Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families

Funding Office Name:	Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services
Funding Opportunity Title:	Special State Technical Assistance
Announcement Type:	Competitive Grant-Initial
Funding Opportunity Number:	HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EZ-0005
CFDA Number:	93.569
Due Dates:	Applications are due between April 7, 2004, and July 30, 2004, within the time frames specified in this announcement for mailed and/or hand-carried applications.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announces a Special State Technical Assistance discretionary funding program to support interventions in cases where an eligible entity is in a crisis situation.

Under the Community Services Block Grant, section 674(b)(2)(B) and 678A, funds may be used by the Secretary to assist States in carrying out corrective action activities and monitoring to correct programmatic deficiencies of eligible entities. States are required to determine whether eligible entities meet the performance goals, administrative standards, financial management obligations and other requirements of the State. The CSBG legislation mandates that States provide training and technical assistance (T&TA;) prior to any termination procedures. It also requires States to carry out corrective activities and to monitor all eligible entities at least every three years.

The CSBG Act requires States to conduct regular, on-site reviews of eligible entities. When a State determines that an eligible entity has a deficiency that must be corrected, the CSBG legislation mandates that the State offer an eligible entity training and technical assistance (T&TA;), if appropriate, to help correct such a deficiency. A State may support this T&TA; with the CSBG funds remaining after it has made grants to eligible entities. However, OCS recognizes that, in some instances, the problem to be addressed may be of such a complex or pervasive nature that it cannot be adequately addressed with the resources available to the State CSBG Administrator.

Definitions of Terms

The following definitions apply:

Community Action Agency (CAA) - refers to local-level organizations that are Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Eligible Entities. They provide a number of types of assistance with the goals of reducing poverty and enabling low-income families to become economically self- sufficient.

Community Services Network - refers to the various organizations involved in planning and implementing programs funded through the CSBG or providing training, technical assistance or support to them. The network includes local CAAs and other eligible entities; State CSBG offices and their national association; CAA State, regional and national associations; and related organizations that collaborate and participate with CAAs and other eligible entities in their efforts on behalf of low-income people.

Cooperative Agreement - an award instrument of financial assistance when substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding office, (the Federal government) and the recipient during performance of the contemplated project. Substantial involvement may include collaboration or participation by OCS staff in activities specified in the award and, as appropriate, decision-making at specified milestones related to performance. The involvement may range from joint conduct of a project to OCS approval prior to the recipient's undertaking the next phase in a project.

Eligible Entities - (Section 673(1)(A)) - the term ``eligible entity'' means an entity that is an eligible entity described in section 673(1) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the COATES Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998) as of the day before such date of enactment or is designated by the process described in section 676A (including an organization serving migrant or seasonal farmworkers that is so described or designated); and has a tripartite board or other mechanism described in the Act.

Special Note: Under the Act, CAAs are eligible entities, however not all eligible entities are CAAs. Throughout this announcement, the reference is to organizations defined in section 673(1)(A) of the CSBG Act whenever CAAs are mentioned.

Nationwide - refers to the scope of the technical assistance, training, data collection, or other capacity-building projects to be undertaken with grant funds. Nationwide projects must provide for the implementation of technical assistance, training or data collection for all or a significant number of States, and the CAAs and other local service providers who administer CSBG funds.

Non-profit Organizationrefers to an organization, including faith-based and community-based, which meets the requirement for proof of non-profit status in the ``Additional Information on Eligibility'' section of this announcement and has demonstrated experience in providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-income families and communities.

Outcome Measures - are indicators that focus on the direct results one wants to have on customers and on communities.

Performance Measurement - is a tool used to assess how a program is accomplishing its mission through the delivery of products, services and activities.

Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) System - ROMA is a system which provides a framework for focusing on results for local agencies funded by the CSBG Program. It involves setting goals and strategies and developing plans and techniques that focus on a result-oriented performance based model for management.

State - means all of the 50 States and the District of Columbia. Except where specifically noted, for purposes of this program announcement, it also includes Territories as defined below.

Technical assistance - is an activity, generally utilizing the services of an expert (often a peer), aimed at enhancing capacity, improving programs and systems, or solving specific problems. Such services may be provided proactively to improve systems or as an intervention to solve specific problems.

Territories - refers to Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Training - is an educational activity or event that is designed to impart knowledge, understanding or increase the development of skills. Such training activities may be in the form of assembled events such as workshops, seminars, conferences or programs of self-instructional activities.

Program Purpose, Scope and Focus

The purpose of this program priority area is to improve the capacity of States in carrying out corrective action activities and monitoring to correct programmatic deficiencies of eligible entities. The grant will support interventions in cases where an eligible entity is in a crisis situation. It will preclude the need for termination hearings and proceedings by stabilizing eligible entities in crises and correcting programmatic deficiencies, if possible.

Program Statutes

Section 319 of Public Law 101-121, signed into law on October 23, 1989, imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and loans. It provides exemptions for Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Current and prospective recipients (and their sub-tier contractors and/or grantees) are prohibited from using Federal funds, other than profits from a Federal contract, for lobbying Congress or any Federal agency in connection with the award of a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or loan. In addition, for each award action in excess of $100,000 (or $150,000 for loans) the law requires recipients and their sub-tier contractors and/ or sub-grantees (1) to certify that they have neither used nor will use any appropriated funds for payment to lobbyists, (2) to disclose the name, address, payment details, and purpose of any agreements with lobbyists whom recipients or their sub-tier contractors or sub-grantee will pay with profits or non-appropriated funds on or after December 22, 1989, and (3) to file quarterly updates about the use of lobbyists if material changes occur in their use. The law establishes civil penalties for noncompliance. Required Certification and Disclosure forms to be submitted with your application are attached.

Public Law 103-227, Part C. Environmental Tobacco Smoke, also known as the Pro-Children Act of 1994 (Act), requires that smoking not be permitted in any portion of any indoor facility owned or leased or contracted for by an entity and used routinely or regularly for the provision of health, day care, education, or library services to children under the age of 18, if the services are funded by Federal programs either directly or through States and local government by Federal grant, contract, loan or loan guarantee. The law does not apply to facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, and portions of facilities used for in- patient drug or alcohol treatment. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per day and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity.

By signing and submitting this application the applicant/grantee certifies that it will comply with the requirement of the Act. The applicant/grantee further agrees that it will require the language of this certification be included in any sub-awards, which contain provisions for children's services and that all sub-grantees shall certify accordingly.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $500,000
Anticipated Number of Awards: 5-12
Ceiling of Individual Awards: $50,000
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $7,000
Average Projected Award Amount: $50,000
Project Periods for Awards: 17 months

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Community Services Block Grant eligible entities. Statewide or local organizations or associations including faith-based organizations, for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations having 501 (C) 3 status, and non-profit organizations that do not have 501 (C) 3 status.

Additional Information on Eligibility
As prescribed by the Community Services Block Grant Act (Pub. L. 105-285, section 678(c)(2), eligible applicants are eligible entities (see definitions), organizations, or associations with demonstrated expertise in providing training to individuals and organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of low income families and communities.

Applicants must demonstrate proof of non-profit status and this proof must be included in their applications (see section IV. 2). Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:

1. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS code.
2. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
3. A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
4. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.
5. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non- profit affiliate.

Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is $50,000. An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range specified will be considered "non-responsive" and will be returned to the applicant without further review.

    2. Cost Sharing or Matching None.

    3. Other (if Applicable)

On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government- wide electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.

Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.

Applications are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is $50,000. Applications exceeding the $50,000 threshold will be returned without review.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

Office of Community Services Operations Center, ATTN: Marianna RayNor-Hill, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209; telephone: (800) 281-9519; e-mail: ocs@LGCNet.com.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

An original and two copies of the complete application are required. The original and 2 copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound. Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget.

Applicants must demonstrate proof of non-profit status and this proof must be included in their applications. Please include any one of the following:

1. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS code.
2. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
3. A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
4. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.
5. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non- profit affiliate.

You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.

Please note the following if you plan to submit your application electronically via Grant.gov:

• Electronic submission is voluntary.
• When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find information about submitting an application electronically through the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov.
• To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS Number to register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
• You will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
• You may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary assurance and certifications.
• Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application from Grant.gov.
• We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a later date.
• You may access the electronic application for this program on http://www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA number.

Application Content

Each application must include the following components:

1. Table of Contents
2. Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed 250 words, that would be suitable for use in an announcement that the application has been selected for a grant award and which identifies the type of project, the target population and the major elements of the work plan.
3. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the organization legally.
4. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs.
5. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category required under section B, Standard Form 424A.
6. Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.

Application Format

Each application should include one signed original application and two additional copies of the same application.

Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper only. Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.

Please do not include organizational brochures or other promotional materials, slides, films, clips, etc.

The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins must be at least one inch on all sides.

Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package, beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one.

Please present application materials either in loose-leaf notebooks or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center and fastened separately with a slide paper fastener. Page Limitation

The application package including sections for the Table of Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives, and Business Plan must not exceed 65 pages. The page limitation does not include the following attachments and appendices: Standard Forms for Assurances, Certifications, Disclosures and appendices. The page limitation also does not apply to any supplemental documents as required in this announcement.

Required Standard Forms
Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-construction project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non- Construction Programs with their applications.

Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying. Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish an executed copy of the lobbying certification. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their applications.

Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back a certification form.

Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back a certification form.

Additional requirements:

1. The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance "SF-424", a Standard Form 424-A Budget Information "SF-424A" and signed Standard Form 424B Assurance--Non-Construction Programs "SF-424B" completed according to instructions provided in this Program Announcement. The forms SF-424 and the SF-424B must be signed by an official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the organization legally. The applicant's legal name as required on the SF- 424 (Item 5) must match that listed as corresponding to the Employer Identification Number (Item 6);
2. The application must include a project narrative that meets requirements set forth in this announcement.
3. The application must contain documentation of the applicant's tax-exempt status as indicated in the "Funding Opportunity Description" section of this announcement.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under "Grant Related Documents and Forms" titled "Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants." The forms are located on the Web at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm .

Project summary abstract:

Provide a one page (or less) summary of the project description with reference to the funding request.

Full project description requirements: Describe the project clearly in 30 pages or less (not counting supplemental documentation, letters of support or agreements) using the following outline and guidelines. Applicants are required to submit a full project description and must prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions. The pages of the project description must be numbered and are limited to 30 typed pages starting on page 1 of "Objectives and Need of Assistance". The description must be doubled- spaced, printed on only one side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins. Pages over the limit will be removed from the competition and will not be reviewed.

It is in the applicant's best interest to ensure that the project description is easy to read, logically developed in accordance with the evaluation criteria and adheres to page limitations. In addition, applicants should be mindful of the importance of preparing and submitting applications using language, terms, concepts and descriptions that are generally known by both the targeted youth and the broader youth services field. The maximum number of pages for supplemental documentation is 10 pages. The supplemental documentation, subject to the 10-page limit, must be numbered and might include brief resumes, position descriptions, proof of non-profit status (if applicable), news clippings, press releases, etc. Supplemental documentation over the 10-page limit will not be reviewed.

Applicants must include letters of support or agreement, if appropriate or applicable, in reference to the project description. Letters of support are not counted as part of the 30-page project description limit or the 10-page supplemental documentation limit. All applications must comply with the following requirements except as noted:

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information.

3. Submission Dates and Times

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is any time before 4:30 p.m. (eastern time zone) between April 7, 2004 and July 30, 2004. Mailed or hand carried applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be classified as late.

Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date at the "Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209, Attention: Daphne Weeden." Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications are received on or before the deadline time and date.

Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., e.s.t., at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209; Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition.

Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or when there are widespread disruptions of mail services. Determinations to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants Management Officer.

What to Submit	Required Content	Required Form or Format	When to Submit
Table of Contents	As described above	Consistent with guidance in "Application Format" section of this announcement.	By application due date.
Abstract of Proposed Project	Brief abstract that identifies the type of project, the target population and the major elements of the proposed project.	Consistent with guidance in “Application Format” section of this announcement.	By application due date.
Completed Standard From 424	As described above and per required form.	May be found on http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Completed Standard Form 424A	As described above and per required form.	May be found on http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Narrative Budget Justification	As described above.	Consistent with guidance in "Application Format" section of this announcement.	By application due date.
Project Narrative	A narrative that addresses issues described in the "Application Review Information" and the "Review and Selection Criteria" sections of this announcement.	Consistent with guidance in "Application Format" section of this announcement.	By application due date.
Certification regarding lobbying	As described above and per required form.	May be found on http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Certification regarding environmental tobacco smoke	As described above and per required form.	May be found on http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.

Additional Forms:

Private-non-profit organizations may submit with their applications the additional survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms” titled “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants”.

What to submit	Required Content	Required Form or Format	When to Submit
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants	Per required form	May be found on http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)

This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs" and 45 CFR part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs.

The following States and Territories have elected to participate under the Executive Order process and have established a Single Point of Contact (SPOC): Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
Applicants for projects to be administered by federally-recognized Indian tribes are also exempt from the requirements of E.O. 12372. Otherwise, applicants should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the prospective applications and receive any necessary instructions. Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that OCS can obtain and review SPOC comments as a part of the award process. It is imperative that the applicant 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 424A, item 16a.

Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.

SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule.

When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.

A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory is included with the application materials for this announcement.

5. Funding Restrictions

Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects

OCS will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting for specific services or activities needed to conduct the project.

Number of Projects in Application

Each application may include only one proposed project.

Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is $50,000. Applications exceeding the $50,000 threshold will be returned without review.

6. Other Submission Requirements

Submission by Mail: An Applicant must provide an original application with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two copies. The Application must be received at the address below by 5 p.m. eastern standard time on or before the closing date. Applications should be mailed to:

    Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
    Administration for Children and Families
    Office of Community Services Operations Center
    1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300,
    Arlington, Virginia 22209, ATTN: Daphne Weeden.

For Hand Delivery: Applicant must provide an original application with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two copies. The Application must be received at the address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern standard time on or before the closing date. Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209 Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson. It is strongly recommended that applicants obtain documentation that the application was hand delivered on or before the closing date. Applicants are cautioned that express/ overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Instructions: ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD)
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the ``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections of the application. The generic UPD requirement is followed by the evaluation criterion specific to the Community Services Block Grant legislation.

PURPOSE

The project description provides a major means by which an application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project description, all information requested through each specific evaluation criteria should 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.

INTRODUCTION

Applicants required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The instructions give a broad overview of what your project description should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more program-specific information that is needed.

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT

Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with reference to the funding request.

OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE

Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/ beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement.

Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. Explain how the project will reach the targeted population and how it will benefit participants or the community.

APPROACH

Outline a plan of action which 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 which 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, for example, such terms as the ``number of people served.'' When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates.

If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF."
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution.

Evaluation

Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and the conduct 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 on the project's effectiveness.

Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial statements, audit reports, documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information.
A non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or association is domiciled.

Budget and Budget Justification

Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.

Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs.

Evaluation Criterion I: Work Program (Maximum: 30 points).

Factors: The work program is results-oriented and appropriately related to the legislative mandate. The extent to which the applicant addresses: Specific outcomes to be achieved; performance targets which the project is committed to achieving; critical milestones, which must be achieved if results are to be gained; and organizational support; the level of support including priority this project has for the agency.

Evaluation Criterion II: Need for Assistance (Maximum: 20 points).
Factors: The applicant documents that the project addresses vital needs related to the purposes stated and discussed under this announcement.

The applicant provides statistics and other data and information in support of its contention.

Evaluation Criterion III: Ability of Applicant to Perform (Maximum: 20 points)

Factors: The applicant fully describes, for example in a resume, the experience and skills of the proposed sources of technical assistance showing specific qualifications and professional experiences relevant to the successful implementation of the proposed project.

Evaluation Criterion IV: Significant and Beneficial Impact (Maximum 15 points).
Factor: The extent to which the applicant adequately describes how the project will assure long-term program and management improvements that will aid in removal from the "at risk category".

Evaluation Criterion V: Evidence of Significant Collaborations (Maximum 10 Points).

Factors: The extent to which the applicant describes how it will involve the local Board of Directors of eligible entities as well as other partners in the community in its activities.

Where appropriate, the extent to which the applicant describes how it will interface with other related organizations.

Evaluation Criterion VI: Adequacy of Budget (Maximum: 5 points)

Factors:

1. The extent to which the resources requested are reasonable and adequate to accomplish the project. (0-3 points)
2. b. The extent to which total costs are reasonable and consistent with anticipated results. (0-2 points)

2. Review and Selection Process

OCS Evaluation of Applications

Each application submitted to OCS will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time.

Applications, which meet the initial screening requirements, will be reviewed solely on responsiveness to program guidelines and evaluation criteria published in this announcement. States will not be competing with each other for funding under this program.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

Following approval of the applications selected for funding, notice of project approval and authority to draw down projects will be made in writing. The official award document is the Financial Assistance Award, which provides the amount of Federal funds approved for use in the project, the project and budget periods for which support is provided, the terms and conditions of the award, and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Grantees are subject to the audit requirements in 45 CFR parts 74 (non-governmental) and 92 (governmental) and OMB Circular A-133.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13): Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the Department is required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval any reporting and record keeping requirements or regulations including program announcements. This program announcement does not contain information collection requirements beyond those approved for ACF grant applications under the Program Narrative Statement by OMB (Approval Number 0980-0204).

The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970- 0139 which expires 3/31/2004. 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.

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information.

3. Reporting

All grantees are required to submit quarterly program reports. Grantees are also required to submit semi-annual expenditure reports using the required financial standard form (SF-269) which is located on the Internet at: http://forms.psc.gov/forms/sf/SF-269.pdf . A suggested format for the program report will be sent to all grantees after the awards are made.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact:
    Marianna RayNor-Hill
    Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
    Administration for Children and Families
    Office of Community Services Operations Center,
    1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300
    Arlington, Virginia 22209
    e-mail: ocs@LGCNet.com
    telephone: (202) 401-9343

    Grants Management Office Contact:
    Daphne Weeden
    Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
    Administration for Children and Families
    Office of Community Services Operations Center
    1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300
    Arlington, Virginia 22209
    e-mail: dweeden@acf.hhs.gov
    Telephone: (202) 401-4577

VIII. Other Information

Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located on the following Web site:

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs.

Date_____________________________	________________________________
	Clarence H. Carter       Director       Office of Community Services

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