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Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families solicits applications from local public or private non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations or local for-profit organizations that wish to compete for funds that are available to provide Head Start services to children and families residing in Kendall County, Texas. The intent of this announcement is to provide for the continuation of services as previously provided by the former grantee, the Benedictine Ministries Corporation/St. Albert Head Start. Funds in the amount of $570,960 annually will be available to provide Head Start program services to eligible children and their families. The former grantee was funded for a total enrollment of 93 children and families. Interested applicants should call the ACYF Operations Center at (866) 796-1591 to receive pre-application materials and additional information. ACF welcomes public comments from parents and area residents in the service area under this announcement. The intent of the public comment is not to solicit support for a specific applicant but to inform ACF about the needs of the service area in general. Comments should be sent to the Eligibility is limited to local public or private non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations or local for-profit organizations that can provide Head Start services to children and families residing in
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority A. Statutory and Regulatory Authority: The Head Start program is authorized by Title VI, Subtitle A, Chapter 8, Subchapter B, of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, Public Law 97-35 as amended, (42 USC 9831 et. seq.). This Act was amended by the:
Minor amendments to the Head Start Act were also made by the Technology-related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Amendments of 1993, Pub. L. 103-218. The regulations relevant to Head Start are:
Copies of the current applicable Head Start regulations are available at the websites identified at the end of this announcement. In addition, the following circulars by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) also apply to Head Start grantees:
Copies of OMB Circulars can be found at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_circulars.html Funding Opportunity Description Program Background and Purpose The Head Start program provides grants to local public and private non-profit and for-profit agencies to provide comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families, with a special focus on helping children develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school. Intended primarily for preschoolers from low-income families, Head Start promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. Head Start programs engage parents in their children's learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. The Head Start Program also emphasizes the significant involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs. Each Head Start program must make at least ten percent of its enrollment opportunities available to children with disabilities. Head Start grantees must, unless a waiver is granted, contribute 20 percent of the total cost of the program from non-federal funds. No more than 15 percent of total costs may be for program administration. Many Head Start programs provide part-day, center-based services or home-based services for eight or nine months a year. However, grantees have the option of providing full-day, full-year services and, in recent years, an increased number of grantees have been offering this option, often through collaborations with local child care providers to help meet the child care needs of parents who are either working or in job training. In FY 1995, the Early Head Start program was established in recognition of the mounting evidence that the earliest years, from birth to three years of age, matter a great deal to children's growth and development. In FY 2005, Early Head Start grants were awarded to more than 650 programs, which served nearly 62,000 children under the age of three. In FY 2006, it is estimated that this enrollment level will stay approximately the same. Head Start is administered by the Administration for Children and Families, one of the principal components of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Since its beginning in 1965, Head Start has served more than 23 million children and their families. Head Start currently serves approximately 906,993 children nationally through a network of more than 1,600 grantees. Eligible Participants Early Head Start provides services for pregnant women and children from birth to three years of age while Head Start is intended for children from the age of three to the age when children enter kindergarten. Programs serve those families who have incomes at or below the poverty line or are eligible for public assistance. The law permits up to 10 percent of the Head Start children to be from families that do not meet these low-income criteria. Head Start also requires that a minimum of 10 percent of the enrollment opportunities be made available to children with disabilities. Such children are expected to be enrolled in a full range of Head Start services and activities in an inclusive or natural setting with their non-disabled peers, and to receive needed special education and related services. Priority Area Priority Area 1: Head Start Replacement Grantee: Kendall County, Texas Description The Administration for Children and Families solicits applications from local public or private non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations or local for-profit organizations that wish to compete for funds that are available to provide Head Start services to children and families residing in Kendall County, Texas. The intent of this announcement is to provide for the continuation of services as previously provided by the former grantee, Benedictine Ministries Corporation/St. Albert's Head Start. Funds in the amount of $570,960 annually will be available to provide Head Start program services to eligible children and their families. This dollar amount is a result of the Base Funding of $559,640, plus $11,320 in Technical Assistance (TA) funding. The former grantee was funded for a total enrollment of 93 children and families. Head Start regulations allow for a variety of program options and designs. Applicants should propose a design or designs that best address the needs of the proposed service area. Applicants have flexibility in determining the appropriate number of children to be served by the various program options (center-based, home-based, or combination) and program designs (hours per day, days per week, weeks per year). Interested applicants should call the ACYF Operations Center at (866) 796-1591 to receive pre-application materials and additional information. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
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. Eligibility is limited to local public or private non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations or local for-profit organizations, that can provide Head Start services to children and families residing in Kendall County, Texas. Please see Section IV for required documentation supporting eligibility or funding restrictions if any are applicable. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project costs, in accordance with section 640(b) of the Head Start Act. Grantees must provide at least 20 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 $713,700, requesting $570,960 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal share of at least $142,740 (20 percent of total approved project cost of $713,700.) 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. The non-Federal match will be evaluated according to the "Non-Federal Resources" evaluation criterion found in Section V of this announcement. Please refer to Section IV for any pre-award requirements. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start Replacement Review 118 Q Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: OHS@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Application Format Applications must be organized according to the checklist and program description explanation in Part III of this announcement. The project description of the application must be double-spaced and single-sided on 8.5" x 11" plain white paper, with 1" margins on all sides. Use only a standard font no smaller than 12 pitch throughout the application. All sections of the application (including appendices, resumes, charts, references/footnotes, tables, maps and exhibits) must be sequentially numbered, beginning on the first page after the table of contents. The length of the narrative portion of the application must be limited to 100 pages (including the abstract, budget and budget justification), with an additional limit of 100 pages for all appendices and resumes. Anything over 100 pages in the narrative portion of the application and anything over 100 pages in the appendices and resumes will be removed and not considered by the reviewers. The narrative section page length is based on double-spacing, and will be halved if single-spacing or one-and-a-half spacing is used. One signed original and two copies of the grant application, including all attachments, are required. ACF encourages the submission of 5 additional copies to facilitate the review process. Each application should be submitted in the following order: SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, Table of Contents, Program Abstract, Objectives and Need for Assistance, Approach, Staff and Position Data, Organizational Profiles, and Budget and Budget Justification. Additional supporting documentation should be placed in the Appendices. Each application will be duplicated. Therefore, please do not use or include colored paper, colored ink, separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, over-sized paper, videotapes, or any other items that cannot be easily duplicated on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including the supporting documentation. Required Forms and Information Eligible applicants interested in applying for funds must submit all of the required forms referred to in this section and described below. Copies of grant documents, forms, assurances and certifications are found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. In order to be considered for a grant under this announcement, an application must be submitted on the Standard Form 424 (SF424) which has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Control Number 0348-0043. The form is available from the website listed above. Each application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. Applicants are required to submit Standard Form 424A "Budget Information - Non Construction Program" and the Standard Form 424B "Assurances: Non-Construction Programs" with their application. Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants must furnish an executed copy of the lobbying certification. It is recommended that applicants sign and return the certification with their application. Applicants must certify their compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and submit a copy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements. It is recommended that applicants sign and return the certification with their application. By signing and submitting its application, the applicant is providing the certification required by 45 CFR Part 76. Applicants must certify that they are not presently debarred, suspended or otherwise ineligible for an award. The form titled "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters - Primary Covered Transactions" is included in the web site listed above. By signing and submitting its application, the applicant is providing the certification required by 45 CFR Part 76. Applicants must provide evidence of fiscal integrity. This must be in the form of an opinion or other professional attestation by an independent auditor. Applicants must submit the qualifications for board members, Executive Director, Head Start Director, and Financial Manager/Chief Financial Officer. Applicants who are currently operating as a Head Start grantee or delegate agency must include documentation of Policy Council approval of the application. Applicants who are not operating as a Head Start grantee or delegate agency must submit documentation of approval by an interim Policy Council. Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within P.L. 103-227, The Pro-Children's Act of 1994. The Federal Register notice which implements the smoking prohibition is included with the references at the end of this announcement. Applicants (including faith based organizations) will be required to submit: (1) proof of legal or corporate status; (2) proof of non-profit status if a non-profit agency; (3) certification of the organization's last audit report or other similar evidence of financial capability; (4) a copy of its personnel policies and procedures; and (5) resumes of key staff in the organization and proposed Head Start program. To be eligible for funding, applicants must provide evidence of their legal status and financial viability to meet the requirements of 45 CFR 1302.1 and 1302.2. In order to receive Federal grant funds, the applicant must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a Dun and Bradstreet Number (DUNS). DUNS is the acronym for Data Universal Numbering System. If you do not have a DUNS number, you can get one by calling (800) 333-0505. For-profit agencies must agree to waiver their fee/profit. For-profit agencies should also know that a significant cost (10-20%) of operating a Head Start program is food for snacks and meals served to participating children. Child care centers, including Head Start programs, participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) may receive cash and/or commodities for this function from State agencies that operate the Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. CACFP reimbursements can help to defray some of the costs associated with integrating nutritious meals into your child care program. For-profit centers are eligible to participate in the CACFP if 25% or more of their children are eligible for free or reduced price meals, or receive Title XIX and/or Title XX benefits. Once approved to participate in the CACFP, for-profit centers may only be reimbursed for meals served in months during which 25% or more of their children are eligible. Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission. Additional information on what to submit can be found in Section V.2. "Legal Status" means being established as a public agency or non-profit or for-profit agency under applicable State or Federal law. For the purposes of this announcement, "financial viability" means 1) having the capability to furnish the non-Federal share of the cost of operating a Head Start program; 2) being financial stable; and 3) demonstrating the capability to assume accountability for the fiscal management of the grant. ACF reserves the right to deny funding to any applicant that is presently designated as "high risk", probationary or not in good standing, or has been debarred or defunded by any Federal agency. In addition, ACF may elect not to fund applicants that have management or financial problems that make it unlikely the applicant would be able to provide effective Head Start services. 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. For research 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 standard forms with their application. 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.) Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable for the smoking prohibition included within Public Law (P.L.) 103-227, Title XII Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro Children Act of 1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice that implements the smoking prohibition is included with this form. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and are not required to return it. 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 and are not required to return it. 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/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: 10/16/2007 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.
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. As of August 1, 2006, the following jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Exec. Order process: Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. 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. 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 the remaining 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. The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372 can be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 5. Funding Restrictions: Fundraising is not an allowable cost under this program. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. 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 Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start Replacement Review 118 Q Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Hand Delivery Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start Replacement Review 118 Q Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 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 80 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. (This information collection is currently under OMB review for extension of the expiration date. According to OMB policy, the approval will not expire while the collection is under its review.). 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. Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included for easy reference. 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. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. APPROACH Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement. Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates. If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from the OMB. This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF." Provide a list of organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
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 - 10 points The applicant must identify the geographic location to be served by the program. The applicant must define the area(s) of greatest need and show how it will direct Head Start resources to these areas. The following factors will be used to assist in the review and evaluation of applicants under this criterion:
APPROACH - 35 points The applicant must describe the design and approach of the proposed program and how it will meet the needs of the population it plans to serve. Program services must meet the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Staffing Requirements and Program Options, and the Head Start Program Performance Standards for Children with Disabilities. The following factors will be used to assist in the review and evaluation of applicants under this criterion:
STAFF AND POSITION DATA - 15 points This section measures the qualifications and experience of the applicant and the applicant's staff in planning, organizing and providing comprehensive child development services at the community level. The following factors will be used to evaluate this criterion:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 20 points This section measures the capabilities of the applicant to implement and sustain its plan for providing comprehensive child development services at the community level. The following factors will be used to evaluate this criterion:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 20 points This section will evaluate the extent to which the project's costs are appropriate and reasonable in view of the activities to be carried out and the anticipated outcomes. The following factors will be used to assist in the review and evaluation of applications under this criterion:
2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time (Section IV.3.) and whether the requested amount exceeds the ceiling or upper range value, whichever is appropriate (Section II.) Applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria described in Parts III, IV and V above. The review will be conducted by one or more panels of reviewers who are knowledgeable about the Head Start and Early Head Start programs and early childhood development. Each panel is composed of three reviewers and one chair. The results of the competitive review will be taken into consideration by ACF in deciding the project to be funded but are not in themselves binding. The responsible HHS official will consider other relevant factors, some of which are described below, in making the final decision. ACF may elect not to fund applicants who have management or financial problems that make it unlikely that the applicant would be able to provide effective Head Start services. Also, ACF may decide not to fund projects with what it regards as unreasonably large initial start-up costs for facilities or equipment, or projects with unreasonably high operating costs. Applications which do not meet the Head Start Act's criteria for an agency which is a local agency "within a community" will not be considered for a grant. See Section 641(a) of the Head Start Act. To be considered, applicants should clearly have the organizational base and commonality of interest with the community(ies) to be served. This could be established by virtue of the grantee being a provider of services in the community or having a clear relationship to the community as evidenced, for example, by board representation from the community or by evidence of the support of community leaders, including, but not limited to mayors, city council members, school principals, presidents of local chambers of commerce, county government officials, social service provider organizations, community organizations representing low income, minority or other relevant sectors of the community, and child care providers and organizations. For-profit agencies which wish to apply for Head Start funding should be aware that there are regulatory and statutory provisions that relate specifically to them. The most important of the regulations is at 45 CFR Part 74, Subpart E "Special Provisions for Awards to Commercial Organizations," which states that "no HHS funds may be paid as profit to any recipient." As a result, applications from for-profit, nonprofit, and public agencies will be reviewed in the same manner. For-profit applicants should also be aware that the Head Start Act at Section 641(g) states that in designating a Head Start agency, the Secretary may give priority to a nonprofit agency when a for-profit agency has an application of equivalent quality. This Section also states that priority will be given to agencies which have "demonstrated capacity in providing comprehensive early childhood services to children and their families." Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award which sets forth the amount of funds awarded, the terms and conditions of the grant, the budget period for which support is given, the non-federal share to be provided, and the total period for which support is provided. 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: Not ApplicableVI. 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. 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_resources.html. 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: Shawna Pinckney Grants Management Office Contact: David Kadan VIII. OTHER INFORMATION
References
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/budget/index.htm#head
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/performance/index.htm
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/research_data/youth/464119.htm
http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/07fedreg.htm
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/45cfr92_04.html
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