[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 23, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8826-8832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-4330]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
[Program Announcement No. ACF/ACYF/HS 99-01]
Fiscal Year 1999 Discretionary Grant Announcement for Head Start
Partnerships With Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and
Universities; Availability of Funds and Request for Applications
AGENCY: Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF),
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), DHHS.
ACTION: Announcement of the availability of funds and request for
applications for one priority area related to Head Start.
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SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF),
Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) announces the
availability of funds to support training activities, Head Start and
Early Head Start Partnerships with Tribally Controlled Land Grant
Colleges/Universities.
DATES: The closing time and date for receipt of application is 4:30
p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) April 26, 1999. Applications received after
4:30 p.m. will be classified as late.
ADDRESSES: Mail applications to: ACYF Operations Center, 1815 North
Fort Myer Drive, 3rd Floor, Arlington, Virginia 22209.
Hand delivered, courier or overnight delivery applications are
accepted during the normal working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, on or prior to the established closing date. All
packages should be clearly labeled as follows: Application for Head
Start Partnerships with Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/
Universities.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Head Start Discretionary Grant
Support Team (1-800-351-2293) is available to answer questions
concerning application requirements and to refer you to the appropriate
contact person in ACYF for programmatic questions. You may e-mail your
questions to: [email protected]
In order to help us determine the number of applications we will
need to review, if you are going to submit an application, you must
send a post card or call 800-351-2293 with the following information:
the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the
principal investigator and the name of the college/university at least
four weeks prior to the submission deadline date to: ACYF Operations
Center, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, 3rd Floor, Arlington, Virginia
22209.
Part I. Purpose and Background
A. Purpose
This announcement of financial assistance, to be competitively
awarded to Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities, is to
utilize the capabilities of these institutions of higher education to
improve the quality and longterm effectiveness of Head Start and Early
Head Start. This will be achieved by developing models of academic
training and forming partnerships between the Tribally Controlled Land
Grant Colleges/Universities and Head Start grantee and delegate
agencies funded through the American Indian Programs Branch of Head
Start.
Throughout this announcement, the term Head Start program or Head
Start agency refers to both Head Start and Early Head Start grantees or
delegate agencies, funded by the American Indian Programs Branch of the
Head Start Bureau, unless otherwise specifically noted.
B. Background
The overall goal of Head Start is to bring about a greater degree
of social competence in the children of low-income families. In order
to accomplish this goal, Head Start provides comprehensive services to
low-income children and their families. Head Start enhances children's
physical, intellectual, social and emotional development. It supports
parents in their efforts to fulfill their parental roles and provides
for their involvement in implementing the Head Start program. Another
goal of Head Start is to strengthen community supports for families
with young children while they are working toward employment and self-
sufficiency.
In an attempt to ensure quality services to low-income children and
their families Head Start has conducted many demonstration projects,
provided grantees with training and technical assistance and given
grantees funds to implement their own training efforts. For example,
Head Start supported the creation of the Child Development Associate
(CDA) credential designed for early childhood development teaching
staff, implemented the Head Start
[[Page 8827]]
Teaching Centers and other innovative projects.
The Head Start/Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities
Partnerships are in keeping with the Head Start tradition of creating
innovative programs of working with low-income children and their
families. This announcement is an initial effort to fund and recognize
partnerships between Head Start programs funded through the American
Indian Programs Branch and Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/
Universities.
Under this announcement, except for applications addressing area 1
below, Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities must form a
partnership with one or more Head Start grantee, or Head Start grantee
and delegate agencies, to provide education/training to the Head Start
agencies.
The partnership agreements must be beneficial to each partner, that
is, the Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities must
benefit and the participating Head Start grantees also must benefit.
Partnership agreements must provide academic training and credit hours
for a specified number of Head Start staff members. Partnership
agreements can take many forms; however, they must clearly set out the
reason the Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University and the
Head Start program(s) are entering into the partnership and what each
party expects to gain from the partnership. For example, a Head Start
grantee may form a partnership with a Tribally Controlled Land Grant
College/University that agrees to provide education for all Head Start
staff members; including food service workers, classroom staff, home
visitors and management staff. Another Tribally Controlled Land Grant
College/University may agree to educate mental health staff at several
grantee locations, and provide modeling of sound child development
practices with follow-up education and mentoring for center-based staff
that may want to improve the overall learning environment of their
classrooms. Other Head Start agencies may form partnerships with
institutions of higher learning that would provide education for all
classroom staff and home visitors that would lead to academic degrees.
Other grantees may need help in addressing the need for courses in how
to involve males in the lives of their children and how to work with
other community organizations that have similar concerns. In addition,
if the Head Start grantee has formed partnerships with local child care
agencies, education/training by the institution of higher education can
be offered to those child care staff members of those agencies and
collaborating family child care providers. Examples of benefits for the
Tribal Colleges/Universities could include expansion of capacity in
various instructional areas, and an increased institutional competence
in the area of technology.
All project applications shall address one of the following four
areas:
1. Identification of ``exemplary'' and or ``best'' practices which
are occurring in Indian Head Start programs. Currently there is no
professionally developed ``exemplary'' or ``best'' practices literature
on Indian Head Start programs. Such information would be developed and
available for electronic delivery by the American Indian Programs
Branch. Head Start programs funded by the American Indian Programs
Branch would be strengthened by providing clear, descriptive models
that Head Start programs can replicate in their home settings.
2. Model education (not training) programs done in partnership
between Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities and Head
Start programs that will result in an increase in the number of
associate and bachelor degrees earned by Head Start staff members,
parents and members of the community to create a bank of competent
educators, social workers and other knowledge areas vital in building
quality Head Start programs.
3. Model programs that demonstrate how to design and implement
tribal culture/language programs through a partnership between a
Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University and Head Start
program(s). Culture and language programs help ground children so that
they can achieve a greater degree of social competence in their lives.
Still, too little has been accomplished in developing ``best
practices'' tribal culture/language-based curriculum and comprehensive
program activities at Indian Head Start programs. All of the Tribally
Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities have strong culture and
language departments and should be prepared to model age-appropriate
curriculum and program activities that can be replicated in Indian Head
Start programs.
4. Model technology programs between Tribally Controlled Land Grant
Colleges/Universities and Indian Head Start programs designed to: (a)
help Indian Head Start programs in planning to upgrade their technology
infrastructure; (b) support the use of age-appropriate, technologically
delivered materials for use by Head Start eligible families and
children and; (c) implement technology training and/or education
programs for staff and parents. As the Administration for Children and
Families and the Head Start Bureau continue to increase their capacity
to communicate using new advance technologies, programs must also
develop their capacity to keep up with the work being completed
nationally. American Indian Head Start programs need to develop a
technology infrastructure and capacity in order to achieve and maintain
consistent excellence in this rapidly evolving information era.
Minimum Requirements for Project Design: In order to compete
successfully under this priority area, the applicant should:
Address no more than one of the areas outlined above.
For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, document the need for such
a training program in the community to be served, and indicate the
number of staff needing the training.
For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, have evidence that a
partnership will be formed between the Head Start grantee(s) and any
relevant child care agencies and the Tribally Controlled Land Grant
College/University and how students will be recruited and retained.
For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, the institution must be
able to demonstrate that it is a Tribally Controlled Land Grant
College/University.
For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, the institution must be
able to demonstrate and that all course work will offer academic
credit.
For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, describe the benefits to be
gained by both the Head Start grantee(s) and the Tribally Controlled
Land Grant College/University, including the number of Head Start staff
that will be trained.
For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, describe how the
proposed project will be beneficial to the American Indian Programs
Branch funded Head Start programs nationally.
For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, describe the total
approach to be taken in implementing this project, including responses
to the following questions: Will the project provide education for all
staff at either the associate or bachelors degree level? Will parents
be allowed to participate in the education program developed? Will the
project focus on a single Head Start area, such as mental health or
childhood development? How will college/university staff be involved in
assuring the success of the project. How will the ``best practices''
inquiry be conducted?
For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, provide maps indicating
the location of
[[Page 8828]]
the Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University and the Head
Start agencies.
For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, document that the
Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University currently offers
credit courses, and proposes to offer credit courses, in the areas
valuable to Head Start such as Community Health Services, Mental
Health, Education and Early Childhood Development, including infant/
toddler development, social work and social services, community
partnerships, parental education, Head Start program administration and
management and human resources development.
For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, describe how the course
work would be contextually and culturally relevant to the Head Start
environment and would be available to all interested Head Start staff.
Indicate how staff would be selected to participate in the program,
including child care staff.
For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, indicate how joint planning
and assessment with the Head Start grantee(s) will be implemented with
timelines and clear lines of responsibility.
For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, provide assurances that
no more than three months will be devoted to planning activities. A
copy of the agreement(s) between the Head Start program(s) and the
Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University, with specific plans
on implementing the agreement(s) must be submitted to the ACYF at the
end of that three month period.
For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, assure that training/
coursework is offered at no cost to the grantee staff.
For numbers 2, 3, and 4 above, describe the relevant
curricula which would be used; how the courses would be scheduled and
where located; how students will earn credits, including credits toward
degrees; what support activities would be provided to the students,
such as textbooks, child care and transportation; the number of
students that would be involved in the project, the recruitment
strategies that would be employed and plans for the dissemination of
information about the project.
For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, describe the activities
that would continue after the completion of this project that would
maintain the institution of higher learning involvement with Head
Start.
For numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 above, describe the approach
that would be used for the ongoing assessment and monitoring of the
effectiveness of the project. No more than 10% of the total project
budget shall be set aside for the ongoing assessment and monitoring
effort.
Part II. Program Information
A. Statutory Authority
The Head Start Act, as amended, 42 U.S. C. 9801 et seq.
B. Eligible Applicants
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities are those
institutions cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land
Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), any other institution
that qualifies for funding under the Tribally Controlled Community
College Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and Navajo
Community College, Authorized in the Navajo Community College
Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, title II (25 U.S.C. 640a
note). Eligible applicants should offer courses of study in a
significant area of interest to Head Start. These areas include: human
services delivery, infant/toddler development, early childhood
education and care, health care services, community partnerships, human
resource development, Head Start program administration and management,
and/or tribal culture and history.
C. Project Duration
The length of the project period must not exceed 36 months. This
announcement is soliciting applications for project periods up to three
years. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget
period, although project periods may be for three years. Applications
for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year
budget period but within the three year project period will be
entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of
the Government.
D. Federal Share of Project Costs
The Federal share for each project awarded in areas 1 and 2 ranges
from $70,000 to an amount not to exceed $150,000 per year. The maximum
Federal share for each project awarded in areas 3 and 4 is not to
exceed $70,000 per year. It is anticipated that $700,000 will be
awarded this fiscal year through the competitive process described in
this announcement.
E. Number of Projects To Be Funded
It is anticipated that up to 10 projects will be funded, with
several projects funded in area 2.
F. Matching Requirement
Although there are no matching requirements, applicants are
encouraged to provide non-Federal contributions to the project.
G. Project Description
The following Uniform Project Description (UPD) has been approved
by OMB under control number 0970-0139
1. 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. Applicants are encouraged
to provide information on their organizational structure, staff,
related experience, and other information considered to be relevant.
Awarding offices use this and other information to determine whether
the applicant has the capability and resources necessary to carry out
the proposed project. It is important, therefore, that this information
be included in the application. However, in the narrative the applicant
must distinguish between resources directly related to the proposed
project from those that will not be used in support of the specific
project for which funds are requested.
2. General Instructions
Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. ACF is
particularly interested in specific 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. (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.
3. Project Description
Applicants are required to submit a full project description and
shall prepare the project description
[[Page 8829]]
statement in accordance with the following instructions.
a. Project Summary/Abstract. Provide a summary of the project
description (a page or less) with reference to the funding request.
b. Results or Benefits Expected. Identify the results and benefits
to be derived. For example, using a comprehensive review of the current
literature, justify how the research questions and the findings will
add new knowledge to the field or how it will improve services for
children and families.
c. 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 proportion of data collection expected to be completed.
When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list
them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and
their target dates.
Identify the kinds of data to be collected, maintained, and/or
disseminated. Note that clearance from the U.S. Office of Management
and Budget might be needed prior to a ``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.
4. Additional Information
Following is a description of additional information that should be
placed in the appendix to the application:
a. 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.
b. Organization 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.
c. 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.
d. 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.
5. 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.
a. Personnel. Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
b. Fringe Benefits. Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits
unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
c. 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.
d. Equipment. Description: Costs of tangible, non-expendable,
personal property, having a useful life of more than one year and an
acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. However, an applicant may
use its own definition of equipment provided that such equipment would
at least include all equipment defined above.
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.
e. 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 that supports
the amount requested.
[[Page 8830]]
f. 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. If procurement competitions were held or if procurement
without competition is being proposed, attach a list of proposed
contractors, indicating the names of the organizations, the purposes of
the contracts, the estimated dollar amounts, and the award selection
process. 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) currently set at $100,000.
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.
g. Other. Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where
applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to
insurance, food, medical and dental costs (noncontractual),
professional services costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and
publication, computer use, training costs, such as tuition and
stipends, staff development costs, and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
h. 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.
i. Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total Project
Costs. Self explanatory.
Part III. Evaluation Criteria and Review Process
A. Evaluation Criteria
In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following
criteria:
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance: (25 Points)
The extent to which the application identifies relevant physical,
economic, social, financial, institutional or other problems requiring
a grant; demonstrates the need for assistance; states the principal and
subordinate objectives of the project; provides supporting
documentation or other testimonies from concerned interests other than
the applicant.
Criterion 2. Results or Benefits Expected: (10 Points)
The extent to which the application identifies the results and
benefits to be derived; describes the anticipated contribution to
policy, practice, theory and/or research; specific benefits should be
described for both the American Indian Tribal Colleges/ University and
Head Start.
Criterion 3. Approach: (35 Points)
The extent to which the application outlines an acceptable plan of
action pertaining to the scope of the project which details how the
proposed work will be accomplished, including a timeline; lists of each
organization, consultants, including key individuals who will work on
the project along with a short description of the nature of their
effort or contribution; assures the adequacy of time devoted to the
project by key staff, the key staff should be knowledgeable of Head
Start, the applicant must fully describe the approach and/or
methodology and delineate the relationship of each task to the
accomplishment of the proposed objectives. There should be evidence
that the planned approach reflects sufficient input from and
partnership with American Indian Programs Branch funded Head Start
programs.
Criterion 4. Geographic Location: (5 Points)
The extent to which the application gives a precise location of the
project and area to be served, including the location of the Head Start
and Early Head Start grantees, by the project.
Criterion 5. Budget Appropriateness: (25 Points)
The extent to which the project's costs are reasonable in view of
the activities to be carried out and the anticipated outcomes.
B. The Review Process
Applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the
Federal government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in Part III
of this announcement to review and score the applications. The results
of this review are a primary factor in making funding decisions. ACYF
may also solicit comments from ACF Regional Office staff and other
Federal agencies.
Part IV. Instructions for Submitting Applications
A. Required Forms
Eligible applicants interested in applying for funds must submit a
complete application including the required forms included at the end
of this program announcement in Appendix A. In order to be considered
for a grant under this announcement, an application must be submitted
on the Standard Form 424 (approved by the Office of Management and
Budget under Control Number 0348-0043). A copy has been provided. Each
application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the
applicant and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by
the terms and conditions of the grant award. Applicants requesting
financial assistance for non-construction projects must file the
Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-Construction Programs (approved by
the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-
[[Page 8831]]
0040). Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with
their application. Applicants must provide a certification concerning
lobbying. Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants
shall furnish an executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved
by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046).
Applicants must sign and return the certification with their
application. Applicants must provide a Uniform Project Description
(approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number
0970-0139).
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. By signing and
submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification
and need not mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification that they are
not presently debarred, suspended or otherwise ineligible for award. By
signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification with the
application.
Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable
for the smoking prohibition included within P.L. 103-227, Part C
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as The Pro-Children's Act of
1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the
smoking prohibition is included with the forms. By signing and
submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification
and need not mail back the certification with the application.
All applicants for research projects must provide a Protection of
Human Subjects Assurance as specified in the policy described on the
HHS Form 596 (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under
control number 0925-0418) in Appendix A. If there is a question
regarding the applicability of this assurance, contact the Office for
Protection from Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at
(301)-496-7041. Those applying for or currently conducting research
projects are further advised of the availability of a Certificate of
Confidentiality through the National Institute of Mental Health of the
Department of Health and Human Services. To obtain more information and
to apply for a Certificate of Confidentiality, contact the Division of
Extramural Activities of the National Institute of Mental Health at
(301) 443-4673.
B. Application Limits
The narrative of the application should be double-spaced and
single-sided on 8\1/2\'' x 11'' plain white paper, with 1'' margins on
all sides. Use only a standard size font no smaller than 12 pitch
throughout the proposal. All pages of the narrative of the application
(including appendices, resumes, charts, references/footnotes, tables,
maps and exhibits) must be sequentially numbered, beginning on the
first page after the budget justification, the principal investigator
contact information and the Table of Contents. The length of the
application, including the narrative, appendices and resumes must not
exceed 75 pages. Anything over 75 pages will be removed and not
considered by the reviewers. The project summary should not be counted
in the 75 pages. Applicants should not submit reproductions of larger
sized paper that is reduced to meet the size requirement. Applicants
are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures, or other printed
material along with their applications as these pose copying
difficulties. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in
the review process. In addition, applicants must not submit any
additional letters of endorsement beyond any that may be required.
Applicants are encouraged to submit curriculum vitae using
``Biographical Sketch'' forms used by some government agencies.
Please note that applicants that do not comply with the
requirements in the section on ``Eligible Applicants'' will not be
included in the review process.
C. Checklist for a Complete Application
The checklist below is for your use to ensure that the application
package has been properly prepared.
--One original, signed and dated application plus two copies.
--Attachments/Appendices, when included, should be used only to provide
supporting documentation such as resumes, and letters of agreement/
support.
Front Matter:
Cover Letter
Table of Contents
Project Abstract
(1) Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV. 4-92);
(2) Budget information--Non-Construction Programs (SF424A&B REV.4-
92);
(3) Budget Justification, including subcontract agency budgets;
(4) Letter from the Head Start program certifying that the program
is a partner of the Tribally Controlled Land Grant College/University;
(5) Application Narrative, Appendices and resumes (not to exceed 75
pages);
(6) Proof that the organization is a Tribally Controlled Land Grant
College/University.
(7) Assurances Non-Construction Programs;
(8) Certification Regarding Lobbying;
(9) Where appropriate, a completed SPOC certification with the date
of SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424, REV.4-92;
(10) Certification of Protection of Human Subjects.
D. Due Date for the Receipt of Applications
Deadlines: The closing date for the submission of applications is
4:30 p.m. (EDT) April 26, 1999. Applications postmarked after the
closing date will be classified as late and not considered for funding.
Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline if they
are either received on or before the deadline date or sent on or before
the deadline date and received by ACYF in time for the independent
review. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations Center, 1815
North Fort Myer Drive 3rd Floor, Arlington, Virginia 22209. Application
for Head Start Discretionary Grants: Head Start Partnerships with
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities.
Applicants are cautioned to request a legibly dated U.S. Postal
Service postmark or to obtain a legibly dated receipt from a commercial
carrier or U.S. Postal Service. Private metered postmarks shall not be
acceptable as proof of timely mailing.
Applications hand carried by applicants, courier services, or by
overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting the
announced deadline only if they are received on or before the deadline
date, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at the ACYF
Operations Center, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA
22209 between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
(Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not
always deliver as agreed.)
ACYF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to
ACYF electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time of
submission and time of receipt.
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.
[[Page 8832]]
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend an application deadline for
applicants affected by acts of God such as floods, hurricanes, or when
there is widespread disruption of the mails, or when it is anticipated
that many applications will come from rural or remote areas. A
determination to waive or extend deadline requirements rests with the
Chief Grants Management Officer.
E. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the
Department is required to submit to OMB for review and approval any
reporting and record keeping requirements in regulations including
program announcements. All information collections within this program
announcement are approved under the following current valid OMB control
numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, 0925-0418 and 0970-
0139.
Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average
10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection
of information.
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.
F. Required Notification of the State Single Point of Contact
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
Program and Activities. Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska,
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington,
American Samoa and Palau have elected to participate in the Executive
Order process and have established Single Points of Contact (SPOCs).
Applicants from these twenty-four jurisdictions need take no action
regarding E.O. 12372. Applicants for projects to be administered by
Federally-recognized Indian Tribes are also exempt from the
requirements of E.O. 12372. Otherwise, applicants should contact their
SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the prospective applications
and receive any necessary instructions. Applicants must submit any
required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that the program
office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the award
process. It is imperative that the applicant submit all required
materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal
(or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard
Form 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: William Wilson, ACYF/Office of Grants Management, 330 C
Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20447, Attn: Head Start Partnerships with
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities. A list of the
Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory can be found on
the web site: http://www.hhs.gov/progorg/grantsnet/laws-reg/
spoq0695.htm
Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance 93.600
Dated: February 17, 1999.
Patricia Montoya,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 99-4330 Filed 2-22-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P
