Executive Summary:

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Statutory Authority

This program is authorized under Section 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3 and Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006, Public Law 109-394.

Description

In 1992, Congressional testimony provided estimates that of the several hundred native languages that once existed, only about 150 are still spoken or remembered today. Furthermore, only 20 are spoken by persons of all ages, 30 by adults of all ages, about 60 by middle-aged adults, and 45 by the most elderly.  In response to this testimony, Congress passed the Native American Languages Act of 1992 (the Act), Public Law (P.L.) 102-524, to assist Native Americans in assuring the survival and continuing vitality of their languages. Passage of the Act was an important step in an attempt to ensure the survival and continuation of Native languages.  It provided the foundation upon which Tribal nations can rebuild their economic strength and enhance their rich cultural diversity.  The Federal Government recognizes the substantial loss of Native American languages over the past several hundred years, and acknowledges the nature and magnitude of the status of Native American languages will be better defined when eligible applicants under the Act have completed language assessments.

In 2006, Congress passed the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act of 2006, P.L. 109-394.  The law amends the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to provide for the revitalization of Native American languages through Native American language immersion programs, and for other purposes.

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) believes that the responsibility for achieving self-sufficiency rests with the governing bodies of Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and in the leadership of Native American groups.  This belief supports the ANA principle that the local community and its leadership are responsible for determining goals, setting priorities, and planning and implementing programs that support the community's long-range goals.

Therefore, since preserving a language and ensuring its continuation is generally one of the first steps taken toward strengthening a group's identity; activities proposed under this program announcement will contribute to the social development of Native communities and significantly contribute to their efforts toward self-sufficiency.  ANA recognizes that eligible applicants must have the opportunity to develop their own language plans, improve technical capabilities, and have access to the necessary financial and technical resources in order to assess, plan, develop and implement programs to assure the survival and continuing vitality of their languages.  ANA also recognizes that potential applicants may have specialized knowledge and capabilities to address specific language concerns at various levels.  This program announcement reflects these special needs and circumstances.

In response to this announcement, ANA encourages Native American Tribes and organizational leaders to propose, coordinate and implement community-based projects to meet the needs of its community members and develop options and opportunities for future generations.

This program announcement will emphasize community-based, locally designed projects.  This emphasis will increase the number of grants to local community organizations and expand the number of partnerships among locally based non-profit organizations.  Although Tribes are limited to three simultaneous ANA grants (one each under Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS), Native Language Preservation and Maintenance, and Environmental Regulatory Enhancement programs) at any one time, this clarification allows other community-based organizations to apply for ANA funding, provided the objectives and activities do not duplicate currently funded projects serving the same geographic area.

ANA will release four separate program announcements for funding opportunities for the Native Language Preservation and Maintenance program area:  Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Assessment, Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Planning, Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Implementation and Native Language Preservation and Maintenance Immersion.

The ANA Native Language program areas of interest are projects that ANA considers supportive to Native American communities.  Funding is not restricted to projects of the type listed in this program announcement.

ANA Administrative Policies: Applicants must comply with the following ANA Administrative Policies:

• An applicant must provide a 20 percent non-Federal match of the approved project costs. Applications originating from American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are covered under section 501(d) of P.L. 95-134, as amended (48 U.S.C. 1469a), under which the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) waives any requirement for matching funds under $200,000 (including in-kind contributions).
  
  
• An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native Village or Native American organization must be from the governing body.
  
  
• ANA will not accept applications from Tribal components that are Tribally chartered or authorized divisions of a Tribe unless the ANA application includes a Tribal resolution.
  
  
• A non-profit organization submitting an application is strongly encouraged to submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of submission. 
  
  
• If the applicant, other than a Tribe or an Alaska Native Village government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans, Alaska Natives, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the community to be served.  An applicant's governing board will be considered representative of the community to be served if the applicant demonstrates that at least a majority of the board individuals fall into one or more of the following categories:  (1) a current or past member of the community to be served; (2) a prospective participant or beneficiary of the project to be funded; (3) have experience working with the community to be served by the project; or (4) have a cultural relationship with the community to be served.
  
  
• Applicants must describe how the proposed project objectives and activities relate to a locally determined strategy.
  
  
• ANA will review proposed projects to ensure applicants have considered all resources available to the community to support the project.
  
  
• Proposed projects must present a strategy to overcome the challenges that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the community.
  
  
• All funded applicants will be required to ensure that they provide a positive statement to give credit to HHS/ACF on all materials developed using HHS/ACF funds.  This term of award may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) at http://www.hhs.gov/grantsnet/docs/HHSGPS_107.doc.   
  
  
• An applicant can have only one active ANA grant per Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number operating at any given time.
  
  
• ANA funds short-term projects, not programs.  Projects must have definitive goals and objectives that will be achieved by the end of the project period.
  
  
• All projects funded by ANA must be completed, self-sustaining, or supported by other than ANA funding at the end of the project period.
  
  
• Prior to funding the second or third year of a multi-year grant, ANA will require verification and support documentation from the grantee that objectives and outcomes proposed in the preceding year were accomplished, and the non-Federal share requirement has been met.
  
  
• ANA reviews the quarterly and annual reports of grantees to determine if the grantee is meeting its goals, objectives and activities identified in the Objective Work Plan.
  
  
• Applications from national and regional organizations must clearly demonstrate a need for the project; explain how the project originated; discuss the community-based delivery strategy of the project; identify and describe the intended beneficiaries; describe and relate the actual project benefits to the community and organization; and describe a community-based delivery system.  National and regional organizations must describe their membership, define how the organization operates, and demonstrate Native community and/or Tribal government support for the project.  The type of community to be served will determine the type of documentation necessary to support the project.

ANA Definitions: Program specific terms and concepts are defined and should be used as a guide in writing and submitting the proposed project. The funding for allowable projects in this program announcement is based on the following definitions:

Authorized Representative:  The person or person(s) authorized by Tribal or organizational resolution to execute documents and other actions required by outside agencies.

Budget Period:  The interval of time into which a project period is divided for budgetary and funding purposes, and for which a grant is made.  A budget period usually lasts one year (12 months) in a multi-year project period.

Community:  A group of people residing in the same geographic area that can apply their own cultural and socio-economic values in implementing ANA's program objectives and goals. In discussing the applicant's community, the following information should be provided:  (1) a description of the population segment within the community to be served or impacted; (2) the size of the community; (3) a geographic description or location, including the boundaries of the community; (4) demographic data on the target population; and (5) the relationship of the community to any larger group or Tribe.

Community Involvement:  How the community participated in the development of the proposed project, how the community will be involved during the project implementation and after the project is completed.  Evidence of community involvement can include, but is not limited to, certified petitions, public meeting minutes, surveys, needs assessments, newsletters, special meetings, public council meetings, public committee meetings, public hearings, and annual meetings with representatives from the community.

Completed Project:  A project funded by ANA is finished, self-sustaining, or funded by other than ANA funds, and the results and outcomes of the funded project goal are achieved by the end of the project period.

Consortium - Tribe / Village:  A group of Tribes or Villages that join together either for long-term purposes or for the purpose of an ANA project.

Construction:  The initial building of a facility.

Contingency plan:  A plan that identifies specific actions to be taken in the event a specific challenge arises.  The purpose of a contingency plan is to reduce the negative impacts on the project.  The contingency plan should ensure that the project will be successfully completed within the proposed funding timeframe.  A contingency plan is not to pre-empt challenges, but rather to address challenges if they arise.

Core Administration:  Salaries and other expenses for those functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for purposes that are unrelated to the actual management or implementation of the ANA project.

Equipment:  An article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost that equals or exceeds the lesser of: (a) the capitalization level established by the organization for the financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. 

Governing Body:  A body:  (1) consisting of duly elected or designated representatives, (2) appointed by duly elected officials, or (3) selected in accordance with traditional Tribal means.  The body must have authority to provide service to, and to enter into contracts, agreements and grants under this part on behalf of the organization or individuals who elected, designated, appointed or selected them in accordance with traditional Tribal means.

Impact:  The change in the physical, economic, social, financial, governmental, institutional, behavioral, Native language or cultural conditions in a community as a result of the ANA-funded project.

Impact Evaluation:  Site visits conducted by ANA to provide grantees the opportunity to share, through qualitative and quantitative information, how the project goal and objectives were accomplished and how the identified community was impacted by the ANA-funded project.

Impact Indicators:  Measurement descriptions used to verify the impact or the achievement of the project goal. Indicators must be quantifiable and documented.  Impact indicators include target numbers and tracking systems.  ANA requires three impact indicators per project.  Impact indicators are separate from the results and benefits section of the OWP.

In-kind Contributions:  In-kind contributions are the value of goods and/or services that benefit a Federally assisted project.  In-kind contributions are provided without charge to a recipient (or sub-recipient or cost-type contractor under a grant).  Any proposed in-kind match must meet the applicable requirements found in 45 C.F.R. Part 74 and Part 92.

Language Nests as defined by P.L. 109-394:  Site-based educational programs that provide Native language instruction and child care through the use of a Native American language for at least 10 children under the age of 7 for an average of at least 500 hours per year per student, provide classes in a Native American language for parents (or legal guardians) of students enrolled in a Native American language nest (including Native American language-speaking parents) and ensure that a Native American language is the dominant medium of instruction in the Native American language nest.

Language Survival Schools as defined by P.L. 109-394:  Site-based educational programs for school-age students that provide an average of at least 500 hours of Native language instruction through the use of 1 or more Native American languages for at least 15 students for whom a Native American language survival school is their principal place of instruction, develop instructional courses and materials for learning Native American languages and for instruction through the use of Native American languages, provide for teacher training, work toward a goal of all students achieving fluency in a Native American language and academic proficiency in mathematics, reading (or language arts) and science and are located in areas that have high numbers or percentages of Native American students. 

Letter of Commitment:  A letter documenting the commitment to provide cash or in-kind contributions to meet the match requirement.  The letter of commitment may be from the applicant or a third-party.  The letter of commitment must state the dollar amount (if applicable), the length of time the commitment will be honored, and the conditions under which the organization will support the ANA project.  If a dollar amount is included, the amount must be based on market and historical rates charged and paid.  The in-kind contributions to be committed may be human, natural, physical, or financial, and may include other Federal and non-Federal resources.

Leveraged Resources:  The non-ANA resources, as expressed as a dollar figure, acquired during the project period that support the project and exceed the 20 percent applicant match required for ANA grants.  Such resources may include any natural, financial and physical resources available within the Tribe, organization or community to assist in the successful completion of the project.  An example would be an organization that agrees to provide a supportive action, product, service, human or financial contribution that will add to the potential success of the project.

Minor Renovation or Alteration:   Work required to change the interior arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing facility, or install equipment so that it may be more effectively used for the project.   Minor alteration and renovation may include work referred to as improvements, conversion, rehabilitation, remodeling, or modernization, but is distinguished from construction and major renovations.  A minor alteration and/or renovation must be incidental and essential for the project ("incidental" meaning the total alteration and renovation budget must not exceed the lesser of $150,000 or 25 percent of total direct costs approved for the entire project period).

Multi-purpose Organization:  A community-based corporation whose charter specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors and/or officers of the organization through an elective procedure and that the organization functions in several different areas of concern to the members of the local Native American community. These areas are specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization.  They may include, but need not be limited to, economic, artistic, cultural, and recreational activities, and the delivery of human services such as day care, education, and training.

Multi-year Project Periods under ANA Awards:  ANA offers awards for two or three-year project periods which encompasses a single theme and requires more than 12 months and up to 24 or 36 months to complete.  A multi-year project affords the applicant an opportunity to develop and address more complex and in-depth strategies that cannot be completed in one year.  A multi-year project is a series of related objectives with activities presented in chronological order over a two- or three-year period.

Objective(s):  Specific outcomes or results to be achieved within the proposed project period that are specified in the OWP. Completion of objectives must result in specific, measurable outcomes that would benefit the community and directly contribute to the achievement of the stated project goals.  These measurable outcomes are documented in the results and benefits section of the OWP.  Applicants should relate their proposed project objectives to outcomes that support the community's long-range goals.  Each objective should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-oriented and Time-bound (SMART).  Objectives are the foundation for the OWPs.  A project cannot have more than three objectives per project period.  Objectives may last more than one budget period for multi-year projects.

Objective Work Plan (OWP):  The ANA form that documents the project plan the applicant will use to achieve the objectives and produce the results and benefits expected for each objective.  The OWP provides a project goal statement, objectives and detailed activities proposed for the project and how, when, where, and by whom the activities will be carried out.  ANA requires separate OWPs per objective for each budget period of the project.  The form is found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/programs/forms.html.

Partnerships:  Agreements between two or more parties that will support the development and implementation of the proposed project.  Partnerships include other community-based organizations or associations, Tribes, Federal and State agencies and private or non-profit organizations.

Project Goal:  The specific result or purpose expected from the project.  The project goal specifies what will be accomplished over the entire project period.  The project goal relates to the community goal and is achieved through the project objectives and activities.  The project goal should directly relate to the statement of need.

Project Period:  The total time for which the recipient's project or program is approved for support, including any extension, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress, and a determination by HHS/ACF that continued funding is in the best interest of the U.S. Government.

Real Property:  Land, including land improvements, structures, and appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.

Resolution:  Applicants are required to include a current signed and dated Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing body) in support of the project for the entire project period.  Tribally chartered or authorized divisions must submit a Resolution from the Tribe's official governing body if the division falls under the jurisdiction of the Tribe.  The Resolution must indicate who is authorized to sign documents and negotiate on behalf of the Tribe or organization.  The Resolution must indicate that the community was involved in the project planning process, and indicate the specific dollar amount of any eligible matching funds (if applicable). 

Results and Benefits:  Measurement descriptions used to track the progress of accomplishing an individual objective.  The results and benefits must directly relate to the objective and the activities outlined in the OWP and include target numbers used to track the project's quarterly progress.

Self-Sufficiency:  The ability to generate non-Federal resources to meet a community's needs in a sustainable manner.  A community's progress toward self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and direct resources in a comprehensive manner that is consistent with its established long-range goals.  For a community to be self-sufficient, it must have local access to, control of, and coordination of services and programs that safeguard the health, well-being, and culture of the people that reside and work in the community.

Statement of Need:  A clear, concise and precise description of the nature, scope, and severity of a problem.  A statement of need typically identifies the specific physical, economic, social, financial, governmental, institutional, behavioral, Native language or cultural challenges of the community. The statement of need is the problem that the proposed project will address.

Sustainable Project:  A sustainable project is an ongoing program or service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds.

Total Approved Project Costs:  The sum of the Federal request and the non-Federal share.

Purpose

The purpose of Native Language Implementation grants is to provide support to Tribes and Native organizations in the implementation of a Native language project to achieve the community's long-range language goal(s).  Program areas of interest include:

• Projects to produce and disseminate culturally relevant printed stories for children using the Native language of the community;
  
  
• Projects to facilitate and encourage intergenerational teaching of Native American language skills;
  
  
• Projects to disseminate culturally relevant materials to be used to teach and enhance the use of Native American languages;
  
  
• Projects to implement an immersion, mentor or distance learning model;
  
  
• Projects to produce, distribute or participate in television, radio or other media forms to broadcast Native languages; and
  
  
• Projects to implement an educational site-based immersion project.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include Federally recognized Indian Tribes; consortia of Indian Tribes; incorporated non-Federally recognized Tribes; incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based Indian organizations; Urban Indian Centers; national or regional incorporated non-profit Native American organizations with Native American community-specific objectives; Alaska Native Villages, as defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and/or non-profit Village consortia; incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-purpose community-based organizations; non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations in Alaska with Village-specific projects; non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with Village-specific projects; public and non-profit private agencies serving Native Hawaiians; public and non-profit private agencies serving Native peoples from Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (the populations served may be located on these islands or in the United States); Tribally controlled Community Colleges, Tribally controlled Post-Secondary Vocational Institutions, and colleges and universities located in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which serve Native American Pacific Islanders; and non-profit Alaska Native community entities or Tribal governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or Traditional Councils) as recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement.

Faith-based and community organizations are eligible to apply under this announcement.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes

Applicants may submit a non-Federal share waiver request for all or part of the match requirement.  Requests must be submitted in accordance with 45 C.F.R. 1336.50(b)(3) of the Native American Programs regulations.

3. Other:

Please see Section IV.2 for information on application submission.

Disqualification Factors

Applications, including Tribally authorized components and divisions, must include a Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing body) approving the application.  The Resolution must be current, signed, dated and cover the entire project period.  Applications that do not include a complete Resolution will be considered non-responsive and the application will not be considered for competition.

If the applicant is not a Federally recognized Tribe or Alaska Native Village government, applications that do not include proof that a majority of the governing board individuals are representative of the community to be served will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for competition.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package:

Administration for Children and Families
Administration for Native Americans
ANA Applicant Help Desk
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW.
Aerospace Building, 2nd Floor -West
Washington, DC 20447
Phone:  877-922-9262
Email: ana@acf.hhs.gov

2. Content and Form of Application Submission:

Please refer to Section I, Funding Opportunity Description, to review general ANA Administrative Policies and in Section IV for Funding Restrictions.

Application Submission:  ANA will only accept one application per eligible entity.  A complete application consists of all Required Forms (Federal and ANA), a Project Narrative (a comprehensive response to the ANA evaluation criteria), a Budget Narrative, and Other Attachments.  Applicants may not exceed 40 pages in their project narrative.  A project narrative that exceeds this page restriction will not have excess pages copied for competition.  Other Attachments (required and optional) are considered support documentation and should be kept to a minimum.

The ANA evaluation criteria is to be presented in the following order:  Criterion One-Project Summary; Criterion Two-Need for Assistance; Criterion Three-Project Approach; Criterion Four-Organizational Capacity; Criterion Five-Project Impact/Evaluation; and Criterion Six-Budget and Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness.

For applicants with an annual expenditure of $500,000 or more of Federal funds, please include the most recent certified  signed audit letter for the organization (See "Organizational Capacity (12 points)" in Section V.1)

ANA Application Format: The paper size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, line spacing shall be a space and a half (1.5 line spacing), printed only on one side, and have no less than a half-inch margin on all sides of the paper. The font size shall be 12-point and the font type shall be Times New Roman. These requirements apply only to the project narrative section.

Acceptable electronic formats for the application attachments (narratives, charts, etc.) should use the following standard technologies, i.e., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, Jpeg, and Gif.

Applicants must submit the ANA Project Abstract Form (OMB No. 0980-0204, expiration 12/31/2009).  The ANA Project Abstract provides crucial project information in a concise format and is used by the independent review panel, ANA staff and the Commissioner during all phases of the review process.  The project summary section of the abstract focuses on the specific purpose of the proposal.  The summary must include a brief statement of need, the project goal, project objectives and impact indicators.   Form may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/programs/forms.html

Applicants must submit the ANA Objective Work Plan (OWP) Form (OMB No. 0980-0204, expiration 12/31/2009).  Applicants cannot exceed three objectives per project period.  Form may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/programs/forms.html

Applicants must submit the ANA Grant Application Data Summary (GADS) Form (OMB No. 0970-0328, expiration 12/31/2009).  Form may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/programs/forms.html

D-U-N-S Requirement

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Part I   THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW

PURPOSE

Part II   GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION

Include in the approach a Sustainability Plan, Contingency Plan, and OWP.

A resolution as identified in Section III. 3 and in "Definitions" in Section I. If the applicant is not a Federally recognized Tribe or Alaska Native Village government, applicants must submit proof that a majority of the governing board of individuals are representative of the community to be served as described in Section III. 3.

Applicants must understand that they will be held accountable for the Maintenance of Effort certification.  By signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the necessary certification and acknowledge that a signed certification will be required prior to award.

3. Submission Dates and Times:

Due Date for Applications: 03/11/2009

Explanation of Due Dates

Acknowledgement of Received Application

ACF will not provide acknowledgement of receipt of hard copy application packages submitted via mail, courier services, or by hand delivery.  Applicants who submit their application packages electronically via http://www.Grants.gov will receive two email acknowledgements from that website:

• An automatic acknowledgement of the application's submission that will provide a Grants.gov tracking number.
  
  
• An acknowledgement that the submitted application package has passed or failed a series of checks and validations.

4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs:

5. Funding Restrictions:

ANA Does Not Fund:

• Activity in support of any foreseeable litigation against the United States Government that is unallowable under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars A-87 and A-122.
  
  
• Projects that allow any one community or region to receive a disproportionate share of the funds available for award.  When making decisions on grant awards ANA will assess and consider whether the community or region is already receiving funding for a SEDS, Native Language, or Environmental project from ANA.
  
  
• Applicants that submit a project that is essentially identical or similar in whole or in part to previously funded projects.
  
  
• Projects that are essentially identical or similar in whole or in part to previously funded projects in the same community.
  
  
• Projects that would require funding on an indefinite or recurring basis.  This determination will be made after an applicant is deemed eligible for ANA funding as set forth in 45 CFR 1336, Subpart C, but before funding decisions are complete.
  
  
• Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or technical assistance (T/TA) to other Tribes or Native American organizations that are otherwise eligible to apply for ANA funding.  However, ANA will fund T/TA requested by a grantee for its own use or for its members' use (as in the case of a consortium), when T/TA is necessary to carry out the project objectives.
  
  
• The purchase of real property or construction activities that are not authorized by the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended.
  
  
• Core Administration (see "Definitions" in Section I.) functions, or other activities, that essentially support only the applicant's ongoing administrative functions and are not related to the proposed project.
  
  
• Projects originated and designed by consultants who provide a major role for themselves and are not members of the applicant organization, Tribe or Village.
  
  
• Projects that do not further the three inter-related ANA goals of economic development, social development and cultural preservation or are unlikely to be successful based on the proposed project approach and implementation strategy.
  
  
• Major renovations and alterations are not authorized under the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as amended.  Minor alterations, as defined by this program announcement, may be allowable.
  
  
• Projects that request funds for feasibility studies, business plans, marketing plans or written materials, such as manuals, that are not an essential part of the applicant's long-range development plan.
  
  
• Projects that seek to revive Native languages that do not have any living speakers. 
  
  
• The support of ongoing social service delivery programs or the expansion, or continuation, of existing social service delivery programs.
  
  
• Activities by a consortium of Tribes that duplicate activities for which a consortium member Tribe also receives funding from ANA.  
  
  
• Projects that contain contingency activities (such as Federal or State agency approval, securing project site, or pending court case decision) that impede or indefinitely delay the ongoing progress of the project.  Applicants must demonstrate the project planning considered potential contingency activities and provides an adequate assurance such activities will not impede project completion.

6. Other Submission Requirements:

Submission by Mail

Hand Delivery

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. CRITERIA:

Applications will be reviewed and scored to the extent that they address the following criteria descriptions.

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT - 3 points

Project Summary:  This criterion will be evaluated to the extent the ANA Project Abstract form is present and properly completed.  The Project Abstract provides crucial project information in a concise format and is used by the independent review panel, ANA staff and the Commissioner during all phases of the review process.  The project summary section of the abstract focuses on the specific purpose of the proposal.  The summary must include a brief statement of need, the project goal, project objectives and impact indicators.  The Abstract must clearly indicate the funding opportunity title under which the applicant is submitting the application for funding consideration.

OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 18 points

Need for Assistance:  This criterion will be evaluated to the extent the applicant describes the community to be served by the project, identifies the community goal(s), defines the need, describes community involvement and relates the project goal to the community goal(s).

Identification of Community (2 points):  Provide appropriate background information on the community to be served, including:  geographic location of the project, where the project will be administered and a description of the community to be served by the project.  A description of the community can include, but is not limited to, the following:  (1) a description of the population segment within the community to be served or impacted; (2) the size of the community; (3) a geographic description or location, including the boundaries of the community; (4) demographic data on the target population; and (5) the relationship of the community to any larger group or Tribe.

Describe the current status of the Native American Language to be addressed in this project.  Current status is defined as data compiled within the previous 36 months.  The description of the current status minimally includes the following information: age, gender and number of speakers; level(s) of fluency; number if first language speakers, number of second language speakers, and level of fluency; where Native language is used , e.g., home, court system, religious ceremonies, church, media, school, governance and cultural activities; rate of language loss or gain; and the source of data (formal and/or informal).

Describe existing community language programs and projects, if any, in support of the Native American language to be addressed by the ANA project.  If the applicant has never had a language program, include a detailed explanation of what barriers or circumstances prevented the establishment of a community language program.

Applicants from national and regional Native organizations must describe their organizational membership.  Explain how the organization serves and impacts Native communities. 

Community Goals (2 points):  Provide information on the community's long-range goals.  Information can include, but is not limited to, materials such as excerpts from a community strategic plan or the mission statement of a non-profit organization.

Statement of Need (3 points):  A statement of need is a clear, concise and precise description of the nature, scope, and severity of a problem.  Create a statement of need that identifies the specific physical, economic, social, financial, governmental, institutional, Native language or cultural challenges of the applicant to be addressed by the proposed project. 

Community Involvement (6 points):  Describe in detail how the community to be served was involved in the planning process and the origins of the project idea.  Describe within the project proposal how the identified community participated in the development of the project.  Demonstrate and document community and/or Tribal government support for the project.  Discuss the relationship of any non-ANA-funded activities supportive of the project.  Documented support is a critical element of this evaluation criterion and includes, but is not limited to, materials such as letters of support, testimonials and community meeting minutes.  Documented support should include the date and topic of the meeting and a summary of the meeting outcome.

Project Goal (5 points):  Introduce the project goal and briefly state the project objective(s).  The project goal is the specific result or purpose expected to be accomplished over the entire project period.  The project goal should directly relate to the statement of need and an identified community goal.

APPROACH - 40 points

Project Approach:  This criterion will be evaluated to the extent the applicant includes a narrative that addresses the project strategy, the challenges and contingency plan, the sustainability plan, and the ANA OWP form. 

Project Strategy (10 points):  Present a narrative on the project strategy and implementation plan (Objective Work Plan - see below) for the entire project period.  Be clear and concise.  Provide a clear relationship between the proposed project goal and the project objectives.  Discuss how the project objectives will support and assist the achievement of the project goal.  Discuss how the project goal will support and assist the achievement of the community's long-range goals.  Discuss how the current proposed project differs from previously ANA-funded projects which may be similar in nature to the current proposed project.

Include a brief description how the project will determine effective language growth has occurred in the community.

Describe how the project's methodology, research data, outcomes, or other products can be shared and modified for use by other Tribes or Native communities.  If this is not feasible or is culturally inappropriate, provide the reasons.  The goal is to provide opportunities to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native Languages.

Describe how the products of the project will be preserved through archival or other culturally appropriate methods, for the benefit of future generations.  Native language projects that produce audio or print media will now include a stipulation that a copy of the products will be provided to ANA for the Language Repository.  Federally recognized Tribes are exempt from this stipulation and may choose not to submit project products.

Project Challenges and Contingency Planning (5 points):  Based on ANA's project funding history and information gathered from project impact evaluations, ANA has determined that all projects encounter challenges and therefore need to have a contingency plan should a significant challenge arise.  Challenges can arise because applicants make assumptions about critical events, conditions and/or decision outside of the control of project management.  The applicant needs to identify challenges that may arise during the project's initial start up and throughout the project period.  Consider such challenges as difficulty hiring and retaining key staff, difficulty recruiting community members and/or volunteers for project activities, difficulty recruiting target audience (e.g., students, children, elders), difficulty securing agreed-upon support from partners to provide services/funding, planning shortfalls, possible disruption of the project timeline due to Tribal elections and difficulty securing permits or licensing from government entities.  Identify potential challenges and explain the contingency plans (see "Definitions" in Section I.) that will be implemented to overcome those challenges.  The contingency plan should ensure that the project will be successfully completed within the proposed funding timeframe.  A contingency plan is not to pre-empt challenges, but rather to address challenges if they arise. 

Sustainability Plan (5 points):  Establish whether the project will be completed, self-sustaining, or funded by other than ANA funds at the end of the project period.  If the project is to be completed, explain why the project does not need to continue.  For projects that are expected to continue after ANA funding has expired, present the vision showing how this project will be sustained.  For example, explain how a self-sustaining project will generate sufficient funds to continue. 

Objective Work Plan (20 points):  The ANA Objective Work Plan (OWP) form is the blueprint for the project.  The OWP provides detailed descriptions of the project goal, the project objectives, supporting activities and the results and benefits to be expected.  It provides the what, how, when, where and by whom of the project.  As such, it is a stand-alone document that should provide sufficient information for an application reviewer, ANA staff or a project manager to understand the project and how it will be implemented.  The OWP is the basis for reporting on the project.

A project cannot exceed three objectives per project period.  Complete an ANA OWP form for each objective per budget period.  If submitting an electronic application some objectives will require more than one form.  In addition, some objectives may last more than one budget period.  Ensure that the objective is correctly stated in the OWP, the project narrative and on the ANA Abstract form.

The objective statement should contain the following basic elements:  what will be accomplished during the project period and when it will be accomplished.  Each objective should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-oriented and Time-bound (SMART). 

For each objective, list activities that provide a road map to achieve the objective.  Each activity is a step in the logical progression of the project.  Include specific and significant activities (e.g., hiring staff, developing first draft), ongoing activities (e.g., meetings and classes), the type of activity (e.g., workshops, retreats and seminars), the type of audience, the submission of required ANA reports and attendance at ANA post-award training.  Especially useful are activities that show progress and/or results on a quarterly basis.  Explain how the activities outlined in the OWP will lead to the successful achievement of the project objectives and goal. 

Identify the position responsible for the completion of each activity by identifying the title(s) of the salaried project staff person(s).  Identify time periods that are realistic to complete each activity.  Use elapsed times from the start of the project (e.g. month 1, month 2) rather than absolute dates.  September 30 is the start date for each budget period.  Identify the non-salary personnel hours, including non-salaried contributors (paid or in-kind) to the project.  List hours according to who is providing them (e.g., Committee person -10 hours; ABC Consultant - 5 hours).  Provide supporting documentation for the hours listed in this column. 

The preceding instructions are recommended for the OWP form found on the ANA website www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/, which can be added as an attachment to an application on www.grants.gov.  This form allows for an unlimited number of activities and characters so applicants can adequately communicate the project plan.  For applicants using the form in www.grants.gov, note that each objective is limited to eight activities and each section has a limitation of 180 characters, which may not allow the applicant enough space to adequately communicate the project plan.  Furthermore, those applicants that use www.grants.gov must use absolute dates for timeframe and can identify the source of the non-salaried personnel hours in the narrative.  Therefore, it is recommended that applicants use the OWP available on the ANA website and attach the completed OWP to the www.grants.gov submission. 

The results and benefits section of the OWP is used to track the grantee's quarterly progress of accomplishing an individual objective and should be broken down by quarter.  The results and benefits must directly relate to the activities that support the accomplishment of an objective in the OWP.  The results and benefits are used to monitor the project's quarterly progress and must include target numbers.  The criteria for evaluating the results and benefits expected are of the applicant's choosing and need to be documented and verifiable.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 17 points

Organizational Capacity:  This criterion will be evaluated to the extent the applicant demonstrates their organizational capacity and ability to staff and implement the proposed project.

Organizational Capacity (12 points):  Provide information on the management structure of the applicant, such as personnel and financial policies.  Describe the administrative structure of the applicant and the systems to track the funding and progress of the project.  Demonstrate the applicant's capacity and ability to administer and implement a project of the proposed scope.  Include an organizational chart that indicates where the ANA project will fit in the existing administrative structure.

List all sources of Federal funding the applicant currently oversees.  Include information on the funding agency, purpose of the funding and amount.  Provide the most recent certified signed audit letter for the organization.  If the applicant has audit exceptions, these issues should be discussed within this criterion, detailing any steps taken to overcome the exceptions.

Applicants are required to affirm that they will credit ANA and reference the ANA-funded project on any audio, video, and/or printed materials developed in whole or in part with ANA funds.

A consortium applicant must identify the consortium membership and describe their roles and responsibilities.  One member of the consortium must be the recipient of the ANA funds.  A consortium applicant must be an eligible entity as defined by this program announcement and the ANA regulations.  Include documentation signed by the membership supporting the ANA application.  ANA will not fund activities by a consortium of Tribes that duplicate activities for which member Tribes also receive funding from ANA.  Include a copy of the consortia legal agreement or memoranda of agreement.

List all of the applicant's partners that will be providing support to the project's implementation.  Include information on the current organizational relationship between the applicant and partner.  The experience and expertise of these partners must align with the activities stated in the OWP that they will be supporting.  This information should state the nature, amount and conditions under which another agency, organization or individual will support a project funded by ANA.

Project Staffing Plan (5 points):  Provide staffing and position data that includes a proposed staffing pattern for the project.  Describe the process and general timeframe to hire staff (such as advertising or recruiting from within the community).  Explain how the current and future staff will manage the proposed project.  Full project position descriptions are required to be submitted as an attachment.  Brief biographies and/or resumes of identified key positions or individuals will be included as an attachment.  Project positions discussed in this section must match the positions identified in the OWP and in the itemized budget.  Note:  Applicants are strongly encouraged to give preference to qualified Native Americans, in accordance with applicable laws, in hiring project staff and in contracting services under an approved ANA grant.

RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED - 7 points

Project Impact/Evaluation:  This criterion will be evaluated to the extent the applicant addresses the relationship between the project goal and the impact indicators.

ANA conducts on-site community impact evaluations during the last quarter of the project period.  Impact evaluations provide grantees the opportunity to share, through qualitative and quantitative information, how the project goal and objectives were accomplished and how the identified community was impacted by the ANA-funded project.   This information is then submitted in an annual report to Congress. 

Impact Indicators (7 points):  Impact indicators are measurement descriptions used to verify the achievement of the project goal and are separate and distinct from the results and benefits section of the OWP.  ANA uses impact indicators to determine if a grantee has achieved the expected project goal.  Impact is defined as the change in physical, economic, social, financial, governmental, institutional, behavioral, Native language or cultural conditions as a result of the project.

Each applicant must submit three impact indicators.  Two of the three project indicators are standard and required across all ANA programs and the third is directly related to the project goal.  The required, standard ANA impact indicators are:  (1) the number of partnerships formed; and (2) the amount of leveraged resources (see "Definitions" in Section I).  The third required impact indicator is used to track the success of the project in achieving the project goal and is developed by the applicant.  Discuss how this impact indicator relates to the project goal.  For each impact indicator submitted provide a system to track the indicator and a target number.  Explain the rationale used to choose the target number.  Impact indicators are tracked throughout the grant and are reported on quarterly.

BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 15 points

Budget and Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness:  This criterion will be evaluated to the extent the applicant provides information on the Federal funds request, applicant match requirement and reasonableness of costs.  ANA requires applicants to submit an itemized budget for the costs associated with the successful accomplishment of the project objectives and goal.  The budget must include estimated costs, a budget justification and information on cost effectiveness.

Budget (5 points):  Submit itemized budgets that list the Federal request and applicant match requirement.  An itemized budget must be submitted for each budget period.  These budgets should align with each Object Class Category listed under Section B-Budget Categories of the "Budget Information-Non Construction Programs" on the SF-424A form.  These sections are explained in Section IV.2 of this program announcement.

The following is important to consider when preparing the budget:  personnel costs should reflect the time needed to hire staff if key personnel need to be hired and the hiring process is two months, then calculate the salary based on ten months, rather than twelve; include travel expenses for the chief financial officer and project director to attend a regional ANA post-award training; include local travel (e.g., mileage for local meetings) in the Other budget category, not in the Travel budget category. 

Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness (10 points):   Submit justification narratives that support and align with the Federal and applicant match requirement.   A budget justification narrative must be submitted for each budget period.  The justification should identify how the calculations for each of the line items were developed and explain how they are important to the project.  Include the necessary details to facilitate the determination of allowable costs and the relevance of these costs to the proposed project. 

Demonstrate cost effectiveness of the budget by explaining why this project and associated costs are an effective use of ANA resources.  Indicate how the proposed budget aligns with regional costs and why funding is necessary to resolve the statement of need.  Identify source or include documentation of price quotations, where possible.

Identify the source of the required applicant match and provide documentation in the form of letters of commitment (see "Definitions" in Section I).  

Submit a copy of the current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (see Uniform Project Description definitions) in order to charge or otherwise seek credit for indirect costs.  The agreement must have all costs broken down by category so ANA reviewers can be certain that no budgeted line items are included in the indirect cost pool.  Applicants that do not submit a current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement may not be able to claim the allowable cost, may have the grant award amount reduced, or may experience a delay in the grant award.

2. Review and Selection Process:

Initial ANA Screening:  Each application submitted under this program announcement will undergo a pre-review screening for the following eligibility requirements:  (1) the applicant has submitted a current signed and dated resolution from the governing body; and (2) if the applicant is not a Federally recognized Tribe or Alaska Native Village government, the applicant has submitted proof that a majority of the board of directors is representative of the community to be served.  An application that does not meet one of the above elements will be determined to be incomplete and excluded from the competitive review process. Applicants with incomplete applications will be notified by mail within 30 business days from the closing date of this program announcement.  ANA staff cannot respond to requests for information regarding funding decisions prior to the official applicant notification.  After the Commissioner of ANA has made decisions on all applications, unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing within 90 days.  If pertinent, the notification will present the application weaknesses identified during the review process.  Applications are not ranked based on general financial need.  Applicants who are initially excluded from competition because of ineligibility may appeal the decision.  Applicants may also appeal an ANA decision that an applicant's proposed activities are ineligible for funding consideration.  The appeals process is stated in the 45 C.F.R Part 1336.35.

Competitive Review Process:  Applications that pass the initial ACF and ANA screening process will be analyzed, evaluated and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of the evaluation criteria specified below.  The evaluation criteria were designed to analyze and assess the quality of a proposed community-based project, the likelihood of its success, and the ability to monitor and evaluate community impact and long-term results.  The evaluation criteria and analysis of how the proposal has addressed the criteria are wholly considered in judging the overall quality of an application.  Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the program announcement criteria and ANA's program areas of interest.  A determination will be made as to whether the proposed project is an effective use of Federal funds.

Application Review Criteria:  ANA's six evaluation criteria categories are:  Project Summary; Need for Assistance; Project Approach; Organizational Capacity; Project Impact/Evaluation; and Budget and Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness.

Application Consideration:  The Commissioner's funding decision is based on: an analysis of the application by the review panel, panel review scores and comments; an analysis by ANA staff; a review of ANA administrative policies and funding restrictions; a review of previous ANA grantee past performance; comments of State and Federal agencies having contract and grant performance-related information and other interested parties; and geographic distribution.  The Commissioner makes grant awards consistent with the purpose of the NAPA (42 U.S.C. Section 2991 et seq.), all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements, this program announcement, and the availability of appropriated funds.  The Commissioner reserves the right to award more, or less, than the funds described or under such circumstances as may be deemed to be in the best interest of the Federal Government.  Applicants may be required to reduce or modify the scope of projects based on the amount of the approved award.

Please refer to Section IV.2 of this announcement for information on non-Federal reviewers in the review process.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates:

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Award Notices:

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:

3. Reporting Requirements:

The ANA required program progress report is the Objective Progress Report (OPR) (OMB No. 0980-204, expiration 12/31/2009).

The ANA required financial report is the SF-269 long form.

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

Program Office Contact:

Administration for Children and Families
Administration for Native Americans
ANA Applicant Help Desk
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW.
Aerospace Building, 2nd Floor - West
Washington, DC 20447
Phone:  877-922-9262
Email: ana@acf.hhs.gov

For hearing or speech impaired callers, contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 (TTY (Text Telephone) / ASCII (American Standard Code For Information Interchange)).

Grants Management Office Contact:

Tim Chappelle
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Grants Management
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW.
Aerospace Building, 6th Floor - East
Washington, DC 20447
Phone:  202- 401-4855
Email: tim.chappelle@acf.hhs.gov

For hearing or speech impaired callers, contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 (TTY (Text Telephone) / ASCII (American Standard Code For Information Interchange)).

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION

Checklist

You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.

Posted on December 5, 2008