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need 
not develop their applications precisely according to the order 
presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer 
will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information 
(i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed 
information about how it will be conducted).
    In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities 
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial 
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following 
criteria:
Approach--50 points
    The extent to which the applicant identifies qualified staff with 
the necessary educational and experiential backgrounds. The extent to 
which the application documents the background of the proposed project 
director and other proposed project staff (i.e., names, training, most 
relevant educational background and other qualifying experiences along 
with resumes and short descriptions of their proposed responsibilities 
or contributions to the applicant's work plan). The extent to which the 
experience of the applicant in administering a project like the one 
proposed and the applicant's ability to effectively and efficiently 
administer this project may be demonstrated by:
     Documentation that the applicant organization is capable 
of implementing and maintaining a centralized, National Child 
Development Associate Credentialing Program for: (1) Teachers of 
preschool-age children, (2) teachers of infants and toddlers in center-
based programs, (3) home visitors, and (4) family child care providers.
     Description of how the applicant will work with ACYF in 
implementing the cooperative agreement to carry out the legislative 
requirements for qualified staff.
     Description of how the applicant will work with ACYF to 
maintain the candidate cost for the assessment and credential award at 
$325; $15 for the applicant package and $50 for credential renewal.
     Description of how the applicant will identify staff and 
activities to establish and maintain a working relationship with State 
Licensing Offices, Head Start State Collaboration Offices, Head Start 
Technical Assistance Network, and colleges and universities to increase 
the recognition of the CDA Credential.
     Description of how the applicant will structure and 
utilize a nationally representative group, which will meet annually, 
and lists the types of professional and paraprofessional representation 
they would seek in order to be most knowledgeable about relevant Head 
Start, Early Head Start, other public and private, for-profit and non-
profit agencies whose staff seek CDA credentialing.
     Description of how the applicant will develop, establish, 
and maintain a process to identify each State-awarded certificate(s) 
for preschool teachers and infant and toddler teachers; and a 
description of how the applicant will determine if it is equivalent to 
the CDA credential and thus meets the Head Start Teacher Qualifications 
Mandate of 1998.
Objectives and Need for Assistance--20 points
    The extent to which the application clearly identifies the 
physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other 
problem(s) requiring a solution. The extent to which the need for 
assistance is demonstrated; and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project are clearly stated. (Note: Supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included.) The 
extent to which any relevant data based on planning studies is included 
or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. The extent to which the 
application incorporates demographic data and participant/beneficiary 
information, as needed. In developing the project description, the 
extent to which the applicant volunteers or responds to requests to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated) of which some may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Budget and Budget Justification--15 points
    The extent to which the application provides a 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

[[Page 42571]]

detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated.
    The extent to which the application provides a narrative budget 
justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived and 
discusses the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed 
costs.
Results or Benefits Expected--15 points
    The extent to which the application identifies the results and 
benefits to be derived. For example, the extent to which the 
application describes recommendations and possible strategies for 
enhancing the current CDA National Credentialing Program system, the 
number of CDA candidates to be credentialed annually, and a description 
of procedures to ensure that candidates from American Indian and 
Migrant programs will receive accelerated processing of their 
applications, candidate assessment, and credential award, if 
successful. The extent to which the assessment and credentialing fee is 
affordable to potential candidates.

2. Review and Selection Process

    No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of 
an incomplete application.
    A panel of four non-federal reviewers will be convened in 
Washington, DC, to read and score each application based on the 
published criteria. The panel's scores and recommendations will be 
forwarded to the ACYF Commissioner who will make the ultimate 
selection.
    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.

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: Quarterly .
    Financial Reports: Quarterly.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact:

    Jean Simpson, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Head 
Start Bureau, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Phone: (202) 
205-8418, e-mail: Jsimpson@acf.hhs.gov.

Grants Management Office Contact:

    Delores Dickerson, Grants Officer, Administration on Children and 
Families, 330 C Street, SW., Room 2218, Washington, DC 20447, Phone: 
(202) 260-7622, e-mail: dedickenson@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 18, 2005.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 05-14557 Filed 7-22-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P