[Federal Register: August 27, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 166)]
[Notices]
[Page 52654-52660]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27au04-28]
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ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION
Request for Proposals for the Help America Vote College Poll
Worker Recruitment Program
AGENCY: Election Assistance Commission (EAC).
ACTION: Notice of Request for Applications--Federal Grant Opportunity.
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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sections 501-503 of the Help America Vote Act
(HAVA), Public Law 107-252, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission
(EAC or Commission) is hereby publishing in the Federal Register a
Request for Proposals for the Help America Vote College Poll Worker
Recruitment Program.
DATES: This notice is effective upon publication in the Federal
Register.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Phone: Karen Lynn-Dyson at (202) 566-
3100 or 1-866-747-1471 (toll-free).
Federal Agency Name: United States Election Assistance Commission.
Funding Opportunity Title: Help America Vote College Program.
Announcement Type: Competitive Grant--Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: EAC--04--001.
CFDA Number: 90.400.
Due Date: Applications are due by Thursday, September 9, 2004.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
This announcement is covered under the Help America Vote Act of
2002, Public Law (Pub. L.) 107-252, Title V. Provisions under this
title allow the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to award grants for
the development of a program to encourage students enrolled at
institutions of higher education (including community colleges) to
assist State and local governments in the administration of elections
by serving as nonpartisan poll workers or assistants.
Project funds must be used for projects and activities which are
carried out without partisan bias or without promoting any particular
point of view regarding any issue.
Purpose of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (``EAC'' or ``Commission'')
was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (``HAVA'').
Central to its role, the Commission serves as a national clearinghouse
and resource for information and review of procedures with respect to
the administration of federal elections.
HAVA requires the EAC to, among other things:
Generate technical guidance on the administration of
federal elections.
Produce voluntary voting systems guidelines.
Research and report on matters that affect the
administration of federal elections.
Otherwise provide information and guidance with respect to
laws, procedures, and technologies affecting the administration of
federal elections.
Administer payments to States to meet HAVA requirements.
Provide grants for election technology development and for
pilot programs to test election technology.
Develop a national program for the testing, certification,
and decertification of voting systems.
Maintain the national mail voter registration form that
was developed in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of
1993 (``NVRA''), report to Congress every two years on the impact of
the NVRA on the administration of federal elections, and provide
information to States on their responsibilities under that law.
Audit entities who receive federal funds authorized by
HAVA from the General Services Administration or the EAC.
Submit an annual report to Congress describing EAC
activities for the previous fiscal year.
Additionally, the EAC is required, not later than one year after
the appointment of its members, to develop a program to be known as the
``Help America Vote College Program.''
Help America Vote College Program
The EAC is seeking proposals which will assist the Commission in
developing and implementing the Help America Vote College Program
(``College Program'').
The purpose of the College Program is to encourage students
enrolled at institutions of higher education (including community
colleges) to assist state and local governments in the administration
of elections by serving as nonpartisan poll workers or assistants, and
to encourage state and local governments to use the services of the
students participating in the College Program.
While laws regarding eligibility for poll worker service vary
somewhat from state to state, in all states, poll worker service
requires dedication. Poll workers are required to attend a training
session conducted by the local election jurisdiction prior to Election
Day. Most training sessions occur in the month prior to Election Day
(i.e., October for this project period), and generally last, on
average, 2 to 3 hours. Through coordination between the local election
jurisdiction and the prospective grantee, on-site poll worker training
may be arranged.
Applicants also should be aware that poll workers generally are
required to be at polling locations to help set up prior to the opening
of polls, and should plan to stay at least 45 minutes after the close
of polls on Election Day. In some jurisdictions options to split a
shift are available. Applicants should understand that college poll
workers may be required to remain at the polling location the entire
day on Election Day. It should be noted that poll workers are paid a
stipend both for attending training and for their service on Election
Day. The stipend amounts, paid by the election jurisdiction, vary
widely.
Applicants should be aware that most states require that poll
workers be registered voters in the state in which they serve. Other
states require that poll workers be registered voters in the county in
which they serve. In some cases, however, students are exempt from
these requirements and may serve under various titles such as
assistants or interpreters.
In making grants under the College Program, the EAC requires that
the funds provided are spent for projects and activities which are
carried out without partisan bias or without promoting any particular
point of view regarding any issue, and that each grant recipient is
governed in a balanced manner which does not reflect any partisan bias.
Applicants should be informed that the EAC will require all grant
recipients to submit a final written report discussing outcomes and/or
related qualitative data, which the EAC will use to develop
recommendations to the U.S. Congress, States and local governments
about future involvement of college students as poll workers and/or
``best practices'' information.
General Guidelines for Application
Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and
detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished, given the
description and purpose detailed above regarding the College Program;
Describe any unusual features of the project such as
design or technological
[[Page 52655]]
innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and
community involvement;
Provide quantitative projections of the accomplishments to
be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number
of college students expected to participate 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.
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For
example, describe how the activities that your organization undertakes
will promote the participation of college students to work as poll
workers or assistants during the upcoming November 2nd general
election.
To the extent possible, include information on meeting the
poll worker eligibility requirements for the jurisdiction(s) covered by
the student population described in the application;
To the extent possible, include information showing
current involvement and/or support from the local election
administrator(s) of the jurisdiction(s) covered by the student
population described in the application or ways in which such
involvement and/or support will be developed during the project period;
Describe for all functions or activities identified in the
application and, if applicable, cite factors which might accelerate or
decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed
approach rather than others;
Present a budget with reasonable project costs,
appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient to
accomplish the objectives, such as documentation of the dollar amount
requested, as well as a description of the fiscal controls and
accounting procedures that will be used to ensure prudent use, proper
disbursement, and accurate accounting of funds received under this
program announcement.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $200,000-$645,750.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1-50.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $150,000 per project and
budget period.
Floor on Individual Award Amounts: $10,000 per project and budget
period.
Average Projected Award Amount: Unknown.
Project Periods for Awards: 3-4 month project and budget periods.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State controlled institutions of higher education; private
institutions of higher education; community colleges; non-profit
organizations, other than institutions of higher education; and faith-
based organizations.
All applications that are developed jointly by more than one agency
or organization must identify only one organization as the lead
organization and the official applicant. The other participating
organizations can be included as co-participants, sub-grantees, or
subcontractors.
Any non-profit organization submitting an application must include
proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of
submission. The non-profit organization can accomplish this by
providing any one of the following:
(a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS code.
(b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
(c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General,
or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant
organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net earnings
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
(d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
(e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a
State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the
parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$150,000. Requests that exceed the $150,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
Applications that are developed jointly by more than one agency or
organization that fail to identify only one organization as the lead
organization and the official applicant will be considered non-
responsive and returned without review.
Pre-award costs are not allowable charges to this program.
Applications that include pre-award costs with their submission will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this
program. Applications that propose construction projects or
expenditures will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible
for funding under this announcement.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
None.
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://www.dnb.com.
Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is
$150,000. Requests that exceed the $150,000 threshold will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
Applications that are developed jointly by more than one agency or
organization that fail to identify only one organization as the lead
organization and the official applicant will be considered non-
responsive and returned without review.
Pre-award costs are not allowable charges to this program.
Applications that include pre-award costs with their submission will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this
program. Applications that propose construction projects or
expenditures will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible
for funding under this announcement.
[[Page 52656]]
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 1225 New York Avenue, NW.,
Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Attention: Karen Lynn-Dyson, Phone:
(202) 566-3100; Fax: (202) 566-1389.
Application forms and certifications may also be downloaded from
the ``Help America Vote College Program'' link at the following
Internet address: http://www.eac.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
The Application
Each application package must include an original and two copies of
the complete application. Each copy should be stapled securely (front
and back if necessary) in the upper left-hand corner. All pages of the
project description/narrative must be sequentially numbered, beginning
with page one. In order to facilitate handling, please do not use
covers, binders or tabs. Do not include extraneous materials as
attachments, such as agency promotion brochures, slides, tapes, film
clips, minutes of meetings, survey instruments or entire articles of
incorporation.
You may view this grant announcement via http://www.grants.gov.
However, you may not submit an electronic application for this grant
announcement. Rather, the EAC requires that applications for this grant
announcement be submitted--not later than September 9, 2004--in paper
format only by mailing or hand delivering a hard copy of the
application to the following address:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 1225 New York Avenue, NW.,
Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Attention: Karen Lynn-Dyson, Program
Director. Any questions regarding this announcement can be directed to
Karen Lynn-Dyson at (202) 566-3100 or by e-mail at klynndyson@eac.gov.
Please note that to use grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must
have a DUNS Number. You may acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling
the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or
you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Application Requirements
A complete application consists of the following items:
--Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV 4-92);
--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A, REV 4-92);
--Budget justification for Section B--Budget Categories;
--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV 4-92);
--Proof of non-profit status;
--Project description/narrative;
--Any appendices/attachments;
--Certification regarding lobbying.
The above forms and certifications may be found at the ``Help
America Vote College Program'' link located at http://www.eac.gov.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants.''
The forms are located on the Web at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
.
Application Format
Length: Applications must not exceed 25 pages.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The EAC requires that applications for this grant announcement be
submitted--not later than September 9, 2004--in paper format only by
mailing or hand delivering a hard copy of the application, as
instructed below. All applications will be evaluated upon receipt and
initial screening.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting the
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date at the following address: U.S. Election Assistance Commission,
1225 New York Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Attention:
Karen Lynn-Dyson, Program Director, Help America Vote College Program.
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 5 p.m., e.s.t., at the following address: U.S. Election Assistance
Commission, 1225 New York Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC
20005, Attention: Karen Lynn-Dyson, Program Director, Help America Vote
College Program.
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 5 p.m.
(Eastern Standard Time) on Thursday, September 9, 2004. Mailed or hand
carried applications received after 5 p.m. e.s.t. on the closing date
will be classified as late.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria
above are considered late applications. EAC shall notify each late
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current
competition.
Extension of deadlines: EAC may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as Acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service. Determinations
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the U.S. Election
Assistance Commission.
4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC):
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' 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 to participate in the
Executive Order process:
Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, American Somoa, Guam, North Mariana Islands, and the
Virgin Islands.
Applicants from these jurisdictions should determine the SPOC for
that jurisdiction, and contact their SPOC as soon as possible to alert
them of the prospective application and receive instructions.
Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOC 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 up to 60 days
from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or competing
continuation awards.
Applicants from a jurisdiction that does not participate in the
Executive Order process, and which have met the eligibility
requirements of this program, are still eligible to apply for a grant
even
[[Page 52657]]
if a State, Territory, Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC.
A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory
can be obtained from the following Web site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html
.
5. Funding Restrictions
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.
Pre-award costs are not allowable charges to this program.
Applications that include pre-award costs with their submission will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this
program. Applications that propose construction projects or
expenditures 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, which is Thursday, September 9, 2004. Applications should be
mailed to: U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 1225 New York Avenue,
NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Attention: Karen Lynn-Dyson,
Program Director, Help America Vote College Program.
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 5 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time on or before the closing date, which is Thursday,
September 8, 2004. Applications that are hand delivered will be
accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Applications may be delivered to: U.S. Election Assistance Commission,
1225 New York Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Attention:
Karen Lynn-Dyson, Program Director, Help America Vote College Program.
V. Application Instructions
Instructions for Preparing the Application and Completing Application
Forms
The SF 424, SF 424A, SF 424A--Page 2 and Certifications/Assurances
are contained in the application package that can be accessed as
mentioned earlier in this announcement. Please prepare your application
in accordance with the following instructions:
SF 424, Page 1, Application Cover Sheet
Please read the following instructions before completing the
application cover sheet. An explanation of each item is included.
Complete only the items specified.
Top of Page. Please indicate that you are applying for new or
implementation funds.
Item 1. ``Type of Submission''--Preprinted on the form.
Item 2. ``Date Submitted'' and ``Applicant Identifier''--Date
application is submitted to EAC and applicant's own internal control
number, if applicable.
Item 3. ``Date Received By State''--State use only (if applicable).
Item 4. ``Date Received by Federal Agency''--Leave blank.
Item 5. ``Applicant Information.''
``Legal Name''--Enter the legal name of applicant organization. For
applications developed jointly, enter the name of the lead organization
only. There must be a single applicant for each application.
``Organizational Unit''--Enter the name of the primary unit within
the applicant's organization that will actually carry out the project
activity. Do not use the name of an individual as the applicant. If
this is the same as the applicant organization, leave the
organizational unit blank.
``Address''--Enter the complete address that the organization
actually uses to receive mail, since this is the address to which all
correspondence will be sent. Do not include both street address and
P.O. Box number unless both must be used in mailing.
``Name and telephone number of the person to be contacted on
matters involving this application (give area code)''--Enter the full
name and telephone number of a person who can respond to questions
about the application. This person should be accessible at the address
given here and will receive all correspondence regarding the
application.
Item 6. ``Employer Identification Number (EIN)''--Enter the
employer identification number of the applicant organization, as
assigned by the Internal Revenue Service.
Item 7. ``Type of Applicant''-- Self-explanatory (i.e., state
controlled institution of higher education; private institution of
higher education; community college; non-profit organization, other
than institutions of higher education; or faith-based organizations).
Item 8. ``Type of Application''--Preprinted on the form.
Item 9. ``Name of Federal Agency''--Preprinted on the form.
Item 10. ``Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and
Title''--Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number
assigned to the program under which assistance is requested and its
title.
Item 11. ``Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project''--Enter the
project title. The title is generally short and is descriptive of the
project, not the priority area title.
Item 12. ``Areas Affected by Project''--Enter the governmental unit
where significant and meaningful impact could be observed. List only
the largest unit or units affected, such as State, county, or city. If
an entire unit is affected, list it rather than subunits.
Item 13. ``Proposed Project''--Enter the desired start date for the
project and projected completion date.
Item 14. ``Congressional District of Applicant/Project''--Enter the
number of the Congressional district where the applicant's principal
office is located and the number of the Congressional district(s) where
the project will be located. If Statewide, a multi-State effort, or
nationwide, enter ``00.''
Item 15. Estimated Funding Levels. In completing 15a through 15f,
the dollar amounts entered should reflect, for a 3-4 month project
period, the total amount requested.
Item 15a. Enter the amount of Federal funds requested in accordance
with the preceding paragraph. This amount should be no greater than the
maximum amount specified in the priority area description.
Items 15b-e. Not Applicable.
Item 15f. Enter the estimated amount of program income, if any,
expected to be generated from the proposed project. Do not add or
subtract this amount from the total project amount entered under item
15g. Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of this program
income in the Project Narrative Statement.
Item 15g. Enter the sum of items 15a-15e.
Item 16a. ``Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive
Order 12372 Process? Yes.''--Enter the date the applicant contacted the
SPOC regarding this application. Select the appropriate
[[Page 52658]]
SPOC from the listing provided online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
The review of the application is at the discretion of
the SPOC. The SPOC will verify the date noted on the application.
Item 16b. ``Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive
Order 12372 Process? No.''--Check the appropriate box if the
application is not covered by E.O. 12372 or if the program has not been
selected by the State for review.
Item 17. ``Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt?''--
Check the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant
organization, not the person who signs as the authorized
representative. Categories of debt include audit disallowances, loans
and taxes.
Item 18. ``To the best of my knowledge and belief, all data in this
application/pre-application are true and correct. The document has been
duly authorized by the governing body of the applicant and the
applicant will comply with the attached assurances if the assistance is
awarded.''--To be signed by the authorized representative of the
applicant. A copy of the governing body's authorization for signature
of this application by this individual as the official representative
must be on file in the applicant's office, and may be requested from
the applicant.
Item 18a-c. ``Typed Name of Authorized Representative, Title,
Telephone Number''--Enter the name, title and telephone number of the
authorized representative of the applicant organization.
Item 18d. ``Signature of Authorized Representative'' --Signature of
the authorized representative named in Item 18a. At least one copy of
the application must have an original signature. Use colored ink (not
black) so that the original signature is easily identified.
Item 18e. ``Date Signed''--Enter the date the application was
signed by the authorized representative.
SF 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs
This is a form used by many Federal agencies. For this application,
Sections A, B, and F are to be completed. Sections C, D and E do not
need to be completed.
Sections A and B should include the Federal as well as the non-
Federal funding for the proposed project covering the total project
period of 4 months or less.
Section A--Budget Summary: This section includes a summary of the
budget. On line 5, enter total Federal costs in column (e) and total
non-Federal costs (none for these projects), including third party in-
kind contributions, but not program income, in column (f). Enter the
total of (e) and (f) in column (g).
Section B--Budget Categories: This budget, which includes the
Federal as well as non-Federal funding for the proposed project (none
for these projects), covers the total project period of 4 months or
less. It should relate to item 15g, total funding, on the SF 424. Under
column (5), enter the total requirements for funds (Federal and non-
Federal [none]) by object class category.
A separate budget justification should be included to fully explain
and justify major items, as indicated below. The types of information
to be included in the justification are indicated under each category.
The budget justification should immediately follow the second page of
the SF 424A.
Personnel--Line 6a. Enter the total costs of salaries and wages of
applicant/grantee staff for the project period. Do not include the
costs of consultants; this should be included on line 6h, ``Other.''
Justification: Identify the principal investigator or project
director, if known. Specify by title or name the percentage of time
allocated to the project, the individual's project period salary, and
the cost to the project of the organization's staff who will be working
on the project.
Fringe Benefits--Line 6b. Enter the total costs of fringe benefits,
unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a break-down of amounts and percentages that
comprise fringe benefit costs, such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, etc.
Travel--6c. Enter total costs of out-of-town travel (travel
requiring per diem) for staff of the project. Do not enter costs for
consultant's travel or local transportation, which should be included
on Line 6h, ``Other.''
Justification: Include the name(s) of traveler(s), total number of
trips, destinations, length of stay, transportation costs and
subsistence allowances.
Equipment--Line 6d. Enter the total costs of all equipment to be
acquired by the project.
Justification: Equipment to be purchased with Federal funds must be
justified. The equipment must be required to conduct the project, and
the applicant organization or its sub grantees must not have the
equipment or a reasonable facsimile available to the project. The
justification also must contain plans for future use or disposal of the
equipment after the project ends.
Supplies--Line 6e. Enter the total costs of all tangible expendable
personal property (supplies) other than those included on Line 6d.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs.
Contractual--Line 6f. Enter the total costs of all contracts,
including (1) Procurement contracts (except those which belong on other
lines such as equipment, supplies, etc.), and (2) contracts with
secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies. Also
include any contracts with organizations for the provision of technical
assistance. Do not include payments to individuals on this line. If the
name of the contractor, scope of work, and estimated total costs are
not available or have not been negotiated, include on Line 6h,
``Other.''
Justification: Attach a list of contractors, indicating the names
of the organizations, the purposes of the contracts, and the estimated
dollar amounts of the awards as part of the budget justification.
Whenever the applicant/grantee intends to delegate part or the entire
program to another agency, the applicant/grantee must complete this
section (Section B, Budget Categories) for each delegate agency by
agency title, along with the supporting information. The total cost of
all such agencies will be part of the amount shown on Line 6f. Provide
backup documentation identifying the name of contractor, purpose of
contract, and major cost elements.
Construction--Line 6g. Not applicable. New construction is not
allowable.
Other--Line 6h. Enter the total of all other costs. Where
applicable, such costs may include, but are not limited to: Insurance;
medical and dental costs; non-contractual fees and travel paid directly
to individual consultants; local transportation (all travel which does
not require per diem is considered local travel); space and equipment
rentals; printing and publication; computer use; training costs,
including tuition and stipends; training service costs, including wage
payments to individuals and supportive service payments; and staff
development costs. Note that costs identified as ``miscellaneous'' and
``honoraria'' are not allowable.
Justification: Specify the costs included.
Total Direct Charges--Line 6i. Enter the total of Lines 6a through
6h.
Indirect Charges--6j. Enter the total amount of indirect charges
(costs). If no indirect costs are requested, enter ``none.'' Generally,
this line should be used when the applicant (except local governments)
has a current indirect cost
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rate agreement approved by the Department of Health and Human Services
or another Federal agency.
Justification: Enclose a copy of the indirect cost rate agreement.
Applicants subject to the limitation on the Federal reimbursement
of indirect costs for training grants should specify this.
Total--Line 6k. Enter the total amounts of lines 6i and 6j.
Program Income--Line 7. Enter the estimated amount of income, if
any, expected to be generated from this project. Do not add or subtract
this amount from the total project amount.
Justification: Describe the nature, source, and anticipated use of
program income in the Program Narrative Statement.
Section C--Non-Federal Resources: Not applicable.
Section D--Forecasted Cash Needs: Not applicable.
Section E--Budget Estimate of Federal Funds Needed for Balance of
the Project: Not applicable. (This section should only be completed if
the total project period exceeds 17 months.)
Section F--Other Budget Information.
Direct Charges--Line 21. See Form Instructions.
Indirect Charges--Line 22. Enter the type of indirect rate
(provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) that will be in effect
during the funding period, the estimated amount of the base to which
the rate is applied, and the total indirect expense.
VI. Application Review Information
In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following
criteria:
1. Criteria (Total Possible Points: 105)
Criterion 1: Approach (Maximum 40 Points)
Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which they
present a plan that (1) clearly reflects an understanding of the
characteristics of the targeted population (college students) and
methods for successfully motivating such students to participate as
poll workers or other election administration assistants on Election
Day; (2) provides appropriate services that directly address the goals
of this program; (3) provides services that are appropriate and
feasible; and (4) can be reliably evaluated.
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they outline a plan of action pertaining to the scope and detail
on how the proposed work will be accomplished for each project, and
include a definition of the goals and specific measurable objectives
for the project (15 points);
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they describe any unusual features of the project, such as design
or technological innovation, reductions in cost or time, or
extraordinary social and community involvement (10 points);
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they describe the products to be developed during the
implementation of the proposed project, such as brochures and
promotional materials, data collection instruments, internet
applications, reports, evaluation results, and a dissemination plan for
conveying the information (5 points);
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they cite factors which might accelerate or decelerate the work
and provide reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others (5
points);
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they include information on meeting the poll worker eligibility
requirements for the jurisdiction(s) covered by the student population
described in the application (2.5 points);
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they show current involvement and/or support from the local
election administrator(s) and other key stakeholders of the
jurisdiction(s) covered by the student population described in the
application or ways in which such involvement and/or support will be
developed during the proposed project period (2.5 points).
Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum 30 Points)
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they
discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results, explain the
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and
discussed are being met, and the results and benefits identified are
being achieved.
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they identify the kinds of data to be collected and maintained
and discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results and success
of the project. For example, the applicant may provide a description of
how the proposed project will be evaluated to determine the extent to
which it has achieved its stated goals and objectives; the applicant
may also provide a description of methods of evaluation that include
the use of performance measures that are clearly related to the
intended outcome of the project; (15 points).
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they provide for each project, when possible, a quantitative
description of the accomplishments to be achieved and, when
quantification is not possible, a list of activities, in chronological
order, to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target date;
(10 points).
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they provide information regarding how the project will build on
current research, evaluation and/or best practices to contribute to
increased knowledge and understanding of the problems, issues, or
effective strategies and practices as they relate to college students
participating as poll workers or other election administration
assistants; (5 points).
Criterion 3: Organizational Profile (Maximum 25 Points)
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which they
identify how the applicant organization (or the unit within the
organization that will have responsibility for the project) is
structured, the types and quantity of services, and the management
capabilities it possesses. Applications will be evaluated based on the
extent to which the applicant demonstrates a capacity to implement the
proposed project including (1) Experience with similar projects; (2)
experience with the target population; (3) qualifications and
experience of the project leadership; (4) experience and commitment of
any proposed consultants and subcontractors; and (5) appropriateness of
the organizational structure, including its management information
system, to carry out the project.
Application will be evaluated based on the extent to which
they demonstrate experience with similar projects and the target
population (10 points);
Application will be evaluated based on the extent to which
they identify the background of the project director and key project
staff (such as the inclusion of name, address, and training,
educational background and other qualifying experience) and the extent
to which they demonstrate that the experience of the organization is
such that the applicant may effectively and efficiently administer this
project and produce a usable final product. For example, this can
include providing brief resumes of key project staff (10 points);
[[Page 52660]]
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they provide a brief background description of how the applicant
organization is organized (such as an organizational chart that
illustrates the relationship of the project to the current
organization) the types and quantity of services it provides, and the
research and management capabilities it possesses (5 points).
Criterion 4: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum 10 Points)
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which the
applicant presents a budget with reasonable project costs,
appropriately allocated across component areas, and sufficient to
accomplish the objectives, such as the inclusion of a justification for
and documentation of the dollar amount requested.
(1) Applications will be evaluated based upon the extent to which
they include a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived and a discussion of the reasonableness
and appropriateness of the proposed costs. Line item allocations and
justifications are required for Federal funds.
All necessary salary information must appear on the signed original
application for the EAC. Applicants, however, have the option of
omitting the Social Security Numbers and specific salary rates of the
proposed project personnel from the two copies submitted with the
original applications to EAC. For purposes of the outside review
process, applicants may elect to summarize salary information on the
copies of their application.
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they discuss and justify the costs of the proposed project as
being reasonable and programmatically justified in view of the
activities to be conducted and the anticipated results and benefits (5
points) and;
Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to
which they describe the fiscal control and accounting procedures that
will be used to ensure prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate
accounting of funds received under this program announcement (5
points).
2. Review and Selection Process
Each application submitted under this program announcement will
undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received
by the closing date and submitted in accordance with the instructions
in this announcement and (2) the applicant is eligible for funding.
Applications which pass the initial EAC screening will be evaluated and
rated by an independent review panel on the basis of the specific
evaluation criteria. The results of these reviews will assist the
Commissioners of the EAC in considering competing applications. The
scores determined by the Independent Review Panel will weigh heavily in
funding decisions made by the EAC, but will not be the only factors
considered. The evaluation criteria were designed to assess the quality
of a proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.
The evaluation criteria are closely related and are considered as a
whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Points are
awarded only to applications which are responsive to the evaluation
criteria within the context of this program announcement.
VII. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicant will be notified through the issuance of a
Financial Assistance Award. The Financial Assistance Award will be
signed by the Help America Vote College Program Director and
transmitted via postal mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
The EAC has not promulgated any such requirements at this time. It
is expected that general administrative and national policy
requirements will be followed, and the EAC will seek guidance on these
requirements from other Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services.
3. Reporting
Programmatic Reports: Monthly.
Financial Reports: At end of project period (4-month maximum).
Special Reporting Requirements: None.
All grantees are required to submit monthly program reports to the
EAC; grantees are also required to submit 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.
VIII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Karen Lynn-Dyson, Program Director, Help
America Vote College Program, U.S. Election Assistance Commission, 1225
New York Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, Phone: (202)
566-3100; Fax (202) 566-1389; e-mail: klynndyson@eac.gov.
IX. Other Information
Additional information about the U.S. Election Assistance
Commission and its purpose can be found on the following Internet
address: http://www.eac.gov.
Thank you for your interest in improving the voting process in
America.
Dated: August 24, 2004.
Ray Martinez, III,
Commissioner, Election Assistance Commission.
[FR Doc. 04-19632 Filed 8-26-04; 8:45 am]