Head Start Family Literacy Program, 42571-42579 [05-14558]

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 42571-42579]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-14558]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Head Start Family Literacy Program

    Program Office: Administration on Children, Youth and Families Head 
Start Bureau.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Head Start Family Literacy Project.
    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-YL-0023.
    CFDA Number: 93.600.
    Due Date for Applications: September 8, 2005.
    Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families 
(ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Head 
Start Bureau, under the authority of Sections 640(a)(2)(C) and 
648(c)(4) (42 U.S.C. 9843), is making available $3 million annually for 
each of the next five years, to support a cooperative agreement to 
provide family literacy training and technical assistance to Head Start 
and Early Head Start programs based on proven effective practices 
substantiated by research findings. This project will help grantees and 
delegate agencies nationwide to improve the quality and positive 
outcomes of family literacy services they provide. This includes 
programs serving American Indians, Alaska Natives, migrant and seasonal 
workers, and English language learners.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Head Start is a national child development program that began in 
1965. Early Head Start, which began in 1995, serves infants, toddlers 
and pregnant women. The Head Start Program Performance Standards

[[Page 42572]]

establish the requirements for comprehensive child development services 
to be provided to all Head Start and Early Head Start children, their 
families, and pregnant women enrolled in Early Head Start. An essential 
feature of these programs is the integral involvement of parents, both 
in the development of their children and in the governance of local 
programs.
    From the program's inception in 1965, Head Start has worked with 
parents to increase the social competence, including school readiness 
and later life success, of children from low-income families. The 
Program Performance Standards require that the curriculum address 
children's cognitive development, including language development and 
literacy. In addition to the requirements within Education and Early 
Childhood Development, there are sections that focus on the involvement 
of parents both in the development of their children and in the 
governance of local programs. In this respect, Head Start supports 
parents in being the first and most important teachers of their 
children. The Head Start Program also encourages parents' efforts to 
attain family self-sufficiency. Because adult illiteracy limits the 
economic self-sufficiency of families, Head Start focuses not only on 
children's emergent literacy, but also on family literacy, which 
includes adult education and skill development.
    Since 1991, $9 million is awarded annually to Head Start grantees 
as part of their base funding to ensure that each local program, either 
directly or through partnerships, supports parents' efforts to address 
their adult literacy needs. This includes classes through which parents 
may acquire speaking and writing skills in English; and earning the GED 
or a high school diploma, which are generally a threshold to successful 
employment.
    In 1999, the Head Start Bureau entered into a five-year cooperative 
agreement with the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL). The work 
of NCFL effectively supported local programs through cluster trainings 
and on-site technical assistance. Also, supporting the goals of the 
President's Early Childhood Initiative, Good Start, Grow Smart, the 
National Center for Family Literacy and the Head Start Bureau have 
engaged parents in 2\1/2\ days of Parent Mentor training. This training 
is designed to increase the parents' understanding about the language 
and literacy development of preschool age children and everyday ways in 
which to support that development. In addition to enhancing the 
language and literacy skills of their Head Start child, these parents 
are mentoring other Head Start parents to do the same with their 
children.
    The plans and services proposed by applicants under this 
announcement must include, at a minimum, balanced attention to the four 
components of family literacy as defined in the Head Start Act.
    As defined in the 1998 reauthorization of the Head Start Act, the 
term ``family literacy services'' means services that are of sufficient 
intensity in terms of hours, and of sufficient duration, to make 
sustainable changes in a family, and that integrate all of the 
following activities:
    (A) Interactive literacy activities between parents and their 
children.
    (B) Training for parents regarding how to be the primary teacher 
for their children and full partners in the education of their 
children.
    (C) Parent literacy training that leads to economic self-
sufficiency.
    (D) An age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in 
school and life experiences.

Priority Area

    Help Head Start grantees and delegate agencies nationwide improve 
the quality and positive outcomes of family literacy.

Description

    The Head Start Act, as amended in 1998, in Sections 640(a)(2)(C) 
and 648(c)(4) (42 U.S.C. 9843) requires the Secretary to provide 
technical assistance and training to Head Start agencies through an 
entity that has experience in the development and operation of 
successful family literacy services in order to improve the quality of 
family literacy services provided to enrolled families.
    The proposed Family Literacy Program (FLP) plans and services must 
include, at a minimum, balanced attention to the four components of 
family literacy identified in the Head Start Act for all families, 
including English Language Learners. The FLP will provide research-
supported training and technical assistance to Head Start and Early 
Head Start managers, staff, and parents on planning and delivery of 
high quality family literacy services that are of sufficient intensity 
and duration, and reflect sufficient coordination to ensure positive 
child and family outcomes. Applicants are encouraged to propose 
innovative strategies that are inclusive of diverse populations and 
include such approaches as mentoring, effective use of technology, and 
distance learning.
    Applicants for the FLP must submit a five-year plan and strategies 
to enhance local program provision of high quality family literacy 
services. The plans and strategies must support local program 
compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, other 
Head Start policies and regulations, and the provisions of the Head 
Start Reauthorization Act of 1998 (to be amended with any new Head 
Start Legislation).

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Substantial Involvement With Cooperative Agreement:

Federal Involvement Roles and Responsibilities

    Federal involvement in the Head Start Family Literacy 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 Offices.
    Supporting the Head Start Family Literacy Program through a 
cooperative agreement will ensure that goals and objectives will be 
fully met and that the work will be in accord with the Head Start 
Program Performance Standards and other regulations, the Head Start 
Child Outcomes Framework, and the Head Start Act.
    The close involvement of the Head Start Bureau in the 
implementation of this cooperative agreement will ensure that family 
literacy services will be sensitive and responsive to the challenges 
that Head Start families and staff encounter. It will ensure uniformity 
of content and quality of family literacy services to the families who 
are served in a variety of program settings, which are located in 
communities with varying levels of educational and training resources 
related to the language development and early literacy of young 
children and their families.
    The Head Start Bureau will provide the time and expertise of the 
Federal Project Officer (FPO) to:
     Assist the Head Start Family Literacy Program staff in 
ensuring that the four components of family literacy will be available 
to all Head Start and Early Head Start families, including English 
language learners. The four components include:

--Interactive literacy activities between parents and their children.
--Training for parents regarding how to be the primary teacher for 
their

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children and full partners in the education of their children.
--Parent literacy training that leads to economic self-sufficiency.
--An age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in 
school and life experiences.

     Identify research-supported training and technical 
assistance applicable to the population served.
     Assist in the development of a training template and 
schedule for the provision of training and technical assistance to Head 
Start and Early Head Start managers, staff, and parents regarding 
planning and delivering high quality family literacy services at the 
local program level.
     Work in close accord with the Family Literacy Program to 
provide leadership and support to grantees and delegate agencies in 
order to ensure that high quality family literacy services are of 
sufficient intensity and duration, and reflect sufficient coordination 
to ensure positive child and family outcomes.
     Participate in national meetings of the Head Start 
Technical Assistance Network as convened by ACYF, as a means of 
supporting and assisting the Family Literacy Program staff in their 
collaboration with this important group of technical assistance 
providers.
     Join the staff of the Head Start Literacy Program in 
putting on workshop presentations at national meetings as approved by 
the Head Start Bureau.
     Facilitate and support the Head Start Family Literacy 
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.
     Meet with the Head Start Family Literacy Program staff bi-
monthly to assess progress regarding the scope of work of the 
cooperative agreement, and to provide guidance, direction, and 
information regarding possible changes in national Head Start policy or 
initiatives.
    Early Head Start and Head Start grantees and delegate agencies will 
direct all inquiries regarding family literacy to the Head Start Family 
Literacy Program.
    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: $3,000,000 per budget period.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $3,000,000 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 literacy training. These 
include colleges and universities, private or public non-profit or for-
profit organizations or associationsin the field of adult literacy 
education and family studies. Only incorporated agencies and 
organizations are eligible to apply. Faith-based and community 
organizations are eligible applicants under this announcement. 
Individuals are not eligible to apply under this announcement.
    On all 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. The other 
organizations may be included as partners, participants, sub-grantees 
or sub-contractors.

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.
     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.
    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 Head Start Family Literacy Project, 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. Application Review Information, 1.

[[Page 42574]]

Criteria. Applicants are advised to follow the format outlined in 
Section V. Evaluation Criteria in order to address the 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.
    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.
    Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full 
project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Due Date for Applications: September 8, 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

[[Page 42575]]

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.

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                                                           Required form or
        What to submit             Required content             format                   When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF 424........................  See Section IV.2......  See https:// By application due date.
                                                         www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Project Abstract..............  See Sections IV.2. and  Found in Sections       By application due date.
                                 V.                      IV.2. and V.
Table of Contents.............  See Section IV.2......  Found in Section IV.2.  By application due date.
Project Description...........  See Sections IV.2. and  Found in Sections       By application due date.
                                 V.                      IV.2. and V.
SF 424A.......................  See Section IV.2......  See https:// By application due date.
                                                         www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
SF 424B.......................  See Section IV.2......  See https:// By application due date.
                                                         www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Budget Narrative/Justification  See Sections IV.2. and  Found in Sections IV.2  By application due date.
                                 V.                      and V.
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.
Assurances....................  See Section IV.2......  See https:// By date of award.
                                                         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.
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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.
    Construction and/or purchase of real property are not allowable 
expenditures under this agreement.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an 
explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF 
Operations Center, The Head Start Family Literacy Project, 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, Head Start Family Literacy 
Project, 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/.

[[Page 42576]]

V. Application Review Information

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

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

1. Criteria

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

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.

Approach

    Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how 
the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or 
activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished.
    When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, 
list them in chronological order to show the schedule of 
accomplishments and their target dates.
    If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution.

Organizational Profiles

    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the 
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit 
status in its application.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A 
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal 
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate; (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State 
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that 
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and 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

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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.
    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--35 points
    Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to the extent that 
they:
    Describe the conceptual framework or model that will guide the 
design and implementation of training and technical assistance (T/TA) 
to strengthen family literacy services and the internal capacities and 
partnerships of Head Start and Early Head Start grantees over the 
potential five year project period. Demonstrate a clear understanding 
of the definition of family literacy and propose strategies for 
strengthening all four of its component elements. Demonstrate knowledge 
of the current Head Start TA Network and electronic learning center.
    Outline an initial plan of action which describes the scope and 
detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. 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 a rationale for the proposed model and describe how it will 
lead to improvements in the skills and effectiveness of Head Start 
staff and the implementation of appropriate family literacy strategies 
in different programs and community settings.
    Propose an initial action plan for T/TA services and strategies for 
the first year of the project, and a discussion of how subsequent 
services will be adapted and improved based on initial experiences. 
Discuss optimal approaches including identifying and utilizing 
exemplary Head Start family literacy programs and other successful 
family literacy models as sources of training and technical assistance, 
uses of technology and distance learning, development of publications 
and media resources, and direct training of staff, managers, and 
parents.
    Describe strategies for adapting T/TA services to programs which 
vary on dimensions such as, (a) Different levels of development in 
carrying out family literacy activities; (b) targeted needs in specific 
elements of family literacy, such as improving the quality of 
children's literacy experiences; enhancing the involvement of parents 
in the literacy experiences of their children and enhancing 
opportunities for parents' participation in ESL, GED, or self-
sufficiency/work experiences; (c) serving American Indians, Alaska 
Natives, and migrant children and parents, and families whose home 
language is not English; (d) providing services through center-based, 
home-based, and combination program options or through partnership 
arrangements with family child care and child care centers; (e) Early 
Head Start grantees and programs serving teen parents; and (f) serving 
large numbers of parents who are employed, are in employment training, 
or in other educational settings.
    Provide a proposed timeline for the implementation of the project, 
including planning and start-up, phased implementation and training, 
and a proposed strategy for making services available to all Head Start 
and Early Head Start programs over the 5 year period of the project.
    Describe how the Family Literacy Project (FLP) will disseminate 
information about its services; and how initial programs and trainees 
will be recruited and selected to participate in FLP services. Discuss 
any proposed procedures for assessing program and staff needs for 
training and technical assistance.
    Describe how the FLP proposes to work with the existing Head Start 
T/TA network, Head Start State Collaboration Offices, ACF Regional 
Offices, and the Head Start Bureau to implement this project.
    Describe how the FLP will complement other program improvement 
initiatives and systems of Head Start, including program monitoring, 
local agency plans, and other training and technical assistance 
resources. Discuss opportunities for FLP training to link teachers with 
college degrees in early childhood education, including the potential 
for Head Start staff to earn academic credit, linked to A.A. or B.A. 
degrees for FLP training.
    Describe any proposed efforts to link FLP planning and services 
with other family literacy resources at the federal, state, or local 
level, such as libraries, museums, Even Start, Basic Education, GED, or 
higher education.
Organizational Profiles--25 points
    Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to the extent that 
they:
    Provide a biographical sketch for each key project person, and a 
job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch 
will also be required for new key staff, as they are hired.
    Describe the proposed organizational structure that will support 
the project objectives, including any proposed subcontractors or 
partnership arrangements, and how the proposed structure will support 
balanced, comprehensive, high quality family literacy services.
    Indicate a proposed staffing strategy including key staff 
positions, major functions and responsibilities. Describe the role and 
responsibility of any experts and/or consultants that may be used as 
the FLP is designed and implemented.
    Demonstrate competency and experience of the organization in 
developing and enhancing successful family literacy services for 
programs serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers, pregnant women and 
their families, and providing effective training and technical 
assistance to such programs.
    Describe past and current initiatives that demonstrate 
organizational capacity to adapt and improve training and technical 
assistance efforts based on evaluation results and participant 
feedback.

[[Page 42578]]

    Describes any past or ongoing partnerships or collaborations 
involving the organization and how they (or this experience) will be 
used to support the Head Start family literacy effort.
    Describe the capability of the organization to provide training and 
technical assistance in all four of the legislatively-defined elements 
of family literacy and in integrating these elements within local 
programs.
    Identify a cadre of research experts and trainers, to be utilized 
either as staff or consultants, who will be instrumental in the design 
and implementation of the FLP. This cadre of experts should have 
expertise in the areas of children's language and literacy development, 
adult literacy, and language development for English language learners.
    Describe the capability of the organization to write and edit 
training and other material, as well as support distance and web-based 
learning of learners at varying educational levels.
    Include an Appendix to the narrative consisting of support letters 
that document the demonstrated competence of the organization and 
proposed subcontractors or partners regarding successful partnership 
and service relationships with Head Start and Early Head Start 
programs, family literacy providers, and the Head Start technical 
assistance system.
Budget and Budget Justification--15 points
    Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to the extent that 
they:
    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 allocation of the proposed costs.
Results or Benefits Expected--15 points
    Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to the extent that 
they:
    Identify the specific results or benefits that could be expected 
for the Head Start and Early Head Start grantees, for staff, for 
enrolled children, their families, and communities.
    Identify both qualitative and quantitative data the FLP will 
collect to measure progress towards the stated results or benefits. 
Identify how the program will determine the extent to which it has 
achieved its stated goals and objectives.
    Provide a plan for distribution of reports and other project 
outputs to the Head Start community, the academic community, and to the 
public. Applicants must provide a description of the kind, volume and 
timing of distribution.
Objectives and Need for Assistance--10 Points
    Applications will be reviewed and evaluated to the extent that 
they:
    Set the context for family literacy services in the Head Start and 
Early Head Start programs nationwide. Include demographic information 
on the population(s) to be served, in terms of programs, families, and 
communities, as well as the pertinent research on the relationship of 
family literacy to future school success of children and the well-being 
of their families.
    State the goals and objectives for the program. Indicate how these 
goals and objectives are related to the overall purposes, policies and 
standards governing Head Start, Early Head Start, and other family 
literacy programs.
    Discuss the changing needs for family literacy services by low-
income families with young children, including families where the home 
language is not English. Discuss the implications of this information 
for future efforts by Head Start, and identify the ways this project 
will address these areas.
    Describe the strengths of Head Start/Early Head Start family 
literacy efforts (including exemplary models in local community 
programs) and areas for program improvement in each of the four 
legislatively mandated areas. Identify and describe current patterns of 
partnerships among Head Start, Even Start, and other family literacy 
and early childhood agencies and resources including, for example, 
child care, libraries and museums, and mentoring programs.
    Discuss priority needs for training and technical assistance to 
improve the quality, intensity, duration and coordination of services; 
child and family outcomes; internal agency capacities; and partnership 
efforts to improve Head Start family literacy services.

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://

[[Page 42579]]

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: Willa Siegel, Administration on Children, 
Youth and Families, Head Start Bureau, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, 
DC 20447; Phone: 202-205-4011; E-mail: WSiegel@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. 05-14558 Filed 7-22-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P