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Executive Summary: The Children's Bureau announces the availability of funds and requests applications for one cooperative agreement to develop, field test, revise, implement, evaluate, and disseminate a competency and experientially-based training curriculum for training child welfare professionals. This curriculum will address healthy marriage and relationship skills for populations underserved in the general population and overrepresented in the child welfare system. The Children's Bureau is particularly interested in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the curriculum and the possible expansion, replication and dissemination of the curriculum on a national level. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Legislative Authority The legislative authority is Section 426(a)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act, as amended[42 U.S.C. 626(a)(1)(c)]. Funding Opportunity Description Purpose The Children's Bureau announces the availability of funds and requests applications for one cooperative agreement to develop, field test, revise, implement, evaluate, and disseminate a competency and experientially-based training curriculum for training child welfare professionals. This curriculum will address healthy marriage and relationship skills for populations underserved in the general population and overrepresented in the child welfare system. The Children's Bureau is particularly interested in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the curriculum and the possible expansion, replication and dissemination of the curriculum on a national level. History The Healthy Marriage Initiative, which began in 2002, is designed to help couples who have chosen marriage for themselves gain access to services that will help them acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain a healthy marriage. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) began awarding the initial grants in 2003. Healthy marriage education is a skills-based prevention strategy based on the premise that couples can learn how to build and maintain successful, stable marriages. The approach is built on research into what distinguishes marriages that succeed from those that fail. Most successful couples do not have fewer conflicts, yet they are able to effectively handle their inevitable differences or disagreements in a more respectful manner. Couples can learn how to do more of what makes marriages successful and less of what predicts marital unhappiness and breakdown. Marriage education classes teach skills on how to communicate more effectively, manage conflict, and work together as a team. Many of the classes also teach the benefits that can be obtained from anticipating challenges so that these can be successfully negotiated when they arise. The numerous benefits obtained through marriage education work to strengthen families and protect the welfare and well-being of children and families. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Children's Bureau (CB) programs are designed to promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of all children and to prevent their neglect, abuse, and exploitation. CB programs encourage strengthening the family unit to help prevent the unnecessary separation of children from their families and reunifying families, where possible, when separation has occurred. CB is the agency within the Federal Government that is responsible for assisting State child welfare systems by promoting continuous improvement in the delivery of child welfare services. One way CB is addressing improvement in these services is through discretionary grants. More information on CB projects related to healthy marriage is available at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/pdf/currentgrantees.pdf . Healthy Marriage Numerous studies have examined the impact of marital conflict and divorce on family members, specifically the children. Marital and family therapy is available, along with other interventions, to address problems that families and/or children may be experiencing. Pre-marital counseling is often provided to engaged couples. However, there has been less research and/or training to help couples develop the skills they need to have a healthy marriage. The Center for Marriage and Families, a division of the Institute for American Values, was sponsored by the Institute to conduct a project resulting in Why Marriage Matters, Second Edition: Twenty-six Conclusions from the Social Sciences (Sept 2005). It addresses the impact of healthy marriage on children. Among the conclusions: marriage increases the likelihood that fathers and mothers have good relationships with their children and that a child who is not living with his or her own two married parents is at greater risk for child abuse. To learn more, visit their web site at http://center.americanvalues.org. Child Trends published an article in September 2004: What Is "Healthy Marriage"? Defining the Concept. In this publication they have conceptualized healthy marriage in a framework addressing background, antecedents, definition, and consequences. The article can be found at http://www.childtrends.org. Congress included marriage, family formation, and fatherhood as key elements in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193). Furthermore, Congress specified "the formation and maintenance of two-parent families" as one of the primary goals of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program when it was signed into law in 1996. However, over the last ten years, States have placed significantly more effort on promoting work than on healthy marriages, in part due to limited information about how best to effectively assist parents in forming and maintaining healthy marriages, particularly in working with low-income families using the TANF program. Through the reauthorization of this legislation in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-171), funds were provided for over 200 ACF marriage and fatherhood grants to build upon this knowledge base. Achieving safety and permanency for children requires that child welfare professionals be knowledgeable, skilled and have access to necessary resources. CB believes the curriculum developed through this program announcement will provide child welfare workers with the knowledge and skills needed to assist them in making appropriate referrals to marriage and relationship education and responsible fatherhood programs as a potential support service for families. This added knowledge will provide child welfare workers with another tool in serving families and providing for the safety, permanency and well-being of children. CB has funded child welfare curriculum development grants in the area of Healthy Marriage and Family Formation. While these grants have not yet ended, several valuable lessons have been learned. For example, prior to requesting funds it is essential the applicant already have an established and positive relationship with their local child welfare agency and policymakers in the counties. It is vital that there is a commitment and understanding between the college/university and the child welfare agency to promote worker involvement in the classes. CB is interested in developing knowledge that will be useful to the child welfare field, and those working in the field of healthy marriage and relationship education. Questions of interest to CB include, but are not limited to, the following:
Disproportionality In 2003, CB funded a three-year study entitled Children of Color in the Child Welfare System: Perspectives from the Child Welfare Community. It addresses the issue of racial disproportionality (primarily African American children) and its implications for the field of child welfare. There is an expressed concern that African American children who enter the child welfare system and are placed in out-of-home care, are more likely to remain in the out-of-home placement for a greater period of time than Caucasian children (an average of seven to nine months). Even more pronounced was the racial disparity in that African American children comprised 45 percent of the total number of children in foster care. In July 2007, GAO published African American Children in Foster Care: Additional HHS Assistance Needed to Help States Reduce the Proportion in Care. Citing data obtained through the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) and the US Census Bureau, at the end of fiscal year 2004, 59 percent of the child population was Caucasian and made up only 41 percent of the children in foster care; 15 percent of the child population was African American and made up 34 percent of the children in foster care. The Hispanic child population was 19 percent and comprised 17 percent of the children in foster care; Asian children represented 4 percent of the population and 1 percent of the children in foster care; Native American children represented 1 percent of the population and 2 percent of the children in foster care. This study reports that "Families living in poverty have greater difficulty accessing housing, mental health, and other services needed to keep families stable and children safely at home." Bias or cultural misunderstandings and distrust between child welfare decision makers and the families they serve also are viewed as contributing to children's removal from their homes into foster care. For a copy of this report, visit http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-816. The focus of this healthy marriage and relationship curriculum will be on populations underserved in the general population and overrepresented in the child welfare system. The children who enter the child welfare system frequently are from single-parent homes and are of a minority population. As an example, single female-headed families are far more likely in Black homes than in all other groups' homes (45.4 percent). By contrast, Whites have a 13.7 percent rate, American Indian/Alaskan Natives have a 28.8 percent rate, and Hispanics have a 22.3 percent rate of single female-headed families. Single male-headed families are slightly more likely in Black homes than in White family homes (about 8.5 percent versus 5.3 percent for whites.). Hispanics and American Indian/Alaskan Natives have a higher rate of single male-headed families (10.3 percent and 10.4 percent respectively) (Census 2000). Target Population This program announcement has two target populations- service providers and service recipients. 1. The target population for the training curriculum developed under this program announcement is child welfare workers and students who are preparing to be child welfare workers. These may be master's level (or higher) students in social work and other relevant fields of study, and/or child welfare workers who are seeking in-service or continuing education. 2. The target population for the healthy marriage services to be provided by these workers is families involved with the child welfare system, particularly families where disproportionality may be an issue, and:
Low-resource couples face unique challenges to maintaining healthy marriages and have higher divorce rates compared to couples with higher incomes. Consequently, the children of low-resource families are less likely to receive the benefits of healthy marriage. This award will be for the purpose of developing, field testing, implementing, revising, evaluating, and disseminating a competency and experientially based healthy marriage training curriculum for prospective and existing child welfare workers who will be working with recipients of child welfare services. The curriculum and training will
CB anticipates that providing the training curriculum to the targeted audience of students will increase their understanding of the family bond, and the importance and benefits of children being raised in a two-parent home. The curriculum will define healthy marriages and relationships in culturally relevant terms, and will address the economic, social, physical and mental health benefits of marriage. Students will learn the importance of conflict management and communication skills that are vital in a healthy relationship. The students' understanding of the importance and potential use of healthy marriage and relationship education and responsible fatherhood programs will increase. This curriculum will provide another effective tool for child welfare workers as they work to help families meet the safety, permanency and well-being needs of their children. Project Requirements The curriculum developed will be offered in a college or university course designed for master's level students or higher. The class will be taught in the social services divisions, e.g., social work, human services, or child development. The class will be taught as an elective and will also be offered to existing child welfare agency employees, who may either audit or obtain education credits. The child welfare employees will be selected for this course based on criteria that the college/university develops with the child welfare agency. The curriculum will address healthy marriage and relationship skills for populations overrepresented in the child welfare system. The curriculum will be comprehensive and will include specific topics listed in this program announcement as well as topics selected by the grantee to complement the course. The curriculum will be at least a full semester of 16 weeks, and may be developed into two 16-week classes if desired. CB is interested in a comprehensive, culturally competent, innovative, and research-oriented curriculum that will effectively build on and increase knowledge in the field of healthy marriages and relationship skills, inclusive of non-resident fathers and/or mothers; and addresses the historical and societal effects of these relationships on the child. The curriculum will address co-parenting relationships; and relationships that include children from other unions. The grantee is to develop an advisory group consisting of the local child welfare agency, the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center, the Fatherhood Clearinghouse, the National Quality Improvement Center on Non-Resident Fathers, and other relevant entities whose organizational mission includes addressing the issue of the disproportionate representation of children of color, in the development of the curriculum. In the first year, the grantee will develop and field test the curriculum and formulate a well-developed, comprehensive 16-week semester class (or longer). In years two through five, the grantee will deliver the curriculum and evaluate the project and disseminate the results, as described in this program announcement. The curriculum content will include, but is not limited to, the following:
The curriculum will include other relevant topics as appropriate to the overall goal of the advanced training being offered, such as the benefits of referring families to practical skill-building sessions on communication, joint decision making, parenting skills, managing of family budgets, financial literacy, conflict resolution, and other elements to enhance family stabilization. The curriculum will address risk and protective factors for the client target population for this program, which include:
The curriculum will be inclusive of all racial populations. In developing the curriculum the grantee will focus on racial disproportion in the child welfare system. The curriculum will also discuss topics related to the majority population, as well as other identified minority populations. It is to build on the Healthy Marriage Initiative, including its African American, Native American and Hispanic specialties. It will reflect the understanding that this initiative serves racially and ethnically diverse populations, and is responsive to culturally and linguistically differing populations. The curriculum will reflect that in response to the needs of those attending a marriage education program, adaptations to existing, and development of new programs is ongoing. CB 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 project affect key outcomes of interest. The evidence from the evaluation will support evidence-based practice and provide examples of strategies that are tied to positive outcomes for children and families. Because this is a training grant, indirect costs for these projects shall not exceed 8 percent (Grant Policy Statement, Part I, under the subheading Application and Application Review Process, Application Budget, Indirect Costs). Funds from this grant cannot be used to match title IV-E training funds. Grantees must comply with applicable laws, including those that prohibit against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, and age in their programs. Projects funded under this program announcement will be expected to:
Resources http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/ This site has numerous links to assist in gathering valuable information, and provides direction to sites for additional information such as to the resource centers available to provide technical assistance. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage This site provides a complete history of the Healthy Marriage Initiative, the programs and grants currently and historically funded, and additional information and links. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/doc/ACF_Curriculum_Assessment_Guide.doc This site provides information about what topics and issues should be included in a well-formed healthy marriage education program. http://www.healthymarriageinfo.org This site provides technical assistance, lists available resources, and includes considerable information on the topic of healthy marriages and relationships. http://www.childtrends.org/Files/CT_HealthyMarriage.pdf This is a publication entitled, What is a Healthy Marriage? Defining the Concept, which was published in September 2004. http://www.center.americanvalues.org/?p=7 This site offers a brief Executive Summary for Why Marriage Matters, Second Edition: Twenty-Six Conclusions from the Social Sciences. It provides numerous links to sites offering information about marriages. The home site is http://americanvalues.org. Applicants are encouraged to review the following web sites to obtain a greater understanding of the goals and mission of CB, and the ACF Healthy Marriage Initiative prior to writing their application: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/programs/NAHMI/Index.html This is the website for the Native American Healthy Marriage Initiative. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/about/hispanic_hm_initiative.html This is the website for the Hispanic Healthy Marriage Initiative. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/aa_hmi/AAHMI.html This is the website for the African American Healthy Marriage Initiative. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding Federal assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is anticipated. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective responsibilities of CB and the grantee prior to the award. CB anticipates that agency involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient otherwise unavailable to them for carrying out the project. The involvement and collaboration includes:
Explanation of Other: In the first budget period, the maximum Federal share of the project is not to exceed $250,000. The project awarded will be for a project period of 60 months. The initial 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 awardee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. In the absence of worthy applications, the Commissioner may decide not to make an award if deemed in the best interest of the Federal Government. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants:
Eligible applicants must offer accredited graduate level education programs in the social sciences, such as social work, human services, child development or other accredited graduate level programs leading to a degree relevant to work in child welfare. Applicants must also present documented evidence that they have secured commitments from public child welfare agencies to jointly develop and/or improve existing staff training and retention systems. Collaborative efforts are acceptable and encouraged; however, the institution of higher education will be the primary applicant responsible for administering the grant. In addition to its partnership with one or more child welfare agencies, the grantee is expected to partner closely in its cooperative agreement with CB and to collaborate with the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center, the Fatherhood Clearinghouse, the National Quality Improvement Center on Non-Resident Fathers, and other relevant entities in the development of the curriculum. Applications must include documented, formal partnerships, third-party agreements, or Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with partnering organizations. 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 The grantee is required to meet a non-Federal share of the project costs. The grantee 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. In year one, for example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a total approved project cost of $277,778, requesting $250,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal share of at least $27,778 (10 percent of total approved project cost of $277,778). The following example shows how to calculate the required 10 percent match amount in year one for a $250,000 grant: $250,000 (Federal share) divided by .90 (100% - 10%) equals $277,778 (total approved project cost, including match) minus $250,000 (Federal share) equals $27,778 (required 10% match) The non-Federal share may be cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. If approved for funding, the grantee will be held accountable for the commitment of non-Federal resources and failure to provide the required amount will result in a disallowance of unmatched Federal funds. 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 that accompany the form. Budget Information. Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) and Budget Justification. Follow the instructions that accompany the form 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 Certifications, below. Project Summary/Abstract (one page maximum, double spaced). Clearly mark this page with the applicant name as shown on SF-424, identify the program announcement and the title of the proposed project as shown on SF-424 and the service area as shown on 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 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (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 curriculum vitae and/or resumes for proposed project staff. Page Limit. The application limit is 75 pages. 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, 424B, certifications, assurances, third party agreements, letters of commitment, job descriptions, resumes, and curriculum vitae. General Content and Form Information. To be considered for funding, each application must be submitted with the Standard Federal Forms and must follow 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. An original and two copies of each application must be submitted in a single package. A separate package must be submitted for each FY08 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 CB'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's 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 CB's mission and programs 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 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. 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. 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: 07/07/2008 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.
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. Wshington, 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. 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: 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:
APPROACH - 40 points In reviewing the approach, reviewers will consider the extent to which:
EVALUATION - 15 points In reviewing the evaluation plan, reviewers will consider the extent to which:
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 20 points In reviewing the organizational profiles, reviewers will consider the extent to which:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points In reviewing the budget and budget justification, reviewers will consider the extent to which:
2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Initial ACF Screening: Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time and whether the requested amount exceeds the stated ceiling. Late applications or those exceeding the funding limit will be returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable and will not be reviewed. 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 that 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. 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. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: 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. Program Progress Reports: Semi-AnnuallyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Julie Lee Grants Management Office Contact: Lisa Dammar, Grants Officer VIII. OTHER INFORMATION Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located on the following website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/ For general information regarding this announcement please contact:
ACYF Operations Center
Posted on May 6, 2008 |
