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Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS) invites applications from organizations for financial support for Head Start Innovation and Improvement Projects that address the promotion of promising practices in the Head Start program and other priorities that meet needs related to the comprehensive nature of Head Start. Although OHS welcomes applications in any area that will result in improved outcomes for Head Start eligible children and families, the following seven specific priority areas will be addressed in this cycle of funding. The focus will be on developing new concepts, products, practices and projects relating to the important priorities and needs in the following areas; National Head Start Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play, Grandparents Raising Head Start Grandchildren, Healthcare Literacy, Mental Health Intervention for Children and Families, Inclusion of Children with Disabilities, Infant and Toddler Online Degree, and an Open Category. The "Open Category" will be available for programs to apply for funding to promote or expand promising practices in non-specified areas. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority This Program Announcement is authorized by Section 649 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9801). Funding Opportunity Description The Head Start program provides comprehensive child development services to more than 900,000 of our nation's neediest young children. There are a number of organizations and institutions with innovative concepts, projects and products that could help improve the effectiveness and management of local Head Start and Early Head Start sites, and the supportive comprehensive services provided to Head Start families and children. It is the intent of the Office of Head Start (OHS) to solicit proposals for innovations and improvements so that these efforts can be identified and considered. If they are found to have merit, OHS plans to provide financial assistance so they can be further developed, or assessed and made available to local Head Start programs. Many organizations (at the national, State and local level) seek guidance from OHS because they have seen a need for activities that will improve the quality of Head Start programming, and have valid concepts, products, and projects that address the priorities for improving the comprehensive services provided by OHS. However, this competition is not limited to national, State, and local organizations; Head Start and Early Head Start grantees are also encouraged to apply for funds to adapt, evaluate, and replicate promising practices. In all priority areas Head Start and Early Head Start programs should consider themselves as included in the categories of eligible applicants. This competition will assess the feasibility of funding some of these projects. The focus will be on developing new concepts, products, practices and projects relating to the important priorities and needs in the following areas; National Head Start Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play, Supporting Grandparents Raising Head Start Grandchildren, Healthcare Literacy, Mental Health Intervention for Children and Families, Inclusion of Children with Disabilities, Infant and Toddler Online Degree, and an Open Category. Background Head Start, established in 1965, is a comprehensive child development program currently serving annually over 900,000 primarily young children in low-income families, from three years of age to the age of mandatory school attendance. Since the addition of Early Head Start in 1995, children from birth to three, pregnant women and their families are also included. Grants for Head Start and Early Head Start programs are awarded to public and private agencies by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Over 2,100 grantees and delegate agencies provide these programs in every state, Puerto Rico, Head Start has a long tradition of delivering comprehensive services designed to foster healthy development in the most vulnerable young children, including those with disabilities. Head Start and Early Head Start grantees and delegate agencies provide a range of individualized services in the areas of education and early childhood development; medical, dental, mental health and nutrition; and family and community partnership development through parent involvement. In addition, the entire range of Head Start services is responsive and appropriate to each child and family's developmental, ethnic, cultural and linguistic heritage and experience. Priority Areas Priority Area 1: Priority Area 2: Priority Area 3: Healthcare Literacy Priority Area 4: Effective Mental Health Consultation for Head Start Children and Families Priority Area 5: Effective Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Head Start Programs Priority Area 6: Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Online Degree Program Priority Area 7: Open Category: General Innovation and Improvement Projects Start-Up As a condition of award, programs funded under this announcement must be operational within 90 days of receipt of the Notice of Award. Additional Requirements for All Successful Applicants "Legal Status" means the existence of an applicant or grantee as a public agency or organization under the law of the State in which it is located, or existence as a private non-profit agency or organization as a legal entity recognized under the law of the State in which it is located. Existence as a private non-profit agency or organization may be established under State or Federal law. All grantees must make themselves available for three specific sets of learning experiences:
Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation Applicants should include a logic model (see "Logic Model" in Section V.1.) or conceptual framework with their application. A logic model is a tool used to present the conceptual framework for a proposed project and explains the linkages among program elements. While there are many versions of the logic model, they generally summarize the logical connections among the focus needs of the project, project goals and objectives, the target population, and project inputs (resources), the proposed activities/processes/outputs directed toward the target population, and the expected short- and long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve. The proposal shall include an evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which proposed processes actually occur and lead to proposed outcomes. This plan should include a clear and convincing approach for evaluating the project; utilize methods that are feasible, comprehensive and appropriate to the goals, objective and context of the project; and should be strongly guided by the project's logic model. Information and resources on the development of logic models are listed below: http://childwelfare.gov/preventing/developing/toolkit/. KRA Corporation, The Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation, An Evaluation Handbook Series from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, US Department of Health & Human Services (1997). A copy of this document can be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/other_resrch/pm_guide_eval/reports/pmguide/pmguide_toc.html. Taylor-Powell, Ellen; Boyd Rossing & Jean Geren, Evaluating Collaboratives, Reaching the Potential, University of Wisconsin-Extension (July, 1998). United Way of W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Logic Model Development Guide (January, 2004). All grantees will participate fully in monitoring activities that capture measurable indicators and outcomes. Grantees will be required to gather and report performance data as required by the assigned Federal Project Officer, such as outreach, response, retention, lessons learned, follow-up activities and outcomes. Some approved grantees may be selected to participate in a more in-depth evaluation study. These grantees will be selected after grant awards are made. Therefore, all approved applicants must agree to work cooperatively with OHS and with contractors hired by the same to conduct evaluations. Involvement may include allowing for a random assignment of participants to either grant program activities or control groups who do not receive grantee services. It might include access to more detailed project-related information and data, including but not limited to, information about access, attendance, and outcome measures. Grantees selected for the evaluation study will likely participate in interviews, surveys, and on-site observations by evaluators. Entrance and Annual ACF sponsored Peer Meetings Depending on the individual priority area applied for, a grantee entrance conference may be held within the first three months of the official award date. If requested, grantees may also be expected to attend an annual grantee meeting in Both the project director and the key staff person responsible for tracking and documenting progress toward project milestones and outcomes will be required to attend all meetings. Applicants must allocate sufficient funding in their proposed program budget for travel, to cover transportation and per diem expenses for each of these two- to three-day meetings in the event they receive a grant award. Additional funds for travel expenses will not be made available once grants are awarded. Technical Assistance Grantees must agree to work cooperatively with OHS sponsored technical assistance providers. In addition to attending any annual technical assistance meetings, grantees must allow OHS to observe program activities and participate in full partner staff meetings designed to guide the fulfillment of the applicant's project objectives, as well as the objectives of the Innovation and Improvement Project Grants program. Each grantee will receive technical assistance from OHS staff or contractors. Available technical assistance services might support financial planning, program planning, advice on complying with grant requirements, marketing, and other management challenges. Other primary areas of technical assistance include:
Project Requirements The acceptance of funds awarded for projects responsive to this announcement will signify the grantees will comply with the following requirements: 1) Have the project functioning within 30 days following the notification of the grant. 2) Participate, if OHS chooses, in a national evaluation or a technical assistance contract that relates to this funding announcement. 3) Evaluation plans that include obtaining identifiable private information about clients may involve non-exempt human subjects research and require compliance with the HHS Protection of Human Subjects regulations (45 CFR Part 46). Applicants proposing such research are asked to describe: (a) the procedures for protecting the privacy of clients and insuring the confidentiality of data collected about clients; and (b) the process for obtaining institutional review board (IRB) review of the proposed evaluation plans. While IRB approval is not required at the time of award, applicants proposing non-exempt human subjects research will be required, as a condition of award, to hold a Federal-wide Assurance (FWA) approved by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) and to provide certification to ACF that an IRB designated under the FWA has reviewed and approved the research prior to enrolling any subjects in the proposed evaluation. Certifications of IRB approval may be submitted to ACF using the form at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Priority Area 1: National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play Description Head Start has long built upon the connectedness of children's physical development and the ability to learn. Head Start strives to create opportunities both in and outside of the classroom that promote this interconnectedness by creating healthy learning environments. The importance of physical activity, and specifically unstructured play, to the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of children is an area of rapidly-increasing focus. Head Start programs provide a setting where both structured and unstructured physical activity can take place and can easily be integrated into a program's daily activities. Funding will be made available to establish a National Head Start Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play. The Center will provide information and support to OHS in setting national priorities and developing policies, resources, and training. Additionally, the successful applicant will subcontract with organizations that will repair, improve, and construct playgrounds and outdoor play spaces for Head Start grantees in accordance with criteria identified by the proposed Center and OHS. One grant will be awarded in the amount of up to $3,000,000 per 12-month period for a duration of 48 months. This grantee, either alone or in collaboration with sub-grantees or contractors, will have demonstrated expertise in the area of the physical development of children, ages birth to five, and the importance of unstructured and outdoor play. This will include knowledge of the integral relationship between physical activity and health outcomes, as well as cognitive and social and emotional development. Background The alarming increase in childhood overweight/obesity is the result of many influences. Lack of adequate physical activity is undoubtedly a significant factor. Trends towards increasing rates of overweight/obesity may be observed in early childhood, with the likelihood of successful treatment diminishing with age. It is appropriate, therefore, to focus upon the prevention of overweight/obesity in young children, and to address this in part by encouraging physical activity. Guidelines for physical activity for infants, toddlers and preschoolers have been developed by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. Toddlers are recommended to have "at least 30 minutes daily of structured physical activity and at least 60 minutes and up to several hours per day of daily, unstructured physical activity, and should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time except when sleeping." Preschoolers are recommended to have "at least 60 minutes daily of structured physical activity" and "at least 60 minutes and up to several hours of daily, unstructured physical activity and should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time except when sleeping." Access to settings that are safe and appropriate for outdoor play is a critical component to meeting these recommendations. National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).(2002, February 6). NASPE Releases First Ever Physical Activitiy Guidelines for Infants & Toddlers.[Press Release] Washington, DC. http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/toddlers.html Scope The Head Start Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play will provide information and support to OHS for use in setting national priorities and developing policies. It will also provide evidence-based training and technical assistance to Head Start and Early Head Start grantees through the development of resources, technical assistance specialists and direct training at the local, state, regional and national levels. The material developed by the Center will be posted on the Early Childhood Knowledge and Learning Center website to facilitate the widest possible dissemination. Additionally, the grantee will directly support, through training and technical assistance and grants of up to $5,000 for improvement and construction of Head Start Playgrounds and Outdoor Play Spaces (up to $2,000,000 per year of this grant must be distributed to Head Start grantees for playground and outdoor play space improvement and construction). The following are some examples of program suggestions on how the Center could provide supports to Head Start grantees. This list is not exhaustive but provides some project objectives:
Expected outcomes are:
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Explanation of Other: Length of Project Periods depends on priority area. For Priority Area 1, the length of project period is a 48-month project period with four 12-month budget periods. Awards for the second, third and fourth 12-month budget period will be made on a noncompetitive basis and are subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Under Section 649(b)(1) of the Head Start Act, "public and private entities" are eligible for awards under this priority area. If an applicant is a Head Start Grantee, proof of legal or corporate status and proof of existing or interim Policy Council approval of application is required. 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: None 3. Other: Program Access Successful applicants must provide services to all eligible persons, regardless of a potential participant's race, gender, age, disability or religion. Applicants are prohibited to discriminate, on the basis of race, gender, age, disability or religion, in determining eligibility, benefits or services provided, or applicable rules, according to 45 C.F.R. Parts 80, 84, 85 and 86 and the Head Start regulation at 45 C.F.R. Part 1308. Number of Proposals
Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: OHS@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Letter of Intent Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. The letter or an e-mail should be sent to the ACYF Operations Center with the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the organization intending to apply to receive an award for Head Start Innovation and Improvement funds. See Section IV.1 to obtain ACYF Operations Center e-mail and address information. Application Format Applications must be organized according to the checklist found in Section IV.3 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 60 pages (including the abstract, budget and budget justification), with an additional limit of 60 pages for all appendices and resumes. Anything over 60 pages in the narrative portion of the application and anything over 60 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. If submitting hardcopy applications, one signed original and two copies of the grant application, including all attachments, are required; if submitting the applications electronically, submit only one time. ACF encourages the submission of 5 additional copies to facilitate the review process. 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 Applicants who are currently operating as a Head Start grantee or delegate agency must include documentation of Policy Council approval of the application. Applicants must provide evidence of their legal status. D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Please ensure that your organization has a D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com. Proof of Non-Profit Status
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following: When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey
titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey"
heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. When required for programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Information on the Certification Regarding Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification. Where return of a form is required, complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions found on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Information on the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) or FOIA may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic SubmissionApplicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal ReviewersSince ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 05/19/2008 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. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition. ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER 4:30 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Additional Forms Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. The official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372, including addresses and contact persons, may be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form (SF) 424, item 19. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and official State process recommendations, which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule. Comments submitted directly to ACF should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although some jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to Exec. Order 12372. 5. Funding Restrictions: Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are unallowable. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Only construction costs for repair, improvement, and construction of playgrounds and outdoor play spaces are allowable activities and expenditures under this grant award. Up to $2,000,000 per year of this grant must be distributed to Head Start grantees for playground and outdoor play space improvement and construction. 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 IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Hand Delivery Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2010. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 1. Criteria: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. LETTER OF INTENT Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement; the name and address of the applicant organization; and/or Fiscal Agent (if known); and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, clearly describe how objectives relate to the expected benefits of the project. Fully explain why objectives are appropriate for the project's overall goal. Thoroughly describe how the results and benefits expected are reasonable given the resources available for this project. Specifically identify and describe a plan to measure the results or benefits and overall project effectiveness.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. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: APPROACH - 40 points The applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they describe the design and approach of the proposed project and how it will meet the needs of the Head Start population it plans to serve. The following factors will be used to review and evaluate applicants to the extent that the application meets the requirements, as described in the entire priority area's discussion, and to the extent that the applicant's approach:
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and the extent to which the applicant:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 30 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and on the extent to which:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which:
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 will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria described in Part V above. The review will be conducted by one or more panels of reviewers who are knowledgeable about Head Start and Early Head Start programs and early childhood development. Each panel is composed of three reviewers and one chair. The results of these reviews will assist the OHS Director and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications will generally be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly-ranked applications are not guaranteed funding since additional factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to, comments of reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; geographic distribution; uniqueness of applicant's approach, the priority of serving unserved or underserved populations, previous program performance of applicant; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and an applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous Federal agency grants. 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 supplies, or projects with unreasonably high operating costs. 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 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: QuarterlyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually Suggested formats of required reports will be provided to successful applicants after awards are made. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Jamie K. Sheehan, Head Start Fellow Grants Management Office Contact: David Kadan VIII. OTHER INFORMATION For-profit organizations that 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 74.81,"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, non-profit, and public agencies will be reviewed in the same manner. The Head Start Act requires the Department to take steps to establish the ownership of the Federal Government of 'all studies, reports, proposals and data' produced as part of the implementation of grants.' Section 649(f) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9844(f). OHS plans to incorporate terms in the awards under this announcement that are necessary for the implementation of Section 649(f). Works produced with funding under the Head Start Act will be considered "works made for hire." Permission to use content no matter the form: graphics including photographs and audio is required. Further, resources and products should be in a standard word processing format for uploading to the Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc. These resources and products will assist the grantee with widespread dissemination of their products to the early childhood community and other interested individuals. Resources for applicants: United States Census Bureau. (2004). 2004 American Community Survey, S1002, Grandparents. Available at: http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/STTable?_bm=y&-context=st&-qr_name=ACS_2004_EST_G00_S1002&-ds_name=ACS_2004_EST_G00_&-CONTEXT=st&-tree_id=304&-redoLog=true&-all_geo_types=N&-_caller=geoselect&-geo_id=01000US&-format=&-_lang=en. The Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center, or ECLKC, is the web-based information center sponsored by OHS. The following is a link to the section of the ECKLC focusing on disabilities services: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/ecdh/Disabilities. The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs to support the implementation of the early childhood provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The NECTAC website (http://www.nectac.org) provides comprehensive information on services for young children with disabilities and their families. Priority Area 2: Supporting Grandparents Raising Head Start Grandchildren Provided by Head Start Grantees Description Due to the rise in parental substance abuse, child abuse, neglect, parental incarceration, domestic violence and other interrelated factors, the occurrence of children who are being raised by grandparents is increasing substantially across the nation. According to 2000 Census data, there are an estimated 4.1 million households with grandparents living with grandchildren. An estimated 54 percent of these grandparents have incomes below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level, making a significant number of these children eligible for Head Start services. The number of grandparents serving as primary caregivers for their grandchildren has increased nationally in the past twenty years. As reported in a Census 2000 brief on grandparents raising grandchildren, 2.4 million co-resident grandparents are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren, representing 42 percent of all grandparents residing with their grandchildren (Simmons & Dye, 2003). Grandmothers constitute the largest proportion (63 percent) of these caregivers, and African American families represent the majority (51.7 percent) of all care-giving grandparents (Simmons & Dye, 2003). It is anticipated that the growth of the population of grandparent caregivers will continue in the near future, warranting the need for service delivery systems that effectively address the needs of this population.(Sources: Census 2000 Summary File 3 (SF-3); AARP Grandparent Information Center). In response to this national concern, OHS will provide funding to Head Start grantees to develop and/or improve current replicable programming for grandparents. Such programming should include, parenting classes that support child development, other relevant educational opportunities, grandparent support groups, assistance for grandparents navigating State and local service systems, referring grandparents to legal services for establishing legal relationships with grandchildren (e.g., custody, adoption), specialized mental health consultations or interventions and early identification of and intervention for children with developmental disabilities. Head Start grantees are encouraged to collaborate with organizations who have experience in serving populations of relative care-givers, kith and kin care providers, or grandparents as parents which may include child welfare entities, resource centers, faith-based and community organizations, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education. Head Start grantees are also encouraged to collaborate with local state human service offices that provide social service or health supports which may be beneficial to grandparents and grandchildren. Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose developing materials that meet the various cultural and linguistic needs of the Head Start population. Grantees will be required to share deliverables and information for replicable practices/materials. Up to 25 grants will be awarded ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per year per grant. Background When parents are not able to raise their children, it is often grandparents who step in to assume this responsibility. Unlike traditional foster parents, many grandparent caregivers who informally assume responsibility for their grandchildren are offered no training to raise traumatized children, and receive limited financial assistance to meet their grandchildren's basic needs. Regardless of these challenges, many take on the parenting role, but grandparent caregivers may be financially challenged and have little experience navigating bureaucratic systems for specialized services. Ultimately, the grandchildren are at risk for not receiving adequate supports for positive growth and development. Placement of children with grandparents can occur abruptly, or after a long and difficult period with the biological parents. There are multiple, and often interrelated reasons that children are raised by grandparents, including, but not limited to, parental substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, psychiatric disorders of parents, parental incarceration, and homicide resulting from domestic violence events (Dowdell, 1995; Kelley, 1993; Kelley, Yorker, Whitley, & Sipe, 2001). Other areas of consideration facing grandparents raising grandchildren are: care-giving effects on grandparents, care-giving effects on grandchildren, types of assistance needed from private and public organizations such as financial, legal and educational assistance. Program Scope The following are some examples of program suggestions on how Head Start grantees could provide supports for grandchildren and their grandparent caregivers. This list is not exhaustive but provides some ideas for services that may be provided by grantees:
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Explanation of Other: Length of Project Periods depends on priority area. For Priority Area 2, the length of project periods is 36 month project periods with three 12-month budget periods. Awards for the second and third 12-month budget period will be made on a noncompetitive basis and are subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Eligibility under this priority area is limited to current Head Start and Early Head Start service providers. Faith-based and community organizations that are current Head Start or Early Head Start service providers are eligible to apply under this priority area. Head Start Grantee applicants are required to provide proof of legal or corporate status, and proof of existing or interim Policy Council approval of application. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Program Access Successful applicants must provide services to all eligible persons, regardless of a potential participant's race, gender, age, disability or religion. Applicants are prohibited to discriminate, on the basis of race, gender, age, disability or religion, in determining eligibility, benefits or services provided, or applicable rules, according to 45 C.F.R. Parts 80, 84, 85 and 86 and the Head Start regulation at 45 C.F.R. Part 1308. Number of Proposals
Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: OHS@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Letter of Intent Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. The letter or an e-mail should be sent to the ACYF Operations Center with the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the organization intending to apply to receive an award for Head Start Innovation and Improvement funds. See Section IV.1 to obtain ACYF Operations Center e-mail and address information. Application Format Applications must be organized according to the checklist found in Section IV.3 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 60 pages (including the abstract, budget and budget justification), with an additional limit of 60 pages for all appendices and resumes. Anything over 60 pages in the narrative portion of the application and anything over 60 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. If submitting hardcopy applications, one signed original and two copies of the grant application, including all attachments, are required; if submitting the applications electronically, submit only one time. ACF encourages the submission of 5 additional copies to facilitate the review process. 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 Applicants who are currently operating as a Head Start grantee or delegate agency must include documentation of Policy Council approval of the application. Applicants must provide evidence of their legal status. D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Please ensure that your organization has a D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com. Proof of Non-Profit Status
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following: When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey
titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey"
heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. When required for programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Information on the Certification Regarding Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification. Where return of a form is required, complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions found on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Information on the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) or FOIA may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic SubmissionApplicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal ReviewersSince ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 05/19/2008 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. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition. ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER 4:30 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Additional Forms Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. The official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372, including addresses and contact persons, may be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form (SF) 424, item 19. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and official State process recommendations, which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule. Comments submitted directly to ACF should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although some jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to Exec. Order 12372. 5. Funding Restrictions: Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are unallowable. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Hand Delivery Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2010. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 1. Criteria: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. LETTER OF INTENT Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement; the name and address of the applicant organization; and/or Fiscal Agent (if known); and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, clearly describe how objectives relate to the expected benefits of the project. Fully explain why objectives are appropriate for the project's overall goal. Thoroughly describe how the results and benefits expected are reasonable given the resources available for this project. Specifically identify and describe a plan to measure the results or benefits and overall project effectiveness.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. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: APPROACH - 40 points The applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they describe the design and approach of the proposed project and how it will meet the needs of the Head Start population it plans to serve. The following factors will be used to review and evaluate applicants to the extent that the application meets the requirements, as described in the entire priority area's discussion, and to the extent that the applicant's approach:
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and the extent to which the applicant:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 30 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and on the extent to which:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which:
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 will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria described in Part V above. The review will be conducted by one or more panels of reviewers who are knowledgeable about Head Start and Early Head Start programs and early childhood development. Each panel is composed of three reviewers and one chair. The results of these reviews will assist the OHS Director and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications will generally be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly-ranked applications are not guaranteed funding since additional factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to, comments of reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; geographic distribution; uniqueness of applicant's approach, the priority of serving unserved or underserved populations, previous program performance of applicant; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and an applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous Federal agency grants. 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 supplies, or projects with unreasonably high operating costs. 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 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: QuarterlyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually Suggested formats of required reports will be provided to successful applicants after awards are made. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Jamie K. Sheehan, Head Start Fellow Grants Management Office Contact: David Kadan VIII. OTHER INFORMATION For-profit organizations that 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 74.81, "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, non-profit, and public agencies will be reviewed in the same manner. The Head Start Act requires the Department to take steps to establish the ownership of the Federal Government of 'all studies, reports, proposals and data' produced as part of the implementation of grants.' Section 649(f) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9844(f). OHS plans to incorporate terms in the awards under this announcement that are necessary for the implementation of Section 649(f). Works produced with funding under the Head Start Act will be considered "works made for hire." Permission to use content no matter the form: graphics including photographs and audio is required. Further, resources and products should be in a standard word processing format for uploading to the Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc. These resources and products will assist the grantee with widespread dissemination of their products to the early childhood community and other interested individuals. Resources for applicants: United States Census Bureau. (2004). 2004 American Community Survey, S1002, Grandparents. Available at: http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/STTable?_bm=y&-context=st&-qr_name=ACS_2004_EST_G00_S1002&-ds_name=ACS_2004_EST_G00_&-CONTEXT=st&-tree_id=304&-redoLog=true&-all_geo_types=N&-_caller=geoselect&-geo_id=01000US&-format=&-_lang=en. Fact sheets for Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children http://www.giclocalsupport.org/pages/state_fact_sheets.cfm The Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center, or ECLKC, is the web-based information center sponsored by OHS. The following is a link to the section of the ECKLC focusing on disabilities services: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/ecdh/Disabilities. The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs to support the implementation of the early childhood provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The NECTAC website (http://www.nectac.org) provides comprehensive information on services for young children with disabilities and their families. Priority Area 3: Healthcare Literacy for Head Start Families Description In order to assist with reducing the rising costs of Medicaid utilization, specifically due to use of emergency rooms for non-urgent care, funds will be available to develop parent training modules, replicable materials and innovative approaches designed to increase Head Start parents' "healthcare literacy." Healthcare literacy will include increasing parents' healthcare knowledge and skills and how to locate and use healthcare reference materials, recognizing health warning signs, understanding of common childhood illnesses, such as colds, fever, cough, ear infections, influenza, and reducing response time to early signs of illness, as well as addressing cultural beliefs and practices around health care. Expected outcomes of increased healthcare literacy and knowledge will include reduced emergency room usage, Medicaid savings, out-of-pocket medical expense savings for families, reduced work and school absenteeism, and increased care-giving skills. Up to three grants will be awarded averaging $250,000-$400,000 per award for each budget period of the three-year project period. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, public health agencies, or any private or public entity that addresses health care concerns, and has experience providing health education. Program Scope: The applicant should provide documentation of recruitment strategies to ensure families participating are representative of program services (i.e. home-based, center-based, Head Start, Early Head Start, child care partners), and that participants recruited reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the population targeted. The applicant demonstrates training will be provided in languages reflective of the program's population (e.g., English, Spanish, Hmong, Somalian). Applicant has identified key staff members to help manage the training program including a "project team" who would attend a train-the-trainers session, conduct parent training at their agency and manage follow-up tracking of health care data. The following roles are represented as team members (titles may vary by agency): At minimum:
Other roles desirable:
Applicant has provided a signed agreement with the participating Head Start program(s) for the project period. The agreement is signed by the Head Start/Early Head Start Director, Policy Council President, and Chairman/President of the Board of Directors. The applicant demonstrates how the Head Start/Early Head Start grantees have engaged local partners from the business and health communities to increase potential for sustainability. Applicant demonstrates that the Head Start/Early Head Start grantee served has the capacity for follow up visits before and after the training either in the home or local program sites. Applicant has demonstrated the ability to develop new initiatives/concepts, as well as, implement and evaluation them. The applicant has provided a plan by which the agency's goals, objectives, and outcomes for the program are achieved, addressing goals for the general improvement in health of the families involved in training. The plan includes implementation of marketing strategies to engage the community in the program and documents how the program directly affects the children and families of the local communities served. Applicant has proposed methods to gage the effectiveness of changes in behavior outcomes by improving skills, knowledge and experience to include:
The applicant addresses the following questions to determine whether the project will meet the goals and intent of the Head Start Healthcare Literacy initiative:
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Explanation of Other: Length of Project Periods depends on priority area. For Priority Area 3, the length of project period is 36-month project periods with three 12-month budget periods. Awards for the second and third 12-month budget period will be made on a noncompetitive basis and are subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Under Section 649(b)(1) of the Head Start Act, "public and private entities" are eligible for awards under this priority area. If applicant is a Head Start Grantee, proof of legal or corporate status and proof of existing or interim Policy Council approval of application is required. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Program Access Successful applicants must provide services to all eligible persons, regardless of a potential participant's race, gender, age, disability or religion. Applicants are prohibited to discriminate, on the basis of race, gender, age, disability or religion, in determining eligibility, benefits or services provided, or applicable rules, according to 45 C.F.R. Parts 80, 84, 85 and 86 and the Head Start regulation at 45 C.F.R. Part 1308 Number of Proposals
Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: OHS@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Letter of Intent Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. The letter or an e-mail should be sent to the ACYF Operations Center with the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the organization intending to apply to receive an award for Head Start Innovation and Improvement funds. See Section IV.1 to obtain ACYF Operations Center e-mail and address information. Application Format Applications must be organized according to the checklist found in Section IV.3 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 60 pages (including the abstract, budget and budget justification), with an additional limit of 60 pages for all appendices and resumes. Anything over 60 pages in the narrative portion of the application and anything over 60 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. If submitting hardcopy applications, one signed original and two copies of the grant application, including all attachments, are required; if submitting the applications electronically, submit only one time. ACF encourages the submission of 5 additional copies to facilitate the review process. 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 Applicants who are currently operating as a Head Start grantee or delegate agency must include documentation of Policy Council approval of the application. Applicants must provide evidence of their legal status. D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Please ensure that your organization has a D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com. Proof of Non-Profit Status Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. When required for programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Information on the Certification Regarding Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification. Where return of a form is required, complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions found on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Information on the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) or FOIA may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description.Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic SubmissionApplicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal ReviewersSince ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 05/19/2008 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. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition. ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER 4:30 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Additional Forms Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. The official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372, including addresses and contact persons, may be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form (SF) 424, item 19. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and official State process recommendations, which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule. Comments submitted directly to ACF should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although some jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to Exec. Order 12372. 5. Funding Restrictions: Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are unallowable. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Hand Delivery Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2010. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 1. Criteria: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. LETTER OF INTENT Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement; the name and address of the applicant organization; and/or Fiscal Agent (if known); and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, clearly describe how objectives relate to the expected benefits of the project. Fully explain why objectives are appropriate for the project's overall goal. Thoroughly describe how the results and benefits expected are reasonable given the resources available for this project. Specifically identify and describe a plan to measure the results or benefits and overall project effectiveness.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. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: APPROACH - 40 points The applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they describe the design and approach of the proposed project and how it will meet the needs of the Head Start population it plans to serve. The following factors will be used to review and evaluate applicants to the extent that the application meets the requirements, as described in the entire priority area's discussion, and to the extent that the applicant's approach:
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and the extent to which the applicant:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 30 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and on the extent to which:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which:
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 will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria described in Part V above. The review will be conducted by one or more panels of reviewers who are knowledgeable about Head Start and Early Head Start programs and early childhood development. Each panel is composed of three reviewers and one chair. The results of these reviews will assist OHS Director and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications will generally be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly-ranked applications are not guaranteed funding since additional factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to, comments of reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; geographic distribution; uniqueness of applicant's approach; the priority of serving unserved or underserved populations, previous program performance of applicant; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and an applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous Federal agency grants. 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 supplies, or projects with unreasonably high operating costs. 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 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. Financial Reports: Semi-Annually Suggested formats of required reports will be provided to successful applicants after awards are made. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Jamie K. Sheehan, Head Start Fellow Grants Management Office Contact: David Kadan VIII. OTHER INFORMATION For-profit organizations that 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 74.81, "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, non-profit, and public agencies will be reviewed in the same manner. The Head Start Act requires the Department to take steps to establish the ownership of the Federal Government of 'all studies, reports, proposals and data' produced as part of the implementation of grants.' Section 649(f) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9844(f). OHS plans to incorporate terms in the awards under this announcement that are necessary for the implementation of Section 649(f). Works produced with funding under the Head Start Act will be considered "works made for hire." Permission to use content no matter the form: graphics including photographs and audio is required. Further, resources and products should be in a standard word processing format for uploading to the Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc. These resources and products will assist the grantee with widespread dissemination of their products to the early childhood community and other interested individuals. Resources for applicants:
The Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center, or ECLKC, is the web-based information center sponsored by OHS. The following is a link to the section of the ECKLC focusing on disabilities services: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/ecdh/Disabilities. The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs to support the implementation of the early childhood provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The NECTAC website (http://www.nectac.org) provides comprehensive information on services for young children with disabilities and their families. Priority Area 4: Effective Mental Health Consultation for Head Start Children and Parents
Description Funds will be made available for a project that will identify, develop, and field test materials and information that improve Head Start, including Early Head Start programs' planning and implementation of mental health consultation for children and families served. Head Start Performance Standards require programs to secure mental health professional services to promptly identify concerns about children's mental health and intervene, involving family and staff, to address those concerns. Such services must include a regular schedule of on-site mental health consultation. Scope This project would yield replicable materials or tool-kits Head Start programs can use to improve such mental health consultation practices by:
One grant will be awarded for an amount of up to $600,000 per year for a duration of 36 months. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations with a recognized record of national leadership, service and current capabilities in this area of expertise. The application may be comprised of a consortium of organizations. Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose developing materials that meet the various cultural and linguistic needs of the Head Start populations. Grantees will be required to share deliverables and information for replicable practices/materials. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Explanation of Other: Length of Project Periods depends on priority area. For Priority Area 4, the length of project period is a 36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods. Awards for the second and third 12-month budget period will be made on a noncompetitive basis and are subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Program Access Successful applicants must provide services to all eligible persons, regardless of a potential participant's race, gender, age, disability or religion. Applicants are prohibited to discriminate, on the basis of race, gender, age, disability or religion, in determining eligibility, benefits or services provided, or applicable rules, according to 45 C.F.R. Parts 80, 84, 85 and 86 and the Head Start regulation at 45 C.F.R. Part 1308. Number of Proposals
Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: OHS@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Letter of Intent Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. The letter or an e-mail should be sent to the ACYF Operations Center with the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the organization intending to apply to receive an award for Head Start Innovation and Improvement funds. See Section IV.1 to obtain ACYF Operations Center e-mail and address information. Application Format Applications must be organized according to the checklist found in Section IV.3 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 60 pages (including the abstract, budget and budget justification), with an additional limit of 60 pages for all appendices and resumes. Anything over 60 pages in the narrative portion of the application and anything over 60 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. If submitting hardcopy applications, one signed original and two copies of the grant application, including all attachments, are required; if submitting the applications electronically, submit only one time. ACF encourages the submission of 5 additional copies to facilitate the review process. 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 Applicants must provide evidence of their legal status. D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Please ensure that your organization has a D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Proof of Non-Profit Status Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey
titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey"
heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. When required for programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Information on the Certification Regarding Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification. Where return of a form is required, complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions found on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Information on the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) or FOIA may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey
titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey"
heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic SubmissionApplicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal ReviewersSince ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 05/19/2008 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. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition. ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER 4:30 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Additional Forms Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. The official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372, including addresses and contact persons, may be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form (SF) 424, item 19. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and official State process recommendations, which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule. Comments submitted directly to ACF should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although some jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to Exec. Order 12372. 5. Funding Restrictions:
Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts
and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are
unallowable.
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Hand Delivery Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2010. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 1. Criteria: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. LETTER OF INTENT Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement; the name and address of the applicant organization; and/or Fiscal Agent (if known); and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, clearly describe how objectives relate to the expected benefits of the project. Fully explain why objectives are appropriate for the project's overall goal. Thoroughly describe how the results and benefits expected are reasonable given the resources available for this project. Specifically identify and describe a plan to measure the results or benefits and overall project effectiveness.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. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: APPROACH - 40 points The applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they describe the design and approach of the proposed project and how it will meet the needs of the Head Start population it plans to serve. The following factors will be used to review and evaluate applicants to the extent that the application meets the requirements, as described in the entire priority area's discussion, and to the extent that the applicant's approach:
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and the extent to which the applicant:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 30 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and on the extent to which:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which: 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 will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria described in Part V above. The review will be conducted by one or more panels of reviewers who are knowledgeable about Head Start and Early Head Start programs and early childhood development. Each panel is composed of three reviewers and one chair. The results of these reviews will assist OHS Director and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewers' scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications will generally be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly-ranked applications are not guaranteed funding since additional factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to, comments of reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; geographic distribution; uniqueness of applicant's approach, the priority of serving unserved or underserved populations, previous program performance of applicant; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and an applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous Federal agency grants. 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 supplies, or projects with unreasonably high operating costs. 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 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. Financial Reports: Semi-Annually Suggested formats of required reports will be provided to successful applicants after awards are made. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Jamie K. Sheehan, Head Start Fellow Grants Management Office Contact: David Kadan VIII. OTHER INFORMATION For-profit organizations that 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 74.81,"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, non-profit, and public agencies will be reviewed in the same manner. The Head Start Act requires the Department to take steps to establish the ownership of the Federal Government of 'all studies, reports, proposals and data' produced as part of the implementation of grants.' Section 649(f) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9844(f). OHS plans to incorporate terms in the awards under this announcement that are necessary for the implementation of Section 649(f). Works produced with funding under the Head Start Act will be considered "works made for hire." Permission to use content no matter the form: graphics including photographs and audio is required. Further, resources and products should be in a standard word processing format for uploading to the Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc. These resources and products will assist the grantee with widespread dissemination of their products to the early childhood community and other interested individuals. Resources for applicants:
The Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center, or ECLKC, is the web-based information center sponsored by OHS. The following is a link to the section of the ECKLC focusing on disabilities services: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/ecdh/Disabilities. The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs to support the implementation of the early childhood provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The NECTAC website (http://www.nectac.org) provides comprehensive information on services for young children with disabilities and their families. Priority Area 5: Effective Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Head Start Programs
Description Head Start is a national leader in providing opportunities for children with disabilities to learn alongside their typically developing peers. Each year, Head Start enrolls over 100,000 preschool-age (ages three to five years old) children with disabilities. Head Start is a major provider of inclusive placements for preschool age children. However, being enrolled in Head Start is just the first step in being effectively included. Funding will be provided for a project to develop program management and replicable training tools to improve the effective inclusion of preschool children with disabilities in Head Start. These tools, to be field tested with Head Start programs and their local special education partners, should address:
One grant will be awarded for up to $600,000 per year for the duration of 36 months. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations with a recognized record of service and current capabilities in this area of expertise. To adequately address the scope of topics and experiences this project requires, an application may be comprised of a consortium of organizations. Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose developing materials that meet the various cultural and linguistic needs of the Head Start populations. Grantees will be required to share deliverables and information for replicable practices/materials. Background Head Start has a longstanding commitment to making enrollment opportunities available to children with disabilities. In the 2006-2007 program year, over 100,000 preschool-age Head Start children were receiving special education and related services on an IEP developed in coordination with their partnering Local Education Agency (Head Start Program Information Report, 2007). State and local education agencies recognize Head Start programs as a partner in providing more opportunities for preschool children with IEPs to receive special education and related services in settings with typically developing peers. The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) "Section 619 Profile: 2006" (http://www.nectac.org/~pdfs/pubs/sec619_2006.pdf ) indicates that coordination with Head Start programs is reported by most State Education Agencies as an important part of their approach to IDEA Section 619 Preschool services. The U.S. Department of Education's review of State Performance Plans (SPPs) under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) emphasizes increasing opportunities for preschool children with disabilities to receive services in the least restrictive environment. (http://www.ed.gov/fund/data/report/idea/partbspap/index.html). Program Scope This project will identify and develop products useful to Head Start managers and training and technical assistance providers supporting the efforts of Head Start programs and their community partners to more effectively include children with disabilities. These products could include, but are not limited to, those that:
Approaches may include:
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Explanation of Other: Length of Project Periods depends on priority area. For Priority Area 5, the length of project period is a 36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods. Awards for the second and third 12-month budget period will be made on a noncompetitive basis and are subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
If applicant is a Head Start Grantee, proof of legal or corporate status and proof of existing or interim Policy Council approval of application is required. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Program Access Successful applicants must provide services to all eligible persons, regardless of a potential participant's race, gender, age, disability or religion. Applicants are prohibited to discriminate, on the basis of race, gender, age, disability or religion, in determining eligibility, benefits or services provided, or applicable rules, according to 45 C.F.R. Parts 80, 84, 85 and 86 and the Head Start regulation at 45 C.F.R. Part 1308. Number of Proposals
Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: OHS@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Letter of Intent Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. The letter or an e-mail should be sent to the ACYF Operations Center with the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the organization intending to apply to receive an award for Head Start Innovation and Improvement funds. See Section IV.1 to obtain ACYF Operations Center e-mail and address information. Application Format Applications must be organized according to the checklist found in Section IV.3 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 60 pages (including the abstract, budget and budget justification), with an additional limit of 60 pages for all appendices and resumes. Anything over 60 pages in the narrative portion of the application and anything over 60 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. If submitting hardcopy applications, one signed original and two copies of the grant application, including all attachments, are required; if submitting the applications electronically, submit only one time. ACF encourages the submission of 5 additional copies to facilitate the review process. 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 Applicants who are currently operating as a Head Start grantee or delegate agency must include documentation of Policy Council approval of the application. Applicants must provide evidence of their legal status. D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Please ensure that your organization has a D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Proof of Non-Profit Status Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey
titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey"
heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. When required for programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Information on the Certification Regarding Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification. Where return of a form is required, complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions found on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Information on the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) or FOIA may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey
titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey"
heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic SubmissionApplicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal ReviewersSince ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 05/19/2008 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. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition. ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER 4:30 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Additional Forms Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. The official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372, including addresses and contact persons, may be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form (SF) 424, item 19. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and official State process recommendations, which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule. Comments submitted directly to ACF should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although some jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to Exec. Order 12372. 5. Funding Restrictions:
Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts
and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are
unallowable.
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Hand Delivery Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2010. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 1. Criteria: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. LETTER OF INTENT Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement; the name and address of the applicant organization; and/or Fiscal Agent (if known); and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, clearly describe how objectives relate to the expected benefits of the project. Fully explain why objectives are appropriate for the project's overall goal. Thoroughly describe how the results and benefits expected are reasonable given the resources available for this project. Specifically identify and describe a plan to measure the results or benefits and overall project effectiveness.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. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: APPROACH - 40 points The applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they describe the design and approach of the proposed project and how it will meet the needs of the Head Start population it plans to serve. The following factors will be used to review and evaluate applicants to the extent that the application meets the requirements, as described in the entire priority area's discussion, and to the extent that the applicant's approach:
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and the extent to which the applicant:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 30 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and on the extent to which:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which:
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 will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria described in Part V above. The review will be conducted by one or more panels of reviewers who are knowledgeable about Head Start and Early Head Start programs and early childhood development. Each panel is composed of three reviewers and one chair. The results of these reviews will assist OHS Director and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewer's scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications will generally be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly-ranked applications are not guaranteed funding since additional factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to, comments of reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; geographic distribution; uniqueness of applicant's approach, the priority of serving unserved or underserved populations, previous program performance of applicant; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and an applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous Federal agency grants. 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 supplies, or projects with unreasonably high operating costs. 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 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. Financial Reports: Semi-Annually Suggested formats of required reports will be provided to successful applicants after awards are made. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Jamie K. Sheehan, Head Start Fellow Grants Management Office Contact: David Kadan VIII. OTHER INFORMATION For-profit organizations that 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 74.81, "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, non-profit, and public agencies will be reviewed in the same manner. The Head Start Act requires the Department to take steps to establish the ownership of the Federal Government of 'all studies, reports, proposals and data' produced as part of the implementation of grants.' Section 649(f) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9844(f). OHS plans to incorporate terms in the awards under this announcement that are necessary for the implementation of Section 649(f). Works produced with funding under the Head Start Act will be considered "works made for hire." Permission to use content no matter the form: graphics including photographs and audio is required. Further, resources and products should be in a standard word processing format for uploading to the Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc. These resources and products will assist the grantee with widespread dissemination of their products to the early childhood community and other interested individuals. Resources for applicants:
The Early Childhood Learning and The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs to support the implementation of the early childhood provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The NECTAC website (http://www.nectac.org) provides comprehensive information on services for young children with disabilities and their families. Priority Area 6: Infant-Toddler Early Childhood Online Degree Program
Description The creation of over 700 Early Head Start programs and their partnerships with local child care providers, as well as long-standing service to Migrant/Seasonal Farm Worker populations, has served to increase the demand for skilled infant/toddler professionals able to work effectively for children to ensure healthy developmental outcomes. The early childhood field is currently challenged to find ways to meet these demands; the necessity exists to strengthen partnerships with institutions of higher education that enable professionals currently providing services to expand their knowledge, build their skills, and progress through degree-granting professional programs. Currently, degree programs that focus or specialize on development during the first three years of life are not readily available. However, there are a number of higher education institutions offering online degree programs for early childhood professionals that can serve as models for structuring a degree program addressing the needs of the birth to three-year-old population. Office of Head Start (OHS) is announcing the availability of funds and a request for applications for grants to accredited higher education institutions to develop an online degree in early childhood education at the associate's level with an infant/toddler specialization. Through this announcement, OHS is making available up to $1,000,000 annually for each of three years to support Head Start/Higher Education partnerships that will develop academic training models to increase the number of Early Head Start teachers with AA degrees in early childhood education. Intended for replication/dissemination, the courses will be required to have the curriculum available for use by other accredited public or private institutions of higher education without a fee. The pilot program would be required to address cultural and linguistic diversity of the students enrolled. Applicants are strongly encouraged to offer a portion of the degree in Spanish. This initiative is designed to promote high quality professional development and greater access to degree programs for Head Start (HS), Early Head Start (EHS) and childcare partners serving infants, toddlers, and families. Background According to America's Babies (ZERO TO THREE, 2003), an estimated six million children under age three are in non-parental care on a daily basis. This reality has highlighted the importance of the first three years and called national attention to the need to develop quality degree courses for professionals serving this age group. The early childhood field must find ways to meet these demands by strengthening partnerships with institutions of higher education that enable professionals currently providing services to expand their knowledge, build their skills, and progress through a degree-granting course. Over its 40-year history, Head Start has been a leader in efforts to develop a qualified and well trained early childhood work force, including its support of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for teaching staff, implementation of the Head Start Teaching Centers, and the creation of partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and Higher Education Hispanic Service Partnerships (HS-HEHSPs). OHS has encouraged the use of quality improvement funds to pay for college courses, transportation, release time, substitutes, and increased compensation tied to attainment of college degrees. Preparing, supporting, and retaining a skilled infant/toddler EHS and their child care partners is a challenge for Head Start, as well as for the larger early care and education field. Teachers working with infants, toddlers, and their families need specialized knowledge and skills to address the unique needs of the first three years of life. Many adult learners in Early Head Start and child care need access to a variety of learning approaches that are attuned to their non-traditional learning needs, help them process new information in a variety of ways, and provide ongoing support and mentoring as they integrate what they have learned into their work. First and foremost, they need access to degree programs that allow a focus or specialization on development during the first three years of life. Currently, these programs are not readily available. Program Scope This announcement focuses specifically on OHS desire to expand a qualified infant/toddler workforce creating easily-accessed degree programs that focus on infant/toddler development. This announcement invites accredited public and/or private higher education institutions to respond to this request for proposals to develop and offer an online degree in early childhood education with an infant/toddler specialization. OHS is interested in building its history to enhance early childhood personnel preparation by supporting institutions of higher education in creating high quality online degree programs with an infant/toddler focus for HS/EHS staff and their child care partners. Institutions may propose national models serving students across the country, or more specialized models with regional or statewide enrollment that address cohorts of students with specific needs or interests. Of particular interest are models that also address high-priority needs within the Head Start community such as dual language acquisition, social-emotional development, and/or young children with special needs. The goal of this project is to stimulate the higher education community to creatively address the need for specialization in the area of infant/toddler care, while meeting the educational needs of HS/EHS teachers and child care partners. By building the capacity of institutions of higher education to provide quality courses in infant/toddler care and education, OHS hopes to make a sustainable contribution to the professional development system available for the infant/toddler teaching workforce. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Explanation of Other: Length of Project Periods depends on priority area. For Priority Area 6, the length of project period is a 36 month project period with three 12-month budget periods. Awards for the second and third 12-month budget period will be made on a noncompetitive basis and are subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Public and/or private higher education institutions must be accredited. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Program Access Successful applicants must provide services to all eligible persons, regardless of a potential participant's race, gender, age, disability or religion. Applicants are prohibited to discriminate, on the basis of race, gender, age, disability or religion, in determining eligibility, benefits or services provided, or applicable rules, according to 45 C.F.R. Parts 80, 84, 85 and 86 and the Head Start regulation at 45 C.F.R. Part 1308. Number of Proposals
Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: OHS@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Letter of Intent Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. The letter or an e-mail should be sent to the ACYF Operations Center with the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the organization intending to apply to receive an award for Head Start Innovation and Improvement funds. See Section IV.1 to obtain ACYF Operations Center e-mail and address information. Application Format Applications must be organized according to the checklist found in Section IV.3 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 60 pages (including the abstract, budget and budget justification), with an additional limit of 60 pages for all appendices and resumes. Anything over 60 pages in the narrative portion of the application and anything over 60 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. If submitting hardcopy applications, one signed original and two copies of the grant application, including all attachments, are required; if submitting the applications electronically, submit only one time. ACF encourages the submission of 5 additional copies to facilitate the review process. 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 Applicants who are currently operating as a Head Start grantee or delegate agency must include documentation of Policy Council approval of the application. Applicants must provide evidence of their legal status. D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Please ensure that your organization has a D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Proof of Non-Profit Status Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey
titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey"
heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. When required for programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Information on the Certification Regarding Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification. Where return of a form is required, complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions found on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Information on the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) or FOIA may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey
titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey"
heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic SubmissionApplicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal ReviewersSince ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 05/19/2008 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. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition. ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER 4:30 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Additional Forms Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. The official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372, including addresses and contact persons, may be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form (SF) 424, item 19. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and official State process recommendations, which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule. Comments submitted directly to ACF should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although some jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to Exec. Order 12372. 5. Funding Restrictions:
Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts
and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are
unallowable.
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Hand Delivery Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Electronic Submission Please see Section IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13) Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection information. The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2010. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 1. Criteria: Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW PURPOSE The project description provides the majority of information by which an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other applications for available assistance. The project description should be concise and complete. It should address the activity for which Federal funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing the project description, information that is responsive to each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be placed in an appendix. Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the measures that will be used to evaluate applications. LETTER OF INTENT Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement; the name and address of the applicant organization; and/or Fiscal Agent (if known); and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, clearly describe how objectives relate to the expected benefits of the project. Fully explain why objectives are appropriate for the project's overall goal. Thoroughly describe how the results and benefits expected are reasonable given the resources available for this project. Specifically identify and describe a plan to measure the results or benefits and overall project effectiveness.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. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: APPROACH - 40 points The applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they describe the design and approach of the proposed project and how it will meet the needs of the Head Start population it plans to serve. The following factors will be used to review and evaluate applicants to the extent that the application meets the requirements, as described in the entire priority area's discussion, and to the extent that the applicant's approach:
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and the extent to which the applicant:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 30 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and on the extent to which:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which:
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 will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria described in Part V above. The review will be conducted by one or more panels of reviewers who are knowledgeable about Head Start and Early Head Start programs and early childhood development. Each panel is composed of three reviewers and one chair. The results of these reviews will assist OHS Director and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewer's scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications will generally be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly-ranked applications are not guaranteed funding since additional factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to, comments of reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; geographic distribution; uniqueness of applicant's approach, the priority of serving unserved or underserved populations, previous program performance of applicant; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and an applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous Federal agency grants. 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 supplies, or projects with unreasonably high operating costs. 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 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. Financial Reports: Semi-Annually Suggested formats of required reports will be provided to successful applicants after awards are made. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Jamie K. Sheehan, Head Start Fellow Grants Management Office Contact: David Kadan VIII. OTHER INFORMATION For-profit organizations that 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 74.81,"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, non-profit, and public agencies will be reviewed in the same manner. The Head Start Act requires the Department to take steps to establish the ownership of the Federal Government of 'all studies, reports, proposals and data' produced as part of the implementation of grants.' Section 649(f) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9844(f). OHS plans to incorporate terms in the awards under this announcement that are necessary for the implementation of Section 649(f). Works produced with funding under the Head Start Act will be considered "works made for hire." Permission to use content no matter the form: graphics including photographs and audio is required. Further, resources and products should be in a standard word processing format for uploading to the Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc. These resources and products will assist the grantee with widespread dissemination of their products to the early childhood community and other interested individuals. Resources for applicants:
The Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center, or ECLKC, is the web-based information center sponsored by OHS. The following is a link to the section of the ECKLC focusing on disabilities services: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/ecdh/Disabilities. The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs to support the implementation of the early childhood provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The NECTAC website (http://www.nectac.org) provides comprehensive information on services for young children with disabilities and their families. Priority Area 7: Head Start Innovation and Improvement Grants: Open Category
Description The Office of Head Start (OHS) encourages the submission of other proposals resulting in improved outcomes for Head Start children and families. This would include, but not be limited to, proposals addressing: Head Start programs better integrating technology into the delivery of services; helping programs focus on the important concepts of math and science development for children; helping to improve grantees' boards of directors and Policy Council in understanding roles and responsibilities; and other priority areas that meet needs related to the comprehensive nature of Head Start. Some of these needs may include: program management, ongoing monitoring, risk assessment, transportation services, nutrition, transition from HS/EHS programs and/or collaborations with other Pre-K programs, medical and dental needs and the needs of special populations served by the program. Additionally, projects will be considered that enhance learning of Head Start children beyond the classroom, including creative approaches that stimulate learning in the areas of science and the humanities. Also considered, are projects that develop and share new information including studies and evaluation of specific populations, and cross-analysis of data related to models of Head Start services or other aspects of the Head Start program. Consideration will also be given to projects that further understand the diversity in language and culture of the Head Start population. Currently 25 percent of Head Start children are identified with Spanish as their home language, with a number of cultures represented within that percentage. An additional 5 percent of the Head Start population is made up of a multitude of other languages and cultures. Projects will be considered that are adaptable for replication, and produce visual training materials to be widely disseminated, to identify the current range of services programs have developed for this population, and to make recommendations for additional culturally and linguistically appropriate methods of providing comprehensive services. Background OHS recognizes that potentially useful activities have been developed by individual Head Start grantees to address implementation on a variety of important topics. This priority area encourages local grantee programs to improve knowledge, strengthen responsiveness to broad needs and/or to identify emerging issues and promising approaches/practices. The average suggested award range is $100,000 to $300,000 per budget period for a duration of three years. Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose developing materials that meet the various cultural and linguistic needs of the Head Start population. Grantees will be required to share deliverables and information for replicable practices/materials. Head Start grantees are encouraged to apply for funds to adapt, evaluate and replicate promising practices. Other eligible applicants include any public or private non-profit organization, including State and local governments, Federally recognized Indian tribes, faith-based organizations, and private non-profit organizations including universities and other institutions of higher education, healthcare institutions, or private for-profit organizations provided no grant funds are to be paid as profit to grantees (i.e., any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs of the recipient). II. AWARD INFORMATION
Explanation of Other: Length of Project Periods depends on priority area. For Priority Area 7, the length of project periods is 36 months with three 12-month budget periods. Awards for the second and third 12-month budget period will be made on a noncompetitive basis and are subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress by the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Under Section 649(b)(1) of the Head Start Act, "public and private entities" are eligible for awards under this priority area. If applicant is a Head Start Grantee, proof of legal or corporate status and proof of existing or interim Policy Council approval of application is required. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 3. Other: Program Access Successful applicants must provide services to all eligible persons, regardless of a potential participant's race, gender, age, disability or religion. Applicants are prohibited to discriminate, on the basis of race, gender, age, disability or religion, in determining eligibility, benefits or services provided, or applicable rules, according to 45 C.F.R. Parts 80, 84, 85 and 86 and the Head Start regulation at 45 C.F.R. Part 1308. Number of Proposals
Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Email: OHS@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Letter of Intent Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. The letter or an e-mail should be sent to the ACYF Operations Center with the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the organization intending to apply to receive an award for Head Start Innovation and Improvement funds. See Section IV.1 to obtain ACYF Operations Center e-mail and address information. Application Format Applications must be organized according to the checklist found in Section IV.3 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 60 pages (including the abstract, budget and budget justification), with an additional limit of 60 pages for all appendices and resumes. Anything over 60 pages in the narrative portion of the application and anything over 60 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. If submitting hardcopy applications, one signed original and two copies of the grant application, including all attachments, are required; if submitting the applications electronically, submit only one time. ACF encourages the submission of 5 additional copies to facilitate the review process. 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 Applicants who are currently operating as a Head Start grantee or delegate agency must include documentation of Policy Council approval of the application. Applicants must provide evidence of their legal status. D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a D-U-N-S number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The D-U-N-S number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number will be required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Please ensure that your organization has a D-U-N-S number. You may acquire a D-U-N-S number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Proof of Non-Profit Status Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
When applying electronically, we strongly suggest that you attach your proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey
titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey"
heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Forms, Assurances, and Certifications The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in this program announcement under Section V. Application Review Information. In addition to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all of the Standard Forms required as part of the application process for awards under this announcement. Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B, Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. When required for programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. (If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.) The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children under the age of 18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early childhood development, including Head Start services to children under the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The statute does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Information on the Certification Regarding Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification. Where return of a form is required, complete the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions found on the forms. The forms and certifications may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Information on the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552) or FOIA may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey
titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey"
heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Please see Section V.1 for instructions on preparing the full project description. Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of received applications. Electronic SubmissionApplicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov site. When using www.Grants.gov, applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept grant applications via facsimile or email. Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) must use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an electronic application, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Since this process may take more than five business days, it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all www.Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist, which can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. Please note the following if planning to submit an application electronically via www.Grants.gov:
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). Non-Federal ReviewersSince ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date For Letter of Intent: 05/19/2008 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. Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the address listed in Section IV.6. Hand Delivery Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Electronic Submission Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above. ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or email. Late Applications Applications that do not meet the requirements above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition. ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER 4:30 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR COMPETITION. Extension of Deadlines ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants Management Officer. Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will be provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov. Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Additional Forms Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey titled "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" found under the "Survey" heading at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (Exec. Order) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part 100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities." Under the Exec. Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. The official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in Exec. Order 12372, including addresses and contact persons, may be found on the following URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must submit all required materials to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form (SF) 424, item 19. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and official State process recommendations, which may trigger the "accommodate or explain" rule. Comments submitted directly to ACF should be addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Although some jurisdictions have chosen not to participate in this process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the Program Announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC. Therefore, applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to Exec. Order 12372. 5. Funding Restrictions:
Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts
and bequests, and similar expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are
unallowable.
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction and purchase of real property are not allowable activities or expenditures under this grant award. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Please see Sections IV.2 and IV.3 for deadline information and other application requirements. Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-213 Hand Delivery Office of Head Startc/o ACYF Operations Center Head Start IIP Grants 118 Q Street, NE. Washington, DC 20002-213 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. LETTER OF INTENT Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement; the name and address of the applicant organization; and/or Fiscal Agent (if known); and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, clearly describe how objectives relate to the expected benefits of the project. Fully explain why objectives are appropriate for the project's overall goal. Thoroughly describe how the results and benefits expected are reasonable given the resources available for this project. Specifically identify and describe a plan to measure the results or benefits and overall project effectiveness.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. EVALUATION Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the project's effectiveness. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: APPROACH - 40 points The applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they describe the design and approach of the proposed project and how it will meet the needs of the Head Start population it plans to serve. The following factors will be used to review and evaluate applicants to the extent that the application meets the requirements, as described in the entire priority area's discussion, and to the extent that the applicant's approach:
RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and the extent to which the applicant:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 30 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the requirements, as described in the priority area description, and on the extent to which:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 15 points Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which:
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 will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria described in Part V above. The review will be conducted by one or more panels of reviewers who are knowledgeable about Head Start and Early Head Start programs and early childhood development. Each panel is composed of three reviewers and one chair. The results of these reviews will assist OHS Director and program staff in considering competing applications. Reviewer's scores will weigh heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered. Applications will generally be considered in order of the average scores assigned by reviewers. However, highly-ranked applications are not guaranteed funding since additional factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to, comments of reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; geographic distribution; uniqueness of applicant's approach, the priority of serving unserved or underserved populations, previous program performance of applicant; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and an applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous Federal agency grants. 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 supplies, or projects with unreasonably high operating costs. 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 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. Financial Reports: Semi-Annually Suggested formats of required reports will be provided to successful applicants after awards are made. VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Jamie K. Sheehan, Head Start Fellow Grants Management Office Contact: David Kadan VIII. OTHER INFORMATION For-profit organizations that 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 74.81, 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, non-profit, and public agencies will be reviewed in the same manner. The Head Start Act requires the Department to take steps to establish the ownership of the Federal Government of 'all studies, reports, proposals and data' produced as part of the implementation of grants.' Section 649(f) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9844(f). OHS plans to incorporate terms in the awards under this announcement that are necessary for the implementation of Section 649(f). Works produced with funding under the Head Start Act will be considered "works made for hire." Permission to use content no matter the form: graphics including photographs and audio is required. Further, resources and products should be in a standard word processing format for uploading to the Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc. These resources and products will assist the grantee with widespread dissemination of their products to the early childhood community and other interested individuals. Resources for applicants:
The Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center, or ECLKC, is the web-based information center sponsored by OHS. The following is a link to the section of the ECKLC focusing on disabilities services: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/ecdh/Disabilities. The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs to support the implementation of the early childhood provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The NECTAC website (http://www.nectac.org) provides comprehensive information on services for young children with disabilities and their families.
Posted on April 10, 2008 |
