Executive Summary: The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is interested in awarding up to two cooperative agreements for national projects to provide technical assistance to organizations and institutions that serve persons who have been tortured. It is expected that at least one of the projects will focus on those organizations and institutions funded to provide direct services to torture survivors under a separate ORR announcement (HHS-2009-ACF-ORR-ZT-0050). The purpose of the project(s) is to provide training and technical assistance to increase the capacity of programs to provide effective services to torture survivors and to measure their results. It is also important to ensure that collaboration is evident among torture survivor programs and other relevant providers to develop increased capacity, expertise and skills to serve torture survivors through the facilitation of consultation, peer support and training across programs, identifying and promoting effective treatment strategies and resources, and fostering organizational stability and a sustainable set of services.
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Statutory Authority Section 5(a) of the "Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998," P. L. No. 105-320 (22 U.S.C. 2152 note) provides: Assistance for Treatment of Torture Victims--The Secretary of Health and Human Services may provide grants to programs in the
Description ORR intends to award up to two cooperative agreements for national projects to provide technical assistance to organizations and institutions that serve persons who have been tortured. Under Section 5(a)(3) of the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998, support may be provided for research and training for health care providers outside of treatment centers, or programs for the purpose of enabling such providers to deliver services toward the rehabilitation of torture survivors, including treatment of the physical and psychological effects of torture. Based on its experience with the Survivors of Torture Program, ORR recognizes that the ability of health care providers to deliver effective rehabilitation services to torture survivors is linked to the role of other key service providers. Local social and legal service providers are often primary points of contact for torture survivors and play a key role in their identification, referral and ultimate rehabilitation. The treatment centers and programs funded through ORR to provide direct services to survivors regularly collaborate with these providers to develop holistic, client-centered services. To develop the capacity of the local providers to serve torture survivors and to link them with appropriate services and resources, a broad-based national program of technical assistance is needed. The research and training to be conducted under this technical assistance program are intended to increase the ability of treatment centers and programs to provide effective services and to develop capacity and linkages among community providers serving torture survivors. ORR believes that the growth of treatment facilities around the country will be fostered and treatment services will be strengthened generally by continuing to develop this kind of knowledge base. In the past, ORR has awarded cooperative agreements to serve torture treatment centers as well as mainstream, refugee, and immigrant service providers who encounter torture survivors in their caseloads. Funded activities have included the use of technology such as webinars to provide training, list serv discussion groups, development of an online resource clearinghouse, provision of local subgrants to increase capacity, building performance measurement capacity, national and community trainings, identification of evidence-based and emerging practices, and production of resources such as a toolkit to develop service capacity and knowledge. Applicants may propose to provide technical assistance in all or a combination of some of the following areas. The activities described under these areas may be proposed and/or new and innovative approaches, justifying their usefulness:
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. Description of Anticipated Substantial Involvement under the Cooperative Agreement: Through the cooperative agreement(s), the grantee(s) will develop and submit annual technical assistance plans to ORR for review, feedback, and approval. In cases where any duplication of activities exists between funded grantees, ORR will determine the adjustments necessary to the grantees' projects and allocation of budget items to avoid such duplication. The grantee(s) will conference regularly with ORR staff, typically on a monthly basis, to discuss technical assistance findings, grantees' progress, upcoming activities, accomplishments, and updates. The grantee(s) will engage and consult with ORR on an ongoing basis regarding technical assistance needs and strategies. Federal involvement will include planning, guidance, coordination and participation in programmatic activities and on advisory groups. ORR will also provide direction and feedback regarding critical torture survivor and service provider needs and corresponding technical assistance services, including any conferences or other training opportunities. In addition to the annual technical assistance plan, Federal review, input, and approval will be required for all written and electronic materials and resources developed and proposed for dissemination as well as for all training activities, topics and curricula. ORR will develop detailed cooperative agreements following funding award(s) that include specific terms of the agreement(s) based on the applications and the extent of ORR's involvement. Please see Section IV.5 for any restrictions on the use of funds for awards made under this announcement.
III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants Eligibility is open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals. As referenced in 45 CFR 74.81, HHS funds are prohibited from being paid as profit to any recipient even if the recipient is a commercial organization. Profit is defined by any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. Faith-based and community organizations are eligible to apply under this announcement. Please see "Eligibility Certification" found in Section IV.2 for any required documentation supporting eligibility. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None 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: Holly HerreraOffice of Refugee Resettlement Administration for Children and Families 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, 8th Floor, West Washington, DC 20447 Phone: 202-401-5541 Email: hherrera@acf.hhs.gov URL: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_orr.html For hearing or speech impaired callers, contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 (TTY (Text Telephone) / ASCII (American Standard Code For Information Interchange)). 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: This section provides information on the required form and content of application submissions. Applicants are required to submit one original and two copies of all application materials if applying in hard-copy. The original signature of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is required only on the original. Information on the required format, Standard Forms (SFs) and other forms, D-U-N-S Requirement, Project Description, Certifications, Assurances, Electronic Submission of applications, and Hard Copy submission of applications is available in this section. A Checklist of required application elements is available for applicants' use in Section VIII of this announcement. Applications should be organized according to the checklist found in Section VIII. You may submit your application in either electronic or paper format. Each application should include the signed original and two additional copies. Faxed applications are not acceptable. Applications should be submitted on white 8.5 x 11-inch paper only. Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials. The font size may be no smaller than 12-point and the margins must be at least one inch on all sides. For reproduction purposes, please do not staple or in any way bind the original application other than with a rubber band or a clip. Each application narrative should not exceed 25 pages in a double-spaced 12-point font. Attachments and appendices should not exceed 25 pages and should be used only to provide supporting documentation such as administration charts, position descriptions, resumes, required forms, certifications and assurances, letters of support, and third-party agreements. A table of contents, project abstract, budget and budget justification, and logic model should be included but will not count in the page limitations. Each page should be numbered sequentially, including the attachments and appendices. Application forms are not to be counted in the page limit. Any material submitted beyond the page limitations will not be reviewed by the review panel. Please do not include books or videotapes as they are not easily reproduced and are, therefore, inaccessible to the reviewers. Non-Federal Reviewers Since 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. Forms 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. All required Standard Forms are available at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Non-profit private organizations (not including private universities) are encouraged to submit the "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants" with their applications. Applicants using a hard copy application, place the completed survey in an envelope labeled "Applicant Survey." Seal the envelope and include it along with your application package. Applicants applying electronically, please submit this survey along with your application. The Survey may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. D-U-N-S Requirement All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number. A D-U-N-S number is required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number is 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. A D-U-N-S number may be acquired 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 online at http://www.dnb.com. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 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. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, the successful applicant(s) will develop a performance measurement plan that measures achievement of project objectives, customer satisfaction, acquisition of competencies, and the effectiveness of the technical assistance strategies and activities. Applicants should identify results or outcomes that show improvement in the situation described under the Need For Assistance section. Key indicators should be included to show how success in achieving the outcomes will be evaluated. For each expected outcome or result, the application should include outcome targets, key indicators, data sources, and collection and analysis methods. For example, an outcome for technical assistance might include the number and percent of service providers reporting changes or improvements in working with torture survivors after receiving training related to case management with this population.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. Describe the overall strategic approach to the design and delivery of the proposed technical assistance activities. 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. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
(As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, P.L. 104-13, the public reporting burden for the Project Description 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 information collection 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.) CertificationsApplicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. 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 Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 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 are advised of the following requirement contained in Section 523 of the "Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008," (P.L. 110-161, Division G):
Accordingly, if applicants request more than $5,000,000 in Federal funds for the first budget year of a multiyear project to be funded in FY 2009, or as a multiyear project to be fully funded in FY 2009, the applicant will be required to submit a certification complying with the requirements of Section 523, prior to receiving an award. A copy of the, "Certification of Filing and Payment of Federal Taxes," may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Assurances By signing and submitting the application, applicants are making the appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. 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. Electronic SubmissionApplicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or paper (hard copy) format. To submit an application electronically, applicants must use the http://www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not accept applications via facsimile or email. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an application electronically, applicants must complete the organization registration process as well as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Applicants also must be registered in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). CCR registration must be updated annually. Applicants will not be able to upload an application to Grants.gov without current CCR registration and electronic signature credentials for the AOR. This process may take more than five business days, so it is important to start this process early, well in advance of the application deadline. Be sure to complete all Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html. 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 Grants.gov site. If planning to submit an application electronically via http://www.Grants.gov:
After the application is submitted electronically, the applicant will receive two emails from Grants.gov:
ACF will retrieve the electronically submitted application from Grants.gov. Applicants will receive an email notification from ACF acknowledging that ACF has received the application. ACF may request that the applicant provide original signatures on forms at a later date. The Grants.gov website complies with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Grants.gov webpages are designed to work with assistive technologies such as screen readers. If an applicant uses assistive technology and is unable to access any material on the site, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at support@grants.gov for assistance. Hard Copy Submission of ApplicationsApplicants that are submitting their application in paper format should submit one original and two copies of the complete application with all attachments, unless directed otherwise. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR), and be unbound. The original copy of the application must have original signature(s). See Section IV.6 of this announcement for address information for application submissions. Please refer to Section VIII for a checklist of application requirements, their location and due dates that applicants may use in developing and organizing application materials. Please refer to Section IV.3 for details concerning acknowledgement of received applications. 3. Submission Dates and Times: Due Date for Applications: 05/11/2009 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. Acknowledgement of Received Application
ACF will not provide acknowledgement of receipt of hard copy application packages submitted via
mail, courier services, or by hand delivery. Applicants who submit their
application packages electronically via
http://www.Grants.gov will receive two email acknowledgements from that website:
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs: State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 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 Executive Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. Applicants should go to the following URL for the official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert them of their prospective applications and to receive instructions on their jurisdiction's procedures. Applicants must submit all required application materials to the SPOC and indicate the date of submission on the Standard Form (SF) 424 at item 19. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application due date to comment on proposed new awards. SPOC comments may be submitted directly to ACF to: 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 East, Washington, DC 20447. Entities that meet the eligibility requirements of this announcement are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory or Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC or has chosen not to participate in the process. Applicants from non-participating jurisdictions need take no action with regard to E.O. 12372. Applications from Federally-recognized Indian Tribal governments are not subject to E.O. 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 under this grant award. Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this grant award. Purchase of real property is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this grant award. 6. Other Submission Requirements: Submit applications to one of the following addresses: Submission by Mail Ben SharpAdministration for Children and Families Office of Grants Management Division of Discretionary Grants 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW, 6th Floor, East Washington, DC 20447 Hand Delivery Ben SharpAdministration for Children and Families Office of Grants Management Division of Discretionary Grants ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor (near loading dock) Aerospace Building, 901 D Street, SW Washington, DC 20024 Electronic Submission See Section IV.2 for application requirements and for guidance when submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov. For all submissions, see Section IV.3 for information on due dates.
V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 1. CRITERIA: The following evaluation criteria appear according to the sequence they are to be included in the funding application (see Section VIII, "Other Information" for a checklist specifying the information to be included and the order it is to be presented in the application). The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion. The evaluation criteria is based on the information required in the application as described in Section I, "Funding Opportunity Description" and Section IV.2, "Content and Form of Application Submission." Applicants should be responsive to both the Project Description components as outlined and the related evaluation criteria. As stated in Section IV.2, the Project Description components give a broad overview of what the project description should include while the evaluation critera identify the measures that will be used to evaluate the applications.
The application will be evaluated to the extent that the applicant has described: Implementation of a sound needs assessment process to evaluate the technical assistance needs among torture survivor programs and/or mainstream, refugee and asylee service providers; the nature and extent of the identified technical assistance needs; identification of the causes of the problem or situation described in the needs statement (why do these needs exist?); and the consequences of not meeting the identified needs (10 pts.). The application will be evaluated to the extent that the applicant has identified relevant objectives that present an appropriate purpose and direction for the project (5 pts.).
The application will be evaluated to the extent that the applicant has identified specific outcomes that show improvement in the problems or situation described in the needs statement. The outcomes or benefits of the technical assistance are clearly explained, are reasonable, and are responsive to the areas identified under the Project Description section of this announcement and/or other areas of need (10 pts.). The application will be evaluated to the extent that the applicant has provided: projected targets for each outcome along with indicators of success, data sources, data collection and analysis methods, and timeframes; and a logic model which presents the outcomes projected as a result of the technical assistance project (10 pts.).
The application will be evaluated to the extent that the applicant has described: a clear and feasible strategy for the design and delivery of technical assistance that includes a persuasive explanation for the types of technical assistance proposed and that has a strong likelihood of success in increasing the effectiveness of and access to services for torture survivors; and specific technical assistance activities that relate to the areas included in the Project Description section of this announcement and/or other new and innovative approaches. The approach clearly addresses the causes, as cited under the Need for Assistance section, of the problem or situation requiring technical assistance (15 pts.). The application will be evaluated to the extent that the applicant has provided: a logic model that includes the required elements as described in the Project Description section; a realistic timeline of project activities; a description of the organization's knowledge of and access to services for torture survivors. Partnerships with other organizations are clearly described and documented with letters of agreement for planning purposes (10 pts.).
The application will be evaluated to the extent that the applicant has demonstrated: the organization's expertise and capacity to provide the proposed technical assistance activities; and the ability to effectively implement and manage the programmatic and financial aspects of the project. Documentation includes the agency mission and organizational chart and a management plan for the project (10 pts.). The application will be evaluated to the extent that the applicant has clearly described: a history of experience with torture survivors such as a treatment center or as an organization that provides services to client populations where survivors are prevalent; and information on prior outcomes achieved, activities conducted, and prior challenges and successes related to the provision of technical assistance-related activities (10 pts.).
The application will be evaluated to the extent that the applicant has demonstrated the cost effectiveness of the program and the necessity, reasonableness, and allocability of proposed costs. The amount of funding requested is clearly justified by the proposed program activities. 2. Review and Selection Process: No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of an incomplete application. Initial ACF Screening: Each application will be screened to determine whether it was received by the closing date and time and whether the requested amount exceeds the stated ceiling. Late applications or those exceeding the funding limit will be returned to the applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable and will not be reviewed. Applications that pass the initial ACF screening will be evaluated and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of specific evaluation criteria. The evaluation criteria were designed to assess the quality of the proposed project and to determine the likelihood of its success. The evaluation criteria are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. Points are awarded only to applications that are responsive to the evaluation criteria within the context of this program announcement. The ORR Director and program staff use review panel scores when considering competing applications. Review panel scores weigh heavily in funding decisions but are not the only factors considered. Applications generally will be considered in order of the average scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important factors are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not guaranteed funding. These other considerations include: the timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded with ORR funds in the last five years; comments of reviewers and government officials; ORR staff evaluation and input; amount and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's consistency with ORR goals and policy; administrative costs associated with any sub-grantees; geographic distribution of applications; previous program performance of applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants; audit reports; investigative reports; and applicant's progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous ORR or other Federal agency grants. The Director reserves the right to award more or less than the funds described in this announcement. In the absence of suitable applications, the Director may decide not to make an award if deemed in the best interest of the Government. Funding availability for future years is at the Director's discretion. Please refer to Section IV.2 of this announcement for information on non-Federal reviewers in the review process. Approved but Unfunded Applications Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Not Applicable.
VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1. Award Notices: 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 administrative requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (for non-governmental entities) or 45 CFR Part 92 (for governmental entities). 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. Additional information on "Understanding the Regulations Related to the Faith-Based and Community Initiative" can be found at: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/regulations/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 performance progress and financial reports periodically throughout the project period. Frequency of reporting is listed later in this section. Beginning with FY 2009 awards, most ACF grantees will begin using the a Standard Form (SF) for required performance progress reporting (PPR). The SF-PPR is a standard government-wide performance progress reporting format consisting of a series of forms implemented by Federal agencies to collect performance information from award recipients. Most ACF grantees will begin using the standard format implemented through ACF's Office of Grants Management (OGM), entitled the "ACF-OGM-SF-PPR." Use of the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR will begin for new awards and continuation awards made by ACF in FY 2009. At a minimum, grantees will be required to submit the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR, which consists of the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR Coversheet and the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR Appendix B Program Indicators. ACF Programs that utilize other SF-PPR reporting formats, or other reporting forms or formats that differ from the new ACF-OGM-SF-PPR, have listed those forms or formats below. Grant award documents will inform grantees of the appropriate performance progress report form or format to use beginning in FY 2009. Grantees will continue to use the Financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269 (long form) for required financial reporting. The SF-269 (long form) and the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Grantees should consult their award documents to determine the appropriate performance progress report format required under their award. Performance progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the end of the reporting period. Final program performance 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: Holly Herrera
For hearing or speech impaired callers, contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339
(TTY (Text Telephone) / ASCII (American Standard Code For Information Interchange)). Grants Management Office Contact: Ben Sharp
For hearing or speech impaired callers, contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339
(TTY (Text Telephone) / ASCII (American Standard Code For Information Interchange)).
VIII. OTHER INFORMATION Further information regarding the ORR Services for Survivors of Torture Program is available at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/programs/services_survivors_torture.htm. Checklist The following checklist specifies the information to be included in each application. Applications should present this information in the order shown in the checklist.
Posted on March 11, 2009 |