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Executive Summary: The purposes of this funding announcement are as follows: (1) to develop and implement programs of comprehensive community-based support services for the target population as described in the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988, Section 104, Public Law 100-505, as amended by Public Law 108-36, 42 U.S.C. 670, Note; (2) to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of these comprehensive support services; and (3) to develop these programs as identifiable sites that other States/locales seeking to implement comprehensive support services for this population can look to for guidance, insight, and possible replication.
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Statutory Authority The legislative authority is the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988, Section 104, Public Law 100-505, as amended by Public Law 108-36, 42 U.S.C. 670, Note. Description The purpose of Public Law 100-505, "the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988," as amended, is to establish a program of local support services projects in order:
The legislation also allows for the provision of a technical assistance training program to support the planning, development and operation of the local comprehensive support services projects. The reauthorized legislation requires the Secretary to give priority to applicants located in States that have developed and implemented procedures for expedited termination of parental rights and placement for adoption of infants determined to be abandoned under State law. Definitions Abandoned and Abandonment: The terms "abandoned" and "abandonment," used with respect to infants and young children, mean that the infants and young children are medically cleared for discharge from acute-care hospital settings, but remain hospitalized because of a lack of appropriate out-of-hospital placement alternatives. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): The term "acquired immune deficiency syndrome" includes infection with the etiologic agent for such syndrome, any condition indicating that an individual is infected with such etiologic agent, and any condition arising from such etiologic agent. Dangerous Drug: The term "dangerous drug" means a controlled substance, as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802). Natural Family: The term "natural family" shall be broadly interpreted to include natural parents, grandparents, family members, guardians, children residing in the household, and individuals residing in the household on a continuing basis who are in a care-giving situation, with respect to infants and young children covered under this Act. Background Direct service programs that receive funding from the Children's Bureau under the Abandoned Infants Assistance (AIA) Act are diverse, operating out of hospitals, community-based agencies, and child welfare agencies. While they each provide a set of services tailored to meet their specific populations and circumstances, in aggregate, they provide the following services: case management, parenting education and support, transportation assistance, basic resource assistance, mental health counseling, home visiting, infant developmental screening and intervention, primary health care, and drug treatment and recovery support. These services are intended to promote child and family health, well-being, and stability. The AIA programs serve biological, kinship, foster, and adoptive families who care for drug and HIV affected children. These children have been abandoned in hospitals or are at-risk of abandonment. These families face an array of complex societal problems including poverty, homelessness, alcohol or other drug abuse, physically, sexually and emotional abusive relationships or histories, HIV infection, and mental illness. Information about current and previously funded grants under this program is available at:
Projects funded under this program receive training and technical assistance from the National Abandoned Infants Assistance Resource Center whose mission is to enhance the quality of social and health services delivered to children who are abandoned or at-risk of abandonment due to the presence of drugs and/or HIV in the family. The AIA Resource Center is part of the Children's Bureau Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Network, which is designed to improve child welfare systems and to support States and Tribes in achieving sustainable, systemic change that results in greater safety, permanency, and well-being for children, youth, and families. Funded projects collaborate with the Program Requirements The services needed by these infants and their families are many. The needed services are likely to be provided by many different community-based agencies. Applicants must utilize an existing consortium of community-based service providers or develop a consortium for the purpose of implementing this demonstration project. Qualified faith-based and community organizations may be part of the consortium delivering these services. The applicant must take a systemic approach to obtaining and providing a comprehensive set of services to this client population. In order to provide the needed services and efficiently use all the relevant community resources, the applicant must develop a strong infrastructure of community-based collaboration in delivering the services. This collaborative should recognize and respect individualized care practices and deliver the services and program supports in a culturally competent manner. The role of the cooperating agencies must be specific and must be spelled out in a letter that specifies the level and type of program commitment to the overall effort. General letters of support will not be considered responsive to this requirement. In developing its consortium of community-based service providers, the applicant could include the following entities: child welfare, legal services, substance abuse treatment, mental health, parent support programs, caregiver support programs, in-home visiting, respite care, housing assistance, and quality childcare support. In providing the necessary services to this client population, the applicant may also consider the provision of caregiver support services to those relatives who are the caretakers for the children of a substance-abusing and/or HIV/AIDS affected mother. Applicants may also consider the provision of therapeutic recreational services for the young children and their families impacted by HIV/AIDS. Projects should demonstrate shared responsibility for case management (e.g., joint social services-medical case management) and integration of case plans for multiple agencies. The applicant should describe how it will give priority to abandoned infants and young children who are infected with, or have been perinatally exposed to, the human immunodeficiency virus, or have been perinatally exposed to a dangerous drug, and how other medically fragile children who are abandoned or at risk of abandonment can be served. One of the ways that the Children's Bureau monitors State child welfare services is through the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs). The goal of these reviews is to help States achieve improved outcomes in the areas of safety, permanency and family and child well-being. Each CFSR is a two-stage process consisting of a Statewide Assessment and an onsite review of child and family service outcomes and program systems. At the end of the onsite review, States determined not to have achieved substantial conformity in all the areas assessed are required to develop and implement Program Improvement Plans (PIPs) addressing the areas of nonconformity. The Children's Bureau supports the States with technical assistance and monitors implementation of their plans. Information regarding the CFSR reviews can be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/cwmonitoring/index.htm#cfsr The demonstration projects funded under this program are strongly encouraged to address any relevant aspect of the State's Program Improvement Plan developed under the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) as it applies to this population. To the extent it is programmatically and geographically possible, applicants will be encouraged to coordinate services/treatment options with other relevant Children's Bureau (CB) discretionary grant projects. These include Model Development or Replication to Implement the CAPTA Requirement to Identify and Serve Substance Exposed Newborns http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/programs_fund/discretionary/2005.htm and Targeted Grants to Increase the Well-Being of, and to Improve the Permanency Outcomes for, Children Affected by Methamphetamine or Other Substance Abuse http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/programs_fund/discretionary/2007.htm. Applicants will also be expected to coordinate services/treatment options with Ryan White grantees. Evaluation To support its goal of building evidence based knowledge about effective practices,CB requires an objective evaluation of the project. Projects funded under this announcement must collect descriptive data on characteristics of individuals and families served, types and nature of needs identified and met, the services provided, measures of client outcomes, child development and well-being, client satisfaction, parenting skills, parent/child interaction, cost benefit, service utilization, and any other such information as may be required by CB. Projects will also participate in cross-site evaluation activities, and must submit descriptive data on the clients served and the services provided to the The proposed evaluation plan should measure the effects of the implementation of the proposed project on safety, permanency and well-being. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the data indicators measured in the CFSRs in identifying the outcomes they want to measure. The findings from the evaluation should support evidence-based practice and provide States with examples of strategies that are tied to positive outcomes for children and families. Specifically, the project's evaluation plan should use performance indicators equivalent to appropriate items of the CFSR OSRI http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/cwmonitoring/tools_guide/onsitefinal.pdf or use the State's quality assurance system modeled on these items. The proposed evaluation plan should yield data that can be compared to, and contrasted with, regional, State and national level CFSR data. Demonstration Projects Activities funded under this funding announcement are demonstration projects. At CB a demonstration project is one that puts into place and tests new, unique, or distinctive approaches for delivering services to a specific population. Demonstration projects may test whether a program or service that has proven successful in one location or setting can work in a different context. Demonstration projects may test a theory, idea, or method that reflects a new and different way of thinking about service delivery. Demonstration projects may be designed to address the needs of a very specific group of clients or focus on one service component available to all clients. The scope of these projects may be broad and comprehensive or narrow and targeted to specific populations. A demonstration project must:
ACF will expect grantees to engage in an evaluation of sufficient rigor to demonstrate potential linkages between project activities and improved outcomes. Guided by a logic model for the project, this evaluation will include both process and outcomes evaluation components. The process evaluation will assess the implementation of the project, as well as the linkages between the collaborative partners that will help ensure that identified needs of children and families are met. The outcomes component will use a sufficiently rigorous approach to examine how the approaches used in this demonstration project affect key outcomes of interest. The evidence from the evaluation will support evidence-based practice and provide States with examples of strategies that are tied to positive outcomes for children and families. Additional Project Requirements The applicant's signature on the application constitutes its assurance that it will comply with the following requirements:
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Explanation of Other: In the first budget period, the maximum Federal share of each project is not to exceed $475,000. The projects awarded will be for a project period of 48 months. The initial grant award will be for a 12-month budget period. The award of continuation beyond each 12-month budget period will be subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress on the part of the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government. Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds.
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 State governments County governments City or township governments Special district governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education Collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts are encouraged, but applications should identify a primary applicant responsible for administering the grant. Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. Faith-based and community organizations are eligible to apply under this announcement. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees must provide at least 10 percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a project requesting $475,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $475,000 per budget period) must provide a match of at least $52,778 (10 percent of the total approved project costs). Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if over the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in disallowance of Federal dollars. Cost-sharing will not be used as a preference and/or evaluation criterion in the review of applications. 3. Other: Disqualification Factors Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement. Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under this announcement.
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Address to Request Application Package: ACYF Operations Center 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. Each application must contain the following items in the order listed: Application for Federal Assistance. (Standard Form (SF) 424, SF-424A and SF-424-B). Follow the instructions that accompany the forms and those in Section V, Application Review Information. Note that Federal funds 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. Table of Contents. List the major sections of the application, and show the page that each section begins on. 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). Budget and Budget Justification. Include information on the required cost item of Travel for Meetings and Presentations (see Section I). 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 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 not expressing specific commitments are not required and will not be considered by reviewers under the evaluation criteria. Staff and Position Data. Include job descriptions and curriculum vitae/ resumes for proposed project staff. Page Limit. The length of the entire application package must not exceed 120 pages. This includes the required Federal Standard Forms and certifications (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and Certification Regarding Lobbying) table of contents, project summary, project description, logic model, , budget/budget justification, supplemental documentation, proof of non-profit status, summaries of sub-grants and contracts, letters of agreement, and any other pages included in the application package. All pages of the application package must be sequentially numbered, beginning with page one. All pages of each application will be counted to determine total length. All pages exceeding the 120 page limit will be removed and will not be considered in the reviewing process. A cover letter and general letters of support are not required. Applicants are reminded that if a cover letter and general letters of support are submitted, they will count towards the 120-page limit. Each applicant must organize its application in the order listed in this section and number all application pages. Pages will be counted in the order they are submitted in hard copy and numbered when received electronically. All pages that exceed the page limit will be removed and will not be reviewed. 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 project description must be typed and double-spaced on a single side of 8 1/2 x 11 inch plain white paper with at least one inch margins on all sides, using black print with 12-point size Times New Roman font. For charts, budget tables, supplemental letters and documents, applicants may use a different point size and font, but no less than 10-point size and single spaced. All copies of an application must be submitted in a single package. A separate package must be submitted for each funding opportunity. The package must be clearly labeled for the specific funding opportunity it is addressing. Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, brochures, or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including supporting documentation. Use a clip (not a staple) to securely bind the application together. Applicants are advised that the copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the Federal Government for review. Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application. It is essential that applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before preparing an application and include all of the required application forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough understanding of and support the purpose and objectives of the applicable legislation. Reviewers expect applicants to understand the goals of the legislation and the Children's Bureau's interest in each topic. A "responsive application" is one that addresses and follows all of the evaluation criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding. Applications that are considered to be "unresponsive" or do not clearly address the evaluation criteria or program requirements generally receive very low scores and are rarely funded. CB'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. 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). Electronic Submission Applicants that submit their application electronically are advised to be sure that they secure and retain their service ticket number for reference whenever they have any interaction with the
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. 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.
(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. AssurancesBy 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:
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 ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q St., NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Hand Delivery ACYF Operations Centerc/o The Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: Children's Bureau 118 Q St., NE. Washington, DC 20002-2132 Electronic Submission 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: 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:
In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, reviewers will consider the extent to which: 1) The application clearly demonstrates an understanding of the requirements of the "Abandoned Infants Assistance Act," as amended, and the proposed project will contribute to meeting those requirements.
2) The applicant presents a clear vision of the proposed comprehensive services project to be developed and implemented.
3) The applicant clearly demonstrates a thorough understanding of the need for the program to provide community-based, comprehensive support services to children and their families affected by substance-abuse and /or HIV/AIDS (e.g., sharing the results of a thorough assessment of community needs, including letters of commitment to the proposed program from community-based agencies). 4) The application presents a thorough review of the relevant literature that reflects a clear understanding of the research on best practices and promising approaches as it relates to the proposed project.
5) The application provides evidence that the proposed project is innovative and, if successfully implemented and evaluated, likely to contribute to the knowledge base of providing community-based, coordinated, comprehensive support services to children and their families impacted by substance-abuse and/or HIV/AIDS. 6) The applicant clearly identifies the population to be served by the project and thoroughly describes the needs of the target population.
7) The geographic location to be served by the project is clearly defined and justified based on factors such as the key socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the targeted community as they relate to women of childbearing age, the needs of women and families who are affected by substance abuse and HIV/AIDS, and the current availability of needed services that serve substance-abusing and/or HIV/AIDS-infected women and their families in the community. 8) The application describes significant results or benefits that can be expected for substance-abusing women and/or women with HIV/AIDS and their children. In reviewing the approach, reviewers will consider the extent to which: 1) The applicant provides a clear and reasonable timeline (including a timeline chart) and narrative for implementing the proposed project, including major milestones and target dates.
2) The proposed project would enhance the capacity to provide community-based, collaborative, comprehensive support services to children and their families affected by substance abuse and/or HIV/AIDS, develop knowledge, enhance skills and abilities of practitioners in providing these types of services and transfer this knowledge into practice.
3) The approach establishes an infrastructure of community-based agencies and promotes a lasting change in the delivery of community-based services to this client population.
4) The applicant demonstrates a thorough understanding of the challenges in providing community-based, collaborative comprehensive services to this target population with such complex needs.
5) The applicant will work effectively with terminally ill parent(s), if present in the program, to make permanency planning arrangements, such as, stand-by guardianship or stand-by adoption arrangements for their children to ensure the smooth transition to another caregiver and prevent a possible out-of-home placement. 6) The project would be culturally responsive to the target population. 7) The specific services that would be provided under the proposed project are appropriate and are described in detail.
8) The design of the proposed project reflects up-to-date knowledge from the substance-abuse treatment and HIV/AIDS treatment research and literature.
9) There is a sound plan for developing useful products during the proposed project and a reasonable schedule for developing these products.
10) There is a sound plan for continuing this project beyond the period of Federal funding. In reviewing the evaluation, reviewers will consider the extent to which: 1) The applicant proposes a clear and convincing plan for evaluating the project and satisfies the requirements for the evaluation published in this program announcement.
2) The project's evaluation plan uses process, practice, and outcome performance indicators from the CFSR OSRI or similar indicators from their State's quality assurance system, as described in this program announcement.
3) The evaluation plan outlines an appropriate sampling plan that ensures sample sizes sufficient to detect significant effects.
4) The evaluation plan includes an appropriate comparison group for determining the influence of the project activities on outcomes. If a comparison group is not proposed, the applicant provides a reasonable explanation for not using a comparison group and offers another, equally rigorous approach to evaluating the influence of the program on outcomes.
5) The applicant proposes a sound plan for collecting high-quality data on the services provided, the costs of these services, the outcomes of these services, and their cost effectiveness.
6) The application either demonstrates that they have the in-house capacity to conduct an objective and rigorous evaluation of the project, or presents a sound plan for contracting with a third-party evaluator.
7) The application provides an appropriate, feasible, and realistic plan for using evaluation findings to produce ongoing documentation of project activities and results.
8) The applicant's program specific evaluation plan addresses the following questions, as appropriate:
In reviewing the organizational profiles, reviewers will consider the extent to which: 1) The applicant organization and its staff have sufficient experience in successfully providing comprehensive services to substance-abusing women and women who have HIV/AIDS and their infants and/or young children or children with life-threatening illness or other special medical needs and their families, and in collaborating effectively with community-based agencies.
2) If the applicant represents a consortium of partner agencies, their background and experience with children and families impacted by substance abuse and HIV/AIDS or children with life-threatening illness or other special medical needs and their families would support the planning and implementation of the proposed project.
3) The proposed project director and key project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope and complexity effectively.
4) There is a sound management plan for achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality.
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, reviewers will consider the extent to which: 1) The costs of the proposed project are reasonable and programmatically justified, in view of the targeted population and community, the activities to be conducted and the expected results and benefits.
2) The applicant's fiscal controls and accounting procedures would ensure prudent use, proper and timely disbursement, and accurate accounting of funds received under this program announcement. 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 (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 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 2009. Grant awards will have a start date no later than September 29, 2009.
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: Patricia Campiglia
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: Lisa Dammar
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 Additional information about this program and its purpose can be located on the following websites: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/ For general information regarding this announcement please contact: ACYF Email: cb@dixongroup.com Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Posted on March 10, 2009 |
