Administration on Developmental Disabilities; Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) To Assist Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) To Establish or Improve Voting Access for Individuals With Disabilities, 9349-9357 [E6-2515]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 36 (Thursday, February 23, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9349-9357]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-2515]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Administration on Developmental Disabilities; Help America Vote 
Act (HAVA) Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) To Assist 
Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) To Establish or Improve Voting 
Access for Individuals With Disabilities

    Announcement Type: Initial--Grant.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2006-ACF-ADD-DH-0034.
    CFDA Number: 93.618.
    Due Date for Letter of Intent: March 27, 2006.
    Due Date for Applications: April 24, 2006.
    Executive Summary: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities 
(ADD) in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces the 
availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 funds for the Help America Vote 
Act (HAVA) Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) for Protection and 
Advocacy Systems (P&As).
    The purpose of funds awarded under this announcement is to provide 
T/TA to P&As in their promotion of full participation in the electoral 
process for individuals with disabilities, including registering to 
vote, casting a vote, and accessing polling places; developing 
proficiency in the use of voting systems and technologies as they 
affect individuals with disabilities (including blindness) in order to 
assess the availability and use of such systems and technologies for 
such individuals. At least one recipient of these funds must provide T/
TA for non-visual access.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Legislative Authority

    The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002, Public Law (Pub. L.) 107-
252, Title II, Subtitle D, part 5, section 291.

Description

    The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) in the 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS), announces the availability of Fiscal 
Year (FY) 2006 funds authorized under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) 
of 2002, Public Law 107-252, Title II, Subtitle D, part 5, section 291 
(42 U.S.C. 15461). Provisions under this section provide for the award 
of grants for Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) to assist 
Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) in:
    * Promoting full participation in the electoral process for 
individuals with disabilities, including registering to vote, casting a 
vote, and accessing polling places;
    * Developing proficiency in the use of voting systems and 
technologies as they affect individuals with disabilities;
    * Demonstrating and evaluating the use of such systems and 
technologies by individuals with disabilities (including blindness) in 
order to assess the availability and use of such systems and 
technologies for such individuals; and
    * Providing T/TA for non-visual access. (At least one recipient 
must provide T/TA assistance in this area.)

Background

    HAVA, signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 29, 
2002, contains three grant programs that will enable a grantee to 
establish, expand, and improve access to and participation in the 
election process by individuals with the full range of disabilities 
(e.g., visual impairments including blindness, hearing impairments 
including deafness, the full range of mobility impairments including 
gross motor and fine motor impairments, emotional impairments, and 
intellectual impairments). These programs are: (1) Voting Access for 
Individuals with Disabilities (VOTE), which provides funding to the 
States and territories for activities to establish and/or improve 
access to voting for individuals with the full range of disabilities; 
(2) Protection and Advocacy Systems: Help America to Vote, which 
provides funding to P&As throughout the United States in support of 
their efforts to ensure full participation in the electoral process for 
individuals with disabilities; and (3) T/TA for P&As so they can assist 
individuals with the full range of disabilities in the voting process 
from registration to actual voting.

Background on ADD and ADD Programs

    ADD is located within ACF, HHS. ADD shares goals with other ACF 
programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, 
children, individuals, and communities.
    ADD is the lead agency responsible for planning and administering 
programs to promote the self-sufficiency and protect the rights of 
persons with developmental disabilities. ADD administers the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 
(the DD Act). The DD Act provides for funding to States to provide 
advocacy, promote consumer oriented systems change and capacity 
building activities, and facilitate network collaboration. The four 
programs funded under the DD Act are:
    (1) State Councils on Developmental Disabilities that engage in 
advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities;
    (2) Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) that protect the legal 
and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities;
    (3) The National Network of University Centers for Excellence in 
Developmental Disabilities, (UCEDD) that engages in training, community 
outreach, research, and dissemination activities; and
    (4) Projects of National Significance (PNS), that award grants and 
contracts that promote and increase the independence, productivity, 
inclusion and integration into the community of persons with 
developmental disabilities. These projects focus on the most pressing 
issues for people with developmental disabilities across the country. 
These projects may involve research, technical assistance, projects 
which improve supportive living and quality of life opportunities, 
projects to educate policymakers, and efforts to create interagency 
Federal collaboration.
    In addition to responsibilities under the DD Act, ADD has been 
given the responsibility by the Secretary of HHS for three grant 
programs authorized under HAVA, Public Law 107-252. This announcement 
is for HAVA T/TA for P&As so they can assist individuals with 
disabilities in the voting process from registration to actual voting.

Objectives

    The purpose of funds awarded under this announcement is to provide 
T/TA for P&As to establish or improve voting access for individuals 
with disabilities, including registering to vote, casting a vote and 
accessing polling places. The T/TA grantee(s) may use their award to 
support training in the use of voting systems and technologies, and to 
demonstrate and evaluate the use of such systems and technologies, by 
individuals with disabilities (including blindness) in order to assess 
the availability and use of such systems and technologies for such 
individuals. At least one grantee shall use the award to provide T/TA 
for nonvisual access.

[[Page 9350]]

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $338,115.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 to 4.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $338,115 per budget period.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $84,529 per budget period.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $84,529 per budget period.
    Length of Project Periods: 12-month project and budget period.
    Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of 
funds.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants:
    * Public and 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.
    Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory 
eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. 
As stated in the HAVA of 2002, Public Law 107-252, Title II, Subtitle 
D, part 5, section 291(c)(3), in order for an entity to establish 
eligibility, the entity must show that it: (A) Is a public or private 
non-profit entity with demonstrated experience in voting issues for 
individuals with disabilities; (B) is governed by a board with respect 
to which the majority of its members are individuals with disabilities 
or family members of such individuals or individuals who are blind; and 
(C) submits to the HHS Secretary an application as required under this 
announcement.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None.
    3. Other:

D-U-N-S Requirement

    All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-
U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable 
to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant 
applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants 
or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S 
number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper 
application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. 
A D-U-N-S 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 D-U-N-S number. You may 
acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a 
number on-line at https://www.dnb.com.

Proof of Non-Profit Status

    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 IRS's 
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 non-profit status and that none of the net earnings 
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 that 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 deemed 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 deemed non-responsive and will not 
be considered for funding under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Margaret Schaefer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW., Mail Stop HHH 405-D, Washington, DC 20447. Phone: (202) 690-5962. 
E-mail: mschaefer@acf.hhs.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Letter of Intent
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify Margaret Schaefer at 
202-690-5962 or by e-mail at mschaefer@acf.hhs.gov of their intention 
to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the 
letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3.
    The letter of intent should include the following information: the 
number and title of this announcement (required); the name and address 
of your organization; and your contact person's name, phone number, fax 
number, and email address.
    Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number 
of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. Failure to submit 
a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application 
and will not disqualify an application from competitive review.
The Application
    Each application package must include the original and two copies 
of the complete application. Each copy should be stapled securely 
(front and back if necessary) in the upper left-hand corner. All pages 
of the narrative (including charts, tables, maps, exhibits, etc.) must 
be sequentially numbered, beginning with page one. In order to 
facilitate handling, please do not use covers, binders, or tabs. Do not 
include extraneous materials as attachments, such as agency promotion 
brochures, slides, tapes, film clips, minutes of meetings, survey 
instruments, or articles of incorporation.
Application Requirements
    A complete application consists of the following items in this 
order:

Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form (SF) 424);
Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A);
Budget Justification for Section B--Budget Categories;

[[Page 9351]]

Proof of designation as a lead agency (See Section III);
Table of Contents;
Proof on Non-Profit Status, if applicable, (See Section III.3);
Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if 
applicable;
Project Summary/Abstract;
Project Narrative;
Any appendices/attachments (e.g., support letters);
Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B);
Certification Regarding Lobbying (SF-LLL); and
Certification of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 (Environmental Tobacco 
Smoke), signature on the application represents certification.
Application Format
    Length: Applications, including all forms and attachments, must not 
exceed 50 pages.
Forms and Certifications
    The project description should include all the information 
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in 
this program announcement under Section V. Application Review 
Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant 
needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as a part of the 
application process for awards under this announcement.
    Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement 
must file the appropriate Standard Forms as described in this section. 
All applicants must submit SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. 
For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424A, 
Budget Information and SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, 
applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, 
Assurances. 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 SF-
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 application. Applicants must sign and return the certification 
with their application.
    Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable 
for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (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 that implements the 
smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and 
submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary 
certification and are not required to return it. Applicants must make 
the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal 
statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the 
application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and 
are not required to return it. 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.
    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.
    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.
    Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of 
received applications.
Electronic Submission
    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 site.
    If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the 
application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit 
the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant 
applications via email or facsimile transmission.
    Important Note: To submit an electronic application, you must 
complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and 
register ``electronic signature credentials'' for the Authorized 
Organization Representative (AOR). It is important to start this 
process early, well in advance of the application deadline, since this 
may take more than five business days.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov:
    * Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.
    * You may access the electronic application for this program on 
https://www.Grants.gov.
    * 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 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.
    * To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a D-U-N-S 
number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You 
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration. 
REMINDER: CCR registration must be updated annually.
    * The electronic application is submitted by the AOR. To submit 
electronically, the AOR must obtain and register electronic signature 
credentials approved by the organization's E-Business Point of Contact 
who maintains the organization's CCR registration. Checklists are 
maintained on https://www.grants.gov/GetStarted.
    * 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. ACF will retrieve your application from 
Grants.gov.
    * ACF 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 may search for the downloadable application 
package by the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number.
    * 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 hard copy.
Hard Copy Submission
    Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format 
should submit one original and two copies of

[[Page 9352]]

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 unbound.
Non-Federal Reviewers
    Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review 
process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application 
copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for 
individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social 
Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may 
include summary salary information.
    If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF 
will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made 
for use during the review and selection process.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Due Date for Letter of Intent: March 27, 2006.
    Due Date for Applications: April 24, 2006.
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 and will not be considered in 
the current competition.
    Applicants are responsible for ensuring that 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 or 
e-mail.
Late Applications
    Applications that do not meet the requirements 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; when there are widespread 
disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to 
extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be 
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier 
services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic 
acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via https://
www.Grants.gov.

                                                    Checklist
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What to submit                 Required content     Required form or format       When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Abstract.....................  See Sections IV.2 and V  Found in Sections IV.2   By application due
                                                                 and V.                   date.
Project Description..................  See Sections IV.2 and V  Found in Sections IV.2   By application due
                                                                 and V.                   date.
Budget Narrative/Justification.......  See Sections IV.2 and V  Found in Sections IV.2   By application due
                                                                 and V.                   date.
SF-424...............................  See Section IV.2.......  See https:// By application due
                                                                 www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.
                                                                 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 Environmental  See Section IV.2.......  See https:// By date of award.
 Tobacco Smoke.                                                  www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Assurances...........................  See Section IV.2.......  See https:// By date of award.
                                                                 www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Letter of Intent.....................  See Section IV.2.......  Found in Section IV.2..  March 27, 2006.
Table of Contents....................  See Section IV.2.......  Found in Section IV.2..  By application due
                                                                                          date.
SF-424A..............................  See Section IV.2.......  See https:// By application due
                                                                 www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Support Letters......................  See Section V..........  Found in Section V.....  By application due
                                                                                          date.
SF-424B..............................  See Section IV.2.......  See https:// By application due
                                                                 www.acf.hhs.gov/ date.
                                                                 programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Proof of Non-Profit Status...........  See Section III.3......  Found in Section III.3.  By date of award.
Proof of Designation as Lead Agency    See Sections III and     Found in Sections III    By application due
 (if appropriate).                      IV.2.                    and IV.2.                date.
Copy of Approved Indirect Cost Rate    See Section V..........  Found in Section V.....  By date of award.
 Agreement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 9353]]



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

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
    This program is covered under Executive Order (EO) 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 August 1, 2005, the following jurisdictions have elected to 
participate in the EO process: Arkansas, California, Delaware, District 
of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, 
Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New 
York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West 
Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, 
Puerto Rico, and U.S. 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 EO 
12372.
    The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that 
have elected to participate in EO 12372 can be found on the following 
URL: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
    Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this 
program.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and 
other application requirements.
    Submit applications to one of the following addresses:
Submission by Mail
    Tim Chappelle, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, 
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
Hand Delivery
    Tim Chappelle, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, 
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
Electronic Submission
    Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when 
submitting applications electronically via https://www.Grants.gov.

V. Application Review Information

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

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 50 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 April 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
Part I The Project Description Overview
Purpose
    The project description provides the majority of information by 
which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other 
applications for available assistance. The project description should 
be concise and complete. It 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 the project description, information that is 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 Expectations and 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 that are required to submit a full project description 
shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following

[[Page 9354]]

instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. 
The text options give a broad overview of what the project description 
should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that 
will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) 
with reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
    For example, describe how the activities that your organization 
undertakes will promote full participation in the electoral process, 
including registering to vote, casting a vote, and accessing polling 
places, for individuals with the full range of disabilities.
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 OMB. This clearance pertains to any 
``collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    Provide a list of organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, 
or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a 
short description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Evaluation
    Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and 
the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the 
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which 
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which 
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. 
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are 
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the 
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being 
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and 
discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the 
project's effectiveness.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners, such as: Organizational charts; financial 
statements; audit reports or statements from Certified Public 
Accountants/Licensed Public Accountants; Employer Identification 
Number(s); contact persons and telephone numbers; names of bond 
carriers; 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, it should submit 
proof of its non-profit status in its application. The non-profit 
agency can accomplish this by providing any one of the following: (a) A 
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the IRS's 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 accrues to 
any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a certified copy of the 
organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that 
clearly establishes non-profit status; (e) any of the items immediately 
above for a State or national parent organization and a statement 
signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a 
local non-profit affiliate.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations 
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form 
(SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation 
methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail 
sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a 
requirement, 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.
General
    Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget 
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources (when required) 
shall be detailed and justified in the budget and budget narrative 
justification. ``Federal resources'' refers only to the ACF grant funds 
for which you are applying. ``Non Federal resources'' are all other 
non-ACF Federal and non-Federal resources. It is suggested that budget 
amounts and computations be presented in a columnar format: First 
column, object class categories; second column, Federal budget; next 
column(s), non-Federal budget(s); and last column, total budget. The 
budget justification should be in a narrative form.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known at the time of application. For each staff 
person, provide: the title; time commitment to the project in months; 
time commitment to the project as a

[[Page 9355]]

percentage or full-time equivalent; annual salary; grant salary; wage 
rates; etc. Do not include the costs of consultants, personnel costs of 
delegate agencies, or of specific project(s) and/or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization. (This item does not include costs of consultant 
travel).
    Justification: For each trip show: the total number of traveler(s); 
travel destination; duration of trip; per diem; mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used; and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost that equals or exceeds the lesser of: (a) The 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation, shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.)
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested provide: a 
description of the equipment; the cost per unit; the number of units; 
the total cost; and a plan for use on the project; as well as use and/
or disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy, or section of its policy, that includes the 
equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information that supports 
the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts, 
if applicable, and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) and/or businesses 
to be financed by the applicant.
    Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will 
be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, 
open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than 
States that are required to use 45 CFR part 92 procedures, must justify 
any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded 
without competition and exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold 
fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11), currently set at $100,000.
    Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award 
review and procurement documents, such as requests for proposals or 
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.


    Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the 
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed 
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency 
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in 
these instructions.

Other
    Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable 
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to: Insurance; food; 
medical and dental costs (noncontractual); professional services costs; 
space and equipment rentals; printing and publication; computer use; 
training costs, such as tuition and stipends; staff development costs; 
and administrative costs.
    Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a 
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
    Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should 
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate 
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or 
another cognizant Federal agency.
    Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the 
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the 
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or 
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it 
should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal 
based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with 
the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, 
and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of 
their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an 
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect 
cost pool should not be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if 
the applicant is requesting a rate that is less than what is allowed 
under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant 
organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is 
accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Program Income
    Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be 
generated from this project.
    Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of 
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application 
that contain this information.
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
    Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
present a plan that (1) clearly reflects an understanding of the 
characteristics, needs and services currently available to the targeted 
population; (2) provides appropriate

[[Page 9356]]

services that directly address the needs of the targeted population; 
(3) is evidence-based and grounded in theory and practice; (4) is 
appropriate and feasible; and (5) can be reliably evaluated.
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
outline a plan of action pertaining to the scope and detail on how the 
proposed work will be accomplished for each project and include a 
definition of the goals and specific measurable objectives for the 
project. (8 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
identify the kinds of data to be collected and maintained, and discuss 
the criteria to be used to evaluate the results and success of the 
project. For example, the applicant may provide a description of how 
the proposed project will be evaluated to determine the extent to which 
it has achieved its stated goals and objectives; the applicant may also 
provide a description of methods of evaluation that include the use of 
performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcome 
of the project. (8 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
describe any unusual features of the project, such as design or 
technological innovation, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary 
social and community involvement. (5 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
provide for each project, when possible, a quantitative description of 
the accomplishments to be achieved and, when quantification is not 
possible, a list of activities, in chronological order, to show the 
schedule of accomplishments and their target dates. (4 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
describe the products to be developed during the implementation of the 
proposed project, such as questionnaires, interview guides, data 
collection instruments, software, internet applications, reports, 
article outcomes, evaluation results, and a dissemination plan for 
conveying the information. (4 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and provide 
reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others. (3 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
list each organization, operator, consultant, or other key individual 
who will work on the project along with a short description of their 
contributions. (3 points).
Objectives and Need for Assistance--25 points
    Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which the 
applicant describes the context of this project, including the 
geographic location, environment, magnitude and severity of the 
problem(s) to be solved, and the needs to be addressed.
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
demonstrate the need for assistance and describe the principal and 
subordinate objectives for the project. (10 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
specifically mention any relevant physical, economic, social, 
financial, institutional, or other problems requiring a solution. (5 
points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
provide supporting documentation or other testimonies from concerned 
interests other than the applicant. (5 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
provide relevant data based on planning studies. (4 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
provide relevant maps and other graphic aids. (1 point).
Results Or Benefits Expected--20 points
    Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
identify the results and benefits to be derived and the anticipated 
contribution to policy, practice, theory, and research.
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
clearly describe the project benefits and results as they relate to the 
objectives of the project. (10 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
provide information regarding how the project will build on current 
theory, research, evaluation and best practices to contribute to 
increased knowledge and understanding of the problems, issues, or 
effective strategies and practices in T/TA. (10 points).
Organizational Profiles--15 points
    Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
identify how the applicant organization (or the unit within the 
organization that will have responsibility for the project) is 
structured, the types and quantity of services, and the research and 
management capabilities it possesses. Applications will be evaluated 
based on the extent to which the applicant demonstrates a capacity to 
implement the proposed project, including (1) experience with similar 
projects; (2) experience with the target population; (3) qualifications 
and experience of the project leadership; (4) commitment to developing 
and sustaining work among key stakeholders; (5) experience and 
commitment of any proposed consultants and subcontractors; and (6) 
appropriateness of the organizational structure, including its 
management information system, to carry out the project.
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
identify the background of the project director/principal investigator 
and key project staff (such as the inclusion of name, address, 
training, educational background, and other qualifying experience) and 
the extent to which they demonstrate that the experience of the 
organization is such that the applicant may effectively and efficiently 
administer this project, for example, the applicant may provide brief 
resumes of key project staff. (4 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
provide a brief background description of how the applicant 
organization is organized, the types and quantity of services it 
provides, and the research and management capabilities it possesses. (4 
points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
describe the competence of the project team and its demonstrated 
ability to deliver a final product that is readily comprehensible and 
usable. (4 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
demonstrate the direct relationship of the project to the applicant 
organization such as an organizational chart that illustrates the 
relationship of the project to the current organization. (3 points).
Budget and Budget Justification--5 points
    Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which the 
applicant presents a budget with reasonable project costs, 
appropriately allocated across component areas and sufficient to 
accomplish the objectives, such as the inclusion of a justification for 
and documentation of the dollar amount requested.
    Applications will be evaluated based upon the extent to which they 
include a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived and a discussion of the reasonableness 
and appropriateness of the proposed costs. Line-item

[[Page 9357]]

allocations and justifications are required for Federal funds.
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
discuss and justify the costs of the proposed project as being 
reasonable and programmatically justified in view of the activities to 
be conducted and the anticipated results and benefits. (3 points).
    * Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they 
describe the fiscal controls and accounting procedures that will be 
used to ensure prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate 
accounting of funds received under this program announcement. (2 
points).

    Note: Applicants have the option of omitting the Social Security 
Numbers and specific salary rates of the proposed project personnel 
from the two copies submitted with the original applications to ACF. 
For purposes of the outside review process, applicants may elect to 
summarize salary information on the copies of their application. All 
necessary salary information must, however, appear on the signed 
original application for ACF.

2. Review and Selection Process
    No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of 
an incomplete application.
    Each application submitted under this program announcement will 
undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received 
by the closing date (See Section IV.3) and (2) that the amount 
requested does not exceed the stated ceiling (See Section II). It is 
necessary that applicants state specifically for which funding 
announcement they are applying.
    Applications will be evaluated and rated by an independent review 
panel on the basis of specific evaluation criteria. The results of 
these reviews will assist the ADD Commissioner and program staff in 
considering competing applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh 
heavily in funding decisions but will not be the only factors 
considered. Applications generally will be considered in order of the 
average scores assigned by reviewers. The evaluation criteria were 
designed to assess the quality of a proposed project and to determine 
the likelihood of its success. The evaluation criteria are closely 
related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of 
an application. Points are awarded only to applications that are 
responsive to the evaluation criteria within the context of this 
program announcement. Non-Federal reviewers will be used for the review 
process.
    Please reference Section IV.2 for information on non-Federal 
reviewers in the review process.

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 the HHS Web site at 
https://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.
    Faith-based and community organizations may reference the 
``Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering 
with the Federal Government'' at https://www.whitehouse.gov/government/
fbci/guidance/.

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

    Margaret Schaefer, Administration for Children and Families, 
Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 
SW., Mail Stop HHH 405-D, Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-690-5962. 
Fax: 202-205-8037. E-mail: mschaefer@acf.hhs.gov.

Grants Management Office Contact

    Tim Chappelle, Administration for Children and Families, Office of 
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447. 
Phone: 202-401-4855. E-mail: tichappelle@acf.hhs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

    Additional information about this program and its purpose can be 
located on the following Web sites: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add 
and https://www.nass.org.

    Dated: February 13, 2006.
Patricia A. Morrissey,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. E6-2515 Filed 2-22-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P