|
Executive Summary: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 funds for cooperative agreements authorized under Subtitle E of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, Projects of National Significance. Under this Subtitle, funds will be awarded to collect, analyze, and report on data to describe services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities. There are four Priority Areas under this announcement with the following objectives: Priority Area I: The purpose of Priority Area I is to conduct a national study that analyzes and describes where people with developmental disabilities receiving State and non-State, Medicaid-funded and non-Medicaid funded residential services are living in the United States (U.S.). Priority Area II: The purpose of Priority Area II is to conduct a national study that describes changes in public services and supports for people with developmental disabilities by examining spending, including local, State and Federal spending, especially of Medicaid funds for services to people with developmental disabilities. Priority Area III: The purpose of Priority Area III is to examine, report on, and provide rapid responses regarding the employment status of people with developmental disabilities and related outcomes as a result of programs that support their employment. Priority Area IV: The purpose of Priority Area IV is to implement an Internet site that will provide relevant content and information on the Medicaid program for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the lead agency in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for administering the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act of 2000) (42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 15001, et seq.). The purpose of the DD Act of 2000 is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of, and have access to, needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of community life, through culturally competent programs (Section 101(b)). To achieve this purpose, the DD Act of 2000 authorizes the following programs: (1) State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (Subtitle B); (2) Protection and Advocacy Systems (Subtitle C); (3) University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs) (Subtitle D); and (4) Projects of National Significance (Subtitle E). Each of these programs engages in systemic change, capacity building, and advocacy activities both as a collaborative network and as independent entities to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and enhance participation in community life in the State. Funding Opportunity Description ADD shares common goals with other ACF programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. ACF and ADD envision:
The vision, listed above, will enable more individuals, including people with developmental disabilities, to live productive and independent lives integrated into their communities. The Projects of National Significance are a means by which ADD promotes the achievement of this vision. As defined in the DD Act of 2000, the term "developmental disabilities" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments that are manifested before the individual attains age 22 and are likely to continue indefinitely. Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three or more of the following functional areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and capacity for economic self-sufficiency. A number of significant findings are identified in the DD Act of 2000, including:
The DD Act of 2000 also promotes the best practices and policies presented below:
Toward these ends, ADD seeks to support and accomplish the following:
According to Section 161 of the DD Act of 2000, Projects of National Significance are funded to provide grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for projects of national significance that:
Given ADD's interest in promoting the increased independence, productivity, and community integration of individuals with developmental disabilities, the main purpose of the data collection and information dissemination projects is to continue to support research and information collection efforts that shed light on the nature of services and related outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities. Under this cooperative agreement, ADD will fund four projects that are designed to assess trends and gaps in the services for individuals with developmental disabilities, identify outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities who receive services, identify where people with developmental disabilities are living; report on the employment status of people with developmental disabilities and provide the field, including individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, advocates and policy makers, with timely information. Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement This program announcement describes awards that will be made as cooperative agreements. While an organization will not be conducting its project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardees will share work cooperatively in the development and implementation of the projects' agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardees will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the projects. Awardees will have the primary responsibility for developing and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will jointly participate with awardees in such activities as clarifying the specific topic areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and ongoing consultation, sharing with awardees its knowledge of the issues being addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to awardees about the usefulness to the field of written products and information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between ADD and awardees will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be developed and signed prior to issuance of the award. Below are the priority areas for this funding opportunity: Priority Area 1: The Places Where People with Developmental Disabilities Live Today Description As people transition from institutions into the community, their needs change. Supports, services and the community will be required to adapt to this transition. Between 1990 and 2000, the number of individuals living in public institutions declined by 44 percent, from 84,818 to 47,374. In this same time period, the number of individuals in private facilities for 16 or more people declined 26 percent, from 38,883 to 34,410 and the number of people with developmental disabilities living in nursing facilities declined 23 percent % from 38,960 to 34,743 (Lakin, 2004). The Home-and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program funded under the Social Security Act has been an important resource for supporting community housing placements for people with developmental disabilities. Initiated in 1981, the HCBS program gives people with developmental disabilities a way to choose from a combination of services, both traditional medical ( e.g,. dental services and skilled nursing services) and non-traditional services (e.g., respite services, case management and environment modifications). At the end of the HCBS program's first year on June 30, 1982, there were 1,381 HCBS program participants. By June 2005 that number was 443,608, representing a 32,122.23 percent increase. In June of 1999, the United States Supreme Court reinforced this trend by ruling in Olmstead v. L.C. and E.W. that the unnecessary segregation of individuals with disabilities in institutions may constitute discrimination based on disability. The court ruled that the Americans with Disabilities Act may require States to provide community-based services rather than institutional placements for individuals with disabilities. Since the court ruling, the number of people with developmental disabilities living in large State-operated institutions, with 16 or more residents, decreased 18.4 percent (from 9,105 to 40,061); and the number of people with developmental disabilities living in Intermediate Care Facilities decreased 13.7 percent from 117,917 to 101,821 (Lakin, 2006). The variety of services and supports in the community needs to change as people with developmental disabilities move into the community. For instance, the need for transportation, case management, respite care or home health services may increase, while the need for intensive medical services may decrease. It is important to examine these changes as they pertain to financial and programmatic trends. The purpose of Priority Area I is to conduct a national study that analyzes and describes where people with developmental disabilities receiving, public and non-public, Medicaid-funded and non-Medicaid funded residential services are living in the United States. Through an analysis of State-level data on residential settings specifically for persons with developmental disabilities, such as the number of people living in a facility and the cost per setting, the study shall describe annual outlooks and longitudinal trends in State and non-State residential facility populations, the movement of people with developmental disabilities from institutional settings to homes of their own, and residential service utilization. The analysis shall describe the status of residential services for people with developmental disabilities using a variety of perspectives, including economic and social perspectives. For example, the study may explain cut backs in Federal funds and the movement towards self-determination. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: This program announcement describes awards that will be made as a cooperative agreement. While an organization will not be conducting its project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardees will share work cooperatively in the development and implementation of the projects' agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardees will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the projects. Awardees will have the primary responsibility for developing and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will jointly participate with awardees in such activities as clarifying the specific topic areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and ongoing consultation, sharing with awardees its knowledge of the issues being addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to awardees about the usefulness to the field of written products and information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between ADD and awardees will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be developed and signed prior to issuance of the award. Below are the priority areas for this funding opportunity:
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees must provide at least 25 percent 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 $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved project cost of $400,000). 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. Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share will be considered non-responsive and returned without review. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Katherine Cargill-Willis, Program SpecialistOffice of Operations and Discretionary Grants Administration on Developmental Disabilities Administration for Children and Families Mail Stop: HHS 405-D U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Washington, DC 20447 Phone: 202-690-5791 Fax: 202-205-8037 Email: katherine.cargill-willis@acf.hhs.gov URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/index.html 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: The original and three copies of the application package shall be submitted. The application package must include in the following order: Standard Forms, Assurances and Certifications Information on required forms, assurances, and certifications may be found later in this section. Full Budget and Budget Narrative Applicants must include a completed Standard Form (SF) 424A, "Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs," a detailed budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF- 424A, Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a 12- month budget period. The budget justification should describe how the costs are reasonable and necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the proposed project The applicant must include the twelve-month Federal budget under column (1), the 12-month non-Federal budget under Column (2), and the total 12 month budget under Column (5) of the SF-424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining 4 years of the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF-424A, Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal contributions for the second through fifth years of the project on SF-424A, Section C. If the procurement policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's current definition should be included in the application. Table of Contents One-Page Project Abstract Project Description The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, typed pages. The type must not be smaller than 12 point. The margins must not be less than one inch. The program description pages should be numbered. Any application that exceeds the 50-page limit requirement will have the additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. Below is the information that should be included in the submission of FY 2007 grant applications for Priority Area I. A. Project Design and Methods: Applicants should identify the project design and methods for carrying out activities under this funding opportunity. At a minimum, applicants should describe and outline:
B. Special Studies: In addition to studying general trends in services, applicants shall conduct special studies that address topics that are timely and responsive to the information needs of multiple audiences concerned about services for people with developmental disabilities. In discussing the project approach, applicants should indicate what topics will be addressed through special studies. The topics addressed shall be at least one or more of the following:
The applicant must describe ways in which the special project will include analysis of the impact of the identified topic (e.g., Olmstead, Medicaid Buy-In, Waiting lists) on individuals with developmental disabilities. C. Identification of Policies: Applicants should identify the existing State and Federal laws under review that impact people with developmental disabilities. At a minimum, the applicant should provide details of the following:
Applicants should indicate any programs operated in the private sector that will be included in the analysis. D. Key Personnel: Each grantee should ensure that key project personnel have direct experience with and/or knowledge in conducting research using a variety of approaches such as using large, national databases. E. Civil Rights: In all activities, the applicant must describe how they will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998. F. Communication and Dissemination: Each applicant must provide a detailed description of plans for regularly communicating and disseminating information to the public through e-mail and other effective, affordable, and accessible forms of communication, which may include monthly newsletters, the publication of datasets on websites or regularly scheduled research briefs and fact sheets on topical areas. Applicants must have a plan to work with self-advocates to disseminate information. Applicant must state the national organizations that are currently used to disseminate information and the plans to disseminate information in the future. Applicants should discuss how information on the Internet will be compliant with Section 508. G. Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of an annual report. This narrative and numerical report must describe on a yearly basis changes related to housing for people with developmental disabilities. Specifically, the applicants must describe how they will report on the percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities who are more independent, self-sufficient, and integrated into the community as a result of housing services. The report should provide national perspectives and, as appropriate, State-by-State analyses. The annual report will be due by the end of the project fiscal year and must be made available to the public. Appendix The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. The Appendix pages should be numbered. Supplementary material, intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement. The Appendix must be included with the original and the three copies of the application. 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 http://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:
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 titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, 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 part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. For research programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All 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 Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro Children 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: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 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 Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Hard Copy Submission Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). 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 Applications: 06/11/2007 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due 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 hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date and time. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. 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 DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. 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 http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. As of August 1, 2006, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Exec. Order 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. Comments submitted directly to ACF 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, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or 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 Exec. Order 12372. The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 5. Funding Restrictions: Fundraising is not an allowable cost under this program. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, or costs for construction activities are not allowable charges to this Federal grant program. Indirect Costs: In order to charge indirect costs to the Federal funds and/or use indirect costs as a matching share, the applicant must have an approved indirect costs agreement for the period in which the Federal funds would be awarded. 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 Hand Delivery Tim Chappelle Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2007. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 1. Criteria: 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 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. 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. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
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.
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. EVALUATION CRITERIA: 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 Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 15 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
DISSEMINATION PLAN - 20 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
EVALUATION - 15 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
STAFF AND POSITION DATA - 10 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points Applicants are expected to present a budget with reasonable project costs, appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient to accomplish the objectives. The requested funds for the project must be fully justified and documented. Line-item allocations and justification are required for both Federal and non-Federal funds. A letter of commitment for the project's non-Federal resources must be submitted with the application in order to be given credit in the review process. A fully explained non-Federal share budget must be prepared for each funding source. For purposes of the outside review process, applicants may elect to summarize salary information on the copies of their application. All salary information must, however, appear on the signed original application for ACF. Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
2. Review and Selection Process: Please refer to Section IV.2 of the program announcement for information on the non-Federal review process. No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time (Section IV.3.) and whether the requested amount exceeds the ceiling or upper range value, whichever is appropriate (Section II.) Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time (Section IV.3) and whether the requested amount exceeds the ceiling or upper range value, whichever is appropriate (Section I.). 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: Not ApplicableVI. 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. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head. 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: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html. HHS Grants Policy Statement The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 3. Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html) 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. Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII of this announcement. Program Progress Reports: Semi-AnnuallyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Katherine Cargill-Willis, Program Specialist Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, Grants Officer VIII. OTHER INFORMATION For more information about the ADD and the Projects of National Significance programs, please visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/ Priority Area 2: Financial and Programmatic Trends for People with Developmental Disabilities Description States have a long history in providing services to people with developmental disabilities. States spent $34.48 billion in 2002 on these services and increased that amount to $38.55 billion in 2004. Especially noteworthy is that spending for community services for individuals with developmental disabilities increased 8.5 percent between 2002 and 2004, and funding for institutions dropped 2 percent, from 22 to 20 percent (Braddock 2005) As people with developmental disabilities move from institutions into the community their need for services change. These individuals benefit from and can access or maintain access to a wide range of Federal assistance programs once in the community (e.g., Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Supplemental Security Income). The initiatives under Priority II will provide us with snapshots and trend analyses that will indicate how States are maintaining and shifting their approaches to services for individuals with developmental disabilities, in their efforts to be responsive to President George W. Bush's New Freedom Initiative. These also show how States are taking advantage of new initiatives sponsored by HHS to offer more community-based services and supports to people with developmental disabilities. The purpose of Priority Area II is to conduct a national study that describes changes in public services and supports for people with developmental disabilities by examining local, State and Federal spending, especially of Medicaid funds for services to people with developmental disabilities. The study shall analyze the spending and describe annual outlooks and longitudinal trends in revenue, spending, and programmatic changes in an array of service delivery areas, including community living, public and private residential institutions, family support, supported employment, supported living, and Medicaid waivers. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: This program announcement describes awards that will be made as a cooperative agreement. While an organization will not be conducting its project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardees will share work cooperatively in the development and implementation of the projects' agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardees will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the projects. Awardees will have the primary responsibility for developing and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will jointly participate with awardees in such activities as clarifying the specific topic areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and ongoing consultation, sharing with awardees its knowledge of the issues being addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to awardees about the usefulness to the field of written products and information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between ADD and awardees will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be developed and signed prior to issuance of the award. Below are the priority areas for this funding opportunity:
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees must provide at least 25 percent 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 $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved project cost of $400,000). 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. Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share will be considered non-responsive and returned without review. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Katherine Cargill-Willis, Program SpecialistOffice of Operations and Discretionary Grants Administration of Developmantal Disabilities Administration Children and Families U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Mail Stop: 405-D 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW Washington, DC 20447 Phone: 202-690-5791 Fax: 202-205-8037 Email: katherine.cargill-willis@acf.hhs.gov URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/index.html 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: The original and three copies of the application package shall be submitted. The application package must include in the following order: Standard Forms, Assurances and Certifications Information on required forms, assurances, and certifications may be found later in this section. Full Budget and Budget Narrative Applicants must include a completed SF- 424A, "Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs," a detailed budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF-424A, Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a 12 month budget period. The budget justification should describe how the costs are reasonable and necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the proposed project The applicant must include the 12-month Federal budget under Column (1), the 12-month non-Federal budget under Column (2), and the total 12-month budget under Column (5) of the SF-424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining four years of the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF-424A, Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal contributions for the second through fifth years of the project on SF-424A, Section C. If the procurement policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's current definition should be included in the application. Table of Contents One-Page Project Abstract Project Description The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, typed pages. The type must not be smaller than 12 point. The margins must not be less than one inch. The program description pages should be numbered. Any application that exceeds the 50-page limit requirement will have the additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. Below is the information that should be included in the submission of FY 2007 grant applications for Priority Area II. A. Project Design and Methods: Applicants should identify the project design and methods for carrying out activities under this funding opportunity. At a minimum, applicants should describe and outline:
B. Special Studies: In addition to studying general trends in services, applicants shall conduct special studies that address topics that are timely and responsive to the information needs of multiple audiences concerned about services for people with developmental disabilities. In discussing the project approach, applicants should indicate what topics will be addressed through special studies. The topics addressed shall be at least one or more of the following:
The applicant must describe ways in which the special project will include analysis of the impact of the identified topic (e.g., Olmstead, Medicaid Buy-In, Waiting lists) on individuals with developmental disabilities. C. Identification of Policies: Applicants should identify the existing State and Federal laws under review that impact people with developmental disabilities. At a minimum, the applicant should provide details of the following:
Applicants should indicate any programs operated in the private sector that will be included in the analysis. D. Key Personnel: Each grantee should ensure that key project personnel have direct experience with and/or knowledge in conducting research using a variety of approaches such as using large, national databases. E. Civil Rights: Each grantee must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998. F. Communication and Dissemination: Each applicant must provide a detailed description of plans for regularly communicating and disseminating information to the public through e-mail and other effective, affordable, and accessible forms of communication, which may include monthly newsletters, the publication of datasets on websites or regularly scheduled research briefs and fact sheets on topical areas. Applicants must state the national organizations they currently use to disseminate information and their plans to disseminate information through these organizations in the future if funded through this competition. Applicants must demonstrate how they will work with self-advocates to disseminate information. Applicants should discuss how information on the Internet will be compliant with Section 508. G. Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of an annual report. This narrative and numerical report must describe changes in public services and supports for people with developmental disabilities with regard to spending, including local, State and Federal spending, especially of Medicaid funds for services to people with developmental disabilities. Specifically, the applicant must describe how they will report on the percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities who are more independent, self-sufficient, and integrated into the community. The report should provide national perspectives and, as appropriate, State-by-State analyses. The annual report will be due by the end of the project fiscal year and must be made available to the public. Appendix The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. The Appendix pages should be numbered. Supplementary material, intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement. The Appendix must be included with the original and the three copies of the application. 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 http://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:
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 titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, 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 part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. For research programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All 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 Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro Children 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: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 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 Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Hard Copy Submission Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). 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 Applications: 06/11/2007 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due 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 hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date and time. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. 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 DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. 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 http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist The original and three copies of the application shall be submitted. The application package must be included in the following order: You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. As of August 1, 2006, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Exec. Order 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. Comments submitted directly to ACF 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, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or 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 Exec. Order 12372. The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 5. Funding Restrictions: Fundraising is not an allowable cost under this program. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, or costs for construction activities are not allowable charges to this Federal grant program. Indirect Costs: In order to charge indirect costs to the Federal funds and/or use indirect costs a matching share, the applicant must have an approved indirect costs agreement for the period in which the Federal funds would be awarded. 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 Hand Delivery Tim Chappelle Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2007. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 1. Criteria: 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 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. 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. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
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.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: 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 Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 15 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
DISSEMINATION PLAN - 20 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
EVALUATION - 15 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
STAFF AND POSITION DATA - 10 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points Applicants are expected to present a budget with reasonable project costs, appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient to accomplish the objectives. The requested funds for the project must be fully justified and documented. Line-item allocations and justification are required for both Federal and non-Federal funds. A letter of commitment for the project's non-Federal resources must be submitted with the application in order to be given credit in the review process. A fully explained non-Federal share budget must be prepared for each funding source. For purposes of the outside review process, applicants may elect to summarize salary information on the copies of their application. All salary information must, however, appear on the signed original application for ACF. Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time (Section IV.3.) and whether the requested amount exceeds the ceiling or upper range value, whichever is appropriate (Section II.) Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time (Section IV.3) and whether the requested amount exceeds the ceiling or upper range value, whichever is appropriate (Section I.). 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. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Not ApplicableVI. 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. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head. 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: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html. HHS Grants Policy Statement The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 3. Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html) 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. Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII of this announcement. Program Progress Reports: Semi-AnnuallyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Katherine Cargill-Willis, Program Specialist Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, Grants Officer VIII. OTHER INFORMATION For more information about the ADD and the Projects of National Significance programs, please visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/ Priority Area 3: Employment Status of People with Developmental Disabilities Description Individuals with developmental disabilities are significantly less likely to be employed than are individuals without developmental disabilities. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, about 56 percent of people ages 21 to 64 who had a disability were employed. People with a severe disability status reported the lowest employment rate (42 percent), compared with the employment rates of people with a non-severe disability (82 percent) and those with no reported disability (88 percent). There are two types of supported employment, the use of a job coach and the use of natural supports. In the job coach model, the employment specialist is primarily responsible for initial and ongoing training. When using natural supports, the person receives assistance from family members, friends, and co-workers (Unger, Parent, Gibson, Kane-Johnston, and Kregel, 1998). With the 1986 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act, the supported employment program was established, giving many people with severe disabilities the opportunity to work in their communities. By 1995, 140,000 people participated in supported employment programs (Wehman, Revell, and Kregel, 1997). Despite these positive outcomes, the 2000 Census showed that people between the ages of 16 and 64 were less likely to be employed if they were disabled. A national survey of community rehabilitation providers (CRPs) conducted by the Institute for Community Inclusion in 2002-2003 found that the majority of individuals with developmental disabilities were supported in facility-based employment/sheltered employment (41 percent), followed by facility-based non-work services (21 percent), indicating that facility-based programs continue to be the predominant service model for people with developmental disabilities. People with developmental disabilities participated in integrated employment at a lower rate compared to other populations receiving supports from CRPs: 26 percent versus 45 percent (Metzel et al., 2004; Sullivan et al., 2004). The purpose of Priority Area III is to support investigations that examine the employment status of people with developmental disabilities and related outcomes as a result of programs that support their employment. The study shall assess the effectiveness of State MRDD and vocational rehabilitation agencies in promoting full inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities through employment and other community activities; and assess the employment and economic status of individuals with developmental disabilities on a State and national basis. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: This program announcement describes awards that will be made as a cooperative agreement. While an organization will not be conducting its project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardees will share work cooperatively in the development and implementation of the projects' agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardees will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the projects. Awardees will have the primary responsibility for developing and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will jointly participate with awardees in such activities as clarifying the specific topic areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and ongoing consultation, sharing with awardees its knowledge of the issues being addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to awardees about the usefulness to the field of written products and information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between ADD and awardees will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be developed and signed prior to issuance of the award. Below are the priority areas for this funding opportunity:
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees must provide at least 25 percent 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 $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved project cost of $400,000). 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. Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share will be considered non-responsive and returned without review. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Katherine Cargill-Willis, Program Specialist 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: The original and three copies of the application package shall be submitted. The application package must include in the following order. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications Information on required forms, assurances, and certifications may be found later in this section. Full Budget and Budget Narrative Applicants must include a completed SF- 424A, "Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs," a detailed budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF- 24A, Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a 12-month budget period. The budget justification should describe how the costs are reasonable and necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the proposed project The applicant must include the 12-month Federal budget under Column (1), the 12-month non-Federal budget under Column (2), and the total 12-month budget under Column (5) of the SF-424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining four years of the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF-424A, Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal contributions for the second through fifth years of the project on SF-424A, Section C. If the procurement policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's current definition should be included in the application. Table of Contents One-Page Project Abstract Project Description The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, typed pages. The type must not be smaller than 12 point. The margins must not be less than one inch. The program description pages should be numbered. Any application that exceeds the 50-page limit requirement will have the additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. To meet the intent of Priority Area III, the following are the minimum requirements for the project design: A. Project Design and Methods: Applicants should identify the project design and methods for carrying out activities under this funding opportunity. At a minimum, applicants should outline, as appropriate:
B. Special Studies: In addition to studying general trends in services, applicants shall conduct special studies that address topics that are timely and responsive to the information needs of multiple audiences concerned about services for people with developmental disabilities. In discussing the project approach, applicants should indicate what topics will be addressed through special studies. The topics addressed shall be at least one or more of the following:
The applicant must describe ways in which the special project will include analysis of the impact of the identified topic (e.g., Olmstead, Medicaid Buy-In, Waiting lists) on individuals with developmental disabilities. C. Identification of Services: Applicants should identify the existing State and Federal laws under review that impact the employment of people with developmental disabilities. At a minimum, the applicant should provide details of the following:
Applicants should indicate any programs operated in the private sector that will be included in the analyses. D. Key Personnel: Each grantee should ensure that key project personnel have direct experience with and/or knowledge in conducting research using a variety of approaches such as using large, national databases. E. Civil Rights: Each grantee must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,as amended by the Rehabilitation Act amendments of 1998. F. Communication and Dissemination: Each applicant must provide a detailed description of plans for regularly communicating and disseminating information to the public through e-mail and other effective, affordable, and accessible forms of communication, which may include monthly newsletters, the publication of datasets on websites or regularly scheduled research briefs and fact sheets on topical areas. Applicants must state the national organizations they currently use to disseminate information and their plans to disseminate information through these organizations in the future if funded through this competition. Applicants must demonstrate how they will work with self-advocates to disseminate information. Applicants should discuss how information on the Internet will be compliant with Section 508 and must state the national organizations they currently use to disseminate information and their plans to disseminate through these organizations in the future. G. Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of an annual report. This narrative and numerical report must describe on a yearly basis changes in employment for people with developmental disabilities. Specifically, the applicant must describe how they will report on the percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities who are more independent, self-sufficient, and integrated into the community as a result of employment services. The report should provide national perspectives and, as appropriate, State-by-State analyses. The annual report will be due by the end of the project fiscal year and must be made available to the public. Appendix The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. The Appendix pages should be numbered. Supplementary material, intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement. The Appendix must be included with the original and the three copies of the application. 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 http://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:
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 titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, 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 part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. For research programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All 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 Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro Children 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: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 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 Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Hard Copy Submission Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). 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 Applications: 06/11/2007 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due 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 hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date and time. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. 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 DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. 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 http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. As of August 1, 2006, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Exec. Order 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. Comments submitted directly to ACF 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, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or 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 Exec. Order 12372. The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 5. Funding Restrictions: Fundraising is not an allowable cost under this program. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, or costs for construction activities are not allowable charges to this Federal grant program. Indirect Costs: In order to charge indirect costs to the Federal funds and/or use indirect costs a matching share, the applicant must have an approved indirect costs agreement for the period in which the Federal funds would be awarded. 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 Hand Delivery Tim Chappelle Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2007. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 1. Criteria: 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 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. 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. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
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.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: 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 Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 15 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
DISSEMINATION PLAN - 20 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application include:
EVALUATION - 15 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
STAFF AND POSITION DATA - 10 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points Applicants are expected to present a budget with reasonable project costs, appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient to accomplish the objectives. The requested funds for the project must be fully justified and documented. Line- item allocations and justification are required for both Federal and non-Federal funds. A letter of commitment for the project's non-Federal resources must be submitted with the application in order to be given credit in the review process. A fully explained non-Federal share budget must be prepared for each funding source. For purposes of the outside review process, applicants may elect to summarize salary information on the copies of their application. All salary information must, however, appear on the signed original application for ACF. Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
2. Review and Selection Process: Please refer to Section IV.2 of the program announcement for information on the non-Federal review process. No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time (Section IV.3.) and whether the requested amount exceeds the ceiling or upper range value, whichever is appropriate (Section II.). 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. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Not ApplicableVI. 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. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head. 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: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html. HHS Grants Policy Statement The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 3. Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html) 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. Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII of this announcement. Program Progress Reports: Semi-AnnuallyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Katherine Cargill-Willis, Program Specialist Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, Grants Officer VIII. OTHER INFORMATION For more information about the ADD s and the Projects of National Significance programs, please visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/. Priority Area 4: Rapid Deployment of Good Ideas Through Medicaid Web Referencing Description Individuals with developmental disabilities rely on multiple systems of support to live their lives. However, information that could be used to improve decision-making is not easily accessible to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, advocates, providers of services and supports, or even to the policymakers who design and fund systems. Moreover, for individuals with developmental disabilities, access to relevant Internet-based information is limited. Medicaid is a primary source of support and vital component of the lives of many individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Yet the complex Medicaid system which is subject to an intricate law, regulation, and changes in administrative guidance, is further complicated by variability in program structure from State to State. Many States have submitted plans to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for HCBS waivers. These plans offer both opportunities and challenges for individuals with developmental disabilities who wish to sustain or expand their opportunities to live and contribute to community life. Although there is great variability among States in their use of Medicaid funds through general Medicaid services and through HCBS waivers, there are many common and basic Medicaid-related questions to which individuals need answers. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families need to know how the Medicaid program can be used to access a broad range of home and community-based services and supports. ADD has funded the Medicaid Reference Desk, an interactive website since 2000. The website project provides current Medicaid services information for every State in a cognitively accessible manner. The purpose of Priority Area IV is to issue a grant award to fund one project designed to further develop and maintain this website and offer a cognitively accessible, person-centered planning module to assist a person with a developmental disability and/or family member when choosing Medicaid services in their State. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: This program announcement describes awards that will be made as a cooperative agreement. While an organization will not be conducting its project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardees will share work cooperatively in the development and implementation of the projects' agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardees will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the projects. Awardees will have the primary responsibility for developing and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will jointly participate with awardees in such activities as clarifying the specific topic areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and ongoing consultation, sharing with awardees its knowledge of the issues being addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to awardees about the usefulness to the field of written products and information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between ADD and awardees will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be developed and signed prior to issuance of the award. Below are the priority areas for this funding opportunity:
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees must provide at least 25 percent 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 $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved project cost of $400,000). 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. Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share will be considered non-responsive and returned without review. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Katherine Cargill-Willis, Program SpecialistOffice of Operations and Discretionary Grants Administration on Developmental Disabilities Administration for Children and Families U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Mail Stop: HHS 405-D 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW Washington, DC 20447 Phone: 202 690 5791 Fax: 202-205-8037 Email: katherine.cargill-willis@acf.hhs.gov URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/index.html 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: The original and three copies of the application package shall be submitted. The application package must include in the following order: Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications Information on required forms, assurances, and certifications may be found later in this section. Full Budget and Budget Narrative Applicants must include a completed SF 424A, "Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs," a detailed budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF-424A, Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a 12-month budget period. The budget justification should describe how the costs are reasonable and necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the proposed project The applicant must include the 12-month Federal budget under Column (1), the 12-month non-Federal budget under Column (2), and the total 12-month budget under Column (5) of the SF-424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining four years of the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF-424A, Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal contributions for the second through fifth years of the project on SF-424A, Section C. If the procurement policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's current definition should be included in the application. Table of Contents One-Page Project Abstract Project Description The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, typed pages. The type must not be smaller than 12 point. The margins must not be less than one inch. The program description pages should be numbered. Any application that exceeds the 50-page limit requirement will have the additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. To meet the intent of Priority Area IV, the following are the minimum requirements for the project design: A. Project Design and Methods: Applicants should outline, as appropriate, the necessary steps to implement and/or sustain a website that is user-friendly and practical to a broad range of users, including individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, their advocates, representatives from other ADD programs, such as the Protection and Advocacy systems and the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, State policymakers, regional CMS staff, and other interested persons. The grantee's website must:
B. Consumer Collaboration: In describing how the website will be maintained and updated, the applicant should discuss how it will form and collaborate with an advisory committee. The application must include a description of how individuals with developmental disabilities and their families will be involved in all aspects of the design, implementation, and evaluation of the project. This committee shall consist of a majority of people with developmental disabilities, but also include family members, service providers and professionals. The advisory committee shall:
C. Key Personnel: The applicant should ensure that key project personnel have direct life experience with individuals living with a developmental disability and/or the development and implementation of websites. D. Civil Rights: Each grantee must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998. E. Communication and Dissemination: Applicants must show that they (1) have past experience in providing Medicaid-related information, including web-based resources, to people with developmental disabilities and (2) that they intend to comply with information and electronic technology accessibility standards and go beyond compliance to improve access as much as possible. At a minimum, each applicant must provide a detailed description of:
F. Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of an annual report in the form of a briefing book. Specifically, the applicant must describe how they will publish a briefing book for the field that lists the most FAQs regarding Medicaid services. The FAQs must be revised annually to reflect the current issues related to Medicaid services. This briefing book must include general information about Medicaid, including the percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities who are more independent, self-sufficient, and integrated into the community as a result of Medicaid services. The briefing book will be due by the end of the project fiscal year and must be made available to the public. Appendix The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. The Appendix pages should be numbered. Supplementary material, intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement. The Appendix must be included with the original and the three copies of the application. 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 http://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:
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 titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, 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 part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. For research programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All 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 Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro Children 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: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 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 Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Hard Copy Submission Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). 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 Applications: 06/11/2007 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due 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 hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date and time. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. 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 DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. 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 http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. As of August 1, 2006, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Exec. Order 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. Comments submitted directly to ACF 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, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or 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 Exec. Order 12372. The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 5. Funding Restrictions: Fundraising is not an allowable cost under this program. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, or costs for construction activities are not allowable charges to this Federal grant program. Indirect Costs: In order to charge indirect costs to the Federal funds and/or use indirect costs a matching share, the applicant must have an approved indirect costs agreement for the period in which the Federal funds would be awarded. 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, Grants Officer Hand Delivery Tim Chappelle, Grants Office Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2007. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 1. Criteria: 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 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. 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. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
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.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: 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 - 30 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 15 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
DISSEMINATION PLAN - 25 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
STAFF AND POSITION DATA - 15 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
EVALUATION - 10 points Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points Applicants are expected to present a budget with reasonable project costs, appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient to accomplish the objectives. The requested funds for the project must be fully justified and documented. Line item allocations and justification are required for both Federal and non-Federal funds. A letter of commitment for the project's non-Federal resources must be submitted with the application in order to be given credit in the review process. A fully explained non-Federal share budget must be prepared for each funding source. For purposes of the outside review process, applicants may elect to summarize salary information on the copies of their application. All salary information must, however, appear on the signed original application for ACF. Using the following values for each required item in this criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the application:
2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time (Section IV.3.) and whether the requested amount exceeds the ceiling or upper range value, whichever is appropriate (Section II.). No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Please refer to 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. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Not Applicable 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. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head. 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: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html. HHS Grants Policy Statement The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 3. Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html) 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. Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII of this announcement. Program Progress Reports: Semi-AnnuallyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Katherine Cargill-Willis, Specialist Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, Grants Officer VIII. OTHER INFORMATION For more information about the ADD and the Projects of National Significance programs, please visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/.
EXPIRED |
