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Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families



EXPIRED

Program Office:

ACF - Office of Head Start

Funding Opportunity Title:

Head Start Replacement Grantee: Swisher County, Texas

Announcement Type:

Initial

Funding Opportunity Number:

HHS-2008-ACF-OHS-CH-0609

CFDA Number:

93.600

Due Date for Applications:

06/09/2008

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 Swisher County, Texas (including the towns of Tulia, Kress and Happy). The intent of this announcement is to provide for the continuation of services as previously provided by the former grantee, Tulia Community Nursery Association, Inc. Funds in the amount of $594,748 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 94 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 ACYF Operations Center.

Eligibility is limited to local public or private non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations or local for-profit organizations in the community, that can provide Head Start services to children and families residing in Swisher County, Texas.




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.), as amended by The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, Public Law 110-134.

The regulations relevant to Head Start are:

  • 45 CFR Part 1301, Head Start Grant Administration
  • 45 CFR Part 1302, Policies and Procedures for Selection, Initial Funding and Refunding of Head Start Grantees, and for Selection of Replacement Grantees
  • 45 CFR Part 1303, Appeal Procedures for Head Start Grantees and Current or Prospective Delegate Agencies
  • 45 CFR Part 1304, Program Performance Standards for the Operation of Head Start Programs by Grantees and Delegate Agencies
  • 45 CFR Part 1305, Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance in Head Start
  • 45 CFR Part 1306, Head Start Staffing Requirements and Program Options
  • 45 CFR Part 1308, Head Start Program Performance Standards on Services for Children with Disabilities
  • 45 CFR Part 1309, Head Start Facilities Purchase, Major Renovation & Construction
  • 45 CFR Part 1310, Head Start Transportation
  • 45 CFR Part 1311, Head Start Fellows Program
  • 45 CFR Part 74, Administration of Grants
  • And all applicable grant regulations

Copies of the current applicable Head Start regulations are available at the websites identified at the end of this announcement. In addition, copies of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars that apply to Head Start grantees 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 preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school.  In FY 1995, the Early Head Start program was established to serve pregnant women and children from birth to three years of age in recognition of the mounting evidence that the earliest years matter a great deal to children's growth and development.

Head Start promotes school readiness by enhancing the social, cognitive, and emotional 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 assure that not less than 10 percent of the total number of children actually enrolled by the Head Start agency and delegates will be children with disabilities, unless a waiver is approved.

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. An HHS official may grant a waiver of the 15 percent limitation on development and administrative costs and approve a higher percentage for a specific period of time not to exceed twelve months.

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.

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 25 million children and their families. Head Start, in FY 2007, served 908,412 children, of whom 61,788 were served in Early Head Start programs.  There are approximately 1,600 Head Start grantees, including 679 grantees providing Early Head Start services. 

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 below the poverty line or are eligible for public assistance. The law, however, permits up to 10 percent of enrolled Head Start children to be from families that do not meet these low-income criteria (49% in programs serving American Indian/Alaskan Native families.) A new provision in the Head Start Act, as discussed in Section 645(a) (1) (B), allows grantees that can ensure that all eligible children including homeless children are served, may enroll up to 35 percent of its participants from families with incomes greater than or equal to 100 but less than 130 percent of the poverty line (those that fall below 100 percent automatically qualify for funding under this section). In addition, all homeless children are categorically eligible for Early Head Start and Head Start.

Head Start also requires that a minimum of 10 percent of children actually enrolled by the Head Start agency and delegates be children with disabilities unless a waiver is granted.

Priority Area:

Head Start Replacement Grantee: Swisher 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 in the community that wish to compete for funds that are available to provide Head Start services to children and families residing in Swisher County, Texas (including the towns of Tulia, Kress and Happy). The intent of this announcement is to provide for the continuation of services to the area served previously by the former grantee, the Tulia Community Nursery Association, Inc. Funds in the amount of $594,748 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 $583,360 plus $11,388 in Technical Assistance (TA) funding. The former grantee was funded for a total enrollment of 94 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

Funding Instrument Type:

Grant

Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding:

$594,748

Anticipated Number of Awards:

0 to 1

Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards:

$594,748 per budget period

Floor on Amount of Individual Awards:

None

Average Projected Award Amount:

$594,748 per budget period

Length of Project Periods:

12-month project and budget period


In the absence of credible applications, the Director reserves the right to make no awards of this announcement.

Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds.




III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants:

  • County governments
  • Local Governments
  • City or township governments
  • Regional Organizations
  • Independent school districts
  • Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education
  • Indian/Native American Tribal governments (Federally recognized)
  • Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organizations
  • Public/Indian Housing Authorities
  • Non-profits with 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institutions of higher education)
  • For-profit organizations (other than small businesses)
  • Small businesses
  • Hispanic-Serving Institutions
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  • Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
  • Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
  • Others (See below)
  • Special district governments

Eligibility is limited to local public or private non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations or local for-profit organizations in the community to be served, that can provide Head Start services to children and families residing in Swisher County, Texas.

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.

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 $743,435, requesting $594,748 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal share of at least $148,687 (20 percent of total approved project cost of $743,435.) 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.

To receive a waiver or a reduction in the required non-Federal share, the applicant must provide ACF with written documentation of need. This request must identify which of the five waiver criteria found at Section 640(b)(1-5) of the Head Start Act it believes to be relevant.  It may be submitted with the grant proposal document, or during the budget negotiation period. Approval of the waiver request cannot be assumed by the applicant without written notice from ACF.

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

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.

Applications that do not meet the limited eligibility requirements of this announcement 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:

Office of Head Start
c/o ACYF Operations Center
Head Start Replacement Review
118 Q Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone:  866-791-1591
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 point 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 will not be 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 separate subsections of the application in any way, 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.

Prior to award of a grant, applicants must certify their compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 by submitting a written declaration or certification. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements can be found on the web site listed above, and is offered as an option for meeting this requirement. It is recommended that applicants sign and return a certification with their application. By signing and submitting its application, the applicant is providing the certification required by 45 CFR Part 82.

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 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/Committee approval of the application. 

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 in the proposed Head Start program.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must provide evidence of their legal status and financial viability as those terms are defined in 45 CFR 1302.1 and 1302.2, as well as providing information about their compliance with the definition of "financial viability" as defined for purposes of this announcement.  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 waive their fee/profit. For-profit agencies should also know that a significant cost (approximately 10%) 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. It is preferable, and we encourage, applicants to submit proof of non-profit status by the application due date at the time of submission. Otherwise, proof of non-profit status must be submitted by the time of award. Additional information on what to submit can be found in Section V.

"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:

  • A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the IRS's most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code.

  • A copy of a currently valid IRS tax-exemption certificate.

  • A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

  • A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.

  • Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

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 Submission

Applicants 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:

  • Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged.

  • Applicants may access the electronic application for this program at http://www.Grants.gov. There applicants can search for the downloadable application package by utilizing the www.Grants.gov FIND function.

  • It is strongly recommended that applicants do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through www.Grants.gov.  Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties are encountered there will still be sufficient time to submit a hard copy via express mail.  It is to an applicant's advantage to submit 24 hours ahead of the closing date and time in order to address any difficulties that may be encountered.

  • To use www.Grants.gov, you, the applicant must have a D-U-N-S number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR).  Applicants should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.  REMINDER:   CCR registration expires each year and thus must be updated annually. Applicants cannot upload an application to www.Grants.gov without having a current CCR registration AND electronic signature credentials for the AOR.

  • The electronic application is submitted by the AOR.  To submit electronically, the AOR must obtain and register electronic signature credentials approved by the organization's E-Business Point of Contact who maintains the organization's CCR registration.

  • Applicants may submit all documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF-424 and all necessary assurances and certifications.

  • Though applying electronically, the application must still comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.

  • After the application is submitted electronically, the applicant will receive an automatic acknowledgement from www.Grants.gov that contains a www.Grants.gov tracking number.  ACF will retrieve the electronically submitted application from www.Grants.gov.

  • ACF may request that the applicant provide original signatures on forms at a later date.

  • Applicants will not receive additional point value for submitting a grant application in electronic format, nor will ACF penalize an applicant if they submit an application in hard copy.

  • If any difficulties are encountered in using www.Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1-800-518-4726, or by email at support@grants.gov to report the problem and obtain assistance.

  • Checklists and registration brochures are maintained to assist applicants in the registration process and may be found at: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.

  • When submitting electronically via www.Grants.gov, applicants must comply with all due dates AND times referenced in Section IV.3. Submission Dates and Times.

  • For applicants that must demonstrate proof of non-profit status before the award date, ACF strongly suggests that proof of non-profit status be attached to the electronic application. Proof of non-profit status and any other required documentation may be scanned and attached as an "Other Attachment." Acceptable types of proof of non-profit status are stated earlier in this section.

  • The Grants.gov website complies with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Grants.gov webpages are designed to work with assistive technologies such as screen readers. If an applicant uses assistive technology and is unable to access any material on the site, email the www.Grants.gov contact center at support@grants.gov for assistance.
Hard Copy Submission

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 Reviewers

Since 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: 06/09/2008

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.

Mail

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.

What to SubmitRequired ContentRequired Form or FormatWhen to Submit

SF-424

See Section IV.2

See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html

By application due date.

SF-424A

See Section IV.2

See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html

By application due date.

SF-424B

See Section IV.2

See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html

By application due date.

SF-424C

See Section IV.2

See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html

By application due date.

Table of Contents

See Section V

Found in Section V

By application due date.

Project Summary/Abstract

See Sections IV.2 and V

Found in Sections IV.2 and V

By application due date.

Project Description

See Sections IV.2 and V

Found in Sections IV.2 and V

By application due date.

Budget and Budget Justification

See Sections IV.2 and V

Found in Sections IV.2 and V

By application due date.

Documentation and explanation regarding being local within the community

See Section III.1

-

By application due date.

Resumes of Key staff in the organization and proposed Head Start Program

See Sections IV.2 and V

Found in Sections IV.2 and V which is also included in "Staff and Position Data"

By application due date.

Proof of existing Policy Council approval of application

See Sections IV.2 and V

Found in Sections IV.2 and V which is also included in "Eligibility Certifications"

By application due date.

Proof of legal or corporate status

See Section V.1

Found in Section V

By application due date.

Proof of non-profit status (for non-profit organizations)

See Sections IV.2 and V

Found in Sections IV.2 and V

By date of award.

Certification of the organization's last audit report or other similar evidence of financial capability

See Sections IV.2 and V

Found in Sections IV.2 and V which is also included in "Organizational Profiles"

By application due date.

Executive Order 12372 State Point of Contact Project Notification Certificate (if applicable)

See Section IV.4

Found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html

By application due date.

A copy of the applicant's personnel policies and procedures

See Section IV.2

-

By application due date.

Indirect Cost Negotiated Rate Agreement

See Section V.1

-

By application due date.

Third-Party Agreements

See Sections IV.2 and V

Found in Sections IV.2 and V which is also included in "Third-Party Agreements"

By application due date.

Letters of Support

See Sections IV.2 and V

Found in Sections IV.2 and V which is also included in "Letters of Support"

By application due date.

Assurances

See Section IV.2

Found in Section IV.2

By date of award.

Certification Regarding Lobbying

See Section IV.2

See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html

By date of award.

Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke

See Section IV.2

See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html

By date of award.

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.

What to SubmitRequired ContentRequired Form or FormatWhen to Submit

Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants

See form.

See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html

By application due date.


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.

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 Start
c/o ACYF Operations Center
Head Start Replacement Review
118 Q Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002

Hand Delivery

Office of Head Start
c/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 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.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:

ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION

Applicants must provide the following as certification of their eligibility under this program announcement. Please provide:

Two items: 1) Proof of existing Policy Council approval of application; 2) Proof of legal or corporate status.
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:

  • A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the IRS's most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS Code.

  • A copy of a currently valid IRS tax-exemption certificate.

  • A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant organization has non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.

  • A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status.

  • Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate.

When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.

STAFF AND POSITION DATA

Provide a biographical sketch and job description for each key person appointed. Job descriptions for each vacant key position should be included as well. As new key staff is appointed, biographical sketches will also be required.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES

Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and cooperating partners, such as: organizational charts; financial statements; audit reports or statements from Certified Public Accountants/Licensed Public Accountants; Employer Identification Number(s); contact persons and telephone numbers; names of bond carriers; child care licenses and other documentation of professional accreditation; information on compliance with Federal/State/local government standards; documentation of experience in the program area; and, other pertinent information.

THIRD-PARTY AGREEMENTS

Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and subgrantees, or subcontractors, or other cooperating entities.   These agreements must detail the scope of work to be performed, work schedules, remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define the relationship.

LETTERS OF SUPPORT

Provide statements from community, public, and commercial leaders that support the project proposed for funding.   All submissions should be included in the application package or by the application deadline.

BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (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.

GENERAL

Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget justification.  Both Federal and non-Federal resources (when required) shall be detailed and justified in the budget and budget narrative justification.   "Federal resources" refers only to the ACF grant funds for which you are applying.  "Non-Federal resources" are all other non-ACF Federal and non-Federal resources.  It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a columnar format:  first column, object class categories; second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s); and last column, total budget.  The budget justification should be in a narrative form.

PERSONNEL

Description:  Costs of employee salaries and wages.

Justification:  Identify the project director or principal investigator, if known at the time of application.   For each staff person, provide:  the title; time commitment to the project in months; time commitment to the project as a percentage or full-time equivalent; annual salary; grant salary; wage rates; etc.  Do not include the costs of consultants, personnel costs of delegate agencies, or of specific project(s) and/or businesses to be financed by the applicant.

FRINGE BENEFITS

Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.

Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, taxes, etc.

TRAVEL

Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the applicant organization.  (This item does not include costs of consultant travel).

Justification:  For each trip show:  the total number of traveler(s); travel destination; duration of trip; per diem; mileage allowances, if privately owned vehicles will be used; and other transportation costs and subsistence allowances.  If appropriate for this project, travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.

EQUIPMENT

Description:  "Equipment" means an article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost that equals or exceeds the lesser of:  (a) the capitalization level established by the organization for the financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000.  (Note:   Acquisition cost means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.   Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance, freight, and installation, shall be included in or excluded from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular written accounting practices.)

Justification:  For each type of equipment requested provide:  a description of the equipment; the cost per unit; the number of units; the total cost; and a plan for use on the project; as well as use and/or disposal of the equipment after the project ends.  An applicant organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide a copy of its policy, or section of its policy, that includes the equipment definition.

SUPPLIES

Description:  Costs of all tangible personal property other than that included under the Equipment category.

Justification:  Specify general categories of supplies and their costs.  Show computations and provide other information that supports the amount requested.

CONTRACTUAL

Description:  Costs of all contracts for services and goods except for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, etc.  Include third-party evaluation contracts, if applicable, and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) and/or businesses to be financed by the applicant.

Justification:  Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are required to use 45 CFR Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition and exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 USC 403(11), currently set at $100,000.

Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award review and procurement documents, such as requests for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

Note:  Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency title, along with the required supporting information referred to in these instructions.

CONSTRUCTION

Description:  Costs of construction by applicant or contractor.

Justification:  Provide a detailed budget and narrative in accordance with the instructions for other object class categories.  Identify which construction activities/costs will be contractual and that the applicant will assume.

OTHER

Enter the total of all other costs.  Such costs, where applicable and appropriate, may include but are not limited to:  insurance; food; medical and dental costs (noncontractual); professional services costs; space and equipment rentals; printing and publication; computer use; training costs, such as tuition and stipends; staff development costs; and administrative costs.

Justification:  Provide computations, a narrative description and a justification for each cost under this category.

INDIRECT CHARGES

Description:  Total amount of indirect costs.  This category should be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.

Justification:  An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement.  If the applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency.  Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs.  When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not be charged as direct costs to the grant.  Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate that is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

PROGRAM INCOME

Description:  The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be generated from this project.

Justification:  Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application that contain this information.

NON-FEDERAL RESOURCES

Description:  Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.

Justification:  The firm commitment of these resources must be documented and submitted with the application so that the applicant is given credit in the review process.  A detailed budget must be prepared for each funding source.

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 it proposes to serve.  The applicant must define the area(s) of greatest need and show how it will direct Head Start resources to these areas and describe the extent to which provision is made for a continuation of services to the target area or areas served by the previous grantee's Head Start program. The applicant should also address how it will ensure a smooth transition of Head Start program operations from the current grantee to the applicant agency to meet the need for services, including a time frame for completing this transition and becoming fully operational within 30 days of an award. 

The following factors will be used to assist in the review and evaluation of applicants under this criterion:

  • The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that services will be provided to those families and children who have the most urgent need for Head Start services, including those receiving services from the former grantee.

  • The extent to which the applicant demonstrates its plan to meet the needs for child development services for Head Start eligible children and families, including the estimated number of eligible children by geographic location, the needs of children with disabilities including procedures to identify such children, the needs of limited English proficient children, the needs of homeless children and their transportation needs and the needs of children in foster care. Include data regarding the education, health, nutrition, social, child care and other service needs of the proposed children and families.

  • The extent to which the applicant provides evidence of community support. Applicants should describe the process for involvement of service providers, public or private entities, and other members of the community in determining the need for services in the geographic locations proposed by the applicant. The applicant should include evidence of plans to collaborate with public or private entities providing early childhood education and development programs, and services for young children in the proposed service area.

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:

  • The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that the proposed program will provide comprehensive, high quality educational, health, mental health, nutritional, social and other services to children and their families, that prepare children to succeed in school.

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes to serve eligible children with curricula and teaching practices that are based on scientifically valid research, that are developmentally appropriate, and that promote the school readiness of participating children.

  • The extent to which the applicant describes how children and families will be recruited and selected for the program to ensure that services will be provided to those who have the most serious need for Head Start services. The applicant should describe how the program will ensure that not less than 10 percent of the total number of children actually enrolled will be children with disabilities.

  • The plan of the applicant to meet the needs of limited English proficient children and their families, including procedures to identify such children, plans to provide trained personnel, and plans to provide services to assist the children in making progress toward the acquisition of the English language, while making meaningful progress in attaining the knowledge, skills, abilities, and development described in section 641A(a)(1)(B) of the Head Start Act.

  • The extent to which the applicant justifies the program option or options most appropriate for the communities in which it proposes to provide services (e.g., part or full day center-based, home-based, family child care or combination option). The applicant should specify the planned number of hours per day, days per week, and weeks per year of program operations.

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes to maintain child-to-teacher ratios and family service worker caseloads that reflect best practices and are tied to high-quality service delivery.

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes to meet the program governance requirements established in section 642 (c) of the Head Start Act.

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes a plan to facilitate the involvement of parents (including grandparents and kinship caregivers, as appropriate) of children participating in the proposed Head Start program, in activities (at home and, if practicable, at the location of the Head Start program) designed to help such parents become full partners in the education of their children, including the development and overall conduct of the program, and transportation assistance, as appropriate.

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes a plan to offer (directly or through referral to local entities, such as entities carrying out Even Start programs under subpart 3 of part B of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6381 et seq.), public and school libraries, and entities carrying out family support programs) to such parents family literacy services and parenting skills training.

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes a plan to offer to parents of participating children substance abuse counseling (either directly or through referral to local entities), if needed, including information on the effect of drug exposure on infants and fetal alcohol syndrome.

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes a plan to extend outreach to fathers (including father figures) in order to strengthen their role in families, the education of their children, and in the Head Start program.

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes to coordinate with public and private entities that are willing to commit resources to assist the Head Start program in providing high quality child health and developmental services and program management services. Such partnerships must include a plan to coordinate the proposed Head Start program with other child care and preschool programs, State pre-kindergarten programs, programs under part C and Section 619 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, with the educational programs that children to be served will enter upon leaving Head Start, and grant agreements under the Early Reading First and Even Start programs under subparts 2 and 3 of part B of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

  • The extent to which the applicant describes the proposed organizational structure that supports the accomplishment of program objectives and will assure high quality services. Applicant should discuss the following: assignment of key management functions; assignment of content area expertise; the organization's supervisory structure, including support staff.

  • The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the existence of management systems for program planning, internal and external communication, recordkeeping, issuance of internal and external reports and program self assessment and monitoring.

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:

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes a clear plan for reviewing the qualifications and effectiveness of existing qualified Head Start staff employed by the current grantee and making decisions on their continued employment.

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes to provide employment opportunities for existing Head Start staff and target area residents, and career development opportunities for paraprofessional and other staff.

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes a clear plan to attract and retain qualified staff capable of delivering and implementing a high-quality comprehensive program, including research-based curriculum aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and, as appropriate, State early learning standards.

  • The extent to which the applicant describes an ongoing strategy for professional development, peer support, supervision, and evaluation of staff and program managers, oriented to improving the skills, knowledge, effectiveness, and career opportunities of all employees.

  • The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that the proposed program director and proposed key staff are qualified and knowledgeable about Head Start Regulations and Standards.

  • The extent to which the applicant explains how staff positions will be assigned and describes their major functions and responsibilities.

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:

  • The extent to which the applicant presents an organizational structure and clear lines of responsibility that will support the program objectives.

  • The extent to which the applicant demonstrates potential for administering a Head Start program effectively and exercising sound fiscal management, based on experience. Applicants that served as delegate agencies to the former grantee and operated programs that met or exceeded the performance standards and measures should provide appropriate information.

  • The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the ability to provide timely and efficient implementation of all program components and services, including planning during the transition period, the availability of classroom space which meets required standards, the ability to provide necessary transportation and the ability to recruit eligible children and families. All applications must include an implementation timetable that expressly states when children will begin receiving Head Start services.

  • The extent to which the applicant demonstrates how the applicant's history and experience in the local community, based on past performance in providing services comparable to Head Start, documents an ability to effectively and efficiently administer a project of this size, complexity and scope of the proposed program within the service area.

  • The extent to which the applicant outlines plans and demonstrates capacity in its senior executive managers and governing board to: (1) exercise effective oversight of program operations and accountability for Federal funds; (2) include the Policy Council in the planning and decision-making process; (3) assure representation of the diverse community served; (4) set and monitor overall agency priorities and operational systems; and (5) conduct community assessment, annual self-assessments, ongoing monitoring and outcome-based evaluations.

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:

  • The extent to which funds are budgeted to provide all required comprehensive Head Start services to eligible children and families in a cost-effective manner as indicated in the application narrative.

  • The proposed budget of the applicant and plan of the applicant to maintain strong fiscal controls and cost effective fiscal management.

  • The extent to which the applicant provides evidence that start-up costs are justified. Start-up costs include ensuring that proposed facilities comply with State and local requirements and are adequately equipped, both indoors and outdoors. Where facilities are not available, a plan to acquire them should be presented in accordance with the guidance provided for the purchase, construction, and major renovation of facilities described in Section 644(f) and (g) of the Head Start Act.

  • The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that it will contribute the required non-federal share of the total project cost.

  • The extent to which the applicant shows its ability to meet the 15 percent limitation on development and administrative costs.

  • The extent to which the applicant proposes combining Head Start resources with other early childhood funding sources, has systems to track, manage, and account for multiple funding streams, and can allocate costs to different funding sources.

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 do not meet the limited eligibility requirements of this announcement will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.

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.

In keeping with Section 641(d)(3) of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, HHS shall give priority in the selection of a new grantee to any qualified agency that has demonstrated capacity in providing effective, comprehensive, and well-coordinated early childhood education and development services and programs to children and their families.

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 are not from entities "in the community" to be served do not meet the requirements for designation as a Head Start agency in section 641 of the Head Start Act and cannot be considered for a grant. We will consider all "qualified applicants in such community" as required by section 641 (d) where the application demonstrates it has an organizational base within the community 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.

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 Applicable


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.

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-Annually
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually




VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

Program Office Contact:

Shawna Pinckney
Head Start Replacement Review Coordinator
Office of Head Start
c/o ACYF Operations Center
118 Q Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone:  866-796-1591
Email: OHS@dixongroup.com

Grants Management Office Contact:

David Kadan
ACF Grants Management Officer
Administration for Children and Families
Division of Discretionary Grants
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW
Aerospace Building/6th Floor East
Washington, DC 20447
Phone:  202-205-8562
Fax: 202-205-3449
Email: ACFOGME-Grants@acf.hhs.gov




VIII. OTHER INFORMATION







Date:  03/24/2008Patricia E. Brown
Acting Director
Office of Head Start






References

  • Application For Federal Assistance (SF-424 package which includes SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance), SF-424A (Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs) and SF-424B (Assurances  - Non-Construction Programs))

              http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html  

  • The Head Start Act as amended by The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, (PL 110-134)

              http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs   

  • If needed, Executive Order 12372 State Points of Contact Project Notification Certification and State Single Points of Contact Address Listing

              http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html

  • Head Start Regulations (45 CFR Parts1301-1311)

              http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs  

  • Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters - Primary Covered Transactions

              http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html

  • Certification Regarding Lobbying

              http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html

  • Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements

              http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html

  • The Smoking Prohibition included with P.L. 103-277, The Pro-Children's Act of 1994.

              http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/research_data/youth/464119.htm

  • Head Start Family Income Guidelines for 2008

          http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs  

  • 45 CFR Part 92, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments

              http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/45cfr92_04.html

  • 45 CFR Part 74, Administration of Grants

       http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Fiscal/fa

 

Posted on April 10, 2008





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