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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 develop training materials and provide training to families of children with disabilities. This funding opportunity will provide and promote leadership training by and for families of children with disabilities, as described in Section 202(b)(2) of the Families of Children with Disabilities Support Act of 2000. Such training shall be designed to increase access to and availability of family support services and must address policy development, implementation and evaluation of family support services for families of children with disabilities. This funding opportunity will be open to national non-profit organizations with demonstrated capacity at the state and local levels to foster and provide direct services to families of children with disabilities. 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. 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 divisions 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). The purpose of this notice is to announce the availability of FY 2009 grant award funds to increase access to and availability of family support services and address policy development, implementation and evaluation of family support services for families of children with disabilities. In FY 2008, ADD awarded a two-year contract to the Academy for Educational Development (AED) to develop and maintain a National Clearinghouse and Technical Assistance Center of Family Support to:
This is now called, The Family Support Center on Disabilities: Knowledge & Involvement Network. For more information, please see www.familysupportclearinghouse.org. Project Design Successful applicants will plan, design and implement training modules to train families of children with disabilities on the local, State, regional or national level. Such applicants will explore ways in which resources and partnerships can be used to effectively train families of children with disabilities. This training will promote leadership by families in planning, policy development, implementation, and evaluation of family support services for families of children with disabilities. This training will be developed and conducted in conjunction with the State Actions Teams, facilitated by the Family Support Center on Disabilities: Knowledge & Involvement Network. Definitions Child: A child through age 8, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition that presents a high probability of resulting in a disability if services are not provided; or an individual from birth to any age, if the individual has a significant physical or mental impairment and is living with a family member. [See Section 203(a)(1) and (b) of the Families of Children with Disabilities Support Act of 2000.] Target: This relates to the poor and geographically unserved and underserved families of children with disabilities. This includes underserved families from racial, ethnic, or cultural minority backgrounds. Minimum Requirements for Project Design The applicant will outline its strategy as it relates to project and training design, evaluation, and family involvement. Specific information on the proposed project should be included. Inclusion and discussion of these items is important since they will be used by the reviewers to evaluate the applications against the evaluation criteria. Involvement and Input from Targeted Population The meaningful involvement of families of children with disabilities must be an essential and measurable element of all project planning activities. Project Partnerships Project activities must be conducted in partnership with at least one Parent Training and Information Center, The Family Support Center on Disabilities: Knowledge & Involvement Network, the Developmental Disabilities Network (the State Developmental Disabilities Council, the State Protection and Advocacy System, and the University Center(s) on Developmental Disabilities) in the applicant's State or Territory, as well as others (including, but not limited to, disability-related service providers, family support groups and faith-based organizations). Capacity A plan of action for the training and training requests to assist in developing training materials has to be outlined. Applicants must describe their organizational capability, including how they will manage this training, and document their experience in delivering training at a national, regional, state, or local level. The applicant must show that it has the capacity to respond to training requests and provide training on a local, state, regional or national level, as well as effectively evaluate families support services for families of children with disabilities. Existing Resources Each applicant should identify existing State and local resources and curriculum for the target population, including information on services, community groups and faith-based organizations. Modes of Training A discussion on the various forms of training that will be offered should be conducted. A needs assessment for and/or design of an information system, to show different modes of training as well as address the digital divide may be included. The project may elect to explore education and training opportunities in other settings and environments with and for individuals assisting the target population. Training Needs Entities awarded will partner with the Family Support Center on Disabilities: Knowledge & Involvement Network, funded by ADD to include State Teams as a means whereby partnerships can be formed and needs assessments can be conducted to effectively train families of children with disabilities. In addition, each applicant should identify the training needs of, and existing opportunities and resources for staff members working with the target population. Development of policies and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) Each grantee should develop MOUs, policy statements, and procedures between State and local partners on key issues for providing training to families of individuals with disabilities. Some of the key issues to be agreed upon among the partners should include deciding how training will be conducted, how the target population will be reached, the roles of organizations' staff members, and the lead organization's responsibilities. Key Personnel Applicants must describe the roles and responsibilities of project staff and explain the program's organizational structure and operations. Management and staffing patterns must be clearly and evidently connected to the project design. Project Outcomes Specific outcomes for the project must be tied to increasing access to and availability of family support services. Policy development and implementation and evaluation of family support services for families of children with disabilities should be addressed. II. AWARD INFORMATION
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability of funds. Additional Information on Awards: Applicants should submit a budget for the 12-month project period. 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."
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: Only national non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. If applications are submitted from other organizations, they 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. 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 60 pages. The federally required forms will be counted towards the total number of pages. Any application that exceeds the 60-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, MS 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. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following are requests for additional information that must be included in the application:
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION Provide a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, and allocation of the proposed costs.
(As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, P.L. 104-13, the public reporting burden for the Project Description is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection information. The Project Description information collection is approved under OMB control number 0970-0139, which expires 4/30/2010. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.) CertificationsApplicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their application. If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions. The Certification Regarding Lobbying may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. When required for programs that involve human subjects, the Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All forms may be reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption (Common Rule) form may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. 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: 06/22/2009 Due Date for Applications: 07/21/2009 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.
10 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 the project goals. Maps or other graphic aids may be included. 5 Points Provides evidence of input from children with disabilities and family members. This includes the method(s) by which input was received. 5 Points Provides relevant data based on research and/or planning studies.
10 Points Provides evidence of a well developed strategic 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 population. Shows its ability to develop a marketing plan that outlines the research or development of products and materials that will inform families of children with disabilities. The design and methods described will specify how they relate to the project goals and objectives. 5 Points The extent to which the applicant describes how training will be provided in a way that will include the meaningful participation of individuals with disabilities and family members of individuals with disabilities. 5 Points The extent to which the applicant describes prior experience working in partnership with children with disabilities and family members of children with disabilities. 5 Points Identifies and delineates the roles and involvement of all partners including at least one Parent Training and Information Center, The Family Support Center on Disabilities: Knowledge & Involvement Network, the Developmental Disabilities Network (Council on Developmental Disabilities, Protection and Advocacy System, and University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) in the applicant's State or Territory, family support groups and other relevant organizations. 3 Points Cites factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work. 2 Points The extent to which the applicant describes how the entity will ensure the confidentiality of personal information while protecting the safety of children with disabilities and family members.
5 Points The extent to which the applicant describes prior experience in delivering training and technical assistance on a local, State, regional, or national level. The extent to which the applicant describes the organizational capacity to include how the training with be managed and conducted. 4 Points The extent to which the applicant describes the role and involvement of families of children with disabilities in the proposed project and organization. 4 Points Provides biographical sketches of key staff. Each biographical sketch includes work in the disabilities or training 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. 3 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.
5 Points The extent to which the applicant 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. Describes how this will be implemented. 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 strategic 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.
5 Points Provides a narrative budget justification that describes how the categorical costs are derived and discusses the necessity, reasonableness, and appropriateness of the costs. 5 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. To the greatest extent possible, efforts will be made to ensure that funding decisions reflect an equitable distribution of assistance among the States, Territories and geographical regions of the country, rural and urban areas, and ethnic populations. In making these decisions, ADD may also take into account the need to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort. Please refer to Section IV.2 of this announcement for information on non-Federal reviewers in the review process. Please refer to Section IV.2 of this announcement for information on non-Federal reviewers in the review process. Approved but Unfunded Applications Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, for a period not to exceed one year. 3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates: Not Applicable.VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 1. Award Notices: Successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Notice of Award (NoA) document that sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The NoA will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail. Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the Program Office head. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: Grantees are subject to the administrative requirements in 45 CFR Part 74 (for non-governmental entities) or 45 CFR Part 92 (for governmental entities). Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the services funded under this program. Regulations pertaining to the Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be found at the HHS web site at: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf. A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents in accordance with all program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of HHS funded activities. Additional information on "Understanding the Regulations Related to the Faith-Based and Community Initiative" can be found at: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/regulations/index.html. HHS Grants Policy Statement The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents, the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions, and points of contact, as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements. Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html. 3. Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to submit performance progress and financial reports periodically throughout the project period. Frequency of reporting is listed later in this section. Beginning with FY 2009 awards, most ACF grantees will begin using the a Standard Form (SF) for required performance progress reporting (PPR). The SF-PPR is a standard government-wide performance progress reporting format consisting of a series of forms implemented by Federal agencies to collect performance information from award recipients. Most ACF grantees will begin using the standard format implemented through ACF's Office of Grants Management (OGM), entitled the "ACF-OGM-SF-PPR." Use of the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR will begin for new awards and continuation awards made by ACF in FY 2009. At a minimum, grantees will be required to submit the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR, which consists of the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR Coversheet and the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR Appendix B Program Indicators. ACF Programs that utilize other SF-PPR reporting formats, or other reporting forms or formats that differ from the new ACF-OGM-SF-PPR, have listed those forms or formats below. Grant award documents will inform grantees of the appropriate performance progress report form or format to use beginning in FY 2009. Grantees will continue to use the Financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269 (long form) for required financial reporting. The SF-269 (long form) and the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR may be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Grantees should consult their award documents to determine the appropriate performance progress report format required under their award. Performance progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the end of the reporting period. Final program performance and financial reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period. Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants Management Office Contact listed in Section VII. of this announcement. Program Progress Reports: QuarterlyFinancial Reports: Semi-Annually Each quarterly 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 May 22, 2009 |
