[Federal Register: July 21, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 139)]
[Notices]
[Page 43126-43133]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21jy03-79]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
[Program Announcement No. ACYF/HS-2003-17]
Fiscal Year 2003 Discretionary Grant Announcement for Head Start
Partnerships With Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and
Universities; Availability of Funds and Request for Applications
AGENCY: Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF),
Administration for Children and Families (ACF), DHHS.
ACTION: Announcement of the availability of funds and request for
[[Page 43127]]
applications for professional development and training grants Tribally
Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCU) in partnership
with Head Start and Early Head Start programs to improve services to
American Indian and Alaska Native children and their families.
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The catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 93.600.
SUMMARY: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF),
Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), announces the
availability of up to $1,500,000 in funds for Tribally Controlled Land
Grant Colleges and Universities (TCU) in partnership with Head Start
and Early Head Start programs. The purpose is to improve the quality
and long-term effectiveness of Head Start and Early Head Start program
services to American Indian and Alaska Native children and their
families by developing academic and other training models and forming
partnerships between the TCUs and Head Start and Early Head Start
programs.
CLOSING DATE: The closing time and date for receipt of application is
4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on August 20, 2003. Applications received
after the closing date and time will be classified as late.
ADDRESSES: Mailed and hand-carried applications will be received at the
following address: ACYF Operations Center, Head Start Partnerships with
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities (TCUs), 1150
Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036, Telephone:
1-800-351-2293, e-mail: HSB@esilsg.org. Hand delivered, courier or overnight delivery applications are
accepted during the normal working hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, on or prior to the established closing date. All
packages should be clearly labeled as follows: Application for Head
Start Partnerships with Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/
Universities (TCUs).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Head Start Discretionary Grant
Support Team (1-800-351-2293) is available to answer questions
concerning application requirements and to refer you to the appropriate
contact person in ACYF for programmatic questions. You may e-mail your
questions to: e-mail: HSB@esilsg.org. When contacting ACYF directly
with programmatic questions send to William Wilson, Grants Officer, 330
C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447, 202-205-8913, wwilson@acf.hhs.gov. If you are interested in submitting an application, please send a
post card or call at least four weeks prior to the submission deadline
with the following information: The name, address, telephone and fax
numbers, and e-mail address of the principal investigator and the name
of the institution. This information will be used to determine the
number of expert reviewers needed to evaluate applications. Send the
declaration of interest information to: ACYF Operations Center, 1150
Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036, Telephone:
1-800-351-2293, e-mail: HSB@esilsg.org. Copies of the program announcement, necessary application forms and
appendices can be obtained by contacting the above address, and/or
visiting the ACYF Web site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/grant/fundingopportunities/fundopport.htm
.
Fiscal Year 2003 Discretionary Announcement for Head Start Partnerships
With Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities (TCUs)
Part I. Purpose and Background
A. Purpose
This announcement of financial assistance, to be competitively
awarded to Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities
(TCUs), is to utilize the capabilities of these institutions of higher
education to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of Head
Start and Early Head Start programs. This will be achieved by providing
academic training and forming partnerships between the TCUs and Head
Start grantees and delegate agencies funded through the American Indian
and Alaskan Native Programs Branch (AIANPB) of the Head Start Bureau.
The institutions of higher education that will be funded under this
announcement, together with those TCUs currently funded under this
initiative, will form a consortium to share methods, approaches,
experiences, and lessons learned. The consortium is a partner of the
Head Start National Training and Technical Assistance (T&TA) network in
providing assistance to AIANPB Head Start grantees.
Throughout this announcement, the term Head Start program or Head
Start agency refers to both AIANPB funded Head Start and Early Head
Start grantees or delegate agencies unless otherwise specifically
noted.
B. Background
The overall goal of Head Start is to ensure that children of low-
income families nearing the end of the preschool period and entering
school are ready for school success. In order to accomplish this goal,
Head Start provides comprehensive services to the children and their
families. Head Start enhances children's physical, intellectual,
social, and emotional development. It supports parents in their efforts
to fulfill their parental roles and provides for their involvement in
implementing the Head Start program. Another goal of Head Start is to
strengthen community supports for families with young children while
they are working towards employment and self-sufficiency.
In an attempt to ensure quality services to children and their low-
income families Head Start has conducted many demonstration projects,
provided grantees with training and technical assistance, and given
grantees funds to implement their own training efforts. For example,
Head Start supported the creation of the Child Development Associate
(CDA) credential designed for early childhood development teaching
staff and implemented the Head Start Teaching Centers and other
innovative projects.
The Head Start-Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/Universities
Partnerships are closely aligned with the Head Start tradition of
creating innovative programs and working with low-income children and
their families. From 1999 to 2001, ACF awarded grants to 16 TCUs to
form partnerships with Head Start programs funded through AIANPB and to
provide training and education to Head Start staff members. A list of
these 16 institutions can be found in Appendix A. This announcement
will fund additional partnerships between AIANPB Head Start programs
and TCUs.
In the 1998 reauthorization of the Head Start Act, a key priority
of Congress was to continue to improve Head Start program quality and
accountability. A number of provisions were included in the new law to
achieve these goals, including new education performance standards and
measures, expansion of program monitoring to incorporate evidence of
progress on outcomes-based measures, expanded funding to upgrade
program quality and staff compensation, and higher education standards
for Head Start teachers. Among these provisions is the requirement
that, by September 30, 2003, at least half of all Head Start teachers
in center-based programs must have an AA, BA, or advanced degree in
Early Childhood Education (ECE) or in a related field with preschool
teaching experience. A degree in a field related to early childhood
education means a program of study that includes six or
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more courses in early childhood education and/or child development.
Teachers who have degrees in related fields must also have experience
teaching pre-school children. The Head Start Bureau is providing
various forms of assistance to local Head Start programs to implement
this teacher qualification legislative mandate. For example, to enhance
the numbers of teachers with degrees in early childhood education,
grantees have received $43,000,000 in funding in 1999 and an additional
$43,000,000 in 2000 to increase teacher salaries and expand access to
higher education courses and degree programs. Head Start-State
Collaboration Offices and training and technical assistance providers
currently help Head Start programs work with higher education
institutions on challenges such as linking training obtained in
conjunction with the CDA credential with academic credit and courses
leading to AA and BA degrees in early childhood education.
In January 2001, the President signed into law the ``No Child Left
Behind Act'' to make the education of every child in America one of the
country's top priorities. The Act seeks to ensure that public schools
teach children what they need to know to be successful in life and that
they also set high education standards in the classroom. In his 2002
State of the Union address, the President indicated the need to prepare
our children to read and succeed in school, including the improvement
of Head Start and early childhood development programs. In response to
these goals, the White House has developed an early childhood
initiative, which is built on raising the bar for Head Start Education
through researched methods that create a better learning environment
and improved outcomes for children. In his announcement of the Good
Start, Grow Smart Early Childhood Initiative in April 2002, the
President identified children's early literacy as a key focus for Head
Start program improvement. In this initiative, the President presented
three areas of focus for Head Start: (1) Strengthening Head Start
programs; (2) partnering with states to improve early childhood
education, and (3) providing information to teachers, caregivers, and
parents. The Head Start Bureau quickly responded to the President's
mandate by developing the Strategic Teacher Education Project (STEP) in
June 2002. The purpose of Project STEP is to ensure that all Head Start
teachers engage in research-based strategies to support children's
early literacy and positive social and emotional development, which, in
turn, will lead to positive child outcomes and school readiness.
Under this announcement, TCUs must form a partnership with one or
more AIANPB Head Start grantees, to develop curriculums and provide
education and/or training to Head Start teachers. The partnership
agreements must be beneficial to both the TCUs and the participating
Head Start grantees.
Partnership agreements must provide academic training and credit
hours for a specified number of Head Start teachers. Partnership
agreements must provide culturally appropriate education for Head Start
teachers that would lead to academic degrees. These agreements must
help Head Start teachers to provide courses on how to enhance early
literacy, how to assess outcomes of Head Start children, and/or how to
involve fathers in the lives of their children.
All project applications must address one of the following priority
areas:
1. Partnerships to increase the number of center-based teachers
with two-year degrees in early childhood education, and
2. Partnerships to increase the competency of Head Start in
building quality Head Start programs, particularly in enhancing
language development, early literacy and socio-emotional development,
as well as assessing child outcomes.
Part II. Program Information
A. Statutory Authority
The Head Start Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9801 et seq.
B. Eligible Applicants
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities are those
institutions cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land
Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), any other institution
that qualifies for funding under the Tribally Controlled Community
College Assistance Act of 1978, (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and Navajo
Community College, Authorized in the Navajo Community College
Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, title II (25 U.S.C. 640a
note). Those TCUs that are not accredited are not eligible to apply
under this announcement. TCUs that received the Head Start Partnerships
with TCUs grant in 2001 are not eligible to compete under this
announcement. These institutions are listed in Appendix A.
C. Project Duration
The length of the project period must not exceed 60 months. This
announcement is soliciting applications for project periods up to five
years. Awards, on a competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget
period, although project periods may be for five years. Applications
for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year
budget period but within the five-year project period will be reviewed
in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to availability
of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination
that continued funding would be in the best interest of the Government.
D. Federal Share of Project Costs
It is anticipated that up to $1,500,000 in ACF funds will be made
available annually. The maximum share for each project is not to exceed
$150,000 per year per project.
E. Number of Projects To Be Funded
It is anticipated that up to 10 projects will be funded.
F. Matching Requirement
There are no matching requirements, however applicants are
encouraged to provide non-Federal contributions to the project.
Part III. Application Requirements
The following Uniform Project Description (UPD) has been approved
by OMB under control number 0970-0139.
A. Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and 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 your project
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation
criteria should 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.
B. General Instructions
ACF is particularly interested in specific factual information and
statements of measurable goals in quantitative terms. Project
descriptions are evaluated on the basis of substance, not length.
Extensive exhibits are not required. Supporting information concerning
activities that will not be
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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. Pages are to be numbered and included in a table
of contents for easy reference.
Introduction
Applicants are required to submit a full project description and
shall prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The
instructions give a broad overview while the evaluation criteria expand
and clarify more program-specific information that is needed.
a. Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page) with
reference to the funding request.
b. Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and or 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.
c. Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, using
a comprehensive review of the current literature, justify how the
research questions and the findings will add new knowledge to the field
or how it will improve services for children and families.
d. 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 proportion of data collection expected to be completed.
When activity or function cannot quantify accomplishments, list them in
chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their
target dates.
If any data are to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.'' List 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.
C. Additional Information
Following is a description of additional information that should be
placed in the appendix to the application:
a. Staff and Position Data
Provide a job description for each key position and a biographical
sketch for each key person appointed. A biographical sketch with
acceptable credentials will also be required for new key staff as
appointed.
b. Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission. The
non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the
applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent
list of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the
IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or
association is domiciled or a statement from a State taxing body, State
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying the
applicant organization has a non-profit status and none of the net
earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals or any of
the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or
national organization and a statement signed by the parent organization
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate. Faith-
based institutions are encouraged to submit with their application the
optional survey located under ``Grant Manuals and Forms'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
.
c. Dissemination Plan
Provide a plan for distributing reports and other project outputs
to colleagues and the public. Applicants must provide a description of
the kind, volume and timing of distribution.
d. Budget And Budget Justification
Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs,
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also 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 allocability of the proposed costs.
D. General Budget Information
The following guidelines are for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. For purposes
of preparing the budget and budget justification, ``Federal resources''
refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. Non-Federal
resources are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. It is
suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a
columnar format: first column, object class categories; second column,
Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column,
total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.
a. Personnel
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Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
b. Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
c. Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored conferences should be detailed in the budget.
d. Equipment
Description: Costs of tangible, non-expendable, personal property,
having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of
$5,000 or more per unit. However, an applicant may use its own
definition of equipment provided that such equipment would at least
include all equipment defined above.
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
e. Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information that supports
the amount requested.
f. Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (non-contractual), professional services
costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer
use, training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development
costs, and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
g. Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals
may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant.
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
h. Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total Project
Costs
Self explanatory.
Part IV. Evaluation Criteria and Review Process
A. Evaluation Criteria
In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following
criteria:
Criterion 1. Approach: (45 points)
The extent to which the application, having met the minimum
requirements, designs an acceptable plan of action pertaining to the
scope of the project which details how the proposed work will be
accomplished. Include a timeline; lists of each organization,
consultants, including key individuals who will work on the project
along with a short description of the nature of their effort or
contribution. Assure the adequacy of time devoted to the project by key
staff. The key staff should be qualified and knowledgeable of Head
Start. The applicant must fully describe the approach and/or
methodology and delineate the relationship of each task to the
accomplishment of the proposed objectives. There should be evidence
that the planned approach reflects sufficient input from and
partnership with AIANPB funded Head Start programs.
The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following
aspects of the approach:
1. Describe the planning the applicant will conduct during the
start-up period to prepare for implementation of the program. Provide
assurance that no more than six months will be devoted to planning
activities.
2. Indicate how staff will be recruited and selected to participate
in the program. Clearly describe how the training and/or coursework
will be contextually and culturally relevant to the Head Start and
Early Head Start environment and how it will contribute to enhancing
the effectiveness of teachers, program quality and outcomes for Head
Start children and families.
3. Describe efforts by the TCU and Head Start partners to make
training and/or coursework accessible to Head Start participants and to
support their successful completion of courses, training, and degrees.
Include discussion of issues such as timing, scheduling, and location
of classes or training; support to enhance the literacy and study
skills of participants, and approaches to integrate training in the
working environment of the Head Start program. Provide assurance that
training/courses are offered at no cost to trainees.
4. Describe efforts to complement the Federal funds requested in
this proposal with other sources to maximize the benefits to the TCU.
Include any efforts or plans to assist Head Start staff in accessing
sources of financial assistance or to make use of other funding for
training and career development of early childhood program staff.
5. Document that the TCU currently offers training and/or credit
courses, and proposes to offer credit courses in the priority areas.
6. In case of academic training, describe how the staff's CDA
training and certification as well as previous
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coursework and credits will be linked to academic credits and course
sequences leading to academic degrees. Applicant should indicate how
many Head Start and Early Head Start staff members will be included in
this effort.
7. Describe the organizational structure that will support the
project objectives. Indicate how joint planning and assessment with the
AIANPB Head Start and Early Head Start grantees will be implemented
with timelines and clear lines of responsibility. Indicate how project
staff positions are assigned and describe their major functions and
responsibilities.
8. Describe the role the institution will play in the TCU
consortium funded under this initiative, and as a partner in the
national training and technical assistance network.
9. Describe the activities that will continue after the completion
of this project that will ensure that the TCU will continue to
participate in providing educational opportunities for AIANPB Head
Start and Early Head Start staff.
Criterion 2. Results or Benefits Expected: (20 points)
The extent to which the application identifies the results and
benefits to be derived; describes the anticipated contribution to
policy, practice, theory and/or research; specific benefits should be
described for both the TCU and AIANPB Head Start program.
The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following:
1. Based on the stated program objectives, identify the results and
benefits to be derived. Identify the specific results or benefits that
could be expected for the Head Start grantees and the TCU. Describe how
Head Start children will benefit from the project.
2. Identify both qualitative and quantitative data the program will
collect to measure progress towards the stated results or benefits.
Identify how the program will determine the extent to which it has
achieved its stated objectives.
3. To propose academic training leading to a college degree,
provide a projection of the estimated number of teachers that will earn
degrees over the duration of the project based on an analysis of the
current levels of credits/courses earned by participants and a proposed
sequence of courses.
Criterion 3. Budget and Budget Justification: (15 Points)
The extent to which the project's costs are reasonable in view of
the activities to be carried out and the anticipated outcomes.
Applicable Administrative Regulations
Applicable administrative regulations include 45 CFR part 74,
Administration of Grants, for profit agencies and 45CFR part 92,
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative
Agreements to State and local Governments.
Post-Award Reporting Requirements
Post-Award Reporting Requirements include submission of quarterly
programmatic and budget reports. Program reports must clearly outline
status on the accomplishment of stated goals and objectives. Financial
reports must provide status of budget expenditures, as well as
identifying any projected savings or shortages.
Criterion 4. Objectives and Need for Assistance: (10 Points)
The extent to which the application identifies relevant physical,
economic, social, financial, institutional or other problems requiring
a grant; demonstrates the need for assistance; states the principal and
subordinate objectives of the project; provides supporting
documentation or other testimonies from concerned interests other than
the applicant.
The Head Start Bureau is particularly interested in the following:
1. State the objectives for the program. Indicate how these
objectives are based on an assessment of community needs and how they
relate to Head Start goals. Describe the process used to assess the
need for the proposed program including the total number of staff
needing training, including preschool and infant/toddler teachers. If
an assessment already exists, the applicant should describe the process
used and explain any additional consultation as it relates to the
development of the proposed program.
2. Specifically identify the population to be served. Indicate the
AIANPB Head Start and Early Head Start grantees that are proposed as
participating partners, the numbers and types of staff to be trained
and the proposed areas of training, courses, and/or degrees to be
awarded, as appropriate.
3. Describe the development of institution's agreement with Head
Start partnerships and any other consultation related to the
development of the proposed initiative. Describe any efforts to frame
the proposed initiative within broader state or community efforts to
enhance professional and career development for staff in all forms of
early childhood and child care programs. Include support letters that
document consultation and support from the proposed grantee or delegate
agency partners, the Regional Head Start Quality Improvement Center
(QICs), the Head Start State Collaboration Office, and any existing
state early care and education initiatives.
Criterion 5. Geographic Location: (10 Points)
The extent to which the application gives a precise location of the
project and area to be served, including the location of the AIANPB
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees.
B. Review Process
Applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the
Federal government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in part III
of this announcement to review and score the applications. The results
of this review are a primary factor in making funding decisions. ACYF
may also solicit comments from ACF Regional Office staff and other
Federal agencies.
Part V. Instructions For Submitting Applications
A. Required Forms
Eligible applicants interested in applying for funds must submit a
complete application including the required forms included at the end
of this program announcement. In order to be considered for a grant
under this announcement, an application must be submitted on the
Standard Form 424 (approved by the Office of Management and Budget
under Control Number 0348-0043). A copy has been provided. Each
application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the
applicant and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by
the terms and conditions of the grant award. Applicants requesting
financial assistance for non-construction projects must file the
Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-Construction Programs (approved by
the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0040).
Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their
application. Applicants must provide a certification concerning
lobbying. Prior to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants
shall furnish an executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved
by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046).
Applicants must sign and return the certification with their
application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with
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the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification that they are
not presently debarred, suspended or otherwise ineligible for award. By
signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification with the
application.
Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable
for the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, part C
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as The Pro-Children's Act of
1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice that implements the
smoking prohibition is included with the forms. By signing and
submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification
and need not mail back the certification with the application.
All applicants for research projects must provide a Protection of
Human Subjects Assurance as specified in the policy described on the
HHS Form 596 (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under
control number 0925-0418). If there is a question regarding the
applicability of this assurance, contact the Office for Protection from
Research Risks of the National Institutes of Health at (301)-496-7041.
Those applying for or currently conducting research projects are
further advised of the availability of a Certificate of Confidentiality
through the National Institute of Mental Health of the Department of
Health and Human Services. To obtain more information and to apply for
a Certificate of Confidentiality, contact the Division of Extramural
Activities of the National Institute of Mental Health at (301) 443-
4673.
B. Application Limits
The narrative of the application should be double-spaced and
single-sided on 8\1/2\'' x 11'' plain white paper, with 1'' margins on
all sides. Use only a standard size font no smaller than 12 pitch
throughout the proposal. All pages of the narrative of the application
(including appendices, resumes, charts, references/footnotes, tables,
maps and exhibits) must be sequentially numbered, beginning on the
first page after the budget justification, the principal investigator
contact information and the Table of Contents. The length of the
application, including the narrative, and excluding the appendices and
resumes must not exceed 65 pages. Anything over 65 pages will be
removed and not considered by the reviewers. The project summary should
not be counted in the 65 pages. Applicants are requested not to send
pamphlets, brochures, or other printed material along with their
applications as these pose copying difficulties. These materials, if
submitted, will not be included in the review process. In addition,
applicants must not submit any additional letters of endorsement beyond
any that may be required. Applicants may omit from the application
copies (not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for
individuals specified in the application budget and social security
numbers if otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include
summary salary information.
Applicants are encouraged to submit curriculum vitae using
``Biographical Sketch'' forms used by some government agencies.
Please note that applicants that do not comply with the
requirements in the section on ``Eligible Applicants'' will not be
included in the review process.
C. Checklist for a Complete Application
The checklist below is for your use to ensure that the application
package has been properly prepared.
--One original, signed and dated application plus two copies.
--Attachments/Appendices, when included, should be used only to provide
supporting documentation such as resumes, and letters of agreement/
support.
Front Matter:
[sbull] Cover Letter
[sbull] Table of Contents
[sbull] Project Abstract
(1) Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, REV. 4-92);
(2) Budget information-Non-Construction Programs (SF424A&B REV.4-
92);
(3) Budget Justification, including subcontract agency budgets;
(4) Letter from the AIANPB Head Start program certifying that the
program is a partner of the TCU;
(5) Application Narrative, excluding Appendices and resumes (not to
exceed 65 pages);
(6) Proof that the organization is a TCU.
(7) Assurances Non-Construction Programs;
(8) Certification Regarding Lobbying;
(9) Where appropriate, a completed SPOC certification with the date
of SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF 424, REV.4-92;
(10) Certification of Protection of Human Subjects.
D. Due Date for the Receipt of Applications
Deadlines: The closing date for the submission of applications is
4:30 p.m. (EDT) on August 20, 2003. Applications received after the
closing date will be classified as late and not considered for funding.
Applications should be mailed to: ACYF Operations Center, 1150
Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036, Telephone:
1-800-351-2293.
Application for Head Start Discretionary Grants: Head Start
Partnerships with Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and
Universities (TCUs). Applications received after the closing date and
time will be classified as late.
Applications hand carried by applicants, courier services, or by
overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting the
announced deadline only if they are received on or before the deadline
date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at the ACYF Operations
Center, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036,
between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). (Applicants are
cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as
agreed.)
ACYF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to
ACYF electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time of
submission and time of receipt.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late
applicant that its application will not be considered.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend an application deadline for
applicants affected by acts of God such as floods, hurricanes, or when
there is widespread disruption of the mail, or when it is anticipated
that many applications will come from rural or remote areas. A
determination to waive or extend deadline requirements rests with the
Chief Grants Management Officer.
E. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13, the
Department is required to submit to OMB for review and approval any
reporting and record keeping requirements in regulations including
program announcements. All information collections within this program
announcement are approved under the following current valid OMB control
numbers 0970-0139 which expires 12/31/2003.
[[Page 43133]]
Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average
10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection
of information.
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.
F. Required Notification of the State Single Point of Contact
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, and 45 CFR part 100,
Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Program and Activities. Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona,
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, and Palau have elected to participate in
the Executive Order process and have established Single Points of
Contact (SPOCs). Applicants from these twenty-six jurisdictions need
take no action regarding E.O. 12372. Applicants for projects to be
administered by Federally-recognized Indian Tribes are also exempt from
the requirements of E.O. 12372.
All remaining jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order
process and have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating
jurisdictions should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert
them of the prospective applications and receive instructions. The
applicant must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and
indicate the date of the submittal (or the date of contact if no
submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR
100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to
comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. Applicants
must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so
that the Federal program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as
part of the award process. A listing of the SPOC for each participating
state and territory with contact and address information is available
at http://whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations.
Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly differentiate between
mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations
which may trigger the accommodate or explain rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: William Wilson, ACYF/Office of Grants Management, 330 C
Street SW, Washington, DC 20447, Attn: Head Start Partnerships with
Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities. A list of the
Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory can be found on
the Web site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance 93.600.
Dated: July 10, 2003.
Joan E. Ohl,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
Appendix A--List of Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges/
Universities
1999 Institutions (Expiring FY 2003)
1. College of Menominee Nation
2. Fort Peck Community College
3. Leech Lake Community College
4. Northwest Community College
5. Sitting Bull College
6. Stone Child Community College
2000 Institutions (Expiring FY 2003)
1. Bay Mills Community College
2. Blackfeet Community College
3. Dull Knife College
4. Ft. Belknap
5. Little Big Horn College
6. Oglala Lakota
7. SIPI College
2001 Institutions (Expiring FY 2006)
1. Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
2. Salish Kootenai College
3. Sinte Glaska University
[FR Doc. 03-18167 Filed 7-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P