05-8896. Administration on Children, Youth and Families

Funding Opportunity Title: FY2005 Discretionary Grants for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program; Specialized Outreach Demo.; Domestic Violence/Runaway and Homeless Youth Collaboration on the Prevention of Adolescent Dating Violence; and, Minority Training Grant Stipends in Domestic Violence for Historically Black, Hispanic-Serving and Tribal Colleges and Universities.

Announcement Type: Initial.

Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ACYF-EV-0077.

CFDA Number: 93.592.

Due Date for Applications: Application is due July 5, 2005.

Executive Summary: Specialized Outreach Demonstration Projects for Services to Underserved and Diverse Populations: In order to further the commitment to bring diverse voices and approaches to the discussions on the elimination of domestic violence, the Administration on Children, Youth and Families announces grant funds to support projects that convene researchers, activists, survivors of domestic violence, and practitioners who have been advocates of a more culturally appropriate and familial orientation to the elimination of domestic violence. Start Printed Page 23199

The Administration on Children, Youth and Families seeks to support coordinated outreach efforts to underserved and diverse communities, of which each effort is staffed and/or supported by expert and multi-disciplined teams that are culturally responsive and competent in regard to the issue of domestic violence in their particular communities.

On a nationwide basis the expertise assembled within the Special Outreach projects will offer assistance on resource accumulation and information, capacity building within community organizations, policy analysis and review, training, and technical assistance for public and private organizations providing service in the domestic violence community. This assistance will be available to the entire domestic violence community as well as the specific communities to be served by these demonstration projects.

Domestic Violence/Runaway and Homeless Youth Collaborations on the Prevention of Adolescent Dating Violence: The collaboration of the Runaway Youth and Domestic Violence communities will foster the development and implementation of effective strategies and program requirements for the use of domestic violence prevention services concurrently with services provided through Basic Center, Transitional Living and Street Outreach Projects. These collaborations will help to eliminate adolescent dating violence.

These collaborative efforts will focus on the youth who are identified within the domestic violence and runaway and homeless youth communities as individuals that may be responsive to a collaborative set of interventions that are useful as effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Minority Training Grant Stipends in Domestic Violence for Historically Black, Hispanic-Serving, and Tribal Colleges and Universities: The Minority Training Grant Stipends to Historically Black, Hispanic Serving, and Tribal Colleges and Universities will assist in generating skill-building and training opportunities in domestic violence prevention and services. These projects will be particularly responsive to issues of cultural content and designed to increase the extent to which minority groups participate in the domestic violence service community.

A substantial proportion of the domestic violence that occurs in the general population involves underserved populations, including populations that are underserved because of ethnic, racial, cultural, language diversity or geographic isolation. The purpose of this effort and priority area is to increase the numbers and the capacity of the advocates and allies to do the work that is needed in these communities to prevent domestic violence.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (the Act) was originally enacted in sections 301-313 of Title III of the “Child Abuse Amendments of 1984” (Pub. L. 98-457, 10/9/84). The Act was reauthorized and otherwise amended by the “Child Abuse Prevention, Adoptions, and Family Services Act of 1988” (Pub. L. 100-294, 4/25/88); the “Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Adoption, and Family Services Act of 1992” (Pub. L. 102-295, 5/2/92); the “Safe Homes for Women of 1994,” Subtitle B of the “Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994” (Pub. L. 103-322, 9/13/94); and the “Child Abuse and Prevention Treatment Act of 1996” (Pub. L. 104-235, 10/3/96); and the “Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000” (Pub. L. 106-386, 10/28/00). The Act was most recently amended by the “Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003” (Pub. L. 108-36).

Priority Area 1: Specialized Outreach Demonstration Projects for Services to Underserved and Diverse Populations

1. Description

Funding Opportunity Description

In order to further the commitment to bring diverse voices and approaches to the discussions on the elimination of domestic violence, the Administration on Children, Youth and Families announces grant funds to support projects that convene researchers, activists, survivors of domestic violence, and practitioners who have been advocates of a more culturally appropriate and familial orientation to the elimination of domestic violence.

Minimum Requirements

Areas of emphasis to be developed in the applicants' proposals are the:

Description of the immediacy of needs to be addressed as an outreach demonstration and the description of information on the specific assistance your organization currently provides; and a general description of the activities and assistance to be provided as a demonstration;
Technical assistance, training and consultation to be provided to improve the cultural relevancy of service delivery, resource utilization, and state-of-the-art techniques related to program implementation, service delivery and evaluation;
Development of a network of young adult, culturally competent professionals in domestic violence and the coordination of their input, experiences and professional expertise to assist persons, programs, or agencies requesting information or assistance;
Presentation of the technical approach and specific strategies for assistance to the field that is national in scope, culturally specific in emphasis, and includes the use of expert panels and/or working groups;
Description of efforts that will be initiated with other national advocacy and domestic violence organizations, other national technical assistance resource centers and clearinghouses, and articulate how the continued coordination with them will enhance the demonstration efforts;
Provision of a detailed plan that proposes the implementation of special projects related to policy issues, training, curricula development, service delivery models or other aspects of services, related to the prevention of domestic violence;
Provision of a work plan and evaluation schedule, and a plan for a report on the effectiveness of the project one year after the effective date of the grant award;
Description of the outreach staff and supportive expertise including a steering committee, organizational or institutional affiliations, capability, and experience in the area of domestic violence;
Description of the organizational and administrative structure, the management plan, and the cost structure within which the project will operate; and
A description of the administrative, operational and organizational relationships that are current, and those that will be established with other centers and technical assistance entities for an effective national network.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.Start Printed Page 23200

Federal Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: The ACYF intends to support the Special Outreach Demonstrations through Cooperative Agreement Awards. A cooperative agreement is an award instrument of financial assistance when substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding office and the recipient during performance of the contemplated project.

The ACYF will outline a plan of action with the grantee for implementation under the cooperative agreement. The ACYF anticipates collaboration that facilitates outreach activities with local and non-profit community organizations. Assistance by ACYF will also be characterized by assuring that information on community based resources and activities are available to the grantee. The ACYF, in support of the Special Outreach Demonstration grantees, will sponsor a peer-to-peer information exchange workshop to facilitate and identify technical assistance issues and related information requirements of the grantee.

The respective responsibilities of the ACYF and the successful applicant will be identified and incorporated in to the agreement during the pre-award negotiations. It is anticipated that the cooperative agreement will not change the project requirements for the grantee in this announcement. The plan under the cooperative agreement will prescribe the general and specific responsibilities of the grantee as well as the grantor as well as foreseeable joint responsibilities. A schedule of tasks will be developed and agreed upon in addition to any special conditions relating to the implementation of the project.

Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,600,000.

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 to 4.

Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Budget Period:$400,000.

Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period:$400,000.

Length of Project Periods: 36 month project with three 12 month budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

State-controlled institutions of higher education; Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education;Private institutions of higher education; Others (see Additional Information on Eligibility below.)

Additional Information on Eligibility

Eligibility includes: Faith-based community organizations, domestic violence advocacy organizations, and public and private non-profit disability organizations with 501(c)(3) status.

Public or private non-profit educational institutions that have domestic violence institutes, centers or programs related to culturally specific issues in domestic violence; private non-profit organizations and/or collaborations that focus primarily on issues of domestic violence in racial and ethnic underserved communities. All applicants must have documented experience in the areas of domestic violence prevention and services, and experience and relevance to the specific underserved populations to whom assistance, outreach and information would be provided. Each applicant must have an advisory board/steering committee and staffing that is reflective of the targeted underserved community.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

None.

3. Other

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 period will be considered in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government. Total funds available for the first 12 months of the project are subject to the availability of funds.

All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27, 2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun & 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 (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.

Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:

A 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.
Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.

Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Disqualification Factors

Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this announcement.

Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., Attention FV-FYSB, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. Phone: 866-796-1591, Email: FYSB@dixongroup.com. Start Printed Page 23201

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via email or facsimile transmission.

Please note the following if you plan to submit your application electronically via Grants.gov

Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.
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.
We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your application to fully understand the process and requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight. If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the system.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program on www.Grants.gov.
You must search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA number.

An original and two copies of the complete application are required. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be submitted unbound.

Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov.

Standard Forms and Certifications: The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section V Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms required for making applications for awards under this announcement.

Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF 424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs; SF 424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application.

Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, 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, if applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application.

Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking prohibition is included with forms. 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 of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status, please refer to Section III.3.

Please see Section V.1, for instructions on preparing the full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Explanation of Application Due Dates: The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.

Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due 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., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).

ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.

Applicants will not be sent acknowledgement of applications received in hard-copy through the mail. Start Printed Page 23202Applicants that submit applications via Grants.gov will receive electronic acknowledgement.

Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition.

Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date will not be considered for competition.

Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications. Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.

Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer.

Checklist: You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.

What to submit	Required content	Required form or format	When to submit
Project Abstract	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
Project Description	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
Budget Narrative/Justification	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
SF 424	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
SF LLL Certification Regarding Lobbying	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Assurances	See Section IV.2		By application due date.
SF 424A	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Support Letters
Proof of Non-Profit Status	See Section III.3	Found in Section III.3	By application due date.
Abstract			By application due date.

Additional Forms: Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under “Grant Related Documents and Forms,” “Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,” titled, “Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,” at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

What to submit	Required content	Location	When to submit
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants	See form	Found in 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, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants 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 that may trigger the “accommodate or explain” rule.

When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th floor, Washington, DC 20447.

Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in the process, entities that meet 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. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by federally recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.

The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

ACYF will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than the applicant. The applicant Start Printed Page 23203must have a substantive role in the implementation for the project for which the 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.

6. Other Submission Requirements

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Attention: FV-FYSB Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.

Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be delivered to:

Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov. Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information.

The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2007.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

1. Criteria

The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the “project summary/abstract” and “full project description” sections of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).

Part I—The Project Description Overview

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, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must 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 in a manner that is clear and complete.

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. Identify the methodology, quantitative or qualitative, which will be used to determine the outcomes of the project.

Approach

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.

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. If the applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit status in its application.

The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate; (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status; (e) any of the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Budget and Budget Justification

Provide a budget with 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 Start Printed Page 23204sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. 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: The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).

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:

Approach (30 Points)

The extent to which the application outlines a sound and workable plan of action pertaining to the scope of the project, and details how the proposed work will be accomplished; relates each task to the objectives and identifies the key staff member who will be the lead person; provides a chart indicating the timetable for completing each task, the lead person, and the time committed; cites factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work, giving acceptable reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others; describes and supports any unusual features of the project, such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement; and provides for projections of the accomplishments to be achieved. The extent to which the application describes the evaluation methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the results and benefits identified are being achieved.

Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points)

The extent to which the application identifies the results and benefits to be derived, the extent to which they are consistent with the objectives of the applications, the extent to which the application indicates the anticipated contributions to policy, practice, and theory, and the extent to which the proposed project costs are reasonable in view of the expected results. Identify, in specific terms, the results and benefits, for target groups and human service providers, to be derived from implementing the proposed project.

Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)

The extent to which the need for the project and the problems it will address have national and local significance; the applicability of the project to coordination efforts by national, Tribal, State and local governmental and non-profit agencies, and its ultimate impact on domestic violence prevention services and intervention efforts, policies and practice; the relevance of other documentation as it relates to the applicant's knowledge of the need for the project; and the identification of the specific topic or area to be served by the project. Maps and other graphic aids may be attached.

The extent to which, when applicable, the application describes the evaluation methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the results and benefits identified are being achieved.

Budget and Budget Justification (15 Points)

Relate the proposed budget to the level of effort required to obtain the project's objectives and provide a cost/benefit analysis. Demonstrate that the project's costs are reasonable in view of the anticipated results. Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they include a budget that is concise and provides a detailed justification of the amount of Federal funds that are requested.

Organizational Profiles (15 Points)

The extent to which the participating organizations and entities have discussed, through letters and other documentation, the proposed collaboration and cooperation. Assess the extent to which the financial and physical resources provided by the participating entities will be adequate and to what extent will the coordinating organizations participate in the day to day operations of the project.

2. Review and Selection Process

No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application.

Approved but Unfunded Applications

In cases where more applications are approved for funding than ACF can fund with the money available, the Grants Officer shall fund applications in their order of approval until funds run out. In this case, ACF has the option of carrying over the approved applications up to a year for funding consideration in a later competition of the same program. These applications need not be reviewed and scored again if the program's evaluation criteria have not changed. However, they must then be placed in rank order along with other applications in later competition.

Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the process, 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 and Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information.

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 for which initial support will be given, and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified in writing.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).

3. Reporting Requirements

All grantees are required to submit semi-annual program reports; grantees are also required to submit semi-annual expenditure reports using the required financial standard form (SF 269) which can be found at the following URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm

Final reports are due 90 days after the end of the grant period.

Programmatic Reports: Semi-Annually.

Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.

Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 days after the grant period.

Financial Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 days after the grant period. Start Printed Page 23205

All grantees are required to submit semi-annual financial status reports using the required financial standard form (SF 269). A format for the program report will be sent to all grantees after the awards are made.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact: William D. Riley, Director, Family Violence Division, Room 2117, Switzer Building, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-401-5229. E-mail: wriley@acf.hhs.gov.

Grants Management Office Contact: Peter Thompson, Grants Officer, Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, Room 2070, Switzer Building, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-401-4608. E-mail: pthompson@acf.hhs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will no longer publish family violence discretionary grant announcements in the Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005 applicants will be able to find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically for opportunities via: www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF web site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grnts/index.html.

Additional Information on this program and its purpose can be located on the following web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb.

Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received applications.

Priority Area 2

I. Domestic Violence/Runaway and Homeless Youth Collaboration on the Prevention of Adolescent Dating Violence

1. Description

This announcement would offer the applicant organization, through a letter of agreement, the opportunity to design, develop, and collaborate in a service intersection area that has languished from the lack of concentrated attention. The approaches to the needs of this intersection are many and varied, for example: collaborative efforts that may accommodate informational needs; the development of training materials and curricula to be used in a learning environment; the collection of mutually useful data that may lead to more intensive service approaches; and the development of protocols for effective strategies of prevention/intervention that may lead to an improved pattern of service delivery.

Adolescent dating violence exhibits similar characteristics as adult violence in terms of its being a continuing and escalating form of abuse. As such, these behaviors range from verbal abuse to physical and sexual assaults. The cycle of abuse is also displayed in these early relationships as the violence may escalate over time. Moreover, a high percentage of disconnected youth come from homes where domestic violence occurs while 40 to 60 percent of men in court ordered treatment for domestic violence have witnessed it as a child. It also is recognized, however, that perpetrators of adolescent dating violence can be either male or female. As teenagers lack the experience of intimate relationships, the abuse they may be experiencing may be interpreted as jealousy of their partner's commitment to them. There is a need to raise the awareness of adolescent dating violence and send the message that it is not wrong or “uncool” to talk about or report the violence in a relationship. To encourage healthy relationships we need to promote programs to reduce adolescent violence through community awareness activities, education and prevention programs, and information and supportive opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must submit a signed interagency agreement between the organization representing the interest of Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) programs and the organization or coalition representing the domestic violence advocacy interests.

The agreement that is submitted will specifically indicate the roles and responsibilities that each agency and participating organizations will have in the planning and implementation of the proposed project. Moreover, the agreement will indicate the collaborative commitment to cultural sensitivity in the proposed project.

Applicants may propose to do one or more of the following, or may propose other related project activities that maintain the focus of the priority area:

Plan and implement cross-training activities between domestic violence service providers and advocates, youth workers, supervisors, and other social service providers on the relationships of adolescent dating violence and disconnected youth;
Develop and implement model intervention responses of youth workers to identified adolescent dating violence;
Support the development and adoption of model collaborative protocols for domestic violence service providers and youth workers; and
The compilation of service data correlating adolescent dating violence with youth who are serviced through Basic Center, Transitional Living Programs, and Street Outreach projects.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.

Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $300,000.

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 to 4.

Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Project Period: $75,000.

Average Projected Award Amount Per Project Period: $75,000.

Length of Project Periods: 36 month project with three 12 month budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Non-profit organizations not having 501(c)3 status.

Others (See Additional Information on Eligibility below).

Additional Information on Eligibility

Eligibility includes local public agencies and non-profit community-based organizations; faith-based and community-bsed organizations who are recipients, or have been recipients, of grant awards for Basic Center, Transitional Living and Street Outreach Family and Youth Services Bureau-funded projects; and non-profit domestic violence advocacy organizations and domestic violence State Coalitions who are or have been recipients of Family Violence Prevention and Services grant awards.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

No.

3. Other

All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27, 2003 the Start Printed Page 23206Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun & 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 (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.

Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:

A 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 earning 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.
Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.

Disqualification Factors

Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this announcement.

Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

ACYF Operations Center, c/o Dixon Group, FV-FYSB Funding; 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. Phone: 866-769-1591. E-mail: fysb@dixongroup.com.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper format.

To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via email or facsimile transmission.

Please note the following if you plan to submit your application electronically via Grants.gov

Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.
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.
We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your application to fully understand the process and requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight. If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the system.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program on www.Grants.gov.
You must search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA number.

Standard Forms and Certifications

The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section V Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms required for making applications for awards under this announcement.

Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement Start Printed Page 23207must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF 424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs; SF 424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application.

Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status, please refer to Section III.3.

Please see Section V.1, for instructions on preparing the full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Explanation of Application Due Dates

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.

ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.

Applicants will not be sent acknowledgement of applications received in hard-copy through the mail. Applicants that submit applications via Grants.gov will receive electronic acknowledgement.

Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date will not be considered for competition.

Checklist

You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.

What to submit	Required content	Required form or format	When to submit
Project Abstract	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
Project Description	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
Budget Narrative/Justification	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
SF 424	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
SF LLL Certification Regarding Lobbying	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Assurances	See Section IV.2		By application due date.
SF 424A	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Proof of Non-Profit Status	See Section III.3	Found in Section III.3	By application due date.

Additional Forms

What to submit	Required content	Location	When to submit
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants	See form	Found in http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)

The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

None.

6. Other Submission Requirements

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: The Dixon Group, Attention: FV-FYSB Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.

Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)

The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2007.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

1. Criteria

PART I—THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW

Purpose

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 in a quantifiable manner. 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/Start Printed Page 23209beneficiary 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. Identify the methodology, quantitative or qualitative, which will be used to determine the outcome of the project.

Approach

Outline a plan of action that 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 that 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.

Organizational Profiles

The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Budget and Budget Justification

Provide a budget with 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. 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: The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).

Approach (30 Points)

Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points)

Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)

Budget and Budget Justification (15 Points)

Relate the proposed budget to the level of effort required to obtain the project's objectives and provide a cost/benefit analysis. Demonstrate that the project's costs are reasonable in view of the anticipated results. Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they include a budget that is concise and provide a detailed justification of the amount of Federal funds that are requested. Start Printed Page 23210

Organizational Profiles (15 Points)

2. Review and Selection Process

No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application.

Approved But Unfunded Applications

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 for which initial support will be given, and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail.

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified in writing.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).

3. Reporting Requirements

Final reports are due 90 days after the end of the grant period.

Programmatic Reports: Semi-Annually.

Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.

Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 days after the grant period.

Financial Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 days after the grant period.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact

William D. Riley, Director, Family Violence Division, Room 2117, Switzer Building, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-401-5529. Email: wriley@acf.hhs.gov.

Grants Management Office Contact

Peter Thompson, Grants Officer, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Room 2070, Switzer Building, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-401-4608. Email: pthompson@acf.hhs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

Please see Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications.

Priority Area 3

I. Minority Training Grant Stipends in Domestic Violence for Historically Black, Hispanic-Serving, and Tribal Colleges and Universities

1. Description

The Minority Training Grant Stipends to Historically Black, Hispanic Serving, and Tribal Colleges and Universities will assist in generating skill-building and training opportunities in domestic violence prevention and services. The skill-building and training opportunities will be provided through field placements of the participating students. The field placements will occur in local domestic violence programs that may provide residential and non-residential services. These projects will be particularly responsive to issues of cultural content and designed to increase the extent to which minority groups participate in the domestic violence service community.

A substantial proportion of the of the domestic violence that occurs in the general population involves underserved populations, including populations that are underserved because of ethnic, racial, cultural, language diversity or geographic isolation. The purpose of this effort and priority area is to increase the numbers and the capacity of the advocates and allies to do the work that is needed in these communities to prevent domestic violence.

There are three Executive orders that support the provision of training grants to the educational institutions targeted in this priority area:

Executive Order 13021 of October 19, 1969, Tribal Colleges and Universities;
Executive Order 12900 of December 5, 1994, Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans; and
Executive Order 12876 of November 1, 1993, Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Executive Order 13021 reaffirms the special relationship of the Federal Government to the American Indians and identifies several purposes that support access to opportunities and resources, and that support educational opportunities of economically disadvantaged students; Executive Order 12900 requires the provision of quality education and increased opportunities for Hispanic Americans; and Executive Order 12876 requires strengthening the capacity of Historical Black Colleges and Universities to provide quality education and increased opportunities to participate in and benefit from Federal programs.

This priority area is intended to provide support for graduate and undergraduate students who show promise and demonstrate serious interest and commitment to domestic violence in underserved populations. Historically Black, Hispanic, and American Indian colleges and universities will be given consideration in order to generate skill building and training opportunities particularly Start Printed Page 23211responsive to issues of cultural content. This area also will support the growth of college and university-based practice knowledge about domestic violence and encourage social work students to pursue careers that will address these experiences and underscore the need for new social workers; and ultimately the identification of the potential for different approaches to prevention, identification of, and the treatment efforts for domestic violence in underserved populations.

Minimum Requirements

A field placement should provide stipends for individuals pursuing degrees in social work with a special interest in domestic violence. The stipend should provide one-year undergraduate or graduate support for skill-building and training for students interested in treatment and services to underserved racial and ethnic minority populations. Stipends should not exceed a 12-month period. All field placements will be at a minimum of 400 hours for a one-year period.

Placements must provide a structured learning environment enabling students to compare field experiences, integrate knowledge from the classroom, and expand knowledge beyond the scope of the practicum setting. (Baccalaureate and Master's Program Evaluative Standards, Interpretive Guidelines, Curriculum Policy Statement, and the Accreditation Standards and Self-Study Guides).

Proposals must include content about the differential assessment and intervention skills that will enable the practitioners to serve diverse populations. Placements should focus on the following general and specific areas: Information on domestic violence services in the community; interventions with shelters; batterers' groups and other treatment services; medical services to families experiencing domestic violence; legal advocacy; TANF relationships; crisis intervention services; community service centers; faith community interaction; and the families of prisoners.

Faculty must indicate the use of professional supervision, coordinate and monitor the practicum placements.

Proposals must define the social work setting and practice, field instructor assignments and activities, and student learning expectations and responsibilities. Clear practice and evaluation goals for the field practicum must be articulated including an orientation plan for the student to the practicum policy and agency's policy.

II. Award Information

Funding Instrument Type: Grant.

Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $1,000,000.

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 to 10.

Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards Per Project Period:$100,000.

Average Projected Award Amount Per Budget Period: $100,000.

Length of Project Periods: 36 month project with three 12 month budget periods.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

State controlled institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; Others (See Additional Information on Eligibility below.)

Additional Information on Eligibility:

Participating students are qualified undergraduate or graduate social work students. All of the applicant's students must be enrolled in the institution, be full-time students, and maintain satisfactory academic records. Awards will be made only to eligible institutions on behalf of their qualified student candidates.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

3. Other

Disqualification Factors

Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this announcement.

Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

ACYF Operations Center, c/o Dixon Group, FV-FYSB Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132. Phone: 866-796-1591. Email: fysb@dixongroup.com.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper format.

Please note the following if you plan to submit your application electronically via Grants.gov

Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.
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.
We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your application to fully understand the process and requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight. If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the system. Start Printed Page 23212
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program on www.Grants.gov
You must search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA number.

Standard Forms and Certifications

Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs; SF-424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the standard forms with their application.

Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status, please refer to Section III.3.

Please see Section V.1, for instructions on preparing the full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Explanation of Application Due Dates

The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.

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 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).

ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.

Applicants will not be sent acknowledgement of applications received in hard-copy through the mail. Applicants that submit applications via Grants.gov will receive electronic acknowledgement.

Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date will not be considered for competition.

Checklist

You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package. Start Printed Page 23213

What to submit	Required content	Required form or format	When to submit
Project Abstract	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
Project Description	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
Budget Narrative/Justification	See Sections IV.2 and V	Found in Sections IV.2 and V	By application due date.
SF424	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding Lobbying	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Assurances	See Section IV.2		By application due date.
SF424A	See Section IV.2	See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.
Proof of Non-Profit Status	See Section III.3	Found in Section III.3	By application due date.
Abstract			By application due date.

Additional Forms

What to submit	Required content	Location	When to submit
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants	See form	Found in http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm	By application due date.

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)

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.

Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in the process, entities that meet 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. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.

The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

5. Funding Restrictions

ACYF will not fund any project where the role of the application is 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 the funding is requested. This prohibition does not bar the making of subgrants or subcontracting for specific services or activities needed to conduct the project.

6. Other Submission Requirements

Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original application with all attachments, signed by an authorized representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: c/o Dixon Group, Attention: FV-FYSB Funding, 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002-2132.

Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov. Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically. Start Printed Page 23214

V. Application Review Information

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)

The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139 which expires 4/30/2007.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

1. Criteria

Part I—The Project Description Overview

Purpose

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 in a quantifiable manner. 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. Identify the methodology, quantitative or qualitative, which will be used to determine the outcomes of the project.

Approach

Organizational Profiles

The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

Budget and Budget Justification

Provide a budget with 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. 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

The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).

Approach (30 points)

The extent to which the application outlines a sound and workable plan of action pertaining to the scope of the project, and details how the proposed work will be accomplished; relates each Start Printed Page 23215task to the objectives and identifies the key staff member who will be the lead person; provides a chart indicating the timetable for completing each task, the lead person, and the time committed; cites factors which might accelerate or decelerate the work, giving acceptable reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others; describes and supports any unusual features of the project, such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement; and provides for projections of the accomplishments to be achieved. The extent to which, as applicable, the application describes the evaluation methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the results and benefits identified are being achieved.

Results or Benefits Expected (20 points)

Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 points)

Budget and Budget Justification (15 Points)

Organizational Profiles (15 Points)

Describe the staffing/faculty pattern for the proposed project, clearly linking responsibilities to project task and specifying the roles and contributions of key associated staff. Describe the qualifications of the project team including their experiences working on similar projects in an institutional setting and providing assistance and guidance to participating students. Also describe the relevant educational background and the demonstrated ability to produce results in the project that have potential for replication and are usable. One or two pertinent paragraphs on each key member of the project team are preferred to resumes.

2. Review and Selection Process

No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application.

Approved But Unfunded Applications

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified in writing.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).

45 CFR Part 1050

3. Reporting Requirements

All grantees are required to submit semi-annual program reports; grantees are also required to submit semi-annual expenditure reports using the required financial standard form (SF-269) which can be found at the following URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Final reports are due 90 days after the end of the grant period.

Programmatic Reports: Semi-Annually; Financial Reports: Semi-Annually; Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 days after the grant period.

Financial Reports: Semi-annually and a final report is due 90 days after the grant period.

All grantees are required to submit semi-annual financial status reports using the required financial standard form (SF-269). A format for the program report will be sent to all grantees after the awards are made.

VII. Agency Contacts

Program Office Contact

William D. Riley, Director, Family Violence Division, Room 2117, Switzer Building, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-401-5529. E-mail: wriley@acf.hhs.gov.

Grants Management Office Contact

VIII. Other Information

Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will no longer publish family violence discretionary grant announcements in the Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005 applicants will be able to find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply Start Printed Page 23216electronically for opportunities via: www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF Web site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grnts/index.html.

Additional information on this program and its purpose can be located on the following web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb.

Applicants will not be sent acknowledgements of received applications.

Dated: April 28, 2005.

Joan E. Ohl,

Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.

[FR Doc. 05-8896 Filed 5-3-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4184-01-P

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Document Information

Published:: 05/04/2005
Department:: Children and Families Administration
Entry Type:: Notice
Document Number:: 05-8896
Dates:: The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.
Pages:: 23198-23216 (19 pages)
PDF File:: 05-8896.pdf