[Federal Register: May 27, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 102)]
[Notices]
[Page 30738-30751]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27my05-78]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Administration for Native Americans; Funding Opportunity
Funding Opportunity Title: Projects that Improve Child Well-Being
by Fostering Healthy Marriages within Native Communities.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ANA-NA-0021.
CFDA Number: 93.612.
Due Date for Applications: 07/8/2005.
Executive Summary: The Administration for Native Americans, within
the Administration for Children and Families, announces the
availability of fiscal year (FY) 2005 funds for projects that include
approaches to improve child well-being by removing barriers associated
with forming and sustaining healthy families and marriages in Native
American communities. The Administration for Native Americans (ANA's)
FY 2005 goals and program areas of interest are focused on
strengthening children, families, and communities through financial
assistance to community-based organizations including faith-based
organizations, Tribes, and Village governments.
The Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers
supportive to Native American communities. Eligibility for funding is
restricted to projects of the type listed in this program announcement
and these Program Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees as
particularly beneficial to the development of healthy Native American
communities. The primary objectives of these projects are pre-marital
education, marriage education and relationship skills for youth,
adults, and couples. Project components may include but are not limited
to: Healthy relationship skills, communication skills, conflict
resolution, foster parenting, marital counseling, abstinence education,
and fatherhood accountability.
Financial assistance under this program is provided utilizing a
competitive process in accordance with the Native American Programs Act
of 1974, as amended. The purpose of this Act is to promote the goal of
social self-sufficiency for American Indians, Native Hawaiians, Alaskan
Natives, and other Native American Pacific Islanders, including
American Samoa natives.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
This funding announcement seeks to fund projects that offer
approaches to remove barriers to forming lasting families and healthy
marriages in Native communities. Such projects shall consider
activities that provide community supports, relationship skills
education, and other activities necessary to promote the well-being of
Native American children and families.
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Healthy Marriage
Initiative (HMI) seeks to improve child well-being by helping those who
choose marriage for themselves to develop the skills and knowledge
necessary to form and sustain healthy marriages. Research demonstrates
the strong correlation between family structure and a family's social
and economic well-being. More information on the HMI is available at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/index.html.
The Native American Healthy Marriage Initiative (NAHMI) is a
component of the ACF Healthy Marriage Initiative and specifically
promotes a culturally competent strategy for fostering healthy
marriage, responsible fatherhood, child well-being, and strengthening
families within the Native American Community. ANA believes a focused
strategy is needed to support the Native American Community because:
There is a perception the Healthy Marriage Initiative has
not considered the unique experiences of the Native American
population;
There is a clear link between healthy marriage and child
well-being;
There are crisis-level statistics (e.g. rates of divorce
and non-married child-bearing).
[cir] 34.4% of Native-American (NA) adults are married, compared to
51.3% of white adults, 41% of African Americans, and 60% of Hispanic
adults (2002).
[cir] 25.6% of NA couples divorce per year, compared to 20.4% of
white
[[Page 30739]]
couples, 22.7% of African Americans, and 15.2% of Hispanic couples
(2002).
[cir] 58.7% of NA births are to unmarried women, compared to 27.7%
for white women, 68.4% for African-American women, and 42.5% of
Hispanic women (2001).
[cir] 36.6% of NA children live with single parents, compared to
18.7% of white children, and 32.6% of Hispanic children (2000).
The NAHMI focused strategy includes three components:
1. Education and Communication.
2. Creation and Enhancement of Collaborations and Partnerships.
3. Identifying Resources.
NAHMI Goals and Objectives are to:
Improve the well-being of Native American children.
Improve the well-being of Native American children living
in healthy, two-parent married households.
Improve the number of healthy marriages in the Native
American community.
Improve the overall well-being of the Native American
community.
Develop and improve the capacity within the Native
American community to provide healthy marriage activities.
Projects funded under this announcement will be expected to:
Provide for the project director and the evaluator to attend an
early kickoff meeting for grantees funded under this priority area to
be held within the first three months of the project (first year only)
in Washington, DC.
ANA Administrative Policies: Applicants must comply with the
following ANA Administrative Policies:
An applicant must provide a 20% non-Federal match of the
approved project costs. Applications originating from American Samoa,
Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are covered
under section 501(d) of Public Law 95-134, as amended (48 U.S.C.
1469a), under which HHS waives any requirement for matching funds under
$200,000 (including in-kind contributions).
An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native Village or
Native American organization must be from the governing body.
A non-profit organization submitting an application must
submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of submission. The
non-profit organization can accomplish this by providing one of the
following verifiable documents: (i) 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; or
(ii) a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate; or
(iii) 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 none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; or (iv) a certified
copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar
document that clearly establishes non-profit status; or (v) 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.
Organizations incorporating in American Samoa are cautioned that the
Samoan government relies exclusively upon IRS determination of non-
profit status; therefore, articles of incorporation approved by the
Samoan government do not establish non-profit status for the purpose of
ANA eligibility.
If the applicant, other than a tribe or an Alaska Native
Village government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans,
Alaska Natives, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the
community to be served. Applicants must provide information that at
least a majority of the individuals serving on a non-profit applicant's
board fall into one or more of the following categories: (1) A current
or past member of the community to be served; (2) a prospective
participant or beneficiary of the project to be funded; or (3) have a
cultural relationship with the community be to served.
Applicants must describe how the proposed project
objectives and activities relate to a locally determined strategy.
ANA will review proposed projects to ensure applicants
have considered all resources available to the community to support the
project.
Proposed projects must present a strategy to overcome the
challenges that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the
community.
All funded applications will be reviewed to ensure that
the applicant has provided a positive statement to give credit to ANA
on all materials developed using ANA funds.
ANA will not accept applications from tribal components
that are tribally authorized divisions unless the ANA application
includes a tribal resolution.
ANA will only accept one application per eligible entity.
The first application received by ANA shall be the application
considered for competition unless ANA is notified in writing which
application should be considered for competitive review.
ANA funds short-term projects not programs. Projects must
have definitive goals and objectives that will be achieved by the end
of the project period. All projects funded by ANA must be complete,
self-sustaining, or supported by other than ANA funding at the end of
the project period.
Before funding the second year of a multi-year grant, ANA
will require verification and support documentation from the grantee
that objectives and outcomes proposed in the preceding year were
accomplished, and the non-Federal share requirement has been met.
ANA reviews the quarterly and annual reports of grantees
to determine if the grantee is meeting its goals, objectives and
activities identified in the Objective Work Plan (OWP).
Applications from National and Regional organizations must
clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain how the project
originated, and discuss the community-based delivery strategy of the
project, identify and describe the intended beneficiaries, describe and
relate the actual project benefits to the community and organization,
and describe a community-based delivery system. National and Regional
organizations must describe their membership, define how the
organization operates, and demonstrate native community and/or Tribal
government support for the project. The type of community to be served
will determine the type of documentation necessary to support the
project.
Definitions
Program specific terms and concepts are defined and must be used as
a guide in writing and submitting the proposed project. The funding for
allowable projects in this program announcement is based on the
following definitions:
Authorized Representative: The person or person(s) authorized by
Tribal or Organizational resolution to execute documents and other
actions required by outside agencies.
Budget Period: The interval of time into which the project period
is divided for budgetary or funding purposes, and for which a grant is
made. A budget period usually lasts one year in a multi-year project
period.
Community: A group of people residing in the same geographic area
that can apply their own cultural and socio-economic values in
implementing ANA's program objectives and goals. In discussing the
applicant's community, the following information must be provided: (1)
A description of the
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population segment within the community to be served or impacted; (2)
the size of the community; (3) geographic description or location,
including the boundaries of the community; (4) demographic data on the
target population; and (5) the relationship of the community to any
larger group or tribe.
Community Involvement: How the community participated in the
development of the proposed project, how the community will be involved
during the project implementation and after the project is completed.
Evidence of community involvement can include, but is not limited to,
certified petitions, public meeting minutes, surveys, needs
assessments, newsletters, special meetings, public Council meetings,
public committee meetings, public hearings, and annual meetings with
representatives from the community.
Completed Project: A project funded by ANA is finished, self-
sustaining, or funded by other than ANA funds, and the results and
outcomes are achieved by the end of the project period.
Consortium-Tribal/Village: A group of Tribes or Villages that join
together either for long-term purposes or for the purpose of an ANA
project.
Construction: The initial building of a facility.
Core Administration: Salaries and other expenses for those
functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for
purposes unrelated to the actual management or implementation of the
ANA project.
Economic Development: Involves the promotion of the physical,
commercial, technological, industrial, and/or agricultural capacities
necessary for a sustainable local community. Economic development
includes activities and actions that develop sustainable, stable, and
diversified private sector local economies. For example, initiatives
that support employment options, business opportunities, development
and formation of a community's economic infrastructure, laws and
policies that result in the creation of businesses and employment
options, and opportunities that provide for the foundation of healthy
communities and strong families.
Equipment: Tangible, non-expendable personal property, including
exempt property, charged directly to the award having a useful life of
more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.
However, consistent with recipient policy, lower limits may be
established.
Governance: Involves assistance to Tribal and Alaska Native village
governments to increase their ability to exercise local control and
decision-making over their resources.
Impact Indicators: Measurement descriptions used to identify the
outcomes or results of the project. Outcomes or results must be
quantifiable, measurable, verifiable and related to the outcome of the
project to determine that the project has achieved its desired
objective and can be independently verified through ANA monitoring and
evaluation.
In-kind Contributions: In-kind contributions are property or
services that benefit a federally assisted project which are
contributed by the grantee, non-Federal third parties without charge to
the grantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant agreement. Any
proposed in-kind match must meet the applicable requirements found in
45 CFR parts 74 and Part 92.
Letter of Commitment: A third party statement to document the
intent to provide specific in-kind contributions or cash to support the
applicant. The Letter of Commitment must state the dollar amount (if
applicable), the length of time the commitment will be honored, and the
conditions under which the organization will support the proposed ANA
project. If a dollar amount is included, the amount must be based on
market and historical rates charged and paid. The resources to be
committed may be human, natural, physical, or financial, and may
include other Federal and non-Federal resources. Statements in an
application about resources which have been committed to or support a
proposed ANA project, but not supported with documentation, will be
disregarded.
Leveraged Resources: The total dollar value of all non-ANA
resources that are committed to a proposed ANA project and are
supported by documentation that exceed the 20% non-Federal match
required for an ANA grant. Such resources may include any natural,
financial, and physical resources available within the tribe,
organization, or community to assist in the successful completion of
the project. An example would be a letter from an organization that
agrees to provide a supportive action, product, and service, human or
financial contribution that will add to the potential success of the
project.
Minor Renovation or Alteration: Work required to change the
interior arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing
facility, or install equipment so that it may be more effectively used
for the project. Minor alteration and renovation may include work
referred to as improvements, conversion, rehabilitation, remodeling, or
modernization, but is distinguished from construction and major
renovations. A minor alteration and or renovation must be incidental
and essential for the project (``incidental'' meaning the total
alteration and renovation budget must not exceed the lesser of $150,000
or 25 percent of total direct costs approved for the entire project
period.).
Multi-purpose Organization: A community-based corporation whose
charter specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors
and/or officers of the organization through an elective procedure and
that the organization functions in several different areas of concern
to the members of the local Native American community. These areas are
specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization.
They may include, but need not be limited to, economic, artistic,
cultural, and recreational activities, and the delivery of human
services such as day care, education, and training.
Multi-year Project: Encompasses a single theme and requires more
than 12 or 17 months and up to 24 or 36 months to complete. A multi-
year project affords the applicant an opportunity to develop and
address more complex and in-depth strategies that cannot be completed
in one year. A multi-year project is a series of related objectives
with activities presented in chronological order over a two or three-
year period.
Objective(s): Specific outcomes or results to be achieved within
the proposed project period that are specified in the Objective Work
Plan. Completion of objectives must result in specific, measurable
outcomes that would benefit the community and directly contribute to
the achievement of the stated community goals. Applicants should relate
their proposed project objectives to outcomes that support the
community's long-range goals. Objectives are an important component of
Criterion III and are the foundation for the Objective Work Plans.
Objective Work Plan (OWP): The project plan the applicant will use
in meeting the results and benefits expected for the project. The
results and benefits are directly related to the Impact Indicators. The
OWP provides detailed descriptions of how, when, where, by whom and why
activities are proposed for the project and is complemented and
condensed in the Objective Work Plan. ANA will require separate OWPs
for each year of the project (Form OMB 0980-0204 exp 10/31/
2006).
Partnerships: Agreements between two or more parties that will
support the
[[Page 30741]]
development and implementation of the proposed project. Partnerships
include other community-based organizations or associations including
faith-based organizations, Tribes, Federal and State agencies, and
private or non-profit organizations.
Real Property: Land, including land improvements, structures, and
appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed and
dated Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing
body) in support of the project for the entire project period. The
Resolution must indicate who is authorized to sign documents and
negotiate on behalf of the Tribe or organization. The Resolution must
indicate that the community was involved in the project planning
process, and indicate the specific dollar amount of any eligible
matching funds (if applicable).
Sustainable Project: A sustainable project is an ongoing program or
service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds.
Self-Sufficiency: The ability to generate resources to meet a
community's needs in a sustainable manner. A community's progress
toward self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and
direct resources in a comprehensive manner that is consistent with its
established long-range goals. For a community to be self-sufficient, it
must have local access to, control of, and coordination of services and
programs that safeguard the health, well-being, and culture of the
people that reside and work in the community.
Social Development: Investment in human and social capital for
advancing the well-being of members of the Native American community
served. Social development is the action taken to support the health,
education, culture, and employment options that expand an individual's
capabilities and opportunities, and that promote social inclusion and
combat social ills.
Total Approved Project Costs: The sum of the Federal request plus
the non-Federal share.
Priority Area 1
Projects That Improve Child Well-Being by Fostering Healthy Marriage
Within Native Communities
Description:
Program Areas of Interest are:
Projects that implement and test new, unique or
distinctive approaches for delivering services to a specific
population.
Projects that test whether a program or service that has
proven successful in one location or setting can work in a different
context.
Projects that test a theory, idea, or method that reflects
a new and different way of thinking about service delivery.
ACF strongly encourages applicants to consult their local domestic
violence coalition to learn more about the information and services
they provide to the community.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,000,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 5 to 8.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $150,000.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period: $50,000.
Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period: $125,000.
Length of Project Periods: 36 month project with three 12 month
budget periods.
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for competition.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Native
American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal
governments);
Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education;
Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other
than institutions of higher education.
Additional Information on Eligibility: An applicant must be one of
the following to be eligible under this announcement:
Federally recognized Indian Tribes;
Consortia of Indian Tribes;
Incorporated non-Federally recognized Tribes:
Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based
Indian organizations;
Urban Indian Centers;
National or regional incorporated non-profit Native
American organizations with Native American community-specific
objectives;
Alaska Native villages, as defined in the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and/or non-profit village consortia;
Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-purpose
community-based organizations;
Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/
Associations in Alaska with village specific projects;
Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with village
specific projects;
Public and non-profit private agencies serving Native
Hawaiians;
Public and non-profit private agencies serving native
peoples from Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands (the populations served may be located on these islands
or in the United States);
Tribally-controlled Community Colleges, Tribally-
controlled Post-Secondary Vocational Institutions, and colleges and
universities located in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa or the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands which serve Native Pacific
Islanders; and
Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or Tribal
governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or Traditional Councils) as
recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
Yes
Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project
costs, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 2991(b)(3)(e)(1). Grantees must
provide at least 20% of the total approved cost of the project. The
total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the
non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind
contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match
requirements through cash contributions. For example, in order to meet
the match requirements, a project with a total approved cost of
$125,000, requesting $100,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal
share of at least $25,000 (20% of total approved project cost of
$125,000.) Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-
federal resources even if over the amount of the required match.
Failure to provide the amount will result in disallowance of Federal
funds. Lack of supporting documentation at the time of application will
not impact the responsiveness of the application for competitive
review.
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
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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 (http://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 http://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.
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:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for funding under this
announcement.
Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will
not be considered for funding under this announcement.
Applications that do not include a current signed and dated
Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing body)
in support of the project for the entire project period will be
considered non-responsive and will not be considered for competition.
[See Section I. Funding Opportunity Description--Definitions, for
information on resolutions]
Applications, if the applicant is other than a Tribe or Alaska
Native Village government, that do not include proof that a majority of
the governing board of directors is representative of the community to
be served, will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered
for competition.
Please see Section III.2 Other, concerning requirements for the
cost matching which do not impact the responsiveness of an application
for competitive review.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
To learn more about ANA and receive information about Training and
Technical Assistance (T/TA) contact:
Region I: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA,
MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD,
TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV. Native American Management Services, Inc., 6858
Old Dominion Drive, Suite 302, McLean, VA 22101, Phone: 888-221-9686,
Fax: 703-821-3680, Rondelle Clay, Project Manager; Email:
rclay@namsinc.org; URL: http://www.anaeastern.org.
Region II: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY. ACKCO, Inc.,
1326 N. Central, Suite 208, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, Toll Free: 800-525-
2859, Direct: 602-253-9211, Fax: 602-253-9135, Theron Wauneka, Project
Manager; Email: theron.wauneka@ackco.com; URL: http://www.anawestern.org
.
Region III: Alaska. Native American Management Services, Inc.,
11723 Old Glenn Highway, Suite 201, Eagle River, Alaska 99577, Toll
Free: 877-770-6230, Direct: 907-694-5711, Fax: 907-694-5775, P.J. Bell,
Project Manager; Email: region3@gci.net; URL: http://www.anaalaska.org.
Region IV: American Samoa (AS), Guam, Hawaii (HI), Commonwealth of
Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Council for Native Hawaiian
Advancement, 33 South King Street, Suite 513, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813,
Toll-Free: 800-709-2642, Local: 808-521-5011, Fax: 808-521-4111, Lilia
Kapuniai, Vice President, Community Development; E-Mail:
info@anapacific.org; URL: http://www.anapacific.org.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Please refer to Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, to
review general ANA Administrative Policies and Section IV. 5. Funding
Restrictions.
Application Submission: Each application should include one signed
original and two additional copies of the complete application. The
original must include all required forms, certifications, assurances,
and appendices, contain an original signature by an authorized
representative, and be submitted unbound. The two additional copies of
the complete application must include all required forms,
certifications, assurances, and appendices and must also be submitted
unbound.
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. A complete application for
assistance under this Program Announcement consists of three parts.
Part One includes the SF 424, other required government forms, and
other required documentation. Part Two of the application is the
project narrative. This section of the application may not exceed 40
pages. The line-item budgets, budget justifications and the OWP form
(OMB Control Number 0980-0204, exp 10/31/2006) will be exempt from the
page limitation. Part Three of the application is the Appendix. This
section of the application may not exceed 20 pages (the exception to
this 20-page limit applies only to projects that require, if relevant
to the project, a Business Plan or any Third-Party Agreements).
Electronic Submission: While ACF does have the capability to
receive program announcement applications electronically through
Grants.gov, electronic submission of applications will not be available
for this particular announcement. There are required application
form(s) specific to ANA that have not yet received clearance from
Grants.gov. While electronic submission of applications may be
available in the next fiscal year for this program, no electronic
submission of applications will be accepted for this announcement this
year as they would be missing those required ANA forms and be
considered incomplete.
Organization and Preparation of Application: Due to the intensity
and
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pace of the application review and evaluation process, ANA strongly
recommends applicants organize, label, and insert required information
in accordance with Part One, Part Two and Part Three as presented in
the table below. ANA strongly suggests applicants label the application
for ease of reviewing. The application must begin with the information
requested in Part One of the chart in the prescribed order. Utilizing
this format will insure all information submitted to support an
applicant's request for funding is thoroughly reviewed. Submitting
information in this format will assist the panel reviewer in locating
and evaluating the information. Deviation from this suggested format
will reduce the applicant's ability to receive maximum points, which
are directly related to ANA's funding review decisions.
ANA Application Format: ANA requires all applications to be labeled
in compliance with the format provided in the program announcement.
This format applies to all applicants submitting applications for
funding. All pages submitted (including Government Forms,
certifications and assurances) must be numbered consecutively (for
example, the first page of the application is the SF 424 and must be
labeled as page one). The paper size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, line
spacing shall be a space and a half (1.5 line spacing), printed only on
one side, and have a half-inch margin on all sides of the paper. (Note:
the 1.5 line spacing does not apply to the Project Abstract Form,
Appendices, the Table of Contents, the Objective Work Plans, and the
Budget.) The font size shall be 12-point and the font type shall be
Times New Roman.
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:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Standard Forms and Certifications: The project description should
include all the information requirements described in the specific
evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section
V Application Review Information. In addition to the project
description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms
required for making applications for awards under this announcement.
Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and
return the standard forms with their application.
Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must
sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for
the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status,
please refer to Section III.3.
Please see Section V.1, for instructions on preparing the full
project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Due Date for Applications: 7/8/2005.
Explanation of Due Dates: The closing 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.
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier
services, or by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an
electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via
http://www.Grants.gov.
Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two
working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications.
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not
always deliver as agreed.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
Checklist: You may use the checklist below as a guide when
preparing your application package.
[[Page 30744]]
Part One.--Federal Forms and Other Required Documents
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents.................... See Section IV................... Applicant must include a By application due date.
table of contents that
accurately identifies the
page number and where the
information can be located.
Table of Contents does not
count against application
page limit.
SF424................................ See Section IV................... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due date.
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
SF424A............................... See Section IV................... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due date.
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Assurances and Certifications........ See Section IV................... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By award date.
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Indirect Cost Agreement.............. See Section V.................... Organizations and Tribes By award date.
must submit a current
indirect cost agreement (if
claiming indirect costs)
that aligns with the
approved ANA project
period. The Indirect Cost
Agreement must identify the
individual components and
percentages that make up
the indirect cost rate.
Proof of Non-Profit Status........... See Section III.................. As described in this By award date.
announcement under Section
III ``Additional
Information on
Eligibility''.
Resolution........................... See Section I.................... Information for submission By application due date.
can be found in the Program
Announcement Section I,
``Definitions''.
Board of Directors Documentation..... See Section I.................... As described in this By application due date.
announcement under Section
I ``ANA Administrative
Policies''.
Audit Letter......................... See Section I.................... A Certified Public By application due date.
Accountant's ``Independent
Auditors' Report on
Financial Statement.'' This
is usually only a two to
three page document. (This
requirement applies only to
applicants with annual
expenditures of $500,000 or
more of Federal funds).
Applicant must also include
that portion of the audit
document that identifies
all other Federal sources
of funding entitled
``Supplemental Schedule of
Expenditures of Federal
Awards''.
Non-Federal Share of Waiver Request, See Section I.................... A request for a waiver of By award date.
per CFR 1336.50(b). the non-Federal share
requirement may be
submitted in accordance
with 45 CFR 1336.50(b)(3)
of the Native American
Program regulations. (if
applicable).
Certification regarding Maintenance See Section IV.2................. May be found at http:// By award date.
of Effort. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
ofs/forms.htm.
Certification regarding Lobbying See Section IV.2................. May be found at http:// By award date.
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities-- http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
SF LLL. ofs/forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke See Section IV.2................. May be found at http:// By award date.
Certification. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
ofs/forms.htm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Two.--ANA Application Review Criteria
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or format; ANA
application review criteria;
What to submit Required content this section may not exceed When to submit
40 pages
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criteria One (10 pts)................ See Section V.................... Introduction and Project By application due date.
Summary/Application Format:
Include the ANA Project
Abstract form (OMB < greek-
i> 0980-0204 exp. 10/31/
2006).
Criteria Two (20 pts)................ See Section V.................... Need for Assistance......... By application due date.
Criteria Three (25 pts).............. See Section V.................... Project Approach............ By application due date.
Include an Objective Work
Plan (OWP) form (OMB < greek-
i> 0980-0204, exp. 10/31/
2006) for each 12-month
budget period. A 17-month
project period requires
only one OWP.
Note: The OWP is not
included in the page count
for this Part..
Criteria Four (15 pts)............... See Section V.................... Organizational Capacity..... By application due date.
Criteria Five (15 pts)............... See Section V.................... Project Impact/Evaluation... By application due date.
Criteria Six (15 pts)................ See Section V.................... Budget and Budget By application due date.
Justification/Cost
Effectiveness.
Note: The Budget and Budget
Justification is not
included in the page count
for this Part..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 30745]]
Part Three.--Appendix
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or format;
What to submit Required content this section may not exceed When to submit
20 pages
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix............................. See Section I.................... Part Three includes only By application due date.
supplemental information or
required support
documentation that
addresses the applicant's
capacity to carry out and
fulfill the proposed
project. These items
include: Letters of
agreement with cooperating
entities, in-kind
commitment and support
letters, business plans,
and a summary of the Third
Party Agreements. Do not
include books, videotapes,
studies or published
reports and articles, as
they will not be made
available to the reviewers
or returned to the
applicant.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Location When to submit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant See form......................... Found in http:// By application due date.
Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
ofs/forms.htm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Intergovernmental Review
This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' or 45 CFR Part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities''.
5. Funding Restrictions
ANA does not fund:
Activities in support of any foreseeable litigation
against the United States Government that are unallowable under OMB
Circulars A-87 and A-122.
ANA does not fund duplicative projects or allow any one
community or region to receive a disproportionate share of the funds
available for award. When making decisions on awards of grants the
Agency will consider whether the project is essentially identical or
similar, in whole or significant part, to projects in the same
community previously funded or being funded under the same competition.
The Agency will also consider whether the grantee is already receiving
funding for a SEDS, Language, or Environmental project from ANA. The
Agency will also take into account in making funding decisions whether
a proposed project would require funding on an indefinite or recurring
basis. This determination will be made after it is determined whether
the application meets the requirements for eligibility as set forth in
45 CFR 1336, Subpart C, but before funding decisions are complete [See
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description--ANA Administrative Policies
regarding short-term projects].
Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or
technical assistance (T/TA) to other tribes or Native American
organizations that are otherwise eligible to apply for ANA funding.
However, ANA will fund T/TA requested by a grantee for its own use or
for its members' use (as in the case of a consortium), when the T/TA is
necessary to carry out project objectives.
The purchase of real property or construction because
these activities are not authorized by the Native American Programs Act
of 1974, as amended.
Core administration (See Definitions) functions, or other
activities, that essentially support only the applicant's ongoing
administrative functions and are not related to the proposed project.
Costs associated with fundraising, including financial
campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and
similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain
contributions are unallowable under an ANA grant award.
Projects originated and designed by consultants who
provide a major role for themselves and are not members of the
applicant organization, Tribe, or village.
Major renovations or alterations are prohibited activities
because these activities are not authorized under the Native American
Programs Act of 1974 as amended. Minor alterations, as defined in this
announcement, may be allowable.
Projects that request funds for feasibility studies,
business plans, marketing plans or written materials, such as manuals,
that are not an essential part of the applicant's long range
development plan.
The support of ongoing social service delivery programs or
the expansion, or continuation, of existing social service delivery
programs.
ANA will not fund activities by a consortium of tribes
that duplicate activities for which a consortium member tribe also
receives funding from ANA.
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: Tim
Chappelle, 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., Washington, DC 20447.
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
[[Page 30746]]
should be delivered to: Tim Chappelle, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of
Grants Management--Discretionary Grants, ACF Mail Room, Second Floor
Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street SW., Washington, DC 20447.
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 20 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information.
The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
1. Criteria
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the
``project summary/abstract'' and ``full project description'' sections
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).
Part I--The Project Description Overview
Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation
criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application in a
manner that is clear and complete.
General Instructions
ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition.
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an
appendix. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be
included for easy reference.
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project 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
[[Page 30747]]
immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a
statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form.
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
General
Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. ``Federal
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying.
``Non-Federal resources'' are all other Federal and non-Federal
resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be
presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories;
second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s),
and last column, total budget. The budget justification should be a
narrative.
Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Contractual
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts
(if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations,
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be
financed by the applicant.
Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will
be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical,
open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than
States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any
anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without
competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41
U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).
Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award
review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.
Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in
these instructions.
Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it
should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with
the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates,
and 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
[[Page 30748]]
should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the
applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under
the program, the authorized representative of the applicant
organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is
accepting a lower rate than allowed.
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
which contain this information.
Non-Federal Resources
Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be
documented and submitted with the application so the applicant is given
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for
each funding source.
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--25 Points
Project Approach: The applicant's narrative must be clear and
concise. The narrative must include a detailed project description with
goals and objectives. It must discuss the project strategy and
implementation plan over the project period. The applicant must use the
Objective Work Plan (OWP) form to identify the project objectives, time
frames, proposed activities, results and benefits expected and criteria
for evaluating results and benefits, as well as the individuals
responsible for completing the objectives and performing the
activities. Within the results and benefits section of the OWP, the
applicant must provide quantitative quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity. The
extent to which the applicant can effectively demonstrate that they
have adequate knowledge of the information and services provided by
domestic violence coalitions within their community.
The applicant must also include the names and activities of any
organizations, consultants, or other key individuals who will
contribute to the project, utilizing the column for Non-Salaried
Personnel to list the hours incurred for these activities. The
applicant must discuss ``Leveraged Resources'' (see Definitions) used
to strengthen and broaden the impact of the proposed project. The
applicant must discuss how commitments and contributions from other
entities will enhance the project. Applicants must discuss the
relationship of non-ANA funded activities to those objectives and
activities that will be funded with ANA grant funds.
Objectives and Need for Assistance--20 Points
Need for Assistance: Applicant must show a clear relationship
between the proposed project, the social and economic development
strategy, and the community's long-range goals. The need for assistance
must clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
governmental, and institutional challenges and problem(s) requiring a
solution that supports the funding request. Describe the community (see
Definitions) to be affected by the project and the community
involvement in the project. The applicant must describe the community's
long-range goals, the community planning process, and how the project
supports the community goals. The applicant must describe how the
proposed goals, objectives, and activities reflect either the economic
and social development or governance needs of the local community.
Discuss the geographic location of the project and where the project
and grant will be administered. Applicant must describe how the
proposed project objectives and activities relate to a locally
determined strategy.
The applicant must provide documentation of the community's support
for the proposed project. Applications from National and Regional
organizations must clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain
how the project originated, identify the intended beneficiaries,
describe and relate the actual project benefits to the community and
organization, and describe a community-based project delivery strategy.
National and Regional organizations must also identify their membership
and specifically discuss how the organization operates and impacts
Native American people and communities. Proposed project objectives
support the identified need and must be measurable.
Budget and Budget Justification--15 Points
Budget and Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness: An applicant
must submit an itemized budget detailing the applicant's Federal and
non-Federal share and cite source(s) of funding. The applicant must
provide a detailed line-item Federal and Non-Federal share budget by
year for each year of project funds requested. A budget justification
narrative to support the line-item budget request must be included for
each year of project funds requested. The budget must include a line-
item justification for each Object Class Category listed under Section
B ``Budget Categories'' of the SF 424 A ``Budget Information-Non
Construction Programs'' form. The line-item budget and budget
justification narrative must include the necessary details to
facilitate the determination of allowable costs and the relevance of
these costs to the proposed project.
The non-Federal budget share must identify the source and be
supported by letters of commitment (see Definitions). Letters of
commitment are binding when they specifically state the nature, the
amount, and conditions under which another agency or organization or
individual will support a project. These resources may be human,
natural, or financial, and may include other Federal and non-Federal
resources. Statements that additional funding will be sought from other
specific sources are not considered a binding commitment of outside
resources. Letters of Support merely express another organization's
endorsement of a proposed project. Support letters are not binding
commitment letters, as they do not factually establish the authenticity
of other resources and do not offer or bind specific resources to the
project.
If an applicant plans to charge or otherwise seek credit for
indirect costs in its ANA application, a copy of its current Indirect
Cost Rate Agreement must be included in the application, with all costs
broken down by category so ANA reviewers can be certain that no
budgeted line items are included in the indirect cost pool. Applicants
that do not submit a current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement may not be
able to claim the allowable cost, may have the grant
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award amount reduced, or may experience a delay in grant award.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to include sufficient funds for
principal representatives, such as the applicant's chief financial
officer or project director to travel to one ANA post-award grant
training and technical assistance workshop. This expenditure is
allowable for new grant recipients and optional for grantees that have
had previous ANA grant awards. Applicants may also include costs for
two staff persons to attend the ACF National Native American
Conference, Marriage Best Practices Conference, and an ACF Consultation
Conference.
Cost Effectiveness: This section of the criterion reflects ANA's
concern with ensuring that the expenditure of its limited resources
yields the greatest benefit possible in achieving economic and social
self-sufficiency for Native American communities. Applicants
demonstrate this by: summarizing partnerships and the efficient use of
leveraged resources; explaining the impact on the identified community
through measurable project outcomes, and presenting a project that is
completed, self-sustaining or supported by other than ANA funds by the
end of the project period.
Results or Benefits Expected--15 Points Project Impact/Evaluation:
In this criterion, the applicant will discuss the ``Impact
Indicators'' (see Definitions) and the benefits expected as a result of
this project. Impact indicators identify qualitative and quantitative
data directly associated with the project. Each applicant must submit
five impact indicators to support the applicant's project. Two of the
five are standard and required across all ANA programs. For each impact
indicator submitted the applicant must discuss the relevance of the
impact indicator to the project, the method used to track the
indicator, and the method used to determine project success. Impact
indicators will be reported to ANA in the grantee's quarterly report.
The applicant must indicate a target number to be achieved for the
required standard impact indicators. In addition to the two standard
required impact indicators, an applicant must also submit three
additional impact indicators. These three impact indicators may be
selected from the suggested list given below, or they may be developed
for the specific proposed project, or the applicant may submit a
combination of both the ANA suggested indicators and applicant project-
specific indicators. The two standard required impact indicators are;
(a) Number of partnerships formed; and (b) Amount of dollars leveraged
beyond the required NFS match. The applicant must also choose three
indicators from the list below or submit three other project specific
indicators: (1) Number of infrastructures and administrative systems,
including policies and procedures developed and implemented; (2) Number
of people to successfully complete a workshop/training; (3) Number of
children, youth, families or elders assisted or participating; (4)
Number of volunteer hours; (5) Number of faith-based and community-
based partnerships; (6) Number of jobs created.
The applicant should discuss the projects value and long-tem impact
to the participants and the community and explain how the information
relates to the proposed project goals, objectives and outcomes. The
applicant should discuss how the project will be complete, self-
sustaining, or supported by other than ANA funds at the end of the
project period. Applicants should discuss and present objectives and
goals to be achieved and evaluated at the end of each budget period or
quarter (if applicable). Project outcomes should support the identified
need and should be measurable and quantifiable.
ANA suggests applicants describe a logic model that presents the
conceptual framework for the proposed project and the linkages among
the project elements. While there are many versions of the logic model,
they generally summarize the logical connections among the needs that
are the focus of the project, project goals and objectives, the target
population, project resources, the proposed activities/processes/
outcomes directed toward the target population, the expected short- and
long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve, and the
evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which proposed processes
and outcomes actually occur.
Organizational Profiles--15 Points
Organizational Capacity: In this criterion, the application
provides information on the management structure of the applicant and
the organizational relationships with its cooperating partners.
Applicants and their partner organizations (if any) should demonstrate
experience and background in providing family support and healthy
marriage activities. Include an organizational chart that indicates
where the proposed project will fit in the existing structure.
Demonstrate experience in the program area. Describe the administrative
structure, and the applicant's ability to administer and implement a
project of the proposed scope and its capacity to fulfill the
implementation plan. Applicants are required to affirm that they will
credit the Administration for Native Americans, and reference the ANA
funded project on any audio, video, and/or printed materials developed
in whole or in part with ANA funds.
Applicants must list all current sources of Federal funding, the
agency, purpose, amount, and provide the most recent certified signed
audit letter for the organization to be included in Part One of the
application. If the applicant has audit exceptions, these issues must
be discussed in this criterion.
Applicants must provide ``staffing and position data'' to include a
proposed staffing pattern for the project where the applicant
highlights the new project staff. Positions discussed in this section
must match the positions identified in the Objective Work Plan and in
the proposed budget. Applicant must provide a paragraph of the duties
and skills required for the proposed staff and a paragraph on
qualifications and experience of current staff. Full position
descriptions are required to be submitted and included in the Appendix.
Applicant must explain how the current and future staff will manage the
proposed project. Brief biographies of key positions or individuals
must be included. Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to give
preference to qualified Native Americans in hiring project staff and in
contracting services under an approved ANA grant.
If applicable, applicant must identify consortium membership. The
consortium applicant must be the recipient of the funds. A consortium
applicant must be an ``eligible entity'' as defined by this Program
Announcement and the ANA regulations. Consortium applicants must
include documentation (a resolution adopted pursuant to the
organization's established procedures and signed by an authorized
representative) from all consortium members supporting the ANA
application. An application from a consortium must have goals and
objectives that will create positive impacts and outcomes in the
communities of its members. ANA will not fund activities by a
consortium of tribes that duplicate activities for which member Tribes
also receive funding from ANA. The consortium application must identify
the role and responsibility of each participating consortia member and
a copy of the consortia legal agreement or Memoranda of Agreement to
support the proposed project.
If relevant to the project, applicants must provide a Business Plan
or any Third-Party Agreements in the
[[Page 30750]]
appendices. (Not counted in Appendix page limit).
Introduction Project Summary/Abstract--10 Points
Introduction and Project Summary/Application Format: Using the ANA
Project Abstract form (OMB Control Number 0980-0204, Exp. 10/31/2006),
the applicant must include: the name of the applicant, the project
title, the Federal amount requested, the amount of matching funds to be
provided, length of time required to accomplish the project, the goal
of the project, a list of the project objectives (not activities), the
estimated number of people to be served, and the expected outcomes of
the project.
In addition to the Project Abstract form, the applicant will
provide an introductory narrative that includes: an overview of the
project, a description of the community to be served, the location of
the identified community, a declarative statement identifying the need
for the project, and a brief overview of the project objectives,
strategy and community or organizational impact.
Application Format: Applicants are required to submit applications
in a standard format, following the ANA requirements on application
length, font, numbering, line spacing, etc. Please refer to Section IV
Part 2, ``Content and Form of Application Submission'' for detailed
formatting instructions.
2. Review and Selection Process
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application.
Initial Screening: Each application submitted under an ANA program
announcement will undergo a pre-review screening for: (a) timeliness-
the application was received by 4:30 pm eastern time on the closing
date; (b) the applicant has submitted a current dated and signed
resolution from the governing body; (c) the federal request does not
exceed the upper value of the dollar range specified; and, (d) if the
applicant is not a Tribe or Alaska Native village government, there is
proof a majority of the board of directors is representative of the
community to be served. An application that does not meet one of the
above elements will be determined to be incomplete and excluded from
the competitive review process. Applicants, with incomplete
applications, will be notified by mail within 30 business days from the
closing date of this program announcement. ANA staff cannot respond to
requests for information regarding funding decisions prior to the
official applicant notification. After the Commissioner has made
decisions on all applications, unsuccessful applicants will be notified
in writing within 90 days. The notification will include the reviewer
comments. Applicants are not ranked based on general financial need.
Applicants, who are initially excluded from competition because of
ineligibility, may appeal the agency's decision. Applicants may also
appeal an ANA decision that an applicant's proposed activities are
ineligible for funding consideration. The appeals process is stated in
the final rule published in the Federal Register on August 19, 1996 (61
FR 42817 and 45 CFR part 1336, subpart C).
Competitive Review Process: Applications that pass the initial ANA
screening process will be analyzed, evaluated and rated by a review
panel on the basis of the Evaluation Criteria. The evaluation criteria
were designed to analyze and assess the quality of a proposed
community-based project, the likelihood of its success, and the ability
of ANA to monitor and evaluate community impact and long-term results.
The evaluation criteria and analysis are closely related and are wholly
considered in judging the overall quality of an application. In
addition, the evaluation criteria standardizes the review of each
application and distributes the number of points more equitably.
Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the program
announcement criteria and ANA's program areas of interest. A
determination will be made as to whether the project is an effective
use of Federal funds.
Application Review Criteria: Applicants will be reviewed based on
the following criteria and points: ANA's six criteria categories are
Introduction and Project Summary/Application Format; Need for
Assistance; Project Approach; Organizational Capacity; Project Impact/
Evaluation; and Budget and Budget Narrative/Cost Effectiveness.
Application Consideration: The Commissioner's funding decision is
based on an analysis of the application by the review panel, panel
review scores and recommendations; an analysis by ANA staff; review of
previous ANA grantee's past performance; comments from State and
Federal agencies having contract and grant performance related
information; and other interested parties. The Commissioner makes grant
awards consistent with the purpose of the Native American Programs Act
(NAPA), all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, this
program announcement, and the availability of appropriated funds. The
Commissioner reserves the right to award more, or less, than the funds
described or under such circumstances as may be deemed to be in the
best interest of the Federal Government. Applicants may be required to
reduce the scope of projects based on the amount of approved award.
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.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Approximately 120 days after the application due date, the
successful applicants will be notified by mail through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which will set 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 and the total project
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and sent to the applicants
Authorizing Official. Applications not funded in this competition will
be notified in writing.
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.
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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); 45 CFR part 1336,
subpart C; and, 42 U.S.C. 2991 et seq.--Native American Programs Act of
1974.
Direct Federal grants, subaward funds, or contracts under this
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: http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.
3. Reporting Requirements
Program Progress Reports: Quarterly.
Financial Reports: Quarterly.
An original and one copy of each performance report and financial
status report must be submitted to the Grants Officer. Failure to
submit these reports when required will mean the grantee is non-
compliant with the terms and conditions of the grant award and subject
to administrative action or termination. Program Progress reports are
submitted 30 days after each quarter (3-month intervals) of the budget
period. The final Program Progress report, due 90 days after the
project period end date, shall cover grantee performance during the
entire project period. All grantees shall use the SF 269 (Long Form) to
report the status of funds. Financial Status Reports are submitted 30
days after each quarter (3-month intervals) of the budget period. The
final SF 269 report shall be due 90 days after the end of the project
period. In addition, these demonstration projects will participate in
monthly regional conference calls to discuss the implementation of the
NAHMI project.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: ANA Applicant Help Desk, Aerospace Center,
8th Floor West, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., Washington, DC 20447,
Phone: 877-922-9262; Email: ana@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, Administration for
Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of
Discretionary Grants Aerospace Center--8th Floor West, 370 L'Enfant
Promenade SW., Washington, DC 20447, Phone: 202-401-2344; Email:
tichappelle@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: http://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: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html
.
Training and Technical Assistance: All potential ANA applicants are
eligible to receive free T&TA in this program area. Prospective
applicants must check ANA's Web site for training and technical
assistance dates and locations, or contact the ANA Help Desk at 1-877-
922-9262.
Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of
received applications.
Dated: May 24, 2005.
Kimberly Romine,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans.
[FR Doc. 05-10661 Filed 5-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P