[Federal Register: November 14, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 220)]
[Notices]
[Page 64685-64717]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14no03-136]
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Part II
Department of Health and Human Services
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Administration for Children and Families
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Notice of Public Comment on the Proposed Adoption of ANA Program
Policies and Procedures; Notice
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Notice of Public Comment on the Proposed Adoption of ANA Program
Policies and Procedures
SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 814 of the Native American Programs Act of
1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b-1, the Administration for Native
Americans (ANA) herein describes its proposed interpretive rules,
general statements of policy and rules of agency procedure or practice
relating to the Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS),
Language Preservation and Maintenance (hereinafter referred to as
Native Language), and Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (hereinafter
referred to as Environmental) programs. Under the statute, ANA is
required to provide members of the public an opportunity to comment on
proposed changes in interpretive rules, statements of general policy,
and rule of agency procedure or practice and to give notice of the
final adoption of such changes at least 30 days before the changes
become effective. The notice also provides additional information about
ANA's plans for administering these programs.
DATES: The deadline for receipt of comments is November 28, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Comments in response to this notice should be addressed to
Sheila Cooper, Director of Program Operations, Administration for
Native Americans, 370, L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop: Aerospace 8-
West, Washington, DC 20447. Delays may occur in mail delivery to
Federal offices; therefore, a copy of comments should also be faxed to:
(202) 690-7441. Comments will be available for inspection by members of
the public at Administration for Native Americans, Aerospace Center,
901 D Street SW., Washington, DC 20447.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila Cooper, 202-690-7732.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 814 of the Native American Programs
Act of 1974, (the Act), as amended, requires the Administration for
Native Americans (ANA) to provide notice of its proposed interpretive
rules, statements of policy and rule of agency organization, procedure
or practice. These proposed clarifications and modifications will
appear in the FY 2004 SEDS Program Announcement and the announcements
for the Native Language and Environmental programs. This notice and the
draft ANA SEDS Program Announcement, which is part of this notice,
serve to fulfill this requirement.
Additional Information
1. Policy on Deadline Date for Applications
For FY 2004, ANA will have one closing date for the SEDS Program or
other special initiative undertaken pursuant to section 803(a) of the
Native American Programs Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and one closing
date each for the Alaska SEDS Program, Native Language program, and the
Environmental program. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and
803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
2. Receipt of Applications
ANA's program announcements will now require that all applications
for funding be ``received by'' the Administration for Native Americans
(ANA) by the closing date. Consistent with past practices, ANA will not
acknowledge receipt of applications. Previously, ANA accepted
applications for funding if they were postmarked on or before the
closing date. The change to receipt of the application by the closing
date is expected to reduce disputes regarding postmarks and late-
arriving applications. This change will also ensure ANA has the
appropriate number of skilled peer panel reviewers available to review
submitted applications. Applications received after the published
closing date as stipulated in the published announcement will not be
considered. The new program announcement closing schedules will allow
ANA to release all funding to communities earlier in the fiscal year;
provide applicants additional time to receive agency comments and seek
free technical assistance before the next competition in the program.
Additionally, ANA grantees will have the opportunity to implement
projects in a timely manner; recruit personnel to support the grantee's
objectives; and decrease the number of requests for no cost grant
extensions. This modification will afford ANA the opportunity to
perform grant administration and program monitoring and evaluation
activities that support new and non-competing continuation grants.
(Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
3. Access to Program Announcement and Application Materials
The program announcement and the application materials are
available on the ANA website at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana.
The material on the website is provided as information only. ANA makes
all reasonable efforts to assure that the Website is complete and
accurate. The applicant bears sole responsibility, to assure that the
copy downloaded and/or printed from any source is accurate and
complete. In case of a conflict between the content of material
downloaded from the web site and the material appearing in the Federal
Register, the notice published in the Federal Register shall take
precedence. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
4. Application Submission Requirements
The format of the application for funding is now standardized. The
new application format will help applicants focus on the type of
information and data required to support an application for funding.
ANA will implement a page limitation requirement to enable a thorough
review of the application. (See 4 (a) and (b)). ANA will implement
these page requirements with a limit on the number of pages for each
section. These modifications to the announcement will reduce the amount
of documentation applicants need to submit and it will both strengthen
and streamline the peer panel review process to allow reviewers to
focus on the project and application content. Additionally, program
announcement standardization will prepare ANA and applicants for the
Federal Government's Electronic Grant Application submission initiative
and process. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
4. (a) Organization and Preparation of Application: Due to the
intensity and pace of the application review and evaluation process,
ANA has standardized the application submission format. The new
application submission format for the SEDS program is included in this
notice.
4. (b) ANA Application Format: ANA will now require all
applications to be labeled with a Section Heading in compliance with
the format provided in the program announcement. This format applies to
all applicants submitting applications for funding in the programs
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covered by this notice. All pages submitted (including Government
Forms, certifications and assurances) should be numbered consecutively.
The paper size shall be 8\1/2\ x 11 inches, line spacing shall be a
space and a half (1.5 line spacing), printed only on one side, and have
a half-inch margin on all sides of the paper. The font size should be
no smaller than 12-point and the font type shall be Times New Roman.
These requirements do not apply to the project Abstract Form, Letters
of Commitment, the Table of Contents, and the Objective Work Plan. A
complete application for assistance under ANA's Program Announcements
consists of Three Parts. Part One is the SF 424, Required Government
Forms, and other required documentation noted in the program
announcement. Part Two of the application is a description of the
project's substance. This section of the application may not exceed 45
pages. Part Three of the application is the Appendix. This section of
the application may not exceed 20 pages (the exception to this 20-page
limit applies only to projects that require, if relevant to the
project, a Business Plan or any Third-Party Agreements). (Legal
authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
4. (c) Explanation of Project Period: Under ANA's new program
announcements, project periods will be 12 months, 17 months, 24 month,
or 36 months. ANA currently funds projects spanning a 36-month period.
Exception: Native Language Planning Grants (Category I) will continue
to be 12 or 17 project periods. This notice clarifies the specific
project periods that ANA will fund. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a)
and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
4. (d) Application Review Criteria: ANA has expanded the review
criteria to allow for a more equitable distribution of points during
the application review and competition process. In the FY 2004 Program
Announcement, ANA will improve the competitive review process through
the use of six criteria that will evenly distribute evaluation points.
The use of six criteria will standardize the review of each application
and distribute the number of points more equitably. Based on the ACF
Uniform Project Description, ANA's criteria categories are Project
Introduction; Objectives and Need for Assistance; Project Approach;
Organizational Capacity; Results and Benefits Expected; and Budget and
Budget Narrative. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of
the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b
and 2991b-3)
5. Program Areas of Interest
The Administration for Children and Families supports and fosters
strong families and healthy communities. In the FY 2004 Program
Announcements, ANA has identified program Areas of Interest to
complement other HHS and ACF programs. For example, in ANA's SEDS
program the Economic Development areas of interest support activities
that will provide business and employment opportunities and options
necessary to build the foundation of healthy communities and strong
families. Under Social Development, the program areas of interest
support families, elders, youth development, healthy marriage, and
individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, under Governance, funding
may be used for leadership and management training or to assist
eligible applicants in the development of laws, regulations, codes,
policies, and practices that support and promote community based
activities that lead to self sufficiency. The Program Areas of Interest
are projects that ANA considers supportive to Native American
communities. Although eligibility for funding is not restricted to
projects of the type listed under this program announcement, these
Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees as particularly beneficial to
the development of healthy Native American communities. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native Americans Programs Act of
1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
6. Policy on Results and Benefits
ANA's program announcement will now offer an opportunity for
applicants to choose from six project performance indicators. For
example, indicators may be: the number of jobs created or retained; the
strengthening and modification of tribal government activities such as
the implementation of codes and ordinances; the number of people
trained; the dollar amount of non-federal resources leveraged per
grantee; the number and type of community, federal and state
partnerships involved in the project; the dollar amount of private
sector investment integrated into the project; and the number of
community-based small businesses established. This quantitative and
qualitative data will be used monitor grantee performance and to
communicate to the public and Congress on the impact and success of
locally funded ANA projects. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d)
and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
7. ANA Funding Restrictions
ANA does not fund:
[sbull] Activities in support of litigation against the United
States Government that are unallowable under OMB Circulars A-87 and A-
122. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d), and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b, and 2991b-
3; 45 CFR 1336.50(a); 45 CFR 74.27 and 92. 22; OMB Circular A-122,
Attachment B, Paragraph 10(g) and OMB Circular A-87, Attachment B,
Paragraph 14(b))
[sbull] Duplicative projects or does not allow any one community to
receive a disproportionate share of the funds available for award. When
making decisions on awards of grants the Agency will consider whether
the project is essentially identical or similar, in whole or
significant part, to projects in the same community previously funded
or being funded under the same competition. The Agency will also
consider whether the grantee is already receiving funding for a SEDS,
Language, or Environmental project from ANA. The Agency will also take
into account in making funding decisions whether a proposed project
would require funding on indefinite or recurring basis. This
determination will be made after it is determined whether the
application meets the requirements for eligibility as set forth in 45
CFR 1336, Subpart C, but before funding decisions are complete. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
[sbull] Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or
technical assistance (T/TA) to other tribes or Native American
organizations that are otherwise eligible to apply. However, ANA will
fund T/TA requested by a grantee for its own use or for its members'
use (as in the case of a consortium), when the T/TA is necessary to
carry out project objectives. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d)
and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.33(b)(1))
[sbull] The purchase of real property or construction because those
activities are not authorized by the Native American Programs Act of
1974, as amended. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of
the Native Americans
[[Page 64688]]
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR
1336.33(b)(7))
[sbull] Objectives or activities to support core administration
activities of an organization. However, functions and activities that
are clearly project related are eligible for grant funding. Under
Alaska SEDS projects, ANA will consider funding core administrative
capacity building projects at the village government level if the
village does not have governing systems in place. (Legal authority:
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3 and 45 CFR
1336.33(b)(4))
[sbull] Costs associated with 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 an ANA grant award. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR
1336.50; 45 CFR 74.27; OMB Circular A-122, Attachment B, Paragraph 23;
OMB Circular A-87, Attachment B, Paragraph 21.)
[sbull] Major renovation or alteration because those activities are
not authorized under the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as
amended. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
[sbull] Projects originated and designed by consultants who provide
a major role for themselves and are not members of the applicant
organization, Tribe, or village. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and
(d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended,
42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
[sbull] Project activities that do not further the three
interrelated ANA goals of economic development, social development and
governance or meet the purpose of this program announcement. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR
1336.33(b)(5))
8. Administrative Policies: Applicants Must Comply With the Following
Administrative Policies
[sbull] An applicant must provide a 20% non-federal match of the
approved project costs. Applications originating from American Samoa,
Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are covered
under section 501(d) of Public Law 95-134, as amended (48 U.S.C.
1469a), under which HHS waives any requirement for matching funds under
$200,000 (including in-kind contributions). (Legal authority: Sections
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.50(b))
[sbull] An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native Village or
Native American organization must be from the governing body. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
[sbull] A non-profit organization submitting an application must
submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of submission. The
non-profit organization shall submit one of the following verifiable
documents: (i) 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 (ii) a copy of the
currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, or (iii) a copy of the
articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the State or federally-
recognized Tribe in which the corporation or association is domiciled.
Organizations incorporating in American Samoa are cautioned that the
Samoan government relies exclusively upon IRS determination of non-
profit status; therefore, articles of incorporation approved by the
Samoan government do not establish non-profit status for the purpose of
ANA eligibility. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of
the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b
and 2991b-3)
[sbull] If the applicant, other than a Tribe or an Alaska Native
Village government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans
or Native Alaskans, or both, it must provide assurance that its duly
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the
community to be served. To establish compliance, an applicant should
provide supporting documentation and assurance that its duly elected or
appointed board of directors is majority Native American. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR
1336.33(a))
[sbull] Applicants must describe how the proposed project
objectives and activities relate to a locally determined strategy.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
[sbull] Proposed projects must consider the maximum use of all
available community-based resources. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a)
and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
[sbull] Proposed projects must present a strategy to overcome the
challenges that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the
community. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
[sbull] Applicants proposing an Economic Development project should
address the project's viability. A business plan, if applicable, must
be included to describe the project's feasibility, cash flow, and
approach for the implementation and marketing of the business. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
[sbull] ANA will not accept applications from tribal components,
which are tribally authorized divisions of a larger tribe, which are
not approved by the governing body of the tribe. (Legal authority:
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.33(a))
9. DUNS Numbers (New Requirement To Receive Grant Awards)
On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget published in
the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal
grant applicants, after giving notice in the Federal Register on June
27, 2002 and providing opportunity for public comment. The policy
requires all Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun and Bradstreet
Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal
grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The DUNS
number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper
application or using the government-wide electronic portal (http://www.Grants.Gov
). A DUNS number will be required for every application
for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, including
applications or plans under mandatory grant programs, submitted on or
after October 1, 2003. A DUNS number may be acquired at no cost by
calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-
5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
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10. Community and Faith-based Organizations
The Administration for Children and Families through the
Administration for Native Americans supports and fosters strong
families and healthy communities under four initiatives. ANA encourages
applications from eligible community and faith-based organizations that
(1) provide services directly to Native American people; (2)
organizations that support rural communities; (3) provide prevention
and intervention programs for youth and families; and (4) promote
healthy relationships to strengthen families.
11. Community-Based Projects
ANA's program announcements will emphasize partnerships and
community-based projects. The intent of this change is to increase the
number of grants to local community organizations, to encourage new
partnerships with public and private community-based organizations.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
12. Funding Thresholds
The ANA will increase funding ceilings under the Native Language
program for Category I Planning and Category II Design and
Implementation grants. The minimum grant amount for Native Language
grants will be $25,000. The ceiling amount for Category I grants will
increase from $60,000 to $100,000. The ceiling amount for Category II
grants will increase from $150,000 to $175,000. The increase in funding
amounts for Native Language grants will support the effective
assessment of native languages. It will also provide applicants the
opportunity to incorporate new technologies necessary to design,
implement, and preserve Native language and culture. Grants awarded
under the Native Language program that produce audio or print media
will now include a stipulation that a copy of the product be provided
to ANA for the Language Repository. Federally-recognized Tribes have
the option to not submit project products. The funding ceiling for
Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) will be reduced from
$1 million to $500,000. The minimum grant award amount will be $25,000.
This adjustment of the minimum and maximum funding levels is due to the
demand for SEDS project funding. These changes will result in
additional community-based social and economic development project
grant awards under the SEDS program. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a)
and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
13. Availability of Multi-Year Funding
Applicants may apply for projects of up to 36 months in duration. A
multi-year project, one extending more than 12 months or 17 months,
affords grantees the opportunity to undertake more complex and in-depth
projects. Applicants are encouraged to develop multi-year projects.
However, applicants should note that a multi-year project is a project
on a single theme that requires more than 12 or 17 months to complete.
It is not a series of unrelated projects presented in chronological
order over a three-year period. Funding after the first budget period
of a multi-year project will be non-competitive. However, multi-year
funding will be contingent upon: (1) The availability of Federal funds;
(2) the grantee's progress to achieve the objectives and activities
outlined in the Objective Work Plan; (3) ANA's continued belief that
the project is in the public interest; and (4) the grantee is in
compliance with applicable statutory and grant reporting requirements.
Multi-year grant awards are subject to the availability of funds and a
determination by ANA that the grantee has successfully completed its
prior year objectives. Exception: Native Language Category I: Planning
Grants will remain 12 or 17 month projects. (Legal authority: Sections
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
14. Applications from Multiple Organizations in the Same Geographic
Area
ANA will accept applications for funding and award grants to
multiple organizations located in the same geographic area, provided
the activities are not duplicative of previously funded ANA projects in
the same geographic area or to the same grantee. Previously, under each
competitive program area, ANA accepted one application that served or
impacted a reservation, Tribe or Native American community. The reason
for this change is to expand and support large Native American rural
and urban communities that provide a variety of services in the same
geographic area. Although Tribes are limited to three simultaneous ANA
grants (one each under SEDS, Native Language and Environmental
programs) at any one time, this clarification allows other community
based organizations to apply for ANA funding to support on-going
community-based efforts, provided the activities do not duplicate
currently funded projects serving the same geographic area. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
15. Program Specific Program Announcements
ANA's FY 2004 Program Announcements will now be program specific.
ANA will release separate program announcements for funding
opportunities under SEDS, for Language Preservation and Maintenance,
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement, and for special initiatives.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
16. Policy on Training and Technical Assistance
To reduce geographic disparities, ANA's training and technical
assistance curriculum and all associated handouts will be standardized.
ANA's contracted training and technical assistance providers may
provide training in pre-application and project development. Training
will be advertised in advance, to ensure prospective applicants have
the opportunity to attend. All potential ANA applicants are eligible to
receive free training and technical assistance in the SEDS, Language or
Environmental program areas. (Legal authority: Sections 804 of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991c)
17. Application Review Criteria
ANA has improved the competitive review process and will now use
six criteria that will evenly distribute evaluation points. The use of
six criteria will standardize the review of each application and
distribute the number of points more equitably. ANA's criteria
categories are: Project Introduction; Objectives and Need for
Assistance; Project Approach; Organizational Capacity; Results and
Benefits Expected; and Budget and Budget Justification. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
18. Definitions
The following definitions will be used in all ANA program
announcements. In the FY 2004 Program Announcement, ANA clarifies many
areas that have previously prompted numerous
[[Page 64690]]
questions and application mistakes from applicants. The ANA program
announcement will now include definitions for the following terms:
Authorized Representative: The person or person(s) authorized by
Tribal or Organizational resolution to execute documents and other
actions required by outside agencies. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a)
and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Budget Period: The interval of time into which the project period
is divided for budgetary or funding purposes, and for which a grant is
made. A budget period usually lasts one year in a multi-year project
period. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
Community: A group of people residing in the same geographic area
that can apply their own cultural and socio-economic values in
implementing ANA's program objectives and goals. In discussing the
applicant's community, the following information should be provided.
(1) A description of the population segment within the community to be
served or impacted; (2) the size of the community; (3) geographic
description or location, including the boundaries of the community; (4)
demographic data on the target population; and (5) the relationship of
the community to any larger group or tribe. (Legal authority: Sections
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Community Involvement: How the community participated in the
development of the proposed project, how the community will be involved
during the project implementation and after the project is completed.
Evidence of community involvement can include, but is not limited to,
certified petitions, public meeting minutes, surveys, needs
assessments, newsletters, special meetings, public Council meetings,
public committee meetings, public hearings, and annual meetings with
representatives from the community. The applicant should document the
community's support of the proposed project. Applications from National
and Regional Indian and Native organizations should clearly demonstrate
a need for the project, explain how the project originated, identify
the beneficiaries, and describe and relate the actual project benefits
to the community and organization. National Indian and Native
organizations should also identify their membership and specifically
discuss how the organization operates and impacts Native American
people and communities. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and
803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Completed Project: A completed project means that the program
funded by ANA is finished and the results and outcomes are achieved by
the end of the project period. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and
(d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended,
42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Consortia--Tribal/Village: A group of Tribes or villages that join
together either for long-term purposes or for the purpose of an ANA
project. Applicant must identify Consortia membership. The Consortia
applicant must be the recipient of the funds. A Consortia applicant
must be an ``eligible entity'' as defined by this Program Announcement
and the ANA regulations. Consortia applicants should include
documentation (a resolution adopted pursuant to the organization's
established procedures and signed by an authorized representative) from
all consortia members supporting the ANA application. An application
from a consortium should have goals and objectives that will create
positive impacts and outcomes in the communities of its members. ANA
will not fund activities by a consortium of tribes which duplicates
activities for which member Tribes also receive funding from ANA. The
consortium application should identify the role and responsibility of
each participating Consortia member and a copy of the consortia legal
agreement or Memoranda of Agreement to support the proposed project.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
Construction: The initial building of a facility. (Legal authority:
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Core Administration: Salaries and other expenses for those
functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for
purposes that are unrelated to the actual management or implementation
of the ANA project. However, salaries and activities that are clearly
related to the ANA project are eligible for grant funding. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR
1336.33(b)(4).)
Economic Development: Involves the promotion of the physical,
commercial, technological, industrial, and/or agricultural capacities
necessary for a sustainable local community. Economic development
includes activities and actions that develop sustainable, stable, and
diversified private sector local economies. For example, initiatives
that support employment options, business opportunities, development
and formation of a community's economic infrastructure, laws and
policies that result in the creation of businesses and employment
options and opportunities that provide for the foundation of healthy
communities and strong families. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and
(d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended,
42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Equipment: Tangible, non-expendable personal property, including
exempt property, charged directly to the award having a useful life of
more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.
However, consistent with recipient policy, lower limits may be
established. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.50(a); 45 CFR 74.2 and 92.3)
Governance: Involves assistance to tribal and Alaska Native village
government leaders to increase their ability to execute local control
and decision- making over their resources. (Legal authority: Sections
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Implementation Plan: The guidebook the applicant will use in
meeting the results and benefits expected for the project. The
Implementation Plan provides detailed descriptions of how, when, where,
by whom and why activities are proposed for the project and is
complemented and condensed by the Objective Work Plan. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
In-kind Contributions: In-kind contributions are property or
services which benefit a federally assisted project or program and
which are contributed by the grantee, non-Federal third parties without
charge to the grantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant
agreement. Any proposed In-
[[Page 64691]]
kind match must meet the applicable requirements found in 45 CFR Parts
74 and 92. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
Letter of Commitment: A third party statement to document the
intent to provide specific in-kind contributions or cash to support the
applicant. The Letter of Commitment must state the dollar amount (if
applicable), the length of time the commitment will be honored, and the
conditions under which the organization will support the proposed ANA
project. If a dollar amount is included, the amount must be based on
market and historical rates charged and paid. The resources to be
committed may be human, natural, physical, or financial, and may
include other Federal and non-Federal resources. For example, a notice
of award from another Federal agency committing $200,000 in
construction funding to complement a proposed ANA funded pre-
construction activity is evidence of a commitment. Statements about
resources which have been committed to support a proposed project made
in the application without supporting documentation will be
disregarded. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
Leveraged Resources: The total dollar value of all non-ANA
resources that are committed to a proposed ANA project and are
supported by documentation that exceeds the 20% non-federal match
required for an ANA grant. Such resources may include any natural,
financial, and physical resources available within the tribe,
organization, or community to assist in the successful completion of
the project. An example would be a written letter of commitment from an
organization that agrees to provide a supportive action, product, and
service, human or financial contribution that will add to the potential
success of the project. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and
803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Multi-purpose Organization: A community-based corporation whose
charter specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors
and/or officers of the organization through an elective procedure and
that the organization functions in several different areas of concern
to the members of the local Native American community. These areas are
specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization.
They may include, but need not be limited to, economic, artistic,
cultural, and recreational activities, and the delivery of human
services such as day care, education, and training. (Legal authority:
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Multi-year Project: Encompasses a single theme and requires more
than 12 or 17 months to complete. A multi-year project affords the
applicant an opportunity to develop and address more complex and in-
depth strategies that cannot be completed in one year. A multi-year
project is a series of related objectives with activities presented in
chronological order over a two or three year period. Prior to funding
the second or third year, of a multi-year grant, ANA will require
verification and support documentation from the Grantee that objectives
and outcomes proposed in the preceding year were accomplished.
Applicants proposing multi-year projects must complete and submit an
Objective Work Plan (OWP) and budget with narrative for each project
year, and fully describe objectives to be accomplished, outcomes to be
achieved, and the results and benefits to determine the successful
outcomes of each budget period. ANA will review the quarterly and
annual reports of grantees to determine if the grantee is meeting its
goals, objectives and activities identified in the OWP. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Objective(s): Specific outcomes or results to be achieved within
the proposed project period that are specified in the Objective Work
Plan. Completion of objectives must result in specific, measurable,
outcomes that would benefit the community and directly contribute to
the achievement of the stated community goals. Applicants should relate
their proposed project objectives to outcomes that support the
community's long-range goals. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d)
and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Partnerships: Agreements between two or more parties that will
support the development and implementation of the proposed project.
Partnerships include other community-based organizations or
associations, Tribes, federal and state agencies and private or non-
profit organizations. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and
803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Performance Indicators: Measurement descriptions used to identify
the outcomes or results of the project. Outcomes or results must be
measurable to determine that the project has achieved its desired
objective and can be independently verified through monitoring and
evaluation. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
Real Property: Land, including land improvements, structures, and
appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
Renovation or Alteration: The work required to change the interior
arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing facility,
or install equipment so that it may be more effectively used for the
project. Alteration and renovation may include work referred to as
improvements, conversion, rehabilitation, remodeling, or modernization,
but is distinguished from construction. (Legal authority: Sections
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed
Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing body)
in support of the project for the entire project period. The Resolution
should indicate who is authorized to sign documents and negotiate on
behalf of the Tribe or organization. The Resolution should indicate
that the community was involved in the project planning process, and
indicate the specific dollar amount of any non-federal matching funds
(if applicable). (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of
the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b
and 2991b-3)
Sustainable Project: A sustainable project is an on-going program
or service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Self-Sufficiency: The ability to generate resources to meet a
community's needs in a sustainable manner. A community's progress
[[Page 64692]]
toward self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and
direct resources in a comprehensive manner that is consistent with its
established long-range goals. For a community to be self sufficient, it
must have local access to, control of, and coordination of services and
programs that safeguard the health, well being, and culture of the
people that reside and work in the community. (Legal authority:
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Social Development: Investment in human and social capital for
advancing the well being members of the Native American community
served. Social development is the action taken to support the health,
education, culture, and employment options that expand an individual's
capabilities and opportunities, and that promote social inclusion and
combat social ills. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C
of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
2991b and 2991b-3)
19. Competitive Panel Review Process
ANA will consolidate the peer panel review process. ANA is required
by statute to provide a peer panel review for each eligible
application. Panel reviewers are selected nationally for their
education, experience, and working knowledge in ANA program areas. In
FY 2003, ANA began the process of expanding and rotating the pool of
panel reviewers. This process will ensure that applications for funding
are reviewed, analyzed, and scored by qualified professionals in the
respective program area. This organizational efficiency will ensure
that each application receives appropriate consideration and the panel
review teams have the appropriate and necessary credentials to analyze,
evaluate, and score applications. For example, readers with education
and work experience in Environmental Regulatory Enhancement will be
selected to review environmental applications. Readers with education
and work experience in Language Preservation and Maintenance will be
selected to review language applications. (Legal authority: Sections
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
19. (a) Initial Screening
Each application submitted under an ANA program announcement will
undergo a pre-review screening to determine if (a) the application was
received by the Program Announcement closing date; (b) the application
was submitted in accordance with Application Submission Requirements;
(c) the applicant is eligible for funding; (d) the applicant has
submitted the proper support documentation such as proof of non-profit
status, resolutions, and required government forms; and (e) an
authorized representative has signed the application. An application
that does not meet one of the above elements will be excluded from the
competitive review process. Ineligible applicants will be notified by
mail within 30 business days from the closing date of this program
announcement. ANA staff cannot respond to requests for information
regarding funding decisions prior to the official applicant
notification. After the Commissioner has made funding decisions,
unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing within 90 days.
Applicants are not ranked based on general financial need. Applicants,
who are initially excluded from competition because of ineligibility,
may appeal the Agency's decision. Likewise, applicants may also appeal
an ANA decision that an applicant's proposed activities are ineligible
for funding consideration. The appeals process is stated in the final
rule published in the Federal Register on August 19, 1996 (61 FR 42817
and 45 CFR part 1336, subpart C). ANA has a policy of not funding
duplicative projects or allowing any one community to receive a
disproportionate share of the funds available for award. When making
decisions on awards of grants the Agency will consider whether the
project is essentially identical or similar, in whole or significant
part, to projects in the same community previously funded or being
funded under the same competition. The Agency will also consider
whether the grantee is already receiving funding for a SEDS project or
for another project from ANA. The Agency will also take into account in
making funding decisions whether a proposed project would require
funding on indefinite or recurring basis. (Legal authority: Sections
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
19. (b) Automation of the Panel Review Process
In FY 2004, ANA will automate its application receipt and panel
review process to comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and
to support the ACF Electronic Grant Application Submission Initiative.
The automation of document management will provide program operation
efficiency. For example, when an application is submitted to ANA it is
logged into an automated system and given an identification number.
After the Program Announcement closing date ANA randomly assigns each
application to a peer review panel for evaluation and scoring. During
the review process, panel reviewer comments are downloaded into data
files. These comments are then matched and stored with the application
data file. This process consolidates all applications and review
information, protects the confidentiality of the panel reviewers, and
allows applicants to obtain comments in a timely manner. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d), 803C and 806 of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b, 2991b-3
and 2991d-1)
19. (c) Panel Reviews and Funding Decisions
ANA values the knowledge and expertise of individual reviewers.
Applications for funding are randomly assigned to panel review teams.
Each panel reviewer is responsible for reading the program announcement
Federal Register and scoring each application in accordance with the
published review criteria. Each application is reviewed and scored
independently by a panel reviewer. After the panel review process, ANA
conducts due diligence on each application in the funding range. The
ANA Commissioner determines the final action on each grant application
received under ANA program announcements. The Commissioner's funding
decision is based on an analysis of the application by each peer review
panel, the review and recommendations of ANA staff, Panel Review
scores, comments of State and Federal agencies having contract and
grant performance related information, and other interested parties.
The Commissioner makes grant awards consistent with the purpose of the
Native American Programs Act (NAPA), all relevant statutory and
regulatory requirements, this program announcement, and the
availability of appropriated funds. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a)
and (d), 803C and 806 of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b, 2991b-3 and 2991d-1)
19. (d) Award Notification Information
Successful applicants are notified through an official Financial
Assistance Award (FAA) document. The FAA will state the amount of
Federal funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the
[[Page 64693]]
terms and conditions of the grant award, the effective date of the
award, the project period, the budget period, and the amount of the
non-ACF matching share requirement. Unsuccessful applicants should
expect notification within 90 days after the closing deadline date.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
20. Web Site Information
In FY 2004, ANA may make public on its web site information
associated with successfully funded applications. Such information will
include the name of the grant recipient, type of award such as SEDS,
Language, Environmental amount, the duration of the project, and a
synopsis of the project. Posting this information will provide
prospective applicants with examples of successfully funded projects,
inform the public how and where ANA is expending its funds, and to
share information with other HHS, ACF, federal and state agencies. The
ANA website will also include profiles of successful ANA community
projects, and it will provide links to other funding sources,
information on special HHS, ACF and ANA initiatives, and provide an
opportunity for ANA applicants to track the review and approval process
of submitted applications for funding. (Legal authority: Sections
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
21. New OMB Format Requirements
The Office of Management and Budget has changed the format for
program announcements published in the Federal Register. ANA has
modified its' normal program announcement format to comply with these
changes.
FY 04 SEDS Program Announcement
Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Program Office Name: Administration for Native Americans (ANA).
Funding Opportunity Title: Social and Economic Development
Strategies for Native Americans. This program is authorized by U.S.
Code Citation 42 U.S.C. 2991 et seq. 1974, the Native Americans
Programs Act.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-ACF-04-ANA-001.
CFDA Number: 93.612.
Dates: March 26, 2003, 4:30 p.m.
Due Dates for Applications: March 26, 2003.
Federal Agency Contact: Lois Hodge. E-mail: lhodge@acf.hhs.gov.
Telephone number: (202) 690-7776 or 1-877-922-9262.
Funding Opportunity Description: The Administration for Native
Americans (ANA), within the Administration for Children and Families,
announces the availability of fiscal year (FY) 2004 funds for new
community-based projects under ANA's Social and Economic Development
Strategies (SEDS) program. ANA's FY 2004 SEDS goals and areas of
interest are focused on strengthening children, families, and
communities through community-based organizations, Tribes, and Village
governments.
The Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers
supportive to Native American communities. Although eligibility for
funding is not restricted to projects of the type listed under this
program announcement, these Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees
as particularly beneficial to the development of healthy Native
American communities. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
Financial assistance under the SEDS program is provided utilizing a
competitive process in accordance with the Native American Programs Act
of 1974, as amended. The purpose of this Act is to promote the goal of
economic and social self-sufficiency for American Indians, Native
Hawaiians, Alaskan Natives, and other Native American Pacific
Islanders, including American Samoa natives.
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Category of Funding Activity: ISS Income Security and Social
Services.
Explanation of Other: N/A.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: $20,000,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 140.
Ceiling on amount of individual SEDS awards: $500,000.
Floor on amount of individual awards: $25,000.
Project Periods for Awards: 12 months, 17 months, 24 months, or 36
months.
Electronic Link to Full Announcement: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana
.
Eligible Applicants:
07 Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized).
11 Native American tribal organizations (other than federally
recognized tribal governments).
12 Nonprofits having 501 (c) (3) statuses with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education.
13 Non profits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS,
other than institutions of higher education.
25 Others.
The above statement of the categories of eligible organizations is
a summary only, for a complete statement of the categories of eligible
organizations under the SEDS program, as established under 45 CFR
1336.33(a)(1) and (2), see the listing in the section on Additional
Information on Eligibility, in the following section.
Additional Information on Eligibility:
DUNS Numbers: On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget
published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to
all Federal grant applicants after giving notice in the Federal
Register on June 27, 2002 and opportunity for public comment. The
policy requires all Federal grant applicants to provide a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying
for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1,
2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant is
submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic
portal (http://www.Grants.Gov). A DUNS number will be required for
every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award,
including applications or plans under mandatory grant programs,
submitted on or after October 1, 2003. A DUNS number may be acquired at
no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line on
1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at http://www.dnb.com
.
In support of the Presidential Executive Orders on Asian American
and Pacific Islanders, Community-based Alternatives for Individuals
with Disabilities, and Faith-based and Community Organizations, ANA
encourages greater participation from Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
communities, encourages Native communities to address the needs of
people with disabilities, and invites eligible faith-based and
community organizations to apply.
This program announcement emphasizes community-based partnerships
and projects. This emphasis is expected to increase the number of
grants to local community organizations and expand the number of
partnerships among locally based non-profit organizations. ANA will
accept applications for funding and award grants to multiple
organizations located
[[Page 64694]]
in the same geographic area, provided the activities are not
duplicative of previously funded ANA projects in the same geographic
area or to the same grantee. Previously, under each competitive program
area, ANA accepted one application that served or impacted a
reservation, Tribe or Native American community. The reason for this
change is to expand and support large Native American rural and urban
communities that provide a variety of services in the same geographic
area. Although Tribes are limited to three simultaneous ANA grants
(SEDS, Language and Environmental) at any one time, this clarification
allows other community based organizations to apply for ANA funding to
support on-going community-based efforts, provided the activities do
not duplicate currently funded projects serving the same geographic
area.
Eligible applicants for funding under this program announcement
include:
1. Federally recognized Indian Tribes.
2. Consortia of Indian Tribes.
3. Incorporated non-Federally recognized Tribes.
4. Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based Indian
organizations.
5. Urban Indian Centers.
6. National or regional incorporated non-profit Native American
organizations with Native American community-specific objectives.
7. Alaska Native villages, as defined in the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act (ANSCA) and/or non-profit village consortia.
8. Incorporated nonprofit Alaska Native multi-purpose community-
based organizations.
9. Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations in
Alaska with village specific projects.
10. Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-purpose community
based organizations.
11. Public and nonprofit private agencies serving Native Hawaiians
12. Public and non-profit private agencies serving native peoples
from Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands (the populations served may be located on these islands or in
the continental United States).
13. Tribally-controlled Community Colleges, Tribally-controlled
Post-Secondary Vocational Institutions, and colleges and universities
located in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands which serve Native peoples.
14. Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or Tribal governing
bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or Traditional Councils) as
recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. (Legal authority: Sections
803(a) of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b; 45 CFR 1336.33(a)(1) and (2)).
Organizations in Palau are not longer eligible for assistance from
ANA. (Legal authority: 48 U.S.C 1931)
Cost Sharing or Matching: Yes.
Explanation of Application Due Date:
Deadline: The closing time and date for receipt of applications is
4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on March 26, 2004. Mailed or hand carried
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will not be
considered. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date
at the: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of
Discretionary Grants, Attention: Lois B. Hodge, ANA No. 93612-2004, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop: Aerospace Center 8th Floor-West,
Washington, DC 20447-0002.
Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications
are received on or before the deadline time and date. ACF/ANA will not
acknowledge receipt of applications.
Hand delivered applications by applicants, applicant couriers,
other representatives of the applicant or by overnight/express mail
couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they
are received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8
a.m. and 4:30 p.m., EST, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal
holidays). Application may be delivered to: U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of
Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, ACF Mail Room,
Second Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center 901 D Street, SW.,
Washington DC 20024, Attention: Lois B. Hodge, ANA No. 93612-2004.
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do
not always deliver as agreed. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the deadline
criteria above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each
late applicant that its application will not be considered in the
current competition. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
Extension of Deadline: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mails service. Determinations
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants
Management Officer (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
Funding Opportunity Description: The Administration for Native
Americans (ANA), within the Administration for Children and Families,
announces the availability of fiscal year (FY) 2004 funds for new
community-based activities under ANA's Social and Economic Development
Strategies (SEDS) program. ANA's FY 2004 SEDS goals and areas of
interest are focused on strengthening children, families, and
communities through community-based organizations, Tribes, and Village
governments.
This program announcement emphasizes community-based partnerships
and projects. This emphasis will increase the number of grants to local
community organizations and expand the number of partnerships among
locally based non-profit organizations. ANA will accept applications
for funding and award grants to multiple organizations located in the
same geographic area, provided the activities are not duplicative of
previously funded ANA projects in the same geographic area or to the
same grantee. Previously, under each competitive program area, ANA
accepted one application that served or impacted a reservation, Tribe
or Native American community. The reason for this change is to expand
and support large Native American rural and urban communities that
provide a variety of services in the same geographic area. Although
Tribes are limited to three simultaneous ANA grants (one each under
SEDS, Language and Environmental programs) at any one time, this
clarification allows other community based organizations to apply for
ANA funding to support on-going community-based efforts, provided the
activities do not duplicate currently funded projects serving the same
geographic area. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of
the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b
and 2991b-3)
[[Page 64695]]
In support of the Presidential Executive Orders on Asian American
and Pacific Islanders, Community-based Alternatives for Individuals
with Disabilities, and Faith-based and Community Organizations, ANA
encourages greater participation from Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
communities, encourages Native communities to address the needs of
people with disabilities, and invites eligible faith-based and
community organizations to apply.
Financial assistance under the SEDS and Alaska SEDS program is
provided utilizing a competitive process in accordance with the Native
American Programs Act of 1974, as amended. The purpose of this Act is
to promote the goal of economic and social self-sufficiency for
American Indians, Native Hawaiians, Alaskan Natives, and other Native
American Pacific Islanders, including American Samoan Natives.
The ANA SEDS Program supports the fundamental principle that
economic development, social development and governance are
interrelated, and that with effective economic, social and governance
policies and development strategies, Native American people and
communities can achieve self-sufficiency. In order to move toward self-
sufficiency, development in one area should be balanced with the
development in the others. Accordingly, community-based economic,
social and governance development programs and activities proposed in
response to this announcement should take into consideration the
elements necessary to build healthy self-sufficient communities.
ANA's FY 2004 Program Announcements will now be goal-category
specific. ANA will release separate program announcements for funding
opportunities under SEDS, for Language Preservation and Maintenance,
Environmental Regulatory Enhancement, and for special initiatives.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
ANA's policy is based on three interrelated goals: (1) Economic
Development: To foster the development of stable diversified local
economies and economic activities that provide jobs, options and
opportunities that promote economic well-being in Native American
communities. (2) Social Development: To support local access to,
control of, and coordination with, programs and services that safeguard
the health, well-being, and culture of native peoples, and; (3)
Governance: To assist Tribes and Alaska Native village governments to
build capacity that results in local control and decision-making over
their resources. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b; 45 CFR
1336.33(b) (5))
The Administration for Children and Families through the
Administration for Native Americans supports and fosters strong
families and healthy communities under four initiatives. ANA encourages
applications from eligible community and faith based organizations
that: (1) Provide services directly to Native American people; (2)
organizations that support rural communities; (3) organizations that
provide prevention and intervention programs for youth and families;
and (4) organizations that promote healthy relationships to strengthen
families.
ANA's FY 2004 program goals and areas of interest are focused on
expanding community-based, culturally appropriate economic development,
social development and governance activities. ANA is interested in
projects designed to grow Native American economies, strengthen Native
families, and decrease the high rate of social challenges caused by the
lack of community-based business, social, and economic infrastructure.
In response to this announcement, ANA encourages Native American tribes
and organizational leaders to propose, coordinate and implement
community-based projects to meet the needs of its community members and
develop options and opportunities for future generations.
The Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers
supportive to Native American communities. Although eligibility for
funding is not restricted to projects of the type listed under this
program announcement, these Areas of Interest are ones which ANA sees
as particularly beneficial to the development of healthy Native
American communities. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
ANA Administrative Policies:
Applicants must comply with the following Administrative Policies:
[sbull] An applicant must provide a 20% non-federal match of the
approved project costs. Applications originating from American Samoa,
Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are covered
under section 501(d) of Public Law 95-134, as amended (48 U.S.C.
1469a), under which HHS waives any requirement for matching funds under
$200,000 (including in-kind contributions). (Legal authority: Sections
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.50(b))
[sbull] An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native Village or
Native American organization must be from the governing body. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
[sbull] A non-profit organization submitting an application must
submit proof of its non-profit status at the time of submission. The
non-profit organization shall submit one of the following verifiable
documents: (i) 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 (ii) a copy of the
currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate, or (iii) a copy of the
articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the State or federally-
recognized Tribe in which the corporation or association is domiciled.
Organizations incorporating in American Samoa are cautioned that the
Samoan government relies exclusively upon IRS determination of non-
profit status; therefore, articles of incorporation approved by the
Samoan government do not establish non-profit status for the purpose of
ANA eligibility. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of
the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b
and 2991b-3)
[sbull] If the applicant, other than a Tribe or an Alaska Native
Village government, is proposing a project benefiting Native Americans
or Native Alaskans, or both, it must provide assurance that it's duly
elected or appointed board of directors is representative of the
community to be served. To establish compliance, an applicant should
provide supporting documentation and assurance that it's duly elected
or appointed board of directors is majority Native American. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR
1336.33(a))
[sbull] Applicants must describe how the proposed project
objectives and activities relate to a locally determined strategy.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
[sbull] Proposed projects must consider the maximum use of all
available
[[Page 64696]]
community-based resources. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d)
and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
[sbull] Proposed projects must present a strategy to overcome the
challenges that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in the
community. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
[sbull] Applicants proposing an Economic Development project should
address the project's viability. A business plan, if applicable, must
be included to describe the project's feasibility, cash flow, and
approach for the implementation and marketing of the business. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
[sbull] ANA will not accept applications from tribal components,
which are tribally authorized divisions of a larger tribe, which are
not approved by the governing body of the tribe. (Legal authority:
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.33(a))
Definitions: The following definitions will be used in ANA program
announcements.
In the FY 2004 Program Announcement, ANA clarifies many areas that
have previously prompted numerous questions and application mistakes
from applicants. The ANA program announcement will now include
definitions for the following terms:
Authorized Representative: The person or person(s) authorized by
Tribal or Organizational resolution to execute documents and other
actions required by outside agencies. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a)
and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Budget Period: The interval of time into which the project period
is divided for budgetary or funding purposes, and for which a grant is
made. A budget period usually lasts one year in a multi-year project
period. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
Community: A group of people residing in the same geographic area
that can apply their own cultural and socio-economic values in
implementing ANA's program objectives and goals. In discussing the
applicant's community, the following information should be provided:
(1) A description of the population segment within the community to be
served or impacted; (2) the size of the community; (3) geographic
description or location, including the boundaries of the community; (4)
demographic data on the target population; and (5) the relationship of
the community to any larger group or tribe. (Legal authority: Sections
803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Community Involvement: How the community participated in the
development of the proposed project, how the community will be involved
during the project implementation and after the project is completed.
Evidence of community involvement can include, but is not limited to,
certified petitions, public meeting minutes, surveys, needs
assessments, newsletters, special meetings, public Council meetings,
public committee meetings, public hearings, and annual meetings with
representatives from the community. The applicant should document the
community's support of the proposed project. Applications from National
and Regional Indian and Native organizations should clearly demonstrate
a need for the project, explain how the project originated, identify
the beneficiaries, and describe and relate the actual project benefits
to the community and organization. National Indian and Native
organizations should also identify their membership and specifically
discuss how the organization operates and impacts Native American
people and communities. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and
803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Completed Project: A completed project means that the program
funded by ANA is finished and the results and outcomes are achieved by
the end of the project period. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and
(d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended,
42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Consortia--Tribal/Village: A group of Tribes or villages that join
together either for long-term purposes or for the purpose of an ANA
project. Applicant must identify Consortia membership. The Consortia
applicant must be the recipient of the funds. A Consortia applicant
must be an ``eligible entity'' as defined by this Program Announcement
and the ANA regulations. Consortia applicants should include
documentation (a resolution adopted pursuant to the organization's
established procedures and signed by an authorized representative) from
all consortia members supporting the ANA application. An application
from a consortium should have goals and objectives that will create
positive impacts and outcomes in the communities of its members. ANA
will not fund activities by a consortium of tribes which duplicates
activities for which member Tribes also receives funding from ANA. The
consortium application should identify the role and responsibility of
each participating Consortia member and a copy of the consortia legal
agreement or Memoranda of Agreement to support the proposed project.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
Construction: The initial building of a facility. (Legal authority:
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Core Administration: Salaries and other expenses for those
functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for
purposes that are unrelated to the actual management or implementation
of the ANA project. However, salaries and activities that are clearly
related to the ANA project are eligible for grant funding. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR
1336.33(b)(4).)
Economic Development: Involves the promotion of the physical,
commercial, technological, industrial, and/or agricultural capacities
necessary for a sustainable local community. Economic development
includes activities and actions that develop sustainable, stable, and
diversified private sector local economies. For example, initiatives
that support employment options, business opportunities, development
and formation of a community's economic infrastructure, laws and
policies that result in the creation of businesses and employment
options and opportunities that provide for the foundation of healthy
communities and strong families. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and
(d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended,
42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Equipment: Tangible, non-expendable personal property, including
exempt property, charged directly to the award
[[Page 64697]]
having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of
$5,000 or more per unit. However, consistent with recipient policy,
lower limits may be established. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and
(d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended,
42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.50(a); 45 CFR 74.2 and 92.3)
Governance: Involves assistance to tribal and Alaska Native village
government leaders to increase their ability to execute local control
and decision-making over their resources. (Legal authority: Sections
803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974,
as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Implementation Plan: The guidebook the applicant will use in
meeting the results and benefits expected for the project. The
Implementation Plan provides detailed descriptions of how, when, where,
by whom and why activities are proposed for the project and is
complemented and condensed by the Objective Work Plan. (Legal
authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
In-kind Contributions: In-kind contributions are property or
services which benefit a federally assisted project or program and
which are contributed by the grantee, non-Federal third parties without
charge to the grantee, or a cost-type contractor under the grant
agreement. Any proposed In-kind match must meet the applicable
requirements found in 45 CFR parts 74 and 92. (Legal authority:
Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Letter of Commitment: A third party statement to document the
intent to provide specific in-kind contributions or cash to support the
applicant. The Letter of Commitment must state the dollar amount (if
applicable), the length of time the commitment will be honored, and the
conditions under which the organization will support the proposed ANA
project. If a dollar amount is included, the amount must be based on
market and historical rates charged and paid. The resources to be
committed may be human, natural, physical, or financial, and may
include other Federal and non-Federal resources. For example, a notice
of award from another Federal agency committing $200,000 in
construction funding to complement a proposed ANA funded pre-
construction activity is evidence of a commitment. Statements about
resources which have been committed to support a proposed project made
in the application without supporting documentation will be
disregarded. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
Leveraged Resources: The total dollar value of all non-ANA
resources that are committed to a proposed ANA project and are
supported by documentation that exceed the 20% non-federal match
required for an ANA grant. Such resources may include any natural,
financial, and physical resources available within the tribe,
organization, or community to assist in the successful completion of
the project. An example would be a written letter of commitment from an
organization that agrees to provide a supportive action, product, and
service, human or financial contribution that will add to the potential
success of the project. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and
803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Multi-purpose Organization: A community-based corporation whose
charter specifies that the community designates the Board of Directors
and/or officers of the organization through an elective procedure and
that the organization functions in several different areas of concern
to the members of the local Native American community. These areas are
specified in the by-laws and/or policies adopted by the organization.
They may include, but need not be limited to, economic, artistic,
cultural, and recreational activities, and the delivery of human
services such as day care, education, and training. (Legal authority:
Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Multi-year Project: Encompasses a single theme and requires more
than 12 or 17 months to complete. A multi-year project affords the
applicant an opportunity to develop and address more complex and in-
depth strategies that cannot be completed in one year. A multi-year
project is a series of related objectives with activities presented in
chronological order over a two or three year period. Prior to funding
the second or third year, of a multi-year grant, ANA will require
verification and support documentation from the Grantee that objectives
and outcomes proposed in the preceding year were accomplished.
Applicants proposing multi-year projects must complete and submit an
Objective Work Plan (OWP) and budget with narrative for each project
year, and fully describe objectives to be accomplished, outcomes to be
achieved, and the results and benefits to determine the successful
outcomes of each budget period. ANA will review the quarterly and
annual reports of grantees to determine if the grantee is meeting its
goals, objectives and activities identified in the OWP. (Legal
authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Objective(s): Specific outcomes or results to be achieved within
the proposed project period that are specified in the Objective Work
Plan. Completion of objectives must result in specific, measurable,
outcomes that would benefit the community and directly contribute to
the achievement of the stated community goals. Applicants should relate
their proposed project objectives to outcomes that support the
community's long-range goals. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and
(d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended,
42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Partnerships: Agreements between two or more parties that will
support the development and implementation of the proposed project.
Partnerships include other community-based organizations or
associations, Tribes, federal and state agencies and private or non-
profit organizations. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and
803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42
U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Performance Indicators: Measurement descriptions used to identify
the outcomes or results of the project. Outcomes or results must be
measurable to determine that the project has achieved its desired
objective and can be independently verified through monitoring and
evaluation. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
Real Property: Land, including land improvements, structures, and
appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
Renovation or Alteration: The work required to change the interior
arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing facility,
or install equipment so that it may be more
[[Page 64698]]
effectively used for the project. Alteration and renovation may include
work referred to as improvements, conversion, rehabilitation,
remodeling, or modernization, but is distinguished from construction.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed
Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing body)
in support of the project for the entire project period. The Resolution
should indicate who is authorized to sign documents and negotiate on
behalf of the Tribe or organization. The Resolution should indicate
that the community was involved in the project planning process, and
indicate the specific dollar amount of any non-federal matching funds
(if applicable). (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of
the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b
and 2991b-3)
Sustainable Project: A sustainable project is an on-going program
or service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds. (Legal
authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Self-Sufficiency: The ability to generate resources to meet a
community's needs in a sustainable manner. A community's progress
toward self-sufficiency is based on its efforts to plan, organize, and
direct resources in a comprehensive manner that is consistent with its
established long-range goals. For a community to be self sufficient, it
must have local access to, control of, and coordination of services and
programs that safeguard the health, well being, and culture of the
people that reside and work in the community. (Legal authority:
Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
Social Development: Investment in human and social capital for
advancing the well being members of the Native American community
served. Social development is the action taken to support the health,
education, culture, and employment options that expand an individual's
capabilities and opportunities, and that promote social inclusion and
combat social ills. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) and (d) and 803C
of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
2991b and 2991b-3)
I. Program Area 1
Social and Economic Development Strategies for Native Americans
(Non-Alaska): To promote the goal of social and economic self-
sufficiency for Native Americans.
Economic Development: Involves the promotion of the physical,
commercial, technological, industrial, and / or agricultural components
necessary for a sustainable local community. Applicants are encouraged
to develop sustainable projects to support sustainable, stable, and
diversified private sector local economies.
Program areas of interest include:
[sbull] Projects to strengthen an organization's capacity to
deliver business technical assistance, workshops, financial literacy
programs, and that create, expand, and retain public and private sector
community-based businesses.
[sbull] Projects to increase cooperative enterprise development
activities, and technical capacity of youth to establish and operate
cooperative businesses with the goal of teaching financial, management
and long-term employment skills.
[sbull] Projects to develop and coordinate emergency response
services within the community and with State and local governments to
protect against Acts of Nature and other catastrophic events such as
fire, floods, and environmental catastrophes.
[sbull] Projects to implement initiatives for Tribes to evaluate
the economic potential of energy resources in their community,
including renewable energy sources such as: Bio-energy, Geothermal,
Hydrogen, Hydropower, Ocean, Solar, Wind, or other methods appropriate
to the tribe and geographical location.
[sbull] Projects to develop community transportation activities
that support the needs of the elderly, the disabled, and the local
workforce.
[sbull] Projects to develop organizational and management capacity
building activities that enhance community based program delivery
systems and services.
[sbull] Projects to develop and implement community-based
activities that increase International Tourism and trade activities for
Native American products, services, and communities. Business sectors
of interest include: the export of Native American packaged foods; arts
and crafts; literature and music; manufactured products; agricultural
and organic products; value-added product assembly or processing that
includes agriculture and aquaculture.
[sbull] Projects to develop and enhance subsistence activities that
retain, or re-establish Native traditional foods and or by-products of
natural resources for local and commercial markets. Develop and/or
strengthen the local economy through enhanced commercial trade in areas
such as agriculture, aquaculture, lumber, and traditional arts and
crafts. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
Social Development: The investment in human and social capital for
advancing people's well being. Applicants are encouraged to develop and
implement culturally appropriate programs to enhance tribal, community,
and village activities. Social development programs under this area
support families, elders, parents, positive youth development, healthy
marriage, individuals with disabilities, and personal commitment.
Program areas of interest:
[sbull] Healthy Relationships and Strengthening Families
Initiative: The goal is to promote healthy family environments and
strengthen co-parenting teamwork, problem-solving, and conflict
resolution. To respond to this initiative, applicants should consider
comprehensive projects that are culturally and socially appropriate to
teach couples relationship-building skills, such as negotiation-based
interpersonal communications, collaborative problem solving, and
preservation of love, commitment, and friendship. Applicants are
encouraged to be creative in their efforts to integrate elders into
these projects to support traditional values and methods. Initiatives
could address problematic periods in the family life cycle such as:
pregnancy, postpartum care, first-time parenthood, parenting
adolescents, and goal setting for independent young adults.
[sbull] Project to strengthen the long-term commitment of married
couples. Projects should consider the enhancement of relationship
skills through premarital counseling, mentoring activities, or role
model activities.
[sbull] Projects to support young families in order to reduce the
challenges and stress of child rearing, and the risks associated with
child/infant abuse and neglect, strengthening the bonds between parents
and children, and particularly between fathers and children and the
fathers' role in healthy families.
[sbull] In partnership with community and or faith-based
organizations, develop and implement comprehensive culturally and
socially appropriate
[[Page 64699]]
projects to help youth practice personal responsibility; reach a
balance in their lives by learning how to set and meet short and long-
term goals; and to practice healthy lifestyles with the goal of
decreasing gang activity, school drop out rates and juvenile
delinquency.
[sbull] Projects to recruit, train, and certify new Native American
foster parents or promote appropriate extended family placements or to
assist abused, neglected, and abandoned Native American children,
youth, and their families.
[sbull] Projects to develop, coordinate, and implement training for
Native Americans with disabilities in order to join the workforce,
obtain information and technical assistance to apply for disability
benefits, gain access to workplace facilities, and receive reasonable
accommodations necessary to perform job functions. (Legal authority:
Sections 803(a) of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
Governance: Involves assistance to Tribal and Alaska native Village
government leaders to increase their ability to execute local control
and decision-making over their resources. ANA encourages applications
for the development of laws and policies that support community-based
social, economic and governance activities. Governance projects under
this area may be used for leadership and management training or to
assist eligible applicants in the development of laws, regulations,
codes, policies, and practices that support and promote community based
activities.
Program areas of interest include:
[sbull] Projects to enact laws that support and enforce business
and investment transactions, contracts, and property rights. For
example, develop and implement Uniform Commercial Codes (business
codes) and Tax Codes.
[sbull] Projects to enact laws, ordinances, and policies, to
develop, expand, and/or enhance utility and communications
infrastructures.
[sbull] Projects to enrich and strengthen the management and
leadership skills of senior Tribal government personnel, and senior
management personnel of tribally owned companies.
[sbull] Projects to establish and implement technology management
information systems to assist with the effective and efficient
administration of tribal government programs.
[sbull] Projects to develop or amend tribal constitutions,
government procedures and functions, by-laws or codes, and council or
executive branch duties in order to improve the regulatory, judicial
and/or administrative infrastructure of tribal and village governments.
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)*
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Program Area 1 Funding: $18,000,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 110--120.
Average Projected Award Amount: $25,000 to $500,000.
Length of Project Period: 12, 17, 24, or 36 months.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $500,000.
An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range
specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the
applicant without further review.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $25,000.
III. Eligibility Information
Eligible Applicants
[sbull] Federally recognized Indian Tribes.
[sbull] Consortia of Indian Tribes.
[sbull] Incorporated non-Federally recognized Tribes.
[sbull] Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based
Indian organizations.
[sbull] Urban Indian Centers.
[sbull] National or regional incorporated non-profit Native
American organizations with Native American community-specific
objectives.
[sbull] Alaska Native villages, as defined in the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA) and/or non-profit village consortia.
[sbull] Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/Associations
in Alaska with village specific projects.
[sbull] Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-purpose
community based organizations.
[sbull] Non-profit Native organizations with village specific
projects
[sbull] Public and non-profit private agencies serving Native
Hawaiians.
[sbull] Public and non-profit private agencies serving native
peoples from Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands (the populations served may be located on these islands
or in the continental United States).
[sbull] Tribally-controlled Community Colleges, Tribally-controlled
Post-Secondary Vocational Institutions, and colleges and universities
located in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands which serve Native Pacific Islanders.
[sbull] Non-profit Alaska Native community entities or Tribal
governing bodies (Indian Reorganization Act or Traditional Councils) as
recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Organizations in Palau are
no longer eligible for assistance from ANA. (Legal authority: 48 U.S.C.
1931)
Additional Information on Eligibility
Cost Sharing or Matching Grantees must provide at least 20 percent
of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of
the project is the sum of the ANA share and the non-federal share. The
required match can be computed by dividing total Federal funds by 80
percent for total project costs then subtracting the Federal portion.
The remainder is the required match. For example, a project requesting
$100,000 in Federal funds (per budget period) must provide a match of
at least $ 25,000 ($100,000/80% = $125, 000--$100,000 = $25,000).
Grantees must be able to verify commitments of the non-Federal
resources. Failure to provide the non-federal share match will result
in the disallowance of Federal funding commitment.
A request for a waiver of the non-Federal share requirement may be
submitted in accordance with 45 CFR 1336.50(b)(3) of the Native
American Program regulations. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
Applications originating from American Samoa, Guam, or the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are covered under section
501(d) of Public Law 95-134, as amended (48 U.S.C. 1469a) under which
HHS waives any requirement for matching funds under $200,000 (including
in-kind contributions). For ANA grants under this announcement there is
no match required for these insular areas.
Acceptable proof of non-profit status includes:
[sbull] A copy of the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code, or
[sbull] A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate,
or
[sbull] Provide a copy of the articles of incorporation bearing the
seal of the State or federally-recognized Tribe in which the
corporation or association is domiciled. Organizations incorporating in
American Samoa are cautioned that the Samoan government relies
exclusively upon IRS determinations of non-profit status; therefore,
articles of incorporation approved by the Samoan government do not
establish non-profit
[[Page 64700]]
status for the purpose of ANA program eligibility.
Resolution: Applicants are required to include a current signed
Resolution (a formal decision voted on by the official governing body)
in support of the project for the entire project period. The Resolution
must indicate who is authorized to sign documents and negotiate on
behalf of the Tribe or organization. The Resolution should indicate
that the community was involved in the project planning process, and
indicate the specific dollar amount of any non-federal matching funds
(if applicable).
IV. Application and Submission Information
To request an application package, please contact: The ANA regional
Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) providers at:
Native American Management Services, Inc., 6858 Old Dominion Drive,
Suite 302, McLean, Virginia 22101, Toll Free: 888-221-9686, (703) 821-
2226 x-234, Fax: (703) 821-3680, Kendra King-Bowes, Project Manager, E-mail: kking@namsinc.org, http://www.anaeastern.org.
Region I: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD,
ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN,
TX, VA, VT, WI, W.VA.
ACKCO, Inc., 2214 N. Central, suite #250, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, Toll
Free: 800-525-2859, (602) 253-9211, Fax (602) 253-9135, Theron Wauneka, Project Manager, E-mail: theron.wauneka@ackco.com, http://www.anawestern.com.
Region II: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY.
Native American Management Services, Inc., 11723 Old Glenn Highway,
suite 201, Eagle River, Alaska 99577, Toll Free 877-770-6230, (907)
694-5711, Fax (907) 694-5775, P.J. Bell, Project Manager, E-mail: pjbell@gci.net, http: //http://www.anaalaska.org.
Region III: Alaska.
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, 33 South King Street, Suite
513, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, Toll-Free 800-709-2642, (808) 521-5011,
Fax: (808) 521-4111, Jade Danner, Project Manager, E-mail: jade@hawaiiancouncil.org, http://www.anapacific.org.
Region IV: American Samoa (AS), Guam, HI, Commonwealth of Northern
Mariana Islands (CNMI).
Content and Form of Submission
Organization and Preparation of Application: Due to the intensity
and pace of the application review and evaluation process, ANA strongly
recommends applicants organize, label, and insert required information
in accordance with Part One, Part Two and Part Three as presented in
the charts below. The application should begin with the information
requested in Part One of the chart in the prescribed order. Utilizing
this format will insure all information submitted to support an
applicant's request for funding is thoroughly reviewed. Submitting
information in this format will assist the panel reviewer in locating
and evaluating the information. Deviation from this suggested format
may reduce the applicant's ability to receive maximum points, which are
directly related to ANA's funding review decisions.
ANA Application Format: ANA will now require all applications to be
labeled with a Section Heading in compliance with the format provided
in the program announcement. This format applies to all applicants
submitting applications for funding. All pages submitted (including
Government Forms, certifications and assurances) should be numbered
consecutively. The paper size shall be 8\1/2\ x 11 inches, line spacing
shall be a space and a half (1.5 line spacing), printed only on one
side, and have a half-inch margin on all sides of the paper. The font
size should be no smaller than 12-point and the font type shall be
Times New Roman. These requirements do not apply to the project
Abstract Form, Letters of Commitment, the Table of Contents, and the
Objective Work Plan.
Submission Date and Time
Deadline: The closing time and date for receipt of applications is
4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on March 26, 2004. Mailed or hand-
delivered applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date
will be classified as late.
Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date
at the: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of
Discretionary Grants, Attention: Lois B. Hodge, ANA No. 93612-2004, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop: Aerospace Center 8th Floor-West,
Washington, DC 20447-0002.
Hand-delivered applications must be received at the address below
by 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on or before the closing date.
Applications that are hand delivered will be accepted between the hours
of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may be
delivered to: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management,
Division of Discretionary Grants, ACF Mail Room, Second Floor Loading
Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024,
Attention: Lois B. Hodge, ANA No. 93612-2004.
Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in
advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications
are received on or before the deadline time and date. ACF/ANA will not
acknowledge receipt of applications.
Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the above criteria
will be considered unresponsive to the Program Announcement and late.
ACF will notify each late applicant that its application will not be
considered for review in the current competition. (Legal authority:
Sections 803(a) of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
Extension of Deadline: ANA may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur,
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or if the Chief
Grants Management Officer makes a determination to extend or waive
deadline requirements. (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
Intergovernmental Review: Applications are not subject to Executive
Order 12372 (Legal authority: 45 CFR 100.3)
Funding Restrictions
ANA does not fund:
[sbull] Activities in support of litigation against the United
States Government that are unallowable under OMB Circulars A-87 and A-
122. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d), and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b, and 2991b-
3; 45 CFR 1336.50(a); 45 CFR 74.27 and 92. 22; OMB Circular A-122,
Attachment B, Paragraph 10(g) and OMB Circular A-87, Attachment B,
Paragraph 14(b))
[sbull] ANA has a policy of not funding duplicative projects or
allowing any one community to receive a disproportionate share of the
funds available for award. When making decisions on awards of grants
the Agency will consider whether the project is essentially identical
or similar, in whole or significant part, to projects in the same
community previously funded or being funded under the same competition.
The
[[Page 64701]]
Agency will also consider whether the grantee is already receiving
funding for a SEDS, Language, or Environmental project from ANA. The
Agency will also take into account in making funding decisions whether
a proposed project would require funding on indefinite or recurring
basis. This determination will be made after it is determined whether
the application meets the requirements for eligibility as set forth in
45 CFR 1336, Subpart C, but before funding decisions are complete.
(Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the Native
Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-
3)
[sbull] Projects in which a grantee would provide training and/or
technical assistance (T/TA) to other tribes or Native American
organizations that are otherwise eligible to apply. However, ANA will
fund T/TA requested by a grantee for its own use or for its members'
use (as in the case of a consortium), when the T/TA is necessary to
carry out project objectives. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and
(d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended,
42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.33(b)(1))
[sbull] The purchase of real property or construction because those
activities are not authorized by the Native American Programs Act of
1974, as amended. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C
of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR 1336.33(b)(7))
[sbull] Objectives or activities to support core administration
activities of an organization. However, functions and activities that
are clearly project related are eligible for grant funding. Under
Alaska SEDS projects, ANA will consider funding core administrative
capacity building projects at the village government level if the
village does not have governing systems in place. (Legal authority:
Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3 and 45 CFR
1336.33(b)(4))
[sbull] Costs associated with 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 an ANA grant award. (Legal
authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR
1336.50; 45 CFR 74.27; OMB Circular A-122, Attachment B, Paragraph 23;
OMB Circular A-87, Attachment B, Paragraph 21.)
[sbull] Major renovation or alteration because those activities are
not authorized under the Native American Programs Act of 1974, as
amended. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and
2991b-3)
[sbull] Projects originated and designed by consultants who provide
a major role for themselves and are not members of the applicant
organization, Tribe, or village. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a) and
(d) and 803C of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended,
42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3)
[sbull] Project activities that do not further the three
interrelated ANA goals of economic development, social development and
governance or meet the purpose of this program announcement. (Legal
authority: Sections 803 (a) and (d) and 803C of the Native Americans
Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b and 2991b-3; 45 CFR
1336.33(b)(5))
Other Submission Requirements: Application Submission: An original
and two copies of the complete application are required. The original
copy must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and
appendices, be signed by an authorized representative, have original
signatures, and be submitted unbound. The two additional copies of the
complete application must include all required forms, certifications,
assurances, and appendices and must also be submitted unbound.
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. (Legal authority: Sections 803 (a)
of the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
2991b)
A completed application for assistance under this Program
Announcement consists of Three Parts. Part One is the SF 424, Required
Government Forms, and other required documentation. Part Two of the
application is the project substance of the application. This section
of the application may not exceed 45 pages. Part Three of the
application is the Appendix. This section of the application may not
exceed 20 pages (the exception to this 20 page limit applies only to
projects that require, if relevant to the project, a Business Plan or
any Third-Party Agreements). (Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the
Native Americans Programs Act of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b)
Part One--Federal Forms and Other Required Documents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Content and location of
Part I of the application for funding part I required forms,
must include the following: certifications and When to submit
documents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B......... http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due date.
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Table of Contents.................... Applicant must include a By application due date.
table of contents that
accurately identifies
the page number and
where the information
can be located. Table
of Contents does not
count against
application page limit.
Project Abstract..................... ANA Form: OMB Clearance By application due date.
Number 09800204--On ANA
Web site http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.
Proof of Non-Profit Status........... As described in this By application due date.
announcement under
Section ``Other
Eligibility
Information''.
Resolution........................... Information for By application due date.
submission can be found
in the Program
Announcement Section
``Other Eligibility
Information''.
Documentation that the Board of As described in this By application due date.
Directors is majority Native announcement under
American, if applicant is other than ``ANA Administrative
a tribe or Alaska Native Village Policies''.
government.
[[Page 64702]]
Audit Letter......................... A Certified Public By application due date.
Accountant's
``Independent
Auditors'' Report on
Financial Statement.''
This is usually only a
two to three page
document. (This
requirement applies
only to applicants with
annual expenditures of
$300,000 or more of
federal funds).
Applicant must also
include that portion of
the audit document that
identifies all other
federal sources of
funding.
Indirect Cost Agreement.............. Organizations and Tribes By application due date.
must submit a current
indirect cost agreement
(if claiming indirect
costs) that aligns with
the approved ANA
project period. The
Indirect Cost Agreement
must identify the
individual components
and percentages that
make up the indirect
cost rate.
Non-Federal Share of Waiver Request, A request for a waiver By application due date.
per CFR 1336.50(b). of the non-Federal
share requirement may
be submitted in
accordance with 45 CFR
1336.50(b) (3) of the
Native American Program
regulations. (if
applicable).
Certification regarding Lobbying May be found at By application due date.
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities-- http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
SF LLL. programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Certification regarding Maintenance May be found at By application due date.
of Effort. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Certification Regarding Debarment, May be found at http:// By application due date.
Suspension and other Responsibility http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
Matters (Primary covered programs/ofs/forms.htm.
transactions and Lower Tier
Transactions as appropriate).
Drug-Free Workplace Certification.... May be found at http:// By application due date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke May be found at http:// By application due date.
Certification. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Two--Application Review Criteria
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application review criteria--
PART II--proposed project this section may not exceed 45
pages
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criteria One........................... Project Introduction and
Summary.
Criteria Two........................... Objective and Need for
Assistance.
Criteria Three......................... Project Approach--Include the
Objective Work Plan (OWP) form
for each year of project.
Criteria Four.......................... Organizational Capacity.
Criteria Five.......................... Results and Benefits Expected.
Criteria Six........................... Budget and Budget Justification
Summary/ Cost Effectiveness.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Three--Appendix
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART III--support Appendix-- this section may not exceed 20
documentation pages
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part III of the submitted application
should include only supplemental
information or required support
documentation that addresses the
applicant's capacity to carry out and
fulfill the proposed project. These
items include: letters of agreement with
cooperating entities, in-kind commitment
and support letters, business plans, and
a summary of the Third Party Agreements.
(Do not include books, videotapes,
studies or published reports and
articles, as they will not be made
available to the reviewers, or be
returned to the applicant.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Legal authority: Sections 803(a) of the Native Americans Programs Act
of 1974, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2991b.)
V. Application Review Information
Criteria: ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD)
The UPD text should be used as general guidance in the development
of projects. However, the specific ANA application submission format to
be used in response to this announcement is located in section IV
Application and Submission Information.
Purpose: The Project Description is a major area by which an
application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other
applications for financial 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 if they present information clearly and succinctly. In
preparing your Project Description, all information requested through
each specific evaluation criteria should be provided. ANA uses this and
other information to make funding decisions. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application.
General Instructions: ANA is particularly interested in specific
factual information and statements of measurable goals and performance
indicators in quantitative terms. Project descriptions are evaluated on
a basis of
[[Page 64703]]
substance, not length. Extensive exhibits are not required. Cross-
referencing should be used rather than repetition. Supporting
information that does not directly pertain to an integral part of the
grant-funded activity should be placed in the appendix. The application
narrative should be in a 12-pitch font. A table of contents and an
executive summary should be included. Each page should be numbered
sequentially, including a