Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Federal Agency Name
Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau
Funding Opportunity Title: National Resource Center for Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement-Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ACYF-CA-0005
CFDA Number: 93.590
Due Date: The due date for receipt of applications is June 14, 2004
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The purpose of this Cooperative Agreement is to provide financial
support for training and technical assistance to promote the purposes
of the Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and
Neglect program, known hereafter as the Community-Based Child Abuse
Prevention (CBCAP) program. This training and technical assistance is
intended to build the capacity of CBCAP lead agencies to:
(1) Foster an understanding, appreciation, and knowledge of diverse
populations in order to be effective in preventing and treating child
abuse and neglect;
(2) Facilitate and assist efforts of State, local, Tribal, public,
and private agencies in the interagency, inter-disciplinary,
coordinated planning and development of a network of community-based
programs and activities designed to strengthen and support families to
prevent child abuse and neglect;
(3) Actively engage in conducting regular and ongoing needs
assessments that will be used to identify unmet needs and which also
incorporate findings from other Statewide needs assessment processes;
(4) Demonstrate a commitment to meaningful parent leadership,
especially for parents of children with disabilities, racial and ethnic
minorities, and members of other underrepresented or underserved
groups;
(5) Maximize funding through leveraging of funds for the financing,
planning and operation of child abuse prevention programs and
activities;
(6) Promote the development and implementation of lead agency
program evaluation processes that include a peer review component and
other evaluation methodologies; and
(7) Support States in their Program Improvement Plans resulting
from Child and Family Service Reviews.
Expected outcomes include the enhanced capacity of each State lead
agency to engage in:
(1) Developing, supporting, and maintaining networks of coordinated
resources and activities to better strengthen and support families to
reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect;
(2) Conducting interagency needs assessments of required services;
(3) Facilitating CBCAP program and policy development;
(4) Coordinating the delivery of child abuse and neglect prevention
services;
(5) Promoting the meaningful participation of parents in the
design, implementation and evaluation of funded services;
(6) Conducting program evaluations that include a peer review
component and other evaluation methodologies; and
(7) Enhancing the capacity of the lead agencies to become more
active participants in their State's Child and Family Services Review/
Program Improvement Planning processes.
This Resource Center is expected to train and assist State lead
agencies to establish effective interagency cooperation and
collaboration that involves all stakeholders, including families, and
promotes public-private partnerships in the establishment and expansion
of child abuse prevention programs. Training and technical assistance
needs will be identified by CBCAP lead agency staff in collaboration
with ACYF Central and Regional Office personnel, and coordinated with
other ongoing national training and technical assistance efforts. The
Children Bureau is also working closely with its network of Child
Welfare National Resource Centers to respond to training and technical
assistance needs related to CFSRs, PIPs and other priorities. The NRC
for CBCAP is also expected to work closely with these other national
efforts. The Resource Center will also be actively involved with
identifying other training and technical assistance needs based on
their work with the Lead Agencies. Training outcomes should be achieved
through a combination of strategies, including on-site training, on and
off-site technical assistance, and consultation with all appropriate
stakeholder groups.
Background Information
The Administration on children, Youth and Families (ACYF)
administers national programs for children and youth; works with States
and local communities to develop services which support and strengthen
family life; seeks joint ventures with the private sector to enhance
the lives of children and their families; and provides information and
other assistance to parents. The concerns of ACYF extend to all
children from pre-natal through adolescence. Many of the programs
administered by the agency focus on children from low-income families;
abused and neglected children; children and youth in need of foster
care, independent living, adoption or other child welfare services;
preschool children; children with disabilities; runaway and homeless
youth; and children from Native American and migrant families.
Within ACYF, the Children Bureau plans, manages, coordinates, and
supports child abuse and neglect prevention and child welfare services
programs. The Children Bureau programs are designed to promote the
safety, permanency, and well-being of all children, including those in
foster care, available for adoption, recently adopted, abused,
neglected, dependent, disabled, or homeless children and to prevent
neglect and abuse of children. The programs also encourage
strengthening the family unit to help prevent the unnecessary
separation of children from their families and reunifying families,
when appropriate, when separation has occurred. The Children Bureau
also supports programs and services that encourage healthy marriage;
promote family stability; support relationship building for parenting
couples; reach out to and provide assistance to fathers; and emphasize
the role of fathers in ensuring the well-being of their children.
The Children Bureau is the agency within the Federal Government
that has primary responsibility for assisting State child welfare
systems to promote continuous improvement in the delivery of child
welfare services. State child welfare systems are designed to protect
children who have suffered maltreatment, who are at risk for
maltreatment, or who are under the care and placement responsibility of
the State because their families are unable to care for them. These
systems also focus on securing permanent living arrangements through
foster care and adoption for children who are unable to return home.
The Children Bureau fulfills this mission by providing leadership
and conducting activities designed to assist and enhance national,
State, and community efforts to prevent, assess, identify, and treat
child abuse and neglect. These activities include data collection and
analysis; research and demonstration programs, and grants to States
for: developing comprehensive child-centered and family-focused child
protective services systems; providing training and technical
assistance to develop the necessary resources to implement successful
comprehensive child and family protection strategies; gathering,
processing, and housing high quality data sets through a National Data
Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect; and gathering, storing, and
disseminating child maltreatment information through a National
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and a National
Adoption Information Clearinghouse.
Federal programs administered by the Bureau include the Foster Care
and Adoption Assistance Programs, the Child Welfare Services State
Grants Program, Child Welfare Services Training Program, the Chafee
Foster Care Independence Program, the Adoption Opportunities Program,
the Abandoned Infants Assistance Program, the Promoting Safe and Stable
Families Program, the Court Improvement Program, and several State and
discretionary grant programs authorized by the Child Abuse Prevention
and Treatment Act (CAPTA). for more information about Children Bureau
programs, visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb.
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)
Since its enactment in 1974, CAPTA (42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) has
sought to increase national attention to the problem of child abuse and
neglect and to improve the Nation's ability to prevent and respond to
the maltreatment of children. Through its several reauthorizations over
the years, the law has worked to strengthen the entire child protective
services system. Under CAPTA, programs have been implemented for the
prevention of child maltreatment, the identification of child abuse and
neglect, initial response, assessment and investigation of suspected
child abuse reports, and prosecution of caregivers found to be the
perpetrators of the abuse.
Title I of CAPTA authorizes research and demonstration grants, data
collection and information dissemination activities and two State grant
programs: the Basic State Grant and the Children Justice Act Grant.
The Basic State Grant provides States with funds and basic Federal
guidelines to strengthen and maintain their child protective services
(CPS) systems. The Children Justice Act provides funds to assist
States in developing, establishing and operating programs which are
designed to improve the handling of child abuse and neglect cases to
reduce trauma to the child victim; the handling of cases of suspected
child abuse or neglect related fatalities; and the investigation and
prosecution of cases on child abuse or neglect.
Title II of CAPTA authorizes the Community-Based Grants for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. This program assists States to
develop and implement, or expand and enhance a comprehensive statewide
system of community-based family resource and support services to
prevent child maltreatment.
Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
Program
In 2003, the Congress passed legislation reauthorizing CAPTA's
programs for an additional five years. Among the provisions in the
legislation was a section reauthorizing, amending and re-naming the
program previously known as the Community-Based Family Resource and
Support (CBFRS) Grants program. The program is now known as the
Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
or, for the sake of brevity, the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
(CBCAP) program. This formula grant program specifically supports
community-based efforts to develop, operate, expand, enhance, and,
where appropriate, to network, initiatives aimed at the prevention of
child abuse and neglect, to support networks of coordinated resources
and activities to better strengthen and support families to reduce the
likelihood of child abuse and neglect, and to foster an understanding,
appreciation, and knowledge of diverse populations in order to be
effective in preventing and treating child abuse and neglect.
All States, the District of Columbia, and the territories receive
funding under the program. In every State, the Governor designated a
Lead Agency to receive these funds. The Lead Agencies were most often
the State child welfare agency or other public agency or the Children
Trust and Prevention Board for the State. Those Lead Agencies provided
grants to local agencies to fund child abuse prevention and family
support services and activities. Many States funded core services such
as parent education, parent mutual support, home visiting programs,
early childhood programs, respite and crisis care, family resource centers,
and other family support services. In addition, the Lead Agencies provided leadership and
support for the child abuse prevention network in the State and offered
training and technical assistance to their funded programs.
Lead agencies are often involved in many other systems change
efforts in the States. One of these major systems change efforts at the
Federal level is the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR). Findings
from the States that have completed their reviews thus far indicate
that many States and communities lack adequate prevention and
community-based services for families. There is also a need for
comprehensive family assessments and for greater engagement of parents
in the case planning process. Since the provision of prevention
services and the emphasis on parent engagement are strong components of
the CBCAP program, technical assistance to the Lead Agencies to
increase coordination between the State's CFSR process and the
development and operation of the CBCAP program is greatly encouraged.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.
Description of Federal Substantial Involvement With Cooperative
Agreement: A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding
Federal assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is
anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective
responsibilities of the Children Bureau and the grantee prior to the
award. The Children Bureau anticipates that agency involvement will
produce programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to
them for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration
includes Children Bureau review and approval of planning stages of
the activities before implementation phases may begin; Children
Bureau involvement in the establishment of policies and procedures that
maximize open competition, and rigorous and impartial development,
review and funding of grant or sub-grant activities, if applicable; and
Children Bureau and recipient joint collaboration in the performance
of key programmatic activities (i.e., strategic planning,
implementation, information technology enhancements, training and
technical assistance, publications or products, and evaluation). It
also includes close monitoring by the Children Bureau of the
requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational
structure and management processes, coupled with close Children
Bureau monitoring during performance, which may, in order to ensure
compliance with the intent of this funding, exceed those Federal
stewardship responsibilities customary for grant activities.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: The anticipated total for all
awards under this funding opportunity in FY2004 is $1,075,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: It is anticipated that one project
will be funded.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: The cooperative agreement
amount will not exceed $1,075,000 in the first budget period. An
application received that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range
specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the
applicant without further review.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Project Periods for Awards: The projects will be awarded for a
project period of 60 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-
month budget period. The award of continuation funding beyond each 12-
month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds,
satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination
that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State controlled institutions of higher education;
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education;
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other
than institutions of higher education;
Private institutions of higher education;
for-profit organization other than small businesses.
Additional Information on Eligibility
Public or private non-profit agencies and organizations (including
faith-based organizations), for-profit organizations, and institutions
of higher education may apply. Collaborative efforts and
interdisciplinary approaches are acceptable. Applications from
collaborations must identify a primary applicant responsible for
administering the cooperative agreement.
Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
(a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS code.
(b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
(c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General,
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
(d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
(e) Any of the items 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.
Applications that exceed the $1,075,000 ceiling will be considered
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
The grantee must provide at least 10 per cent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost is the sum of the Federal
share and the non-Federal share. Therefore, a project requesting
$1,075,000 per budget period must include a match of at least $119,444
per budget period. Applicants should provide a letter of commitment
verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs.
The following example shows how to calculate the required 10% match
amount for a $1,075,000 grant:
$1,075,000 (Federal share) divided by .90 (100%--10%) equals $1,194,444
(total project cost including match) minus $1,075,000 (Federal share)
equals $119,444 (required 10% match)
The non-Federal share may be cash or in-kind contributions,
although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements
through cash contributions. If approved for funding, grantees will be
held accountable for the commitment of non-Federal resources and
failure to provide the required amount will result in a disallowance of
unmatched Federal funds.
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.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children
Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132; Telephone: (866)
796-1591.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
You may submit your application to us either in electronic or paper
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the
http://www.Grants.gov apply site.
If you use Grants.gov you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. 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 Grants.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 and register in the Central Contractor Registry
(CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR
registration.
. You will not receive additional point value
because you submit a grant application in paper format.
. You may submit all documents electronically,
including all information typically included on the SF424 and all
necessary assurances and certifications.
. Your application must comply with any page
limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
. After you electronically submit your
application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from
Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The
Administration for children and Families will retrieve your application
from Grants.gov.
. We may request that you provide original
signatures on forms at a later date.
. You may access the electronic application for
this program on http://www.grants.gov.
. You must search for the downloadable application
package by the CFDA number.
Electronic Address Where Applications Will Be Accepted: Grants.gov.
Address Where Hard Copy Applications Will Be Accepted: Children
Bureau Grant Receipt Point, ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon
Group, Inc., 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
Each application must contain the following items in the order
listed:
* Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424). Follow
the instructions below and those that accompany the form.
In Item 5 of Form 424, put DUNS number in ``Organizational DUNS:''
box.
In Item 5 of Form 424, include name, phone number, and, if
available, email and fax numbers of the contact person.
In Item 8 of Form 424, check `New.'
In Item 10 of Form 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program title and number for the program for
which funds are being requested as stated in the funding opportunity
announcement.
In Item 11 of Form 424, identify the single funding opportunity the
application addresses.
In Item 12 of Form 424, identify the specific geographic area to be
served.
In Item 14 of Form 424, identify Congressional districts of both
the applicant and project.
* Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Form 424A) and
Budget Justification.
Follow the instructions provided and those in the Uniform Project
Description. Note that Federal funds provided to States and services or
other resources purchased with Federal funds may not be used to match
project grants.
* Certifications/Assurances. Applicants requesting financial
assistance for nonconstruction projects must file the Standard Form
424B, `Assurances: Non-Construction Programs.' Applicants must sign and
return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must
provide a certification regarding lobbying when applying for an award
in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the
certification with their applications.
Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form
LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who
have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with
receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification regarding
environmental tobacco smoke. By signing and submitting the application,
the applicant is providing the certification and need not mail back the
certification with the applications.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed SPOC
certification (Single Point of Contact) with the date of the SPOC
contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the Form 424.
By signing the ``Signature of Authorized Representative'' on the SF
424, the applicant is providing a certification and need not mail
assurances for completing the following grant and cooperative agreement
requirements:
The applicant will have the project fully functioning within 90 days of
the notification of the grant award;
Participation in any evaluation or technical assistance effort
supported by ACYF;
Submission of all required semi-annual and final Financial Status
Reports (SF269) and Program Performance Reports in a timely manner, in
hard-copy and electronic formats (preferably MS WORD and PDF) as
negotiated with the Federal Project Officer; and allocate sufficient
funds in the budget to provide for the project director and the
evaluator to attend a 2-day early kick off meeting to be held within
the first three months of the project (first year only) in Washington,
DC, and attend an annual 3-5 day grantees' conference in Washington,
DC. Attendance at these meetings is a grant requirement.
The Office for Human Research Protections of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services provides Web site information and policy
guidance on the Federal regulations pertaining to protection of human
subjects (45 CFR part 46), informed consent, informed consent
checklists, confidentiality of personal identification information,
data collection procedures, and internal review boards: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/polasur.htm.
If applicable, applicants must include a completed Form 310,
Protection of Human Subjects.
In implementing their projects, grantees are expected to comply
with all applicable administrative regulations regarding extent or
types of costs. Applicable DHHS regulations can be found in 45 CFR part
74 or 92.
* Project Abstract/Summary (one page maximum). Clearly mark this
page with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the Form 424,
identify the competitive grant funding opportunity and the title of the
proposed project as shown in item 11 and the service area as shown in
item 12 of the Form 424. The summary description should not exceed 300
words.
Care should be taken to produce an abstract/summary that accurately
and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the
objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the results or
benefits expected.
* Project Description for Evaluation. Applicants should organize
their project description according to the Evaluation Criteria
described in this funding opportunity announcement providing
information that addresses all the components.
* Proof of non-profit status (if applicable). Any non-profit
organization submitting an application must submit proof of its non-
profit status in its application at the time of submission. Any of the
following constitutes acceptable proof of such status:
a. A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
b. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
c. A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
d. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
e. Any of the items immediately above for a State or national
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
* Indirect cost rate agreement. If claiming indirect costs, provide
documentation that applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
* Letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding. If
applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of
Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their
role, detailing specific tasks to be performed, and expressing
commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded.
* Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of the
non-Federal share of project costs.
* The application limit is 75 pages total including all forms and
attachments. Submit one original and two copies.
To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted
with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this
announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following
the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual
authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility
for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant
award.
To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the application, including all
forms and attachments, to the Application Receipt Point specified in
the section titled Deadline at the beginning of the announcement. The
original copy of the application must have original signatures, signed
in black ink.
The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one
side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the
top and bottom, using standard 12 Point fonts (such as Times Roman or
Courier). Pages must be numbered.
Pages over the page limit stated within this funding opportunity
announcement will be removed from the application and will not be
reviewed. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single
package, and a separate package must be submitted for each funding
opportunity. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific
funding opportunity it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps,
brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a
photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or
fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including
supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the
Federal government for review. Each copy must be stapled securely in
the upper left corner.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application
It is essential that applicants read the entire announcement
package carefully before preparing an application and include all of
the required application forms and attachments. The application must
reflect a thorough understanding of the purpose and objectives of the
Children Bureau priority-area initiatives. Reviewers expect
applicants to understand the goals of the legislation and the
Children Bureau's interest in each topic. A ``responsive
application'' is one that addresses all of the evaluation criteria in
ways that demonstrate this understanding. Applications that are
considered to be ``unresponsive'' generally receive very low scores and
are rarely funded.
The Children Bureau's Web site (http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb)
provides a wide range of information and links to other relevant
Web sites. Before you begin preparing an application, we suggest that
you learn more about the mission and programs of the Children Bureau
by exploring the Web site.
Organizing Your Application
The specific evaluation criteria in Section V of this funding
announcement will be used to review and evaluate each application. The
applicant should address each of these specific evaluation criteria in
the project description. It is strongly recommended that applicants
organize their proposals in the same sequence and using the same
headings as these criteria, so that reviewers can readily find
information that directly addresses each of the specific review
criteria.
Project Evaluation Plan
Project evaluations are very important. If you do not have the in-
house capacity to conduct an objective, comprehensive evaluation of the
project, then the Children Bureau advises that you propose
contracting with a third-party evaluator specializing in social science
or evaluation, or a university or college, to conduct the
evaluation. A skilled evaluator can assist you in designing a data
collection strategy that is appropriate for the evaluation of your
proposed project. Additional assistance may be found in a document
titled ``Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation.'' A copy of this
document can be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/core/pubs_reports/prog_mgr.html
or ordered by contacting the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 330 C Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20447; phone (800) 394-3366; fax (703) 385-3206; e-mail
nccanch@calib.com.
Logic Model
A logic model is a tool that presents the conceptual framework for
a proposed project and explains the linkages among program elements.
While there are many versions of the logic model, they generally
summarize the logical connections among the needs that are the focus of
the project, project goals and objectives, the target population,
project inputs (resources), the proposed activities/processes/outputs
directed toward the target population, the expected short- and long-
term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve, and the evaluation
plan for measuring the extent to which proposed processes and outcomes
actually occur. Information on the development of logic models is
available on the Internet at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/ or
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cyfar/capbuilding/outcome/outcome_logicmdir.html.
Use of Human Subjects
If your evaluation plan includes gathering data from or about
clients, there are specific procedures which must be followed in order
to protect their privacy and ensure the confidentiality of the
information about them. Applicants planning to gather such data are
asked to describe their plans regarding an Institutional Review Board
(IRB) review. for more information about use of human subjects and
IRB's you can visit these Web sites: http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/irb/irb_chapter2.htm#d2 and
http://ohrp.osophs.dhhs.gov/humansubjects/guidance/ictips.htm.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The closing date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. eastern
standard time (e.s.t.) on June 14, 2004. Mailed applications received
after 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 June 14, 2004.
Applications must be mailed to the following address: ACYF Operations
Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children Bureau, 118 Q
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service
postmark or a legibly dated, machine produced postmark of a commercial
mail service is affixed to the envelope/package containing the
application (s). To be acceptable as proof of a timely mailing, a
postmark from a commercial mail service must include the logo/emblem of
the commercial mail service company and must reflect the date the
package was received by the commercial mail service company from the
applicant. Private Metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof
of timely mailing. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail
services do not always deliver as agreed.
Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by
other representatives of the applicant 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 ACYF
Operations, The Dixon Group, ATTN: Children Bureau, 118 Q Street,
NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132, between Monday and Friday (excluding
Federal holidays). This address must appear on the envelope/package
containing the application with the note ``ATTN: Children Bureau.''
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not
always deliver as agreed.
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 mails service. Determinations to extend or
waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants Management
Officer.
Required Forms:
What to submit | Required Content | Required Form or Format | When to Submit |
---|---|---|---|
1. SF424 |
Per required form. |
May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm |
See application due date. |
2. SF424A |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | See application due date. |
3. a. SF424B |
Per required form. |
May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | See application due date. |
b. Certification Regarding Lobbying |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | See application due date. |
c. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | See application due date. |
4. Project Summary/Abstract |
Summary of application request. | See instructions in this funding announcement. | See application due date. |
5. Project Description |
Responsive-ness evaluation criteria date. | See instructions in this funding announcement. | See application due date. |
6. Proof of non-profit status |
See above. | See instructions in this funding announcement. | See application due date. |
7. Indirect cost rate agreement |
See above. | See instructions in this funding announcement. | See application due date. |
8. Letters of agreement & MOUs |
See above. | See instructions in this funding announcement. | See application due date. |
9. Non-Federal share letter |
See above. | See instructions in this funding announcement. | See application due date. |
Total Application |
See above. | Application limit 75 pages total including all forms and attachments. Submit one original and two copies. | See application due date. |
Additional Forms:
Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily submit with their
applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and
Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Nonprofit Grant Applicants'' at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
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 at 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 (E.O.) 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs'', and 45 CFR Part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of October 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action
in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the
award process. The applicant 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 differentiate clearly 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.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
5. Funding Restrictions
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this
solicitation.
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 4:30 p.m. eastern standard time (e.s.t.) on or before
the closing date. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations
Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., ATTN: Children Bureau, 118 Q
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.
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 above address by 4:30
PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on or before the closing date.
Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours
of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be
delivered to: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, ATTN:
Children Bureau, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. 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.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV. 2. Content and Form
of Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when
submitting applications electronically.
V. Application Review Information
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information. The project description is
approved under OMB control number 0970-0139 which expires 3/31/2004
(under review at OMB). 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.
Instruction
Introduction
Applicants are required to submit a full project description and
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.
1. Criteria
General Instruction for Preparing Full Project Description
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 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 such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.
The 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.
Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. for each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: for each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: for each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Contractual
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except
for those which belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation contracts (if
applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations,
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be
financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.
Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a
manner to provide, to the maximum
extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and
subrecipients, other than States that are required to use Part 92
procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is
expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11). Recipients might be
required to make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement
documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids,
independent cost estimates, etc.
Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in
these instructions.
Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals
may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant.
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Specific Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria will be used to review and evaluate each
application. The applicant should address each criterion in the project
description. The point values (summing up to 100) indicate the maximum
numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process.
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance
In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, the following
factors will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the application demonstrates a clear
understanding of the need for providing training and technical
assistance to public and private agencies linked to the CBCAP program,
and demonstrates a clear understanding of the goals of the legislative
mandate.
(2) The extent to which the training and technical assistance
objectives of the project will effectively build the capacity of State,
and local public and private agencies to support effective community-
based efforts to develop, operate, expand, and enhance initiatives
aimed at the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
(3) The extent to which the overall vision for the training and
technical assistance approach will effectively enable CBCAP lead
agencies to facilitate the effective development and implementation of
excellent evaluation processes that will effectively determine the
efficacy and impact of their activities and programs.
(4) The extent to which the proposed project will produce
significant results and benefits, and a high level of customer
satisfaction on the part of lead agencies for the CBCAP program and
their State and local constituents.
Criterion 2. Approach
In reviewing the approach, the following factors will be
considered: (50 points)
(1) The extent to which there is a reasonable timeline for
implementing the proposed project, including the activities to be
conducted in chronological order, showing a reasonable schedule of
accomplishments and target dates and the factors that may accelerate or
decelerate the work.
(2) The extent to which the application provides a workable plan of
action and evaluation plan. The extent to which these plans relate to
the stated objectives and scope of the project and reflect the intent
of the legislative mandates.
(3) The extent to which the application describes sound strategies
for effectively providing technical assistance and building the
capacity of State, and local public and private agencies to create and
support excellent networks of coordinated resources and activities
designed to strengthen and support families to prevent child abuse and
neglect.
(4) The extent to which the application describes a sound process
for providing technical assistance to the lead agencies on the
development and implementation of evaluation processes that will
determine the efficacy and impact of their networks, programs, and
activities. The extent to which these evaluation processes encompass a
continuum of approaches from more qualitative methods such as peer
reviews to more quantitative methods such as outcome evaluations.
(5) The extent to which the application describes effective
strategies to help lead agencies develop a child-focused, family-
centered approach to the delivery of child abuse prevention programs
and activities that reinforce and complement the State's efforts to
provide services to preserve and support families. The extent to which
this plan includes strategies that will enhance the lead agency's
capacity to promote parent leadership and involve parents in the
planning, implementation, and evaluation of funded programs.
(6) The extent to which the project will promote: (1) Interagency
collaboration and implementation of new procedures for blending funding
streams; (2) collaborative long-range planning of child abuse
prevention, family support services and service delivery options; and
(3) management improvement strategies that facilitate interagency
coordination. The extent to which the awardee will assist lead agencies
to become more active participants in the Child and Family Services
Reviews and Program Improvement Planning processes in their States.
(7) The extent to which the application describes a sound plan for
establishing an advisory board that will provide useful overall program
direction and guidance to the activities of the Resource Center. The
extent to which the application describes effective strategies for
efficiently and effectively utilizing their expertise.
(8) The extent to which the application will effectively coordinate
activities with other National Resource
Centers and Clearinghouses funded by the Children Bureau and others;
particularly as it relates to the Child and Family Service Reviews.
(9) The extent to which the Resource Center's services, program
activities, and materials will be developed and provided in a manner
that is racially and culturally sensitive to the population being
served.
(10) The extent to which the evaluation strategy addresses both
process and outcomes. The extent to which this plan includes methods
and criteria to evaluate the results and benefits of the technical
assistance project in terms of its stated objectives. The extent to
which goals and objectives are stated in specific measurable form and
will document change, improvement, and effectiveness. The extent to
which the awardee will collect appropriate data. The extent to which
the project proposes appropriate measure(s) for each goal, objective,
result or benefit.
Criterion 3. Organizational Profiles
In reviewing the organizational profiles, the following factors
will be considered: (20 points)
(1) The extent to which the proposed project clearly demonstrates
the ability to administer and implement the project effectively and
efficiently. The extent to which the applicant and any partnering
organizations collectively have sufficient experience and expertise in:
(1) Identifying the training and technical assistance needs of an
agency or organization; (2) developing or participating in the
development of a plan to meet those needs; (3) designing, developing
and delivering training and technical assistance including recruiting,
assigning, and deploying staff with appropriate experience; (4)
developing evaluation strategies and providing technical assistance on
evaluation methodologies, and (5) designing, developing, delivering and
evaluating training materials. If the project involves partnerships
with additional agencies, organizations or subcontractors; the extent
to which each partnering organization has the ability and
organizational capacity to fulfill its roles and functions.
(2) The extent to which the proposed project director and key
project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and
capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and
complexity effectively. The extent to which the role, responsibilities
and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including
consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and
appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
(3) The extent to which there is a sound management plan for
achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within
budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and
milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality. The
extent to which the plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities
of the lead agency. The extent to which the plan clearly describes the
effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any
partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). The extent
to which there would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the
proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with
Federal assistance by the applicant.
(4) The extent to which the author(s) of the proposal will be
involved in the ongoing implementation and/or administrative structure
of the project.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, the following
factors will be considered: (10 points)
(1) The extent to which the costs of the proposed project are
reasonable, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected
results and benefits.
(2) The extent to which the applicant's fiscal controls and
accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely
disbursement and accurate accounting of funds received under this
program announcement
2. Review and Selection Process
When the Operations Center receives your application it will be
screened to confirm that your application was received by the deadline.
Federal staff will verify that you are an eligible applicant and that
the application contains all the essential elements. Applications
received from ineligible organizations and applications received after
the deadline will be withdrawn from further consideration.
A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside
the Federal government) will use the evaluation criteria described in
this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will
determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide
comments about the strengths and weaknesses and give each application a
numerical score.
All applications will be reviewed and evaluated using four major
criteria: (1) Objectives and need for assistance, (2) approach, (3)
organizational profiles, and (4) budget and budget justification. Each
criterion has been assigned a point value. The point values (summing up
to 100) indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion may be
given in the review and evaluation process.
Reviewers also are evaluating the project products and materials
that you propose. They will be interested in your plans for sustaining
your project without Federal funds if the evaluation findings are
supportive. Reviewers will be looking to see that the total budget you
propose and the way you have apportioned that budget are appropriate
and reasonable for the project you have described. Remember that the
reviewers only have the information that you give them--it needs to be
clear, complete, and concise.
The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in
making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts
administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results
of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to
the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF reserves the option of discussing
applications with other funding sources when this is in the best
interest of the Federal government. ACYF may also solicit and consider
comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions.
ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or
programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community
foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds
for the proposed project; or the potential for high benefit from low
Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants having
known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other problems
which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective
services or effectively complete the proposed activity.
With the results of the peer review and the information from
Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding
decisions. The Commissioner may give special consideration to
applications proposing services of special interest to the Government
and to achieve geographic distributions of grant awards. Applications
of special interest may include, but are not limited to, applications
focusing on unserved or inadequately served clients or service areas
and programs addressing diverse ethnic populations.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Applications will be
reviewed in the Summer 2004. Grant awards will have a start date no
later than September 30, 2004.
Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive a Financial Assistance Award
which will set forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and
conditions of the grant or cooperative agreement, 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 award will be
signed by the Grants Management Officer and transmitted via postal
mail.
The Commissioner will notify organizations in writing when their
applications will not be funded. Every effort will be made to notify
all unsuccessful applicants as soon as possible after final decisions
are made.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
45 CFR Part 74 and 45 CFR Part 92.
Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement
A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding federal
assistance in which substantial federal involvement is anticipated. A
cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective responsibilities
of the Children Bureau and the grantee prior to the award. The
Children Bureau anticipates that agency involvement will produce
programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to them
for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration
includes Children Bureau review and approval of planning stages of
the activities before implementation phases may begin; Children
Bureau involvement in the establishment of policies and procedures that
maximize open competition, and rigorous and impartial development,
review and funding of grant or sub-grant activities, if applicable; and
Children Bureau and recipient joint collaboration in the performance
of key programmatic activities (i.e., strategic planning,
implementation, information technology enhancements, training and
technical assistance, publications or products, and evaluation). It
also includes close monitoring by the Children Bureau of the
requirements stated in this announcement that limit the grantee's
discretion with respect to scope of services offered, organizational
structure and management processes, coupled with close Children
Bureau monitoring during performance, which may, in order to ensure
compliance with the intent of this funding, exceed those federal
stewardship responsibilities customary for grant activities.
Faith-based organizations that receive funding may not use Federal
financial assistance, including funds, to meet any cost-sharing
requirements or to support inherently religious activities, such as
worship, religious instruction, or prayer.
3. Reporting
Reporting Requirements
Programmatic Reports and Financial Reports are required semi-
annually with final reports due 90 days after project period end. All
required reports will be submitted in a timely manner, in recommended
formats (to be provided), and the final report will also be submitted
on disk or electronically using a standard word-processing program.
Within 90 days of project end date, the awardee will submit a copy
of the final report, the evaluation report, and any program products to
the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect, 330 C Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20447. This is in addition to the standard
requirement that the final program and evaluation report must also be
submitted to the Grants Management Specialist and the Federal Project
Officer.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Melissa Lim-Brodowski, 330 C St., SW.,
Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-2629, mbrodowski@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact: William Wilson, 330 C St, SW., 20447,
Washington, DC, 202-205-8913, wwilson@acf.hhs.gov.
General: The Dixon Group, ACYF Operations Center, 118 Q Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20002-2132, telephone: (866) 796-1591.
VIII. Other Information
Additional information about this program and its purpose can be
located on the following Web sites: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/.
Copies of the following Forms, Assurances, and Certifications are
available online at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Standard Form 424: Application for Federal Assistance; Standard
Form 424A: Budget Information; Standard Form 424B: Assurances-Non-
Construction Programs; Form LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying; Certification
Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke; Standard Form 310: Protection of
Human Subjects.
The State Single Point of Contact SPOC listing is available on line
at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
Dated: April 5, 2004.
Frank Fuentes,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration on children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-8465 Filed 4-13-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P