Program Announcement for CFDA 93.658

FON:	HHS-2009-ACF-ACYF-CS-0079
Title:	Tribal Title IV-E Plan Development Grants
Program Office:	ACYF
Drafter:	Jack Denniston
Publish Means:	ACF Website

Special Instructions:

Gray shaded text denotes standardized language that is required content in every announcement.

Gray shaded underlined text denotes optional standard language where users can opt to include certain text when appropriate.

Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children and Families
Program Office:	Administration on Children, Youth, and Families Children's Bureau
Funding Opportunity Title:	Tribal Title IV-E Plan Development Grants
Announcement Type:	Initial
Funding Opportunity Number:	HHS-2009-ACF-ACYF-CS-0079
CFDA Number:	93.658
Due Date for Applications:	[Insert 60 days from date of publication].

Executive Summary:

The purpose of this funding opportunity announcement is to make one-time grants to tribes, tribal organizations, or tribal consortia that are seeking to develop, and within 24 months of grant receipt, submit to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a plan to implement a title IV-E foster care, adoption assistance and, at Tribal option, guardianship assistance program. Grant funds under this announcement may be used for the cost of developing a title IV-E plan under section 471 of the Social Security Act (the Act) to carry out a program under section 479B of the Act. The grant may be used for costs relating to the development of data collection systems, a cost allocation plan, agency and tribal court procedures necessary to meet the case review system requirements under section 475(5) of the Act, or any other costs attributable to meeting any other requirement necessary for approval of a title IV-E plan.

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Statutory Authority

The statutory authority is Section 476(c)(2)(ii) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-351).

Description

The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-351) added a new section 479B to the Social Security Act (the Act) which allows Indian tribes the option to apply to the Secretary to receive Federal funding to support the administration of their own foster care, adoption assistance and guardianship assistance programs under title IV-E of the Act. The law also amended the Act at section 476(c)(2)(ii) to allow Indian tribes to receive one-time development grants of up to $300,000 to be used to offset the cost of developing a title IV-E plan to carry out the requirements of new section 479B of the Act. 

Development grants may be used by the Indian Tribe for any costs attributable to meeting the requirements for approval of a Tribally-operated title IV-E plan. The law cites the following as examples of allowable costs under the development grant: development of a data collection system; development of a cost allocation plan; and, establishing Tribal agency and court procedures necessary to meet the case review requirements in the law (section 476(c)(2)(A)(iii)).

If ACF awards the Indian Tribe a grant, the Indian Tribe must submit a title IV-E plan for direct funding to ACF no later than the end of the 24th month after the grant is awarded.  If the Indian Tribe does not submit a title IV-E plan within that time frame, it must repay the total grant amount. ACF has the authority to determine that failure to submit a title IV-E plan during the 24-month period was beyond the control of the Indian Tribe and waive the requirement to repay the grant (section 476(c)(2)(B)).

Development Grant Program Requirements

In preparing an application for a development grant, Tribes are urged to familiarize themselves with all of the requirements of the title IV-E program and to consider carefully how the development grant funds can be used to address areas in which the Tribe needs to build its capacity in order to submit an approvable IV-E plan within 24 months and begin to operate successfully a title IV-E foster care, adoption assistance, and at Tribal option, guardianship assistance program. Information Memorandum ACYF-CB-IM-08-03 may be helpful to applicants in this regard (see

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/im/2008/im0803.htm). 

Applicants are encouraged to assess their current child welfare service programs and to describe in their applications the types of child welfare services provided, the number of children and families being served and how operating a title IV-E program would change or expand those services.  For example, will the applicant need to expand the types of services it currently offers in order to meet IV-E requirements? Using available information, what information can the applicant provide about the number and proportion of children in foster care who would be likely to be served under a title IV-E program? Applicants will also need to describe their current geographic service area, the service area in which the proposed title IV-E program would operate and the year in which the applicant expects to submit a title IV-E plan. 

Some applicants will have previous experience with the title IV-E program through participation in a State-Tribe IV-E agreement. Applicants should describe current provisions of any such agreements, the roles of the State and Tribe under such agreements, how those roles are anticipated to change if the Tribe begins operation of its own title IV-E program and how the experience of participating in that agreement has informed its planned use of the development grant.

In preparing development grant proposals, applicants are encouraged to consider current capacity in key areas of agency infrastructure or inter-agency coordination needed to operate a title IV-E program and whether changes or improvements will be needed before an approvable title IV-E plan can be submitted. In their proposals, applicants should make clear whether and how development grant funds will be used to address areas, such as:

• Data collection systems;

• Cost allocation plan development;

• Financial controls and financial management processes;

• Case planning and case review systems;

• Foster Care licensing and standards for Tribal foster homes and child care facilities;

• Quality assurance systems;

• Courts;

• Training of child welfare staff, prospective foster and adoptive parents and other stakeholders (e.g., attorneys, Court-Appointed Special Advocates [CASA's], and court staff);

• Coordination with other related Tribal or State agencies (e.g., child support enforcement, schools, Medicaid, family assistance)

Applicants are free to identify additional areas they wish to address through the grant, provided they provide a justification for how such use of grant funds would contribute to the applicant's ability to develop and submit an approvable title IV-E plan. Applicants are also encouraged to provide a timeline for addressing each area identified for use of development grant funds.

Overall, applicants' proposals should demonstrate that they have assessed their own current child welfare program and capacities; have a clear understanding of the title IV-E program and the steps that will need to be taken to prepare to operate directly a title IV-E program; have a well-thought-out plan for using development grant funds to address identified areas needing to be strengthened; and that successful completion of the activities proposed to be completed under the grant will lead to the applicant's being able to submit an approvable title IV-E plan within 24 months of grant receipt.

Applicants should submit a line-item budget (not to exceed a total of $300,000) and a budget justification explaining how grant funds would be spent over a period of up to 24 months from issuance. The budget justification should be in a narrative form.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

Funding Instrument Type:

Grant

Estimated Total Program Funding:	$1,500,000
Expected Number of Awards:	5
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards:	$300,000 per project period
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards:	None
Average Projected Award Amount:	$300,000 per project period
Length of Project Periods:	Other

Explanation of Other:

24-month project with one 24-month budget period.

Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds.

Please see Section IV.5 for any restrictions on the use of funds for awards made under this announcement.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None

3. Other:

Disqualification Factors

Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

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

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package:

ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132
Phone:  866-796-1591
Phone 2:  or TTY 711
Email: [email protected]

For hearing or speech impaired callers, contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 (TTY (Text Telephone) / ASCII (American Standard Code For Information Interchange)).

2. Content and Form of Application Submission:

This section provides information on the required form and content of application submissions. Applicants are required to submit one original and two copies of all application materials if applying in hard-copy. The original signature of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is required only on the original. Information on the required format, Standard Forms (SFs) and other forms, D-U-N-S Requirement, Project Description, Certifications, Assurances, Electronic Submission of applications, and Hard Copy submission of applications is available in this section. A Checklist of required application elements is available for applicants' use in Section VIII of this announcement.

Each application must contain the following items in the order listed:

Application for Federal Assistance. (Standard Form (SF) 424, SF-424A and SF-424-B). Follow the instructions that accompany the forms and those in Section IV.2, Application Review Information.

Certifications/Assurances. See Forms, Assurances, and Certifications, below.

Table of Contents. List the major sections of the application, and show the page that each section begins on.

Project Summary/Abstract (one page maximum, double spaced). See Section IV.2, Project Description. Clearly mark this page with the applicant name as shown on SF-424, identify the program announcement and the title of the proposed project as shown on SF-424 and the service area as shown on SF-424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words.

Care should be taken to produce a summary/abstract that accurately and concisely reflects the proposed project.

The Project Description. Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: 1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; 2) Approach; 3 Organizational Profiles; and 4) Budget and Budget Justification.  

Budget and Budget Justification. Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived.  Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.

Indirect Charges. If claiming indirect costs, provide documentation that the applicant currently has an indirect cost-rate approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.

Third-Party Agreements. If applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of Understanding from each partner and/or contractor describing their role, detailing specific project tasks to be performed, and expressing commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded. Note: General letters of support not expressing specific commitments are not required and will not be considered by reviewers under the evaluation criteria.

Staff and Position Data.  Include job descriptions and curriculum vitae/ resumes for proposed project staff.

Page Limit. The length of the entire application package may be less than but must not exceed 75 pages. This includes but is not limited to the required Federal Standard Forms and certifications (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and Certification Regarding Lobbying), table of contents, project summary, project description, Gantt chart, budget/budget justification, supplemental documentation, proof of non-profit status, summaries of sub-grants and contracts, letters of agreement, resumes, CVs and any other pages included in the application package. All pages of the application package must be sequentially numbered, beginning with page one. All pages of each application will be counted to determine total length. All pages exceeding the 75 page limit will be removed and will not be considered in the reviewing process. A cover letter and general letters of support are not required. Applicants are reminded that if a cover letter and general letters of support are submitted, they will count towards the 75-page limit.

Each applicant must organize its application in the order listed in this section and number all application pages. Pages will be counted in the order they are submitted in hard copy and numbered when received electronically. All pages that exceed the page limit will be removed and will not be reviewed.

General Content and Form Information. To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted with the Standard Federal Forms and must follow the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the award.

The project description must be typed and double-spaced on a single side of 8.5 x 11 inch plain white paper with a least one inch margins on all sides, using black print with 12-point size Times New Roman font.

For charts, budget tables, supplemental letters and documents, applicants may use a different point size and font, but no less than 10-point size and single spaced.

Applicants that deviate from these format and page limit requirements risk having pages removed from their applications.

All copies of an application must be submitted in a single package.  A separate package must be submitted for each funding opportunity. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific funding opportunity it is addressing.

Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including supporting documentation. Use a clip (not a staple) to securely bind the application together. Applicants are advised that the copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the Federal Government for review.

Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application. It is essential that applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before preparing an application and include all of the required application forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough understanding of and support the purpose and objectives of the applicable legislation.  Reviewers expect applicants to understand the goals of the legislation and the Children's Bureau's interest in each topic. A "responsive application" is one that addresses and follows all of the evaluation criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding. Applications that are considered to be "unresponsive" or do not clearly address the evaluation criteria or program requirements generally receive very low scores and are rarely funded.

CB's website (http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb) provides a wide range of information and links to other relevant websites. Before preparing an application, applicants can learn more about CB's mission and programs by exploring the website.

Organizing the Application. Reviewers will use the specific evaluation criteria in Section V of this funding announcement to review and evaluate each application. The applicant should address each of these specific evaluation criteria in the project description. Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: 1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; 2) Approach;  3) Organizational Profiles; and 4) Budget and Budget Justification. The applicant must use the same headings as these criteria, so that reviewers can readily find information that directly addresses each of the specific review criteria.

 

Forms

Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section.  All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.  For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances.   For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances.  All required Standard Forms are available at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.

D-U-N-S Requirement

All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number.   A D-U-N-S number is required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov.   A D-U-N-S number is required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs.  A D-U-N-S number may be acquired at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number online at http://www.dnb.com.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Part I   THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW

PURPOSE

The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance.  The project description should be concise and complete.  It should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested.  Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly.  In preparing the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided.   Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations.   It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix.

Part II   GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION

Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers.

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT

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

OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE

Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement.

APPROACH

Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.

Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished.

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

If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from OMB.  This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF."

Provide a list of 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:

STAFF AND POSITION DATA

Provide a biographical sketch and job description for each key person appointed. Job descriptions for each vacant key position should be included as well. As new key staff is appointed, biographical sketches will also be required.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES

Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and cooperating partners, such as: organizational charts; financial statements; audit reports or statements from Certified Public Accountants/Licensed Public Accountants; Employer Identification Number(s); contact persons and telephone numbers; names of bond carriers; 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.

DISSEMINATION PLAN

Provide a plan for distributing reports and other project outputs to colleagues and to the public.   Applicants must provide a description of the method, volume, and timing of distribution.

THIRD-PARTY AGREEMENTS

Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and subgrantees, or subcontractors, or other cooperating entities.   These agreements must detail the scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.

BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C).  Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated.  If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.

Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived.  Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.

GENERAL

Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget justification.  Both Federal and non-Federal resources (when required) shall be detailed and justified in the budget and budget narrative justification.   "Federal resources" refers only to the ACF grant funds for which you are applying.  "Non-Federal resources" are all other non-ACF Federal and non-Federal resources.  It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a columnar format:  first column, object class categories; second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s); and last column, total budget.  The budget justification should be in a narrative form.

PERSONNEL

Description:  Costs of employee salaries and wages.

Justification:  Identify the project director or principal investigator, if known at the time of application.   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, personnel costs of delegate agencies, or of specific project(s) and/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.  (This item 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.  If appropriate for this project, travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.

EQUIPMENT

Description:  "Equipment" means an article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost that 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 and/or disposal of the equipment after the project ends.  An applicant organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide a copy of its policy, or section of its policy, that includes the equipment definition.

SUPPLIES

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

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

CONTRACTUAL

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

Justification:  Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will 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 45 CFR Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceeds 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 requests 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.

INDIRECT CHARGES

Description:  Total amount of indirect costs.  This category should be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.

Justification:  An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement.  If the applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency.  Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs.  When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not be charged as direct costs to the grant.  Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate that is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

(As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, P.L. 104-13, the public reporting burden for the Project Description is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection information. The Project Description information collection is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2010. 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.)

Certifications

Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying.   Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application.   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 applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.   The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.

When required for programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted.  All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications.  Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard forms with their application.  The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.

Assurances

By signing and submitting the application, applicants are making the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination.

The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided.  HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage.  The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18.  In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18.  The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds.  The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed.  Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity.  Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html.

Electronic Submission

Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper (hard copy) format.   To submit an application electronically, applicants must use the http://www.Grants.gov site.  ACF will not accept applications via facsimile or email.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Before submitting an application electronically, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR).  Applicants also must be registered in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR).  CCR registration must be updated annually.  Applicants will not be able to upload an application to Grants.gov without current CCR registration and electronic signature credentials for the AOR.  This process may take more than five business days, so it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline.

Be sure to complete all Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html.

Applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site.

If planning to submit an application electronically via http://www.Grants.gov:

• It is strongly recommended that applicants do not wait until the application due date to begin the application process through Grants.gov.  Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date and time so that, if difficulties are encountered, there will still be sufficient time to submit a hard copy via express mail.

• In order to address any difficulties that may be encountered during the submission process, it may be to an applicant's advantage to submit their applications 24 hours ahead of the closing date and time.

• Applicants are encouraged to check the Grants.gov webpage for announcements concerning system issues and updates that may affect the submission of applications.

• Checklists and registration brochures are maintained at the Grants.gov website to assist applicants in the registration process and may be found at: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp

• If any difficulties are encountered in using Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1-800-518-4726, or by email at [email protected], to report the problem and obtain assistance.  Remember to retain your service ticket number for reference whenever you have any interaction with the Grants.gov Contact Center.

• Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.  Applicants will not receive additional point value for submitting an application in electronic format, nor will ACF penalize any applicant that submits an application in hard copy.

• Applicants may access the electronic application and downloadable application package for this program announcement by using the FIND function at http://www.Grants.gov.

• Applicants may submit all required documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF-424s, narratives, charts, etc.

• Electronic formats for the application attachments, such as narratives, charts, etc., should use standard software formats, e.g., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, JPEG, and GIF, etc..

• Though applying electronically, the application must still comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.

• When submitting an application via Grants.gov, applicants must comply with all due dates AND times referenced in Section IV.3.  Submission Dates and Times of this program announcement.

• Applicants that must demonstrate proof of non-profit status may submit proof at the time of application by attaching the documentation to the electronic application, if they wish to do so.   Proof of non-profit status, and any other required documentation, may be scanned and attached as an "Other Attachment."  Assurances, certifications, and/or proof of non-profit status that are not submitted electronically at the time of application, are required to be submitted to ACF by the time of award and in hard copy.  Acceptable types of proof of non-profit status are stated earlier in this section of the program announcement under "Eligibility Certification."

• It is strongly recommended that the applicant retain a printed hard copy of the application in case a hard copy must be submitted to ACF.

After the application is submitted electronically, the applicant will receive two emails from Grants.gov:

• An automatic acknowledgement of the application's submission that will provide a Grants.gov tracking number.

• An acknowledgement that the submitted application package has passed or failed a series of checks and validations.

ACF will retrieve the electronically submitted application from Grants.gov.  Applicants will receive an email notification from ACF acknowledging that ACF has received the application.

ACF may request that the applicant provide original signatures on forms at a later date.

The Grants.gov website complies with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.   Grants.gov webpages are designed to work with assistive technologies such as screen readers.   If an applicant uses assistive technology and is unable to access any material on the site, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at [email protected] for assistance.

Hard Copy Submission of Applications

Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application with all attachments, unless directed otherwise.  The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR), and be unbound.   The original copy of the application must have original signature(s).  See Section IV.6 of this announcement for address information for application submissions.

Please refer to Section VIII for a checklist of application requirements, their location and due dates that applicants may use in developing and organizing application materials.

Please refer to Section IV.3 for details concerning acknowledgement of received applications.

3. Submission Dates and Times:

Due Date for Applications: [Insert 60 days from date of publication].

Explanation of Due Dates

The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above.  Applications received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date will be classified as late and will not be considered in the current competition.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that applications are mailed or hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date and time.

Mail

Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6.

Hand Delivery

Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).

Electronic Submission

Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above.

ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email.

Late Applications

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

ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER 4:30 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION.

Extension of Deadlines

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

Acknowledgement of Received Application

ACF will not provide acknowledgement of receipt of hard copy application packages submitted via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery.  Applicants who submit their application packages electronically via http://www.Grants.gov will receive two email acknowledgements from that website:

• An automatic acknowledgement of the application's submission that will provide a Grants.gov tracking number.

• An acknowledgement that the submitted application package has passed or failed a series of checks and validations.

4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs:

This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," or 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities".  No action is required of applicants under this announcement with regard to the Executive Order.

5. Funding Restrictions:

Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are unallowable under this grant award.

Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.

Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this grant award.

Purchase of real property is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this grant award.

6. Other Submission Requirements:

Submit applications to one of the following addresses:

Submission by Mail

ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132

Hand Delivery

ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132

Electronic Submission

See Section IV.2 for application requirements and for guidance when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov.

For all submissions, see Section IV.3 for information on due dates.

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. CRITERIA:

Objectives and Need for Assistance - 20 points

In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, reviewers will consider the extent to which:

1.      The application clearly demonstrates an understanding of the requirements of the title IV-E program and this funding opportunity announcement, and makes clear how the proposed project will enable the applicant to meet those requirements. 

2.      The applicant provides a brief description of the child welfare services program currently operated by the Tribe, including the types of services provided (e.g., child protective services, in-home services, foster care services, adoption services, etc.), and available data on the numbers of children and/or families currently served.

3.   The applicant presents a clear vision of the how the title IV-E program will benefit children and families involved in the Tribe's child welfare program and provides estimates of the number of children likely to benefit from title IV-E foster care, adoption assistance and/or guardianship assistance payments.

4.      The applicant makes a clear statement of the goals (end results of an effective project) and objectives (measurable steps for reaching these goals) for the proposed title IV-E plan development grant. These goals and objectives will effectively lead to the development or refinement of systems, policies and procedures that must be in place in order for the Tribe to submit an approvable title IV-E plan.

5.      The applicant clearly demonstrates a thorough understanding of the areas it must address (e.g., data collection systems, case review systems, etc.) in order to be prepared to submit a title IV-E plan and implement a title IV-E program..  The applicant addresses its current capacity in each of these areas and makes clear why it proposes to use grant funds to address these areas.

6.     The application provides evidence that the proposed project, if successfully implemented, would likely lead to the submission of an approvable title IV-E plan and contribute to the knowledge base on building Tribal capacity to implement a title IV-E program. The applicant provides the date by which the Tribe expects to submit a title IV-E plan to ACF.

7..      The population or geographic service area or areas in which the Tribe proposes to operate the title IV-E program is identified and adequately described, including, if applicable, the State boundaries in which the service areas are contained or overlap.

 

Approach - 50 points

In reviewing the approach, reviewers will consider the extent to which:

1. The applicant clearly identifies and describes the areas (such as case planning and review systems, data collection systems, cost allocation plans, quality assurance systems, courts, etc.) it intends to address through the grant.

2. For each area the applicant proposes to use grant funds, the applicant describes a clear plan to meet its goals, including major tasks to be achieved and proposed timelines for completing these tasks.

3.  The timeline for implementing the proposed project, including major milestones and target dates, is comprehensive and reasonable.  The proposed project would lead to the applicant being able to develop and submit an approvable IV-E plan within two years of grant award.

4.  The applicant addresses any existing title IV-E agreements with States or agreements the Tribe is in the process of negotiating with a State.   If applicable, the proposal provides a brief description of what is covered by those title IV-E agreements and which services and title IV-E procedures are currently performed by the State and which by the Tribe.  The applicant indicates whether these agreements are intended to remain in effect while a Tribe operates its own title IV-E plan directly; or whether such agreements will be be re-negotiated (modified); or terminated.

5. The applicant describes the roles and responsibilities of any collaborating agencies in carrying out activities under the grant, and includes letters of commitment.

6.  The applicant demonstrates a thorough understanding of the challenges in carrying out proposed grant activities and in developing an approvable title IV-E plan within 2 years. The applicant provides a sound plan for overcoming these challenges.

7.     The proposed project is likely to lead to the successful development of an approvable title IV-E plan and would enhance the capacity of the applicant to provide child welfare services to the target population.  

8.  The specific activities to be conducted under the proposed project are appropriate and are described in detail. 

 

 

Organizational Profiles - 20 points

In reviewing the organizational profiles, reviewers will consider the extent to which:

1.      The applicant organization and its staff have sufficient experience to successfully complete the proposed project. 

a.       The applicant's history and relationship with the targeted community would assist in the effective implementation of the proposed project. 

b.      The applicant has experience in developing collaborative working agreements with other relevant agencies. 

c.       The applicant organization's capabilities and experience relative to this project, including experience with administration, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of similar projects, would enable them to implement the proposed project effectively.

2.      If the applicant represents a consortium of partner agencies, their background and experience would support the planning and implementation of the proposed project. 

a.       There are letters of commitment from each partner authorizing the applicant to apply on behalf of the consortium and agreeing to participate if the proposal is funded.

3.      The proposed project director and key project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and complexity effectively.

a.       The role, responsibilities and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.

4.      There is a sound management plan for achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality.

a.       The plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities of the lead agency.

b.      The plan clearly describes the effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate).

c.       There would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with Federal assistance by the applicant. 

 

 

Budget and Budget Justification - 10 points

In reviewing the budget and budget justification, reviewers will consider the extent to which:

1. The applicant provides a line-item budget (not to exceed a total of $300,000). There is a budget justification (in narrative form) explaining how grant funds would be spent over a period of up to 24 months from issuance. 

2. The costs of the proposed project are reasonable and programmatically justified, in view of the targeted population and community, the activities to be conducted and the expected results and benefits. 

3. The applicant's fiscal controls and accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely disbursement, and accurate accounting of funds received under this program announcement. 

2. Review and Selection Process:

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

Initial ACF Screening: Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time and whether the requested amount exceeds the stated ceiling.   Late applications or those exceeding the funding limit will be returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable and will not be reviewed.

A panel of at least three reviewers will use the evaluation criteria described in this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide comments about the strengths and weaknesses, and give each application a numerical score.

The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF may also solicit and consider comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants having known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other problems that make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective services or effectively complete the proposed activity.

With the results of the peer review and the information from Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding decisions. The Commissioner may give special consideration to applications proposing services of special interest to the Federal Government and to achieve geographic distributions of grant awards.

 

Approved but Unfunded Applications

Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates:

Applications will be reviewed during the Summer 2009. Grant awards will have a start date no later than September 30, 2009.

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Award Notices:

Successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Notice of Award (NoA) document that sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The NoA will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail.

Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:

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

Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this program.  Regulations pertaining to the Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be found at the HHS web site at: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.

A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities.

Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html.

HHS Grants Policy Statement

The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions, and points of contact, as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html.

3. Reporting Requirements:

Grantees will be required to submit performance progress and financial reports periodically throughout the project period. Frequency of reporting is listed later in this section.

Beginning with FY 2009 awards, most ACF grantees will begin using the a Standard Form (SF) for required performance progress reporting (PPR). The SF-PPR is a standard government-wide performance progress reporting format consisting of a series of forms implemented by Federal agencies to collect performance information from award recipients. Most ACF grantees will begin using the standard format implemented through ACF's Office of Grants Management (OGM), entitled the "ACF-OGM-SF-PPR." Use of the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR will begin for new awards and continuation awards made by ACF in FY 2009. At a minimum, grantees will be required to submit the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR, which consists of the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR Coversheet and the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR Appendix B Program Indicators.

ACF Programs that utilize other SF-PPR reporting formats, or other reporting forms or formats that differ from the new ACF-OGM-SF-PPR, have listed those forms or formats below. Grant award documents will inform grantees of the appropriate performance progress report form or format to use beginning in FY 2009.

Grantees will continue to use the Financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269 (long form) for required financial reporting.

The SF-269 (long form) and the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Grantees should consult their award documents to determine the appropriate performance progress report format required under their award.

Performance progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the end of the reporting period. Final program performance and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period.

Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII. of this announcement.

Program Progress Reports: Semi-Annually
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

Program Office Contact:

Eileen West
Children's Bureau
Portals Office Building, 8th Floor
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20024
Phone:  (202) 205-8438
Email: [email protected]

For hearing or speech impaired callers, contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 (TTY (Text Telephone) / ASCII (American Standard Code For Information Interchange)).

Grants Management Office Contact:

Ben Sharp, Grants Officer
Division of Discretionary Grants
ACYF/ Operations Center
c/o Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132
Phone:  866-796-1591
Phone 2:  or TTY 711
Email: [email protected]

For hearing or speech impaired callers, contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 (TTY (Text Telephone) / ASCII (American Standard Code For Information Interchange)).

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION

Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located on the following website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/

For general information regarding this announcement please contact:

ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132
Phone: 866-796-1591 or TTY 711

Email: [email protected]

Checklist

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

	What to Submit	Where Found	When to Submit
	SF-424	Referenced in Section IV.2 under "Forms" and found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html	By application due date found in Overview and Section IV.3.
	SF-424A	Referenced in Section IV.2 under "Forms" and found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html	By application due date found in Overview and Section IV.3.
	SF-424B	Referenced in Section IV.2 under "Forms" and found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html	By application due date found in Overview and Section IV.3.
	SF-LLL	"Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying" is referenced in Section IV.2 under "Certifications" and found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html Submission of this form is required 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.	By application due date found in Overview and Section IV.3.
	Certification Regarding Lobbying	Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement under "Certifications" and found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html	By date of award.
	Table of Contents	Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement.	By application due date found in Overview and Section IV.3.
	Project Summary/Abstract	Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement.	By application due date found in Overview and Section IV.3.
	Project Description	Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement.	By application due date found in Overview and Section IV.3.
	Budget and Budget Justification	Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement.	By application due date found in Overview and Section IV.3.
	Third-Party Agreements	Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement under "Project Description."	By application due date found in Overview and Section IV.3.

Date:	Joan E. Ohl
	Commissioner
	Administration on Children, Youth and Families

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