Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Federal Agency Name
Office of Refugee Resettlement
Funding Opportunity Title: Services to Unaccompanied Alien Children FY 2004 Discretionary Grants for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program
Announcement Type: Competitive Grant--Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ORR-ZU-0007.
CFDA Number: 93.576.
Due Date: Applications: August 6, 2004.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Legislative Authority: This program is authorized by section 462(a)
of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, (6 U.S.C. 279(a)), which
transferred responsibility of the Unaccompanied Alien Children's
Program (UAC) from the Commissioner of the Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS) to the Director of the Office of Refugee
Resettlement (ORR) of the Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS).
To implement the UAC program, the Director of ORR will utilize the
refugee children foster care system established pursuant to section
412(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1522(d)) for
the placement of unaccompanied alien children. All programs must comply
with the Flores Settlement Agreement.
Purpose and Objectives: One of the functions of the Division of
Unaccompanied Children's Services (DUCS) within ORR is to provide
temporary shelter care (shelter, staff secure and secure) and other
related services to children in ORR custody (as defined in Section I
under Provision of Care of this announcement). Shelter care services
will be provided for the period beginning when DUCS accepts a child for
placement and ending when the child is either released from custody or
a final disposition of the child's immigration case results in removal
of the child from the United States.
This announcement provides the opportunity to fund providers for
shelter care services. In this announcement, providers selected by ORR
are referred to as ``Recipients.''
The children, although placed in the physical custody of the
Recipient, remain entirely in the legal custody of the Federal
government (i.e., ORR).
The population level of alien children is expected to fluctuate as
arrivals and case dispositions occur. Program content must, therefore,
reflect differential planning of services to children in various stages
of personal adjustment and administrative processing. Although the
population of children is projected to consist primarily of
adolescents, Recipients are expected to be able to serve some children
who are under 12 years old.
Recipients of these funds are to facilitate the provision of
assistance and services for each alien child including, but not limited
to: physical care and maintenance, access to routine and emergency
medical/mental health care, dental services, legal services,
comprehensive needs assessment, education, recreation, individual and
group counseling by licensed clinicians, access to religious services
and other social services.
Recipients may be required to provide other services if ORR
determines in advance that a service is reasonable and necessary for a
particular child.
Recipients are expected to develop and implement an appropriate
individualized service plan for the care and maintenance of each child
in accordance with his/her needs as determined in an intake assessment.
In addition, Recipients are required to implement and administer a case
management system which tracks and monitors children's progress on a
regular basis to ensure that each child receives the full range of
program services in an integrated and comprehensive manner.
Shelter care services shall be provided in accordance with
applicable State child welfare statutes and generally accepted child
welfare standards, practices, principles, and procedures. Services must
be delivered in an open type of setting without a need for
extraordinary security measures. Recipients are, however, required to
design programs and strategies to discourage runaways and prevent the
unauthorized absence of children in their care.
Service delivery is expected to be accomplished in a manner which
is sensitive to the culture, native language and needs of these
children.
Client Population
It is anticipated that the client population will generally consist
of males and females, 12 to17 years of age. Males constitute the
majority while females comprise less than 17 percent of the total
population of alien children. These minors are primarily nationals of
El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, People's Republic
of China and India; however, Recipients can expect to provide services
to significant numbers of children from other countries. Recipients
must also be prepared to provide child-care services to a limited
number of children 12 years of age and younger.
Definition of Unaccompanied Alien Child
An unaccompanied alien child is a child who:
(a) Has no lawful immigration status in the United States;
(b) Has not attained 18 years of age; and
(c) With respect to whom:
(i) There is no parent or legal guardian in the United States; or,
(ii) No parent or legal guardian in the United states available to
provide care and physical custody. (6 U.S.C. 279(g)(2))
Allowable Activities
All programs will be required to meet the Minimum Standards for
Licensed Programs (Exhibit 1 of the Flores Statement Agreement) which
requires that all unaccompanied alien children be provided with the
following services as stated in Section I of this announcement:
maintenance, medical, assessment, education, recreation/leisure, mental
health services, individual counseling and group counseling,
acculturation, orientation, access to religious services, visitation,
right to privacy, family reunification services, legal service
orientation and access to legal services such as pro bono attorney
information and referral.
Geographic Locations
Applications submitted pursuant to this announcement must plan for
the delivery of services to a population of at least 12 to 18 beds with
a licensed capacity for future expansion based on the needs of the
funding agency. The care facility should be located within a 30-mile
radius of the metropolitan areas identified below:
One of the following cities: New York, NY; Newark, NJ;
Philadelphia, PA; or Wilmington, DE (Shelter Care Program).
Phoenix or Tucson, AZ (Secure Program).
Los Angeles or San Diego, CA (Staff Secure Program).
One of the following cities: San Francisco, Oakland or San
Jose, CA (Shelter Care Program).
Seattle or Tacoma, WA (Staff Secure Program).
The geographical location of the Recipient is not restricted to a
selected area of service. However, the Recipients must be able to
substantiate that their network of local affiliates or their
subcontractor(s) or sub-recipient(s) will be able to deliver the
required services effectively and appropriately and that local service
provider organizations are licensed under applicable State law to
provide shelter care and related services to dependent children.
The provision of services will include: A structured, safe and
productive environment which meets or exceeds respective State
guidelines and Minimum Standards for services designed to serve
children under ORR care and custody.
Provision of Care (Minimum Standards for Licensed Programs)
Licensed programs shall comply with all applicable State child
welfare laws and regulations and all State and local building, fire,
health and safety codes and shall provide or arrange for the services
listed below for each child in their care based on the respective
States regulations and the Minimum Standards for Licensed Programs as
stated in Flores Settlement Agreements. The applicants must set forth
in detail the following service areas:
1. Maintenance: Proper physical care and maintenance, including
suitable living accommodations, food, appropriate clothing, and
personal grooming items.
2. Medical: Appropriate routine medical and dental care, family
planning services, and emergency health care services, a complete
medical examination (including screening for infectious disease) within
48 hours of admission, excluding weekends and holidays, unless the
child was recently examined at another facility; appropriate
immunization in accordance with the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS),
Centers for Disease Control; administration of prescribed medication
and special diets; appropriate mental health interventions when
necessary.
3. Assessment: An individualized needs assessment which includes:
(1) Initial intake and assessment forms; (2) essential data relating to
the identification and history of the child and family; (3)
identification of the child's mental health and medical special needs
including any specific issues which appear to require immediate
intervention; (4) an educational assessment and plan; (5) an assessment
of family relationships and interaction with adults, peers and
authority figures; (6) a statement of religious preference and
practice; (7) an assessment of the child's personal goals, strengths
and weaknesses; and (8) identifying information regarding immediate
family members, other relatives, godparents or friends who may be
residing in the United States and may be able to assist in family
reunification.
4. Education: Educational services, Monday through Friday,
appropriate to the child's level of development, and communication
skills in a structured classroom setting which concentrates primarily
on the development of basic academic competencies, and secondarily on
English Language Training (ELT). The educational program shall include
instruction, educational materials and other reading materials in such
languages as needed. Basic academic areas should include Science,
Social Studies, Mathematics, Reading, Writing and Physical Education.
The Recipient shall provide children with appropriate reading materials
in languages other than English for use during the children's leisure
time.
5. Recreation/Leisure: Activities according to a recreation and
leisure time plan that includes daily outdoor activities, weather
permitting, at least one hour per day of large muscle activity and one
hour per day of structured leisure time activities (this should not
include time spent watching television). Activities should be increased
to a total of three hours daily on days when school is not in session.
6. Mental Health: Referral to or provision of mental health
services, such as crisis intervention, including protocols and
standards for emergency mental health situations; on-site or outpatient
therapy and counseling; psychiatric evaluation, treatment, and
medication management; psychological evaluation and assessment;
therapeutic residential treatment; in-patient psychiatric care and
other clinical interventions identified as appropriate by ORR.
7. Individual Counseling: At least one individual counseling
session per week conducted by a licensed clinician with the specific
objectives of reviewing the child's progress, establishing new short-
term objectives, and addressing both the developmental, immediate
concerns and special needs of each child.
8. Group Counseling: Programs shall conduct group counseling
sessions/community meetings at least twice a week. This is usually an
informal process and takes place with all the children present. It is a
time when new children are given the opportunity to get acquainted with
the staff, other children, and the rules of the program. Community
meeting shall be an open forum where everyone gets a chance to speak.
Daily program management is discussed and decisions are made about
recreational activities, etc. Social work staff shall have a curriculum
for group therapy that may be altered depending on the needs of the
population. Group goals should include: managing aggressive thoughts/
behaviors, improving social skills (including accepting feedback,
disappointment, respect for authority, etc) and understanding the
grieving stages and identifying grieving strategies.
9. Acculturation: Acculturation and adaptation services that
include information regarding the development of social and inter-
personal skills which contribute to the ability to live independently
and responsibly.
10. Orientation: Upon admission, a comprehensive orientation
regarding program intent, services, rules (written and verbal),
expectations and the availability of legal assistance.
11. Religious Access: Whenever possible, access to religious
services of the child's choice.
12. Visitation: Visitation and contact with family members
(regardless of the family's immigration status) that is structured to
encourage such visitation. The staff shall respect the child's privacy
while reasonably preventing the unauthorized release of the child.
13. Right to Privacy: A reasonable right to privacy, which includes
the right to: (1) Wear his or her own clothes, when available; (2)
retain a private space in the residential facility, group or foster
home for the storage of personal belongings; (3) talk privately on the
phone, as permitted by the house rules and regulations; (4) visit
privately with guests, as permitted by the house rules and regulations;
and (5) receive and send uncensored mail unless there is a reasonable
belief that the mail contains contraband.
14. Family Reunification Services: Family reunification services
designed to identify relatives in the United States as well as in
foreign countries and assistance in obtaining legal guardianship when
necessary for the release of the child.
15. Legal Services Orientation: Legal services information
regarding the availability and coordination of free legal assistance,
the right to be represented by counsel at no expense to the government,
the right to a removal hearing before an immigration judge, the right
to apply for political asylum or to request voluntary departure in lieu
of removal.
16. Cultural Sensitivity: Service delivery is to be accomplished in
a manner which is sensitive to the age, culture, religion, dietary
needs, native language and the complex needs of each child.
17. Rules: Program rules and discipline standards shall be
formulated with consideration for the range of ages and maturity in the
program and shall be culturally sensitive to the needs of alien
children. Children shall not be subjected to corporal punishment,
humiliation, mental abuse or punitive interference with the daily
functions of living, such as eating or sleeping. Any sanctions employed
shall not: (a) Adversely affect either a child's health, or physical or
psychological well-being; or (b) deny a child regular meals, sufficient
sleep, exercise, medical care, correspondence privileges, or legal
assistance.
18. Service Plan: A comprehensive and realistic individual plan for
the care of each child must be developed in accordance with the child's
needs as determined by the individualized needs assessment. Individual
plans shall be implemented and closely coordinated through an operative
case management system.
19. Language Capacity: Programs shall hire and maintain staff that
speaks the language of the children under their care.
20. Record Keeping: Programs shall develop, maintain and safeguard
individual client case records. Agencies and organizations are required
to develop a system of accountability which preserves the
confidentiality of client information and protects the records from
unauthorized use or disclosure. The records of clients served under
this program are ORR's records.
21. Reporting to ORR: Programs shall maintain adequate program and
financial records and make regular reports as required by ORR that
permit ORR to monitor and enforce the Flores Settlement Agreement and
other requirements and standards as ORR may determine are in the best
interests of the children.
Program Design
The applicants must set forth in detail information concerning the
following:
1. Agency Qualifications: A comprehensive overview of the applicant
agency, agency qualifications and history, including philosophy, goals
and history of experience with respect to the provision of child
welfare or related services to children under 18 years of age from
various cultural backgrounds and with various language capabilities.
2. Management Plan:
a. A plan for overall fiscal and program management and accountability.
b. A description of the organizational structure and lines of authority
(organization chart).
c. A comprehensive program staffing plan and information regarding
staff qualifications.
d. A comprehensive plan for coordination of activities between the
various program components and coordination with other community and
governmental agencies.
e. Staff supervisory model.
f. Provisions for staff training.
g. Proposed staff schedule(s).
h. A description of the role(s) and responsibility (ies) of the
proposed consultants and the rationale for their use.
i. Listing of all federal, state, or local funded grants and/or
contracts received.
3. Individual Client Service Plans--Applicants shall describe in
detail:
a. The methodology regarding the development of individual client
service plans;
b. The process to ensure that service plans will be periodically
reviewed and updated; and,
c. The staff that will have responsibility for the development of
updating of the plans.
4. Case Management--Describe in detail the case management system
for tracking and monitoring client progress on a regular basis to
ensure that each child receives the full range of program services in
an integrated and comprehensive manner. Identify the staff positions
responsible for coordinating the implantation and maintenance of the
case management system.
5. Structure and Accountability--Applications must fully describe:
a. The plan for developing and maintaining internal structure,
control and accountability through programmatic means.
b. Utilization of daily logs to track program activities.
c. Ability to produce statistical reports to track referral
demographics and performance.
d. Ability to maintain a comprehensive children's database.
Characteristics of Program Site
Residential/Office Facility. Applicants are required to set forth
in detail comprehensive information regarding:
1. A physical description of the proposed facility including the
proposed allocation of office space (this shouldn't include new
facility construction but to prove that applicants have facilities);
2. Diagrams, blueprints or drawings of the proposed facility;
3. Documentation that the facility meets all relevant zoning,
licensing, fire, safety and health codes required to operate a
residentially based social service program. Copies of relevant
documents must be submitted at the time of application;
4. Facility ownership or leasing agreements must be fully explained
and documented.
Level of Care and Custody
Levels of care are specific to geographic location as specified in
Section I under Geographic Locations. All Minimum Standards apply.
Applicants must apply based on their location and the corresponding
level of care as reflected below (one application per location).
a. Shelter Care: Recipients shall provide shelter care, which could
include group home care, and other related services to UACs. This
shelter level of care will provide children with a structured, safe,
and productive environment which meets or exceeds respective State
guidelines and standards for similar care. The design of the shelter
care program and facility should be in full compliance with the Flores
Settlement Agreement including Minimum Standards for Licensed
Programs..
Areas where Shelter Care Programs are needed: San Francisco,
Oakland or San Jose, CA (one northern CA location only); Philadelphia,
PA; New York, NY; Newark, NJ; or Wilmington, DE (only one in Mid
Atlantic location)
b. Staff Secure (Medium Secure) Care: The staff secure facility
should be designed for children who require close supervision but do
not need placement in juvenile correctional facilities. This setting
should significantly reduce/eliminate the use of physical restraints
and facilitate a ``safe-haven shelter'' setting rather than a
``juvenile detention'' environment. The facility provides a heightened
level of staff supervision, communication and services in a structured,
licensed shelter care setting. Placements include children with
adjudicated delinquency, chargeable offense (probable cause),
conviction for a crime, or the subject of delinquency proceedings.
Children with serious behavior issues in shelters, minor escape
history/threats, or special supervision requirements, may be placed in
staff secure facilities. Programs should be designed for children with
minor offenses, isolated offenses not within a pattern or practice of
criminal activity, offenses that do not involve serious violence
against a person and petty/minor offenses. Examples of offender history
could include: Shoplifting, joy riding, disturbing the peace, breaking
and entering, vandalism, drug offenses, and driving under the influence
(DUI). Program design should be consistent with the government's
interest to ensure timely appearance before the immigration court and
to protect the child's well-being and that of others.
Non-offender children must be separated from delinquent offenders.
The program is required to maintain stricter security measures and
higher staffing ratios than shelters in order to control problem
behavior and discourage flight. Security and accountability are
maintained through procedures, staffing patterns, and effective
communication rather than bars, locks and restraints which are
historically associated with juvenile detention. A staff secure
facility must have a fence and security gate. There should be effective
monitoring so that entry to and egress from the building can be
controlled. Community trips are limited and controlled. The overall
atmosphere should reflect a shelter rather than a detention center.
There should be no lock-down procedures typically associated with
traditional juvenile correctional (detention) facilities (e.g., strip
searches, use of mechanical restraints, cell-like sleeping rooms, lack
of privacy, razor wire etc.). Each staff secure facility should have
the capability to upgrade ``line of sight'' supervision to 100 percent
constant ``line of sight and sound'' staff supervision for a specific
child. For example, constant supervision would be implemented rather
than simply a 15 minute or 30 minute bed check. The facility should not
exceed the level of security permitted under State law for a licensed
shelter care facility which is necessary for children placed in its
care. Specialized services should also be available for children with
drug and alcohol problems and other special mental health needs with
access to bi-lingual clinical assessments. Case management services
should include reunification efforts and the preparation of
reunification packets (for procedures how to prepare reunification
packets, please refer to ORR/DUCS Guidance Letter FY04-9,
April 26, 2004) when appropriate. The staff secure facility should
focus special attention on the security and staffing requirements
detailed in the ``ORR Program Procedure Manual'' (Draft Pending)
(Exhibit 1) and the ``Flores Settlement Agreement'' (Exhibit 2). Staff
secure facilities must be in the compliance with the Flores Settlement
Agreement, including the Minimum Standards for Licensed Programs.
Areas where Staff Secure Care Programs are needed: Seattle or
Tacoma, WA and Los Angeles or San Diego, CA.
c. Non-traditional Secure Detention: Secure detention is typically
reserved for children who have exhibited serious violent or criminal
behavior that endangers others, such as carrying weapons in support of
violence, having serious escapes risk/history, committing serious sex
offenses, being documented gang members/leaders, and demonstrating
extremely disruptive behavior in shelter/staff secure facilities. This
small facility should have no more than 12 beds with typically a
population of fewer than 12 children. Rather than using traditional
juvenile detention centers, ORR/DUCS is asking for the design of small
non-traditional secure programs in several strategic locations.
In addition to meeting child welfare standards/services and the
staff secure levels of care, this secure detention facility should have
the capability to physically restrain a violent child during an
emergency. However, this should be limited to emergencies and escape
precautions during transport and not be part of routine practice.
Additionally, soft restraint technology, rather than hard restraints
should be utilized (metal hand-cuffs, metal shackles, metal ``belly
chains'' are not authorized in the non-traditional secure facility). In
accordance with state detention standards, the facility, rooms, and
windows may be locked. The proposal should be responsive to the
``Standards for Small Juvenile Detention Facilities'' detailed by the
American Correctional Association (ACA), 3rd ed. (1991) and published
supplements to those standards (Exhibit 3). These standards provide
detailed information regarding small detention requirements. Moreover,
Recipients are required to meet the Minimum Standards as stated in
Exhibit 1 of the Flores Settlement Agreement.
Areas where Secure Care Programs are needed: Phoenix or Tucson,
Arizona.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreements.
Description of Federal Substantial Involvement with Cooperative
Agreement: ORR directs and supports grantees in the design and
implementation of program activities, services and facilities;
designing protocols or procedures; assisting in the selection of
contractors (if applicable); key project staff; provide guidance in the
collection and analysis of data and modification of project activities.
Anticipated Total Program Funding Amount: $5.4 million per budget
period.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 5 per budget period.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Award: $1 million per budget
period, $1.2 million per budget period each for California Locations.
The award amount is for planning purposes only.
Floor of Individual Amount Awards: $800,000 per budget period.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $900,000 per budget period.
Budget Period for Awards: 12 months.
Project Period for Awards: 60 months.
Awards will be for one-year budget periods. The Project Period will
be September 30, 2004, to September 29, 2009. Applications for
continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year
budget period may be entertained on a non-competitive basis, subject to
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the project, and a
determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the
government.
III. Eligibility Information
III. 1. Eligible Applicants
Non-profit organizations including faith-based organizations
incorporated under State law which have demonstrated child welfare,
social service or related experience and are appropriately licensed (at
the time of submission of the application) for the provision of shelter
care, foster care, group home care, and related services to dependent
children are eligible to apply.
For-profit organizations incorporated under State law which have
demonstrated child welfare, social services or related experience, and
are appropriately licensed (at the time of submission of the
application) for the provision of shelter care, foster care, group home
care, and other related services to dependent children, and which can
clearly demonstrate that only actual costs and not profit, fees, or
other elements above cost have been budgeted, are also eligible to
apply.
Additional Information on Eligibility:
Only one application per agency will be accepted.
No agency is guaranteed an award.
No agency is guaranteed that the amount of an award made
to it will be in the same amount as its request.
The Director of ORR reserves the right to award more or less
funding to any individual applicant or in total for all applicants
based on the quality of the applications and the best interest of the
Government. In cases where ORR proposes to award an amount less than an
agency's application request, the agency will be required to submit a
revised budget and budget narrative showing how the agency proposes to
spend the amount ORR is proposing to award to the agency. If an agency
fails to submit a commensurate revised budget within the time
requested, the agency will forfeit the award.
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to
submit proof of their non-profit status.
Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
(a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS code.
(b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
(c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General,
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
(d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
(e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
III. 2. Cost-Sharing/Matching None.
III. 3. Other (if Applicable)
On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal
grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to
provide a Dunn and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711, or you may request a number
online at http://www.dnb.com.
Please see section V.1 Evaluation Criteria for further information
on reasons why applications will be considered non-responsive and
returned without review.
IV. Application and Submission Information
IV. 1 Address To Request Application Package
Please contact: Name: Tsegaye Wolde, Office of Refugee
Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, 901 D Street, SW., 6th Floor East,
Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-401-5144. E-mail: twolde@acf.hhs.gov.
URL to obtain application package: http://www.Grants.Gov.
IV. 2 Content and Form of Application Submission
The required application package will include the following:
Application Content
Each application must include the following components:
1. Table of Contents
a. Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed one
page (would be suitable to use in announcing the grant award, if
selected) and which identifies the type of project, the target
population, and the major elements of the work plan.
b. Completed Standard Form 424--signed by an official of the
organization applying for the grant who has authority to legally
obligate the organization.
c. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non Construction
Programs.
d. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
e. Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described
in the ``Application
f. Review Information and the Evaluation Criteria sections of this
announcement.
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.
Private non-profit organizations may voluntarily submit with their
applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents and
Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
2. Application Format
Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 11 inch
paper only. Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
Please do not include organizational brochures or other
promotional materials, slides, films, clips, etc.
The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the
margins must be at least one inch on all sides.
Number all application pages sequentially throughout the
package, beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page
number one.
Please present application materials either in loose-leaf
notebooks or in folders with page two-hole punched at the top center
and fastened separately with a slide paper fastener.
3. Page Limitation
Each application narrative should not exceed 20 pages
double-spaced.
Attachments and appendices should not exceed 20 pages and
should be used only to provide supporting documentation such as
administration charts, position descriptions, resumes, and letters of
intent or partnership agreements.
A table of contents and an executive summary should be
included but will not count in the page limitations.
Each page should be numbered sequentially, including the
attachments and appendices.
This limitation of 20 pages should be considered as a
maximum, and not necessarily a goal.
Application forms are not to be counted in the page limit.
Any applications that exceed the page limit will not be scored.
Please do not include books or videotapes as they are not
easily reproduced and are therefore inaccessible to the reviewers. The
review panel will not consider submitted material which exceeds the 20
page limit.
4. Required Standard Forms
Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-
construction project must sign and return with their applications the
Standard Form 424B (Assurances: Non-Construction Programs).
Applications must provide a Certification Regarding
Lobbying on Standard Form LLL. Prior to receiving an award in excess of
$750,000.00, applicants shall furnish an executed copy of the lobbying
certification. Applicants must sign and return the certification with
their application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of
their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to
nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the applications,
applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back a
certification form.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of
their compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994
as outlined in the Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
The forms (Forms 424, 424 A-B; and Certifications
including Certification Regarding Lobbying; and Environmental Tobacco
Smoke) may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
under new announcements.
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
offline, 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.
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.
Please see Section V. 1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing
the project summary/abstract and the full project description.
IV. 3 Submission Dates and Times
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
(eastern time zone) August 6, 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 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary
Grants, Attention: Sylvia M. Johnson, Grants Management Officer, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 4th floor, Washington, DC 20447. Applicants
are responsible for mailing applications well in advance, when using
all mail services, to ensure that the applications are received on or
before the deadline time and date.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., e.s.t., at the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of
Discretionary Grants ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor (near loading dock),
Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024, between
Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This address must
appear on the envelope/package containing the application with the note
``Attention: Sylvia M. Johnson, Grants Officer''. Applicants are
cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as
agreed.
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax.
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, or in other rare
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.''
What to submit | Required Content | Required Form or Format | When to Submit |
---|---|---|---|
Table of Contents |
As described in section IV.2. above. | Consistent with guidance in ``Application Format'' section of this announcement. | By application due date. |
Abstract of Proposed Project |
Brief abstract that identifies the type of project, the target population and the major elements of the proposed project. | Consistent with guidance in ``Application Format'' section of this announcement. | By application due date. |
Completed Standard Form 424 |
As described in section IV.2. above and per required form. |
May be found on http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
|
By application due date. |
Completed Standard Form 424A |
As described in section IV.2. above and per required form . |
May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm |
By application due date. |
Narrative Budget Justification |
As described in section IV.2. above and per required form | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
Project Narrative |
A narrative that addresses issues described in the``Application Review Information'' and the `Evaluation Criteria'' sections of this announcement. | Consistent with guidance in ``Application Format'' section of this announcement. | By application due date. |
Reason for automatic Rejection |
Lack of State Licensing | All recipients must demonstrate that facilities have been approved by local State licensing Authorities. | By application due date. |
Certifications regarding lobbying and environmental tobacco smoke. |
As described in section IV.2. above and per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
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'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
What to submit | Required Content | Required Form or Format | When to Submit |
---|---|---|---|
Survey for Private Non-Profit Grant Applicants |
Per required form. | May be found on http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
IV. 4 Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of October 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action
in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a) (2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
IV. 5 Funding Restrictions
Pre-award costs are not allowable charges to this program grant.
IV. 6 Other Submission Requirements
Electronic Address to Submit Applications: http://www.Grants.gov.
Please see Section IV. 2. Content and Form of Application
Submission of this application, for guidelines and
requirements when submitting applications electronically.
Submission by Mail: Mailed applications shall be considered as
meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the
deadline time and date at: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of grants
management, Division of Discretionary Grants, Attention: Sylvia M.
Johnson, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447. 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.
Hand Delivery: Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant
couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/
express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between
the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., e.s.t., at the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families,
Office of Grants management, Division of Discretionary Grants, ACF
Mailroom, 2nd Floor (near loading dock), Aerospace Center, 901 D
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024, between Monday and Friday (excluding
Federal holidays). This address must appear on the envelope/package
containing the application with the note ``Attention: Sylvia M.
Johnson.'' Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail
services do not always deliver as agreed. ACF cannot accommodate
transmission of applications by fax or e-mail.
V. Application Review Information
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-13)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 25 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.
V.1 Evaluation Criteria
ORR will screen all applications submitted pursuant to this notice
to determine whether an application is sufficiently complete to warrant
consideration and review by the ORR Review Panel. Applications must be
received by the closing date and meet all of the requirements contained
in this notice. The awards are subject to the availability of funds.
Applicants will be reviewed, evaluated, rated, and numerically ranked
by an independent panel of experts on the basis of weighted criteria
listed in this notice. All final funding decisions are at the
discretion of the Director, Office of Refugee Resettlement.
An application may be rejected if:
a. The application is from an ineligible applicant;
b. The application is received after the closing date;
c. The application omits:
i. Documented written evidence of community support for the
program;
ii. A comprehensive line-item budget with appropriate descriptive
narrative, or;
iii. A copy of the latest financial audit of the applicant.
General Instructions: ACF is particularly interested in special
factual information and statements of measurable goals in quantitative
terms. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance,
not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing
should be used rather than repetitive supporting information concerning
activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information
that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded
activity should be placed in an appendix. Pages should be numbered and
a table of contents should be included for easy reference.
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 submitting 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 expand and clarify 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.
Provision of Care
Describe in detail the required program services outlined in
Section IV. Provision of Care.
Program Design
Describe in detail the required program services outlined in
Section V. Program Design.
Characteristics of Program Site
Describe in detail the required program services outlined in
Section VI. Characteristics of Program Site.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated. Supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included, or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
Approach
Outline a plan of action 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
to be 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.''
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 the results, state how you will determine the extent to
which the project has achieved its stated objects 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.
Geographic Location
Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the
area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids
may be attached.
Additional Information
Following is the additional information that should be placed in
the appendix to the application.
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.
Plan for Project Continuance
Provide a plan for securing resources and continuing project
activities after Federal assistance has ceased.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.
Dissemination Plan
Provide a plan for distributing reports and other project outputs
to colleagues and the public. Applicants must provide a description of
the kind, volume and timing of distribution.
Third-Party Agreements
Include written agreements between grantees and sub-grantees or
subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These agreements must
detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and
other terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.
Letters of Support
Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should
be included in the application or by application deadline.
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.
General
The following guidelines are for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. For purposes
of preparing the budget and budget justification, ``Federal resources''
refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. Non-Federal
resources are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. It is
suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a
columnar format: first column, object class categories; second column,
Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column,
total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.
Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wage.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary; grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentage
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
Description: Costs of project related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000.
(Note: Acquisition cost means the net invoice unit price of an
item of equipment, including the cost of any modifications,
attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make
it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. Ancillary
charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance,
freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded from
acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Contractual
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except
for those which belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation contracts (if
applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations,
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be
financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.
Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a
manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free
competition. Recipients and sub-recipients, other than States that are
required to use part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated
procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition
and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C.
403(11). Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-
award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals
or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.
Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in
these instructions.
Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (no contractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately, upon notification that an
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals
may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant.
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed. Indirect Costs may be
reimbursed on an award only if the indirect cost rate agreement is in
effect at the beginning of the project period/budget period and covers
all or part of the period covered by the award.
Program Income
Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be
generated from this project.
Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of
program income in the budget or refer to the page in the application
which contain this information.
Non-Federal Resources
Description
Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to support the
project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Justification
The firm commitment of these resources must be documented and
submitted with the application in order to be given credit in the
review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for each funding
source.
Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total, Total Project
Costs Self explanatory.
Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be reviewed and evaluated
according to the following weighted criteria:
Evaluation Criterion I: Management Plan (Maximum: 20 Points)
The quality of the applicant's program management and
staffing plans as demonstrated by:
The adequacy of the plan for program management and the
plan for coordination between the components of the program.
The adequacy of the plan for coordination with community
and governmental agencies.
The adequacy of the qualifications if the applicant
organization, and the extent to which this organization has a
demonstrated record as a provider of child welfare and/or other social
services.
The extent to which the applicant has a demonstrated
capacity for effective fiscal management and accountability.
The extent to which sub recipient(s)/subcontractor(s) have
a demonstrated capacity for effective fiscal and program, management
and accountability.
The adequacy of the plans for staff supervision and intra-
program communication.
The adequacy of the staffing plans in terms of the
relationship between the proposed functions and responsibilities of the
staff in the program, and the education and relevant experience
required for the position.
Clear organizational charts delineating organizational
relationships and levels of authority, including the identification of
the staff position accountable for the overall management, direction
and performance of the program.
Evaluation Criterion II: Provision of Care (Program Services)
(Maximum: 20 Points)
The applicant's response to the required program services,
including a description of program resources which demonstrates:
The capacity of the program to offer comprehensive,
integrated and differential services which meet the needs of the
clients.
Utilization of resources in a manner which enhances
program control, structure and accountability.
Provision of service in a manner which promotes and
fosters cultural identification and mutual support.
Ability to deal effectively with issues of culture, race,
ethnicity and native language.
Evaluation Criterion III: Organizational Capacity (Maximum: 15
Points)
The degree to which the applicant provides effective strategies of
programmatic control, predictability and accountability as evidenced by
the structure and continuity inherent in the program design.
Evaluation Criterion IV: Program Design (Maximum: 15 Points)
The degree to which the entire proposed plan for developing,
implementing and administering a state licensed program is clear,
succinct, integrated, efficient, cost effective and likely to achieve
program objectives. Program design includes overall physical location
and description of the facility and its ability to best meet the
objectives of the program and services offered. Key to program design
is licensed capacity for future expansion.
Evaluation Criterion V: Case Management (Maximum: 10 Points)
The adequacy of the plans for:
a. Developing and updating individual client service plans; and,
b. The proposed system of case management.
c. Implementation and maintenance of a client computer database
system.
Evaluation Criterion VI: Budget (Maximum: 10 Points)
The reasonableness of the proposed budget and budget narrative, in
relation to proposed program activities.
Evaluation Criterion VII: External Factors (Maximum: 10 Points)
The degree to which the application has provided written documented
evidence of community support and acceptance of the program.
V.2 Review and Selection Process
Review 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. Applications will be screened for priority area
appropriateness. If applications are found to be inappropriate for the
priority area in which they are submitted, applicants will be
contracted 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
Director and ORR program staff in considering competing applications.
Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decision, 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 ORR 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 ORR or other Federal agency grants. 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 an
application which is responsive to the evaluation criteria within the
context of this program announcement.
Federal reviewers will be used for the review process.
VI. Award Administration Information
VI.1 Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive the official notice of award,
the Financial Assistance Award (FAA), which is signed by the Grants
Management Office. The FAA is the authorizing document whether provided
electronically or by mail. Unsuccessful applicants will receive a
letter from the Grants Management Office declining their request for
funding.
VI.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements
45 CFR part 400 and 45 CFR parts 74 or 92.
VI.3 Reporting Requirements
Programmatic Reports: Quarterly Reports and a final report is due
90 days after the end of grant period.
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually and a final report is due 90 days
after the end of a grant period.
Statistical Reports: As required by ORR.
Original reports and one copy should be mailed to the Grants
Management Contact listed in section VII Agency Contacts.
Upon acceptance, grantees will receive formats and schedules for
reporting on a quarterly basis for program activities and on a semi-
annual basis for financial expenditure reports.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Name: Tsegaye Wolde, Office of Refugee
Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, 901 D Street, SW., 6th Floor East,
Washington, DC 20447. E-mail: Twolde@acf.hhs.gov. Phone: 202-401-5144.
Grants Management Office Contact: Name: Sylvia M. Johnson, Grants
Officer, HHS, ACF, Office of Grants management, Division of
Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 4th Floor West,
Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-401-4524. E-mail:
sjohnson@acf.hhs.gov.
VIII. Other Information
The Director reserves the right to award more or less than the
funds described in this announcement. In the absence of worthy
applications, the Director may decide not to make an award if deemed in
the best interest of the Government. Funding for future years, under
this announcement, is at the availability of appropriate funds. The
Director may invite applications outside of the proposed closing date,
if necessary, to respond to the needs of the Unaccompanied Alien
Children.
Dated: June 30, 2004.
Nguyen Van Hanh,
Director, Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children
and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. 04-15267 Filed 7-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P