[Federal Register: May 28, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 104)]
[Notices]
[Page 30661-30672]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28my04-62]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Assets for Independence Demonstration Program
Agency: Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of
Community Services (OCS).
Funding Opportunity Title: Assets for Independence Demonstration
Program.
Announcement Type: Competitive Grant-Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EI-0027.
CFDA Number: 93.602.
Due Dates for Applications: July 27, 2004.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community
Services (OCS) will accept applications from organizations seeking
financial assistance to establish and administer Assets for
Independence (AFI) Projects. These projects are designed to assist low-
income people in becoming economically self-sufficient. They do so by
helping clients learn about economic and consumer issues and establish
matched savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDA)
in order to save for a first home, a business or higher education.
Grant recipient organizations (grantees) will be required to use a
portion of the Federal financial assistance to support information
collection and other activities related to an on-going national
evaluation of the impact of AFI Projects and IDAs.
Grantees must comply with requirements in this program's
authorizing legislation, the Assets for Independence Act (AFIA) (Title
IV of the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and
Educational Services Act of 1998, as amended, Pub. L. 105-285, 42
U.S.C. 604 note). A copy of the Act is available at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/
Program Purpose and Scope
The purpose of the Assets for Independence Program is to
demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of asset-building projects
that teach low-income families about financial issues and enable them
to save earned income over the long-term in special matched savings
accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDA). The program is
designed specifically to demonstrate and evaluate the effects of IDAs
generally and AFI
[[Page 30662]]
Projects in particular in terms of increasing the economic self-
sufficiency of low-income families; for promoting savings for first-
time homeownership, post-secondary education, and small business or
micro-enterprise development; and stabilizing and improving families
and communities.
OCS seeks to support new and innovative AFI Projects administered
by national, State-wide, regional and community-based organizations
across the nation. The office is interested in supporting organizations
that would establish first-time AFI Projects. OCS is also interested in
providing financial support for organizations that are managing
existing AFI Projects.
Examples of the types of organizations that may apply (if they meet
all eligibility criteria) include, but are not limited to, community
action agencies; community development corporations; financial
institutions such as banks, credit unions, and community development
financial institutions; faith-based and community organizations; State
and local government agencies and other organizations; marriage
strengthening coalitions; service and fraternal organizations; schools,
colleges and universities; and consortia or groups of organizations
that collaborate to administer an AFI Project.
Because ACF wants to see a broad range of project types, we are
encouraging applications that address one or more of the following:
Projects that serve communities and groups that are less
represented among the current AFI Projects such as residents of rural
areas and Native American individuals or communities.
Projects designed in partnership with schools, colleges or
universities to provide services to youth who are saving to attend
higher education.
Projects designed in partnership with area businesses and
structured to provide services to the employees of those businesses.
Projects designed in partnership with local agency that
manages the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and/or
other employment education and training offices and child support
enforcement agencies.
Projects administered by a consortium or group of
organizations. In this arrangement, a lead organization receives the
OCS funding and administers the overall AFI Project including the
financial accounting services for the project, while the subsidiary
organizations implement project activities and provide services to
project participants in a defined locality or a certain target
population in a region, State, city or other geographic area. OCS
believes such consortia or collaborative arrangements may be
particularly cost effective and efficient.
Projects that involve local family strengthening
coalitions and related organizations in an effort to integrate asset-
building work with activities that promote healthy marriage and family
formation. These activities may include, for example, communication
skills training, marriage-oriented financial education, family
budgeting, and marriage enrichment training. The goal for integrating
asset building with healthy marriage projects is to link financial
education with family budgeting abilities and marital communication
skills that help to strengthen families and improve the communities in
which families live. Furthermore, ACF is also encouraging applications
that:
Propose to enroll participants from households in which a
child or children are living with the child's biological or adoptive
parent or legal guardian;
Propose to enroll individuals residing within relatively
well-defined neighborhoods or communities that experience high rates of
poverty or unemployment; or
Propose a high proportion of cost-share funds committed
from private sector sources.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Program Funding: $18,000,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 55.
Ceiling on amount of Individual Awards: $1,000,000 per project
period and budget period.
An application received 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 of Individual Awards: None.
Average Anticipated Award Amount: $360,000 per project period and
budget period.
Project Periods for Awards: 5 year (60 months) project period with
5 year (60 months) budget period.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
State governments or agencies; county governments or agencies; city
or township governments or agencies including Public Housing
Authorities; special district governments or agencies; independent
school districts; Tribal governments as defined by section 4 of the
Indian Self Determination and Education Act (25 U.S.C. 450b); Native
Hawaiian organizations as defined by section 7912 of the Native
Hawaiian Education Act (20 U.S.C. 7912); non-profits having a 501(c)(3)
status with the Internal Revenue Service; faith-based organizations
having 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service; private
institutions of higher education having 501(c)(3) status with the
Internal Revenue Service; Low Income Credit Unions so designated by the
National Credit Union Administration; Community Development Financial
Institutions so designated by the U.S. Treasury; and other
organizations.
Additional Information on Eligibility: State, Tribal County, or
local governments, school districts, Public Housing authorities, and
other governments or agencies are eligible only if they apply jointly
with a non-profit organization having 501(c)(3) status that provides
evidence of its IRS tax-exempt status.
Applications submitted by joint applicants, for example, by a
State, local or Tribal government agency and a non-profit organization,
must clearly identify the organizations that are the joint applicants.
The required Standard Form 424 ``Application for Federal Assistance''
must be signed by an authorized representative of the joint applicant
that will be responsible for grant administration and AFI Project
implementation. The responsible applicant may be either the government
agency or the non-profit organization.
Non-profit applicants applying for funding are required to submit
proof of their 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Proof of this status is the
following:
(a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS code
(b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
Low-Income Credit Unions and Community Development Financial
Institutions are eligible to apply directly if they demonstrate a
strong collaborative relationship with one or more local community-
based organization(s) that seek to address poverty and the needs of
community residents. Such community-based organizations may be non-
profit organizations with or without 501(c) (3) status, philanthropic
foundations such as community foundations, or for-profit organizations.
Applicant Low-Income Credit Unions and Community Development
Financial Institutions may be a component of a State, local or Tribal
government, or a
[[Page 30663]]
non-profit or for-profit organization including a faith-based
organization.
Applicant Low-Income Credit Unions must submit official
documentation that the National Credit Union Administration has
designated the organization as such. For information about Low-Income
Credit Unions, see http://www.ncua.gov.
Applicant Community Development Financial Institutions must submit
official documentation that the U. S. Department of the Treasury has
designated the organization as such. For information about designated
organizations, go to http://www.cdfifund.gov.
Existing AFI Project grantees may submit applications for funding
for new five-year projects. Such applicants will be reviewed
competitively with all other applications.
Applications that exceed the ceiling on amount of individual awards
will be considered non-responsive and will be returned to the applicant
without further review.
Applications that fail to include the required non-federal cost
share will be considered non-responsive and will be returned to the
applicant without further review.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Grantees must provide or arrange for the provision of at least 50
percent of the total approved cost of the project from non-Federal
sources. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the
Federal grant and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal cost share
must be met by cash contributions. Therefore, a project requesting
$350,000 in Federal funds must provide firm commitments of at least
$350,000 of non-Federal contribution (50 percent of the total approved
project cost of $700,000). Grantees will be held accountable for all
non-Federal contributions described in their application even if they
have demonstrated contributions that exceed the required minimum
amount.
The basis for an applicant's meeting the cost-share commitment must
be firm, and cannot be speculative. Applications without a firm cost-
share commitment will not be evaluated.
A firm cost-share commitment may be shown by letters from
contributing organizations, signed financial agreements, or other
means. The firm commitments need not require full payment of the cost-
share commitment at one time. Rather, for example, they may be a firm
commitment to provide funding according to a well-defined payment
schedule over the project period.
3. Other
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. 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 formula, entitlement
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number 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
Applicants that fail to follow the required format described in
section IV.2 ``Content and Form or Application Submission'' will be
considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under
this announcement.
Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-
sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for
funding under this announcement.
Applications that exceed the $1,000,000 ceiling will be considered
non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding under this
announcement.
Applications from non-profit applicants that fail to submit proof
of their 501(3) non-profit status will be considered non-responsive and
will not be eligible for funding under this announcement.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for
Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center,
Assets for Independence Program, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300,
Arlington, Virginia 22209, Email: ocs@lcgnet.com; Telephone: (800) 281-
9519; ATTN: Assets for Independence Program.
URL to Obtain an AFI Program Application Package: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/
.
Applicants are encouraged to use information provided in the AFI
Program Application Package. The packages provide detailed information
about AFI Program requirements and tips on developing a high quality
project. The packages also include several worksheets that are useful
for project planning and developing application materials. The packages
are posted on the Internet at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/.
Applicants that use the work sheets may choose to include them as
appendices to their application materials.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
This subsection provides detailed instructions for developing the
application. Please see Section V ``Application Review Information''
for additional relevant information.
Application Format
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format.
To submit an application electronically, please use the
http://www.Grants.gov site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. You may
not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grant.gov:
Electronic submission is voluntary.
When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.gov.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS
Number to register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You should
allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize
you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary
assurance and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this program announcement.
[[Page 30664]]
After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and
Families will retrieve your application from Grant.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.Grants.gov.
You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
To submit an application in paper format, please do the following.
Submit an original application and two additional copies. The
original and copies must include all required forms, certifications,
assurances and appendices. It must be signed by an authorized
representative and have original signatures.
Applicants have the option of omitting from the copies (not the
original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in
the application budget.
Applicants who choose to submit the application materials in paper
format are strongly encouraged also to provide an electronic copy on
floppy disk or on CD-ROM in any standard formats such as MS Word,
WordPerfect, and Adobe Acrobat.
Submit paper application materials on white 8\1/2\ by 11 inch paper
only. Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the margins must
be at least one inch on all sides.
Number all application pages sequentially throughout the package,
beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one.
Also include page numbers for supplemental documents, including
appendices. Please do not include organizational brochures or other
promotional materials, slides, films, newspaper clips, and so forth.
Please present paper application materials either in loose-leaf
notebooks or in folders with pages two-hole punched at the top center
and fastened with a slide paper fastener.
Page Limitation
The application package including sections for the table of
contents, project abstract, and project narrative may not exceed 40
pages. The page limitation does not include required standard forms,
assurances, certifications, disclosures and appendices. The page
limitation also does not apply to any supplemental documents required
in this announcement.
Application Content
Each application must include the seven components listed below.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials that are
responsive to guidance in this section and in the six evaluation
criteria listed in this announcement. The ``Application Review
Information'' section provides additional generic guidance that applies
to all ACF competitive grant announcements, which applicants will find
helpful.
1. Table of Contents--Numbered list of sections, sub-sections, and
appendices with corresponding page numbers.
2. Abstract--Brief narrative that describes the project goals and
objectives, the target populations or communities, the overall strategy
or work plan, and information about the applicant and all participating
organizations including financial institutions. List all sources of
financial and in-kind support.
3. Project Narrative--Narrative that addresses all issues listed
below and includes the following components and other matters noted in
the ``Evaluation Criteria'' section of this announcement.
(a) Goals and Objectives--One or two broad statements of the
overall desired goals of the proposed AFI Project, and a small number
(4-6) of objectives that describe measurable outcomes the project is
expected to produce in a given time period such as, (1) The increase in
percentage of project participants who are homeowners; (2) The increase
in the percentage of project participants who acquire postsecondary
education; and (3) The increase in the percentage of project
participants who create or expand a micro-enterprise. Applicants are
encouraged to develop additional outcome statements that address their
program's unique goals. These may focus on how the proposed project
will enhance the overall AFI Demonstration and add to the national
evaluation of the extent to which IDAs help reduce poverty.
(b) Needs for Assistance and Strengths--Description of the
populations or communities to be assisted. Document needs in terms of
geographic location, participant eligibility and other factors. Use
indicators such as the following to document these ``other factors'':
homeownership rates, education attainment, access to capital, use of
Federal or State Earned Income Tax Credit or other refundable credits,
use of financial institutions for saving or checking accounts, rates of
reliance on public assistance or degree of reliance on check cashing
services or other such financial services. Describe particular
strengths of the proposed target populations or communities. For
example, include important community organizations, degree of community
cohesion or identity, meaningful involvement by area employers and
significant investment in the target population or neighborhoods
through other Federal, Tribal, State or local government programs or
private sector or philanthropic initiatives.
(c) Approach--(i) Narrative Work Plan--Description of all
significant planned activities for the project including those
supported by the applicant and partner organizations throughout the 60-
month project period. Describe all major elements and activities such
as those listed below. (Provide estimates of the outputs for each
activity.)
(A) Selecting and training key staff for the project.
(B) Developing strong collaborations with key government agencies,
faith-based organizations, and non-profit and for-profit organizations
that will support the overall asset building strategy.
(C) Establishing and maintaining the Project Reserve Fund.
(D) Developing protocols for managing the Project Reserve Fund
account including a system for allocating interest income for project
administration and to project participants.
(E) Establishing strong working relationships with one or more
financial institution(s) that will participate in the project.
(F) Reaching out to community residents, employers and other key
institutions about asset-building strategies in general and the IDA
program in particular.
(G) Screening and selecting project participants.
(H) Determining the unique needs of each participant or group of
participants including their needs for economic education, credit
repair and other assistance, as well as determining their particular
strengths.
(I) Providing economic education, credit repair, asset-specific
information and other training or supportive services to participants.
(J) Developing savings plans with participants and working with
them to save accordingly.
(K) Providing payments to project participants' IDAs as match for
savings.
(L) Establishing and maintaining IDAs for each participant
including specific
[[Page 30665]]
arrangements concerning the accounts with financial institutions or
others.
(M) Assisting participants who have difficulty completing the
economic education or abiding with the terms of their savings plan.
(N) Ensuring that clients use IDAs only as appropriate, including
for emergency expenses.
(O) Ensuring that project participants purchase an eligible
appreciable long-term asset within the program timeframes.
(P) Providing follow-up assistance to participants, if needed.
(Q) Providing required financial and programmatic reports to ACF.
(R) Participating actively in the national evaluation of the
demonstration program including providing program data and other
information as required.
(S) Managing periodic internal program reviews concerning staffing,
participant successes, and other issues to be addressed.
(ii) Tax Preparation and Tax Credit Outreach--Description of
planned strategies for assisting project participants with preparing
annual tax returns and, if applicable, applying for Federal and State
refundable tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the
Child Tax Credit.
(iii) Timeline--A 60-month project timeline that is consistent with
the proposed budget, that reflects key activities outlined in the
narrative work plan and that accommodates the requirement that all
project participants complete their economic education, complete their
savings plans and purchase an appreciable asset by the end of the
project. Applicants are strongly encouraged to present the timeline in
the format of a Gantt chart.
(iv) Planned IDA Match--Description of the plan for matching
participants' saving in their IDAs including a description of the
rationale for the match rate used for each of the three allowed asset
purchases. For example, a description of the match rate for
participants who will save for a first home and the rationale for
choosing that rate. Include this information for each type of asset for
which project participants will be allowed to save.
(v) Innovative Approaches--Description of innovative aspects of the
proposed project. Describe how the proposed project will be supported
by area employers or other private sector entities. Discuss any aspects
that are unique or innovative for the target community or population
and why each aspect is important to the overall success of the proposed
project. Discuss strategies for using information technology for the
project. Discuss using direct deposit for participant savings. If
appropriate, discuss how the proposed project would be an important
component of other significant and comprehensive neighborhood
revitalization initiative(s) such as a Federal Empowerment Zone,
Enterprise Community or Renewal Community project, Weed and Seed
project sites or private sector or philanthropic initiatives.
(vi) Partner Organizations--List of public and private non-profit
and for-profit organizations that will participate in any way in the
proposed project. Provide a clear description of the roles and
responsibilities of each organization including the role each will have
in providing services for project clients and the degree to which they
will have a role in managing the overall project. Describe how
additional partners would be recruited throughout the project period.
If the applicant is the lead organization of a collaborative or
group of organizations that will jointly administer the project,
provide a description of each organization including details about each
one's experience and staff capabilities. Also include a description of
the lead agency's capacity and experience in managing multi-agency
projects and the roles and responsibilities of each partner agency.
Such applicants are strongly encouraged to provide copies of official
partnering agreements signed by the participating organizations that
clearly set forth each organization's roles and responsibilities for
the proposed project.
Describe the partner relationship between the applicant (and
partner organizations, if appropriate) and one or more Federally funded
financial institution(s) where the Project Reserve Fund and participant
Individual Development Accounts will be established and maintained. (If
the applicant organization is a financial institution and it will be
the depository of the Project Reserve Fund and participants' IDAs
include a statement so indicating.)
4. Results or Benefits Expected--Explain how the project will
produce results. Specify outcome and output statements that can be used
as indicators of the extent to which each Objective listed under
``Goals and Objectives'' above are being achieved. Include participant-
level and Agency-level output and outcome statements, as appropriate.
An outcome statement describes the result of the AFI Project's
effort. Participant-level outcome statements may include, for example,
the extent to which participants improve their credit history; file
Federal and State tax returns and apply for Earned Income Tax Credit,
Child Tax Credit or other refundable tax credits (if applicable); save
earned income; gain assets, and become economically self-sufficient for
the long term. Agency-level outcome statements may include: develop
stronger positive relationships with partner service providers, area
employers and financial institutions.
An output statement describes the goods and services produced which
can be measured on a periodic basis (e.g., quarterly). (The output
statements should reflect the timing of activities and tasks listed in
the project narrative and shown on the Gantt chart developed for the
work plan.) Participant-level outputs may include the number of
outreach activities completed; the number of participants recruited and
enrolled; the number of financial education classes offered; number of
asset-specific trainings offered; and so on. Agency-level output
statements may describe the extent to which the AFI Project agency
provides timely reports to ACF on financial and programmatic issues, as
well as on providing information for the national evaluation.
5. Evaluation Plan--Description of a strategy for collecting and
validating data for use in program management, monitoring and
evaluation. Provide a statement that the applicant and any
participating organizations will cooperate and participate actively
with OCS in the national evaluation of the Assets for Independence
Demonstration Program. Provide a statement that the applicant will use
an electronic management information system for project data.
6. Organizational Profile--Description of the applicant
organization. Describe the organization's capacity for and experience
in developing and operating anti-poverty and asset-building projects.
Discuss previous successes at working with the target populations and
communities. Discuss the organization's experience in working closely
with financial institutions, area employers, and other key
organizations. Identify staff that will be responsible for managing and
administering the project and discuss their relevant experience.
Include copies of resumes or other summary information about the skills
and capacity of each proposed key staff person. Also provide the
following additional information:
(a) Proof of Eligibility--Provide required proof of eligibility for
the applicant organization and, if relevant, partner organizations. See
Section III
[[Page 30666]]
``Eligibility Information'' for more details.
(b) Proof of Commitment of Non-Federal Cost Share--One or more
completed ``Non-Federal Contribution Agreement'' form(s) or
statement(s) of commitment including information about the required
contribution from private or non-Federal public sources.
7. Budget and Budget Justification--Provide completed Standard
Forms and a narrative as follows:
(a) Completed Standard Form 424--Standard form that has been signed
by an authorized official representative of the lead applicant
organization.
(b) Standard Form 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction
Programs.
(c) Narrative Budget Justification--Narrative information about
each object class category required under Section B, Standard Form
424A, including a description of reasonable funding amounts for
actions, tasks and so forth.
Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies
(not the original) of specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget.
Required Standard Forms
Applicants must sign and return Standard Form 424, Application for
Federal Assistance. The form must be signed and submitted with the
application.
Applicants requesting financial assistance for a non-construction
project must sign and return Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs with their applications. Applicants must sign and
submit the Form 424B with their application.
Applicants must provide a Certification Regarding Lobbying when
applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and
return the certification with their applications.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as
outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke. By
signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification with the
application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants.''
The forms are located on the web at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
3. Submission Date and Times
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m.
(Eastern Standard Time) on July 27, 2004. Mailed or hand carried
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be
classified as late.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date at the following address: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community
Services Operations Center, Assets for Independence Program, 1815 Fort
Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209, ATTN: Barbara
Ziegler-Johnson, Telephone: 1-800-281-9519.
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.
Applications hand carried 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., Eastern Standard Time, at the following address: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children
and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center, Assets
for Independence Program, 1815 Fort Meyers Drive, Suite 300, Arlington,
Virginia 22209, ATTN: Barbara Ziegler-Johnson, Telephone: 1-800-281-
9519.
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do
not always deliver as agreed.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria
above are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current
competition.
Extension of deadlines: 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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Required form or
What to submit Required content format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents................... A numbered list of Number each page By application due
sections, subsections sequentially. date.
and appendices
included in the
application materials.
Project Summary/Abstract............ Brief narrative that Consistent with By application due
identifies the type of guidance in the date.
project, the target ``Application
population and the Content'' sub-section
major elements. and the evaluation
criteria listed in
this announcement.
Project Narrative................... A narrative that Consistent with By application due
includes the following guidance in the date.
three sub-components ``Application
and addresses issues Content'' sub-section
described in the and the evaluation
``Application Review criteria listed in
Information'' and the this announcement.
evaluation criteria
listed in this
announcement.
Project Narrative Component A--Goals Narrative that Consistent with By application due
and Objectives. describes the project guidance in the date.
goals for the proposed ``Application
asset-building Content'' sub-section
strategies. Also and the evaluation
include objectives criteria listed in
that describe this announcement.
measurable targets to
be achieved.
[[Page 30667]]
Project Narrative Component B--Needs Narrative that Consistent with By application due
for Assistance and Strengths. describes the economic guidance in the date.
condition of the ``Application
target populations and Content'' sub-section
communities, with and the evaluation
particular attention criteria listed in
to the needs to be this announcement.
addressed and the
strengths of the
community that will
bolster a successful
program.
Project Narrative Component C-- Overall detailed Consistent with By application due
Approach. project work plan. guidance in date.
``Application
Content'' sub-section
and the evaluation
criteria listed in
this announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected........ Projected results. Consistent with By application due
Include outcome and guidance in the date.
output statements. ``Application
Content'' sub-section
and the evaluation
criteria listed in
this announcement.
Evaluation Plan..................... Detailed information Consistent with By application due
about the proposed guidance in the date.
strategy for ``Application
collecting data for Content'' sub-section
program management and and the evaluation
evaluation. criteria listed in
this announcement.
Organizational Profile.............. Description of Consistent with By application due
organizational and guidance in the date.
staff capacity, proof ``Additional
of eligibility and Information on
proof of commitment of Eligibility ''
non-Federal cost share. section, the
``Application
Content'' sub-section
and the evaluation
criteria listed in
this announcement.
Budget and Budget Justification and Budget information Consistent with By application due
Standard Forms. including: narrative guidance in date.
budget justification; ``Application
completed Standard Content'' sub-section
Form 424; completed of this announcement.
Standard Form 424A; Required Standard
completed Standard Forms are posted on
Form 424B. the Internet at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.
Certification regarding lobbying.... As per required form... Required Standard Forms By application due
are posted on the date.
Internet at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.
Certification regarding As per required form... Required Standard Forms By application due
environmental tobacco smoke. are posted on the date.
Internet at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
.
Proof of Eligibility................ As described in Section Per description in By application due
III. Eligibility. Section III.. date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Forms: Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged
to submit with their applications the survey located under ``Grant
Related Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit
Grant Applicants'' at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Per optional form...... Posted on the Internet By application due
Applicants. at http:// date.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of October 2003, of the most recent SPOC list, the following
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action
in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia,
Washington and Wyoming.
Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in
the process, entities that have met the eligibility requirements of the
program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible
[[Page 30668]]
to alert them about the prospective applications and receive
instructions. Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs
as soon as possible so that the program office can obtain and review
SPOC comments as part of the award process. The applicant must submit
all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of
this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is required) on
the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has
60 days from the application deadline to comment on proposed new or
competing continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
Comments should be submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations
Center, Assets for Independence Program, 1815 Fort Meyers Drive, Suite
300, Arlington, Virginia 22209, ATTN: Barbara Ziegler-Johnson.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/ omb/grants/spoc.html.
5. Funding Restrictions
Grantees must adhere to all requirements of the AFI Act (``Act'')
(Pub. L. 105-284, 42 U.S.C. 604 note). Some critical requirements are
listed below.
As provided in the Act, section 404, an ``Individual Development
Account'' is a trust or custodial account created or organized in the
United States exclusively for the purpose of paying the qualified
expenses of an eligible AFI Project participant, or enabling the
participant to make an emergency withdrawal. The Act imposes the
following limitations, as follows:
(a) No contribution will be accepted for deposit into the IDA
unless it is in cash or by check.
(b) The IDA trustee is a Federally-insured financial institution or
a State insured financial institution if no Federally-insured financial
institution is available.
(c) An IDA custodial account will be treated as a trust if the
account assets are held by a bank or a person who demonstrates that
they will administer the account consistent with the requirements of
the Act and if the account would, except for the fact that it is not a
trust, constitute an IDA as defined above.
(d) The assets of the IDA trust or custodial account will be
invested in accordance with the direction of the AFI Project
participant after consultation with the AFI Project grantee
organization.
(e) The assets of the trust or custodial account will not be
commingled with other property except in a common trust fund or common
investment fund.
(f) Any amount in the trust or custodial account that is
attributable to a deposit from the Project Reserve Fund may be
distributed out of the trust or custodial account only for the purpose
of paying the qualified expenses of the AFI Project participant.
(g) Any balance in the trust or custodial account on the day after
the AFI Project participant dies shall be distributed within 30 days of
that date as directed by the participant to another IDA established for
benefit of another eligible individual.
As provided in the Act, section 404, there are certain limitations
on the types of expenses for which the project participants may use
their IDA resources. AFI Projects may allow participants to use IDA
savings for any one or more of four expenses, as follows (subject to
additional AFIA restrictions):
(a) Post-secondary educational expenses paid from an IDA account
directly to an eligible educational institution. Educational expenses
are, for example, tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment.
(b) First-home purchase expenses for a qualified principal
residence paid from an IDA account directly to the persons for whom the
amounts are due.
(c) Business capitalization expenses paid from an IDA account
directly to a business capitalization account that is established in a
Federally-insured financial institution or State insured institution if
no Federally-insured financial institution is available.
(d) Transfers to IDAs of family members.
As provided in the Act, section 407, there are certain limitations
on the use of AFI grant funds. Consistent with these:
OCS will support qualified entities, other than a State or local
government agency or a tribal government, that propose to establish a
Project Reserve Fund in accordance with legislative requirements
including that as soon as practicable after receipt of the award, the
grantee will deposit in the Project Reserve Fund all cost-share funds
provided to the grantee from any public or private source in connection
with the AFI Project and the proceeds from any investments made, as
allowed by the Act.
OCS will support programs that propose to use at least 85 percent
of the sum of the AFI grant and the required non-Federal, cash cost-
share contribution to make matching deposits to project participants'
IDAs.
OCS will only support AFI Projects that propose to use no more than
15 percent of the AFI grant for the following three purposes:
(a) Assisting program participants in obtaining skills and
information they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Typically,
such activities include case management, credit counseling and economic
education and training on budgeting and credit issues.
(b) Supporting program administrative activities. Typically, these
include program management, staffing, facilities and rent, and
supplies. They also include costs associated with complying with
recruitment and enrollment of program participants and Federal
reporting requirements. OCS will not support projects that propose to
use more than 7.5 percent of the Project Reserve Fund for these
functions.
(c) Participating actively in the national program evaluation and
research. OCS will not support projects that propose to use less than 2
percent of the Project Reserve Fund for this function.
An applicant that proposes to use less than 5.5 percent of the
Project Reserve Fund for purpose A above may apply up to an additional
2.5 percent of the Project Reserve Fund for purpose B.
Where more than one grantee jointly administers a project, or where
an applicant is a consortium of organizations, each organization must
use no more than its proportional share of the 15 percent for the three
purposes.
As provided in the Act, section 408, individuals with the following
qualifications are eligible to enroll as a participant in an AFI
Project:
(a) Any member of a household that is eligible for assistance under
the State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program established
under part A of title VI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.); or
(b) Any individual whose household adjusted gross income is equal
to or less than 200 percent of the poverty line (as determined by the
Office of Management and Budget) or less than the earned income amount
eligible for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit
[[Page 30669]]
taking into account the size of the household (as described in section
32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986). In addition, an individuals'
household net worth is no more than $10,000 (not including the value of
the primary dwelling unit and one motor vehicle).
As provided in the Act, section 410, at least every three months,
each AFI Project grantee shall make matching deposits into project
participants' IDAs (or into a parallel account). The deposits must be
made in equal amounts from Federal funds and non-Federal cost-share
funds from the Project Reserve Fund. Deposits may also be made from
interest income accrued on funds on deposit in the Project Reserve Fund
and allocated for participant IDAs.
As provided in the Act, section 410, not more than $2,000 from an
AFI grant shall be provided to any one project participant.
Furthermore, no more than $4,000 from an AFI grant shall be provided to
any one household over the course of the AFI Project.
OCS will only support programs for project and budget periods of
five years. AFI Project grantees may expend funds during the five year
project and budget period in keeping with program requirements.
OCS will not support programs that propose to use grant funds to
support pre-award costs.
Prior to award of project funds, OCS will communicate with
potential grantees to ensure that the proposed projects conform to all
AFI Act requirements.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: 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 Community
Services Operations Center, Assets for Independence Program, 1815 Fort
Meyer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22209. 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.
Hand Delivery: Applications hand carried 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 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, at the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for
Children and Families, Office of Community Services Operations Center,
Assets for Independence Program, 1815 Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 300,
Arlington, Virginia 22209. This address must appear on the envelope/
package containing the application with the note ``Attention: Barbara
Ziegler-Johnson.'' Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail
services do not always deliver as agreed.
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax.
Electronic Submission: Please see Section IV.2. Content and Form of
Application Submission, for guidelines and requirements when submitting
applications electronically.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13).
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 30 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information.
The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number. The following section provides a
general overview of the recommended contents of each applicant's
project narrative. Following the general description are criteria
specific to the AFI Program.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Approach
Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and detail of
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions
or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in, for
example, such terms as the ``number of people served.'' When
accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them
in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and
their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. Explain how the
project will reach the targeted population and how it will benefit
participants or the community.
Evaluation
Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and
the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project.
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are
being achieved. With
[[Page 30670]]
respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be
employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a
manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact
of the project's various activities on the project's effectiveness.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports, documentation of professional accreditation,
information on compliance with Federal/State/local government
standards, documentation of experience in the program area, and other
pertinent information.
A non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of the
applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent
list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the
IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or
association is domiciled.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs,
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Criterion I: Objectives and Needs for Assistance (Maximum:
10 Points)
Factor: Goal and Objectives Statements (5 Points)
The extent to which the applicant presents a clear goal statement
supporting asset-building in general and IDAs in particular as
strategies for helping low-income and low-wealth individuals and
families become economically self-sufficient. The extent to which the
applicant presents a small number of clear objective statements that
describe anticipated targets or results of the project, including the
following three objectives as long as they apply to the proposed
project (These are linked to the national AFI Program goals.): (1) The
increase in percentage of project participants who are homeowners; (2)
The increase in the percentage of project participants who acquire
postsecondary education; and (3) The increase in the percentage of
project participants who create or expand a micro-enterprise. The
extent to which the goals and objectives relate to the needs for
assistance and strengths identified. The extent to which the
applicant's goals and objectives reflect a commitment to the national
demonstration of the AFI Program and IDAs as tools for reducing
poverty.
Factors: Needs for Assistance and Strengths (5 Points)
The extent to which the applicant clearly identifies the target
population and community(ies) or neighborhood(s) that will be the focus
of the project, in terms of the geographic area, participant income,
and other compelling information such as demographics, savings/assets
acquisition, needs and strengths, and other factors. The extent to
which the target population will include households in which a child or
children is living with the child's biological or adoptive parent or
legal guardian. The extent to which the project will enroll individuals
residing within relatively well-defined neighborhoods or communities
that experience high rates of poverty or unemployment.
Evaluation Criterion II: Approach (Maximum: 50 Points)
Factor: Work Plan and Timeline (25 Points)
(1) The extent to which the applicant presents a logical work plan
with all major activities throughout the 60-month project period
including any supported with non-Federal resources or provided by
participating organizations. The extent to which the applicant provides
a full and accurate description of the proposed use of the all
requested financial assistance.
(2) The extent to which the applicant describes how the proposed
project as a whole will operate from day to day, including
responsibilities of the applicant and those of all participating
organizations including the financial institutions.
(3) The extent to which the applicant proposes a 60-month project
timeline that is consistent with the proposed budget that reflects key
activities outlined in the narrative work plan and that accommodates
the requirement that all project participants complete their economic
education, complete their savings plans and purchase a qualified asset
by the end of the project.
Factor: Tax Services (3 Points)
The extent to which the applicant proposes to provide tax
preparation assistance and assistance for claiming refundable tax
credits such as Federal and State Earned Income Tax Credit and the
Child Tax Credit for project participants as part of the overall
program.
Factor: IDA Match Rate (5 Points)
The extent to which the applicant proposes a clear and reasonable
match rate or a menu of match rates for participants' IDAs that reflect
the costs of eligible assets in the target community(ies). The extent
to which the overall match rate strategy is reasonable in the context
of other features of the proposed project.
Factor: Innovation (5 Points)
The extent to which the applicant proposes innovative strategies
for vital issues such as recruiting participants, working with local
partners such as employers and financial institutions and so forth. The
extent to which the applicant includes strategies for enhancing
financial education and financial literacy components of the program.
The extent to which the applicant describes strategies for strong
program administration through building partnerships with other
organizations, using information technology, and arranging for direct
deposits in project participants' IDAs. The extent to which the
applicant describes how the proposed project would be a component of
other significant and comprehensive neighborhood change projects
supported by government agencies or private sector or philanthropic
organizations such as Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Community, or
Renewal Community projects, Weed and Seed project sites, and so forth.
The extent to which the project will integrate asset-building work with
activities that promote healthy marriage and family formation as a
means of achieving safety, permanency, and well-being for children and
families.
Factor: Partners/Collaborations (12 Points)
The extent to which the applicant describes the array of public and
private organizations that will be involved in administering the
project, the roles and responsibilities of each, and the process for
recruiting additional partners throughout the project period. If the
[[Page 30671]]
applicant is the lead organization of a collaborative or group of
organizations that will administer the project, the extent to which the
applicant describes its capacity and experience in managing multi-
agency projects and the roles and responsibilities of each
participating organization. The extent to which the applicant describes
its relationship with one or more Federally insured financial
institution(s) where the Project Reserve Fund and participant
Individual Development Accounts will be established and maintained and
provides clear documentation such as partnership agreements listing the
financial institution(s) commitments and role(s). The extent to which
the project will secure cost-share funds from private sector sources.
Evaluation Criterion III: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 10
Points)
The extent to which the application describes results the project
will produce. The extent to which the explanation presents clear
outcome and output statements that indicate progress in achieving the
objectives (as stated in the Goals and Objectives section) for
delivering asset-building services and in affecting the economic status
of project participants and in the target community(ies).
Evaluation Criterion IV: Evaluation (Maximum: 5 Points)
The extent to which the applicant presents a clear strategy for
gathering information for program management and for producing semi-
annual and annual fiscal and program progress reports including using
an electronic information system for managing project data including
information about the status of participants, their savings, and so
forth. The extent to which the applicant presents a clear commitment to
participate actively in the national outcome and process evaluation of
the overall AFI Program by providing relevant and timely data to OCS
and by collaborating with OCS on evaluation activities throughout the
project.
Evaluation Criterion V: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 20 Points)
Factors:
(1) The extent to which the applicant provides clear and convincing
information that it has needed capacity and relevant experience in
developing and operating programs for addressing the causes and effects
of poverty.
(2) The extent to which the applicant provides a clear management
plan that describes the applicant agency and all partnering agencies
and consortium members (where applicable); and an indication of what
organizations will perform various project tasks such as recruiting,
training, economic literacy training, and support activities.
(3) The extent to which the applicant identifies a Project Director
and other program staff with relevant experience in addressing poverty
issues and working with financial institutions, specific experience
with the target population and experience with asset-building
approaches in general and IDAs in particular.
Criterion VI: Budget and Budget Justification (Maximum: 5 Points)
The extent to which the applicant organization(s) provides a budget
commensurate with the level of effort necessary to accomplish the goals
and objectives of the project, and demonstrate that the estimated cost
to the government is reasonable in relation to the anticipated results.
The extent to which the applicant presents a detailed budget breakdown
and a narrative justification for each of the budget categories in the
SF-424A and reasonable funding amounts for program administration,
economic education and other training and services for project
participants.
1. Review and Selection Process
OCS Evaluation of Applications
Applications will undergo an initial OCS screening to ensure that
they comply with the format requirements as outlined in this
announcement. Applications that fulfill these requirements will be
reviewed and rated by a panel based on the application content and
evaluation criteria presented in this announcement.
The evaluation criteria are designed to enable the review panel to
assess the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood
of its success. The criteria are closely related to each other and are
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application.
The OCS Director and program staff use review panel scores when
considering competing applications. Review panel scores will weigh
heavily in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors
considered. Applications generally will be considered in order of the
average scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important
factors are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are
not guaranteed funding. These other considerations include the timely
and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded with OCS
funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of reviewers and
government officials; OCS staff evaluation and input; amount and
duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's consistency
and harmony with OCS goals and policy; geographic distribution of
applications; previous program performance of applicants; compliance
with grant terms under previous HHS grants, including the actual
dedication to program of mobilized resources as set forth in project
applications; audit reports; investigative reports; and applicant's
progress in resolving any final audit disallowance on previous OCS or
other Federal agency grants.
Additional considerations for applications that rank high include:
(a) previous performance of the applicant; (b) the results of a pre-
award site visit to assess an applicant prior to making a final
determination on the grant award.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for the initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the total project
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal
mail.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Grantees are subject to the audit requirements in 45 CFR Parts 74
(non-governmental) or 92 (governmental).
3. Reporting Requirements
Programmatic Reports: All grantees are required to submit semi-
annual program reports with the final report due 90 days after the
project end date. Grantees are also required to submit semi-annual
expenditure reports using the required financial standard form (SF-269)
with the final report due 90 days after the project end date. A
suggested format for the program report will be sent to all grantees
after the awards are made.
Special Reporting Requirements: All grantees are required to submit
annual data reports. A suggested format for the program report will be
sent to all grantees after the awards are made.
Original reports and one copy should be mailed to: Office of Grants
Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade,
SW.,
[[Page 30672]]
Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: James Gatz, Office of Community Services,
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Suite 500 West, Aerospace Building,
Washington, DC 20447-0002, Email: AFIProgram@acf.hhs.gov, Telephone:
(202) 401-4626.
Grants Management Office Contact: Barbara Ziegler Johnson, Office
of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant
Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20447-0002. Email:
ocs@lcgnet.gov. Telephone: 1-800-281-9519.
VIII. Other Information
Additional information about this program, including Application
Package and tips on developing a high quality project, is posted on the
Internet at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/.
Dated: May 20, 2004.
Clarence H. Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 04-12129 Filed 5-27-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-U