[Federal Register: March 29, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 60)]
[Notices]
[Page 16269-16275]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29mr04-66]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Head Start
Funding Opportunity Title: Head Start Tribally Controlled Land
Grant Colleges and Universities.
Announcement Type: Competitive Grant-Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-HS-YT-0004.
CFDA Number: 93.600.
Dates: Applications are due May 13, 2004. Letters of intent are due
April 15, 2004.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Head Start Bureau is announcing the availability of funds and
request for applications for professional development and training
grants for Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities
(TCUs) in partnership with Head Start and Early Head Start programs to
improve staff training and to thereby enhance services to Head Start
and Early Head Start children and families.
Purpose
Through this announcement, the Administration on Children, Youth
and Families (ACYF) is making available up to $1,500,000 annually for
each of five years to support Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges
and Universities (TCUs) partnerships. These partnerships are designed
to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of Head Start and
Early Head Start grantees by developing academic and other training
models to increase the number of Head Start teachers with degrees in
early childhood education.
A. Background
The overall goal of Head Start is to ensure that children of low-
income families acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to allow
them to enter school ready for success. In order to accomplish this
goal, Head Start provides comprehensive services to these children and
their families. Head Start enhances children's physical, cognitive,
social, and emotional development. It supports parents in their efforts
to fulfill their parental roles as their child's primary educator,
helps support them while they work towards employment and self-
sufficiency, and provides for their involvement in administering the
Head Start program.
In an attempt to ensure that highly qualified and well trained
staff provides high quality services to enrolled children and their
families, Head Start has supported many demonstration projects. For
example, Head Start supported the creation of the Child Development
Associate (CDA) credential designed for early childhood development
teaching staff, implemented the Head Start Teaching Centers, and
developed other related innovative projects. The Head Start Bureau also
implemented partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs) and Higher Education Hispanic/Latino Service
Partnerships (HS-HEHLSPs) in addition to key innovative training and
staff development projects.
The 1998 reauthorization of the Head Start Act contains provisions
to improve Head Start program quality and accountability. These include
new education performance standards and measures, the expansion of
program monitoring to incorporate evidence of progress on outcomes-
based measures, funding to upgrade program quality and staff
compensation, and higher education standards for Head Start teachers.
In January 2001, the President signed into law the ``No Child Left
Behind Act'' to make the education of every child in America one of the
country's top priorities. The Act seeks to ensure that public schools
teach children what they need to know to be successful in life and that
they also set high education standards in the classroom. In his 2002
State of the Union address, the President indicated the need to prepare
our children to read and succeed in school, including the improvement
of Head Start and early childhood development programs. In response to
these goals, the White House has developed an early childhood
initiative, which is built on raising the bar for Head Start education
methods to create a better learning environment and improved outcomes
for children. In his announcement of the Good Start, Grow Smart Early
Childhood Initiative in April 2002, the President identified children's
early literacy as a key focus for Head Start program improvement. In
this initiative, the President presented three areas of focus for Head
Start: (1) Strengthening Head Start programs; (2) partnering with
states to improve early childhood education, and (3) providing
information to teachers, caregivers, and parents.
The Head Start Act, as amended 42 U.S.C. 9801 et seq. is the
authorizing legislation for the Head Start TCU program. The key purpose
in funding the TCU program is to increase the number of Head Start
staff with college degrees in early childhood education. To assure that
selected colleges and universities will be able to fulfill this task it
is important that TCUs applying for funds under this announcement
clearly demonstrate that they have established relationships with the
Head Start programs in their community and that these Head Start
programs have indicated that they are willing to work collaboratively
with the institution.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated total Priority Area Funding: $1,500,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 6-10 per budget period.
Ceiling on amount of Individual Awards: $150,000 per budget period.
Floor on Individual Award Amounts: None.
Average projected Award Amount: $100,000 per budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: Up to 60 months with 12 month budget
periods. Awards will be made on a competitive basis and will be for a
one-year budget period. The total project period will not exceed 60
months. Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards
beyond the first 12 month budget period (but within the project period)
will be considered on a noncompetitive basis subject to the
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a
determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the
Government.
[[Page 16270]]
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCUs)
Additional Information on Eligibility: This announcement is limited
to Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCUs) as
defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status
Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), any other institution that qualifies
for funding under the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance
Act of 1978, (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and Navajo Community College,
Authorized in the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978,
Public Law 95-471, Title II (25 U.S.C. 640a note).
Only those institutions that meet these definitions shall be
eligible for assistance under this announcement.
TCUs that are not accredited are not eligible to apply under this
announcement. Applications from TCUs that are not accredited will be
considered non-responsive and returned without review.
TCUs that are currently funded under the Head Start Partnership
with TCUs and whose funding will end after October 31, 2004 are not
eligible to apply under this announcement.
TCUs that fail to provide a Head Start program participation
agreement as specified in Section IV. Content and Form of Application
Submission will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible
for funding under this announcement.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$150,000. Applications exceeding the $150,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching--No
3. Other (If Applicable)
On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal
grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant applicants to
provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http: //http://www.dnb.com.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$150,000. Applications exceeding the $150,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
Applications from applicants that do not meet the definition of a
TCU specified in Section III.1 and the accreditation requirements
specified in Section III.1 will be considered non-responsive and
returned without review.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., Head Start
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCUs), 18 Q
Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002, Telephone: (800) 351-2293, E-mail:
HS@dixongroup.com.
An application kit including copies of the program announcement,
necessary application forms and appendices can be obtained by
contacting the above address, and/or visiting the ACYF Web site at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/grant/fundingopportunities/fundopport.htm
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Submission of Intent
Prior to submittal of the application, applicants must submit a
post card or call the ACYF Operations Center c/o The Dixon Group with
the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax
numbers, and e-mail address of the college/university intending to
apply to receive Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and
Universities funds. Please see Section III.1 for ACYF Operations Center
address and telephone contact information.
Proof of TCU Accreditation Status
Applicants must submit proof of accreditation by an accreditation
agency recognized by the Secretary of the Department of Education.
Head Start Program Participation Agreement
Applicants must submit a letter of agreement with their
applications from a Head Start Program Director verifying that the
applicant has an established relationship with the program and that the
Head Start program is willing to work with the TCU.
You may submit your application to us either in electronic or paper
format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov
apply site. If you use Grants.Gov you will be able to
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grants. Gov.
Electronic submission is voluntary
When you enter the Grants.Gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.Gov.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have
a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR).
You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR
registration.
You will not receive additional point value because
you submit a grant application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically,
including all information typically included on the SF424 and all
necessary assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page
limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application,
you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.Gov that
contains a Grants.Gov tracking number. The Administration for Children
and Families will retrieve your application form Grants. Gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures
on forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this
program on http://www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable
application package by the CFDA number.
[[Page 16271]]
Application Requirements
The project description of the application should be double-spaced
and single-sided on 8\1/2\ x 11 plain white
paper, with 1'' margins on all sides. Use only a standard size font no
smaller than 12 pitch throughout the application. All narrative
sections of the application (including appendices, resumes, charts,
references/footnotes, tables, maps and exhibits) must be sequentially
numbered, beginning on the first page after the budget justification,
the principal investigator contact information and the Table of
Contents. The length of the application, including the projection
description, appendices and resumes must not exceed 75 pages. Anything
over 75 pages will be removed and not considered by the reviewers. The
abstract should not be counted in the 75 pages and not exceed 1 page.
Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures, or other
printed material along with their applications. These materials, if
submitted, will not be included in the review process. In addition,
applicants must NOT submit any additional letters of endorsement beyond
any that stated as required in this announcement.
Project Descriptions
Specific factual information and statements of measurable goals in
quantitative terms must be included in the project description.
Extensive exhibits are not required. Supporting information concerning
activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information
that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded
activity should be placed in an appendix. Please see section V for
further information regarding the Project Description.
Table of Contents
All pages must be numbered and a table of contents should be
included for easy reference.
Forms and Certifications: The project description should include
all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation
criteria outlined in the program announcement under Part V. In addition
to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the
standard forms required for making applications for awards under this
announcement. Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-
construction projects must file the Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances:
Non-Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign and return the
Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must provide a
certification regarding lobbying when applying for an award in excess
of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the certification with
their applications. Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the
Standard Form LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000.
Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in
connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall
complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications. The
forms (Forms 424, 424A-B; and Certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
under new announcements. Fill
out Standard Forms 424 and 424A and the associated certifications and
assurances based on the instructions on the forms.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
(Eastern Time Zone) on May 13, 2004. Mailed or hand carried
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be
classified as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date at the following address: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The
Dixon Group, Inc., Head Start Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges
and Universities (TCUs), 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002 Attn:
Delores Dickenson, Telephone: (800) 351-2293.
Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications
are received on or before the deadline time and date.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., EST, at the following address: ACYF Operations Center,
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., Head Start Tribally Controlled Land Grant
Colleges and Universities (TCUs), 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC
20002 Attn: Delores Dickenson, Telephone: (800) 351-2293.
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.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mails service. Determinations
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants
Management Officer.
Required Forms:
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What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
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Cover letter................. Self explanatory Self explanatory............... By application due date.
Table of contents............ Per description Described in Section IV........ By application due date.
in announcement.
SF 424, including Sections A Per required May be found at http:// By application due date.
and B. form. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Dun and Bradstreet Data Per description Described in Section III....... By application due date.
Universal Numbering System in announcement.
(DUNS) Number.
Abstract..................... Per description Described in Section V......... By application due date.
in announcement.
Project Description.......... Per description Described in Section IV and V.. By application due date.
in announcement.
Certification regarding Per required May be found at http:// By application due date.
Lobbying and associated form. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/
Disclosure of Lobbying forms.htm.
Activities (SF LLL).
[[Page 16272]]
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Requirement met May be found at http:// By application due date.
Certification. by signing and http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/
submitting forms.htm.
application.
Proof of TCU accreditation Per description Described in Section III and IV By application due date.
status. in announcement.
Head Start program(s) Letter of Described in Section IV........ By application due date.
participation agreement. agreement from
Head Start
Director.
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4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs. As of October 1, 2003, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action
in regard to E.O. 12372:
All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona,
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia.
Applicants from these jurisdictions need not take action.
Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW. Washington, DC 20447.
A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory
is included with the application materials for this announcement.
5. Funding Restrictions
TCUs that are currently funded under the Head Start Partnership
with TCUs and whose funding will end after October 31, 2004 are not
eligible to apply under this announcement.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$150,000. Applications exceeding the $150,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: An Applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The Application must be received at the
address below by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing
date. Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The
Dixon Group, Inc., Head Start Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges
and Universities (TCUs), 118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002, Attn:
Delores Dickenson, Telephone: (800) 351-2293.
Hand Delivery: An Applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m. Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing date. Applications
that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be delivered to:
ACYF Operations Center c/o The Dixon Group, 118 Q Street, NE.,
Washington, DC 20002, Attn: Delores Dickenson, Telephone: (800) 351-
2293.
Electronic Submission: Please see section IV.2 Content and Form of
Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting
applications electronically.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the
``project summary/abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD). Public Reporting for this
collection of information is estimated to average 25 hours per
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection information.
The project description is approved under OMB Control Number 0970-
0139 which expires 3/31/2004.
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. Applicants have the option of
omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary
rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget
and Social Security Numbers. The copies may include summary salary
information.
Project Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (not to exceed one
page) with reference to the funding request.
[[Page 16273]]
Approach
Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and detail of
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions
or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or
function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.'' List organizations, cooperating
entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the
project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or
contribution.
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.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example,
describe how the intermediary's assistance to faith-based and community
organizations will increase their effectiveness, enhance their ability
to provide social services, diversify their funding sources, and create
collaborations to better serve those most in need.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs,
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Criterion 1. Approach: (25 Points)
The extent to which the application describes a detailed plan of
action pertaining to the scope of the project including details on how
the proposed work will be accomplished, such as detailed timelines and
lists of each organization as well as consultant and key individuals
who will work on the project. The extent to which the applicant
describes a brief yet clear description of the nature of the effort and
contribution each organization, consultant, or key individual will make
to the project. The extent to which the applicant demonstrates adequate
time key staff will devote to the project and that this staff is
qualified and knowledgeable of Head Start and Early Head Start. The
extent to which the applicant describes a well-vetted approach and
methodology for implementing the project, including a clear description
that delineates the relationship of each task to the accomplishment of
the proposed objectives. The extent to which the applicant provides
evidence that the planned approach reflects sufficient input from and
partnership with Head Start and Early Head Start grantees.
The extent to which the applicant demonstrates effective planning
for activities developed during the start-up period in preparation of
implementation of the program including assurance that no more than six
months will be devoted to planning activities.
The extent to which the applicant demonstrates effective methods
for recruiting Head Start center-based teaching staff and an effective
selection process for participation in the program.
The extent to which the applicant demonstrates how training and
coursework will be contextually and culturally relevant to the Head
Start and Early Head Start environment and how it will contribute to
enhancing the effectiveness of teachers, program quality, and outcomes
for Head Start children and families.
The extent to which the application describes efforts the applicant
and Head Start partners will make to ensure that training and
coursework are accessible to Head Start staff and how the applicant
will support their successful completion of courses, training, and
degrees. The extent to which the applicant provides discussion of
relevant issues such as timing, scheduling, and location of classes or
training, support to enhance the literacy and study skills of
participants, and approaches to integrate training in the working
environment of the Head Start program. The extent to which the
applicant describes costs (if any) associated with training and courses
for Head Start staff.
The extent to which the applicant describes strong efforts to
complement the Federal funds requested in this proposal with other
sources to maximize the benefits to Head Start and Early Head Start
grantees including efforts or plans to assist Head Start/Early Head
Start staff in accessing sources of financial assistance or to make use
of other funding for training and career development of early childhood
program staff.
The extent to which the applicant describes credit courses offered
particularly in the area of Early Childhood Development/Education.
The extent to which the applicant describes how CDA training and
certification of Head Start and Early Head Start staff, as appropriate,
as well as previous coursework and credits will
[[Page 16274]]
be linked to academic credits and course sequences leading to AA/BA
degrees including estimates indicating how many Head Start and Early
Head Start staff members will be included in this effort.
The extent to which the applicant presents an organizational
structure that will support the project objectives. The extent to which
the applicant demonstrates how joint planning and assessment with the
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees will be effectively
implemented with timelines and clear lines of responsibility. The
extent to which the applicant explains how staff positions will be
assigned and describes their major functions and responsibilities.
The extent to which the applicant describes appropriate activities
that will continue after the completion of this project that will
ensure that the applicant will continue to participate in providing
educational opportunities for Head Start and Early Head Start classroom
staff.
Criterion 2. Results or Benefits Expected: (25 Points)
The results and benefits to be derived. The anticipated
contribution to policy, practice, theory and research. Specific
benefits for both the applicant and the Head Start/Early Head Start
community.
Based on the stated program objectives, the results and benefits to
be derived. The specific results or benefits that could be expected for
the Head Start/Early Head Start grantees and the institution.
The qualitative and quantitative data the program will collect to
measure progress towards the stated results or benefits. How the
program will determine the extent to which it has achieved its stated
objectives.
The extent to which the applicant provides an accurate projection
of the estimated number of Head Start/Early Head Start teachers that
will earn degrees over the duration of the project based on an analysis
of the current levels of credits/courses earned by participants and a
proposed sequence of courses.
The extent to which the applicant proposes new teaching methods for
Head Start/Early Head Start teachers and staff for teaching early
literacy in the classrooms and enhancing parental skills to encourage
children to read and succeed in school.
Criterion 3. Objectives and Need for Assistance: (20 Points)
Relevant physical, economic, social, financial, institutional or
other problems requiring intervention. The need for assistance. The
principal and subordinate objectives of the project. The supporting
documentation provided or other testimonies from concerned interests
other than the applicant.
The objectives for the program. How these objectives are based on
an assessment of community needs and how they relate to Head Start
goals. The extent to which the applicant proposes a detailed process
that will be used to assess the need for the proposed program including
the total number of staff needing training, including preschool and
infant/toddler teachers.
Specifically identified population to be served. The extent to
which the applicant describes proposed Head Start and Early Head Start
grantees as participating partners. The extent to which the applicant
provides the numbers and types of staff to be trained, and the proposed
areas of training, courses, and degrees to be awarded, as appropriate.
The consultative process related to the development of the proposed
initiative. The extent to which the applicant describes detailed
efforts to frame the proposed initiative within broader state or
community efforts to enhance professional and career development for
staff in all forms of early childhood and child care programs. The
extent to which the applicant provides letters of support that document
consultation and support from the proposed grantee or delegate agency
partners.
Criterion 4. Budget and Budget Justification: (20 Points)
How the proposed project costs are reasonable and appropriate in
view of the activities to be carried out and the anticipated outcomes.
The extent to which the applicant describes a thorough line item budget
for the costs associated with key project staff attending two ACF-
sponsored conferences in Washington, DC.
Criterion 5. Geographic Location: (5 Points)
The extent to which the application describes the precise location
of the project and area to be served, including the location of the
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees the applicant partners with.
vCriterion 6. Staff and Position Data: (5 Points)
The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that key staff are
qualified and knowledgeable of Head Start and Early Head Start. The
extent to which the applicant demonstrates the capacity of its
organization, key leaders, managers, and project personnel to provide:
high quality, relevant, and responsive training to Head Start staff;
competent project staff to plan and deliver appropriate course material
to Head Start trainees that is culturally relevant; implementation of
the training grant in an effective and timely manner; and successful
partnerships that involve sharing resources, staffing, and facilities.
2. Review and Selection Process
Applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the
Federal government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in Section
V of this announcement as well as the eligibility criteria specified in
Section III to review and score the applications. The results of this
review will be a primary factor in making funding decisions.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the total project
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal
mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing by the Head Start Bureau.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
45 CFR Part 74 and 45 CFR Part 92
3. Reporting
Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually.
Financial Reports: Semi-annually.
Special Reporting Requirements: None.
All grantees are required to submit semi-annual program reports;
grantees are also required to submit semi-annual expenditure reports
using the required financial standard form (SF-269) which is located on
the Internet at: http://forms.psc.gov/forms/sf/SF-269.pdf. A suggested
format for the program report will be sent to all grantees after the
awards are made.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Katherine Gray, U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Administration for
[[Page 16275]]
Children and Families, ACYF-Head Start Bureau, Switzer Building--330 C
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Telephone : (202) 205-8390, E-Mail:
kgray@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact: Delores Dickenson, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children
and Families, ACYF-Head Start Bureau, Switzer Building--330 C Street,
SW., Washington, DC 20447, Telephone: (202) 260-7622, E-Mail:
ddickenson@acf.hhs.gov.
General: ACYF Operations Center, c/o The Dixon Group, Inc., Head
Start Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCUs),
118 Q Street, NE., Washington, DC 20002, Telephone: (800) 351-2293.
VIII. Other Information
Additional information about this program and its purpose can be
located on the following Web sites: http://www.headstartinfo.org;
http://www.hsnrc.org.
Dated: March 23, 2004.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
[FR Doc. 04-6958 Filed 3-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P