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Executive Summary: The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announces the availability of funds to support the design and development of a website to act as a clearinghouse for research and evaluation studies on low-income employment and family self-sufficiency. The aim of the website is to disseminate quality research and evaluation products and enhance communication among researchers and a wide variety of users (e.g. Federal, state and local administrators and legislators, policy makers and service providers). The topics to be covered by the clearinghouse include research and evaluation on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and low-income populations in the areas of: 1) self-sufficiency and employment and 2) family and child well-being. A secondary purpose of the website will be to facilitate an ongoing dialogue among users on a broad range of issues concerning the research placed in the clearinghouse. I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Statutory Authority This cooperative agreement is authorized under Section 413 of the Social Security Act, as reauthorized by Section 7101(a) of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Description A. Background The main purposes of TANF include: (1) provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; (2) end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; (3) prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and (4) encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. One of the major responsibilities of OPRE is to fund and manage research and evaluation in areas related to any and all aspects of the TANF program including self-sufficiency and employment, family formation and family stability. This includes research regarding TANF policy and the implementation and impacts of TANF programs. The types of research and evaluation projects that OPRE has funded range from impact studies (i.e., studies designed to estimate the impact on participants of various TANF policies or TANF program services) to outcome, implementation, and descriptive studies. The primary purposes of these research and evaluation projects are: to inform decision makers at all levels of government including the federal, state and local levels on the effects of TANF policy and programs and on questions of family self sufficiency and to suggest areas for further research and evaluation. Given these purposes, OPRE has an interest in: 1) disseminating the studies it funds as well as disseminating related studies produced by other entities; 2) introducing and promoting ACF-sponsored TANF-related research and evaluation to a wider audience of interested users, and 3) facilitating an ongoing dialogue among users of the site on a broad range of issues concerning the research placed in the clearinghouse. The ACF Office of Family Assistance (OFA) currently funds The Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network (PEERTA) to facilitate the sharing of information between and among States, counties, localities, Tribal organizations, and community-based organizations working with TANF programs. Both OPRE and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) have established, as part of their websites, sections on welfare, work and self-sufficiency. A Self-Sufficiency Research Clearinghouse website would augment PEERTA and the current OPRE and ASPE self-sufficiency research dissemination and outreach activities. With regard to fostering a dialogue among clearinghouse users, OPRE has an interest in understanding better the range and varieties of audiences that find self-sufficiency and family stability research and evaluation useful. B. Purpose The purpose of this program announcement is to support a cooperative agreement to develop a full test model for a Self Sufficiency Research Clearinghouse (SSRC) website populated with a wide variety of research and evaluation products. The SSRC website will serve as an on-line library of employment and self-sufficiency research and evaluation studies involving TANF applicants and recipients and other low-income populations. The users of the website are intended to be social science researchers; policy makers at all levels of federal, state and local government; and administrators and staff of organizations providing services in support of TANF recipients or low-income individuals and families. Through this cooperative agreement, OPRE aims to advance its interests in disseminating self-sufficiency research and evaluation, in understanding the uses of its research and evaluation, and in understanding how to increase the applications of TANF and self-sufficiency-related research and evaluation. The topics to be covered by the clearinghouse include research and evaluation on TANF and low-income populations in the areas of: 1) self-sufficiency and employment and 2) family and child well-being. C. Goals and Description of the Self Sufficiency Research Clearinghouse The goals of the SSRC are: 1. To disseminate high quality research and evaluation publications related to the topics of interest for the purposes of: a) informing decisions related to policy development; b) informing decisions related to the implementation of programs; and c) informing further research and evaluation in relevant topic areas. 2. To serve as an unbiased source of a wide range of credible research and evaluation project findings and publications that relate to the topics of interest. 3. To facilitate an ongoing dialogue among users of the site on a broad range of issues concerning the research placed in the clearinghouse. DESCRIPTION The primary goal of this cooperative agreement is to support the development of a website where social science researchers with an emphasis on family self-sufficiency and program administrators in the area of TANF-related and family self-sufficiency programs may find credible and useful evaluation and research information. The topics to be covered by the clearinghouse include research and evaluation on TANF and low-income populations in the areas of: 1) self-sufficiency and employment and 2) family and child well-being. To accomplish this, the recipient will engage a technical work group (TWG) to further specify the range of topics and subject areas of family self-sufficiency research to incorporate into the clearinghouse. The recipient will be asked to identify sources of relevant research, e.g., Federal agencies, major research universities and private firms involved in the field (including their web sites). The recipient shall develop criteria for inclusion of studies, reports and articles in the clearinghouse. In the initial phase of this project the recipient will convene a TWG consisting of persons who: 1) have experience in setting up a website similar to the one envisioned in this announcement; 2) are researchers in the areas of interest to be included on the site; 3) are potential users of the types of research and evaluation reports and articles to be included, e.g., (a) Federal staff; (b) state and local government officials who play a role in the development of policy or who are program administrators; or (c) other relevant non-governmental individuals. There will be at least on in-person meeting of the TWG group in Washington. Although the applicant will propose an initial approach and work plan, the initial task of this TWG will be to help refine the work plan for developing the website by providing advice concerning: 1) the criteria that should be used in selecting material for the site; 2) specific areas of research and evaluation that should be included on the website; 3) technical issues and problems often encountered in setting up such a website; e.g. the visual appearance of the site and the manner by which users will navigate the site; 4) how material placed on the site will be stored; 5) issues involving linking this site to other relevant sites, e.g. PEERTA; 6) issues involving how the site can be searched; 7) suggestions about how the site can be set up to receive feedback from those that access it; and 8) ways to promote an ongoing dialogue among users of the site. After receiving input from the TWG, the recipient will propose to OPRE a revised plan for the development of the website. This will guide the clearinghouse development and will address the areas listed above. Based on the development plan, the recipient will begin the design of the site in the first year of the SSRC project. The plan may contain changes to the initial proposal for setting up the website based, in part, on discussions of the TWG. During the second year of the project it is anticipated that various portions of the website will be developed and the site will be populated with material from a number of the relevant research and evaluation areas. At various times during the second year it is anticipated that portions of the site will be shared with OPRE for review and assessment. Also during the second year of this agreement, it is anticipated that the TWG will continue to provide feedback on the progress of the development of the site and to further guide its development. By the end of the second year the recipient will have developed a full working test model of the web site. The recipient will invite a group of potential users of the website to review the site and suggest how it can be improved. In order to assure that the development of the clearinghouse web site progresses as planned, the cooperative agreement will outline the ways in which OPRE will remain involved in project decision-making. Among other areas, it will be expected that the recipient will consult OPRE in the selection and approval of members to the Technical Work Group. In addition OPRE will oversee progress toward certain milestones, including: (1) a plan to meet the purposes listed above (the plan may contain changes to the initial proposal for setting up the website based, in part, on discussions of the TWG); (2) a report on initial implementation of the plan; and (3) a report on the full working test model of the web site, with comments from potential users of the website who have reviewed it. Throughout there will be quarterly reports on progress, periodic (monthly) conference calls with OPRE, and OPRE previews of a password-protected model web site. D. Self Sufficiency Research Clearinghouse Requirements The applicant will include in its budget, costs for: 1) one TWG meeting in Washington, DC for up to 10 TWG members plus Federal staff; 2) conference calls with OPRE staff, the applicant and the TWG; 3) two telephone consultation sessions with the managers of the PEERTA website to discuss linkages in the first year; and 4) attendance and presentations at two conferences each year during the performance period, e.g. the National Association for Welfare Research and Statistics, the ACF Annual Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. Additional Information on Awards: ACF grant awards shall not exceed $500,000 for each 12-month budget period inclusive of indirect costs. The project period will be two years. The initial award will be for the first one-year budget period and is subject to the availability of funds. Second year funding within the project period should be identified in the current application on Standard Form (SF) 424A. However, continued funding beyond the initial 12-month budget period will be considered in the subsequent year on a non-competitive basis, subject to the applicant's eligibility status, the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal Government. Description of Anticipated Substantial Involvement under the Cooperative Agreement: A cooperative agreement is Federal assistance in which substantial Federal involvement in project activities is anticipated. Responsibilities of Federal staff and the successful applicant are reviewed prior to award. OPRE and the grantee will work collaboratively on the development of products such as work plans and the proportion of the budget that is allotted to key functional tasks, and other matters. OPRE will also participate in any Technical Work Group meetings and will work closely with the grantee to promote partnerships among contributors to this effort. 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 Unrestricted - Eligibility is open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals. 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: 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: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation 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. Letter of Intent- Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify OPRE by email of their intention to submit an application in response to this announcement. Please submit the Letter of Intent by the due date found at the beginning of the announcement and in Section IV.3. This information will be used only to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to review the applications. Include only the following information in this email: the Funding Opportunity Number (HHS-2009-ACF-OPRE-PD-0082) and title of this announcement (Self-Sufficiency Research Clearinghouse); the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and email address of the executive director; and the name of the organization. Do not include a description of the proposed project. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. Send this information to: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation Format and Organization of Application The original and two copies of an application must be submitted. Applicants must limit their application package to 100 pages, double-spaced, with standard one-inch margins and 12-point fonts. This page limit applies to both narrative text and supporting materials, not including the appendices and Standard Federal Forms and assurances (listed below). In addition, applicants must number the pages of their application beginning with the Table of Contents. Pages in excess of the page limitation will be removed and not reviewed. Applicants are advised to include all required forms and materials and to organize these materials according to the format for their application package, and in the order, presented in the checklist in Section VIII. Non-Federal ReviewersSince ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process, applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary information. If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for use during the review and selection process. 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. LETTER OF INTENT Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify ACF of their intention to submit an application under this announcement. Please submit the letter of intent by the deadline date listed in Section IV.3 Submission Dates and Times. The letter of intent should include the following information: number and title of this announcement; the name and address of the applicant organization; and/or Fiscal Agent (if known); and the name, phone number, fax number and email address of a contact person. Letter of intent information will be used to determine the number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. The letter of intent is optional. Failure to submit a letter of intent will not impact eligibility to submit an application and will not disqualify an application from competitive review. 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 extent to which the applicant: identifies the results and benefits of the proposed SSRC to enhance dissemination and use of research and evaluation on increasing self-sufficiency among low income families; describes how the clearinghouse will benefit contributors and users including Federal, state and local administrators and legislators, policy makers, service providers and researchers; and describes how the proposed SSRC will significantly increase collaboration and partnership building among researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders at national, State, and local levels.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. The extent to which the applicant's technical approach addresses design and conceptual issues in creating the Clearinghouse, Technical Issues, and a dialogue among users.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 Letter of Intent: 05/29/2009 Due Date for Applications: 06/29/2009 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 Educational Services, Inc.4350 East West Highway 11th Floor, Suite 1100 Bethesda, MD 20814 Hand Delivery Educational Services, Inc.4350 East West Highway 11th Floor, Suite 1100 Bethesda, MD 20814 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 corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion. Applicants are asked to arrange their applications according to the order presented. While it is expected that each item within a criterion will be covered in the submission, the overall score for the criterion will be based on how well the responses as a whole demonstrate the applicant's ability to address the issues. 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:
The extent to which the applicant: 1) Demonstrates an awareness and knowledge of current literature in TANF and low income-focused employment and family self-sufficiency research and evaluation studies, and of the range of topics included in research and evaluation on low-income families. The discussion of topics must include employment and training, family relations issues, and family and child well-being. 2) Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the appropriate targeted users of the clearinghouse, and of the needs and interests of these targeted users and other potential users and how their needs may be met through the website.
3) Discusses examples of existing clearinghouses or websites that are similar in nature to what is to be developed for this project and explains the relevance of these clearinghouses and sites for this project. This would include how the clearinghouse developed for this project may be similar to existing clearinghouses, how it might be different, and how the SSRC will add value to the field.
The extent to which the applicant's technical approach: A) Design and Conceptual Issues: 1) Describes how members of the TWG will be chosen, and how, in the initial phases of this project, TWG input will be used to help refine the plan for development of the website, and how the TWG will be used to obtain feedback concerning the ongoing development of the website. 2) Presents the criteria that might be used in determining whether to place a research product on the site considering the topics of interest that are to be covered by the clearinghouse (research and evaluation on TANF and low-income populations in the areas of: a) self-sufficiency and employment and b) family and child well-being). High priority must be given to research and evaluation that informs ACF programs, especially TANF and other self-sufficiency and family well-being initiatives. This must include the quality control criteria that will be applied and proposals for how decisions concerning inclusion of material in the clearinghouse will be made. 3) Describes sources for research to be placed in the clearinghouse as well as a plan for effectively partnering with other research and evaluation clearinghouses and related websites and 4) Describes how the applicant will work with ACF to solicit feedback from others at all phases of the project concerning design and conceptual issues. B) Technical Issues 1) Discusses the kinds of sites to which this website will be linked, e.g. PEERTA, and the criteria to be used in making such decisions. Note the need for meetings on this in the "Requirements" section. 2) Describes the proposed technical specifications of the 3) Demonstrates an understanding of the technical issues associated with managing a web site-based clearinghouse; describes the strengths and limitations of existing approaches; and proposes effective solutions to a full range of issues. Important issues include, but are not limited to, a) technical problems associated with categorizing research and evaluation, b) how search engines would be developed, c) how material will be stored, and d) legal issues of copyright liability. Discusses background and lessons in this field concerning the development of websites and clearinghouses in the area of the social sciences and how those experiences may be relevant to this project. This discussion should describe problem areas and solutions highlighted in the literature. Discusses current issues in developing and maintaining a research literature data base including, but not limited to, topics such as the world-wide web, access to full-text documents, dissemination strategies, liability, confidentiality, and terms-of-use agreements. 4) Provides a description of the technical assistance that will be available for answering user questions. This description should anticipate problems and suggest solutions to the ongoing support of publication. 5) Provides assurance that all products acquired, developed or maintained during the term of the cooperative agreement will be provided to ACF or a subsequent SSRC grantee. C) Dialogue Among Users Discusses how the website will be designed to facilitate an ongoing dialogue among users of the site on a broad range of issues, such as how policy makers and implementers of policy have applied the research and evaluation in their decision making processes and how might the SSRC be improved.
The extent to which the applicant: 1) Explains how the proposed number of staff and their expertise is adequate to carry out the requirements under the program announcement on time and within budget. 2) Proposes an SSRC Director and Assistant Director and key staff, who, when taken together as a team, have the knowledge and experience to accomplish the objectives described for this project. 3) Lists the key staff and the role they will play in this project. 4) Describes strong, relevant experience for each of the key staff listed above including: a) their involvement and knowledge of TANF and related research, and b) their involvement in setting up a clearinghouse of the nature envisioned in this project. 5) Gives evidence that the key staff have been involved in complex projects working with a wide variety of persons and being able to coordinate their efforts and input. Such persons would include researchers, users of research and evaluation, and developers of clearinghouses. 6) Provides in an appendix the complete resumes of the current and proposed staff, as well as job descriptions of those to be hired, that demonstrate the ability of the proposed staff to fulfill key roles Resumes should indicate what position each individual will fill and position descriptions should specifically describe each job as it relates to the proposed SSRC. 7) Provides a detailed management plan which establishes the ability to successfully complete this project. The management plan should include such information as personnel allocations, milestones, products, timelines, and coordination of components for this project. It should also include tables and charts indicating how this will be accomplished, e.g. a table showing the hours to be devoted to this project by each of this key personnel for the entire performance period; and a milestone chart showing when each task will be accomplished. If subcontractors or sub-grantees are to be involved in this project, the applicant should describe in detail how the management of the project will be coordinated and how the applicant will maintain oversight of the project.
The extent to which the applicant: 1) Describes the organization and provides evidence that it has the capabilities required for implementation of this project. 2) Presents the nature of the work subcontractors or consultants will be doing along with evidence that their roles and organizational capabilities will further the goals of the project. 3) Describes past and current projects the applicant and possible subcontractors have completed or are currently working on that illustrate competence in two areas: a) understanding of research in TANF-related family self-sufficiency areas, and b) development of clearinghouses and websites of the nature described in this announcement. It should be clear how the projects described relate to this project and how they inform the applicant's approach to this project.
The extent to which the applicant: 1) Identifies the results and benefits of the proposed SSRC to enhance dissemination and use of research and evaluation on increasing self-sufficiency among low income families. 2) Describes how the clearinghouse will benefit contributors and users including Federal, state and local administrators and legislators, policy makers, service providers and researchers. 3) Describes how the proposed SSRC will significantly increase collaboration and partnership building among researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders at national, State, and local levels.
The extent to which the applicant: 1) Provides a narrative description and sound rationale for the budget information presented on Standard Forms 424 and 424A and related budget tables presented in the text. The description and rationale should indicate the proportion of the budget that is allotted for the key functions, which at least include: a) interactive website; b) publication archive; c) technical assistance to website users; and d) ongoing feedback and collaboration activities. 2) Demonstrates that costs to develop the SSRC are reasonable, adequate and justified in terms of the proposed tasks and subtasks as well as anticipated results and benefits. 3) Includes sound fiscal control and accounting procedures to 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. The competitive review will be conducted in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by panels of Federal and non-Federal expert reviewers knowledgeable in the areas of Public Welfare Programs, social science research, and dissemination of research findings. Application review panels will assign a score to each application and identify its strengths and weaknesses in direct relation to the evaluation criteria. OPRE will conduct an administrative review of the applications and results of the competitive review panels and make recommendations for funding to the Director of OPRE. The Director of OPRE will make the final selection of the applications to be funded. Applications may be funded in whole or in part depending on: (1) the ranked order of applicants resulting from competitive review; (2) staff review and consultations; (3) the combination of projects that best meet the information needs of the program; (4) the funds available; and (5) other relevant considerations. 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: It is expected that funding will be awarded no earlier 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: QuarterlyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Timothy Baker
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: Tim Chappelle
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 Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Posted on April 30, 2009 |
