02-11217. Request for Applications Under the Office of Community Services' Fiscal Year 2002 Community Food and Nutrition Program

AGENCY:

Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services.

ACTION:

Announcement of availability of funds and request for competitive applications under the Office of Community Services' Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP).

SUMMARY:

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS), invites eligible entities to submit competitive grant applications for new grants for the Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP) pursuant to the Secretary's discretionary authority under Section 681 of the Community Services Block Grant Act, as amended [Sec. 42 USC 9922]. This Program Announcement contains forms and instructions for submitting an application. The awarding of grants under this Program Announcement is subject to the availability of funds for support of these activities.

DATES:

To be considered for funding, applications must be postmarked on or before July 8, 2002. Applications postmarked after that date will not be accepted for consideration. See Part IV of this announcement for more information on submitting applications.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Catherine Rivers at [phone] or the OCS Operations Center at 1-800-281-9519 for referral to the appropriate contact person in OCS for programmatic questions or send an e-mail to: [e-mail].

For a copy of this announcement, contact: OCS Operations Center, 1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209, 1-800-281-9519.

In addition, this announcement is accessible on the OCS website for reading or downloading at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/​programs/​ocs/​kits1.htm

If this Program Announcement is not available at these sources, it may be obtained by telephoning or writing the office listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, Contact.

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for this program is 93.571. The title is Community Food and Nutrition Program.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This Program Announcement consists of seven parts plus Attachments:

Part I Background Information

A. Legislative Authority

B. Program Purpose

C. Project Goals

D. Definition of Terms

Part II Program Objectives and Requirements

A. Project Requirements

B. Program Priority Areas

C. Eligible Applicants

D. Availability of Funds and Grant Amounts

E. Mobilization of Resources

F. Project and Budget Periods

G. Administrative Costs/Indirect Costs

H. Program Beneficiaries

I. Number of Projects in Application

J. Multiple Submittal

K. Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects

Part III The Project Description, Program Proposal Elements and Review Criteria

A. Purpose

B. Project Summary Abstract

C. Objectives and Need for Assistance

D. Results or Benefits Expected

E. Approach

F. Organizational Profiles

G. Budget and Budget Justification

H. Non-Federal Resources

I. Evaluation Criteria

Part IV Application Procedures

A. Application Development/Availability of Forms

B. Application Submission

C. Intergovernmental Review

D. Initial OCS Screening

E. Consideration of Applications

Part V Instructions for Completing Forms SF-424

A. SF-424—Application for Federal Assistance

B. SF-424A—Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs

C. SF-424B—Assurances—Non-Construction Programs

Part VI Contents of Application and Receipt Process

A. Contents of Application

B. Application Format

C. Acknowledgment of Receipt

Part VII Post Award Information and Reporting Requirements

A. Notification of Grant Award

B. Reporting Requirements

C. Audit Requirements

D. Prohibitions and Requirements with Regard to Lobbying

E. Applicable Federal Regulations

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collected information.

The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139 which expires 12/31/2003.

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.

Part I. Background Information

A. Legislative Authority

The Community Services Block Grant Act, as amended, authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make funds available under several programs to support program activities which will result in direct benefits targeted to low-income people. This Program Announcement covers the grant authority found at Section 681 of the Community Services Block Grant Act, (The Act) (Pub. L. 97-35) as amended by the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285), Community Food and Nutrition Programs. The Act authorizes the Secretary to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities for community-based, local and statewide and national programs including programs benefitting Indians (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 9911) and migrant farm workers. Grant funds are provided to: (1) coordinate private and public food assistance resources, wherever the grant recipient involved determines such coordination to be inadequate, to better serve low-income populations; (2) to assist low-income communities to identify potential sponsors of child nutrition programs and to initiate such programs in underserved or unserved areas; and (3) to develop innovative approaches at the State and local level to meet the nutrition needs of low-income individuals.

B. Purpose of Community Food and Nutrition Program

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is committed to improving the overall health and nutritional well-being of all individuals, including low-income persons, through improved preventive health care and promotion of personal responsibility.

DHHS also recognizes that improving the health and nutrition status of low-income persons can also be improved by access to healthy, nutritious foods or by other means. The DHHS encourages community efforts to improve the coordination and integration of health and social services for all low-income families, and to identify opportunities for collaborating with other programs and services for this population. Such collaboration can increase a community's capacity to leverage resources and promote an integrated approach to health and nutrition through existing programs and services.

C. Project Goals

The goals of the Community Food and Nutrition Program are: (1) to coordinate private and public food assistance resources, wherever the grant recipient involved determines such coordination to be inadequate, to better serve the food and nutrition needs of low-income populations; (2) to assist low-income communities to identify potential sponsors of child nutrition programs and to initiate such programs in underserved or unserved areas; and (3) to develop innovative approaches at the State and local level to meet the nutrition needs of low-income individuals, including displaced workers, elderly people, children, and the working poor and other low-income individuals.

D. Definition of Terms

For purposes of this Program Announcement, the following definitions apply:

Budget period: The interval of time into which a grant period of assistance (project period) is divided for budgetary and funding purposes.

Displaced worker: An individual who is in the labor market but has been unemployed for six months or longer.

Eligible entity: State and local governments, as well as Indian tribes, and public and private nonprofit agencies/organizations including Community Action Agencies. (See Part II). Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for these grants.

Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities: Those communities designated as such by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Indian tribe: A tribe, band, or other organized group of Native American Indians recognized in the State or States in which it resides or considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian tribe or an Indian organization for any purpose.

Innovative project: One that departs from, or significantly modifies, past program practices and tests a new approach.

Migrant farmworker: An individual who works in agricultural employment of a seasonal or other temporary nature who is required to be absent from his/her place of permanent residence in order to secure such employment.

Program income: Gross income earned by the grant recipient that is directly generated by an activity supported with grant funds.

Project period: The total time for which a project is approved for support, including any approved extensions.

Seasonal farmworker: Any individual employed in agricultural work of a seasonal or other temporary nature who is able to remain at his/her place of permanent residence while employed.

Self-sufficiency: A condition where an individual or family does not need, and is not eligible to receive, TANF assistance under Title I of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act).

Underserved area (as it pertains to child nutrition programs): A locality in which less than one-half of the low-income children eligible for assistance participate in any child nutrition program.

Part II. Program Objectives and Requirements

The OCS invites qualified entities to submit competing grant applications for Community Food and Nutrition Projects that will establish, support, and/or manage food and nutrition services for low-income people. The main objective of the CFNP is to link low-income people to food and nutrition programs.

A. Project Requirements

Focus on one or more legislatively-mandated program activities: (a) coordination of private and public food assistance resources, wherever the grant recipient involved determines such coordination to be inadequate, to better serve low-income populations; (b) assistance to low-income communities in identifying potential sponsors of child nutrition programs and initiating such programs in unserved or underserved areas; and (c) development of innovative approaches at the state and local level to meet the nutrition needs of low-income individuals.

Additionally, in carrying out such activities, projects funded under this program should: (1) Be designed and intended to provide nutrition benefits, including those which incorporate the benefits of disease prevention, to a targeted low-income group of people; (2) Provide outreach and public education to inform eligible low-income individuals and families of other nutritional services available to them under the various Federally-assisted programs; (3) Carry out targeted communications and social marketing to improve dietary behavior and increase program participation among eligible low-income populations. Populations to be targeted can include displaced workers, elderly people, children, and the working poor, and (4) Consult with and/or inform local offices that administer other food programs such as W.I.C. and Food Stamps, where applicable, to ensure effective coordination which can jointly target services to increase their effectiveness. Such consultation may include involving these offices in planning grant applications.

The OCS views this program as a capacity building program, rather than a service delivery program.

B. Program Priority Areas

There are two Program Priority Areas under this program for Fiscal Year 2002: Priority Area 1.0, General Projects, under which OCS will accept applications as described below, and Priority Area 2.0, Nationwide Programs, will be covered under a separate Program Announcement as described below.

1. General Projects—Priority Area 1.0

The application should describe the target area and population to be served and discuss the nature and extent of the problem to be solved. The application must contain a detailed and specific work program that is sound and feasible. Projects funded under this Announcement must produce lasting and measurable results that fulfill the purposes of this program as described above. The OCS grant funds, in combination with private and/or other public resources, must be targeted to low-income individuals and communities.

Applicants will certify in their submission that projects will only serve the low-income population as stipulated in the DHHS Poverty Income Guidelines (Attachment A). Failure to certify that only beneficiaries that meet the DHHS Poverty Income Guidelines may result in the application not being considered for funding.

If an applicant proposes a project which will affect a property listed in, or eligible for, inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, it must identify this property in the narrative and explain how it has complied with the provisions of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. If there is any question as to whether the property is listed in, or is eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places, applicant should consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer. The applicant should contact OCS early in the development of its application for instructions regarding compliance with the Act and data required to be submitted to DHHS.

When projects proposed to mobilize or improve the coordination of existing public and private food assistance resources, the guidelines governing those resources apply. However, when projects propose to provide direct assistance to beneficiaries through grants funded under this program, those beneficiaries must fall within the official DHHS Poverty Income Guidelines as set forth in Attachment A.

Applications proposing the use of grant funds to develop printed or visual materials must contain convincing evidence that these materials are not available from other sources. The OCS will not provide funding for such items if justification is not sufficient. Approval of any films or visual presentations proposed by applicants approved for funding will be made part of the grant award. When material outlays for equipment (audio and visual) are requested, specific evidence must be presented that there is a definite programmatic connection between the equipment (audio and visual) usage and the outreach requirements described in Part II of this Announcement.

2. Nationwide Program—Priority Area 2.0

Under a separate Program Announcement, ACF/OCS will invite eligible applicants to compete for a grant to administer, through a Cooperative Agreement, the CFNP Nationwide Program. The ACF will make available approximately $300,000 to support the project for the first year. It is expected that this will be a three-year project.

For further information or to obtain a copy of the CFNP Nationwide Program Announcement, contact the office listed in this Announcement under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT.

C. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are State and local governments, Indian tribes, and public and private nonprofit agencies/organizations with a demonstrated ability to successfully develop and implement programs and activities similar to those enumerated above. The OCS encourages Historically Black Colleges and Universities, minority institutions and faith-based organizations to submit applications. Eligible applicants with programs benefitting Native Americans and migrant or seasonal farmworkers are also encouraged to submit applications.

Any nonprofit organization, including faith-based organizations, are eligible to apply for these funds. In submitting an application, each organization must submit proof of its nonprofit status at the time of submission. The nonprofit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of either the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations, a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, or a copy of the applicant's Articles of Incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or association is domiciled.

D. Availability of Funds and Grant Amounts

1. Fiscal Year 2002 Funding

The funds available for grant awards under the Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP) in Fiscal Year 2002 are: General Projects—Priority Area 1.0: *$2,400,000.

All grant awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

2. Grant Amounts

No individual grant application will be considered for an amount in excess of $50,000 for applications submitted under General Projects.

E. Mobilization of Resources

The OCS would like to mobilize as many resources as possible to enhance projects funded under the CFNP. The OCS supports and encourages applications submitted by applicants whose programs will leverage other resources, either cash or third party in-kind.

F. Project Periods and Budget Periods

For most projects, OCS will grant funds for one year. However, in rare instances, depending on the characteristics of any individual project and the justification presented in the application, a grant may be made for a project period of up to 17 months.

G. Administrative Costs/Indirect Costs

There is no predetermined administrative cost ceiling for projects funded under this program. Indirect costs consistent with approved indirect cost rate agreements are allowable. Applicants should enclose a copy of the current approved rate agreement. However, it should be understood that indirect costs are part of, and not in addition to, the amount of funds awarded in the subject grant.

H. Program Beneficiaries

Projects proposed for funding under this Announcement must result in direct benefits targeted toward low-income people as defined in the most recent annual update of the Poverty Income Guidelines published by DHHS. Attachment A to this Announcement is an excerpt from the most recently published guidelines. Annual revisions of these guidelines are normally published in the Federal Register in February or early March of each year and are applicable to projects being implemented at the time of publication. Grantees will be required to apply the most recent guidelines throughout the project period. The Federal Register may be obtained from public libraries, Congressional offices, or by writing the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. The Federal Register is also available on the Internet through GPO Access at the following web address: http://www.access.gpo.gov/​su_​docs/​aces/​aces140.html.

No other government agency or privately defined poverty guidelines are applicable to determining low-income eligibility for this OCS program.

I. Number of Projects in Application

An application may contain only one proposed project and this project must address the basic criteria found in Parts II and III of this Program Announcement. Applications not complying with these requirements will not be funded.

J. Multiple Submittal

There is no limit to the number of applications that can be submitted by an eligible applicant as long as each application is for a different project. However, no applicant will receive more than one grant.

K. Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects

The OCS will not fund any project where the role of the eligible applicant is primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to other organizations.

Part III. The Project Description, Program Proposal Elements and Review Criteria

A. Purpose

The project description provides the major means by which an application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise, 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. 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 resources directly related to the proposed project and those that will not be used in support of the specific project for which funds are requested.

B. Project Summary/Abstract

Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request.

C. Objectives and Need for Assistance

Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, instructional, 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.

D. Results or Benefits Expected

Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, describe the population to be served by the Community Food and Nutrition Program, including how many low-income people are projected to be served. Explain the ways in which the project will be used to reach your client base and will benefit participants, including whether it may aid some participants in moving towards self-sufficiency.

E. 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 the 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 served. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates.

Indicate whether data will be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated. Note that clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in order to conduct such activities. This requirement pertains to any “collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF”.

The OCS is also interested in projects that address the needs of homeless families and welcomes applications that seek to develop innovative approaches to promote health and nutritional awareness among low-income populations.

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.

F. 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 either the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations, or the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, or, the articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or association is domiciled.

G. Budget and Budget Justification

Provide a 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 categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Equipment

Description: “Equipment” means an article of non-expendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the capitalization level established by the organization for the financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in, or excluded from, acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular written accounting practices.)

Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant organization whose definition of equipment differs from ACF's definition of equipment as described above should provide a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the equipment definition.

Supplies

Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than that included under Equipment.

Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports the amount requested.

Contractual

Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those which belong under other categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.

Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 USC 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.

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. Non-Federal Resources

Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. The firm commitment of these resources must be documented and submitted with the application in order to be given credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for each funding source.

I. Evaluation Criteria

Proposal Elements and Review Criteria for Applications

Each application which passes the initial screening described in Part IV, Section D of this Program Announcement will be assessed and scored by three independent reviewers. Each reviewer will give a numerical score for each application. These numerical scores will be supported by explanatory statements on a formal rating form describing major strengths and weaknesses under each applicable criterion published in the Announcement. Scoring will be based on a total of 100 points, and for each application will be the average of the scores of the three reviewers.

The competitive review of proposals will be based on the degree to which applicants:

(1) adhere to the requirements in PART II and (2) incorporate each of the Elements and Sub-Elements below into their proposals, so as to describe convincingly a project that will develop new food and nutrition services/activities to benefit low-income households including displaced workers, elderly people, children, and the working poor.

In order to simplify the application preparation and review process, OCS seeks to keep grant proposals cogent and brief. Applications with project narratives (excluding Project Summaries, Budget Justifications and Appendices) exceeding 30 letter-sized pages of 12 c.p.i. type or equivalent on a single side will not be reviewed. Applicants should prepare and assemble their project descriptions using the following outline of required project elements. They should, furthermore, build their project concept, plans, and application description upon the guidelines set forth for each of the project elements.

Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, not length. Pages should be numbered consecutively and a table of contents should be included for easy reference. Applicants are reminded that the overall Project Narrative must not exceed 30 pages.

When writing their Project Narratives, applicants should respond to the review criteria using the same sequential order.

Criteria for Review and Evaluation of Applications Submitted Under This Program Announcement: (Note: The review criteria both reiterate and explain in greater detail the information requirements contained in Part II of this Announcement.)

Evaluation Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance

Element I. Description of Target Population and Analysis of Needs/Priorities (0 to 10 Points)

Sub-Element I(a) Description of Target Population. (0 to 4 Points)

In addressing this criterion, the applicant should describe the target area and population to be served, including specific details on any minority population(s) to be served.

Sub-Element I(b) Analysis of Needs/Priorities (0 to 6 Points)

In addressing the above criterion, the applicant should discuss the nature and extent of the problem(s) and/or need(s), including specific information on minority populations(s).

Evaluation Criterion 2: Approach I

Element II. Adequacy of Work Program (0 to 25 Points)

Sub-Element II(a). Realistic Quarterly Time Lines (0 to 10 Points)

Applicant should provide realistic quarterly projections of the activities to be carried out including the projected number of beneficiaries to be served each quarter.

Sub-Element II(b). Detailed Work Plan (0-15)

Applicant must insure that activities are adequately described and appear reasonably likely to achieve results which will have a desired impact on the identified problems and/or needs.

In addressing this criterion, the applicant should address the basic criteria and other mandated activities found in Part II and should include:

(1) Project priorities, and rationale for selecting them, which relate to the specific nutritional problem(s) and/or need(s) of the target population identified under Criterion I;

(2) Goals and objectives that speak to the(se) problem(s) and/or need(s); and

(3) Project activities that, if successfully carried out, can reasonably be expected to result in achieving these goals and objectives.

Evaluation Criterion 3: Results or Benefits Expected

Element III. Significant and Beneficial Impact (0-30 Points)

Sub-Element III(a) Improvement in Nutrition Services to Low-Income People (0 to 15 Points)

Applicants shall address how they propose to significantly improve or increase nutrition services to low-income people and indicate how such improvements or increases are quantified.

Sub-Element III(b) Promotional Health and Social Service Activities Included in Nutrition Services (0 to 5 Points)

Applicant incorporates into the project awareness of health and social services activities for low-income people along with nutritional services.

Sub-Element III(c) Commitment of Resources (0 to 5 Points)

Applicant indicates that the project will significantly leverage or mobilize other community resources. These resources are detailed and quantified.

Sub-Element III(d) One Time Funding (0 to 5 Points)

Applicant demonstrates either that the project addresses problem(s) that can be resolved by one-time OCS funding, or demonstrates that non-Federal funding is available to continue the project without Federal support.

In addressing the above criterion, the applicant must include quantitative data for items (a),(b), and (c), and discuss how the beneficial impact relates to the relevant legislatively-mandated program activities identified in Part II and the problems and/or needs described under Criterion I.

Evaluation Criterion 4: Approach II

Element IV. Coordination/Services Integration (0 to 15 Points)

Sub-Element IV (a) Coordinated Community-Based Planning (0 to 10 Points)

Application demonstrates evidence of coordinated community-based planning in its development, including strategies in the work program to collaborate with other locally-funded Federal programs (such as DHHS health and social services and USDA Food and Consumer Service programs) in ways that will eliminate duplication and will, for example: (1) unite funding streams at the local level to increase program outreach and effectiveness; (2) facilitate access to other needed social services by coordinating and simplifying intake and eligibility certification processes for clients; or (3) bring project participants into direct interaction with holistic family development resources in the community where needed.

Sub-Element IV (b) Community Empowerment Consideration (0 to 5 Points)

Special consideration will be given to applicants located in areas characterized by poverty and other indicators of socio-economic distress such as a poverty rate of at least 20 percent, designation as an Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community, high levels of unemployment, and high levels of incidences of violence, gang activity, crime, or drug use. Applicants should document their involvement in preparing and planned implementation of a comprehensive community-based strategic plan to achieve both economic and human development in an integrated manner.

If the applicant is receiving funds from the State for community food and nutrition activities, the applicant should address how the funds are being utilized, and how they will be coordinated with the proposed project to maximize the effectiveness of both. If State funds are being used in the project for which OCS funds are being requested, their usage should be specifically described.

Evaluation Criterion 5: Organizational Profiles

Element V. Organizational Experience and Administrative Capability (0 to 15 Points)

Sub-Element V(a). Organizational Experience in Program Area (0-5 Points)

The applicant should document the organization's capability and relevant experience in developing and operating programs which deal with poverty problems similar to those to be addressed by the proposed project. Documentation provided should indicate that projects previously undertaken have been relevant and effective and have provided permanent benefits to the low-income population. Organizations proposing training and technical assistance should have detailed competence in the program area and expertise in training and technical assistance. If applicable, information provided by these applicants also addresses related achievements and competence of each cooperating or sponsoring organization.

Sub-Element V(b). Management History (0-5 Points)

Applicants must demonstrate their ability to implement sound and effective management practices. If they have been recipients of other Federal or other governmental grants, they must also document their compliance with financial and program progress reporting and audit requirements. Such documentation may be in the form of references to any available audit or progress reports and should be accompanied by a statement from a Certified or Licensed Public Accountant as to the sufficiency of the applicant's financial management system to protect adequately any Federal funds awarded under the application submitted.

Sub-Element V(c). Staff Skills, Resources and Responsibilities (0-5 Points)

The application should adequately describe the experience and skills of the proposed Project Director, showing that the individual is not only well qualified, but that his/her professional capabilities are relevant to successfully implement the project. If the key staff person has not yet been identified, the application contains a comprehensive position description indicating that the responsibilities to be assigned to the project director are relevant to successfully implement the project. The application must indicate that the applicant has adequate facilities and resources (i.e. space and equipment) to carry out the work plan successfully.

In addressing the above criterion, the applicant must clearly show that sufficient time of the Project Director and other senior staff will be budgeted to assure timely project implementation and oversight and that the assigned responsibilities of the staff are appropriate to the tasks identified.

Evaluation Criterion 6: Budget and Budget Justification

Element VI. Appropriateness of Budget (0 to 5 Points)

Every application must include a Budget Justification, placed after the budget forms SF 424 and 424A, explaining the sources and uses of project funds. The budget is adequate and administrative costs are appropriate to the services proposed.

Part IV. Application Procedures

A. Application Development/Availability of Forms

To be considered for a grant under this program announcement, an application must conform to the Program Requirements set out in Part II and be prepared in accordance with the guidelines set out in Part III. It must be submitted on the forms supplied in the attachments to this Announcement and in the manner prescribed below. Attachments A through K contain all standard forms necessary to apply for awards under this OCS program. These attachments and Parts V and VI of this Announcement contain all the general instructions required for submitting applications.

Additional copies may be obtained by writing or telephoning the office listed under the section entitled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: at the beginning of this announcement. In addition, this Announcement is accessible on the Internet through the OCS Website for reading or downloading at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/​programs/​ocs/​kits1.htm under “Funding Opportunities.”

The applicant must be aware that in signing and submitting the application for this award, it is certifying that it will comply with the Federal requirements concerning the drug-free workplace, the Certification Regarding environmental tobacco smoke, and debarment regulations set forth in Attachments E, J, and F.

PART III contains instructions for the substance and development of the project narrative. PART V contains instructions for completing application forms. PART VI, Section A, describes the contents and format of the application as a whole.

B. Application Submission

1. Number of Copies Required. One signed original application and two copies must be submitted at the time of initial submission. (OMB 0970-0139). Two additional optional copies would be appreciated to facilitate the processing of applications.

2. Closing Date. The closing date for submitting applications is July 8, 2002. Applications postmarked after the closing date will be classified as late.

Hand delivered applications are accepted during the normal working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST at the Community Food and Nutrition Program Operations Center: 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209 between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.)

Mailing Address: Applications must be mailed to Community Food and Nutrition Program Operations Center, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209; Attention: Application for Community Food and Nutrition Program.

Applicants must ensure that a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark, or a legibly dated machine produced postmark of a commercial mail service, or an official dated receipt of an overnight/express delivery service, is affixed to the envelope/package containing the application(s). To be acceptable as proof of timely mailing, a postmark from a commercial mail service or receipt from an overnight/express delivery service company must include the logo/emblem of the company and must reflect the date the package was received by the company from the applicant. Private Metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.

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

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

4. Extension of Deadlines. ACF may extend an application deadline for applicants affected by acts of God such as floods and hurricanes, or when there is widespread disruption of the mails. A determination to waive or extend deadline requirements rest with ACF's Chief Grants Management Officer.

C. Intergovernmental Review

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, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, and Palau have elected to participate in the Executive Order process and have established Single Points of Contact (SPOCs). Applicants from these twenty-seven 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 indicate “not applicable” if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a.

Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.

SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations.

Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations which may trigger the “accommodate or explain” rule.

When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management/OCSE, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., 4th floor East, Washington, D.C. 20447.

A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory is included as Attachment G to this Announcement.

D. Initial OCS Screening

Each application submitted under this program announcement will undergo a pre-review to determine that the application was postmarked by the closing date and submitted in accordance with the instructions in this Announcement.

All applications that meet the published deadline requirements as provided in this Program Announcement will be screened for completeness and conformity with the following requirements. Only complete applications that meet the requirements listed below will be reviewed and evaluated competitively. Other applications will be returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable and will not be reviewed.

The following requirements must be met by all Applicants except as noted:

(1) The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance” (SF-424), Attachment B, a budget (SF-424A), Attachment C, and signed “Assurances” (SF 424B), Attachment D, completed according to instructions published in Part V and Attachments A, B, and C of this Program Announcement. The SF-424 and the SF-424B must be signed by an official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the organization legally. Applicant must also be aware that the applicant's legal name as required on the SF-424 (Item 5) must match that listed as corresponding to the Employer Identification Number (Item 6).

(2) A project narrative must also accompany the standard forms. OCS requires that the narrative portion of the application be no more than 30 letter-size pages, numbered consecutively , and typewritten on one side of the paper only with one-inch margins and type face no smaller than 12 characters per inch (c.p.i.) or equivalent. Applications with project narratives (excluding Project Summaries and appendices) of more than 30 letter-size pages of 12 c.p.i. type or equivalent on a single side will not be reviewed for funding.

The budget narrative, charts, exhibits, resumes, position descriptions, letters of support or commitment are not counted against this page limit and should be in the Appendix. It is strongly recommended that applicants adopt for their program project narratives the sequence and content described in part III, section I.

(3) Application must contain documentation of the applicant's tax exempt status as required under PART II, Section C.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to mobilize additional resources, which may be cash or in-kind contributions, Federal or non-Federal. [See PART E]

E. Consideration of Applications

Applications which pass the initial OCS screening will be reviewed and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of the Program Elements and Review Criteria set forth in PART III. These review criteria were designed to assess the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood of its success. The review criteria are closely related and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Points are awarded only to applications which are responsive to the program elements and review criteria within the context of this Program Announcement.

Reviewers' scores will assist the Director and OCS program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered.

Applications generally will be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly ranked applications are not guaranteed funding because other factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to: the timely and proper completion by applicant of projects funded with OCS funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; amount and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's consistency and harmony with OCS goals and policy; geographic distribution of applications; previous program performance of applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants, including the actual dedication to program of mobilized resources as set forth in project applications; audit reports; investigative reports; and applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous OCS or other Federal agency grants.

Applicants may omit from the application the specific salary rates or amounts for individuals identified in the application budget. Rather, only summary information is required. OCS reserves the right to discuss applications with other Federal or non-Federal funding sources to verify the applicant's performance record and the documents submitted.

Part V. Instructions for Completing Forms SF 424

All application forms are now available on the ACF website for downloading: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/​programs/​ofs/​forms.htm.

The standard forms attached to this announcement shall be used to apply for funds under this program announcement.

It is suggested that you reproduce single-sided copies of the SF-424 and SF-424A, and type your application on the copies. Please prepare your application in accordance with instructions provided on the forms (Attachments B,C and D) as modified by the instructions set forth in PART III. above, and the OCS specific instructions set forth below:

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 which describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs. (Note: The Budget detail and Narrative Budget Justification should follow the SF 424 and 424A, and are not counted as part of the Project Narrative.)

A. SF-424—Application for Federal Assistance (Attachment B)

Where the applicant is a previous DHHS grantee, enter the Central Registry System Employee Identification Number (CRS/EIN) and the Payment Identifying Number, if one has been assigned, in the Block entitled Federal Identifier located at the top right hand corner of the form (third line from the top).

Item 1. For the purposes of this announcement, all projects are considered Applications; there are no Pre-Applications.

Item 7. If applicant Is an Indian Tribe enter “K” in the box. If applicant is a non-profit organization enter “N” in the box.

Item 9. Name of Federal Agency—Enter DHHS-ACF/OCS.

Item 10. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for OCS programs covered under this announcement is 93.571. The title is “Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP).”

Item 11. In addition to a brief descriptive title of the project, indicate the priority area for which funds are being requested. Use the following letter designations:

Use Priority Area 1.0 for General Projects.

Item 13. Proposed Project Dates—Show 12-month project period. (See Part II) In addition, the project start date must begin on or before September 30, 2002; the ending date should be calculated on the basis of a 12-month Project Period.

Item 14. Congressional District of Applicant/Project—Enter the number(s) of the Congressional District where the applicant's principal office is located and the number(s) of the Congressional District(s) where the project will be located.

Item 15. Estimated Funding—Item 15a. Show the total amount requested for the entire project period; Item 15b-e. For each line item, show both cash and third party in-kind contributions for the total project period; Item 15f. Show the estimated amount of program income for the total project period; Item 15g. Enter the sum of all the line items.

B. SF-424A—Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs (Attachment C)

In completing these sections, the Federal Funds budget entries will relate to the requested OCS Community Food and Nutrition Program funds only, and Non-Federal will include funds mobilized from all other sources—applicant, state, local, and other. Federal funds other than those requested from the Community Food and Nutrition Program should be included in Non-Federal entries.

Sections A and D of SF-424A must contain entries for both Federal (OCS) and non-Federal mobilized funds.

Section A—Budget Summary

Lines 1—4

Column (a) Line 1—Enter OCS CFNP

Column (b) Line 1—Enter 93.571

Columns (c) and (d)—Not Applicable

Columns (e), (f) and (g)—Line 1—Enter appropriate amounts needed to support the project for the entire project period.

Line 5

Enter the figures from Line 1 for all columns completed, (e), (f), and (g).

Section B—Budget Categories

This section should contain entries for OCS funds only. For all projects, the first budget period of 12 months will be entered in Column (1).

Allocability of costs is governed by applicable cost principles set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 45, parts 74 and 92.

Budget estimates for administrative costs must be supported by adequate detail for the grants officer to perform a cost analysis and review. Adequately detailed calculations for each budget object class are those which reflect estimation methods, quantities, unit costs salaries, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. For any additional object class categories included under the object class other, identify the additional object class(es) and provide supporting calculations.

Supporting narratives and justifications are required for each budget category, with emphasis on unique/special initiatives; large dollar amounts; local, regional, or other travel; new positions; major equipment purchases; and training programs.

A detailed itemized budget with a separate budget justification for each major item should be included as indicated below:

Line 6a

Personnel—Enter the total costs of salaries and wages.

Justification—Identify the project director and staff. Specify by title or name the percentage of time allocated to the project, the individual annual salaries and the cost to the project (both Federal and non-Federal) of the organization's staff who will be working on the project.

Line 6b

Fringe Benefits—Enter the total costs of fringe benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate which is entered on Line 6j.

Justification—Enter the total costs of fringe benefits, unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate. Provide a breakdown of amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs.

Line 6c

Travel—Enter total cost of all travel by employees of the project. Do not enter costs for consultant's travel.

Justification—Include the name(s) of traveler(s), total number of trips, destinations, length of stay, mileage rate, transportation costs and subsistence allowances. Traveler must be a person listed under the personnel line or employee being paid under non-Federal share. (Note: Local transportation and consultant travel costs are entered on Line 6h.)

Line 6d

Equipment—Enter the total costs of all equipment to be acquired by the project. Equipment means an article of non-expendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the capitalization level established by the organization for financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. [Note: If an applicant's current rate agreement was based on another definition for equipment, such as “tangible personal property $500 or more,” the applicant shall use the definition used by the cognizant agency in determining the rate(s). However, consistent with the applicant's equipment policy, lower limits may be set.]

Justification—Equipment to be purchased with Federal funds must be required to conduct the project, and the applicant organization or its sub-grantees must not already have the equipment or a reasonable facsimile available to the project.

Line 6e

Supplies—Enter the total costs of all tangible personal property other than that included on line 6d.

Justification—Provide a general description of what is being purchased such as type of supplies (office, classroom, medical, etc.). Include equipment costing less than $5,000 per item.

Line 6f

Contractual—Costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those which belong under other categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.

Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and sub-recipients, other than States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 USC 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.

Line 6g

Construction—Not applicable.

Line 6h

Other—Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable, may include, but are not limited to, insurance, food, medical and dental costs (non-contractual); fees and travel paid directly to individual consultants; local transportation (all travel which does not require per diem is considered local travel); space and equipment rentals; printing and publication; computer use training costs including tuition and stipends; training service costs including wage payments to individuals and supportive service payments; and staff development costs.

Line 6j

Indirect Charges—Enter the total amount of indirect costs. This line should be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by DHHS or other Federal agencies.

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 pertinent DHHS Guide for Establishing Indirect Cost Rates and submit it to the appropriate DHHS Regional Office. It should be noted that when an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool cannot also be budgeted or charged as direct costs to the grant. Indirect costs consistent with approved indirect cost rate agreements are allowable. 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 acknowledgment that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

Line 6k

Totals—Enter the total amount of Lines 6i and 6j.

Line 7

Program Income—Enter the estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be generated from this project. Separately show expected program income generated from OCS support and income generated from other mobilized funds. Do not add or subtract this amount from the budget total. Show the nature and source of income in the program narrative statement.

Justification—Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of program income in the Program Narrative Statement.

Section C—Non-Federal Resources

This section is to record the amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to support the project. Non-Federal resources mean other than OCS funds for which the applicant has received a commitment. Provide a brief explanation, on a separate sheet, showing the type of contribution, broken out by Object Class Category, (see SF-424A, Section B.6) and whether it is cash or third party in-kind. The firm commitment of these required funds must be documented and submitted with the application in order to be given credit in the criterion.

This documentation must be in the form of letters of commitment or letters of intent from the organization(s)/individuals from which funds will be received.

Line 8

Column (a)—Enter the project title.

Column (b)—Enter the amount of cash or donations to be made by the applicant.

Column (c)—Enter the State contribution.

Column (d)—Enter the amount of cash and third party in-kind contributions to be made from all other sources.

Column (e)—Enter the total of columns (b), (c), and (d).

Lines 9, 10 and 11

Leave Blank.

Line 12

Carry the total of each column of Line 8, (b) through (e). The amount in Column (e) should be equal to the amount on Section A, Line 5, Column (f).

Justification—Describe third party in-kind contributions, if included.

Section D—Forecasted Cash Needs

Line 13

Federal—Enter the amount of Federal (OCS) cash needed for this grant, by quarter, during the 12-month budget period.

Line 14

Non-Federal—Enter the amount of cash from all other sources needed by quarter during the first year.

Line 15

Totals—Enter the total of Lines 13 and 14.

Section F—Other Budget Information

Line 21

Direct Charges—Include narrative justification required under Section B for each object class category for the total project period.

Line 22

Indirect Charges—Enter the type of DHHS or other Federal agency approved indirect cost rate (provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) that will be in effect during the funding period, the estimated amount of the base to which the rate is applied and the total indirect expense. Also, enter the date the rate was approved, where applicable. Attach a copy of the approved rate agreement.

Line 23

Provide any other explanations and continuation sheets required or deemed necessary to justify or explain the budget information.

C. SF-424B—Assurances Non-Construction Programs (Attachment D)

All applicants must sign and return the “Assurances” with the application.

Part VI. Contents of Application and Receipt Process

A. Contents of Application

Each CFNP application must include all of the following, in the order listed below:

1. Table of Contents

2. An abstract of the Proposed Project—very brief, not to exceed 250 words, that would be suitable for use in an announcement that the application has been selected for a grant award and which identifies the type of project, the target population, and the major elements of the work plan.

3. A completed Standard Form 424 that has been signed by an Official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority to obligate the organization legally. (Attachment B)

4. Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) (Attachment C);

5. A narrative budget justification for each object class category required under Section B, SF-424A.

6. Certification and Assurances Required: Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-construction project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, “Assurances: Non-Construction Programs” with their applications. (See Attachment D)

Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying. Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish an executed copy of the lobbying certification. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. (See Attachment H)

Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the applications. (See Attachment E)

Applicant must make the appropriate certification that they are not presently debarred, suspended or otherwise ineligible for award. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back the certification with the applications. (See Attachment F)

Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statues relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the certification and need not mail back a certification form.

Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke. (See Attachment J)

7. A Project Narrative of no more than 30 pages consisting of the Elements described in Part III of this announcement set forth in the order therein presented and preceded by a consecutively numbered table of contents.

The total number of pages for the narrative portion of the application package must not exceed 30 pages. (See Part IV.D.2 for pages that do not count against the 30-page limit).

8. Appendices—proof of nonprofit tax-exempt status as outlined in Part II, Section C; Single Point of Contact comments, if applicable, and resumes and position descriptions.

Pages should be numbered sequentially throughout, including appendices, beginning with the Abstract as page 1.

B. Application Format

Applications must be uniform in composition since OCS may find it necessary to duplicate them for review purposes. Therefore, applications must be submitted on white 8-1/2 x 11 inch paper only. Applicants must not include colored, oversized or folded materials. Applicants should not include organizational brochures or other promotional materials, slides, films, clips, etc. Such material will be discarded if included.

Applications must be bound or enclosed in loose-leaf binder notebooks. Preferably, applications should be two-holed punched at the top center and fastened separately with a compressor slide paper fastener, or a binder clip.

C. Acknowledgment of Receipt

All applicants will receive an acknowledgment with an assigned identification number. Applicants are requested to supply a self-addressed mailing label with their Application, or a FAX number or e-mail address which can be used for acknowledgment. The assigned identification number, along with any other identifying codes, must be referenced in all subsequent communications concerning the Application. If an acknowledgment is not received within three weeks after the deadline date, please notify the OCS Operations Center at 1-800-281-9519.

Part VII. Post Award Information and Reporting Requirements

A. Notification of Grant Award

Following approval of the applications selected for funding, notice of project approval and authority to draw down project funds will be made in writing. The official award document is the Financial Assistance Award which specifies the amount of Federal funds approved for use in the project, the project and budget period for which support is provided, the terms and conditions of the award.

B. Reporting Requirements

Grantees will be required to submit semi-annual program progress and financial reports (SF 269) as well as a final progress and financial report.

C. Audit Requirements

Grantees are subject to the audit requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-profit organizations) or Part 92 (governmental entities) which require audits under OMB Circular A-133.

D. Prohibitions and Requirements With Regard To Lobbying

Section 319 of Public Law 101-121, signed into law on October 23, 1989, imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and loans. It provides limited exemptions for Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Current and prospective recipients (and their subtier contractors and/or grantees) are prohibited from using appropriated funds for lobbying Congress or any Federal agency in connection with the award of a contract, grant, cooperative agreement or loan. In addition, for each award action in excess of $100,000 (or $150,000 for loans) the law requires recipients and their subtier contractors and/or sub-grantees (1) to certify that they have neither used nor will use any appropriated funds for payment to lobbyists, (2) to submit a declaration setting forth whether payments to lobbyists have been or will be made out of non-appropriated funds and, if so, the name, address, payment details, and purpose of any agreements with such lobbyists whom recipients or their subtier contractors or sub-grantees will pay with the non-appropriated funds and (3) to file quarterly up-dates about the use of lobbyists if an event occurs that materially affects the accuracy of the information submitted by way of declaration and certification.

The law establishes civil penalties for noncompliance and is effective with respect to contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and loans entered into or made on or after December 23, 1989. See Attachment H, for certification and disclosure forms to be submitted with the applications for this program.

E. Applicable Federal Regulations

Attachment K indicates the regulations which apply to all applicants/grantees under the Community Food and Nutrition Program.

Dated: April 19, 2002.

Clarence H. Carter,

Director, Office of Community Services.

List of Attachments

A. 2002 Poverty Income Guidelines.

B. Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance.

C. Standard Form 424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs.

D. Standard Form 424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs.

E. Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements.

F. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension And Other Responsibility Matters.

G. Intergovernmental Review State Single Point Of Contact (SPOC) List.

H. Certification Regarding Lobbying and Disclosure Of Lobbying Activities, Standard Form LLL.

I. Applicant's Checklist.

J. Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke.

K. DHHS Regulations Applying To All Applicants/Grantees Under The Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP).

Attachment A

2002 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia

Size of family unit	Poverty guideline
1	$8,860
2	11,940
3	15,020
4	18,100
5	21,180
6	24,260
7	27,340
8	30,420
Note.—For family units with more than 8 members, add $3,080 for each additional member. (The same increment applies to smaller family sizes also, as can be seen in the figures above).

2001 Poverty Guidelines for Alaska

Size of family unit	Poverty guideline
1	$11,080
2	14,930
3	18,780
4	22,630
5	26,480
6	30,330
7	34,180
8	38,030
Note.—For family units with more than 8 members, add $3,850 for each additional member. (The same increment applies to smaller family sizes also, as can be seen in the figures above).

2001 Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii

Size of family unit	Poverty guideline
1	$10,200
2	13,740
3	17,280
4	20,820
5	24,360
6	27,900
7	31,440
8	34,180
Note.—For family units with more than 8 members, add $3,080 for each additional member. (The same increment applies to smaller family sizes also, as can be seen in the figures above).

Attachment C.—Instructions for the SF-424A

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 180 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0044), Washington, DC 20503.

Please do not return your completed form to the Office of Management and Budget. Send it to the address provided by the sponsoring agency.

General Instructions

This form is designed so that application can be made for funds from one or more grant programs. In preparing the budget, adhere to any existing Federal grantor agency guidelines which prescribe how and whether budgeted amounts should be separately shown for different functions or activities within the program. For some programs, grantor agencies may require budgets to be separately shown by function or activity. For other programs, grantor agencies may require a breakdown by function or activity. Sections A, B, C, and D should include budget estimates for the whole project except when applying for assistance which requires Federal authorization in annual or other funding period increments. In the latter case, Sections A, B, C, and D should provide the budget for the first budget period (usually a year) and Section E should present the need for Federal assistance in the subsequent budget periods. All applications should contain a breakdown by the object class categories shown in Lines a-k of Section B.

Section A. Budget Summary Lines 1-4 Columns (a) and (b)

For applications pertaining to a single Federal grant program (Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog number) and not requiring a functional or activity breakdown, enter on Line 1 under Column (a) the Catalog program title and the Catalog number in Column (b).

For applications pertaining to multiple programs where one or more programs require a breakdown by function or activity, prepare a separate sheet for each program requiring the breakdown. Additional sheets should be used when one form does not provide adequate space for all breakdown of data required. However, when more than one sheet is used, the first page should provide the summary totals by programs.

Lines 1-4, Columns (c) through (g).

For new applications, leave Column (c) and (d) blank. For each line entry in Columns (a) and (b), enter in Columns (e), (f), and (g) the appropriate amounts of funds needed to support the project for the first funding period (usually a year).

For continuing grant program applications, submit these forms before the end of each funding period as required by the grantor agency. Enter in Columns (c) and (d) the estimated amounts of funds which will remain unobligated at the end of the grant funding period only if the Federal grantor agency instructions provide for this. Otherwise, leave these columns blank. Enter in columns (e) and (f) the amounts of funds needed for the upcoming period. The amount(s) in Column (g) should be the sum of amounts in Columns (e) and (f).

For supplemental grants and changes to existing grants, do not use Columns (c) and (d). Enter in Column (e) the amount of the increase or decrease of non-Federal funds. In Column (g) enter the new total budgeted amount (federal and non-Federal) which includes the total previous authorized budgeted amounts plus or minus, as appropriate, the amounts shown in Columns (e) and (f). The amount(s) in Column (g) should not equal the sum of amounts in Column (e) and (f).

Line 5—Show the totals for all columns used.

Section B. Budget Categories

In the column headings (1) through (4), enter the titles of the same programs, functions, and activities shown on Lines 1-4, Column (a), Section A. When additional sheets are prepared for Section A, provide similar column headings on each sheet. For each program, function or activity, fill in the total requirements for funds (both Federal and non-Federal) by object class categories.

Line 6a-i—Show the totals of Lines 6a to 6h in each column.

Line 6j—Show the amount of indirect cost.

Line 6k—Enter the total of amounts on Lines 6i and 6j. For all applications for new grants and continuation grants the total amount in column (5) Line 6k, should be the same as the total amount shown in Section A, Column (g), Line 5. For supplemental grants and changes to grants, the total amount of the increase or decrease as shown in Columns (1)-(4), Line 6k should be the same as the sum of the amounts in Section A, Columns (e) and (f) on Line 5.

Line 7—Enter the estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be generated from this project. Do not add or subtract this amount from the total project amount. Show under the program narrative statement the nature and spruce of income. The estimated amount of program income may be considered by the Federal grantor agency in determining the total amount of the grant.

Section C. Non-Federal Resources

Line 8-11 Enter amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used on the grant. If in-kind contributions are included, provide a brief explanation on a separate sheet.

Column (a)—Enter the program titles identical to Column (a), Section A. A breakdown by function or activity is not necessary.

Column (b)—Enter the contribution to be made by the applicant.

Column (c)—Enter the amount of the State's cash and in-kind contribution if the applicant is not a State or State agency. Applicants which are a State or State agencies should leave this column blank.

Column (d)—Enter the amount of cash and in-kind contributions to be made from all other sources.

Column (e)—Enter totals of Columns (b), (c), and (d).

Line 12—Enter the total for each of Columns (b)-(e). The amount in Column (e) should be equal to the amount on Line 5, Column (f), Section A.

Section D. Forecasted Cash Needs

Line 13—Enter the amount of cash needed by quarter from the grantor agency during the first year.

Line 14—Enter the amount of cash from all other sources needed by quarter during the first year.

Line 15—Enter the totals of amounts on Lines 13 and 14.

Section E. Budget Estimates of Federal Funds Needed for Balance of the Project

Line 16-19—Enter in Column (a) the same grant program titles shown in Column (a), Section A. A breakdown by function or activity is not necessary. For new applications and continuation grant applications, enter in the proper columns amounts of Federal funds which will be needed to complete the program or project over the succeeding funding periods (usually in years). That section need not be completed for revisions (amendments, changes, or supplements) to funds for the current year of existing grants.

If more than four lines are needed to list the program titles, submit additional schedules as necessary.

Line 20—Enter the total for each of the Columns (b)-(e). When additional schedules are prepared for this Section, annotate accordingly and show the overall totals on this line.

Section F. Other Budget Information

Line 21—Use this space to explain amounts for individual direct object class cost categories that may appear to be out of the ordinary or to explain the details as required by the federal grantor agency.

Line 22—Enter the type of indirect rate (provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) that will be in effect during the funding period, the estimated amount of the base to which the rate is applied, and the total indirect expense.

Line 23—Provide any other explanations or comments deemed necessary.

Attachment D.—Assurances—Nonconstruction Programs

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0040), Washington, DC 20503.

Please do not return your completed form to the Office of Management and Budget. Send it to the address provided by the sponsoring agency.

Note:

Certain of these assurances may not be applicable to your project or program. If you have questions, please contact the awarding agency. Further, certain Federal awarding agencies may require applicants to certify to additional assurances. If such is the case, you will be notified.

As the duly authorized representatives of the applicant I certify that the applicant:

1. Has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance, and the institutional, managerial and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay the non-Federal share of project costs) to ensure proper planning, management and completion of the project described in this application.

2. Will give the awarding agency, the Comptroller General of the United States, and if appropriate, the State, through any authorized representative, access to and the right to examine all records, books, papers, or documents related to the award; and will establish a proper accounting system in accordance with generally accepted accounting standard of agency directives.

3. Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest, or personal gain.

4. Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding agency.

5. Will comply with the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. §§ 4728-4763) relating to prescribed standards for merit systems for programs funded under one of the nineteen statutes or regulations specified in Appendix A of OPM's Standard for a Merit System of Personnel Administration (5 C.F.R. 900, Subpart F).

6. Will comply with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. These include but are not limited to: (a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin; (b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1683, and 1685-1686), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §§ 794), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps; (d) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 6101-6107), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age;

(e) the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-255), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse; (f) the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-616), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism; (g) §§ 523 and 527 of the Public Health Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. §§ 290 dd-3 and 290ee-3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records; (h) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq.), as amended, relating to non-discrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing; (i) any other nondiscrimination provisions in the specific statute(s) under which application for Federal assistance is being made; and (j) the requirements of any other nondiscrimination statute(s) which may apply to the application.

7. Will comply, or has already complied, with the requirements of Title II and III of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) which provide for fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or whose property is acquired as a result of Federal or federally assisted programs. These requirements apply to all interests in real property acquired for project purposes regardless of Federal participation in purchases.

8. Will comply with the provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 1501—1508 and 7324-7328) which limit the political activities of employees whose principal employment activities are funded in whole or in part with Federal funds.

9. Will comply, as applicable, with the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. §§ 276a to 276a-7), the Copeland Act (40 U.S.C. § 276c and 18 U.S.C. § 874, and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. §§ 327—333), regarding labor standards for federally assisted construction subagreements.

10. Will comply, if applicable, with flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-234) which requires recipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the program and to purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more.

11. Will comply with environmental standards which may be prescribed pursuant to the following: (a) institution of environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190) and Executive Order (EO) 11514; (b) notification of viiolating facilities pursuant to EO 11738; (c) protection of wetland pursuant to EO 11990; (d) evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance with EO 11988; (e) assurance of project consistency with the approved State management program developed under the Costal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. §§ 1451 et seq.); (f) conformity of Federal actions to State (Clear Air) Implementation Plans under Section 176(c) of the Clear Air Act of 1955, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 7401 et seq.); (g) protection of underground sources of drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended, (P.L. 93-523); and (h) protection of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, (P.L. 93-205).

12. Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C. §§ 1271 et seq.) related to protecting components or potential components of the national wild and scenic rivers system.

13. Will assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C § 470), EO 11593 (identification and protection of historic properties), and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. §§ 49a-1 et seq.).

14. Will comply with P.L. 93-348 regarding the protection of human subjects involved in research, development, and related activities supported by this award of assistance.

15. Will comply with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (P.L. 89-544, as amended, 7 U.S.C. §§ 2131 et seq.) pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of warm blooded animals held for research, teaching, or other activities supported by this award of assistance.

16. Will comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 4801 et seq.) which prohibits the use of lead based paint in construction or rehabilitation of residence structures.

17. Will cause to be performed the required financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act of 1984.

18. Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations and policies governing this program.

Signature of Authorized Certifying Official

Title

Applicant Organization

Date Submitted

Attachment E.—Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements

This certification is required by the regulations implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988: 45 CFR Part 76, Subpart F. Sections 76.630(c) and (d)(2) and 76.645(a)(1) and (b) provide that a Federal agency may designate a central receipt point for STATE-WIDE AND STATE AGENCY-WIDE certifications, and for notification of criminal drug convictions. For the Department of Health and Human Services, the central point is: Division of Grants Management and Oversight, Office of Management and Acquisition, Department of Health and Human Services, Room 517-D, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201.

Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Instructions for Certification)

1. By signing and/or submitting this application or grant agreement, the grantee is providing the certification set out below.

2. The certification set out below is a material representation of fact upon which reliance is placed when the agency awards the grant. If it is later determined that the grantee knowingly rendered a false certification, or otherwise violates the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the agency, in addition to any other remedies available to the Federal Government, may take action authorized under the Drug-Free Workplace Act.

3. For grantees other than individuals, Alternate I applies.

4. For grantees who are individuals, Alternate II applies.

5. Workplaces under grants, for grantees other than individuals, need not be identified on the certification. If known, they may be identified in the grant application. If the grantee does not identify the workplaces at the time of application, or upon award, if there is no application, the grantee must keep the identity of the workplace(s) on file in its office and make the information available for Federal inspection. Failure to identify all known workplaces constitutes a violation of the grantee's drug-free workplace requirements.

6. Workplace identifications must include the actual address of buildings (or parts of buildings) or other sites where work under the grant takes place. Categorical descriptions may be used (e.g., all vehicles of a mass transit authority or State highway department while in operation, State employees in each local unemployment office, performers in concert halls or radio studios).

7. If the workplace identified to the agency changes during the performance of the grant, the grantee shall inform the agency of the change(s), if it previously identified the workplaces in question (see paragraph five).

8. Definitions of terms in the Nonprocurement Suspension and Debarment common rule and Drug-Free Workplace common rule apply to this certification. Grantees' attention is called, in particular, to the following definitions from these rules:

Controlled substance means a controlled substance in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812) and as further defined by regulation (21 CFR 1308.11 through 1308.15);

Conviction means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both, by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of the Federal or State criminal drug statutes;

Criminal drug statute means a Federal or non-Federal criminal statute involving the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, use, or possession of any controlled substance;

Employee means the employee of a grantee directly engaged in the performance of work under a grant, including: (i) All direct charge employees; (ii) All indirect charge employees unless their impact or involvement is insignificant to the performance of the grant; and, (iii) Temporary personnel and consultants who are directly engaged in the performance of work under the grant and who are on the grantee's payroll. This definition does not include workers not on the payroll of the grantee (e.g., volunteers, even if used to meet a matching requirement; consultants or independent contractors not on the grantee's payroll; or employees of subrecipients or subcontractors in covered workplaces).

Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements

Alternate I. (Grantees Other Than Individuals)

The grantee certifies that it will or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by:

(a) Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition;

(b) Establishing an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about—

(1) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;

(2) The grantee's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;

(3) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and

(4) The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace;

(c) Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph (a);

(d) Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a) that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will—

(1) Abide by the terms of the statement; and

(2) Notify the employer in writing of his or her conviction for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction;

(e) Notifying the agency in writing, within ten calendar days after receiving notice under paragraph (d)(2) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction. Employers of convicted employees must provide notice, including position title, to every grant officer or other designee on whose grant activity the convicted employee was working, unless the Federal agency has designated a central point for the receipt of such notices. Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant;

(f) Taking one of the following actions, within 30 calendar days of receiving notice under paragraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted—

(1) Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; or

(2) Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency;

(g) Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f).

(B) The grantee may insert in the space provided below the site(s) for the performance of work done in connection with the specific grant:

Place of Performance (Street address, city, county, state, zip code)

Check if there are workplaces on file that are not identified here.

Alternate II. (Grantees Who Are Individuals)

(a) The grantee certifies that, as a condition of the grant, he or she will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity with the grant;

(b) If convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any grant activity, he or she will report the conviction, in writing, within 10 calendar days of the conviction, to every grant officer or other designee, unless the Federal agency designates a central point for the receipt of such notices. When notice is made to such a central point, it shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant.

Attachment F.—Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters—Primary Covered Transactions

Instructions for Certification

1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective primary participant is providing the certification set out below.

2. The inability of a person to provide the certification required below will not necessarily result in denial of participation in this covered transaction. The prospective participant shall submit an explanation of why it cannot provide the certification set out below. The certification or explanation will be considered in connection with the department or agency's determination whether to enter into this transaction. However, failure of the prospective primary participant to furnish a certification or an explanation shall disqualify such person from participation in this transaction.

3. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when the department or agency determined to enter into this transaction. If it is later determined that the prospective primary participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default.

4. The prospective primary participant shall provide immediate written notice to the department or agency to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective primary participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

5. The terms covered transaction, debarred, suspended, ineligible, lower tier covered transaction, participant, person, primary covered transaction, principal, proposal, and voluntarily excluded, as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of the rules implementing Executive Order 12549. You may contact the department or agency to which this proposal is being submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations.

6. The prospective primary participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency entering into this transaction.

7. The prospective primary participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause tied “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transaction,” provided by the department or agency entering into this covered transaction, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.

8. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs.

9. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

10. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 6 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transactions knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default.

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters—Primary Covered Transactions

(1) The prospective primary participant certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it and its principals:

(a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded by any Federal department or agency;

(b) Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State, or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receive stolen property;

(c) Are not presently indicated for or otherwise criminally or civility charged by a government entity (Federal, State, local) with commission of any other the offenses enumerated in paragraph (1)(b) of this certification; and

(d) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application/proposal had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, local) terminated for cause or default.

(2) Where the prospective primary participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion—Lower Tier Covered Transactions

Instructions for Certification

1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the certification set out below.

2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or had become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

4. The terms covered transaction, debarred, suspended, ineligible, lower tier covered transaction, participant, person, primary covered transaction, principal, proposal, and voluntarily excluded, as used in this clause, have the meaning set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of rules implementing Executive Order 12549. You may contact the person to which this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations.

5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, [[Page 33043]] should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall now knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated.

6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include this clause titled “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transaction,” without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.

7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the List of Parties Excluded from federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs.

8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by clause.

The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pressure available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility an Voluntary Exclusion—Lower Tier Covered Transactions

(1) The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency.

(2) Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.

Attachment G.—Intergovernmental Review (SPOC List)

It is estimated that in 2001 the Federal Government will outlay $305.6 billion in grants to State and local governments. Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on State and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development. The Order allows each State to designate an entity to perform this function. Below is the official list of those entities. For those States that have a home page for their designated entity, a direct link has been provided below.

States that are not listed on this page have chosen not to participate in the intergovernmental review process, and therefore not have a SPOC. If you are located within one of these States, you may still send application materials directly to a federal awarding agency.

Contact information for Federal agencies that award grants can be found in Appendix IV of the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

Arkansas

Tracy L. Copeland, Manager, State Clearinghouse, Office of Intergovernmental Services, Department of Finance and Administration, 1515 W. 7th St., Room 412, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

California

Grants Coordination, State Clearinghouse, Office of Planning and Research, P.O. Box 3044, Room 222, Sacramento, California 95812-3044, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Delaware

Charles H. Hopkins, Executive Department, Office of the Budget, 540 S. Dupont Highway, 3rd Floor, Dover, Delaware 19901, Telephone; [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

District of Columbia

Luisa Montero-Diaz, Office of Partnerships and Grants, Development, Executive Office of the Mayor, District of Columbia Government, 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 530 South, Washington, DC 20001, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Florida

Jasmin Raffington, Florida State Clearinghouse, Department of Community Affairs, 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Georgia

Georgia State Clearinghouse, 270 Washington Street, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30334, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Illinois

Virginia Bova, Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, James R. Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph, Suite 3-400, Chicago, Illinois 60601, Telephone: [phone], Fax [phone], [e-mail]

Iowa

Steven R. McCann, Division of Community and Rural Development, Iowa Department of Economic Development, 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Kentucky

Ron Cook, Department for Local Government, 1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 340, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Maine

Joyce Benson, State Planning Office, 184 State Street, 38 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333, Telephone: [phone] (direct), Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Maryland

Linda Janey, Manager, Clearinghouse and Plan Review Unit, Maryland Office of Planning, 301 West Preston Street—Room 1104, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2305, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Michigan

Richard Pfaff, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, 535 Griswold, Suite 300, Detroit, Michigan 48226, Telephone [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Mississippi

Cathy Mallette, Clearinghouse Officer, Department of Finance and

Administration, 1301 Woolfolk Building, Suite E, 501 North West Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39201, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]

Missouri

Angela Boessen, Federal Assistance Clearinghouse, Office of Administration, P.O. Box 809, Truman Building, Room 840, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Nevada

Heather Elliott, Department of Administration, State Clearinghouse, 209 E. Musser Street, Room 200, Carson City, Nevada 89701, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

New Hampshire

Jeffrey H. Taylor, Director, New Hampshire Office of State Planning, Attn: Intergovernmental Review Process, Mike Blake, 2-1/2 Beacon Street, Concord, New Hampshire 03301, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

New Mexico

Ken Hughes, Local Government Division, Room 201 Bataan Memorial Building, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

North Carolina

Jeanette Furney, Department of Administration, 1302 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1302, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

North Dakota

Jim Boyd, Division of Community Services, 600 East Boulevard Ave, Dept 105, Bismarck, North Dakota 58505-0170, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Rhode Island

Kevin Nelson, Department of Administration, Statewide Planning Program, One Capitol Hill, Providence, Rhode Island 02908-5870, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

South Carolina

Omeagia Burgess, Budget and Control Board, Office of State Budget, 1122 Ladies Street, 12th Floor, Columbia, South Carolina 29201, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Texas

Denise S. Francis, Director State Grants Team, Governor's Office of Budget and Planning, P.O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Utah

Carolyn Wright, Utah State Clearinghouse, Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, State Capitol, Room 114, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

West Virginia

Fred Cutlip, Director, Community Development Division, West Virginia Development Office, Building #6, Room 553, Charleston, West Virginia 25305, Telephone: [phone], Fax; [phone], [e-mail]

Wisconsin

Jeff Smith, Section Chief, Federal/State Relations, Wisconsin Department of Administration, 101 East Wilson Street—6th Floor, P.O. Box 7868, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

American Samoa

Pat M. Galea'i, Federal Grants/Programs Coordinator, Office of Federal Programs, Office of the Governor/Department of Commerce, American Samoa Government, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Guam

Director, Bureau of Budget and Management Research, Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 2950, Agana, Guam 96910, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Puerto Rico

Jose Caballero/Mayra Silva, Puerto Rico Planning Board, Federal Proposals Review Office, Minillas Government Center, P.O. Box 41119, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00940-1119, Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]

Attachment H.—Certification Regarding Lobbying

Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements

The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:

(1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.

(2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance with its instructions.

(3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly. This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.

Statement for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance

The undersigned states, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:

If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance with its instructions. Submission of this statement is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required statement shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.

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Instructions for Completion of SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

This disclosure form shall be completed by the reporting entity, whether subawardee or prime Federal recipient, at the initiation or receipt of a covered Federal action, or a material change to a previous filing, pursuant to title 31 U.S.C. Section 1352. The filing of a form is required for each payment or agreement to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action. Use the SF-LLL-A Continuation Sheet for additional information if the space on the form is inadequate. Complete all items that apply for both the initial filing and material change report. Refer to the implementing guidance published by the Office of Management and Budget for additional information.

1. Identify the type of covered Federal action for which lobbying activity is and/or has been secured to influence the outcome of a covered Federal Action.

2. Identify the status of the covered Federal action.

3. Identify the appropriate classification of this report. If that is a follow-up report caused by a material change to the information previously reported, enter the year and quarter in which the change occurred. Enter the date of the last previously submitted report by this reporting entity for this covered Federal action.

4. Enter the full name, address, city, state and zip code of the reporting entity. Include Congressional District, if known. Check the appropriate classification of the reporting entity that designates if it is, or expects to be, a prime or subaward recipient. Identify the tier of the subaward, e.g., the first subaward of the prime is the 1st tier. Subawards include but are not limited to subcontracts, subgrants, subgrants and contract awards under grants.

5. If the organization filing the report in item 4 checks “subawardee”, then enter the full name, address, city, state and zip code of the prime Federal recipient. Include Congressional District, if known.

6. Enter the name of the Federal agency making the award or loan commitment. Include at least one organization level below agency name, if known. For example, Department of Transportation, United States Coast Guard.

7. Enter the Federal program name or description for the covered Federal action (item 1). If known, enter the full Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and loan commitments.

8. Enter the most appropriate Federal identifying number available for the Federal action identified in item 1 [e.g., Request for Proposal (RFP) number; Invitation for Bid (IFB) number; grant announcement number; the contract, grant, or loan award number; the application/proposal control number assigned by the Federal agency]. Include prefixes, e.g., “RFP-DE-90-001.”

9. For a covered Federal action where there has been an award or loan commitment by the Federal agency, enter the Federal amount of the award/loan commitment for the prime entity identified in item 4 and 5.

10. (a) Enter the full name, address, city, state and zip cod of the lobbying entity engaged by the reporting entity identified in item 4 to influence the covered Federal action.

(b) Enter the full names of the individual(s) performing services, and include full address if different from 10(a). Enter Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial (MI).

11. Enter the amount of compensation paid or reasonably expected to be paid by the reporting entity (item 4) to the lobbying entity (item 10). Indicate whether the payment has been made (actual) or will be made (planned). Check all boxes that apply. If this is a material change report, enter the cumulative amount of payment made or planned to be made.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act, as amended, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB Control Number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is OMB No. 0348-0046. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0046), Washington, DC 20503.

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Attachment J.—Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Public Law 103227, Part C Environmental Tobacco Smoke, also known as the Pro Children Act of 1994, requires that smoking not be permitted in any portion of any indoor routinely owned or leased or contracted for by an entity and used routinely or regularly for provision of health, day care, education, or library services to children under the age of 18, if the services are funded by Federal programs either directly or through State or local governments, by Federal grant, contract, loan, or loan guarantee. The law does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, and portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1000 per day and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. By signing and submitting this application the applicant/grantee certifies that it will comply with the requirements of the Act.

The applicant/grantee further agrees that it will require the language of this certification be included in any subawards which contain provisions for the children's services and that all subgrantees shall certify accordingly.

Attachment K.—

Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Part 16—Department of Grant Appeals Process

Part 74—Administration of Grants (grants and subgrants to entities)

Part 75—Informal Grant Appeal Procedures

Part 76—Debarment and Suspension from Eligibility for Financial Assistance

Subpart F—Drug Free Workplace Requirements

Part 80—Non-Discrimination—Under Programs Receiving Federal Assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act Of 1964

Part 81—Practice and Procedures for Hearings Under Part 80 of this Title

Part 83—Regulation for the Administration and Enforcement of Section 799A and 845 of the Public Health Service Act

Part 84—Non-discrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance

Part 85—Enforcement of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services

Part 86—Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting from Federal Financial Assistance

Part 91—Non-discrimination on the Basis of Age in Health and Human Services Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance

Part 92—Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to States and Local Governments (Federal Register, March 11, 1988)

Part 93—New Restrictions on Lobbying

Part 100—Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities