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Executive Summary: The purposes of this funding announcement are as follows: (1) to develop and implement programs of comprehensive community-based support services for the target population as described in Public Law 100-505, as amended; (2) to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of these comprehensive support services; and (3) to develop these programs as identifiable sites that other States/locales seeking to implement comprehensive support services for this population can look to for guidance, insight, and possible replication.I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority The legislative authority is Public Law 100-505, "the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988," as amended. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose The purpose of Public Law 100-505, "the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988," as amended, is to establish a program of local support services projects in order:
The legislation also allows for the provision of a technical assistance training program to support the planning, development and operation of the local comprehensive support services projects. The reauthorized legislation requires the Secretary to give priority to applicants located in States that have developed and implemented procedures for expedited termination of parental rights and placement for adoption of infants determined to be abandoned under State law. Definitions Abandoned and Abandonment. The terms "abandoned" and "abandonment," used with respect to infants and young children, mean that the infants and young children are medically cleared for discharge from acute-care hospital settings, but remain hospitalized because of a lack of appropriate out-of-hospital placement alternatives. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The term "acquired immune deficiency syndrome" includes infection with the etiologic agent for such syndrome, any condition indicating that an individual is infected with such etiologic agent, and any condition arising from such etiologic agent. Dangerous Drug. The term "dangerous drug" means a controlled substance, as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802). Natural Family. The term "natural family" shall be broadly interpreted to include natural parents, grandparents, family members, guardians, children residing in the household, and individuals residing in the household on a continuing basis who are in a care-giving situation, with respect to infants and young children covered under this Act. Program Requirements The services needed by these infants and their families are many. The needed services are likely to be provided by many different community-based agencies. Applicants must utilize an existing consortium of community-based service providers or develop a consortium for the purpose of implementing this demonstration project. Qualified faith-based and community organizations may be part of the consortium delivering these services. The applicant must take a systemic approach to obtaining and providing a comprehensive set of services to this client population. In order to provide the needed services and efficiently use all the relevant community resources, the applicant must develop a strong infrastructure of community-based collaboration in delivering the services. This collaborative should recognize and respect individualized care practices and deliver the services and program supports in a culturally competent manner. The role of the cooperating agencies must be specific and must be spelled out in a letter that specifies the level and type of program commitment to the overall effort. General letters of support will not be considered responsive to this requirement. In developing its consortium of community-based service providers, the applicant could include the following entities: child welfare, legal services, substance abuse treatment, mental health, parent support programs, caregiver support programs, in-home visiting, respite care, housing assistance, and quality childcare support. In providing the necessary services to this client population, the applicant may also consider the provision of caregiver support services to those relatives who are the caretakers for the children of a substance-abusing and/or HIV/AIDS affected mother. Applicants may also consider the provision of therapeutic recreational services for the young children and their families impacted by HIV/AIDS. Projects should demonstrate shared responsibility for case management (e.g., joint social services-medical case management) and integration of case plans for multiple agencies. These demonstration projects must address the relevant aspects of the State's Program Improvement Plan developed under the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) as they provide coordinated services to this population. To the extent it is programmatically and geographically possible, applicants will be encouraged to coordinate services/treatment options with other relevant Children's Bureau (CB) discretionary grant projects. These include Model Development or Replication to Implement the CAPTA Requirement to Identify and Serve Substance Exposed Newborns http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/programs_fund/discretionary/2005.htm and Targeted Grants to Increase the Well-Being of, and to Improve the Permanency Outcomes for, Children Affected by Methamphetamine or Other Substance Abuse http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/programs_fund/discretionary/2007.htm. Applicants will also be expected to coordinate services/treatment options with Ryan White grantees. Evaluation CB requires an objective evaluation of the project. Projects funded under this announcement must collect descriptive data on characteristics of individuals and families served, types and nature of needs identified and met, the services provided, measures of client outcomes, child development and well-being, client satisfaction, parenting skills, parent/child interaction, cost benefit, service utilization, and any other such information as may be required by CB. This evaluation should be designed to collect systematic data to answer questions such as the following: What are the characteristics of families who abandon children? What are the service needs of children, mothers, fathers, and families of drug exposed infants? What are the service needs of HIV-positive infants? What are the barriers to comprehensive case management and to the coordination of service delivery? What changes have been most helpful in improving the delivery of services? What changes/improvements have there been in the child's well-being and the child's development? What changes have there been in the family's stability and ability to function? What are the permanency outcomes for children? Projects must also submit descriptive data on the clients served and the services provided to the National Abandoned Infants Assistance Resource Center annually. Timeframes for the submission of data on outcome measures will be negotiated within six months after grant award. Additional information on the cross site evaluation can be found at http://aia.berkeley.edu/direct_service_programs/UMKC.php The proposed evaluation plan should measure the effects of the implementation of the proposed project on safety, permanency and well-being. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the data indicators measured in the CFSRs in identifying the outcomes they want to measure. The findings from the evaluation should support evidence-based practice and provide States with examples of strategies that are tied to positive outcomes for children and families. Specifically, the project's evaluation plan should use performance indicators equivalent to appropriate items of the CFSR OSRI http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/cwmonitoring/tools_guide/onsitefinal.pdf or use the State's quality assurance system modeled on these items. The proposed evaluation plan should yield data that can be compared to, and contrasted with, regional, State and national level CFSR data. Demonstration Projects Activities funded under this funding announcement are demonstration projects. At CB a demonstration project is one that puts into place and tests new, unique, or distinctive approaches for delivering services to a specific population. Demonstration projects may test whether a program or service that has proven successful in one location or setting can work in a different context. Demonstration projects may test a theory, idea, or method that reflects a new and different way of thinking about service delivery. Demonstration projects may be designed to address the needs of a very specific group of clients or focus on one service component available to all clients. The scope of these projects may be broad and comprehensive or narrow and targeted to specific populations. A demonstration project must:
ACF will expect grantees to engage in an evaluation of sufficient rigor to demonstrate potential linkages between project activities and improved outcomes. Guided by a logic model for the project, this evaluation will include both process and outcomes evaluation components. The process evaluation will assess the implementation of the project, as well as the linkages between the collaborative partners that will help ensure that identified needs of children and families are met. The outcomes component will use a sufficiently rigorous approach to examine how the approaches used in this demonstration project affect key outcomes of interest. The evidence from the evaluation will support evidence-based practice and provide States with examples of strategies that are tied to positive outcomes for children and families. Additional Project Requirements
The applicants signature on the application constitutes its assurance that it will comply with the following requirements: 1. Have the project fully functioning within 90 days following the notification of the grant award. 2. Participate if CB chooses to do a national evaluation or a technical assistance contract that relates to this funding announcement. 3. Submit all performance indicator data, program and financial reports in a timely manner, in suggested format (to be provided), and submit the final report on disk or electronically using a standard word-processing program. 4. Submit an original and two copies of the final report, the evaluation report, and any program products to CB within 90 days of project end date. 5. Allocate sufficient funds in the budget to:
Applicant's signature on the applications constitutes its assurance that it will comply with the following requirements as required by sections 101 (b) through (d) of the "Abandoned Infants Assistance Act:" 1. Give priority to abandoned infants and young children who are infected with, or have been perinatally exposed to, the human immunodeficiency virus, or have a life-threatening illness or other special medical need; or have been perinatally exposed to a dangerous drug. 2. If programs provide care to infants and young children in foster homes or in other residential non-medical settings away from their parents, assure that for each infant and young child, a case plan (as described in paragraph 1 of section 475 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 675](1)) and a case review system (of the type described in paragraph (5) of such section) are in place, to the extent that the infants and young children are not otherwise covered by such a plan or system. 3. Use the funds provided under this announcement only for the purposes specified in the application submitted to and approved by the Secretary. 4. Establish fiscal control and accounting procedures to ensure proper disbursement and accounting of Federal funds. 5. Submit reports on the utilization, cost, and outcome of activities conducted, and services furnished, as described in part VI.3. of this announcement (Award Administration Information). II. AWARD INFORMATION
In the first budget period, the maximum Federal share of each project is not to exceed $475,000. The projects awarded will be for a project period of 48 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation beyond each 12-month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Public and nonprofit private entities, including those listed above, are eligible to apply. Collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts are encouraged, but applications should identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the grant. 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: Yes Grantees must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project requesting $475,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $475,000 per budget period) must provide a match of at least $52,778 (10 percent of the total approved project costs). Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if over the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in disallowance of Federal dollars. Cost-sharing will not be used as a preference and/or evaluation criterion in the review of applications. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q ST., NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Phone: 866-796-1591 Phone 2: or TTY 711 Email: cb@dixongroup.com 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Each application must contain the following items in the order listed: Application for Federal Assistance. (Standard Form (SF) 424). Follow the instructions below and those that accompany the form. Budget Information. Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) and Budget Justification. Follow the instructions provided here and those in Section V, Application Review Information. Note that Federal funds provided to States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds may not be used to match project awards. Certifications/Assurances. See Forms, Assurances, and Certification below. Project Summary/Abstract (one page maximum, double spaced). Clearly mark this page with the applicant name as shown on Item 5 of SF-424, identify the program announcement and the title of the proposed project as shown in Item 11 and the service area as shown in Item 12 of SF-424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words. Care should be taken to produce a summary/abstract that accurately and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the objectives of the project, the approach to be used, and the results or benefits expected. The Project Description. Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: 1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; 2) Approach; 3) Evaluation; 4) Organizational Profiles; and 5) Budget and Budget Justification. Non-Federal Resources (if applicable). Provide a letter of commitment verifying the actual amount of the non-Federal share of project costs (see Sections III.2 and V). Indirect Charges. If claiming indirect costs, provide documentation that the applicant currently has an indirect cost-rate approved by HHS or another cognizant Federal agency. Third Party Agreements. If applicable, include a letter of commitment or Memorandum of Understanding from each partner and/or sub-contractor describing their role, detailing specific project tasks to be performed, and expressing commitment to participate if the proposed project is funded. Note: General letters of support are not required and are not considered under the evaluation criteria. Staff and Position Data. Include job descriptions, and curricula vitae and/or resumes for proposed project staff. Page Limit. The application limit is 75 pages total. Pages over this page limit will be removed from the application and will not be reviewed. This page limit does not include standard forms 424, 424A, 424 B, certifications, assurances, third party agreements, letters of commitment, job descriptions, resumes and curricula vitae. General Content and Form Information. To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted with the Standard Federal Forms (provided at the end of this announcement or through the electronic links provided) and following the guidance provided. The application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the award.The application must be typed, double spaced, printed on only one side, with at least 1-inch margins on each side and 1 inch at the top and bottom, using standard 12-Point fonts (such as Times New Roman or Courier). All pages must be numbered. When spacing, margins, and font instructions are not followed, excess pages will be removed and will not be reviewed. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single package, and a separate package must be submitted for each funding opportunity. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific funding opportunity it is addressing. Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including supporting documentation. Use a clip (not a staple) to securely bind the application together. Applicants are advised that the copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the Federal Government for review. Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application. It is essential that applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before preparing an application and include all of the required application forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough understanding of and support the purpose and objectives of the applicable legislation. Reviewers expect applicants to understand the goals of the legislation and the Children's Bureau's interest in each topic. A "responsive application" is one that addresses and follows all of the evaluation criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding. Applications that are considered to be "unresponsive" or do not clearly address the evaluation criteria or program requirements generally receive very low scores and are rarely funded. CB website (http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb) provides a wide range of information and links to other relevant websites. Before preparing an application, applicants can learn more about the mission and programs of CB by exploring the website. Organizing the Application. Reviewers will use the specific evaluation criteria in Section V of this funding announcement to review and evaluate each application. The applicant should address each of these specific evaluation criteria in the project description. Applicants should organize their project description in this sequence: 1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; 2) Approach; 3) Evaluation; 4) Organizational Profiles; and 5) Budget and Budget Justification. The applicant must use the same headings as these criteria, so that reviewers can readily find information that directly addresses each of the specific review criteria. Logic Model. A logic model is a tool that presents 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 needs that are the focus of the project, project goals and objectives, the target population, project inputs (resources), the proposed activities/processes/outputs directed toward the target population, the expected short- and long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve, and the evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which proposed processes and outcomes actually occur. Information on the development of logic models is available on the Internet at http://childwelfare.gov/preventing/developing/toolkit/. Evaluation. Project evaluations are very important. If the applicant does not have the in-house capacity to conduct an objective, comprehensive evaluation of the project, then the CB advises that the applicant contract with a third-party evaluator specializing in social science or evaluation, or a university or college, to conduct the evaluation. In either case, it is important that the evaluator has the necessary independence from the project to assure objectivity. A skilled evaluator can help develop a logic model and assist in designing an evaluation strategy that is rigorous and appropriate given the goals and objectives of the proposed project. Additional assistance may be found in a document titled "Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation." 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. Protection of Human Subjects.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 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 46). Applicants proposing such research are asked to describe: (a) the procedures for protecting the privacy of clients and ensuring 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.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/assurance/OF310.rtf. General information about the HHS Protection of Human Subjects regulations can be obtained at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp. Applicants may also contact OHRP by email (ohrp@csophs.dhhs.gov) or by phone (240-453-6900). 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 Applications: 05/27/2008 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 not 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 ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q St., NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Hand Delivery ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q St., 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. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the contents of the application including corresponding page numbers. PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with reference to the funding request. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be outside the scope of the program announcement. APPROACH Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement. Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their target dates. If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from OMB. This clearance pertains to any "collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF." Provide a list of organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution. 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. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL INDIRECT CHARGES, TOTAL PROJECT COSTS EVALUATION CRITERIA: The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely according to the order presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted). In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria: OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 20 points In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, reviewers will consider the extent to which:
The applicant demonstrates a clear understanding of the issues impacting on substance abusing and/or HIV/AIDS-affected women and their children.
The applicant makes a clear statement of the goals (end results of an effective project) and objectives (measurable steps for reaching these goals) for the proposed comprehensive services project. These goals and objectives will effectively address a community's need to provide comprehensive support services to children and their families affected by substance-abuse and/or HIV/AIDS by using a collaborative, integrated system of community-based, coordinated support services.
The review of the literature sets a sound context and rationale for the project. The application provides evidence that the proposed project is innovative and, if successfully implemented and evaluated, likely to contribute to the knowledge base of providing community-based, coordinated, comprehensive support services to children and their families impacted by substance-abuse and/or HIV/AIDS.
The proposed project responds appropriately to needs of this target population. The estimated number of infants and families to be served by the project is reasonable and appropriate.
APPROACH - 35 points In reviewing the approach, reviewers will consider the extent to which:
The proposed project would develop the range of community-based, coordinated, comprehensive support services in a timely manner and conduct a thorough evaluation of its effectiveness within the four-year project period.
Specific measurable outcomes would be likely to occur as a result of the proposed collaborative, comprehensive services program.
The applicant describes the roles and responsibilities of the collaborating agencies, and includes letters of commitment.
The applicant provides a sound plan for overcoming these challenges.
The project would be broad and comprehensive and would be implemented in a collaborative manner with other community-based agencies. The project would effectively provide the wide range of assistance needed by the target population.
The proposed project is innovative and involves strategies that build on, or are an alternative to, existing strategies.
The intended audience (e.g., practitioners) for product dissemination is comprehensive and appropriate. The dissemination plan includes appropriate mechanisms and forums that would effectively convey the information and support successful replication by other interested agencies.
EVALUATION - 20 points In reviewing the evaluation, reviewers will consider the extent to which:
The methods of evaluation are feasible, comprehensive, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and context of the project. The evaluation plan is strongly guided by the project's logic model. The project's evaluation plan would rigorously measure achievement of project objectives, customer satisfaction, effectiveness of program services and project strategies, the efficiency of the implementation processes, linkages between child-serving systems, and the impact of the project.
The proposed evaluation plan would be likely to yield data that can be compared to and contrasted with regional, State and national level CFSR data. The proposed evaluation plan would measure the effects of the implementation of the proposed project on safety, permanency and well-being. The proposed evaluation plan uses performance indicators equivalent to appropriate items of the CFSR OSRI http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/cwmonitoring/tools_guide/onsitefinal.pdf or uses the State's quality assurance system modeled on these two CFSR items. In addition to measuring OSRI items, the proposed evaluation plan will also measure other outcomes of value to the child welfare field.
The target sample represents the intended recipients of the services to the greatest extent possible given the project's structure and resources.
This comparison group and the program/treatment group are assigned at random or matched on key characteristics. If not assigned at random or matched on key characteristics, the applicant provides a reasonable explanation of how it will identify and address any pre-existing differences between the comparison group and the program/treatment group.
The methods of evaluation include the use of strong measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the program as identified in the project logic model. The evaluation includes measures of outcomes, in addition to measures of inputs and outputs. The measures are objective and have strong reliability, validity, and internal consistency. There is a sound plan for securing informed consent and implementing an IRB review, if applicable.
The proposed evaluator has sufficient experience with research and/or evaluation, understands the population of interest, and demonstrates the necessary independence from the project to assure objectivity.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 20 points In reviewing the organizational profiles, reviewers will consider the extent to which:
The applicant's history and relationship with the targeted community would assist in the effective implementation of the proposed project. The applicant has experience in developing collaborative working agreements with other community-based agencies in planning, developing and delivering services. The applicant organization's capabilities and experience relative to this project, including experience with administration, development, implementation, management, and evaluation of similar projects, would enable them to implement the proposed project effectively.
There are letters of commitment from each partner authorizing the applicant to apply on behalf of the consortium and agreeing to participate if the proposal is funded.
The role, responsibilities and time commitments of each proposed project staff position, including consultants, subcontractors and/or partners, are clearly defined and appropriate to the successful implementation of the proposed project.
The plan clearly defines the role and responsibilities of the lead agency. The plan clearly describes the effective management and coordination of activities carried out by any partners, subcontractors and consultants (if appropriate). There would be a mutually beneficial relationship between the proposed project and other work planned, anticipated or underway with Federal assistance by the applicant. BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points In reviewing the budget and budget justification, reviewers will consider the extent to which:
The justification includes appropriate community-specific factors closely related to substance abuse and perinatal exposure to drugs or HIV.
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. A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside the Federal government) will use the evaluation criteria described in this announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide comments about the strengths and weaknesses and give each application a numerical score. The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in making funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts administrative reviews of the applications and, in light of the results of the competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to the ACYF Commissioner. ACYF reserves the option of discussing applications with other funding sources when this is in the best interest of the Federal government. ACYF may also solicit and consider comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions. ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds for the proposed project; or the potential for high benefit from low Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants having known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other problems which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective services or effectively complete the proposed activity. With the results of the peer review and the information from Federal staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding decisions. The Commissioner may give special consideration to applications proposing services of special interest to the Government and to achieve geographic distributions of grant awards. Applications of special interest may include, but are not limited to, applications focusing on underserved or inadequately served clients or service areas and programs addressing diverse ethnic populations. In selecting applicants for award under this announcement, the ACYF Commissioner will give priority to applicants located in States that have developed and implemented procedures for expedited termination of parental rights and placement for adoption of infants determined to be abandoned under State law. Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the 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 and Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. 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.
Applications will be reviewed during the Summer 2008. Grant awards will have a start date no later than September 30, 2008.
VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1. Award Notices:
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Notice of Award (NoA) document
that sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and
conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which
initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total
project period for which support is contemplated. The NoA will
be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be
funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:
Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (non-governmental) or 45 CFR Part 92 (governmental).
Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF program shall not be used to support inherently
religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take
steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this
program. Regulations pertaining to the Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the
prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be found at the
HHS web site at:
http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments,
and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs.
For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded
with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a
faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may
retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious
references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program
requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities.
Faith-based and community organizations may reference the "Guidance to Faith-Based and Community Organizations
on Partnering with the Federal Government" at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/guidance/index.html.
HHS Grants Policy Statement
The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary
grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees.
It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children
and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and
conditions and points of contact as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list
of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html.
3. Reporting Requirements:
Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial reports (SF-269 found at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html)
throughout the project period. Program progress and financial reports are due 30
days after the reporting period. Final programmatic and financial
reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period. Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed
in Section VII of this announcement. Financial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Patricia Campiglia Grants Management Office Contact: Lisa Dammar VIII. OTHER INFORMATION Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located on the following websites: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/ For general information regarding this announcement please contact: ACYF
Email: cb@dixongroup.com
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