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Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Federal Agency Name:
Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD)
Funding Opportunity Title: Projects of National Significance: Ongoing Data Collection
Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ADD-DN-0004
CFDA Number: 93.631
Due Date: Applications are due August 23, 2004.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
General Description
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) in the
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services announces the availability of fiscal year
(FY) 2004 funds for cooperative agreements authorized under Subtitle E
of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of
2000, Projects of National Significance (PNS). Under this Subtitle,
funds will be awarded to collect, analyze, and report on data to
describe services and supports for persons with developmental
disabilities. There are four Priority Areas under this announcement
with the following objectives:
. Priority Area I: To conduct analyses and provide rapid
responses that describe the movement of people with developmental
disabilities from institutional to community settings (especially
domiciles of their own) and the outcomes experienced by individuals
with developmental disabilities who receive publicly funded residential
services.
. Priority Area II: To investigate, report on, and provide
rapid response to information needs related to the financial and
programmatic trends in services for people with developmental
disabilities that support and promote their well-being.
. Priority Area III: To examine, report on, and provide
rapid responses regarding the employment status of people with
developmental disabilities and related outcomes as a result of programs
that support their employment.
. Priority Area IV: To implement an Internet site that will
provide relevant content and information on the Medicaid program for
individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Background on ADD and ADD Programs
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) in the
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS) shares common goals with other ACF programs
that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children,
individuals, and communities. ACF and ADD envision:
. Families and individuals empowered to increase their own
economic independence and productivity;
. Strong, healthy, supportive communities having a positive
impact on the quality of life and the development of children;
. Partnerships with individuals, front-line service
providers, communities, States, and Congress that enable solutions
which transcend traditional agency boundaries;
. Services planned and integrated to improve access to
programs and supports for individuals and families;
. A community-based approach that recognizes and expands on
the resources and benefits of diversity; and
. A recognition of the power and effectiveness of public-
private partnerships, including collaboration among a variety of
community groups and government agencies, such as a coalition of faith-
based organizations, grassroots groups, families, and public agencies
to address a community need.
The goals, listed above, will enable more individuals, including
people with developmental disabilities, to live productive and
independent lives integrated into their communities. The Projects of
National Significance are a means by which ADD promotes the achievement
of these goals.
ADD is the lead agency within ACF and DHHS responsible for planning
and administering programs to promote self-sufficiency and protect the
rights of persons with developmental disabilities. ADD implements the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the DD
Act, which was authorized by Congress in 2000.
The DD Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15001) supports and provides
assistance to States, public agencies, and private non-profit
organizations, including faith-based and community organizations, to
assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their
families participate in the design of and have access to culturally
competent services, supports, and other assistance and opportunities
that promote independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion
into the community.
As defined in the DD Act, the term ``developmental disabilities''
means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is
attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of
mental and physical impairments that is manifested before the
individual attains age 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely.
Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three
or more of the following functional areas: self-care, receptive and
expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for
independent living, and capacity for economic self-sufficiency.
A number of significant findings are identified in the DD Act,
including:
. Disability is a natural part of the human experience that
does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental
disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, productivity,
integration, and inclusion into the community.
. Individuals whose disabilities occur during their
developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are
likely to continue indefinitely.
. Individuals with developmental disabilities often require
lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in a coordinated
and culturally competent manner by many agencies, professionals,
advocates, community representatives, and others to eliminate barriers
and to meet the needs of such individuals and their families.
The DD Act also promotes the best practices and policies presented
below:
. Individuals with developmental disabilities, including
those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of
achieving independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into
the community, and often require the provision of services, supports,
and other assistance to achieve such.
. Individuals with developmental disabilities have
competencies, capabilities, and personal goals that should be
recognized, supported, and encouraged, and any assistance to such
individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consistent
with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities,
and capabilities of the individual.
. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their
families are the primary decision makers regarding the services and
supports such individuals and their families receive, and play decision
making roles in policies and programs that affect the lives of such
individuals and their families.
Toward these ends, ADD seeks to support and accomplish the
following:
. Enhance the capabilities of families in assisting
individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their maximum
potential;
. Support the increasing ability of individuals with
developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice and self-
determination and to engage in leadership activities in their
communities; and
. Ensure the protection of individuals with developmental
disabilities' legal and human rights.
The four programs funded under the DD Act are:
. State Developmental Disabilities Councils;
. State Protection and Advocacy Systems for Individuals with
Developmental Disabilities' Rights;
. Grants to the National Network of University Centers for
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and
Service; and
. Grants for Projects of National Significance.
Through the Projects of National Significance (PNS) grant program,
ADD has awarded in the past cooperative agreements for data collection
and information dissemination efforts to better understand the support
and service delivery system for people with developmental disabilities.
The most recent funding for these awards was intended to measure the
effect of national policy changes that modified the nature of financial
assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Specifically, ADD sought to identify the extent to which individuals
with developmental disabilities were included in programs and the
measurable outcomes that result in participation in such programs.
Given ADD's interest in promoting the increased independence,
productivity, and community integration of individuals with
developmental disabilities, the main purpose of the data collection and
information dissemination projects is to continue to support research
and information collection efforts that shed light on the nature of
services and related outcomes for individuals with developmental
disabilities. Under this cooperative agreement, ADD will fund projects
that are designed to assess trends and gaps in the services for
individuals with developmental disabilities, identify outcomes for
individuals with developmental disabilities who receive services, and
provide the field, including consumers, with timely information.
Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement
This Program Announcement describes awards that will be made as a
cooperative agreement. While an organization will not be conducting its
project on behalf of ADD, ADD and the awardees will share work
cooperatively in the development and implementation of the projects'
agenda. Under the cooperative agreement mechanism, ADD and the awardees
will share the responsibility for planning the objectives of the
projects. Awardees will have the primary responsibility for developing
and implementing the activities of the project. ADD will jointly
participate with awardees in such activities as clarifying the specific
topic areas to be addressed through periodic briefings and ongoing
consultation, sharing with awardees its knowledge of the issues being
addressed by past and current projects, and providing feedback to
awardees about the usefulness to the field of written products and
information sharing activities. The details of the relationship between
ADD and awardees will be set forth in the cooperative agreement to be
developed and signed prior to issuance of the award.
Priority Area I of this Program Announcement shall provide a
funding opportunity for research activities that examine on a national
level the movement of people with developmental disabilities from
institutional to community settings (especially domiciles of their own)
and the outcomes experienced by individuals with developmental
disabilities who receive publicly funded residential services. This
Program Announcement also contains a Priority Area II for
investigations into the financial and programmatic trends in services
for people with developmental disabilities that support and promote
their well-being. Additionally, applications are being sought for
Priority Area III to examine from a national perspective the employment
status of people with developmental disabilities and related outcomes
as a result of employment. Finally, Priority Area IV seeks applications
for one project that will implement an Internet site which provides
relevant information on Medicaid for individuals with developmental
disabilities and their families to better assist these individuals in
gaining access to and benefiting from these services.
Projects under each Priority Area may involve the collection of new
data, the analysis of current data collected in the States, or a
combination of both. ADD intends to fund at least 1 grant in each
Priority Area on a competitive basis.
Each applicant is responsible for responding to the ADD Performance
System. This System is framed by accountability requirements of the DD
Act and Federal government, including those established under the ACF
Annual Report Plan for the Government Performance and Results Act. The
accountability provisions are discussed for each Priority Area.
Other General Information:
Anticipated Total Funding: $1,050,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 3-4 per budget period.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: Individual priority areas
range from $150,000 to $300,000 per budget period.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: Individual priority areas range
from $150,000 to $300,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: This announcement is inviting
applications for project periods up to three years. Awards, however,
will be made on a competitive basis, for a one-year budget period.
Applications for continuation cooperative agreements funded under these
awards beyond the one-year budget period but within the three year
project period will be entertained in subsequent years on a
noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory
progress of the grantee and a determination that continued funding
would be in the best interest of the Government.
Priority Area I: Residential Services for People With Developmental
Disabilities
Purpose:
To better understand the landscape of residential services for
people with developmental disabilities and the impact of national
programs, such as those authorized under the DD Act, the purpose of
Priority Area I is to conduct analyses that describe the movement of
people with developmental disabilities from institutional to community
settings (especially domiciles of their own) and the outcomes
experienced by individuals with developmental disabilities who receive
publicly and, to the extent possible, privately funded residential
services.
Over 20 years ago, most people with developmental disabilities
lived in institutions. In an effort to move people out of these
settings, the ``deinstitutionalization'' movement increased the use of
supervised community living settings. With a continued focus on moving
people with developmental disabilities into community living
experiences, residential services currently emphasize community
integration that promotes self-determination and opportunities for
people with developmental disabilities to be a part of the community.
Despite positive efforts to increase access to community living,
great variability continues to characterize the extent to which people
living in various States are provided the opportunity to live in
community settings. Moreover, providing adequately supported access to
community services for people with significant medical and behavioral
needs still presents challenges, and as a result community services for
people with the most severe developmental disabilities have been slower
to develop.
To meet the intent of Priority Area I, the following are the
minimum requirements for the project design:
Project Design and Methods: Applicants should identify the project
design and methods for carrying out activities under this funding
opportunity. At a minimum, applicants should outline, as appropriate:
. The research design (e.g., case study, longitudinal, State
level policy analyses, descriptive) for describing services and
measuring program impact;
. Indicators for measuring program impact;
. The necessary steps for collecting new data the project
will generate and/or the current data the project will analyze;
. Data sources, including primary and secondary sources;
. Quantitative and/or qualitative methods of analysis and
plans for ensuring the reliability and validity of the analysis;
. Plans for a rapid response system whereby information
needs are addressed in a timely fashion; and
. A description of the Project commitment to work with ADD
under the cooperative agreement.
Topics: Applicants should address topics that are timely and
responsive to the information needs of multiple audiences concerned
about services for people with developmental disabilities. In
discussing the project approach, applicants should indicate what topics
will be addressed in the analysis, which could include:
. An understanding of housing issues from multiple
perspectives, such as State agencies, community service providers,
consumers of services, etc.;
. Extent to which the goals of the system promotes community
inclusion;
. States policies or practices that support access to
residential services as a key outcome for persons with developmental
disabilities;
. Coordination across other agencies or initiatives, such as
one-stop entities;
. Efficacy of outreach methods;
. The effect of new fiscal strategies that are not tied to
Medicaid; and
. Promising practices.
Any topic discussed in the application should include reference to
ways in which impact will be a part of the analysis.
Identification of Services: Applicants should identify the existing
State and Federal laws under review that impact people with
developmental disabilities. At a minimum, the applicant should provide
details of the following:
. The laws and policies governing services for people with
developmental disabilities the project proposes to examine;
. Funding streams for services and supports to people with
developmental disabilities and their families; and
. Eligibility criteria and other relevant program
requirements.
Applicants should indicate any programs operated in the private
sector that will be included in the analysis.
Key Personnel: Each grantee should ensure that key project
personnel have direct experience with and/or knowledge in conducting
research using a variety of approaches such as using large, national
databases.
Civil Rights: Each grantee must comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Rehabilitation Act
Amendments of 1998.
Communication and Dissemination: Each applicant must provide a
detailed description of plans for regularly communicating and
disseminating information to the public through e-mail and other
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic
communication, which may include monthly newsletters, the publication
of datasets on websites or regularly scheduled research briefs and fact
sheets on topical areas. Applicants should discuss how information on
the internet will be compliant with Section 508.
Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet
requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of
an annual report. This narrative and numerical report must describe on
a yearly basis changes related to housing for people with developmental
disabilities. Specifically, the applicants must describe how they will
report on the percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities
who are more independent, self-sufficient, and integrated into the
community as a result of housing services. The report should provide
national perspectives and, as appropriate, state-by-state analyses. The
annual report will be due by the end of the project fiscal year and
must be made available to the public.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
Description of Federal Involvement with Cooperative Agreement:
Please see ``I. Funding Opportunity Description, General Description,
Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement'' for a complete
description of the cooperative agreement.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $300,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 per budget period.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Annual Awards: $300,000 per budget
period.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: $300,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: This announcement is inviting
applications for project periods up to three years. Awards, however,
will be made on a competitive basis, for a one-year budget period.
Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond
the one-year budget period but within the three-year project period
will be entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis,
subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress 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 Governments, County Governments, City or Township
Governments, State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education, Native
American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), Public Housing
Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities, Non-profits having 501 (c) (3)
status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Non-
profits that do not have 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education, and private Institutions of Higher
Learning.
Additional Information on Eligibility:
. Non-profit organizations must demonstrate proof of non-
profit status. 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; or
e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent 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
$300,000. An application exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and returned without review.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum
of the ACF share and the non-federal share. The non-federal share may
be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are
encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions.
For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a
total approved cost of $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must
provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved
project cost of $400,000). Grantees will be held accountable for
commitments of non-federal resources even if over the amount of the
required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in
disallowance of Federal funds.
Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.
3. Other (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 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 at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$300,000. Applications exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request an Application Package
Jennifer Johnson, Program Specialist, Administration on
Developmental Disabilities, Office of Operations and Discretionary
Grants, Mail Stop: HHH 405-D, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington,
DC 20447, Phone: 202-690-5982, E-mail: jjohnson1@acf.hhs.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
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 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 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
assurances and certifications.
. Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this Program Announcement and meet the
application deadline.
. 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:
http://www.Grants.gov.
The required application package will include the following using
the format described:
Format
The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, numbered,
typed pages including an abstract and a table of contents. Any
application which exceeds the page limit requirement will have the
additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. The
type must not be smaller than 12 pitch or a point size of 12.
Project Description
Please see Section V. 1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing
the project summary/abstract and the full project description.
Budget
The applicant shall develop a full budget, including a completed SF
424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' a detailed
budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF 424A,
Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a twelve-month
budget period. The SF 424 forms are provided below in this
announcement. The applicant must include the twelve-month Federal
budget under Column (1), the twelve-month non-Federal budget under
Column (2), and the total twelve-month budget under Column (5) of the
SF 424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when
preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining two years of
the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF 424A,
Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The
applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal
contributions for the second through third years of the project on SF
424A, Section C. 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. If the procurement
policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition
other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's
current definition should be included in the application. Please see
Section V.1 Criteria for additional guidance.
Appendix
The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. Supplementary material,
intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the
Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement.
The Appendix must be included with the original and the two copies of
the application.
Checklist for a Complete Application
The checklist below is for your use to ensure that your application
package has been properly prepared.
--One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies;
--Application is from an organization that is eligible under the
eligibility requirements, defined in the Priority Area description; and
--Application length does not exceed 50 pages
--Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);
--A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable;
--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-
88);
--Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
--Table of Contents;
--Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-
profit status, if necessary;
--Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if
appropriate; (when charging indirect costs to Federal funds or when
using indirect costs as a matching share);
--Project Description;
--Letter(s) of commitment verifying non-Federal cost share
--Any appendices/attachments;
--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-
88);
--Certification Regarding Lobbying;
--Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary; and
--Certification of the Pro Children Act of 1994, signature on the
application represents certification.
. Assurances/Certifications
Applicants are required to submit a SF 424B, Assurances--Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying.
Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior to
receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish an
executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must
sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicant must also understand that they will be held accountable
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Part C
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of
1994). By signing and submitting the application, applicants are
providing the certification and need not mail back the certification
with the application.
In addition, applicants are required under Section 162(c)(3) of the
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted
under Part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a
question regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the
Office for Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301)
496-7041.
Non-profit applicants must demonstrate proof of their non-profit
status and this proof must be included in their application. 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; or
e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit
affiliate.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
(Eastern Time Zone) on August 23, 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 following address: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants
Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC
20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
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. ACF will not be
sending applicants notifications that their applications were received
under this Program Announcement by the deadline.
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., EST, at the following address: U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor, Washington,
DC 20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
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 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. SF 424, 424A, and 424B) |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
|
2. Project Summary/Abstract. |
Summary of application request. | One page limit. | August 23, 2004. |
|
3. Project Description. |
Responsiveness to evaluation criteria. |
Format described in Review and Selection section. Limit 60 pages. Size 12 font, 1/2'' margins. | August 23, 2004. |
|
4. Certification Regarding Lobbying |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
|
5. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL). |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
| 6.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Certification. |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
Additional Forms:
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.''
| 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), Notification Under Executive
Order 12372
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 January, 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas,
Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New
York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota,
Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Applicants from these
jurisdictions or for projects administered by federally-recognized
Indian Tribes need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.
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 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 and Audit
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington,
DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html
5. Funding Restrictions
Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, costs for
foreign travel, or costs for construction activities are not allowable
charges to this Federal grant program.
Indirect Costs: In order to charge Indirect Costs to the Federal
Funds and/or use Indirect Costs as a matching share, the applicant must
have an approved indirect costs agreement for the period in which the
Federal funds would be awarded.
6. Other Submission Requirements
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 on or before the
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: The U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, ACF Office of Grants Management, 370
L'Enfant Promenade SW. 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Lois
Hodge.
Hand-Deliver: Applicants choosing to hand-deliver applications by
either themselves or by an agent, must have the application delivered
by 4:30 EST between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays) on
the deadline date to: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary
Grants, ACF Mail Center, 2nd Floor Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20024, Attention: Lois Hodge.
An Applicant must provide an original application with all
attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies.
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 50 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and
reviewing the collection information. The project description is
approved under OMB Control Number 0970-0139 which expires 4/30/2007. An
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently
valid OMB control number.
General Project Description: Applicants are required to submit a
full project description and must prepare the project description
statement in accordance with the following instructions.
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.
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.
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.
Staff and Position Data
Provide a biographical sketch for each key person appointed and a
job description for each vacant key position. A biographical sketch
will also be required for new key staff as appointed.
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.
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.
1. Evaluation Criteria
Five criteria will be used to review and evaluate each application.
Each criterion should be addressed in the project description section
of the application. The point values indicate the maximum numerical
weight possible for each criterion in the review process.
Approach (35 Points)
Using the following values for each required item in this
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the
application:
15 Points Outlines a sound, workable, and detailed plan of action,
pertaining to the goals and objectives of the proposed project and the
proposed approach.
5 Points Provides quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of
the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity.
5 Points Describes innovations and/or unusual features of the
proposed project.
5 Points Provides a rationale for taking this approach as opposed
to other possibilities.
3 Points Lists 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.
2 Points Cites factors that might accelerate or decelerate the
work.
Objectives and Need for Assistance (25 Points)
Using the following values for each required item in this
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the
application:
8 Points Identifies and demonstrates the need for assistance and
the importance of addressing the problems in the proposed project.
8 Points States the principal and subordinate objectives for the
proposed project and describes the conceptual framework for the
project.
4 Points Adequately identifies the key State and Federal supports
being examined.
3 Points Provides relevant data based on research and/or planning
studies.
2 Points Provides supporting documentation and/or testimonies from
concerned individuals and groups, other than the applicant.
Evaluation (25 Points)
Using the following values for each required item in this
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the
application:
10 Points Expected results and benefits are consistent with the
proposed project's goals and objectives.
5 Points States the anticipated contributions of the proposed
project to policy, practice, theory, the field, and/or research.
5 Points Describes the specific results/products that will be
achieved and relevant information regarding information collection and
evaluation.
5 Points Describes the evaluation methodology.
Personnel, Staff and Position Data (10 Points)
Using the following values for each required item in this
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the
application:
5 Points Identifies the background and experience of key staff
members.
5 Points Identifies personnel who will be assigned to the project.
Budget and Budget Justification (5 Points)
Applicants are expected to present a budget with reasonable project
costs, appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient
to accomplish the objectives. The requested funds for the project must
be fully justified and documented. Line item allocations and
justification are required for both Federal and non-Federal funds. A
letter of commitment for the project's non-Federal resources must be
submitted with the application in order to be given credit in the
review process. A fully explained non-Federal share budget must be
prepared for each funding source.
For purposes of the outside review process, applicants may elect to
summarize salary information on the copies of their application. All
salary information must, however, appear on the signed original
application for ACF.
Using the following values for each required item in this
criterion, points will be awarded according to the extent to which the
application:
2 Points Discusses and justifies the costs and reasonableness of
the proposed project in view of the expected results and benefits.
2 Points Describes the fiscal controls and accounting procedures to
be used.
1 Point Includes a fully explained non-Federal share budget and its
source(s).
2. Review and Selection Process
Each application submitted under this program announcement will
undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received
by the closing date and submitted in accordance with the instructions
in this announcement and (2) the applicant is eligible for funding. It
is necessary that applicants state specifically which priority area
they are applying for. If applications are found to be inappropriate
for the funding announcement in which they are submitted, applicants
will be contacted for verbal approval of redirection to a more
appropriate priority area.
Applications which pass the initial ACF screening will be evaluated
and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of specific
evaluation criteria. The results of these reviews will assist the
Commissioner and ADD program staff in considering competing
applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions
but will not be the only factors considered. Applications generally
will be considered in order of the average scores assigned by
reviewers. However, highly ranked applications are not guaranteed
funding because other factors are taken into consideration. These
include, but are not limited to, the number of similar types of
existing grants or projects funded with ADD funds in the last five
years; comments of reviewers and government officials; staff
evaluation and input; geographic distribution; previous program
performance of applicants; compliance with grant terms under
previous DHHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; an
applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on
previous ADD or other Federal agency grants. ADD will consider the
geographic distribution of funds among States and the relative
proportion of funding among rural and urban areas. The evaluation
criteria were designed to assess the quality of a proposed
project, and to determine the likelihood of its success. The
evaluation criteria are closely related and are considered as a
whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Points are
awarded only to applications which are responsive to the
evaluation criteria within the context of this program
announcement.
Priority Area II: Financial and Programmatic Trends in Services for
People With Developmental Disabilities
1. Priority Area II Description
Priority Area II Background Information:
Purpose: The purpose of Priority Area II is to support
investigations of and reports on the trends in public services accessed
by people with developmental disabilities to support and promote their
well-being.
Federal and State funds are a key financial resource for an array
of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.
For example, many adults with developmental disabilities rely on public
forms of assistance, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
and Supplemental Security Income, because social and physical barriers,
low expectations from others, and societal stereotypes contribute to a
lower sense of opportunity and lower attainment in education and
employment.
States are facing significant financial strains, which is leading
to cutbacks in public programs across the board. The aging of
individuals with developmental disabilities combined with the increased
longevity of this population is further complicating fiscal matters in
the States. Education systems are struggling to meet the demands of
school reform, resulting in cutbacks in programs. Increasingly, schools
and early intervention programs are accessing Medicaid funds to cover
the costs of special education services to children with disabilities.
The waiver under Medicaid has become the primary program supporting
long-term care services for persons with developmental disabilities.
To meet the intent of Priority Area II, the following are the
minimum requirements for the project design:
Project Design and Methods: Applicants should identify the project
design and methods for carrying out activities under this funding
opportunity. At a minimum, applicants should outline, as appropriate:
. The research design (e.g., case study, longitudinal, State
level policy analyses, descriptive) for describing services and
measuring program impact;
. Indicators for measuring program impact;
. The necessary steps for collecting new data the project
will generate and/or the current data the project will analyze;
. Data sources, including primary and secondary sources; and
. Quantitative and/or qualitative methods of analysis and
plans for ensuring the reliability and validity of the analysis;
. Plans for a rapid response system through which pressing
information needs are addressed in a timely fashion; and
. A description of the Project commitment to work with ADD
under the cooperative agreement.
Topics: Applicants should address topics that are timely and
responsive to the information needs of multiple audiences concerned
about services for people with developmental disabilities. In
discussing the project approach, applicants should indicate what topics
will be addressed in the analysis, which could include:
. An understanding of developmental disabilities services
issues from multiple perspectives, such as State agencies, community
service providers, consumers of services, etc.;
. Extent to which the goals of the system promote community
inclusion;
. States policies or practices that support access to
services that support persons with developmental disabilities;
. Participation rates in TANF and other State welfare
programs;
. Trends and shifts in current services under current fiscal
climate;
. Coordination across other agencies or initiatives, such as
one-stop entities;
. Efficacy of outreach methods; and
. Promising practices.
Any topic discussed in the application should include reference to
ways in which impact will be included in the analysis.
Identification of Services: Applicants should identify the existing
State and Federal laws under review that impact people with
developmental disabilities. At a minimum, the applicant should provide
details of the following:
. The laws and policies governing services for people with
developmental disabilities the project proposes to examine;
. Funding streams for services and supports to people with
developmental disabilities and their families; and
. Eligibility criteria and other relevant program
requirements.
Applicants should indicate any programs operated in the private
sector that will be a part of the analysis.
Key Personnel: Each grantee should ensure that key project
personnel have direct experience with and/or knowledge in conducting
research using a variety of approaches such as using large, national
databases.
Civil Rights: Each grantee must comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Rehabilitation Act
Amendments of 1998.
Communication and Dissemination: Each applicant must provide a
detailed description of plans for regularly communicating and
disseminating information to the public through e-mail and other
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic
communication, which may include monthly newsletters, the publication
of datasets on Web sites or regularly scheduled research briefs and
fact sheets on topical areas. Applicants should discuss how information
on the Internet will be compliant with Section 508.
Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet
requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of
an annual report. This narrative and numerical report must describe on
a yearly basis changes (both positive and negative) for people with
developmental disabilities. Specifically, the applicants must describe
how they will report on the percentage of individuals with
developmental disabilities who are more independent, self-sufficient,
and integrated into the community as a result of public services. The
report should provide national perspectives and, as appropriate, state-
by-state analyses. The annual report will be due by the end of the
project fiscal year and must be made available to the public.
II. Priority Area II Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
Description of Federal Involvement with Cooperative Agreement:
Please see ``I. Funding Opportunity Description, General Description,
Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement'' for a complete
description of the cooperative agreement.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $300,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 per budget period.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Annual Awards: $300,000 per budget
period.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: $300,000 budget period.
Length of Project: This announcement is inviting applications for
project periods up to three years. Awards, however, will be made on a
competitive basis, for a one-year budget period. Applications for
continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year
budget period but within the three year project period will be
entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of
the Government.
III. Priority Area II Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State Governments, County Governments, City or Township
Governments, State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education, Native
American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), Public Housing
Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities, Non-profits having 501 (c)(3)
status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Non-
profits that do not have 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education, and private Institutions of Higher
Learning.
Additional Information on Eligibility:
. Non-profit organizations must demonstrate proof of non-
profit status. 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. 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; or
e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent 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
$300,000. An application exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and returned without review.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum
of the ACF share and the non-federal share. The non-federal share may
be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are
encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions.
For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a
total approved cost of $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must
provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved
project cost of $400,000). Grantees will be held accountable for
commitments of non-federal resources even if over the amount of the
required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in
disallowance of Federal funds.
Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.
3. Other (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 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 at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$300,000. Applications exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request an Application Package
Jennifer Johnson, Program Specialist, Administration on
Developmental Disabilities, Office of Operations and Discretionary
Grants, Mail Stop: HHH 405-D, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington,
DC 20447, Phone: 202-690-5982, E-mail: jjohnson1@acf.hhs.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
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 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 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
assurances and certifications.
. Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this Program Announcement and meet the
application deadline.
. 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:
http://www.Grants.gov.
The required application package will include the following using
the format described:
Format
The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, numbered,
typed pages including an abstract and a table of contents. Any
application which exceeds the page limit requirement will have the
additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. The
type must not be smaller than 12 pitch or a point size of 12.
Project Description
Please see Section V. 1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing
the project summary/abstract and the full project description.
Budget
The applicant shall develop a full budget, including a completed SF
424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' a detailed
budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF 424A,
Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a twelve-month
budget period. The SF 424 forms are provided below in this
announcement. The applicant must include the twelve-month Federal
budget under Column (1), the twelve-month non-Federal budget under
Column (2), and the total twelve-month budget under Column (5) of the
SF 424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when
preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining two years of
the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF 424A,
Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The
applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal
contributions for the second through third years of the project on SF
424A, Section C. 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. If the procurement
policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition
other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's
current definition should be included in the application. Please see
Section V.1 Criteria for additional guidance.
Appendix
The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. Supplementary material,
intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the
Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement.
The Appendix must be included with the original and the two copies of
the application.
Checklist for a Complete Application
The checklist below is for your use to ensure that your application
package has been properly prepared.
--One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies;
--Application is from an organization that is eligible under the
eligibility requirements, defined in the Priority Area description; and
--Application length does not exceed 50 pages
--Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);
--A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable;
--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-
88);
--Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
--Table of Contents;
--Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-
profit status, if necessary;
--Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if
appropriate (when charging indirect costs to Federal funds or when
using indirect costs as a matching share);
--Project Description;
--Letter(s) of commitment verifying non-Federal cost share;
--Any appendices/attachments;
--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-
88);
--Certification Regarding Lobbying;
--Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary; and
--Certification of the Pro Children Act of 1994, signature on the
application represents certification.
. Assurances/Certifications
Applicants are required to submit a SF 424B, Assurances-- Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying.
Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior to
receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish an
executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must
sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicant must also understand that they will be held accountable
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Part C
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of
1994). By signing and submitting the application, applicants are
providing the certification and need not mail back the certification
with the application.
In addition, applicants are required under Section 162(c)(3) of the
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted
under Part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a
question regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the
Office for Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301)
496-7041.
Non-profit applicants must demonstrate proof of their non-profit
status and this proof must be included in their application. 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; or
e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit
affiliate.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
(Eastern Time Zone) on August 23, 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 following address: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants
Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447,
Attention: Lois Hodge.
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. ACF will not be
sending applicants notifications that their applications were received
under this Program Announcement by the deadline.
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., EST, at the following address: U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC
20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
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 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. SF 424, 424A, and 424B) |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
|
2. Project Summary/Abstract. |
Summary of application request. | One page limit. | August 23, 2004. |
|
3. Project Description. |
Responsiveness to evaluation criteria. |
Format described in Review and Selection section. Limit 60 pages. Size 12 font, 1/2'' margins. | August 23, 2004. |
|
4. Certification Regarding Lobbying |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
|
5. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL). |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
| 6.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Certification. |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
Additional Forms:
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.''
| 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), Notification Under Executive
Order 12372
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 January, 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas,
Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New
York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota,
Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Applicants from these
jurisdictions or for projects administered by federally-recognized
Indian Tribes need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.
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 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 and Audit
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington,
DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
5. Funding Restrictions
Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, costs for
foreign travel, or costs for construction activities are not allowable
charges to this Federal grant program.
Indirect Costs: In order to charge Indirect Costs to the Federal
Funds and/or use Indirect Costs as a matching share, the applicant must
have an approved indirect costs agreement for the period in which the
Federal funds would be awarded.
6. Other Submission Requirements
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 PM Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing
date. Applications should be mailed to: The U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, ACF Office of Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant
Promenade SW. 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
Hand-Deliver: Applicants choosing to hand-deliver applications by
either themselves or by an agent, must have the application delivered
by 4:30 EST between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays) on
the deadline date to: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary
Grants, ACF Mail Center, 2nd Floor Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20024, Attention: Lois Hodge.
An Applicant must provide an original application with all
attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies.
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
1. Evaluation Criteria
Please see Generic and Specific Evaluation criteria for Priority
Area 1, V.1, ``Application Review Information, Evaluation
Criteria'' for crafting your response for the Project Narrative.
2. Review and Selection Process
Please see Priority Area1, V.2, ``Application Review
Information, Review and Selection Process,'' for information on the
review and selection process for this priority area.
Priority Area III: Employment Status of People With Developmental
Disabilities
I. Priority Area III Description
Priority Area III Background Information:
Purpose: The purpose of Priority Area III is to support
investigations that examine the employment status of people with
developmental disabilities and related outcomes as a result of programs
that support their employment.
Individuals with developmental disabilities are significantly less
likely to be employed than are individuals without developmental
disabilities. The outlook is particularly bleak for individuals with
cognitive impairments and significant disabilities as their rate of
employment rate is lower than those with milder impairments.
The persistently poor employment and postsecondary education
participation rates for individuals with developmental disabilities has
led to an increased emphasis on improving the secondary school to post-
school transition process for youth with developmental disabilities.
This need is heightened by new demands in the work environment for
advanced skills of employees.
Information about the effects of efforts to increase the
employability of people with developmental disabilities is necessary to
assess the impact of such programs. These types of investigations
should examine employment status, the retention rate, the kinds of
positions held in relation to their disabling condition, and
comparisons of wages to the general population.
To meet with the intent of Priority Area III, the following are the
minimum requirements for the project design:
Project Design and Methods: Applicants should identify the project
design and methods for carrying out activities under this funding
opportunity. At a minimum, applicants should outline, as appropriate:
. The research design (e.g., case study, longitudinal, State
level policy analyses, descriptive) for describing services and
measuring program impact;
. Indicators for measuring program impact;
. The necessary steps for collecting new data the project
will generate and/or the current data the project will analyze;
. Data sources, including primary and secondary sources; and
. Quantitative and/or qualitative methods of analysis and
plans for ensuring the reliability and validity of the analysis;
. Plans for a rapid response system whereby information
needs are addressed in a timely fashion; and
. A description of the Project commitment to work with ADD
under the cooperative agreement.
Topics: Applicants should address topics that are timely and
responsive to the information needs of multiple audiences concerned
about services for people with developmental disabilities. In
discussing the project approach, applicants should indicate what topics
will be addressed in the analysis, which could include:
. An understanding of employment issues from multiple
perspectives, such as State agencies, community service providers,
consumers of services, etc.;
. Extent to which the goals of the system promote community
inclusion;
. States policies or practices that support access to
employment services as a key outcome for persons with developmental
disabilities;
. An analysis of the ways in which people with developmental
disabilities obtained employment and the extent to which they are
maintained;
. The relationship between post-secondary training
opportunities and employment outcomes;
. Coordination across other agencies or initiatives, such as
one-stop entities;
. Efficacy of outreach methods; and
. Promising practices.
Any topic discussed in the application should include reference to
ways in which impact will be a part of the analysis.
Identification of Services: Applicants should identify the existing
State and Federal laws under review that impact people with
developmental disabilities. At a minimum, the applicant should provide
details of the following:
. The laws and policies governing services for people with
developmental disabilities the project proposes to examine;
. Funding streams for services and supports to people with
developmental disabilities and their families; and
. Eligibility criteria and other relevant program
requirements.
Applicants should indicate any programs operated in the private
sector that will be included in the analysis.
Key Personnel: Each grantee should ensure that key project
personnel have direct experience with and/or knowledge in conducting
research using a variety of approaches such as using large, national
databases.
Civil Rights: Each grantee must comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Rehabilitation Act
amendments of 1998.
Communication and Dissemination: Each applicant must provide a
detailed description of plans for regularly communicating and
disseminating information to the public through e-mail and other
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic
communication, which may include the publication of monthly
newsletters, datasets on websites or regularly scheduled research
briefs and fact sheets on topical areas. Applicants should discuss how
information on the internet will be compliant with Section 508.
Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet
requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of
an annual report. This narrative and numerical report must describe on
a yearly basis changes in employment for people with developmental
disabilities. Specifically, the applicants must describe how they will
report on the percentage of individuals with developmental disabilities
who are more independent, self-sufficient, and integrated into the
community as a result of employment services. The report should provide
national perspectives and, as appropriate, state-by-state analyses. The
annual report will be due by the end of the project fiscal year and
must be made available to the public.
II. Priority Area III Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
Description of Federal Involvement with Cooperative Agreement:
Please see ``I. Funding Opportunity Description, General Description,
Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement'' for a complete
description of the cooperative agreement.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $300,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 per budget period.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Annual Awards: $300,000 per budget
period.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: $300,000 per budget period.
Length of Project: This announcement is inviting applications for
project periods up to three years. Awards, however, will be made on a
competitive basis, for a one-year budget period. Applications for
continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year
budget period but within the three year project period will be
entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of
the Government.
III. Priority Area III Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State Governments, County Governments, City or Township
Governments, State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education, Native
American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), Public Housing
Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities, Non-profits having 501 (c) (3)
status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Non-
profits that do not have 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher
learning
Additional Information on Eligibility:
. Non-profit organizations must demonstrate proof of non-
profit status. 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. 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; or
e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent 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
$300,000. An application exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and returned without review.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum
of the ACF share and the non-federal share. The non-federal share may
be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are
encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions.
For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a
total approved cost of $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must
provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved
project cost of $400,000). Grantees will be held accountable for
commitments of non-federal resources even if over the amount of the
required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in
disallowance of Federal funds.
Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.
3. Other (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 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 at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$300,000. Applications exceeding the $300,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request an Application Package
Jennifer Johnson, Program Specialist, Administration on
Developmental Disabilities, Office of Operations and Discretionary
Grants, Mail Stop: HHH 405-D, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington,
DC 20447, Phone: 202-690-5982, E-mail: jjohnson1@acf.hhs.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
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 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 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
assurances and certifications.
. Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this Program Announcement and meet the
application deadline.
. 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:
http://www.Grants.gov.
The required application package will include the following using
the format described:
Format
The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, numbered,
typed pages including an abstract and a table of contents. Any
application which exceeds the page limit requirement will have the
additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. The
type must not be smaller than 12 pitch or a point size of 12.
Project Description
Please see Section V. 1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing
the project summary/abstract and the full project description.
Budget
The applicant shall develop a full budget, including a completed SF
424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' a detailed
budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF 424A,
Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a twelve-month
budget period. The SF 424 forms are provided below in this
announcement. The applicant must include the twelve-month Federal
budget under Column (1), the twelve-month non-Federal budget under
Column (2), and the total twelve-month budget under Column (5) of the
SF 424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when
preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining two years of
the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF 424A,
Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The
applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal
contributions for the second through third years of the project on SF
424A, Section C. 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. If the procurement
policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition
other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's
current definition should be included in the application. Please see
Section V.1 Criteria for additional guidance.
Appendix
The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. Supplementary material,
intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the
Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement.
The Appendix must be included with the original and the two copies of
the application.
Checklist for a Complete Application
The checklist below is for your use to ensure that your application
package has been properly prepared.
--One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies;
--Application is from an organization that is eligible under the
eligibility requirements, defined in the Priority Area description; and
--Application length does not exceed 50 pages
--Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);
--A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable;
--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-
88);
--Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
--Table of Contents;
--Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-
profit status, if necessary;
--Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if
appropriate; (when charging indirect costs to Federal funds or when
using indirect costs as a matching share);
--Project Description;
--Letter(s) of commitment verifying non-Federal cost share
--Any appendices/attachments;
--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-
88);
--Certification Regarding Lobbying;
--Certification of Protection of Human Subjects, if necessary; and
--Certification of the Pro Children Act of 1994, signature on the
application represents certification.
. Assurances/Certifications
Applicants are required to submit a SF 424B, Assurances--Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying.
Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior to
receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish an
executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must
sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicant must also understand that they will be held accountable
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Part C
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of
1994). By signing and submitting the application, applicants are
providing the certification and need not mail back the certification
with the application.
In addition, applicants are required under Section 162(c)(3) of the
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted
under Part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a
question regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the
Office for Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301)
496-7041.
Non-profit applicants must demonstrate proof of their non-profit
status and this proof must be included in their application. 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; or
e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit
affiliate.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
(Eastern Time Zone) on August 23, 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 following address: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants
Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC
20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
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. ACF will not be
sending applicants notifications that their applications were received
under this Program Announcement by the deadline.
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., EST, at the following address: U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of
Grants Management 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC
20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
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 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. SF 424, 424A, and 424B) |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
|
2. Project Summary/Abstract. |
Summary of application request. | One page limit. | August 23, 2004. |
|
3. Project Description. |
Responsiveness to evaluation criteria. |
Format described in Review and Selection section. Limit 60 pages. Size 12 font, 1/2'' margins. | August 23, 2004. |
|
4. Certification Regarding Lobbying |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
|
5. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL). |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
| 6.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Certification. |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
Additional Forms:
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.''
| 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), Notification Under Executive
Order 12372
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 January, 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas,
Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New
York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota,
Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Applicants from these
jurisdictions or for projects administered by federally-recognized
Indian Tribes need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.
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 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 and Audit
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington,
D.C. 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
5. Funding Restrictions
Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, costs for
foreign travel, or costs for construction activities are not allowable
charges to this Federal grant program. Indirect Costs: In order to
charge Indirect Costs to the Federal Funds and/or use Indirect Costs as
a matching share, the applicant must have an approved indirect costs
agreement for the period in which the Federal funds would be awarded.
6. Other Submission Requirements
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 on or before the
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: The U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, ACF Office of Grants Management, 370
L'Enfant Promenade SW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447, Attention: Lois
Hodge.
Hand-Deliver: Applicants choosing to hand-deliver applications by
either themselves or by an agent, must have the application delivered
by 4:30 EST between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays) on
the deadline date to: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary
Grants, ACF Mail Center, 2nd Floor Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20024, Attention: Lois Hodge.
An Applicant must provide an original application with all
attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies.
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
1. Evaluation Criteria
Please see Generic and Specific Evaluation criteria for Priority
Area 1, V.1, ``Application Review Information, Evaluation
Criteria'' for crafting your response for the Project Narrative.
2. Review and Selection Process
Please see Priority Area 1, V.2, ``Application
Review Information, Review and Selection Process'', for information on
the review and selection process for this priority area.
Priority Area IV: Rapid Deployment of Good Ideas Through Medicaid Web
Referencing
I. Priority Area IV. Description
Purpose: The purpose of Priority Area IV is to issue a grant award
to fund one (1) project, designed to implement an Internet site that
will provide relevant content and information on services under the
Medicaid program for individuals with developmental disabilities and
their families, including web-based State level ``resource sheets''.
Individuals with developmental disabilities rely on multiple
systems of support to simply live their lives. However, information
that could be used to improve decision-making is not easily accessible
to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families,
advocates, providers of services and supports, or even to the
policymakers who design and fund systems. Moreover, for individuals
with developmental disabilities, access to relevant Internet-based
information is limited.
Medicaid is a primary source of support and vital component of the
lives of many individuals with developmental disabilities and their
families. Yet the complex Medicaid system that is subject to an
intricate law, regulation, and changes in administrative guidance is
further complicated by variability in program structure from State to
State. Many States have submitted plans to the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid (CMS) for Home and Community-Based Health Services (HCBS)
waivers. These plans offer both opportunities and challenges for
individuals with developmental disabilities, who wish to sustain or
expand their opportunities to live and contribute to community life.
Although there is great variability among States in their use of
Medicaid funds through general Medicaid services and through HCBS
waivers, there are many common and basic Medicaid-related questions to
which individuals need answers. Individuals with developmental
disabilities and their families need to know how the Medicaid program
can be used to access a broad range of home and community-based
services and supports. Clear answers to frequently asked questions are
often a user-friendly feature of Web sites on any topic.
To meet with intent of Priority Area IV, the following are the
minimum requirements for the project design:
Project Design and Methods: Applicants should outline, as
appropriate, the necessary steps to implement a Web site that is user-
friendly and practical to a broad rage of users, including individuals
with developmental disabilities, their families, their advocates, DD
network members, State policymakers, regional CMS staff, and other
interested persons. The Web site must:
. Be responsive to the information needs and wants of its
users, and should collect and measure user satisfaction;
. Inform a variety of audiences using tools, such as
frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Medicaid that provide timely
answers;
. Be useful and attractive to young persons with
developmental disabilities;
. Provide interactive links to national, State, and local
resources that offer useful information about Medicaid;
. Increase the number of web-based State level ``resource
sheets'' available on the Web site;
. Include audio-clips of personal stories in multiple
languages where possible.
. Promote a consumer/self-advocate orientation;
. Employ principles of cultural competency;
. Attend to unserved and underserved populations affected by
developmental disabilities, including those from multicultural
backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, migrant, homeless, and refugee
families; and
. Provide a description of the Project commitment to work
with ADD under the cooperative agreement.
Consumer Collaboration: In describing how the Web site will be
developed and maintained, the applicant should discuss how
collaborations through partnerships and coalitions will engage
consumers, family leaders, service providers and professionals to
assist in gathering accurate information and interpretations of the
Medicaid program. These collaborations should:
. Allow for the exchange of ideas and expertise to improve
services and effect systemic change;
. Be composed of strong advisory components that consist of
a majority of individuals with developmental disabilities and offer a
structure where individuals with developmental disabilities make real
decisions that determine the outcomes of the project; and
. A description of how individuals with developmental
disabilities and their families will be involved in all aspects of the
design, implementation, and evaluation of the project.
Key Personnel: Each grantee should ensure that key project
personnel have direct life experience with living with a developmental
disability and/or the development and implementation of Web sites.
Civil Rights: Each grantee must comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Rehabilitation Act
amendments of 1998.
Communication and Dissemination: Applicants must show that they (1)
have past experience in providing information, including web-based
resources, to people with developmental disabilities and (2) that they
intend to comply with information and electronic technology
accessibility standards and go beyond compliance to improve access as
much as possible. At a minimum, each applicant must provide a detailed
description of:
. Plans for communicating and disseminating information to
the public through e-mail and other effective, affordable, and
accessible forms of electronic communication, which may include monthly
newsletters or regularly scheduled information briefs and fact sheets
on topical areas.
. How information on the internet will be compliant with
Section 508.
Annual Report: The applicant must describe how they will meet
requirements of the ADD Performance System through the development of
an annual report in the form of a briefing book. Specifically, the
applicant must describe how they will publish a briefing book for the
field that lists the most FAQs regarding Medicaid services. The FAQs
must be revised annually to reflect the current issues related to
Medicaid services. This briefing book must include general information
about Medicaid, including the percentage of individuals with
developmental disabilities who are more independent, self-sufficient,
and integrated into the community as a result of Medicaid services. The
briefing book will be due by the end of the project fiscal year and
must be made available to the public.
II. Priority Area IV. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
Description of Federal Involvement with Cooperative Agreement:
Please see ``I. Funding Opportunity Description, General Description,
Terms and Conditions of the Cooperative Agreement'' for a complete
description of the cooperative agreement.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $150,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 per budget period.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Annual Awards: $150,000 per budget
period.
Floor of Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average Projected Award Amount: $150,000 per project and budget
period.
Length of Project: This announcement is inviting applications for
project periods up to three years. Awards, however, will be made on a
competitive basis, for a one-year budget period. Applications for
continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year
budget period but within the three year project period will be
entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of
the Government.
III. Priority Area IV. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State Governments, County Governments, City or Township
Governments, State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education, Native
American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), Public Housing
Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities, Non-profits having 501 (c) (3)
status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Non-
profits that do not have 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher
learning
Additional Information on Eligibility:
. Non-profit organizations must demonstrate proof of non-
profit status. 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. 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; or
e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent 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
$150,000. An application exceeding the $150,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and returned without review.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum
of the ACF share and the non-federal share. The non-federal share may
be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are
encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions.
For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a
total approved cost of $400,000, requesting $300,000 in ACF funds, must
provide a non-federal share of at least 100,000 (25% of total approved
project cost of $400,000). Grantees will be held accountable for
commitments of non-federal resources even if over the amount of the
required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in
disallowance of Federal funds.
Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.
3. Other (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 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 at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$150,000. Applications exceeding the $150,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-share
will be considered non-responsive and returned without review.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request an Application Package
Jennifer Johnson, Program Specialist, Administration on
Developmental Disabilities, Office of Operations and Discretionary
Grants, Mail Stop: HHH 405-D, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington,
DC 20447, Phone: (202) 690-5982, E-mail: jjohnson1@acf.hhs.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
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 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 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
assurances and certifications.
. Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this Program Announcement and meet the
application deadline.
. 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:
http://www.Grants.gov.
The required application package will include the following using
the format described:
Format
The project description must not exceed 50 double-spaced, numbered,
typed pages including an abstract and a table of contents. Any
application which exceeds the page limit requirement will have the
additional pages removed from the application prior to the review.
The type must not be smaller than 12 pitch or a point size of 12.
Project Description
Please see Section V. 1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing
the project summary/abstract and the full project description.
Budget
The applicant shall develop a full budget, including a completed SF
424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' a detailed
budget breakdown by object class categories listed in the SF 424A,
Section B, and a narrative budget justification, for a twelve-month
budget period. The SF 424 forms are provided below in this
announcement. The applicant must include the twelve-month Federal
budget under Column (1), the twelve-month non-Federal budget under
Column (2), and the total twelve-month budget under Column (5) of the
SF 424A. The applicant shall use the three-column approach when
preparing the detailed budget breakdown. For the remaining two years of
the requested project period, the applicant must complete SF 424A,
Section E, indicating the total forecasted budget for each year. The
applicant must also provide a lump sum figure for non-Federal
contributions for the second through third years of the project on SF
424A, Section C. 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. If the procurement
policy of an applicant's institution includes an equipment definition
other than the current Federal definition, a copy of the institution's
current definition should be included in the application. Please see
Section V.1 Criteria for additional guidance.
Appendix
The Appendix must not exceed 40 pages. Supplementary material,
intended to provide examples of activities, may be included in the
Appendix for reviewers but shall adhere to the page limit requirement.
The Appendix must be included with the original and the two copies of
the application.
Checklist for a Complete Application
The checklist below is for your use to ensure that your application
package has been properly prepared.
--One original, signed and dated application, plus two copies;
--Application is from an organization that is eligible under the
eligibility requirements, defined in the Priority Area description; and
--Application length does not exceed 50 pages
--Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-88);
--A completed SPOC certification with the date of SPOC contact
entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424 if applicable;
--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-
88);
--Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
--Table of Contents;
--Letter from the Internal Revenue Service, etc. to prove non-
profit status, if necessary;
--Copy of the applicant's approved indirect cost rate agreement, if
appropriate; (when charging indirect costs to Federal funds or when
using indirect costs as a matching share);
--Project Description;
--Letter(s) of commitment verifying non-Federal cost share
--Any appendices/attachments;
--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-
88);
--Certification Regarding Lobbying; Certification of Protection of
Human Subjects, if necessary; and
--Certification of the Pro Children Act of 1994, signature on the
application represents certification.
. Assurances/Certifications
Applicants are required to submit a SF 424B, Assurances-- Non-
Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying.
Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior to
receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants should furnish an
executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must
sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Part C
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of
1994). By signing and submitting the application, applicants are
providing the certification and need not mail back the certification
with the application.
In addition, applicants are required under Section 162(c)(3) of the
Act to provide assurances that the human rights of all individuals with
developmental disabilities (especially those individuals without
familial protection) who will receive services under projects assisted
under Part E will be protected consistent with section 110 (relating to
the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities). Each
application must include a statement providing this assurance.
For research projects in which human subjects may be at risk, a
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance may be required. If there is a
question regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the
Office for Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301)
496-7041.
Non-profit applicants must demonstrate proof of their non-profit
status and this proof must be included in their application. 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; or
e. Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent and a statement signed by the parent
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit
affiliate.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
(Eastern Time Zone) on August 23, 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 following address: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants
Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447,
Attention: Lois Hodge.
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., EST, at the following address: U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC
20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
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 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. SF 424, 424A, and 424B) |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
|
2. Project Summary/Abstract. |
Summary of application request. | One page limit. | August 23, 2004. |
|
3. Project Description. |
Responsiveness to evaluation criteria. |
Format described in Review and Selection section. Limit 60 pages. Size 12 font, 1/2'' margins. | August 23, 2004. |
|
4. Certification Regarding Lobbying |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
|
5. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL). |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
| 6.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Certification. |
Per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | August 23, 2004. |
Additional Forms:
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.''
| 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), Notification Under Executive
Order 12372
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 January, 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas,
Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New
York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota,
Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Applicants from these
jurisdictions or for projects administered by federally-recognized
Indian Tribes need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.
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 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 and Audit
Resolution, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington,
DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
5. Funding Restrictions
Non-Allowable Costs: Reimbursement of pre-award costs, costs for
foreign travel, or costs for construction activities are not allowable
charges to this Federal grant program.
Indirect Costs: In order to charge Indirect Costs to the Federal
Funds and/or use Indirect Costs as a matching share, the applicant must
have an approved indirect costs agreement for the period in which the
Federal funds would be awarded.
6. Other Submission Requirements
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 PM Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing
date. Applications should be mailed to:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF Office of
Grants Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 8th Floor, Washington,
DC 20447, Attention: Lois Hodge.
Hand-Deliver: Applicants choosing to hand-deliver applications by
either themselves or by an agent, must have the application delivered
by 4:30 EST between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays) on
the deadline date to: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary
Grants, ACF Mail Center, 2nd Floor Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20024, Attention: Lois Hodge.
An Applicant must provide an original application with all
attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies.
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
1. Evaluation Criteria
Please see Generic and Specific Evaluation criteria for Priority
Area 1, V.1, ``Application Review Information, Evaluation
Criteria'' for crafting your response for the Project Narrative.
2. Review and Selection Process
Please see Priority Area 1, V.2, ``Application
Review Information, Review and Selection Process,'' for information on
the review and selection process for this priority area.
Please note that the Award and Contact information and requirements
below are applicable to all three Priority Areas in this Program
Announcement.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Subject to the
availability of funding, ADD intends to award new grants resulting from
this Program Announcement during the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year
2004. For the purpose of the awards under this Program Announcement,
the successful applicants should expect a project start date of
September 30, 2004.
Award Notices: Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be
notified of the results of this grant competition within 90 days of the
application deadline. Successful applicants will receive by U.S. postal
mail a letter signed by the Commissioner of the Administration on
Developmental Disabilities (ADD) with an official notice of award (the
Financial Assistance Award) signed by the grants management officer.
This notice of award signed by the grants officer is the authorization
to begin performance.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements:
45 CFR-Part 74;
45 CFR-Part 92.
Special Terms and Condition of Award: None.
Special Reporting Requirements: Programmatic Reports and Financial
Reports are required semi-annually. All required reports must be
submitted in a timely manner, in recommended formats (to be provided),
and the final report must also be submitted on disk or electronically
using a standard word-processing program.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Jennifer Johnson, Program Specialist, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Telephone: (202) 690-
5982, E-mail: jjohnson1@acf.hhs.gov, fax (202) 690-6904.
Grants Management Office Contact: Lois Hodge, Grants Officer, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, (202) 401-2344, E-mail
lhodge@acf.hhs.gov.
VIII. Other Information
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/.
Dated: June 28, 2004.
Patricia A. Morrissey,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 04-15052 Filed 7-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P
