[Federal Register: February 23, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 35)]
[Notices]               
[Page 8265-8288]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23fe04-126]                         


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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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Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availability; Notices


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements; Notice of Availability

    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: Competitive Grant--Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-ANA-NA-0001.
    CFDA Number: 93.612.
    Due Date for Application: April 23, 2004, 4:30 p.m. (EST).
SUMMARY: 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 incorporated 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.
    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.

I. 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.
    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 are 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.
    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.
    The Administration for Children and Families through the 
Administration for Native Americans supports and fosters strong 
families and healthy communities under four initiatives. Eligible 
community and faith based organizations are invited to submit 
applications 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, i.e. diabetes, substance abuse or mental health 
related programs; 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

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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.
    ANA Administrative Policies: Applicants must comply with the 
following Administrative Policies:
     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).
     An application from a Tribe, Alaska Native 
Village or Native American organization must be from the governing 
body.
     A non-profit organization submitting an 
application must submit proof of its non-profit status in its 
application at the time of submission. The non-profit agency can 
accomplish this by providing: (i) 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; or 
(ii) a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate; or 
(iii) a statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or 
other appropriate State official certifying that the applicant 
organization has a non-profit status and none of the net earnings 
accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; or (iv) a certified 
copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar 
document that clearly establishes non-profit status; or (v) any of the 
items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national 
parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization 
that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate. 
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. 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.
     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 it's duly 
elected or appointed board of directors is majority Native American.
     Applicants must describe how the proposed 
project objectives and activities relate to a locally determined 
strategy.
     Proposed projects must consider the maximum use 
of all available community-based resources.
     Proposed projects must present a strategy to 
overcome the challenges that hinder movement toward self-sufficiency in 
the community.
     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.
     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.
     ANA funds projects not programs. Proposed 
projects must have definitive goals and objectives that will be 
achieved by the end of the project period. All projects funded by ANA 
must be completed, or self-sustaining, or supported by other than ANA 
funding at the end of the project period.
    Definitions: 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.
     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.
     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.
     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.
     Completed Project: A project funded by ANA is finished, or self-
sustaining, or funded by other than ANA funds, and the results and 
outcomes are achieved by the end of the project period.
     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

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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 contain a copy of the consortia 
legal agreement or Memoranda of Agreement to support the proposed 
project.
    Construction: The initial building of a facility.
     Core Administration: Salaries and other expenses for those 
functions that support the applicant's organization as a whole or for 
purposes 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.
     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.
     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.
     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.
     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.
     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.
     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.
    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.
    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.
    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, and the 
non-Federal share requirement has been met. 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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    Real Property: Land, including land improvements, structures, and 
appurtenances thereto, excluding movable machinery and equipment.
    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.

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Alteration and renovation may include work referred to as improvements, 
conversion, rehabilitation, remodeling, or modernization, but is 
distinguished from construction.
    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).
    Sustainable Project: A sustainable project is an on-going program 
or service that can be maintained without additional ANA funds.
    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.
    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.
    Please note that this announcement is divided into two program 
areas. The first program area is Social and Economic Development 
Strategies for Native Americans (Non-Alaska) and the second program 
area is Social and Economic Development Strategies for Native Americans 
(Alaska). The second program area information immediately follows 
section VIII of program area one. Applications from Alaska Native 
entities may submit under either SEDS or Alaska SEDS but not both 
program areas. The SF 424 must clearly indicate the correct program 
area.

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:
     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.
     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.
     Projects to plan 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.
     Projects to implement initiatives that are based 
on a feasibility study that assessed 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.
     Projects to develop community transportation 
activities that support the needs of the elderly, the disabled, and the 
local workforce.
     Projects to develop organizational and 
management capacity building activities that enhance community-based 
program delivery systems and services.
     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.
     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.
    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 include:
     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.
     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.
     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, and projects to 
strengthen the bonds between parents and children, particularly between 
fathers and children, and the fathers' role in healthy families.
     Projects to develop and implement comprehensive 
culturally and socially appropriate 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.
     Projects to recruit, train, and certify new 
Native American foster parents or

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promote appropriate extended family placements or to assist abused, 
neglected, and abandoned Native American children, youth, and their 
families.
     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.
    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:
     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.
     Projects to enact laws, ordinances, and 
policies, to develop, expand, and/or enhance utility and communications 
infrastructures.
     Projects to enrich and strengthen the management 
and leadership skills of senior Tribal government personnel, and senior 
management personnel of tribally owned companies.
     Projects to establish and implement technology 
management information systems to assist with the effective and 
efficient administration of tribal government programs.
     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.

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

1. Eligible Applicants

     Federally recognized Indian Tribes;
     Consortia of Indian Tribes;
     Incorporated non-Federally recognized Tribes.
     Incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-
based Indian organizations;
     Urban Indian Centers;
     National or regional incorporated non-profit 
Native American organizations with Native American community-specific 
objectives;
     Alaska Native villages, as defined in the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA) and/or non-profit village 
consortia;
     Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-
purpose community-based organizations;
     Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/
Associations in Alaska with village specific projects;
     Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with 
village specific projects;
     Public and non-profit private agencies serving 
Native Hawaiians;
     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);
     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; and
     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 not longer eligible for assistance from 
ANA. (Legal authority: 48 U.S.C 1931)
    Additional Information on Eligibility: Please refer to section I 
``Funding Opportunity Description'' to review general ANA 
Administrative Policies for any applicable statutory policies 
pertaining to application eligibility.
    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.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status: Any non-profit organization submitting 
an application must submit proof of its non-profit status in its 
application at the time of submission. The non-profit agency can 
accomplish this by providing:
     A 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; or
     A copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption 
certificate; or
     A statement from a State taxing body, State 
Attorney General, or other appropriate State official certifying that 
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and none of the net 
earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; or
     A certified copy of the organization's 
certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly 
establishes non-profit status; or
     Any of the items in the subparagraphs 
immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a 
statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant 
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
    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).
    Applicants are cautioned that the ceiling for individual awards is 
$500,000. Applications exceeding the $500,000 threshold will be 
returned without review.
    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.

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2. 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. Therefore, 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) which is 20% total 
approved project cost. Grantees will be held accountable for 
commitments of non-Federal resources even if over the amount of the 
required match. Failure to provide the non-federal share match will 
result in the disallowance of Federal match. 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. 
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.

3. Other (If Applicable)

    DUNS Number: 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
.

    An application that exceeds the $500,000 will be considered ``non-
responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without further review.
    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.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

    The ANA regional Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) providers 
at:
    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.
    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 II: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY.
    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 III: Alaska.
    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://www.anaalaska.org.

    Region IV: American Samoa (AS), Guam, HI, Commonwealth of Northern 
Mariana Islands (CNMI).
    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.


2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Please refer to section I ``Funding Opportunity Description'' to 
review general ANA Administrative Policies for any applicable statutory 
policies pertaining to application content and form.
    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. A 
completed application for assistance under this Program Announcement 
consists of Three Parts. Part One is the SF 424 and other 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).
    Electronic Submission: While ACF does have the capability to 
receive program announcement applications electronically through 
Grants.gov, electronic submission of applications will not be available 
for this particular announcement. There are required application 
form(s) specific to ANA that have not yet received clearance from 
Grants.gov. While electronic submission of applications may be 
available in the next fiscal year for this program, no electronic 
submission of applications will be accepted for this announcement this 
year as they would be missing those required ANA forms and be 
considered incomplete.
    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

[[Page 8272]]

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.
    Forms and Assurances: The project description should include all 
the information requirements described in the specific evaluation 
criteria outlined in the program announcement under Part V. In addition 
to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the 
standard forms required for making applications for awards under this 
announcement. Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-
construction projects must file the Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances: 
Non-Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign and return the 
Standard Form 424B with their applications. 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 disclose lobbying activities on the 
Standard Form LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. 
Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in 
connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall 
complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications. The 
forms (Forms 424, 424A-B; and Certifications may be found at: 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. Fill out Standard Forms 424 and 

424A and the associated certifications and assurances based on the 
instructions on the 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.'' 
The forms are located on the Web at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm
 (OMB No. 1890-0014 Exp.1/31/06).


3. Submission Date and Time

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
(EST) on April 23, 2004. Mailed or hand-delivered 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 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, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 
20447. This address must appear on the envelope/package containing the 
application with the note ``Attention: Lois B. Hodge''. Applicants are 
cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as 
agreed.
    Hand-delivered applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if received on or before the deadline date, between 
the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday (excluding 
Federal holidays). Applications may be delivered to the 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. This address must appear on the envelope/package 
containing the application with the note ``Attention: Lois B. Hodge''. 
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.
    Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the Deadline 
criteria above will be considered late applications. ACF shall notify 
each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the 
current competition.
    Extension of Deadline: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Required Forms: All requirements for submission are due on or 
before the deadline date.

          Part One.--Federal Forms and Other Required Documents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Content and location of part
  Part One must include the following:         one required forms,
                                          certifications, and documents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B...........  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
                                          ofs/forms.htm.

Table of Contents......................  Applicant must include a 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 Number
                                          0980-0204 http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana
.

Proof of Non-Profit Status.............  As described in this
                                          announcement under Section
                                          ``Other Eligibility
                                          Information''.
Resolution.............................  Information for submission can
                                          be found in the Program
                                          Announcement Section ``Other
                                          Eligibility Information''.
Documentation that the Board of          As described in this
 Directors is majority Native American,   announcement under ``ANA
 if applicant is other than a tribe or    Administrative Policies''.
 Alaska Native Village government.
Audit Letter...........................  A Certified Public 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.

[[Page 8273]]


Indirect Cost Agreement................  Organizations and Tribes must
                                          submit a current indirect cost
                                          agreement (if claiming
                                          indirect costs) that aligns
                                          with the approved ANA project
                                          period. The In-direct 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 of the
 per 45 CFR 1336.50(b).                   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 Maintenance of   May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
 Effort.                                  programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Certification regarding Lobbying.......  May be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
                                          programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke              May be found at http://
 Certification.                           www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/

                                          forms.htm.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Part Two.--Application Review Criteria
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Application review criteria;
       Part two--proposed project         This section may not exceed 45
                                                      pages
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criteria One (5 pts)...................  Introduction and Project
                                          Summary/Project Abstract
Criteria Two (20 pts)..................  Objectives and Need for
                                          Assistance
Criteria Three (25 pts)................  Approach: Include an Objective
                                          Work Plan (OWP) form for each
                                          year of project. 17-month
                                          project periods need to submit
                                          only one OWP
Criteria Four (20 pts).................  Organizational Capacity
Criteria Five (20 pts).................  Results or Benefits Expected
Criteria Six (10 pts)..................  Budget and Budget Justification
                                          Summary/ Cost Effectiveness
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Part Three.--Appendix
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Appendix
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Three--Support Documentation.  This section may not exceed 20
                                     pages. Part Three includes 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additional Forms: Private-non-profit organizations may submit with 
their applications the additional survey located under ``Grant Related 
Documents and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant 
Applicants''.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           What to submit               Required content       Required form or format        When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit       Per required form.....  May be found on http://      By application due

 Grant Applicants.                                            http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/    date.

                                                              ofs/form.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

    Applications are not subject to Executive Order 12372.

5. Funding Restrictions

    ANA does not fund:
     Activities in support of litigation against the 
United States Government that are unallowable under OMB Circulars A-87 
and A-122.
     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 part 1336, subpart C, but before funding decisions are complete.
     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 for ANA 
funding. 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.
     The purchase of real property or construction 
because those activities are not authorized by the Native American 
Programs Act of 1974, as amended.
     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

[[Page 8274]]

government level if the village does not have governing systems in 
place.
     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.
     Major renovation or alteration because those 
activities are not authorized under the Native American Programs Act of 
1974, as amended.
     Projects originated and designed by consultants 
who provide a major role for themselves and are not members of the 
applicant organization, Tribe, or village.
     Project activities that do not further the three 
interrelated ANA goals of economic development or social development or 
governance, or meet the purpose of this program announcement.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An Applicant must provide a complete original 
and two copies of the application with all required forms and signed by 
the authorized representative. The Application must be received at the 
address below by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on or before the 
closing date. Applications should be mailed to: 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'', 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, 
DC 20447.
    For Hand-Delivery: An Applicant must deliver a complete original 
and two copies of the application with all required forms and signed by 
the authorized representative. Applications shall be considered as 
meeting an announced deadline if received on or before the deadline 
date, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., est, Monday through 
Friday (excluding Federal holidays). Applications may be delivered to 
the 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. This address 
must appear on the envelope/package containing the application with the 
note ``Attention: Lois B. Hodge''. Applicants are cautioned that 
express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Instructions: 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 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 attachments or appendices. Please do not 
include books, videotapes or published reports because they are not 
easily reproduced, are inaccessible to the reviewers, and will not be 
returned to the applicant.
    Introduction: Applicants are required to submit a full Project 
Description and shall prepare this portion of the grant application in 
accordance with the following instructions and the specified evaluation 
criteria. The introduction provides a broad overview of the Project, 
and the information provided under each evaluation criteria expands and 
clarifies the project program-specific activities and information that 
reviewers will need to assess the proposed project.
    Project Summary: 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 should provide 
information on the total range of projects currently being conducted 
and supported (or to be initiated) to ensure they are within the scope 
of the program announcement.
    Results or Benefits Expected: Identify the results and benefits to 
be derived by the community and its members. For example, applicants 
are encouraged to describe the qualitative and quantitative data 
collected, how this data will measure progress towards the stated 
results or benefits, and how performance indicators under economic and 
social development and governance projects can be monitored, evaluated 
and verified.
    Approach: Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and 
detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all 
functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors, 
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, extraordinary social and community 
involvement or ease of project replication by other tribes and Native 
organizations. 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. 
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people served and the number of activities 
accomplished. Examples of these activities would be the number of 
businesses started or expanded, the number of jobs created or retained, 
the number of people trained, the number of youth, couples or families 
assisted or the number of elders

[[Page 8275]]

participating in the activity during that reporting period. When 
accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them 
in chronological order to show the dates and schedule of 
accomplishments. List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, 
or other key individuals who will work on the project, as well as a 
short description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
    Staff and Position Data: Provide a biographical sketch for each key 
person appointed and a job description for each vacant key position. A 
biographical sketch will also be required for new key staff as 
appointed. Information should include the qualifications of each staff 
person as they pertain to the project.
    Organizational Profiles: Provide information on the applicant 
organization(s) and cooperating partners with organizational charts, 
financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPA/Licensed 
Public Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond 
carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses 
and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on 
compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation 
of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any 
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of 
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.
    Third-Party Agreements: Include written agreements between grantees 
and sub grantees or subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These 
agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules, 
remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define 
the relationship.
    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 allow-ability of the proposed costs.
    Geographic Location: Describe the precise location of the project 
and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed project. Maps 
or other graphic aids may be attached.
    Additional Information: The following are requests for additional 
information that need to be included in the application: Any non-profit 
organization submitting an application must submit proof of its non-
profit status in the application at the time of submission. The non-
profit organization shall submit one of the following: (i) 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; or (ii) a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate; or (iii) a statement from a State taxing body, 
State Attorney General, or other appropriate State official certifying 
that the applicant organization has a non-profit status and none of the 
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; or (iv) 
a certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or 
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status; or (v) any 
of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or 
national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent 
organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit 
affiliate. 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 status for the 
purpose of ANA program eligibility.
    General: The following guidelines are for preparing the budget and 
budget justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be 
detailed and justified in the budget and narrative justification. For 
purposes of preparing the budget and budget justification, ``Federal 
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying. 
Non-Federal resources are all other Federal and non-Federal resources. 
It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a 
columnar format: first column, object class categories; second column, 
Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s); and last column, 
total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.
     Personnel: The description of the costs of 
employee salaries and wages. Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), or time commitment to the 
project (as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant 
salary, wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or 
personnel costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or 
businesses to be financed by the applicant.
     Fringe Benefits: Costs of employee fringe 
benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate. 
Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe 
benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, 
taxes, etc.
     Travel: Costs of project-related travel by 
employees of the applicant organization (does not include costs of 
consultant travel). Justification: For each trip, show the total number 
of traveler(s), travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage 
allowances, if privately owned vehicles will be used, and other 
transportation costs and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key 
staff to attend ACF-sponsored workshops should be detailed in the 
budget.
     Equipment: Equipment means an article of 
nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more 
than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the 
lesser of (a) the capitalization level established by the organization 
for the financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition 
cost means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, 
including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, or 
auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for 
which it is acquired. Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, 
protective in-transit insurance, freight, and installation shall be 
included in or excluded from acquisition cost in accordance with the 
organization's regular written accounting practices.). Justification: 
For each type of equipment requested, provide a description of the 
equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, the total cost, and 
a plan for use on the project, as well as use or disposal of the 
equipment after the project ends. An applicant organization that uses 
its own definition for equipment should provide a copy of its policy or 
section of its policy, which includes the equipment definition.
     Supplies: Costs of all tangible personal 
property other than that included under the Equipment category. 
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their costs. 
Show computations and provide other information that supports the 
amount requested.
     Contractual: Costs of all contracts for services 
and goods except for those, which belong under other categories such as 
equipment, supplies, construction, etc. Third-party evaluation

[[Page 8276]]

contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient 
organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or 
businesses to be financed by the applicant, should be included under 
this category. Justification: All procurement transactions shall be 
conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open 
and free competition. Recipients and sub-recipients, other than States 
that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any 
anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without 
competition (sole source) and exceed the simplified acquisition 
threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000.). 
Recipients may be required to make available to ANA pre-award review 
and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or invitations 
for bids, independent cost estimates, etc. Note: Whenever the applicant 
intends to delegate part of the project to another agency, the 
applicant must provide a detailed budget and budget narrative for each 
delegate agency, by agency title, along with the required supporting 
information referred to in these instructions.
     Other: Enter the total of all other costs. Such 
costs, where applicable and appropriate, may include but are not 
limited to insurance, food, medical and dental costs (noncontractual), 
professional services costs, space and equipment rentals, printing and 
publication, computer use, training costs, such as tuition and 
stipends, staff development costs, and administrative costs. 
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description, and a 
justification for each cost under this category.
     Indirect Charges: Total amount of indirect 
costs. This category should be used only when the applicant currently 
has an indirect cost rate approved by the Department of the Interior, 
Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 
or other Federal agency. Justification: An applicant that will charge 
indirect costs to the grant must enclose a copy of the current rate 
agreement. If the applicant organization is in the process of initially 
developing or renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon 
notification that an award will be made, develop a tentative indirect 
cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year in 
accordance with the principles set forth in the cognizant agency's 
guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the 
cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost 
proposals may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when 
an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the 
indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the 
grant. Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than 
what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the 
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the 
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
     Program Income: The estimated amount of income, 
if any, expected to be generated from this project. Justification: 
Describe the nature, source, and anticipated use of program income in 
the budget or refer to the pages in the application, which contain this 
information.
     Non-Federal Resources: Amounts of non-Federal 
resources that will be used to support the project as identified in 
Block 15 of the SF-424. Justification: The firm commitment of these 
resources must be documented and submitted with the application in 
order to be given credit in the review process. A detailed budget must 
be prepared for each budget period.
     Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, 
and Total Project Costs.
Evaluation Criteria: ANA
    Approach (25 Points). The Applicant's narrative should be clear and 
concise. The applicant should provide a detailed project description 
with goals and objectives. It should discuss the project strategy and 
implementation plan over the project period. Applicant should also 
describe the project strategy using the Objective Work Plan (OWP). In 
the OWP, the applicant should identify the project objectives, time 
frames, proposed activities, outcomes, and evaluation activity, as well 
as the individuals responsible for completing the objectives and 
performing the activities. Applicant should summarize how the project 
description, objective(s), approach, strategy and implementation plan 
are inter-related. The applicant should also include the names and 
activities of any organizations, consultants, or other key individuals 
who will contribute to the project. The Applicant should discuss 
``Leveraged Resources'' (see Definitions) used to strengthen and 
broaden the impact of the proposed project. The Applicant should 
discuss how commitments and contributions from other entities will 
enhance the project. Applicant should provide ``Letters of Commitment'' 
that identify the time, dollar amount, and activity to be accomplished 
through partnerships. Applicants should discuss the relationship of 
non-ANA funded activities to those objectives and activities that will 
be funded with ANA grant funds. (Letters of Commitment are included in 
the Appendix).
    Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points). Applicant should 
show a clear relationship between the proposed project, the social and 
economic development strategy, and the community's long-range goals. 
The need for assistance should clearly identify the physical, economic, 
social, financial, governmental, and institutional challenges and 
problem(s) requiring a solution that supports the funding request. 
Describe the community (see Definitions) to be affected by the project 
and the community involvement in the project. The Applicant should 
describe the community's long-range goals, the community planning 
process, and how the project supports the community goals. The 
applicant should describe how the proposed goals, objectives, and 
activities reflect either the economic and social development or 
governance needs of the local community. Discuss the geographic 
location of the project and where the project and grant will be 
administered.
    Applications from National and Regional Indian and Native 
organizations must clearly demonstrate a need for the project, explain 
how the project originated, identify the intended beneficiaries, 
describe and relate the actual project benefits to the community and 
organization, and describe a community-based project delivery strategy. 
National Indian and Native organizations should also identify their 
membership and specifically discuss how the organization operates and 
impacts Native American people and communities. Proposed project 
objectives support the identified need and should be measurable.
    Organizational Profile (20 Points). Provide information on the 
management structure of the Applicant and the organizational 
relationships with its cooperating partners. Include organizational 
charts that indicate how the proposed project will fit into the 
existing structure. Demonstrate experience in the program area. 
Describe the Applicant's capabilities such as the administrative 
structure, its ability to administer a project of the proposed scope 
and its capacity to fulfill the implementation plan. If relevant to the 
project, applicants must provide a Business Plan or any Third-Party 
Agreements (not counted in Appendix page limit). Applicants are 
required to affirm that they will credit the Administration for Native 
Americans, and reference the ANA funded project on any audio, video,

[[Page 8277]]

and/or printed materials developed in whole or in part with ANA funds. 
Applicants should list all current sources of federal funding, the 
agency, purpose, amount, and provide the most recent certified signed 
audit letter for the organization to be included in Part One of the 
application. If the applicant has audit exceptions, these issues should 
be addressed.
    Applicant should provide ``staffing and position data'' to include 
a proposed staffing pattern for the project where the Applicant 
highlights the new project and staff. Positions discussed in this 
section must match the positions identified in the Objective Work Plan 
and in the proposed budget. Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to 
give preference to qualified Native Americans in hiring project staff 
and in contracting services under an approved ANA grant. Applicant 
should provide a paragraph on the duties and skills required for the 
proposed staff and a paragraph on qualifications and experience of 
current staff (Full position descriptions are required to be submitted 
in the Appendix). Applicant should explain and discuss how the current 
and future staff will manage the proposed project. Brief biographies of 
key positions or individuals should be included.
    Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points). In this section the 
applicant should discuss the ``Performance Indicators'' (see 
Definitions) and the benefits expected as a result of this project. 
Performance indicators identify qualitative and quantitative data 
directly associated with the project. Each applicant should select five 
indicators to support the applicant's project. Three performance 
indicators may be selected from the list of six below. Each grantee is 
required to develop two additional indicators specific to the project 
that directly support the goals and objectives. For each performance 
indicator selected the applicant should discuss the relevance of the 
data, the method for collecting the data, and the evaluation process. 
Performance indicators will be reported to ANA in the grantee's 
quarterly report. Three of the five performance indicators required, 
should be selected from the following list: (1) The number of jobs 
created; (2) the number of people to successfully complete a workshop/
training; (3) the number of community-based small businesses 
established or expanded; (4) identification of tribal or village 
government business, industry, energy or financial codes or ordinances 
that were adopted or enacted; (5) the number of children, youth, 
families or elders assisted or participating; and (6) the number of 
community partnerships formed. In this section the applicant will 
indicate how it will measure the success of the separate project 
components and the project as a whole. Applicant should describe how 
the success of the project would be evaluated and verified by an 
independent program monitoring and evaluation team. Applicant should 
provide a narrative on the specific performance indicators that can be 
analyzed, measured, monitored, and evaluated. For example, if 
requesting funds for a conference, workshop, or an educational 
activity, the applicant should discuss the value and long-term impact 
to the participants and the community and explain how the information 
relates to the project goals, objectives and outcomes. The applicant 
should discuss how the project will be completed, or self-sustaining, 
or supported by other than ANA funds at the end of the project period. 
Applicants should discuss and present objectives and goals to be 
achieved and evaluated at the end of each budget period. Project 
outcomes support the identified need and should be measurable.
    Budget and Budget Justification/Cost Effectiveness (10 Points). 
Budget and Budget Justification: An applicant must submit an itemized 
budget detailing the applicant's Federal and non-Federal share and cite 
source(s) of funding. The applicant should provide a detailed line item 
Federal and non-Federal share budget by year for each year of project 
funds requested. A budget narrative describing the line item budget 
should be attached for each year of project funds requested. The budget 
should include a line item justification for each Object Class Category 
listed under Section B--``Budget Categories'' of the ``Budget 
Information-Non Construction Programs'' on the SF 424A form. The budget 
should include the necessary details to facilitate the determination of 
allowable costs and the relevance of these costs to the proposed 
project.
    Applicant should briefly explain its existing operational budget 
and any additional anticipated funding including unique financial 
circumstances, with potential impact on the project such as upcoming 
monetary or land settlements, and how the proposed project fits in the 
overall budget. Applicant should explain why it cannot apply other 
funding resources to cover the ANA portion of funding.
    The non-federal budget share should identify the source and be 
supported by letters of commitment (see Definitions). Letters of 
commitment are binding when they specifically state the nature, the 
amount, and conditions under which another agency or organization will 
support a project funded with ANA funds. These resources may be human, 
natural, or financial, and may include other Federal and non-Federal 
resources. For example, a letter from another Federal agency or 
foundation pledging a commitment of $200,000 in construction funding to 
complement proposed ANA funded pre-construction activity is evidence of 
a firm funding commitment. Statements that additional funding will be 
sought from other specific sources are not considered a binding 
commitment of outside resources. Letters of Support merely express 
another organization's endorsement of a proposed project. Support 
letters are not binding commitment letters and do not factually 
establish the authenticity of other resources and do not offer or bind 
specific resources to the project.
    If an applicant plans to charge or otherwise seek credit for 
indirect costs in its ANA application, a current copy of its Indirect 
Cost Rate Agreement should be included in the application, with all 
cost broken down by category so ANA reviewers can be certain that no 
budgeted line items are included in the indirect cost pool. Applicants 
that do not submit a current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, may not be 
able to claim the allowable cost, may have the grant award amount 
reduced, or result in a delay in grant award.
    Applicants are encouraged to include sufficient funds for principal 
representatives, such as the applicant's chief financial officer or 
project director to travel to one ANA post-award grant training and 
technical assistance workshop. This expenditure is allowable for new 
grant recipients and optional for grantees that have had previous ANA 
grant awards, and will be negotiated upon award. Applicants may also 
include costs to travel to an ANA grantee conference.
    For business development projects, the proposal should demonstrate 
that the expected return on the ANA funds used to develop the project 
will provide a reasonable operating income and investment return within 
a specified time period. If a profit-making venture is being proposed, 
profits should be reinvested in the business in order to decrease or 
eliminate ANA's future participation. Such revenue should be reported 
as general program income. A decision will be made at the time of the 
grant award regarding appropriate use of program income. (See 45 CFR 
part 74 and part 92).
    Cost Effectiveness: This criterion reflects ANA's concern with 
ensuring that the expenditure of its limited

[[Page 8278]]

resources yields the greatest benefit possible in achieving the 
economic and social self-sufficiency for Native American communities. 
Applicants demonstrate this by: Summarizing partnerships and the 
efficient use of leveraged resources; explaining the impact on the 
identified community through measurable project outcomes; and 
presenting a project that is completed, or self-sustaining or supported 
by other than ANA funds by the end of the project period.
    Introduction and Project Summary/Project Abstract (5 Points). Using 
the ANA Project Abstract form, the applicant should provide a Project 
Introduction. The Introduction will provide the reader an overview and 
some details of the proposed project. This is where the project is 
introduced to the peer review panel. Identify the name of the 
applicant, location of the community to be served by the proposed 
project, the project activities, funding amount requested, amount of 
matching funds to be provided, the length of time required to 
accomplish the project, and the outcomes or outputs to be achieved.

2. Review and Selection Process

    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 section IV 
``Application and Submission Information''; (c) the applicant is 
eligible for funding in accordance with section III ``Eligibility 
Information''; (d) the applicant has submitted the proper support 
documentation such as proof of non-profit status, resolutions, and 
required government forms; (e) an authorized representative has signed 
the application; and (f) applicant has a DUNS number. An application 
that does not meet one of the above elements will be determined to be 
incomplete and excluded from the competitive review process. 
Applicants, with an incomplete application, 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. 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).
    Competitive Review Process: Applications that pass the initial ANA 
screening process will be analyzed, evaluated and rated by an 
independent review panel on the basis of the Evaluation Criteria 
specified. The evaluation criteria were designed to analyze and assess 
the quality of a proposed community-based project, the likelihood of 
its success, and the ability to monitor and evaluate community impact 
and long-term results. The evaluation criteria and analysis are closely 
related and are wholly considered in judging the overall quality of an 
application. In addition, the evaluation criteria will standardize the 
review of each application and distribute the number of points more 
equitably. Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the 
program announcement criteria and ANA's program areas of interest. A 
determination will be made as to whether the proposed project is an 
effective use of federal funds.
    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. The use of the six criteria 
distributes 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.
    As non-Federal reviewers will be used, applicants have the option 
of omitting from the application copies (not original) specific salary 
rates or amounts for individuals specified in the application budget 
and Social Security Numbers, if otherwise required for individuals. The 
copies may include summary salary information.
    Application Consideration: The Commissioner's funding decision is 
based on an analysis of the application by the review panel, the panel 
review scores and recommendations; an analysis by the ANA staff, review 
of previous ANA grant past performance (includes timely reporting and 
successful grant close-out); comments from 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. The Commissioner reserves the 
right to award more, or less, than the funds described or under such 
circumstances as may be deemed to be in the best interest of the 
Federal government. Applicants may be required to reduce the scope of 
projects based on the amount of approved award.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Approximately 120 days after the application due date, the 
successful applicants will be notified by mail through the issuance of 
a Financial Assistance Award document which will set forth the amount 
of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective 
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be 
given, the non-Federal share to be provided and the total project 
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance 
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and sent to the applicants 
Authorizing Official.
    Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be 
notified in writing.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    45 CFR part 74, 45 CFR part 92, and 45 CFR part 1336, subpart C and 
42 U.S.C. Section 2991 et seq.--Native American Programs Act of 1974.
    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13): Public reporting 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 120 
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 3/31/04. The Survey on Ensuring Equal 
Opportunity for Applicants form is approved under OMB control number 
1890-0014 which expires 1/31/06.

3. Reporting Requirements

    Programmatic Reports: Quarterly.
    Financial Reports: Quarterly.
    An original and one copy of each performance report and financial 
status report must be submitted to the Grants Officer. Failure to 
submit these reports when required will mean the grantee is non-
compliant with the terms and

[[Page 8279]]

conditions of the grant award and subject to administrative action or 
termination. Performance reports are submitted 30 days after each 
quarter (3-month intervals) of the budget period. The final performance 
report, due 90 days after the project period end date, shall cover 
grantee performance during the entire project period. All grantees 
shall use the SF 269 (Long Form) to report the status of funds. 
Grantees shall submit semi-annual Financial Status Reports that shall 
be due 30 days after each quarter (3-month intervals) of the budget 
period. The final report shall be due 90 days after the end of the 
project period.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: ANA Applicant Help Desk, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade SW, Aerospace Center, 8-West, Washington, DC 20447, 
Telephone: 202-690-7776 or toll free at 1-877-922-9262, E-mail: 
ana@acf.hhs.gov.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Lois B. Hodge, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building 8th Floor-West, Washington, DC 
20447-0002, Telephone: (202) 401-2344, E-mail: Lhodge@acf.dhhs.gov.

VIII. Other Information

    Training and Technical Assistance: All potential ANA applicants are 
eligible to receive free T&TA in the SEDS, Language, or Environmental 
program areas. Prospective applicants should check ANA's web site for 
training and technical assistance dates and locations, or contact the 
ANA Help Desk at 1-877-922-9262. Due to the new application and program 
additions and modifications, ANA strongly encourages all prospective 
applicants to participate in free pre-application training.

Program Area 2

    Alaska Social and Economic Development Strategies for Native 
Americans: In fiscal year 1984, ANA implemented a special Alaska Social 
and Economic Development initiative to support activities at the 
village level. This special effort was designed to provide small 
amounts of project seed money for village-specific projects to improve 
and strengthen the capacity of village governments, an integral part of 
social and economic self-sufficiency. ANA continues to implement this 
special initiative with a renewed awareness that economic, social and 
governance development is interrelated. ANA believes both the non-
profit and for-profit corporations in Alaska can play an important 
supportive role in assisting individual villages in the development and 
implementation of their own locally determined strategies, which 
capitalize on opportunities afforded to Alaska Natives under the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).
    The Program Areas of Interest are projects that ANA considers 
supportive to Native American communities. Although eligibility for 
funding is not restricted to the 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.
    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:
     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.
     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.
     Projects to plan 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.
     Projects to implement initiatives based on a 
feasibility study that assessed 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.
     Projects to develop community transportation 
activities that support the needs of the elderly, the disabled, and the 
local workforce.
     Projects to develop organizational and 
management capacity building activities that enhance community-based 
program delivery systems and services.
     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.
     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.
    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 include:
     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.
     Projects 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.
     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

[[Page 8280]]

particularly between fathers and children and the fathers' role in 
healthy families.
     In partnership with community and or faith-based 
organizations, develop and implement comprehensive culturally and 
socially appropriate 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.
     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.
     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.
    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:
     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.
     Projects to enact laws, ordinances, and 
policies, to develop, expand, and/or enhance utility and communications 
infrastructures.
     Projects to enrich and strengthen the management 
and leadership skills of senior Tribal government personnel, and senior 
management personnel of tribally owned companies.
     Projects to establish and implement technology 
management information systems to assist with the effective and 
efficient administration of tribal government programs.
     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.

II. Award Information

    Applications from Alaska Native entities may submit under either 
SEDS or Alaska SEDS but not both program areas. The SF 424 must clearly 
indicate the correct program area.
    Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
    Anticipated Total Program Area Funding: $2,000,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 10-20.
    Average Projected Award Amount:
    $25,000-$125,000 for Individual Village Projects.
    $25,000-$175,000 for Regional Non-profit and Village Consortia.
    Length of Project Period: 12, 17, 24, or 36 months.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards:
    $175,000 for Regional Non-profit and Village Consortia.
    $125, 000 for Individual Village Projects.
    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 Amount: $25,000.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

     Federally Recognized Indian tribes in Alaska;
     Alaska Native villages, as defined in the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA) and/or non-profit village 
consortia;
     Incorporated non-profit Alaska Native multi-
purpose community-based organizations;
     Non-profit Alaska Native Regional Corporations/
Associations in Alaska with village specific projects; and
     Non-profit Native organizations in Alaska with 
village specific projects.
    Additional Information on Eligibility: Please refer to section I 
``Funding Opportunity Description'' to review general ANA 
Administrative Policies for any applicable statutory policies 
pertaining to application eligibility.
    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.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status: Any non-profit organization submitting 
an application must submit proof of its non-profit status in its 
application at the time of submission. The non-profit agency can 
accomplish this by providing:
     a 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; or
     a copy of the currently valid IRS tax exemption 
certificate; or
     a statement from a State taxing body, State 
Attorney General, or other appropriate State official certifying that 
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and none of the net 
earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; or
     a certified copy of the organization's 
certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly 
establishes non-profit status; or
     any of the items in the subparagraphs 
immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a 
statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant 
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
    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).

2. 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 ACF 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. Therefore, 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) which is 20% of the total 
approved cost. Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of the 
non-Federal

[[Page 8281]]

resources even if over the amount of the required match. Failure to 
provide the non-Federal share match will result in the disallowance of 
Federal match. 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.

3. Other (if applicable)

    DUNS Number: 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
.

    Applications exceeding the $175,000 for Regional Non-profit and 
Village Consortia or $125,000 for Individual Village Projects 
thresholds will be returned without review.
    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.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    The ANA regional Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) provider 
at: 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://www.anaalaska.org.


2. Content and Form of Submission

    Please refer to section I ``Funding Opportunity Description'' to 
review general ANA Administrative Policies for any applicable statutory 
policies pertaining to application content and form.
    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. A complete 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).
    Electronic Submission: While ACF does have the capability to 
receive program announcement applications electronically through 
Grants.gov, electronic submission of applications will not be available 
for this particular announcement. There are required application 
form(s) specific to ANA that have not yet received clearance from 
Grants.gov. While electronic submission of applications may be 
available in the next fiscal year for this program, no electronic 
submission of applications will be accepted for this announcement this 
year as they would be missing those required ANA forms and be 
considered incomplete.
    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: This format applies to all applicants 
submitting applications for funding. ANA will now require all 
applications to be labeled in compliance with the format provided in 
the program announcement. 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.
    Forms and Assurances: The project description should include all 
the information requirements described in the specific evaluation 
criteria outlined in the program announcement under Part V. In addition 
to the project description, the applicant needs to complete all the 
standard forms required for making applications for awards under this 
announcement. Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-
construction projects must file the Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances: 
Non-Construction Programs.'' Applicants must sign and return the 
Standard Form 424B with their applications. 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 disclose lobbying activities on the 
Standard Form LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. 
Applicants who have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in 
connection with receiving assistance under this announcement shall 
complete a disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications. The 
forms (Forms 424, 424A-B; and Certifications may be found at: 
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm. Fill out Standard Forms 424 and 

424A and the associated certifications and assurances based on the 
instructions on the 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.'' 
The forms are located on the web at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/


[[Page 8282]]

programs/ofs/forms.htm (OMB No. 1890-0014 Exp.1/31/06).

3. Submission Date and Time

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
(Eastern Standard Time) on April 23, 2004. Mailed or hand-delivered 
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 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, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 
20447. This address must appear on the envelope/package containing the 
application with the note ``Attention: Lois B. Hodge''. Applicants are 
cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as 
agreed.
    Hand Delivery: The Application shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if received on or before the deadline date, between 
the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding 
Federal holidays). 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. This address must appear on the envelope/package 
containing the application with the note ``Attention: Lois B. Hodge''. 
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.
    Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the Deadline 
criteria above will be considered late applications. ACF will notify 
each late applicant that its application will not be considered for 
review in the current competition.
    Extension of Deadline: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Required Forms: All requirements for submission are due on or 
before the deadline date.

          Part One.--Federal Forms and Other Required Documents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Content and location of part
  Part one must include the following:         one required forms,
                                          certifications, and documents
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SF 424, SF 424 A, and SF 424B..........  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
                                          ofs/forms.htm.

Table of Contents......................  Applicant must include a 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 Number
                                          0980-0204 http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana
.

Proof of Non-Profit Status.............  As described in this
                                          announcement under ``Other
                                          Eligibility Information.''
Resolution.............................  Information for submission can
                                          be found in the Program
                                          Announcement Section ``Other
                                          Eligibility Information.''
Documentation that the Board of          As described in this
 Directors is majority Native American,   announcement under ``ANA
 if applicant is other than a tribe or    Administrative Policies''
 Alaska Native Village government.        section.
Audit Letter...........................  A Certified Public 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 o