Instructions for Electronic Submission
Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper (hard copy) format. To submit an application electronically, applicants must use the http://www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept applications via facsimile or email.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an application electronically, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Applicants also must be registered in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). CCR registration must be updated annually. Applicants will not be able to upload an application to Grants.gov without current CCR registration and electronic signature credentials for the AOR. This process may take more than five business days, so it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline.
Be sure to complete all Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist.
Applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it offline,
and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site.
- It is strongly recommended that applicants do not wait until the application due date to begin the application process through Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date and time so that, if difficulties are encountered, there will still be sufficient time to submit a hard copy via express mail.
- In order to address any difficulties that may be encountered during the submission process, it may be to an applicant's advantage to submit their applications 24 hours ahead of the closing date and time.
- Applicants are encouraged to check the Grants.gov webpage for announcements concerning system issues and updates that may affect the submission of applications.
- Checklists and registration brochures are maintained at the Grants.gov website to assist applicants in the registration process and may be found at: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp
- If any difficulties are encountered in using Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1-800-518-4726, or by email at support@grants.gov, to report the problem and obtain assistance. Remember to retain your service ticket number for reference whenever you have any interaction with the Grants.gov Contact Center.
- Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged. Applicants will not receive additional point value for submitting an application in electronic format, nor will ACF penalize any applicant that submits an application in hard copy.
- Applicants may access the electronic application and downloadable application package for this program announcement by using the FIND function at http://www.Grants.gov.
- Applicants may submit all required documents electronically, including all information typically included on the SF-424s, narratives, charts, etc.
- Electronic formats for the application attachments, such as narratives, charts, etc., should use standard software formats, e.g., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF, JPEG, and GIF, etc..
- Though applying electronically, the application must still comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
- When submitting an application via Grants.gov, applicants must comply with all due dates AND times referenced in Section IV.3. Submission Dates and Times of this program announcement.
- Applicants that must demonstrate proof of non-profit status may submit proof at the time of application by attaching the documentation to the electronic application, if they wish to do so. Proof of non-profit status, and any other required documentation, may be scanned and attached as an "Other Attachment." Assurances, certifications, and/or proof of non-profit status that are not submitted electronically at the time of application, are required to be submitted to ACF by the time of award and in hard copy. Acceptable types of proof of non-profit status are stated earlier in this section of the program announcement under "Eligibility Certification.
- It is strongly recommended that the applicant retain a printed hard copy of the application in case a hard copy must be submitted to ACF.
- 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.
ACF will retrieve the electronically submitted application from Grants.gov. Applicants will receive an email notification from ACF acknowledging that ACF has received the application.
ACF may request that the applicant provide original signatures on forms at a later date.
The Grants.gov website complies with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Grants.gov webpages are designed to work with assistive technologies such as screen readers. If an applicant uses assistive technology and is unable to access any material on the site, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at support@grants.gov for assistance.
Detailed instructions for the SF-424 may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/pdf/instructions_sf424.pdf (42kb)
Detailed instructions for the SF-424A may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/pdf/instructions_sf424a.pdf (39kb)
CERTIFICATION REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE
Public Law 103227, Part C Environmental Tobacco Smoke, also known as the Pro Children Act of 1994, requires that smoking not be permitted in any portion of any indoor routinely owned or leased or contracted for by an entity and used routinely or regularly for provision of health, day care, education, or library services to children under the age of 18, if the services are funded by Federal programs either directly or through State or local governments, by Federal grant, contract, loan, or loan guarantee. The law does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, and portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1000 per day and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. By signing and submitting this application the applicant/grantee certifies that it will comply with the requirements of the Act.
The applicant/grantee further agrees that it will require the language of this certification be included in any sub-awards which contain provisions for the children's services and that all sub-grantees shall certify accordingly.
Organization Registration Checklist
The following checklist provides registration guidance for a company,
institution, state, local or tribal government, or other type of organization.
The registration process is a one-time process, which is required
before representatives of an organization can submit grant application
packages electronically through Grants.gov. The registration process
can take three to five days depending on your organization. The CCR
registration information should be updated annually. (pdf - 36kb)
Grants.gov Registration
Checklist |
What is the purpose of
this step? |
How long should it take? |
Completed? |
---|---|---|---|
1. Has my organization identified
its DUNS Number?
|
|
|
|
2. Has my
organization registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR)?
|
|
|
|
3. Have
the AORs who officially submit applications on behalf of your
organization registered with the Credential Provider to obtain
a unsername and password?
|
|
|
|
4. Have
those individuals who will officially submit applications on behalf
of the organization registered with Grants.gov for an account?
|
|
|
|
5. Has my
E-Business Point of Contact (POC) approved AORs to submit applications
on behalf of the organization?
|
|
|