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Executive Summary: The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funds to award grants to plan and implement up to five Family Support 360 Centers for families of persons with developmental disabilities. The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, Public Law (P.L.) 106-402, 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 15081(2) authorizes ADD to "support the development of national and State policies that reinforce and promote, with the support of families, guardians, advocates, and communities, of individuals with developmental disabilities, the self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life of such individuals through- (A) family support activities" (DD Act of 2000, § 161(2)). I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION Statutory Authority The legislative authority for this funding opportunity is Title I, Subtitle E of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act of 2000) (42 U.S.C.§§ 15081-83). Description Background The DD Act of 2000 authorizes support and assistance to States, public agencies, and private, non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations, to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of, and have access to, culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance and opportunities that promote independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community. As defined in the DD Act of 2000 (§ 102(8)(A)), the term "developmental disabilities" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments that are manifested before the individual attains age 22 and are likely to continue indefinitely. Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three or more of the following functional areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and capacity for economic self-sufficiency. The DD Act of 2000 identifies a number of significant findings, including:
The DD Act of 2000 also promotes the best practices and policies presented below:
ADD, like other programs in ACF, promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities. ACF and ADD envision:
There are four programs authorized by the DD Act of 2000: (1) State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (Subtitle B); (2) Protection and Advocacy Systems (Subtitle C); (3) University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (Subtitle D); and (4) Projects of National Significance (Subtitle E). Each of these programs engages in systemic change, capacity building, and advocacy activities both as a collaborative network and as independent entities to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and enhance participation in community life in the State. This program announcement provides information about funding within the Projects of National Significance (PNS) program. Description The purpose of this notice is to announce the availability of FY 2009 grant award funds to plan and implement Family Support 360 Centers. Background on Family Support 360 Projects In FY 2004, ADD awarded grants to 21 entities to implement Family Support 360 projects and establish and operate one-stop centers to help communities meet the many needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The families helped are members of unserved or underserved populations. Through the one-stop centers, a family receives a family assessment and participates in the development of its individual family plan. The plan includes the services and supports (e.g., health and/or mental health care, housing, counseling and/or marriage education, parenting skills development, child care, employment, transportation, respite care, personal assistance care, financial assistance and/or management) the family needs that may be provided by public human service agencies or private community and faith-based groups. In FY 2008, ADD awarded grants to four entities to plan and implement Family Support 360 for Military Families projects. These one-stop centers will enhance the capabilities of families in assisting children with developmental disabilities to achieve their maximum potential; support the increasing ability of children with developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice and self-determination and to engage in leadership activities in their communities; and ensure the protection of children with developmental disabilities' legal and human rights. While many service programs are available in this country, human service systems often fail to meet the diverse needs of an individual with developmental disabilities and his or her family. A family may need several services, and many human service systems address primarily one need, such as health, education, or employment. These systems usually focus on one individual, not the person and his or her family. Each project will assist 20 families in year one, and 40 families each year in the second through fifth years. These grants support the emergence of new leaders in the delivery of human services and demonstrate new models that others may replicate for reaching and serving people. They increase public and private partnerships, fostering trust and collaboration efforts. Most importantly, the grants provide families the services and supports they need, when they need them, and help families to stay together and thrive. Project Design Successful applicants will have up to six months to develop a formal implementation plan. They will describe how they expect to implement the plan by the seventh month. They will be expected to implement the plan at the beginning of the seventh month of the grant, serving at least 20 families in the first year, and 40 families of individuals with developmental disabilities each year in years 2 through 5. Each family served through the 360 one-stop will receive an assessment, participate in the development of a family plan, which contains the services and supports the family will receive, and prior to and during the implementation of a family's plan, the family will have access to a navigator to assist the family learn about and successfully access the services contained in the family's plan. Definition Navigator: individual who assists families in identifying needs for support, developing a plan of action, and obtaining access to relevant supports. The navigator is not a case manager, but a guide and advocate for families he or she helps. Many paid and unpaid navigators in current Family Support 360 projects are parents of children with developmental disabilities. Application Requirements Even though successful applicants will have up to six months to develop an implementation plan, for reviewers to get a sense of the capacity and expertise of applicants, each will need to provide its initial best judgment as to how it would establish and operate a 360 one-stop to serve the required number of families (i.e., 20 in year one, and 40 in each year for years two through five) with navigators during each year of a grant. In the application, the applicant must address the following: General Parameters for Services and Supports to Targeted Families: Applicants must describe how they would approach - information and referrals, as well as in-depth planning for services and supports. The families projected to be served would have access to individualized family-centered assessment and planning for services and supports. Individualized planning may focus on one or more of the following areas of need: healthcare and mental health services, eligibility for personal assistance and supports (e.g., access to direct care workers, respite care, food stamps, and cash assistance), accessible transportation, child care services, family strengthening services (e.g., parenting education and marriage education), early intervention, education, housing, and employment-related assistance. The individualized planning and assessment through the one-stop must involve at least three services in the first year of the grant, with three additional services being made available each year in years two through five of the grant. The selection of services to be offered in any year should be those that the eligible targeted families will most likely need throughout the grant year. Area of Need. The applicant must indicate in its application the number families of individuals with developmental disabilities that could benefit from a Family Support 360 project. Involvement and Input from Targeted Families. The applicant should describe how it will establish and use an advisory committee that primarily (greater than 50 percent) consists families of individuals with developmental disabilities. This committee will allow the families to make decisions on how the grant funding will be spent on activities and outcomes of the project. Project Partnerships. The applicant should describe the process of collaboration with the Governor or his/her designee, participating agencies, organizations, the Developmental Disabilities Network (the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the State Protection and Advocacy System, and the University Center on Developmental Disabilities Research, Education and Service) in that State or Territory, and other relevant partners in planning or implementation of a Family Support 360 project if funded. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with Parent Training and Information Centers program efforts in areas where they exist. Letters of support should accompany the application. Building Consensus for an Implementation Plan. Applicants should describe how they will build a consensus for an implementation plan with their partners to establish and sustain a one-stop center for the targeted families. Implementation plans should include Federal, State and local inter-agency collaboration, and public-private partnerships to achieve service integration for targeted families. Operational Components. Applicants should provide their initial best judgments related to: (1) Criteria and process for selecting targeted families to be served by the one-stop center. For example, families could be required to have eligibility for Medicaid, be among the geographically unserved or underserved, or be eligible for TANF. (2) Criteria to be used to establish that a family has achieved the outcomes in its family-centered plan; (3) Operations and procedures relating to the following: a. Outreach to and recruitment of targeted families; b. Information and referral to targeted families, community organizations assisting families in need (including those involved in family-strengthening), and others; c. Intake, assessment, and determination of eligibility of families; d. Development and monitoring of Individualized Family Plans (the process for developing and implementing the plans, including who will be involved in the plan development and who will monitor progress, and the types of intervention to be pursued when a targeted family experiences problems related to its plan); e. Records maintenance (access to and retrieval of files, and the confidentiality of families' personal information); and f. Financing of services (a description of how funding for the services and supports in a family's plan could be secured); (4) Staffing patterns and staff requirements; (5) Roles of the participating agencies and organizations; (6) Organizational chart for the one-stop center; (7) Space and equipment requirements; (8) Timetable for implementing this plan for the one-stop center; and (9) Budget requirements for the one-stop center. These operational parameters would be the framework for the development of the implementation plan. The implementation plan would contain more detail and modifications to the operational parameters as the result of planning activities. For example, when a grantee begins formal discussions with potential partners about the details of collaboration in the one-stop, new resources may be offered and new roles may emerge. This new information would be captured in the implementation plan. Assessment of the Capacity and Capability of Information Technology. The applicant should provide a needs assessment for and/or design of an information system with a single point of entry for the one-stop center. This activity may involve identifying and testing existing software and hardware to support the computer and informational needs of the one-stop center or designing new technology. Existing Resources. Each applicant should identify existing State and local resources for targeted families, including information on services and supports that are available from community groups and faith-based organizations, including those that provide family-strengthening services. This information would form the initial database for the one-stop center, leading to a hard copy or e-catalog of services and supports for the staff members and targeted families. Key Personnel. Each applicant should describe the staff to be used in the first six months and their functions and initial projection for recruitment and securing key personnel, especially navigators, for implementation. Staff should have substantial experience living with a developmental disability or have direct substantial experience assisting individuals with developmental disabilities. Training Needs. Each applicant should identify the anticipated training needs of current and potential staff members who will work with targeted families, and may include educational and training issues for non-staff assisting the targeted families in other settings and environments. Civil Rights. Each applicant should describe how it will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, where applicable, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998. Communication and Dissemination. Each applicant should provide evidence of having the capacity to communicate and disseminate information with their project partners and others through e-mail and other effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic communication. Analysis of Eligibility. The applicant must provide a review of existing State and Federal laws that impact the targeted families. At a minimum, a legal analysis should provide a detailed summary of the following issues: (1) Funding streams for services and supports to families with members who have developmental disabilities; (2) The legal and policy barriers for targeted families to achieving self-sufficiency; and (3) Eligibility criteria and other program requirements that may pose obstacles to serving targeted families. Assurance Related to Providing an Implementation Plan and Implementing It. Each applicant must provide assurances that it will provide an implementation plan to ADD no later than six months after receiving the initial grant award and that it will implement the plan in month seven of year one through year five of the grant. Project Meeting: Each applicant's proposed project budget must include estimated travel expenses (airfare, ground transportation, lodging, etc.) for one administrator and one navigator to attend a three day meeting in II. AWARD INFORMATION
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 42 U.S.C. §15082 (DD Act § 162) authorizes grants only to "public or private nonprofit entities." The following entities from the States and Territories listed below are eligible to apply.
States and Territories that were not funded to implement a Family Support 360 grant in FY 2004 are eligible to apply. These are: Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement. Faith-based and community organizations are eligible to apply under this announcement. Please see "Eligibility Certification" found in Section IV.2 for any required documentation supporting eligibility. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes Grantees must provide at least 25 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. For example, in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a total approved project cost of $266,667, requesting $200,000 in ACF funds, must provide a non-Federal share of at least $66,667 (25 percent) of total approved project cost of $266,667. Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if they exceed the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the required amount will result in the disallowance of Federal funds. A lack of supporting documents at the time of application will not exclude the application from competitive review. 3. Other: The application must include a letter from the Governor designating the lead agency for the Family Support 360 Center grant. If the designated lead agency is not to be a State or local public human services agency, the Governor must, in a letter to the Commissioner of ADD also identify a State or local human service agency that will be the lead partner with the private lead agency which is being designated by the Governor. The Governor's letter must accompany the application at the time of submission for funding consideration. Applications that do not include this letter will not be reviewed and ranked for funding consideration. 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. Applications must include a letter from the Governor designating the applicant as the lead agency for the State or Territory. Any application which fails to satisfy this requirement 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: Ophelia McLain 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. 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. 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. The Letter of Intent should include the following information:
The Project Description The project description is a very important part of an application. It should be clear, concise, and address the specific requirements mentioned under Section I. The project description pages should be numbered and double-spaced. The length of the application, including all attachments and required Federal forms, must not exceed 75 pages. The federally required forms will be counted towards the total number of pages. Any application that exceeds the 75-page limit requirement will have the additional pages removed from the application prior to the review. 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. The letter of intent can be sent via email to ophelia.mclain@acf.hhs.gov or via U.S. Mail to: Ophelia M. McLain Administration on Developmental Disabilities Administration for Children and Families U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW Mail Stop: HHH 405D Washington, DC 20447TABLE 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 Letter of Intent: 05/27/2009 Due Date for Applications: 06/26/2009 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 Tim ChappelleOffice of Grants Management Administration for Children and Families U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW. Mail Stop: Aerospace Building, 6th Floor East Washington, DC 20447 Hand Delivery Tim ChappelleOffice of Grants Management Administration for Children and Families U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 901 D. Street SW., Aerospace Bldg. ACF Mailroom, Second Floor Loading Dock Washington, DC 20447 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: Competing applications for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the criteria described in this section. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance that ACF places on each review criterion. Applicants should address these criteria in the process of developing their application, as they are the basis upon which their applications will be judged. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information (i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).
This criterion will be evaluated to the extent the abstract is present and complete. The project abstract provides crucial project information in a concise format and is used by the independent review panel, ADD staff and Commissioner during all phases of the review process. The project summary section of the abstract focuses on the specific purpose of the proposal. The summary must include a brief statement of need, the project goal, project objectives and impact indicators.
15 Points Provides evidence of a well developed work plan that includes a clear description of the scope and detail of the proposed work; includes reference to a list of measurable and attainable goals and provides quantitative 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 to be accomplished; and provides a chronological order of approach with target dates. 5 Points Identifies innovative design and methods, including the strategies for reaching out to the target families. 5 Points Describes how services will be provided in a way that will include the meaningful participation of individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. 5 Points Describes prior experience working in partnership with families and related organizations to empower families of children with developmental disabilities. 5 Points Identifies and delineates the roles and involvement of the Governor or his or her designee, organizations, the Developmental Disabilities Network (Council on Developmental Disabilities, Protection and Advocacy System, and University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities), Parent Training and Information Center, and other collaborators. 3 Points Cites factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work. 2 Points Describes how the entity will ensure the confidentiality of personal information while protecting the safety of individuals with developmental disabilities and family members.
15 Points Clearly identifies the need for assistance, describes the significant features and components of the program, clearly states the goals and subordinate objectives of the project, and provides a rationale for project goals in one or more selected areas of emphasis (child care, education and early intervention, employment, health, housing, recreation, transportation, and quality assurance). Maps or other graphic aids may be included. 5 Points Provides evidence of input from individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Evidence includes various aspects of the planning and implementation phases. 5 Points Provides relevant data based on research and/or planning studies.
5 Points Provides a detailed narrative outlining how families will be selected and project results will be evaluated. Discusses the criteria to be used to evaluate results. 5 Points Describes the methodology that will be used to determine the basis for developing performance measures and evaluating the extent to which the goals and objectives have been achieved. Methodology includes sound justification of its use. 5 Points With respect to the conduct of the project, defines the procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and discusses the impact of the project's various activities on the project's effectiveness. This could include an internal process, including the frequency for tracking program performance using internal data to make periodic program adjustments that will improve performance.
4 Points Describes the role and involvement of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in the proposed project and organization. 3 Points Provides biographical sketches of key staff. Each biographical sketch includes work in the developmental disabilities field. 3 Points Provides job descriptions for each key person appointed or to be appointed. The application must identify the person/position who would serve as the point of contact for this grant. 2 Points Details methods for recruitment and retention of key staff. This could include what has been done in the past or what will be utilized in the future. 1 Point Includes an organizational chart. The organizational chart includes roles outlined in the application.
3 Points Provides a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived and discusses the necessity, reasonableness, and appropriateness of the costs. 2 Points Provides a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form; detailed calculations that include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated; a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. 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 applications will be reviewed by a panel of approximately three individuals who are all non-Federal reviewers. The reviewers will have knowledge of issues pertaining to people with developmental disabilities. Please refer to Section IV.2 of this announcement for information on non-Federal reviewers in the review process. Approved but Unfunded Applications Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Projects will be funded by September 30, 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 In the first semi-annual report, successful applicants will provide a formal implementation plan, as previously stated in this program announcement. Each semi-annual report will include:
VII. AGENCY CONTACTS Program Office Contact: Ophelia McLain
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 The statutory requirements for the ADD programs and information about program accountability can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/ddact/DDACT2.html Checklist You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your application package.
Posted on April 27, 2009 |
