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Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Federal Agency Name
Administration for Children and Families,
Office of Community Services
Funding Opportunity Title: The Community Services Block Grant Community Economic Development Discretionary Grant Program--Training and Technical Assistance
Announcement Type: Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EC-0016
CFDA Number: 93.570
Due Date: The closing date for receipt of applications is June 29, 2004
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act of 1981, as amended,
(Section 680 of the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and
Training and Educational Services Act of 1998), authorizes the
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to make
grants to provide technical and financial assistance for economic
development activities designed to address the economic needs of low-
income individuals and families by creating employment and business
development opportunities. Pursuant to this Announcement, OCS will make
an award under Priority Area 5 Training and Technical Assistance (TT)
to a non-profit organization to provide broad training and technical
assistance to strengthen the network of CDC's funded by OCS. An
applicant in this priority area must demonstrate its national
experience and capability in working with a network of organizations
and implementing projects that are nationwide in scope. The applicant
must have the ability to collect and analyze data nationally that may
be of benefit to CDCs and be able to disseminate information to all
OCS-funded CDCs. The applicant must conduct an assessment of the needs
of the CDC network and provide a work plan that includes projects to be
completed with CED funds in order to respond to these needs.
Definitions of Terms
The following definitions apply:
Budget Period--The time interval into which a grant period is
divided for budgetary and funding purposes.
Business Start-up Period--Time interval within which the grantee
completes preliminary project tasks. These tasks include but are not
limited to assembling key staff, executing contracts, administering
lease out or build-out of space for occupancy, purchasing plant and
equipment and other similar activities. The Business Start-Up Period
typically takes three to six months from the time OCS awards the grant
or cooperative agreement. Cash contributions--The recipient's cash
outlay, including the outlay of money contributed to the recipient by
the third parties.
Community Development Corporation (CDC)--A private non-profit
corporation governed by a board of directors consisting of residents of
the community and business and civic leaders, which has as a principal
purpose planning, developing, or managing low-income housing or
community development activities.
Community Economic Development (CED)--A process by which a
community uses resources to attract capital and increase physical,
commercial, and business development, as well as job opportunities for
its residents.
Construction projects--Projects that involve land improvements and
development or major renovation of (new or existing) facilities and
buildings, fixtures, and permanent attachments.
Cooperative Agreement--An award instrument of financial assistance
when substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding
office, (the Federal government) and the recipient during performance
of the contemplated project.
Developmental/Research Phase--The time interval during the Project
Period that precedes the Operational Phase. Grantees accomplish
preliminary activities during this phase including establishing third
party agreements, mobilizing monetary funds and other resources,
assembling, rezoning, and leasing of properties, conducting
architectural and engineering studies, constructing facilities, etc.
Displaced worker--An individual in the labor market who has been
unemployed for six months or longer.
Distressed community--A geographic urban neighborhood or rural
community of high unemployment and pervasive poverty.
Employment education and training program--A program that provides
education and/or training to welfare recipients, at-risk youth, public
housing tenants, displaced workers, homeless and low-income individuals
and that has demonstrated organizational experience in education and
training for these populations.
Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community Project Areas (EZ/EC)--
Urban neighborhoods and rural areas designated as such by the
Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Agriculture.
Equity investment--The provision of capital to a business entity
for some specified purpose in return for a portion of ownership using a
third party agreement as the contractual instrument.
Faith-Based Community Development Corporation--A community
development corporation that has a religious character.
Hypothesis--An assumption made in order to test a theory. It should
assert a cause-and-effect relationship between a program intervention
and its expected result. Both the intervention and its result must be
measured in order to confirm the hypothesis. The following is a
hypothesis: ``Eighty hours of classroom training will be sufficient for
participants to prepare a successful loan application.'' In this
example, data would be obtained on the number of hours of training
actually received by participants (the intervention), and the quality
of loan applications (the result), to determine the validity of the
hypothesis (that eighty hours of training is sufficient to produce the
result).
Intervention--Any planned activity within a project that is
intended to produce changes in the target population and/or the
environment and that can be formally evaluated. For example, assistance
in the preparation of a business plan is an intervention.
Job creation--New jobs, i.e., jobs not in existence prior to the
start of the project, that result from new business startups, business
expansion, development of new services industries, and/or other newly-
undertaken physical or commercial activities.
Job placement--Placing a person in an existing vacant job of a
business, service, or commercial activity not related to new
development or expansion activity.
Letter of commitment--A signed letter or agreement from a third
party to the applicant that pledges financial or other support for the
grant activities contingent only on OCS accepting the applicant's
project proposal.
Loan--Money lent to a borrower under a binding pledge for a given
purpose to be repaid, usually at a stated rate of interest and within a
specified period.
Non-profit Organization--An organization, including faith-based and
community-based, that provides proof of non-profit status described in
the ``Additional Information on Eligibility'' section of this
announcement.
Operational Phase--The time interval during the Project Period when
businesses, commercial development or other activities are in
operation, and employment, business development assistance, and so
forth are provided.
Outcome evaluation--An assessment of project results as measured by
collected data that define the net effects of the interventions applied
in the project. An outcome evaluation will produce and interpret
findings related to whether the interventions produced desirable
changes and their potential for being replicated. It should answer the
question: Did this program work?
Poverty Income Guidelines--Guidelines published annually by the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that establish the level
of poverty defined as low-income for individuals and their families.
The guideline information is posted on the Internet at the following
address: http://www.aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/.
Process evaluation--The ongoing examination of the implementation
of a program. It focuses on the effectiveness and efficiency of the
program's activities and interventions (for example, methods of
recruiting participants, quality of training activities, or usefulness
of follow-up procedures). It should answer the questions such as: Who
is receiving what services and are the services being delivered as
planned? It is also known as formative evaluation, because it gathers
information that can be used as a management tool to improve the way a
program operates while the program is in progress. It should also
identify problems that occurred, how the problems were resolved and
what recommendations are needed for future implementation.
Pre-Development Phase--The time interval during the Project Period
when an applicant or grantee plans a project, conducts feasibility
studies, prepares a business or work plan and mobilizes non-OCS
funding. Program income--Gross income earned by the grant recipient
that is directly generated by an activity supported with grant funds.
Project Period--The total time for which a project is approved for
OCS support, including any approved extensions.
Revolving loan fund--A capital fund established to make loans
whereby repayments are re-lent to other borrowers.
Self-employment--The employment status of an individual who engages
in self-directed economic activities.
Self-sufficiency--The economic status of a person who does not
require public assistance to provide for his/her needs and that of his/
her immediate family.
Sub-award--An award of financial assistance in the form of money,
or property, made under an award by a recipient to an eligible sub-
recipient or by a sub-recipient to a lower tier sub-recipient. The term
includes financial assistance when provided by any legal agreement,
even if the agreement is called a contract, but does not include
procurement of goods and services nor does it include any form of
assistance which is excluded from the definition of ``award'' in
45 CFR Part 74.
(Note: Equity investments and loan transactions are not sub-awards.)
Technical assistance--A problem-solving event generally using the
services of a specialist. Such services may be provided on-site, by
telephone or by other communications. These services address specific
problems and are intended to assist with immediate resolution of a
given problem or set of problems.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)--The Federal block
grant program authorized in Title I of the Personal Responsibility and
Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-193). The TANF
program transformed ``welfare'' into a system that requires work in
exchange for time-limited assistance.
Third party--Any individual, organization or business entity that
is not the direct recipient of grant funds.
Third party agreement--A written agreement entered into by the
grantee and an organization, individual or business entity (including a
wholly owned subsidiary), by which the grantee makes an equity
investment or a loan in support of grant purposes.
Third party in-kind contributions--Non-cash contributions provided
by non-Federal third parties. These contributions may be in the form of
real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property, and
the value of goods and services directly benefiting and especially
identifiable to the project or program.
Project Goals
CED projects should further HHS goals of strengthening American
families and promoting their self-sufficiency, and OCS goals of
promoting healthy families in healthy communities. The CED Program is
particularly directed toward public-private partnerships that develop
employment and business opportunities for low-income people and
revitalize distressed communities.
Project Scope
The scope of this project is to undertake activities to strengthen
the nationwide network of CDCs.
Priority Area
Community Economic Development Program (CED) Priority Area--Training
and Technical Assistance
By statute, this is the only Community Economic Development Grant
Program Priority Area for which an applicant is not required to be a
CDC. An eligible applicant must be a private, nonprofit organization
that provides technical assistance to aid CDCs in developing employment
and business opportunities for low income individuals. Funds will be
awarded to an organization to provide broad training and technical
assistance to strengthen the network of CDC's funded by OCS. An
applicant in this priority area must demonstrate its national
experience and capability in working with a network of organizations
and implement projects that are nationwide in scope. The applicant must
have the ability to collect and analyze data nationally that may be of
benefit to CDCs and be able to disseminate information to all OCS-
funded CDCs. The applicant must conduct an assessment of the needs of
the CDC network and a work plan that includes projects to be completed
with CED funds in order to respond to these needs.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Types: Cooperative agreement.
Description of Federal Substantial Involvement in Cooperative
Agreement: A cooperative agreement is Federal assistance in which
substantial Federal involvement is anticipated. Responsibilities of
Federal staff and the successful applicants are negotiated prior to an
award. The duties and responsibilities of the applicant and the ACF/OCS
in fulfilling the cooperative agreement will include the following:
Responsibilities of the grantee:
. To implement activities described in the approved project
description.
. To develop and implement a work plan that will ensure that the
training and technical assistance included in the approved
application address the goals and objectives of the approved project
in an efficient, effective and timely manner.
. To submit regular semi-annual Financial Status Report
(Standard Form 269) and progress reports that describe activities
undertaken under the training and technical assistance project.
. To work cooperatively and collaboratively with ACF officials,
other Federal agency officials conducting related activities, and
other entities or organizations contracted by ACF to assist in
carrying out the purposes of the Community Economic Development
Program. Such cooperation and collaboration shall include, but not
be limited to, providing requested financial and programmatic
information, creating opportunities for interviews with agency
officials and staff and allowing on-site observation of activities
supported under the cooperative agreement.
. To notify the Office of Community Services Project Officer
in implementing the activities on an ongoing and frequent basis.
. To consult with the Office of Community Services Project
Officer in implementing the activities on an ongoing and
frequent basis.
. To comply with Community Economic Development Program
regulations and all other applicable Federal statutes and
regulations in effect during the time the applicant is receiving
funding.
. To notify the Federal Project Officer of any key personnel
changes in writing.
. To ensure that the executive director and/or project
director attend a two-day OCS national grantee training workshop
in Washington, DC The workshop will be scheduled shortly after
the effective date of the grant award.
. To submit applications for continuation funding by
July 1, 2004 if an applicant expects to receive a continuation
cooperative agreement in FY 2005.
Responsibilities of ACF/OCS:
. To provide consultation to the grantee with regard to the
development of the work plan approaches to address problems
that arise and identification of areas needing technical
assistance.
. To consult with and to provide the grantee the data
collection requirements of OCS and to keep the grantee informed of
policy developments as they affect the implementation of the project.
. To provide timely review, comment and decisions on significant
project documents.
. To work with the grantee to address issues or problems with
regard to the grantee's ability to carry out the full range of
activities include in the approved application in the most efficient
and effective manner.
. To promptly review written requests for approval of deviations
from the project descriptions or approved budget. Any changes which
affect the terms and conditions of the grant award or
revisions/amendments to the cooperative agreement or to the approved
scope of activities will require prior approval by the ACF Grants
Management Officer.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: $23.4 Million is expected to be
available for the entire Community Economic Development Program. The
estimated level of funding available for this Training and Technical
Assistance Priority Area is $269,060.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $269,060.
An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range
specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the
applicant without further review.
Floor on Individual Award Amounts: None.
Project Periods for Award: This announcement is inviting
applications for project periods up to 3 years. Awards, on a
competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget period, although
project periods may be for 3 years. Applications for continuation
grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year budget period but
within the 3 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: Nonprofits recognized as exempt from
Federal income tax under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue
Code, other than institutions of higher education.
Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS,
other than institutions of higher education.
Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations
Additional Information on Eligibility
Applications that do not include proof of nonprofit status with
their application will be disqualified.
Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit
proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of
submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a
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; a copy of a currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate; 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; a
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status; or any of
the items referenced 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.
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.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None.
3. Other: On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget
published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to
all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant
applicants to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative
agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be
required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or
using the government-wide electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A
DUNS number will be required for every application for a new award or
renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under
formula, entitlement and block grant programs, submitted on or after
October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
Office of Community Services, Operations Center, Administration for
Children and Families, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive Suite 300, Arlington,
Virginia 22209, e-mail: OCS@lcgnet.com, Telephone: (800) 281-9519.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
1. Application Content
Each application must include the following components:
1. Table of Contents.
2. Abstract of the Proposed Project--one or two paragraphs, not to
exceed 350 words, that describe the community in which the project will
be implemented, beneficiaries to be served, type(s) of business(es) to
be developed, type(s) of jobs to be created, projected cost-per-job,
any land or building to be purchased or building constructed, resources
leveraged and intended impact on the community.
3. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an official
of the organization applying for the grant who has legal authority to
obligate the organization. Under Box 11. indicate the Priority Area for
which the application is written.
4. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non-Construction
Programs.
5. Standard Form 424B--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
6. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
Applicants are encouraged to use job titles and not specific names
in developing the application budget. However, the specific salary
rates or amounts for staff positions identified must be included in the
application budget.
7. Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
2. Application Format
Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper only.
Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials. 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. Present application
materials either in loose-leaf notebooks or in folders with pages two-
hole punched at the top center and fastened separately with a slide
paper fastener. Each application should include one signed original and
two additional copies.
3. Page Limitation
The application package including sections for the Table of
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives, business and
work plans must not exceed 60 pages. The page limitation does not
include Standard Forms and Assurances, Certifications, Disclosures,
appendices and any supplemental documents as required in this
announcement.
An application that exceeds the page limitation specified will be
considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without
further review.
4. Required Standard Forms
Applicants requesting financial assistance must complete and submit
an SF 424 ``Application for Federal Assistance'' SF 424A ``Budget
Information--Non Construction Programs and 424B, ``Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs.''
Applicants must provide a certification regarding lobbying when
applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and
return the certification with their applications.
Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form
LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who
have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with
receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination.
Applicants provide certification by signing the SF424 and need not mail
back the certification with the application. Applications provide
certification by signing the SF 424 and need not mail back the
certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as
outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
Applicants provide certification by signing the SF 424 and need not
mail the application back with the application.
Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies
(not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget.
Applicants 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 coy 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.
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.
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.
3. Submission Date and Times
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
eastern standard time (e.s.t.) on June 29, 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, Office of Community Services
Operations Center, 1815 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia
22209 Attention: Operations Center. 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, Office of Community
Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington,
Virginia 22209, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
This address must appear on the envelope/package containing the
application with the note: ``Attention: Operations Center''. Applicants
are responsible for express/overnight mail delivery services.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria
above are considered late applications and will not be considered. ACF
shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be
considered in the current competition.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mails service. Determinations
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants
Management Officer.
Required Forms:
| What to submit | Required Content | Required Form or Format | When to Submit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Table of Contents |
As described above. | Consistent with guidance in ''Application Format'' section of this announcement. | By application due date. |
|
2. Abstract of Proposed Project |
Identifies 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. |
|
3. Completed Standard Form 424 |
As described above and per required form. |
May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
|
4. Completed Standard Form 424A |
As described above and per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
|
5. Completed Standard Form 424B |
As described above and per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
|
6. Narrative Budget Justification |
As described above. | Consistent with guidance in ''Application Format'' section of this announcement. | By application due date. |
| 7.
Project Narrative |
A narrative that addresses issues described in the ''Application Review Information'' and the ''Review and Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement. | Consistent with guidance in ''Application Format'' section of this announcement. | By application due date. |
| 8.
Certification regarding lobbying |
As described above and per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
| 9.
Certification regarding environmental tobacco smoke |
As described above and per required form. | May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm | By application due date. |
4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order 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 1, 2003, 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.
All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona,
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia,
Washington, Wyoming and Palau have elected to participate in the
Executive Order process and have established Single Points of Contact
(SPOCs). Applicants from these twenty-six jurisdictions need take no
action.
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., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447.
A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory
is included with the application materials for this announcement.
5. Funding Restrictions
National Historic Preservation Act
If an applicant is proposing a project which will affect a property
listed in, or eligible for, inclusion in the National Register of
Historic Places, it must identify this property in the narrative and
explain how it has complied with the National Historic Preservation Act
of 1996, as amended. If there is any question as to whether the
property is listed in or eligible for inclusion in the National
Register of Historic Places, the applicant must consult with the State
Historic Preservation Officer and describe in the narrative the content
of such consultation.
Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects
OCS will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is
primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than
the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the
implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This
prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting
for specific services or activities needed to conduct the project.
Number of Projects in Application
Each application may include only one proposed project.
Prohibited Activities
OCS will not consider applications that propose to establish Small
Business Investment Corporations or Minority Enterprise Small Business
Investment Corporations.
Pre-award costs will not be covered by an award.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Sufficiency of Financial Management System
Because CED funds are Federal, all grantees must be capable of
meeting the requirements of 45 CFR part 74 concerning their financial
management system. To assure that the applicant has such capability,
applications must include a signed statement from a Certified or
Licensed Public Accountant as to the sufficiency of the CDCs financial
management system in accordance with 45 CFR 74 and financial statements
for the CDC for the prior three years. If such statements are not
available because the CDC is a newly formed entity, the application
must include a statement to this effect. The CDC grantee is responsible
for ensuring that grant funds expended by it and the third party are
expended in compliance with Federal regulations of 45 CFR part 74 and
OMB Circular A-122.
Work Plan
An applicant must include a detailed work plan covering the
activities to be undertaken and benchmarks that demonstrate progress
toward stated goals and measurable objectives.
Evaluation
Applications must include provision for an independent,
methodologically sound evaluation of the effectiveness of the
activities carried out with the grant and their efficacy in creating
new jobs and business ownership opportunities. There must be a well-
defined process evaluation, and an outcome evaluation whose design will
permit tracking of project participants throughout the proposed project
period. The evaluation must be conducted by an independent evaluator,
i.e., a person with recognized evaluation skills who is
organizationally distinct from, and not under the control of, the
applicant. It is important that each successful applicant have a third-
party evaluator selected, and implement their role at the very latest
by the time the work program of the project is begun, and if possible
before that time so that he or she can participate in the design of the
program, in order to assure that data necessary for the evaluation will
be collected and available.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 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 of information. The uniform project
description is approved under Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Control Number 0970-0139.
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.
Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation
criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application.
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example,
describe the population to be served by the program and the number of
new jobs that will be targeted to the target population. Explain how
the project will reach the targeted population, how it will benefit
participants including how it will support individuals to become more
economically self-sufficient.
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. Account for all functions or activities identified in the
application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work
and state your reasons for taking the proposed approach rather than
others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or
technical innovations, reductions in cost or time or extraordinary
social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in , for
example such terms as the ``number of people served.'' When
accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them
in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and
their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Evaluation
Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and
the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project.
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's
effectiveness.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.
The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of
the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most
recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3)
of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or
association is domiciled.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs,
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Evaluation Criteria
Criteria for Review and Evaluation of Applications Submitted Under
Priority Area--Training and Technical Assistance
Evaluation Criterion I: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 35 points)
Application has documented experience in working with a nationwide
network of organizations. (0-5 points)
Application has documented the capability to provide leadership in
addressing immediate and long-term issues in such areas as business
development; commercial development; organizational board and staff
development; and micro-entrepreneurship development. (0-5 points)
Application documents a capability to provide effective training
and technical assistance skilled individuals and/or organizations in
two or more of the following areas: Business management, including
strategic planning and fiscal management; finance, including
development of financial packages and provision of financial packages
and provision of financial/accounting services; and regulatory
compliance, including assistance with zoning and permit issues. (0-10
points)
The proposed project director and primary staff are well qualified
and their professional experiences are relevant to the successful
implementation of the proposed project. (0-5 points)
The application documents an understanding of poverty, distressed
communities and effective intervention through economic development,
including job creation. (0-10 points)
Evaluation Criterion II: Approach (Maximum: 30 Points)
The application includes a detailed and specific work plan that is
both sound and feasible. Specifically, the work plan:
Reports on findings from a CDC network assessment. (0-5 points)
Demonstrates in some specificity the kinds of training and
technical assistance to be provided to the network of community
development corporations in response to the needs assessment.
(0-5 points)
Demonstrates that all activities are comprehensive and
nationwide in scope, adequately described, and appropriately
related to the goals of the program. (0-5 points)
Delineates the tasks and sub-tasks involved in the areas
necessary to carry out the responsibilities, i.e. training,
technical assistance, research, outreach seminars, etc. (0-5 points)
States the intermediate and end products to be developed by
task and sub-task. (0-5 points)
Provides realistic time frames and a chronology of key
activities for the goals and objectives. (0-5 points)
Evaluation Criterion III: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 15
points)
Project funds will be used for the purpose of providing training
and technical assistance on a national basis to the network of
community development corporations. The application describes how:
The project will assure long-term program and
management improvements for community development corporations. (0-5
points)
The project will impact on a significant number of community
development corporations. (0-5 points)
The project will leverage or mobilize significant other
non-federal resources for the direct benefit of the
project. (0-5 points)
Evaluation Criterion IV: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum:
10 points)
The application documents that the project addresses a vital,
nationwide need related to the purposes of Community Development
Corporations and provide data and information in support of its
contention. (0-10 points)
Evaluation Criterion V: Budget Reasonableness (Maximum: 10 points)
The resources requested are reasonable and adequate to
accomplish the project. (0-5 points)
Total costs are reasonable and consistent with anticipated
results. (0-5 points)
2. Review and Selection Process
Initial OCS Screening
Each application submitted to OCS will be screened to determine
whether it was received by the closing date and time.
Applications received by the closing date and time will be screened
for completeness and conformity with the following requirements. Only
complete applications that meet the requirements listed below will be
reviewed and evaluated competitively. Other applications will be
returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable
and will not be reviewed.
All applications must comply with the following requirements except
as noted: (a) The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424
Application for Federal Assistance, a Standard Form 424-A Budget
Information and signed Standard Form 424B Assurance--Non-Construction
Programs completed according to instructions provided in this Program
Announcement. The forms SF-424 and the SF-424B must be signed by an
official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority
to obligate the organization legally. The applicant's legal name as
required on the SF-424 (Item 5) must match that listed as corresponding
to the Employer Identification Number (Item 6);
(b) The application must include a project narrative that meets
requirements set for in this announcement.
(c) The application must contain documentation of the applicant's
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Additional Information on
Eligibility'' section of this announcement.
OCS Evaluation of Applications
Applications that pass the initial OCS screening will be reviewed
and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review criteria
presented in relevant sections of this program announcement.
The review criteria are designed to enable the review panel to
assess the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood
of its success. The criteria are closely related to each other and are
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.
The review panel awards points only to applications that are responsive
to the program elements and relevant review criteria within the context
of this program announcement.
The OCS Director and the program staff use the reviewer scores when
considering competing applications. Reviewer 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 the review panel. Because other important factors
are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not
guaranteed funding. These other considerations include, for example:
the timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded
with OCS funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of
reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; amount
and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's
consistency and harmony with OCS goals and policy; geographic
distribution of applications; previous program performance of
applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants,
including the actual dedication to program of mobilized resources as
set forth in project applications; audit reports; investigative
reports; and applicant's progress in resolving any final audit
disallowance on previous OCS or other Federal agency grants.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices: The successful applicants will be notified
through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award document which
sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the
grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period and project
period for which support is granted and the non-Federal share to be
provided. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed and issued by
an authorized Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: 45 CFR part 74.
3. Reporting Requirements
Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually with a final report due 90 days
after the project end date.
Financial Reports: Semi-annually with a final report due 90 days
after the project end date.
Special Reporting Requirements: None.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Debbie Brown, Office of Community Services,
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building 5th Floor West, E-mail:
dbrown@acf.hhs.gov, Telephone: (202) 401-3445.
Grants Management Office Contact: Barbara Ziegler Johnson, Office
of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant
Promenade, SW.--4th Floor West, Aerospace Building, Washington, DC
20447-0002, e-mail: bziegler-johns@acf.hhs.gov, Telephone: (202) 401-
2344.
VIII. Other Information
Additional information about this program and its purpose can be
located on the following Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs.
Dated: April 26, 2004.
Clarence H. Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 04-9819 Filed 4-29-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P
