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Executive Summary: The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) is looking for innovative projects that provide services in rural areas to runaway and homeless youth through Basic Center Programs (BCP) using a host home model. The awards funded under this announcement are authorized by section 344 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. BCPs provide an alternative for runaway and homeless youth, who might otherwise end up with law enforcement or in the child welfare, mental health, or juvenile justice systems. Each BCP must provide runaway and homeless youth with a safe and appropriate shelter; individual, family and group counseling-as appropriate; and aftercare. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority Grants for programs which assist runaway and homeless youth are authorized by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, as amended, 42 USC sections 5701 through 5752. Text of this legislation can be located at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/content/aboutfysb/RHYComp.pdf.
History In the early 1970s, an alarming number of youth were leaving home without parental permission, crossing State lines, and falling victim to exploitation and other dangers of street life. In response to widespread concern about the problem of runaway and homeless youth, Congress authorized the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act of 1974, which provided financial support to States through a competitive grant program. The implementation and administration of the program was placed in the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Today, FYSB continues to administer the Basic Center Program (BCP), funding the 337 organizations providing emergency shelters that serve and protect runaway and homeless youth. These organizations utilize effective models for emergency shelter, which may include group homes, scattered site apartments, and/or host home models based on their community needs and/or funding options available to them. Purpose The purpose of these grants is to establish proposed, or strengthen existing, community-based Basic Center Programs (BCPs) that use a host home model to provide temporary emergency shelter and care to runaway and homeless youth in rural settings. In rural America, issues such as lack of transportation and available and nearby services are pressing issues for communities to overcome. Host home models have proven a valuable resource to address the runaway issues in such communities. FYSB is looking for innovative projects that address the special needs of runaway youth in rural America through host home models and develop resources to establish host homes in rural areas. FYSB invites applications from entities including faith-based and community organizations that have the ability to address the needs of runaway youth in rural areas through the host home model. Basic Center Programs (BCPs) provide shelter and support services to assist youth in crisis, reunite them with their families (as appropriate), strengthen their family relationships, and help them transition to safe and appropriate alternative living arrangements, where they can become independent, self-sufficient, contributing members of society. Basic Center Programs (BCPs), using a host home model, provide temporary shelter in host family settings, with resident adults serving as host home parents, rather than in a staffed group home. Scope of Services Funds granted under this award may be used to establish and/or operate rural host homes to provide basic center services to runaway youth as defined by the runaway and homeless youth legislation. Host home programs require recruitment, screening, training, and ongoing support of host home families. In addition, funds may be used to:
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: A. Mandatory Services for Youth in Rural Areas:
B. Optional Services for Youth in Rural Areas: The applicant may choose to provide the following optional services: street-based services; home-based services for families with youth at risk of separation from the family; drug abuse education and prevention services; and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. These optional services must meet the following requirements: 1. Street-based services. To provide these services, programs must demonstrate plans that will ensure:
2. Home-based services for families with youth at risk of separation from the family. To provide these services, programs must demonstrate plans that will ensure:
3. Drug abuse education and prevention services. To provide these services, programs must supply the following:
4. Testing for sexually transmitted diseases. When requested by the youth. C. Positive Youth Development (PYD): FYSB has worked to promote PYD as an integrated approach to service delivery for all its funded grant programs and activities. Therefore, applicants should show how PYD strategies are or will be integrated into their program operations. The PYD approach suggests that helping young people to achieve their full potential is the best way to prevent them from engaging in risky behaviors. Organizations that promote PYD give youth the chance to exercise leadership, build skills, and get involved. The self-confidence, trust, and practical knowledge that young people gain from these opportunities help them grow into healthy, happy, self-sufficient adults. Some PYD strategies include:
For more ways to implement PYD, applicants may go to http://ncfy.acf.hhs.gov/publications/pyd/index.htm. ASSURANCES: A. Record Keeping: Applicants must agree to keep adequate statistical records for profiling the youth and families served under this Federal grant as required in Section 344 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. This information is required by program legislation and defined in the BCP contact report of the user-friendly Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information Systems (RHYMIS). RHYMIS "entrance records" include anonymous, secure identifiers, demographic information about each youth, information about where they lived before coming to the youth center, who referred them, and what kind of issues they are aware of (e.g., employment, substance abuse, mental health). "Exit records" describe services they received, education or employment status, living situation at exit, etc. These requirements and data definitions are built into the RHYMIS software distributed to each grantee. Hotline technical assistance is available during business hours. Applicants must have the proper computer equipment to operate RHYMIS. Applicants may budget for computer equipment in their application, as needed. For more information on the proper equipment, applicants may go to the RHYMIS fact sheet located on the FYSB website at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/content/youthdivision/resources/rhymsfactsheet.htm or in Section VI.2 of this program announcement. Please note that the RHYMIS software operates best with hardware in general use from 1999-present. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13), the data collection under RHYMIS is approved under Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 0970-0123, which expires September 30, 2010. B. Technical Assistance: Applicants must agree to receive and participate in technical assistance efforts, as recommended by Federal staff. C. Measuring Program Success: FYSB is committed to fulfilling the objectives of the RHY Act by providing temporary shelter and services for runaway, homeless, and street youth and ensuring the safe return of such youth to their homes or other appropriate alternative living arrangements according to the best interests of the youth. FYSB believes the best way to ensure the safety of young people, and protect them from the dangers of the street, is to prevent them from running away. BCPs are encouraged to establish in-home and prevention programs that engage at-risk youth and their families before the youth runs away. Beginning in FY 2008, grantees will be required to record in RHYMIS the prevention services they delivered so that FYSB can measure their effectiveness in keeping youth safely at home. Once a youth enters a BCP, FYSB is committed to making sure that 90 percent or more of them exit to a safe and appropriate setting, including family reunification; residential placement into a program such as Job Corps; entry into an educational institution or military service; or acceptance into an independent living situation, such as a supervised apartment or group home. Examples of services that agencies can provide to facilitate these outcomes include:
D. Grantee Meeting: Applicants should build their budgets to allow for at least one to two staff members to attend an annual grantee meeting to share ideas and help FYSB identify special issues and concerns on servicing youth in rural areas and/or host home model programming. No location has been determined, but applicants can build their budgets with the following assumptions: Two-day meeting that will require lodging, travel, and per diem. Applicants may refer to the Federal domestic per diem rates for Definitions AFTERCARE SERVICES - The provision of services to runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their families following the youth's return home or the youth's placement in alternative living arrangements, which assist in alleviating the problems that contributed to his or her running away or being homeless. (45 CFR 1351.1) AREA - A specific neighborhood or section of the locality in which the runaway and homeless youth project is or will be located. (45 CFR 1351.1) BUDGET PERIOD - The intervals of time into which a multi-year period of assistance is divided for budgetary and funding purposes. Budget periods are usually 12-months long but may be shorter or longer, if appropriate. COUNSELING SERVICES - The provision of guidance, support, and advice to runaway or otherwise homeless youth and their families that are designed to alleviate the problems that contributed to the youth's running away or being homeless, resolve intra-family problems, to reunite such youth with their families, whenever appropriate, and to help them decide upon a future course of action. (45 CFR 1351.1) DEMONSTRABLY FREQUENTED BY OR REACHABLE - Located in an area in which runaway or otherwise homeless youth congregate, or an area accessible to such youth by public transportation, or by the provision of transportation by the runaway and homeless youth project itself. (45 CFR 1351.1) DRUG ABUSE EDUCATION AND PREVENTION SERVICES - Services to runaway and homeless youth to prevent or reduce the illicit use of drugs by such youth and may include individual, family, group, and peer counseling; drop-in services; assistance to runaway and homeless youth in rural areas (including the development of community support groups); information and training relating to the illicit use of drugs by runaway and homeless youth, to individuals involved in providing services to such youth; and activities to improve the availability of local drug abuse prevention services to runaway and homeless youth. (Section 387 RHY Act, as amended) HOME-BASED SERVICES - Services provided to youth and their families for the purpose of preventing such youth from running away, or otherwise becoming separated, from their families; assisting runaway youth to return to their families; and includes services that are provided in the residences of families (to the extent practicable), including intensive individual and family counseling; and training relating to life skills and parenting. (Section 387 RHY Act, as amended) HOST HOME - A private home that provides temporary shelter to runaway or homeless youth that receives 24- hour supervision from staff and hosts when they are not attending school or another structured activity. JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM - Agencies such as, but not limited to, juvenile courts, law enforcement, probation, parole, correctional institutions, training schools, and detention facilities. (45 CFR 1351.1) LAW ENFORCEMENT STRUCTURE - Any police activity or agency with legal responsibility for enforcing a criminal code including police departments and sheriffs' offices. (45 CFR 1351.1) LOCALITY - A unit of general government--for example, a city, county, township, town, parish, village, or a combination of such units. Federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible to apply for grants as local units of government. (45 CFR 1351.1) PROJECT PERIOD - The total time stated in the Notice of Grant Award (including any amendments) for which Federal support is recommended. The period will consist of one or more budget periods. It does not constitute a commitment by the Federal Government to fund the entire period. RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH PROJECT - A locally controlled human service program facility outside the law enforcement structure and the juvenile justice system that provides temporary shelter, directly or through other facilities, counseling, and aftercare services to runaway or otherwise homeless youth. (45 CFR 1351.1) RUNAWAY YOUTH - A person under 18 years of age who absents himself or herself from home, or place of legal residence, without the permission of his or her family. (45 CFR 1351.1) RURAL - The geographic service area as defined by the grantee has a population less than 20,000 people and is outside a Metropolitan Statistical Area. (Section 344 RHY Act, as amended). STREET-BASED SERVICES - Services provided to runaway and homeless youth, and street youth in areas where they congregate. These services are designed to assist such youth in making healthy personal choices regarding: where they live and how they behave, and may include identification of and outreach to runaway and homeless youth, and street youth; crisis intervention and counseling; information and referral for housing; information and referral for transitional living and health care services; advocacy, education, and prevention services related to alcohol and drug abuse; sexual exploitation; sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and physical and sexual assault. (Section 387 RHY Act, as amended) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - The provision of expertise, consultation and/or support for the purpose of strengthening the capabilities of grantee organizations to deliver services. (45 CFR 1351.1) TEMPORARY SHELTER - The provision of short-term (maximum of 15 days) room and board and core crisis intervention services, on a 24-hour basis by a RHY project. (45 CFR 1351.1) YOUTH AT RISK OF SEPARATION FROM THE FAMILY - An individual who is less than 18 years of age; and who has a history of running away from the family of such individual whose parent, guardian, or custodian is not willing to provide for the basic needs of such individual; or who is at risk of entering the child welfare system or juvenile justice system as a result of the lack of services available to the family to meet such needs. (Section 387 RHY Act, as amended) II. AWARD INFORMATION
Continuation of Project An initial grant award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation grants beyond the initial 12-month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination that the continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government.Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Current BCP grantees may apply for this funding to expand services in rural areas outside their current service area or establish services that are not currently provided in their BCP grant. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project costs, in accordance with section 383 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. Grantees must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a total approved project cost of $111,111, requesting $100,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal share of at least $11,111 (10 percent of total approved project cost of $111,111.) Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if they exceed the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the required amount will result in the disallowance of Federal funds. A lack of supporting documentation at the time of application will not exclude the application from competitive review. Please refer to Section IV for any pre-award requirements. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group, Inc. 118 Q Street NE Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: fysb@dixongroup.com URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Each application package must include the original and two copies. Do not staple the application or any section of the application. The length of the entire application package must not exceed 90 pages. This includes the required Federal Standard Forms (SF)/certifications (i.e. SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, etc) table of contents, project summary, project description, budget/budget justification, supplemental documentation, proof of non-profit status, summaries of sub-grants and contracts, and letters of agreement. All pages of the application package must be sequentially numbered beginning with page one. The required Federal forms will be counted towards the total number of pages. All pages of each application will be counted to determine the total length. All pages exceeding the 90-page limit will be removed and will not be considered in the reviewing process. A cover letter is not required. Applicants are reminded that if a cover letter is submitted, it will count towards the 90-page limit. The project description must be typed and double-spaced on a single-side of 8 1/2 x 11 inch plain white paper with at least half-inch margins on all sides, using black print with 12-point size Times New Roman font. For charts, budget tables, and supporting documents such as proof of non-profit status, standard Federal forms, applicants may use a different point size and font, but no less than 10-point size and single-spaced. Applicants that deviate from this format risk having their application not reviewed in its entirety. A final decision will be made by the Office of Grants Management on whether applications that deviate from the prescribed format will be reviewed in their entirety. The application package should include the following and be in the following order: a. The Required Federal Forms/Certifications - See below for description. b. Table of Contents - This section should reference the order of the application sections and provide page numbers. c. One-Page Project Abstract - (suggested sample format): This format is only suggested to assist the writers in developing their abstract.
d. Project Description - This section is a comprehensive description of the proposed project, what it will accomplish, and how it will be implemented. The Project Description should address each of the categories in Section V.1, and be structured in a manner that addresses each of the evaluation criteria in a logical format, preferably in the following order: Objectives and Need for Assistance; Results and Benefits; Approach; Geography; Organizational Profiles; Staff and Position Data; and Budget and Budget Justification. Applicants must title each section accordingly. e. Budget and Budget Justification - The budget is a line-item format and must be in a worksheet, table, or spreadsheet that illustrates how calculations were derived. The budget should reflect a 12-month budget period. Each category heading within the line-item budget should correspond with the budget categories listed in Section B of the SF-424A (e.g. Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, Equipment, Supplies, Contractual, Other, Indirect Charges). The budget justification is a narrative that provides a rationale for the items requested and how these items relate to the overall success of the project. f. Proof of Non-profit Status - See Section III.3 for acceptable documentation that must be submitted by date of award. g. Third-Party Agreements - A summary of monetary sub-grant(s) and/or contract(s) must be provided as part of the application package. The summary must include a description of the project services that will be completed through the sub-grant or contract using Federal funds or a non-Federal match, and the process by which the primary applicant will maintain a substantive role with the sub-grant and/or contract assuring compliance with the grant requirements and project performance. h. Letters of Agreement (LOA) - LOAs are required if the applicant is proposing to provide services through a different agency or entity based on a non-monetary arrangement. The LOA must enumerate the project services that will be completed under the agreement. LOA should be used if the applicant is proposing services that are required to be delivered under BCP guidelines but will be delivered by an agency other than the applicant agency. Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application. It is essential that applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before preparing an application and include all of the required application forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough understanding of and support the purpose and objectives of the applicable legislation. Reviewers expect applicants to understand the goals of the legislation and the Family and Youth Services Bureau's interest. A "responsive application" is one that addresses and follows all of the evaluation criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding. Applications that are considered to be "unresponsive" or do not clearly address the evaluation criteria or program requirements generally receive very low scores and are rarely funded. FYSB's website (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb) provides a wide range of information and links to other relevant websites. Before beginning to prepare an application, ACF suggests that the applicant learn more about the mission and programs of FYSB by exploring the website. Organizing an Application. Reviewers will use the specific evaluation criteria in Section V of this funding announcement to review and evaluate each application. The applicant should address each of these specific evaluation criteria in the project description. Applicants are asked to organize their project description in this sequence: 1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; 2) Results and Benefits; 3) Approach; 4) Geography; 5) Organizational Profiles; 6) Staff and Position Data; and 7) Budget and Budget Justification. The applicant should use the same headings as these criteria, so that reviewers can readily find information that directly addresses each of the specific review criteria. D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S 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 D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com. Proof of Non-Profit Status 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:
When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. When required for programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Information on the Certification Regarding Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification. Where return of a form is required, complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions found on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Information on the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) or FOIA may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic SubmissionApplicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal ReviewersSince 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 as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date for Applications: 08/04/2008 Explanation of Due Dates The due date for receipt of applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date will be classified as late and will not be considered in the current competition. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that applications are mailed or hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the application due date and time. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition. ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER 4:30 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Additional Forms Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. 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 Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. The official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372, including addresses and contact persons, may be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 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 to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form (SF) 424, item 19. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date 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 official State process recommendations, which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule. Comments submitted directly to ACF 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., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although some jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to Exec. Order 12372. 5. Funding Restrictions: Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are unallowable. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group, Inc. Attn: Demonstration Program, Rural Host Homes for BCP 118 Q Street NE Washington, DC 20002-2132 Hand Delivery ACYF Operation Centerc/o The Dixon Group, Inc. 118 Q Street NE Washington, DC 20002-2132 Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2010. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 1. Criteria: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, For example 80 percent of the youth will receive family counseling and of those youth, 70 percent will refrain from future runaway behaviors.APPROACH Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement. Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates. If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from OMB. This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF." Provide a list of organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). 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: OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 15 points
In the review of the objectives and need for assistance, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 10 points In the review of the results or benefits expected, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
APPROACH - 30 points
In the review of the approach, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION - 5 points In review of the geographic location, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 20 points In review of the organizational profiles, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which it: STAFF AND POSITION DATA - 15 points In review of the staff and position data, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points In review of the budget and budget justification, the application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Initial ACF Screening: Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time and whether the requested amount exceeds the stated ceiling. Late applications or those exceeding the funding limit will be returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable and will not be reviewed. Applications that pass the initial ACF screening will be evaluated and rated by an independent review panel made up of non-Federal reviewers who are experts in the field. The review panel will use the evaluation criteria listed in Section V.I to review and score the applications. The panels will assign a score (maximum 100) to each application and identify the application's strengths and weaknesses. The results of these reviews will assist the FYSB Associate Commissioner and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications generally will be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly ranked applications are not guaranteed funding because other factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to: comments of reviewers and government officials, staff evaluation and input, geographic distribution, previous program performance of applicants, compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants, audit reports or investigative reports, and an applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous FYSB or other Federal agency grants. 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 an application that is responsive to the evaluation criteria within the context of this program announcement. FYSB has the authority to pass over ranking order based on geographic area (location) and capacity needs. Ten awards will be made, with no two of them in the same state. As required by section 343(a)(3) of the RHY Act, each eligible applicant that received a grant in the preceding fiscal year to carry our a project under this section shall have priority to receive a grant under this announcement. Please reference Section IV.2 for information on non-Federal reviewers in the review process. Approved but Unfunded Applications Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Applications will be reviewed during the Summer 2008. Grant awards will have a start date no later than September 30, 2008. VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1. Award Notices: The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Notice of Award (NoA) document that sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The NoA will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental). Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this program. Regulations pertaining to the Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be found at the HHS web site at: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Partnering with the Federal Government" at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html. HHS Grants Policy Statement The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Grantees are subject to requirement in 45 CFR Part 1351, Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Administration Requirements. Sterile Needles Applicants are advised that no grant funds may be used for any program of distributing sterile needles. Grantees are advised that entities receiving BCP grant funds and operating a program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for hypodermic injections of illegal drugs, must account for all funds used for such programs separately from any expenditure of BCP grant funds. (42 U.S.C. 5752.) See Section IV.5, Funding Restrictions. Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS) Grantees must agree to keep adequate statistical records profiling the youth and families served under the Federal grant and to gather and submit program and client data required by FYSB. This information is required by the RHY program legislation and defined in user-friendly RHYMIS. Recipients of a grant administered through FYSB are required and expected to submit the data via RHYMIS or in an approved format that RHYMIS can receive. Grantees have the option of using RHYMIS for internal management improvement or for research and other program needs. A RHYMIS hotline/help desk is available at 888-749-6474, and/or at rhymis_help@csc.com. FYSB will fund computer software for RHY program data collection through RHYMIS. An applicant lacking the computer equipment (hardware) for RHYMIS data collection must include an estimated cost for such equipment in their proposed budget. If the applicant already has such equipment, this fact must be noted. (Note: Existing grantees generally report that their staff has been able to easily train themselves to operate RHYMIS due to its user-friendliness, prompts, help features, and FYSB's technical support service.) In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) the data collection under RHYMIS is approved under OMB control number 0970-0123, which expires September 30, 2010. Confidentiality Section 312 of the RHY Act requires grantees to keep adequate statistical records profiling the youth and family members whom it serves (including youth who are not referred to out-of-home shelter services), except that records maintained on individual runaway and homeless youth shall not be disclosed without the consent of the individual youth and parent or legal guardian to anyone other than another agency compiling statistical records or a government agency involved in the disposition of criminal charges against an individual runaway and homeless youth, and reports or other documents based on such statistical records shall not disclose the identity of individual runaway and homeless youth. Moreover, section 384 of the RHY Act requires that records containing the identity of individual youth pursuant to this Act under no circumstances be disclosed or transferred to any individual or to any public or private agency. Separate Accounting Section 389 of the RHY act requires any individual or entity who receives any funds awarded under the RHY Act and who carries out any program described in subsection (a) of the Act to account for all funds used for such a program separately from any funds contained in this title. An initial grant award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation grants beyond the initial 12-month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination that the continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. 3. Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html) throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period. Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII of this announcement. Program Progress Reports: Semi-AnnuallyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Kelli Matson-Geist Grants Management Office Contact: Lisa Dammar VIII. OTHER INFORMATION The following resources are available to all applicants:
Posted on June 19, 2008 |
