[Federal Register: May 6, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 87)]
[Notices]
[Page 24049-24057]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06my05-82]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Community Services; CSBG T/TA Program Earned Income Tax
Credit (EITC) and Other Asset Formation Opportunities
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OCS-ET-0086.
CFDA Number: 93.570.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due June 20, 2005.
Executive Summary: The Office of Community Services (OCS) within
the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announces that
competing applications will be accepted for a new grant pursuant to the
Secretary's authority under section 674(b) of the Community Services
Block Grant (CSBG) Act, as amended, by the Community Opportunities,
Accountability, and Training and Educational Services (COATES) Human
Services Reauthorization Act of 1998, (Pub. L. 105-285).
The proposed grant will fund up to 10 capacity-building
collaborations that create or expand asset formation and financial
literacy services offered by eligible entities funded under the
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program in support of national
community action Goal 1 (``Low Income People Become More Self-
sufficient'').
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration
for Children and Families (ACF) announces that competing applications
will be accepted for a new grant pursuant to the Secretary's authority
under section 674(b) of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act,
as amended, by the Community Opportunities,
[[Page 24050]]
Accountability, and Training and Educational Services (COATES) Human
Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-285).
The proposed grant will fund up to 10 capacity-building
collaborations that create or expand asset formation and financial
literacy services offered by eligible entities funded under the
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program in support of national
community action Goal 1 (``Low Income People Become More Self-
sufficient'').
Priority Area
Community Action Goal 1 ``Low Income People Become More Self-
sufficient''
1. Description: OCS is committed to promoting and funding projects
that use asset formation financial strategies to increase disposable
earned income in low-income households and to help direct the use of
that income toward asset formation. We view such strategies as viable
and innovative approaches to empowering low-income individuals and
families to become more self-sufficient and self-reliant. As part of an
OCS initiative, we are forming partnerships and encouraging the
creation or strengthening of partnerships aimed at the increasing
financial education literacy and asset formation of low-wage earning
households.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable Federal tax
credit designed to encourage employment in low-income families and to
offset the effects of Medicare and Social Security payroll taxes on
working-poor families. EITC is widely viewed as a key support in
welfare-to-work and asset-building strategies. EITC is regarded not
only as an income supplement to meet immediate expenses, but also as a
resource that might be directed toward asset-building strategies. Low-
income families can be assisted to use the credit to accrue wealth,
achieve economic self-sufficiency, and break the cycle of poverty.
Up to 30 percent of low-income families do not have a checking or
savings account with a financial institution, have poor financial
management skills and/or credit record, and need assistance with asset-
building strategies; therefore, finding a way to link the EITC to
affordable banking services, financial literacy, and savings and asset-
building options is critical. According to recent studies by the
Government Accounting Office, a substantial number of eligible
individuals and families fail to claim the EITC. OCS seeks to lower the
number of eligible households entitled to, but not receiving, this
benefit. OCS also seeks to expand the use of the credit as an asset-
building resource.
OCS seeks to fund formal collaboration projects that use the EITC
to create or expand asset formation and financial literacy services
offered by eligible entities funded under the Community Services Block
Grant (CSBG) Program. Funds will be awarded to provide capacity-
building assistance that enables local, state or regional CSBG networks
to plan, establish, improve or expand the use of EITC outreach and free
tax preparation services to provide asset formation and financial
service opportunities for eligible individuals and families. These
projects should be designed to include EITC outreach, free tax
preparation services and financial literacy/asset formation strategies
to enable low-income families and individuals to make wiser financial
decisions, build financial resources and help eligible clients take
advantage of asset formation opportunities, that ultimately help the
community thrive and become more economically stable.
Formal State CSBG Lead Agencies and State Community Action Agency
Association (CAA) partnerships are especially encouraged. OCS realizes
that CSBG service providers will be most effective in helping low-
income individuals and families increase assets and financial literacy
when they partner with others in the community. Therefore, applications
that show collaborations with other community-based organizations and
institutions are also strongly encouraged.
Funds will be awarded to provide capacity-building assistance that
enables local and regional CSBG networks to plan, establish, improve or
expand asset formation and financial service opportunities for eligible
individuals and families. These projects should be designed to help
low-wage earners, at or near the poverty level, become more astute in
areas such as money management and other financial services. The
projects must offer, or plan to offer, services that help eligible
clients take advantage of asset formation opportunities, increase their
disposable income, build financial resources and enable them to make
wiser financial decisions that ultimately help the community thrive and
become more economically stable.
At a minimum, all projects funded under this area must demonstrate
proof that they have managed and operated an established Earned Income
Tax Credit (EITC) component. Successful applicants for these 10 grants
must also have a history of providing EITC and other asset formation
services and training within the Community Services Network. Their
curriculum must demonstrate an understanding of asset formation and
financial literacy. Applicants must describe in their applications how
their proposed training curriculum will improve or expand the access of
eligible low-income families and individuals to asset formation
information and services. Therefore, projects should include outreach
to eligible families, information to help individuals and families
understand the EITC and free tax filing assistance to claim the EITC
and other tax credits.
Successful applicants for these grants must have a plan for
providing EITC outreach, free tax preparation, and other financial and
asset formation services and training within the Community Services
Network. Their curriculum must demonstrate an understanding of asset
formation and financial literacy. At a minimum, all projects funded in
this area must present proof that within the collaborative there exists
a partner with demonstrated experience in the delivery of EITC outreach
and free tax preparation services, and should include a description
(letters of agreement or memoranda of understanding) of the nature of
the existing or proposed working relationship with the local Internal
Revenue Service territory office. Applicants must also describe in
their applications how their proposed plan and training curriculum will
improve or expand the access of eligible low-income families and
individuals to tax preparation and asset formation information and
services beyond the scope of the current offerings, as well as
identifying constituencies who have been underserved with these
programs.
Successful applicants will propose projects that will impact more
than one local CSBG service area. This Sub-Priority Area is not
appropriate for projects proposing stand-alone services that impact and
target only one particular community. Formal State CSBG Lead Agencies
and State CAA Association partnerships and Community Service Network
collaborations that address the needs of rural communities are
especially encouraged to apply for these funds and will receive
priority consideration for funding.
The application must clearly show the roles and responsibilities of
each collaborating partner. Letters of agreement and memoranda of
understanding on agency letterhead with signatures from persons
authorized to act on behalf of the collaborating
[[Page 24051]]
partner(s) must be included in the application.
Innovation is encouraged. However, the following are examples of
asset formation and financial literacy activities that OSC seeks to
expand:
Help eligible former Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families (TANF) clients (closed cases for 2004) with earnings in a tax
year apply for and receive, the Federal and State, where appropriate,
Earned Income Tax Credits and other cash benefits or services to which
they are entitled.
Ensure that staff and volunteers of local CSBG funded
organizations and/or their partners are trained and certified to
provide free tax preparation services.
Recruit, support, and retain qualified volunteers
committed to the goals of the initiative.
Facilitate outreach to TANF clients through hiring staff
or training volunteers responsible for specific outreach to this
community. TANF client outreach should include education on the EITC,
filing requirements, and information provided about available free
income tax services offered by the agency and/or available in the
community. Former TANF clients should be scheduled for a free income
tax filing appointment.
Provide life skills education that helps low-income
individuals and families learn and apply effective household management
and budgeting techniques.
Help clients establish and use banking and financial
services, such as checking and savings accounts, thereby reducing or
eliminating their reliance on the high-fee, high interest check cashing
and loan services that are prevalent and widely used in low-income
neighborhoods.
Present materials in different languages based on the
needs of eligible households.
Assist families and individuals to boost savings in
Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and/or to participate in other
asset-building opportunities such as pre-purchase and post-purchase
housing support, 529 college savings plans, and other asset tools.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $500,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 10.
Ceiling of Individual Awards per Budget Period: $50,000.
Floor on amount of individual awards: None.
Average Projected Award Amount per Budget Period: $50,000.
Length of Project Periods: 36 month project with three 12 month
budget periods.
This announcement is inviting applications for project periods of
up to three years. Awards, offered on a competitive basis, will be for
a one-year budget period, although projects may be for three years.
Applications for continuation grants beyond the one-year budget period,
but within the three-year project period, will be entertained in
subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of
funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination that
continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal
Government.
Note: The FY 2006 President's Budget does not include or propose
funding for the CSBG program.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Non-profit organizations having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS,
other than institutions of higher education.
Non-profit organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with
the IRS, other than institutions of higher education;
Others (see Additional Information on Eligibility below).
Additional Information on Eligibility: Community Services Block
Grant eligible entities and State Community Action Associations.
As prescribed by the Community Services Block Grant Act, as amended
(Pub. L. 105-285, Section 678A(c)(2)), eligible applicants are eligible
entities, or statewide or local organizations, or associations with
demonstrated expertise in providing training to individuals and
organizations on methods of effectively addressing the needs of low-
income families and communities. Faith-based and community
organizations meeting these requirements are eligible to apply.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
None.
3. Other
All Applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number.
On June 27, 2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal
grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to
provide a Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or
after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an
applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (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/.
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to
submit proof of their non-profit status.
Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net
earning accrues to any private shareholders or individuals.
A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will
not be considered for funding under this announcement.
[[Page 24052]]
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package
ATTN: Dr. Margaret Washnitzer, Office of Community Services
Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209,
Phone: 800-281-9519. E-mail: OCS@lcgnet.com.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format.
To submit an application electronically, please use the
http://www.Grants.gov site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF
will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile
transmission.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grants.gov
Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly
encouraged.
When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.gov.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize
you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary
assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.grants.gov/.
You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
An original and two copies of the complete application are
required. The original and each of the two copies must include all
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed
by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be
submitted unbound. 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.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Standard Forms and Certifications
The project description should include all the information
requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in
the program announcement under Section V Application Review
Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant
needs to complete all the standard forms required for making
applications for awards under this announcement.
Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and
return the standard forms with their application.
Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must
sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for
the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full
project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Explanation of Due Dates
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is referenced
above. Mailed or hand carried applications received after 4:30 p.m.
eastern time 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 referenced in Section IV.6. 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., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not
always deliver as agreed.
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax.
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
[[Page 24053]]
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier
services, or by hand delivery. However, applicants will receive an
electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via
Grants.gov.
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.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date will
not be considered for competition. Applicants using express/overnight
mail services should allow two working days prior to the deadline date
for receipt of applications. (Applicants are cautioned that express/
overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed).
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
Checklist: You may use the checklist below as a guide when
preparing your application package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Abstract.............. See Sections IV.2 Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
and V. and V.
Project Description........... See Sections IV.2 Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
and V. and V.
Budget Narrative/Justification See Sections IV.2 Found in Sections IV.2 By application due date.
and V. and V.
SF 424........................ See Section IV.2. Found in http:// By application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding See Section IV.2. Found in http:// By application due date.
Lobbying. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Certification Regarding See Section IV.2. Found in http:// By application due date.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Assurances.................... See Section IV.2. Found in Section IV.2. By application due date.
Table of Contents............. See Section V.1.. Found in Section V.1.. By application due date.
SF-424A....................... See Section IV.2. Found in http:// By application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
Proof of Non-Profit Status.... See Section III.3 Found in Section III.3 By application due date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Forms: Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged
to submit with their applications the survey located under ``Grant
Related Documents and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant
Applicants,'' titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
Applicants,'' at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Location When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit See form......... Found in http:// By application due date.
Grant Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/
forms.htm.
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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, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to
participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California,
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam,
North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these
jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order
process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating
jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert
them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants
must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate
the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).
A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on
proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to
eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official
recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly
differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State
process recommendations which may trigger the ``accommodate or
explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management,
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th
floor, Washington, DC 20447.
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.
Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate
in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the
program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC. Therefore,
applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by
federally-
[[Page 24054]]
recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that
have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following
URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
A list of Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory is
included with the application materials for this announcement.
5. Funding Restrictions
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects
OCS will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is
primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than
the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the
implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This
prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting
for specific services or activities that are needed to conduct the
project.
Number of Projects in Application
Each application may include only one proposed project. An
application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range specified
will be considered non-responsive.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: An Application must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. The Application must be received at the
address below by 4:30 p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date.
Applications should be mailed to: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community
Services Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA
22209, Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson.
Hand Delivery: An Applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date.
Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the
hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may
be delivered to: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services
Operations Center, 1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209,
``Attention: Barbara Ziegler Johnson''.
Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov. Please see Section
IV. 2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications
electronically.
V. Application Review Information
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 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 4/30/2007.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
1. Criteria
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the
``project summary/abstract'' and ``full project description'' sections
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).
Part I--The Project Description Overview
Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation
criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application in a
manner that is clear and complete.
Introduction
Applicants 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 your project
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
For example, describe the population to be served by the program
and the number of new jobs that will be targeted to the target
population. Explain how the project will reach the targeted population
and how it will benefit participants, including, how it will support
individuals to become more economically self-sufficient.
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
[[Page 24055]]
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.
Account for all functions or activities identified in the
application, such as, free tax preparation, financial literacy
training, and asset-building activities. 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.
Evaluation
Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and
the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project.
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's
effectiveness.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit
status in its application. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by
providing: (a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in
the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently
valid IRS tax exemption certificate; (c) a statement from a State
taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State
official certifying that the applicant organization has a non-profit
status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private
shareholders or individuals; (d) a certified copy of the organization's
certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly
establishes non-profit status; (e) any of the items immediately above
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
Letters of Support
Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should
be included in the application or by application deadline.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form.
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative
budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are
derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of the
proposed costs.
Evaluation Criteria
In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following
criteria:
Approach (40 Points)
Factors:
(1) The work program is results-oriented, approximately related to
the legislative mandate and specifically related to the priority area
under which funds are being requested. The application addresses the
following: specific outcomes to be achieved; discussion of how the
project will verify the achievement of these targets and the data
collection methodology to be used; the way that tax preparation
training will be accomplished; individuals, families and households
served; proposed linkage and outcomes to asset-building activities;
critical milestones which must be achieved if results are to be gained;
organizational support, the level of support from the applicant
organization; past performance in similar work; and specific resources
contributed to the project that are critical to success.
(2) The applicant defines the comprehensive nature of the project
and methods that will be used to ensure that the results can be used to
address a statewide or nationwide project as defined by the description
of the particular priority area.
Organizational Profiles (20 Points)
Factors:
(1) The applicant demonstrates that it has experience and a
successful record of accomplishment relevant to the specific activities
it proposes to accomplish.
(2) If the applicant proposes to provide training and technical
assistance, it details its abilities to provide those services on a
community services network-wide basis. If applicable, information
provided by the applicant also addresses related achievements and
competence of each cooperating or sponsoring organization.
(3) The application fully describes, for example in a resume, the
experience and skills of the proposed project director and primary
staff showing specific qualifications and professional experiences
relevant to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
(4) The applicant describes how it will involve partners in the
Community Services Network, the Internal Revenue Service, and other
asset-building projects including the Assets for Independence Act
(AFIA) grantees in its activities. Where appropriate, applicant
describes how it will interface with other related organizations.
[[Page 24056]]
(5) The application describes how the needs of rural communities
and small towns will be addressed.
(6) If sub-contracts are proposed, the application documents the
willingness and capacity of the subcontracting organization(s) to
participate as described.
Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)
Factors:
(1) The applicant documents that the proposed project addresses
vital needs related to the program purposes and provides statistics and
other data and information in support of its contention.
(2) The application provides current supporting documentation or
other testimonies regarding needs from State CSBG Directors, CAAs and
local service providers and/or State and Regional organizations of CAAs
and other local service providers, including the Internal Revenue
Service.
Results or Benefits Expected (15 Points)
Factors:
(1) The application describes how the project will assure long-term
program and management improvements for State CSBG offices, CAA State
and/or regional associations, CAAs and/or other local providers of CSBG
services and activities.
(2) The applicant indicates the types and amounts of public and/or
private resources it will mobilize, how those resources will directly
benefit the project, and how the project will ultimately benefit low-
income individuals and families.
(3) If the application proposes a project with a training and
technical assistance focus, the application indicates the number of
organizations and/or staff that will benefit from those services.
(4) The application describes a project with data collection focus,
the application describes the mechanism to be used to collect data
about EITC outreach, returns prepared, total EITC claimed, the number
of individuals and families engaged in financial literacy and/or asset
formation strategies and, how the applicant can assure collections from
a significant number of State partners, and the number of State
partners willing to submit data to the applicant.
(5) If the applicant proposes to develop a symposium series or
other policy-related project(s), the application identifies the number
and types of beneficiaries.
(6) The application describes methods of securing participant
feedback and evaluations of activities.
Budget and Budget Justification (5 Points)
Factors:
(1) The resources requested are reasonable and adequate to
accomplish the project.
(2) Total costs are reasonable and consistent with anticipated
results.
2. Review and Selection Process
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application. ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in
the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the
application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts
for individuals specified in the application budget and Social Security
Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include
summary salary information.
Initial OCS Screening
Each application submitted to OCS will be screened to determine
whether it was received by the closing date and time.
Applications received by the closing date and time will be screened
for completeness and conformity with the following requirements.
All applications must comply with the following requirements except
as noted:
OCS Evaluation of Applications
Applications that pass the initial OCS screening will be reviewed
and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review criteria
presented in relevant sections of this program announcement.
The review criteria are designed to enable the review panel to
assess the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood
of its success. The criteria are closely related to each other and are
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.
The review panel awards points only to applications that are responsive
to the program elements and relevant review criteria within the context
of this program announcement.
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 (if applicable), and the
total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial
Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted
via postal mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Grantees are subject to the requirements of 45 CFR part 74 (non-
governmental) or 45 CFR part 92 (governmental) as well as 45 CFR part
1050.
Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this
announcement 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 Charitable
Choice Provisions Applicable to Programs Authorized under the Community
Services Block Grant Act can be found at either 45 CFR part 1050 or the
HHS Web site at http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/finalCSBG_ccregs.pdf. These
provisions set forth certain requirements to ensure that religious
organizations are able to compete on an equal footing for funds.
3. Reporting Requirements
Program Progress Reports: Semi-Annually.
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.
Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial
reports (SF 269) throughout the project period, as well as a final
program and financial report 90 days after the end of the project
period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days after
the reporting period.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact
Dr. Margaret Washnitzer, Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS), Office of Community Services Operations Center, 1515 Wilson
Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209. Phone: 1-800-281-9519. E-mail:
OCS@lcgnet.com.
Grants Management Office Contact
Barbara Ziegler-Johnson, Grants Management Officer, Office of
Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grant, Administration for
Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center,
1515 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209. E-mail:
OCS@lcgnet.com.
[[Page 24057]]
VIII. Other Information
Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and
Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the
Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005, applicants will be able to
find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically
for opportunities via: http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be
able to find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the
ACF Web site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.
The FY 2006 President's Budget does not include or propose funding
for the Community Services Block Grant Program.
Additional information about this program and its purpose can be
located on the following Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs.
Dated: April 29, 2005.
Josephine B. Robinson,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 05-9123 Filed 5-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P