Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Program Office: Administration on Children, Youth, and
Families, Children's Bureau
Funding Opportunity National Resource Center for Tribes
Title:
Announcement Type: Initial
Funding Opportunity HHS-2009-ACF-ACYF-CZ-0058
Number:
CFDA Number: 93.658
Due Date for 05/11/2009
Applications:
Executive Summary:
The purpose of this funding opportunity announcement is to establish
by cooperative agreement a National Resource Center for Tribes
(NRCT). NRCT will serve as a member of the Children's Bureau's (CB)
Child Welfare Training and Technical Assistance Network (T/TA
Network) which is designed to improve child welfare systems and to
support States and Tribes in achieving sustainable, systemic change
that results in greater safety, permanency, and well-being for children,
youth, and families. NRCT will become the Network's focal point for
coordinated and culturally competent training and technical assistance
to Tribes. The center is intended to successfully engage Tribes, to
enhance their access to and utilization of the T/TA Network, to broker
T/TA, to assist in the provision of T/TA as needed, to facilitate peer-to-
peer consultation between Tribes regarding child welfare issues, and to
increase cultural competence and sensitivity to Tribal voices in the
T/TA Network and in State child welfare systems.
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
Statutory Authority
The statutory authority for this announcement is 93.658 Social
Security Act, as amended, Title IV-E Section 476(c). The Fostering
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Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008
amended Section 476 by adding at the end the following:
(c) Technical Assistance and Implementation Services for Tribal
Programs
(1) AUTHORITY - The Secretary shall provide technical
assistance and implementation services that are dedicated to
improving services and permanency outcomes for Indian children and
their families through the provision of assistance
Description
Background
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the Federal
Government's principal agency for protecting the health of all
Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those
who are least able to help themselves. Within HHS, the Administration
for Children and Families (ACF) is the agency responsible for Federal
programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families,
children, individuals, and communities. The Administration on
Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), within ACF, administers national
programs for children and youth; works with States, Tribes, and local
communities to develop services that support and strengthen family
life; seeks joint ventures with the private sector to enhance the lives
of children and their families; and provides information and other
assistance to parents. Many of the programs administered by ACYF
focus on children from low-income families; abused and neglected
children; children and youth in need of foster care, independent living,
adoption or other child welfare services; preschool children; children
with disabilities; runaway and homeless youth; and children from
Native American and migrant families.
Within ACYF, CB plans, manages, coordinates, and supports child
abuse and neglect prevention and child welfare services programs. CB
is the agency within the Federal Government that is responsible for
assisting child welfare systems by promoting continuous improvement
in the delivery of child welfare services. CB programs are designed to
promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of all children,
including those in foster care, available for adoption, recently adopted,
abused, neglected, dependent, disabled, or homeless, and to prevent
the neglect, abuse, and exploitation of children.
The purpose of CB's programs is to promote strengthening of the
family unit in order to help prevent the unnecessary separation of
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children from their families and encourage reunifying families, when
possible, if separation has occurred. State and Tribal child welfare
systems are designed to deliver direct services that protect children
who have suffered maltreatment, who are at risk for maltreatment, or
who are under the care and placement responsibility of the State
and/or Tribe because their families are unable to care for them. These
systems also focus on securing permanent legal placement with
families, such as reunification, guardianship, and adoption for children
and youth who are unable to return home. (For more information
about CB's programs, visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb.)
Child Welfare Training and Technical Assistance Network
CB's Child Welfare T/TA Network is designed to improve child welfare
systems and to support States and Tribes in achieving sustainable,
systemic change that results in greater safety, permanency, and well-
being for children, youth, and families. The T/TA Network is currently
comprised of a group of T/TA providers funded entirely or partially by
CB through grants, contracts, and interagency agreements. For over a
decade, CB has provided funding for a growing network of National
Resource Centers (NRC's), the Child Welfare Information Gateway, and
other child welfare T/TA providers.
T/TA Network members serve a variety of systems, agencies,
organizations, and institutions and perform a diverse range of services.
Despite being authorized by different statutes and charged with
diverse tasks and objectives, members of the T/TA Network are
collectively charged with the successful promotion of systems change
that will ultimately improve outcomes for children, youth, and families
in the United States and its territories. T/TA Network members hold
program-specific topical expertise in multiple aspects of child welfare
systems and across the continuum of child welfare practice and as
such, they are expected to provide States and Tribes with the
necessary information, T/TA, and consultation to build capacity within
their child welfare systems. Together, T/TA Network members are
expected to facilitate positive change in service delivery, and in some
cases comprehensive cross-system reforms, that collectively build
systemic capacity and result in more effective and promising practice.
Knowledge development and transfer, leadership development,
information management, and dissemination of effective and
promising practices have all been key objectives of the T/TA Network.
While network members have overlapping responsibilities in several of
these areas, their roles are also complementary. National Quality
Improvement Centers (NQICs) develop knowledge by demonstrating
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and evaluating innovative practices. NRCs transfer knowledge to
State, Tribal, and local systems and identify evidence-based
approaches, while serving as repositories of national expertise in
topical areas of child welfare. Child Welfare Information Gateway
houses, manages, produces, and disseminates child welfare
information and resources. The Workforce Institute delivers training
and cultivates leadership among professionals in child welfare. The
Technical Assistance Implementation Centers provide resources and
in-depth, long-term technical assistance to implement multi-year State
and Tribal projects for systemic change. Other members of the T/TA
Network support similar activities intended to build capacity, improve
systems, and improve policy and practice in child welfare. More
information about T/TA Network members can be found at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/tta/index.htm.)
CB NRCs are important members of the CB T/TA Network. The
following table lists the CB NRC funding opportunities that are being
announced in Fiscal Year 2009.
FY09 CB Child Welfare NRC funding opportunity
announcements
HHS-2009-ACF- Offers T/TA, teleconferences, and publications to
ACYF-CZ-0016 assist States and Tribes with strategic planning,
National Resource quality improvement, evaluating outcomes,
Center for Child facilitating stakeholder involvement, and
Welfare improving training and workforce development.
Organizational
Improvement
HHS-2009-ACF- Provides expert consultation and T/TA in all areas
ACYF-CZ-0015 of Child Protective Services, including intake,
National Resource assessment, case planning, and ongoing services.
Center for Child It will assist States and Tribes with system and
Protective Services practice issues that help improve the prevention,
reporting, assessment, and treatment of child
abuse and neglect, and it will provide resources
and support to State Liaison Officers (SLO) and
Children's Justice Act (CJA) grantees.
HHS-2009-ACF- Provides T/TA and information services to build
ACYF-CZ-0061 the capacity of State, local, and Tribal foster care
National Resource programs. Areas of T/TA will include collaboration
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Center for and engagement with parents, relatives,
Permanency and stakeholders and resource families to address
Family Connections children's safety, permanency, and well-being
needs and effectively address the issues causing
children and youth to be placed in out-of-home
care.
HHS-2009-ACF- Provides a broad range of T/TA on data and
ACYF-CZ-0054 information systems issues to improve the quality
National Resource of data that is collected, build the capacity to use
Center for Child the information for decision making in daily
Welfare Data and practice, and develop or improve case
Technology management and data collection systems.
HHS-2009-ACF- Lends its expertise to State and Tribal agencies
ACYF-CZ-0067 and courts on legal and judicial aspects of child
National Resource welfare practice. Areas of focus include
Center on Legal permanency decision-making, adherence to ASFA
and Judicial Issues and other Federal laws, the court's role in the
Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs) and
child welfare reform, high quality legal
representation for all parties, judicial and attorney
workloads, quality assurance for courts and legal
offices, effective forensic performance by
agencies, the impact of the Adoption and Safe
Families Act on youth in the juvenile justice
system, education needs of children and youth in
foster care, legal ethics, and the interplay of
domestic violence and child welfare.
HHS-2009-ACF- Works with States, Tribes, and agencies to
ACYF-CZ-0065 increase their capacity in adoption and improve
National Resource the effectiveness and quality of adoption and post-
Center for Adoption adoption services provided to children, youth and
their families.
HHS-2009-ACF- Lends its expertise and provides T/TA in areas
ACYF-CZ-0066 including youth development, youth engagement
National Resource and service collaboration in child welfare policy,
Center for Youth planning, program development, and information
Development services promoting stakeholder involvement and
youth engagement in the CFSR processes, and
effectively implementing the Chafee Foster Care
Independence and the Education and Training
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Voucher programs.
HHS-2009-ACF- Provides T/TA regarding effective and promising
ACYF-CZ-0068 alternatives to out-of-home care and will build the
National Resource capacity of State, local, and Tribal systems to
Center for In-Home provide services that will ensure the safety and
Services well-being of children and youth in their homes
while preserving, supporting, and stabilizing
families.
HHS-2009-ACF- Functions as a case manager in receiving T/TA
ACYF-CZ-0058 requests from Tribes and coordinates with the
National Resource T/TA Network to provide coordinated and
Center for Tribes culturally competent T/TA. The center is intended
to successfully engage Tribes, to enhance their
access to and utilization of the T/TA Network, to
facilitate peer-to-peer consultation between Tribes
regarding child welfare issues, and to increase
cultural competence and sensitivity to Tribal
voices in the T/TA Network.
HHS-2009-ACF- Builds the capacity of Community-Based Child
ACYF-CZ-0056 Abuse and Prevention lead agencies and their
National Resource partners to effectively implement the
Center for requirements of the program and support
Community-Based evidence-informed and evidence-based child
Child Abuse maltreatment prevention programs and activities.
Prevention It will facilitate State, local, Tribal, public, and
private agency efforts in the interagency, inter-
disciplinary, coordinated planning and
development of a network of community-based
programs and activities designed to strengthen
and support families to prevent child abuse and
neglect and promote stronger linkages with the
child welfare system.
One T/TA Network
CB expects for its T/TA providers to function as "one T/TA Network.".
Members are expected to function as a seamless entity in their
provision of T/TA service delivery to States and Tribes. They are
expected to individually provide topical expertise as a part of the
whole T/TA Network; each member of the Network is expected to:
collaborate; coordinate their T/TA; perform project activities that
complement one another; subscribe to common principles; cross refer
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to the appropriate T/TA Network member as needed to be responsive
to the needs of States and Tribes; and participate fully in common
messaging that clearly identifies each provider with the T/TA Network.
Whenever a T/TA Network member performs activities and provides
T/TA that are either entirely or partially supported by CB, these
services must be clearly identified with the T/TA Network and
perceived by the individual provider's client to be a service of CB.
States and Tribes should be made aware of any existing T/TA Network
efforts related to their child welfare systems. All T/TA Network
members are expected to inform their clients about the full array of
relevant T/TA Network resources when addressing requests for T/TA.
Integrated service delivery must be pursued when beneficial to the
client and collaboration shall take precedence over concerns about an
individual TA provider's scope of responsibility. A T/TA Network
member is expected to consult and partner with its Network peers at
the request of a client or if additional support or expertise is
appropriate, when such collaboration would increase the likelihood of
successfully achieving the objectives of the T/TA, and/or when it is
appropriate to do so in order to effectively address the T/TA needs of
the client.
Coordination
For several years, CB has worked closely with the T/TA Network to
continuously develop a more coordinated strategy and approach to
working with States and Tribes. This was a progression from the
previous work and mission of the NRCs, which historically worked
independently of one another in the provision of T/TA. Collaboration,
communication, and coordination among T/TA Network members have
greatly increased as a result of this evolution. Membership in the T/TA
Network has been expanded in response to the important contributions
that the variety of CB initiatives offer in building capacity for systemic
change. T/TA Network members have developed into a community of
resources and centers of topical expertise that are flexible,
responsive, collaborative, and coordinated in responding to changing
Federal priorities and emerging challenges from the field. To this end,
CB is committed to continuing to plan, implement, and foster a
stronger, formalized, coordinated, and seamless T/TA strategy across
the network of T/TA providers to support State and Tribal child welfare
systems in their change efforts.
CB does not expect any individual T/TA provider to have
comprehensive expertise across all aspects of child welfare practice in
a child welfare system. Therefore, NRCs are expected to regularly
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engage their peers in joint consultation, training, and other T/TA
activities when collaboration or partnership is necessary to most
effectively serve clients' T/TA needs. NRCs will collaborate and work
closely with Federal staff in CB central and regional offices when States
and Tribes submit requests for on-site T/TA and other substantial
services. Each NRC will follow all approval and coordination
procedures for T/TA requests and will work cooperatively with the
entity designated by CB to coordinate T/TA delivery. Each NRC will be
prepared to serve, if necessary, as a facilitator of collaborative
consultation and training in response to T/TA requests related to its
area of focus and topical expertise. NRCs will refer requests to other
T/TA Network members when appropriate and collaborate when the
expertise of more than one provider is necessary to achieve the
objectives of a T/TA request or need. CB expects T/TA Network
members to operate collectively as a single, integrated T/TA service
delivery system, providing coordinated and timely implementation
delivery of T/TA that avoids delays or duplication of effort.
Systems of Care Framework
T/TA Network members who provide services directly to child welfare
agencies and courts are expected to subscribe to a common set of
guiding principles. The Systems of Care (SOC) framework has become
the foundation for an evolving model of practice that guides the way
that the NRCs, Implementation Centers, and other T/TA entities
support States and Tribes in their pursuit of necessary systemic
change. CB expects T/TA Network members to operate collectively as
a single, integrated T/TA service delivery system.
Adopted from its application in the mental health field, SOC refers to a
conceptual framework and set of principles that directs child welfare
agencies and systems to pursue individualized, coordinated, and
holistic approaches to working with children, youth, and families. In
child welfare, SOC is characterized by shared, cross-cutting principles
and a continuum of integrated services from prevention to
permanency support that span programs, agencies, and institutions. A
SOC approach is community-based, child-centered, family-focused,
strengths-based, culturally competent, and comprehensive. It
addresses the physical, mental, emotional, social, educational, and
developmental needs of children, youth and their families while taking
into account the individual, family, community, and broader systemic
risk and protective factors that contribute to a child's safety and well-
being. (More information regarding SOC can be found at
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/service/soc/.)
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In the context of T/TA service delivery, subscribing to SOC principles
means that NRCT is expected to collaborate with other T/TA Network
members and CB and to collectively offer client-centered,
individualized, and strengths-based services to States and
Tribes. Together, members of the T/TA Network will build relationships
and engage child welfare systems. Frequently, they will conduct joint
assessments, provide collaborative consultation, and produce shared
products, particularly in programmatic areas where T/TA entities share
responsibility for practice issues. Network members will accept
individual and shared accountability for the quality of their consultation
and products and their ability to facilitate sustainable systemic
change. Furthermore, NRCT is responsible for ensuring that the
consumers of its T/TA, State and Tribal child welfare systems and
ultimately the children, youth, and families they serve, have a voice in
decision-making regarding the quality and content of service provision.
(Further information about implementing SOC principles in child
welfare can be found in Primer Hands On Child Welfare, Improving
Child Welfare Outcomes through Systems of Care: Building the
Infrastructure, and other publications at
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/service/soc/build/soctoolkit.c
fm. More information about changing systems can be found at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/cwmonitoring/changing_culture.
htm.)
Once a State or Tribe has identified a particular need, barrier, or issue
that requires attention, an NRC is expected to partner with its T/TA
peers, CB, and the client to comprehensively assess and mutually
define the problem in the context of broader systemic conditions.
Rather than assuming that a problem is isolated, NRCT will approach
identified problems as opportunities for further investigation, broad
systems thinking, and change that will result in sustainable
improvement.
National Resource Center for Tribes
In 1978, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) (P.L. 95-608) was
enacted "to protect the best interests of Indian children and to
promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families." The
legislation established "minimum Federal standards for the removal of
Indian children from their families and the placement of such children
in foster or adoptive homes." ICWA identified circumstances in which
Tribes have exclusive jurisdiction over child custody proceedings
involving Indian children and instances when an Indian child's Tribe
has the authority to intervene in State court proceedings for foster
care placement or the termination of parental rights. ICWA also
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authorized grants to support Indian child and family service programs
and allowed for funds to be made available through programs
administered by the Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS).
According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, there are currently 562
Federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in the
United States (http://www.doi.gov/bia/). These sovereign nations,
communities, and systems have varying degrees of capacity to
exercise the authority described under ICWA and to provide child
welfare services, but many play a critical role in the support of families
and the placement and care of children. While exact information about
numbers of Tribal children involved with child welfare services remains
elusive, the data reported to Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and
Reporting System (AFCARS)_ on race and ethnicity does suggest that
American Indian and Alaska Native children are overrepresented
among all children entering foster care. As reported in AFCARS for
Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, the percentage of American Indian and
Alaska Native children entering foster care in 20 States was at least
one and one-half times larger than the percentage of these children in
the States' general child populations.
Data about the prevalence of American Indian and Alaska Native
children in State and Tribal foster care and the role of Tribes in child
welfare service delivery suggest that Tribes are a crucial audience for
T/TA. Tribes play a critical role in child welfare service delivery. The
primary goal of NRCT is to build the capacities of Tribal agencies,
courts, and organizations to support the successful administration of
child welfare programs and to provide effective child welfare services.
NRCT is expected to identify and meet the child welfare needs of
Tribes, improve Tribal child welfare practice, and help Tribes achieve
greater safety, permanency, and well-being for children and families.
NRCT will also promote the delivery of culturally appropriate services
to all American Indian and Alaska Native children, youth and families.
Expectations
NRC services will support the delivery of child welfare services in
modalities which strengthen parental capacity and reflect approaches
that are family-centered, community-based, and individually-focused.
Enhancement of service delivery models which strengthen such
practices will be viewed as a relevant consideration in development of
training and technical assistance activities. NRCT services will support
the following:
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ď‚· Family-centered practice designed to strengthen and empower
families to protect and nurture their children; safely preserve
family relationships and connections when appropriate;
recognize the strong influence social systems have on individual
behavior; enhance family autonomy; respect the rights, values
and cultures of families; and focus on an entire family rather
than selected individuals within a family.
ď‚· Community-based practice designed to support the needs of
children within the context of their families and communities;
emphasize prevention-oriented services and support; and
provide local communities a role in identifying, designing,
implementing and overseeing services within the community.
ď‚· Individualized services designed to tailor interventions to meet
the specific needs of children, youth, and families served;
recognize that children, youth and families are affected by both
individual and environmental factors; recognize that children,
youth, families and the environments in which they operate are
unique; and offer children, youth and families opportunities to
provide input into their strengths, needs, and goals and the
means to achieve those goals.
ď‚· Strengthening parental capacity is achieved through practices
that enhance services and support for mothers and fathers and
recognize the value of involving both parents in care of their
children, promote parents' strengths and self-esteem by
emphasizing partnership with service providers, and balance
parental need for autonomy in decision-making with the need for
ongoing support.
NRCT is also expected to:
ď‚· Function as a case manager in terms of providing T/TA to
Tribes. NRCT will accept requests from Tribes, do an
assessment, identify the T/TA needs and coordinate provision
with the members of the T/TA Network. NRCT will ensure
cultural sensitivity for each request and, if necessary, assist in
the provision of the T/TA;
ď‚· Subscribe to a SOC framework in the coordination,
administration, and delivery of T/TA;
ď‚· Partner closely with CB, members of the T/TA Network, Tribes,
States, and other regional and national stakeholders;
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ď‚· Convene an advisory board that involves direct and indirect
consumers of T/TA including families, youth, and other
stakeholders in decision-making about NRCT activities and T/TA;
ď‚· Perform outreach activities that will establish and maintain
relationships that engage Tribes and promote their participation
in networking activities, utilization of T/TA consultation and
resources, and involvement in other project activities;
ď‚· Partner with CB's Implementation Centers to address systemic
issues requiring intensive, long-term technical assistance for
implementation and to identify Tribes that have plans for
systemic change that may be appropriate candidates for
implementation projects;
ď‚· Provide consultation to T/TA Network members to enhance the
cultural appropriateness of their T/TA activities to improve Tribal
child welfare systems;
ď‚· Partner with Tribes to better understand the specific cultural
context of its respective community and to identify, adapt, and
implement child welfare programs and practices that are tailored
to the needs of its systems, children, and families;
ď‚· Function as a case manager to ensure individualized T/TA that
supports the comprehensive assessment of Tribal child welfare
issues, development of sound strategic plans for sustainable
change, coordination with existing services and resources in the
CB T/TA Network available to Tribes, and implementation of
effective strategies for improved Tribal child welfare practice;
ď‚· Build the capacity of Tribes to achieve systemic change and
improve outcomes for children and families;
ď‚· Conduct and complete a thorough assessment of current Tribal
child welfare needs, practices, and issues during Year One of the
award and prepare a report for CB based on its findings;
ď‚· Formulate a plan based on its assessment in Year One for future
NRCT activities including networking, provision of T/TA, and the
development and dissemination of products and resources;
ď‚· Support and facilitate regional peer-to-peer mentoring and
networking between Tribal child welfare systems regarding
issues related to the development, implementation, and
evaluation of Tribal child welfare services;
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ď‚· Plan, organize, facilitate, and fund Tribal child welfare meetings
(including funding fully or partially allowable costs of travel,
lodging, and meals for participants);
ď‚· Design, build, and maintain a publicly accessible website to
facilitate dissemination of information and products and to
achieve other objectives of the project;
ď‚· Create and disseminate necessary and useful products and
resources that will improve Tribal child welfare practice;
ď‚· Utilize relevant information and knowledge gained from the child
welfare field and from CB's discretionary research and
demonstration projects as a resource to inform project activities
and improve T/TA throughout the project;
ď‚· Participate fully in any national cross-site evaluation activities;
ď‚· Develop and conduct a center-specific evaluation; and
ď‚· Present center-specific evaluation findings to CB and the T/TA
Network.
Roles and Responsibilities
NRCT is expected to become a knowledgeable source of cultural
competency in working with Tribal communities, and to provide
consultation, training, and resources for Tribal child welfare systems.
As a member of CB's T/TA Network, the NRCT will become the focal
point for coordinated and culturally competent training and technical
assistance to Tribes. NRCT is intended to successfully engage Tribes,
to enhance their access to and utilization of the T/TA Network, to
assess Tribal child welfare need and broker T/TA, and to facilitate
peer-to-peer consultation between Tribes regarding child welfare
issues. The NRCT will also work to increase cultural competence and
sensitivity to Tribal voices in the T/TA Network and in State child
welfare systems.
CB periodically articulates its priorities for the T/TA Network and
identifies critical and emerging issues that specific NRCs will address
with targeted T/TA activities (i.e., peer-to-peer dialogue, resource
development, and dissemination). The NRCT will work with CB and
other members to address these priorities throughout the project
period.
Collaboration
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NRCT will lead collaborative efforts related to Tribal child welfare
practice and culturally competent practice with Tribal child welfare
systems and American Indian and Alaska Native children and families.
NRCT will function as a case manager in responding to T/TA requests
for the Tribes. It will perform an assessment with the Tribe, identify
T/TA needs and broker within the Network to arrange for the provision
of T/TA. It will assist in the provision of coordinated, culturally
competent T/TA as needed. NRCT will be the primary provider of
T/TA to build the capacities of Tribal child welfare systems. NRCT will
frequently rely on the knowledge of its peers in their respective areas
of expertise and on their experience working with Tribes and States to
pursue systemic change. CB expects, for example, NRCT to partner
closely with the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Legal and
Judicial Issues and the National Child Welfare Resource Center for
Permanency and Family Connections to share information and explore
practice issues related to ICWA. Similarly, NRCT will consult with the
National Child Welfare Resource Center for Data and Technology to
address issues related to building and improving Tribal technological
infrastructure and conducting data collection. NRCT is expected to
consult and partner with members across the T/TA Network on a range
of practice issues from the prevention of abuse and neglect in Tribal
communities to customary adoption. NRCT will be pivotal in the
delivery of culturally competent T/TA to Tribes. The Center will also
become a key resource for enhancing the cultural appropriateness of
T/TA that other Network members provide to improve the practice of
Tribes and States with American Indian and Alaska Native children,
youth, and families.
In addition, NRCT will provide consultation to CB's Implementation
Centers and participate in collaborative assessment activities and
preparation that will support their execution of Tribal implementation
projects. NRCT will work with Child Welfare Information Gateway to
ensure that products and resources related to Tribal child welfare are
easily accessible and effectively disseminated. NRCT will also explore
opportunities to collaborate with other T/TA Network members, like
the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute, to support the
development of Tribal child welfare expertise and leadership across the
country.
NRCT must also reach out to partners in other service systems beyond
child welfare. Members of the T/TA Network like the National Center
for Substance Abuse and Child Welfare and the National TA Center for
Children's Mental Health should be fully utilized, but NRCT is also
expected to build relationships with other Federal providers of T/TA to
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Tribes. NRCT will work with CB to identify and pursue T/TA
partnerships across Federal bureaus, offices, and agencies.
Advisory Board
In collaboration with CB and other members of the T/TA Network,
NRCT will establish a Tribal Child Welfare Advisory Board (Advisory
Board). The Advisory Board will review the plans and activities of
NRCT and the larger T/TA Network and provide recommendations
regarding the Network's approach to serving Tribal child welfare
systems and improving practice with American Indian and Alaska
Native children and families. Advisory Board members will be
comprised of a diverse group of Tribal leaders, child welfare
professionals, and stakeholders including family members and youth.
The Advisory Board will provide the NRCT with expert consultation
that contributes to its assessment (described below under Assessment
of Tribal Needs and Child Welfare Practice) during Year One and help
to guide its activities throughout the project.
Outreach
Effective outreach will be necessary for NRCT and other members of
the T/TA Network to successfully engage Tribes and promote their
utilization of T/TA and available resources. Upon award of the
cooperative agreement, NRCT will immediately assume responsibility
for leading a coordinated, strategic plan for ongoing outreach to Tribal
child welfare systems. Outreach activities are intended to introduce
Tribes and Tribal organizations to the services and activities of NRCT
and the T/TA Network, foster communication, build trust, and increase
accessibility to T/TA. During Year One, NRCT's outreach will encourage
Tribal participation in advisory, assessment, and networking activities,
in particular. Throughout the project, NRCT will partner with T/TA
Network members to coordinate and perform joint outreach activities,
when appropriate.
T/TA for Enhanced Tribal Capacity, Effective Child Welfare
Practice, and Systemic Change
CB recognizes that NRCT effectiveness begins with developing and
maintaining positive working relationships with Tribes and expects that
this activity will be NRCT's first step as an NRC and a role that it will
continue to play throughout this agreement. NRCT will provide on-and
off-site assessment and consultation with Tribes with the goal
of building the capacities of Tribal agencies, Tribal courts, and Tribal
organizations to support the successful administration of child welfare
programs and delivery of effective child welfare services. CB expects
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NRCT to respond skillfully to T/TA requests independently. When
necessary, CB expects NRCT to partner with other NRCs and members
of the T/TA Network to ensure T/TA needs of a Tribe are met in a
coordinated, culturally competent manner. NRCT must be capable of
successfully facilitating consultation from multiple T/TA Network
members as the lead consultant on Tribal T/TA requests. The Center
must be accessible and readily available to travel when necessary and
appropriate when addressing T/TA requests that warrant face-to-face
meetings to produce desired results. NRCT must also be prepared to
consult and train on cultural competency on a wide range of issues
that address principles, policies, and practices at all levels of a child
welfare system from caseworker decision-making to State and Tribal
partnerships.
NRCT will serve Tribes that differ significantly in the size and scope of
their respective child welfare programs. Once a Tribe has identified a
particular need, barrier, or issue that requires attention, NRCT will
partner with the Tribe, CB, and its T/TA peers, as necessary, to
comprehensively assess and mutually define the problem in the
context of cultural and systemic conditions, the Tribal infrastructure
and capacity. Rather than assuming that a problem is isolated, NRCT
will approach identified problems as opportunities for further
investigation, broad systems thinking, and change that will result in
sustainable improvement. NRCT will develop strategic plans for
systemic change and deliver, track, and evaluate T/TA as the NRCT
helps its clients achieve their goals.
Within the larger scope of potential T/TA requests that NRCT may
receive, the Center will focus specifically on:
1. Assessing the types of services, administrative functions, data
and information collection, program management, and reporting
for which T/TA is needed;
2. Working with the Tribe to identify specific T/TA needs and
collaborating with the T/TA Network for its provision; and
3. Collaborating with the T/TA Network to ensure that T/TA is
delivered in a coordinated, culturally competent manner.
NRCT will support the provision of T/TA that is consistent with
SOC principles and informed by evidence-based and evidence-
informed practice in Tribal child welfare, but NRCT will not uniformly
prescribe any particular model of child welfare practice. NRCT is
expected to have the capacity to respond to the needs of its clients, to
16
competently consider a range of potential strategies when problem-
solving, and to adapt and tailor its T/TA based on the unique nature
and context of each request.
Coordination
NRCT is expected to regularly engage other NRCs in joint consultation,
training, and other T/TA activities. NRCT will follow any T/TA
coordination procedures that CB establishes for the T/TA Network and
will be prepared to serve as the principal facilitator of collaborative
consultation and training in response to T/TA requests related to Tribal
child welfare. In addition to responding to T/TA requests, NRCT will
consult with its peers, refer requests to other T/TA Network members
when appropriate, and coordinate T/TA when the expertise of more
than one provider is necessary to achieve the objectives of the
request.
Assessment of Tribal needs and child welfare practice
During the first year of the cooperative agreement, NRCT will explore
current practices in Tribal child welfare and review existing resources
and tools in an effort to better understand the challenges facing Tribes
and to identify systemic and practice issues. The primary source for
the information is expected to come from an assessment with the
Tribes that would include onsite visits. CB expects the results of this
thorough assessment to inform NRCT's T/TA and to drive its future
activities. NRCT will submit a plan for its assessment to CB for review,
revision, and approval shortly after award of the cooperative
agreement and present final summary documents or products
resulting from the assessment, including plans for subsequent T/TA
activities, to CB by the end of Year One. A draft plan is to be
submitted by the end of the ninth month in the first year.
Each applicant for this cooperative agreement will present a
preliminary plan in its application recommending key questions for
investigation and proposing the scope and duration of its assessment
activities. Following award of the cooperative agreement, as part of its
broad assessment, NRCT will 1) identify existing and emerging Tribal
child welfare issues, interventions, and models of practice; 2)
inventory available curricula, tools, products, and other resources that
target Tribal child welfare systems and other providers of services to
American Indian and Alaska Native children; and 3) consult with key
Tribal stakeholders as well as institutions, organizations, and
individuals that have demonstrated leadership in the arena of Tribal
child welfare. CB expects that the NRCT's assessment will provide CB,
the NRCT, and the larger T/TA Network with sufficient information
17
about systemic issues impacting Tribes to inform future strategies
for T/TA.
Networking
NRCT will provide regular opportunities for Tribal child welfare systems
to share information, experiences, and lessons regarding the
development, implementation, and administration of Tribal child
welfare services. Networking activities should be accessible and
involve as many Tribal child welfare systems as is reasonable and
feasible. NRCT will also provide opportunities for Tribes and States to
participate in cross-system learning and communication.
Guided by its assessment in Year One, NRCT is expected to identify
important and pressing topics for discussion and to find creative and
innovative ways to engage Tribes and to foster systemic change and
improvement through peer-to-peer mentoring. The strengths and
limitations of employing more advanced technologies in an attempt to
enhance communication should be carefully considered. NRCT will be
challenged to successfully engage Tribes in activities that are relevant,
meaningful, and sensitive to their sometimes differing needs and
capacities. The center may choose to target peer-to-peer activities
specifically to systems that share common models of practice,
cultures, organizational characteristics, objectives, and/or challenges.
NRCT must collaborate with other members of the T/TA Network, CB,
Tribes, and, where appropriate, States, to integrate networking
approaches that are well-coordinated, practical, appropriate, and likely
to increase cross-system consultation. NRCT may also facilitate
dialogues between Tribal and State child welfare systems to promote
the use of culturally appropriate services that are likely to improve
safety, permanency and well-being outcomes for American Indian and
Alaskan Native children and families.
National or Regional Meetings for Tribes
NRCT will develop an effective and cost-efficient strategy to convene
Tribes on a national and/or regional basis, including meetings that are
centered around practice related to in-home services, foster care,
kinship guardianship and adoption. NRCT will plan, organize, facilitate,
and fund Tribal child welfare meetings (including paying in full or in
part allowable costs of travel, lodging, and meals for participants).
Each Tribal meeting will be an opportunity for Tribes to discuss critical
and emerging issues in Tribal child welfare, share information about
effective practices, and participate in solution-focused dialogue about
the challenges that can prevent Tribes from achieving intended
18
reforms and sustainable improvement. Tribal meetings will also be
opportunities to inform Tribes about CB priorities and T/TA Network
resources and activities. Each applicant for this cooperative
agreement will propose in its application how to best utilize Tribal
meetings to disseminate information, engage participants, and
promote ongoing networking. NRCT will also submit its plan for these
meetings to CB for review, revision, and approval shortly after award.
NRCT's plan for Tribal child welfare meetings will be cost-effective and
promote Tribal participation across the country. CB expects the
meetings to build relationships, increase peer-to-peer consultation,
encourage connections with CB regional offices and T/TA Network, and
facilitate the transfer of knowledge. NRCT may also propose to
investigate collaborative Tribal meetings with other Federal T/TA
providers when appropriate. NRCT will consult with CB and seek its
approval prior to engaging potential partners, and NRCT will
collaborate with CB to develop Tribal meeting content and structure.
All plans regarding Tribal meetings must be approved by CB.
Product Development & Dissemination
NRC with the topical expertise will be a repository for information and
resources and a dissemination point for products that address its
particular range of issues related to Tribal child welfare. CB expects
NRCT to be the point of contact for Tribes to access T/TA delivered in a
culturally competent manner that is sensitive to the individual Tribe.
NRCT will make general information about itself, the T/TA Network,
Tribal child welfare programs and services, as well as specific training
curricula, research, reports, tools, and other resources widely
available. During Year One of the cooperative agreement, NRCT will
design, build, and maintain a publicly accessible website to facilitate
dissemination and other objectives of its project. NRCT is expected to
consult with the Child Welfare Information Gateway and other T/TA
Network members to capitalize on opportunities to link to useful
information and facilitate easy navigation by website users without
unnecessarily duplicating effort.
The efficient and effective use of technology to support dissemination
is strongly encouraged when appropriate. All plans for product
development and dissemination are subject to CB approval.
NRCT will participate in annual CB-supported meetings as a component
of its dissemination activities and may be requested to present at
national conferences when opportunities for T/TA to groups of clients
arise.
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Specific tasks to be performed by the NRCT during the Planning
and Implementation Phases
NRCT is expected to develop and sustain relationships with Tribes to
collaborate, perform outreach, receive and respond to T/TA requests
including making on- and off-site visits, broker T/TA from members of
the Network, ensure that the T/TA is delivered with cultural
competency, convene an advisory board, facilitate peer-to-peer
networking, disseminate information about products and resources,
and evaluate its activities throughout the project period.
CB, however, expects NRCT to devote significant effort to tasks that
will provide a foundation for future project activities during the first six
to twelve months of the award.
During Year One, the NRCT will:
ď‚· Build and strengthen its relationships with Tribes, CB, members
of the T/TA Network, and other key stakeholders;
ď‚· Consult with CB and other T/TA Network members about its
preliminary project plans;
ď‚· Revise and refine, if necessary, its preliminary plans for an
advisory board, a nationwide assessment of Tribal child welfare
issues and T/TA needs, topically-focused peer-to-peer
networking, website development and resource accessibility, and
center-specific evaluation;
ď‚· Obtain approval from CB for its plans;
ď‚· Recruit advisory board membership and convene its first
meeting;
ď‚· Conduct an assessment of Tribal child welfare issues, practices,
and needs;
ď‚· Design and build a public website;
ď‚· Submit summary documents or products from its completed
assessment and a proposed plan for future T/TA activities to CB
for review and approval; and
ď‚· Develop a plan for convening Tribes nationally and/or regionally
around broad child welfare topics and develop a strategy for
convenings on practice related topics for in-home, foster care
20
and adoption services. As a model, NRCs currently hold annual
meetings for State foster care managers and another for State
adoption managers. The plan may include a variety of methods
for convening.
During this planning and assessment period, the center's capacity to
broker T/TA will be limited. NRCT is expected, however, to be
available for some collaborative efforts shortly after the date of award
and to become increasingly available for consultation and leadership
regarding Tribal T/TA requests. NRCT's role in T/TA should steadily
increase nine months after the project start date.
During years two through five, NRCT will shift its effort from planning
and assessment to more substantial delivery of on- and off-site
consultation and training, peer-to-peer facilitation, and other
collaborative activities. Tasks performed in years two through five
will be guided by findings from its nationwide assessment.
After the award of the cooperative agreement, NRCT may revise its
plans to coordinate its activities with other grantees. Throughout the
project, NRCT will communicate closely with its FPO. As priorities shift
and needs for T/TA change, NRCT will remain flexible and work with
CB to adapt and revise its project plans as necessary. All project
plans are subject to review, revision, and final approval by CB.
Structure
The structure of NRCT will allow sufficient flexibility to address varying
levels of T/TA requests by Tribes. Flexibility in the structure will
support a variety of T/TA modalities such as on-site and off-site
assessment of and planning for culturally competent T/TA, information
dissemination, curriculum or framework development, peer-to-peer
T/TA, conference presentations, regional meetings and collaborative
activities with CB's Implementation Centers and other T/TA Network
members.
Dissemination
CB expects for NRCT to be the point of contact for easily accessible,
well-organized, and user-friendly resources for Tribes. NRCT will make
general information about itself, the T/TA Network, applicable
programs and services, as well as specific training curricula, research,
reports, tools, or other resources widely available. NRCT is expected
to consult with Child Welfare Information Gateway and other T/TA
Network members to capitalize on opportunities to link to useful
21
information and facilitate easy navigation by website users without
unnecessarily duplicating effort.
National cross-site evaluation
NRCT must allocate funds and devote sufficient resources to
participate fully in a national cross-site evaluation and to conduct its
own center-specific evaluation activities.
NRCT will participate fully in CB's National Cross-site Evaluation of the
T/TA Network. The cross-site evaluation employs a participatory and
utilization-focused approach to 1) evaluate the activities, processes,
and approaches of the CB T/TA Network members in their efforts to
successfully achieve systems change, and 2) examine the degree to
which networking, collaboration, information sharing, adherence to
common principles, and common messaging occurs across the T/TA
Network. The National Cross-site Evaluation of the T/TA Network
began its design phase in Federal fiscal year 2009.
NRCT will have regular contact with the cross-site evaluation
contractor and participate as an important stakeholder in the
evaluation. NRCT will be actively involved in the execution of the
cross-site evaluation, participating as necessary in the development of
evaluation instruments, collection of qualitative and quantitative
information, interpretation of data, and utilization of findings. NRCT
will be required to enter information into the T/TA Network's
automated data collection system within the timeframes set by CB and
the cross-site evaluation. CB expects regular and timely reporting of
on-site T/TA and other activities into the web-based tracking system
currently known as the Technical Assistance Tracking Internet System
(TATIS). NRCT will be responsible for including a quality assurance
component in its evaluation plan that tracks timely and accurate
reporting into the system.
Center-specific evaluation
In addition to performing evaluation activities that meet the
requirements of the cross-site evaluation, NRCT will conduct its own
center-specific evaluation activities. CB expects NRCT to regularly
evaluate its performance and to use this information to improve its
processes and services. NRCT will design and conduct an evaluation
using multiple measures, employing both qualitative and quantitative
methods as necessary. Center-specific evaluation activities must
complement NRCT's participation in the cross-site evaluation and avoid
unnecessary duplication.
22
In its center-specific evaluation activities, NRCT will build on the
components of the national cross-site evaluation, addressing more
nuanced questions or examining different evaluation questions that are
likely to yield practical information and promote the improvement of
its T/TA modalities. Center-specific evaluation findings are expected
to be substantive, highlighting both project strengths and challenges.
During the course of the project period, NRCT will facilitate
communication for the purpose of T/TA improvement ("feedback
loops"), ensuring that its findings are shared with other members of
the T/TA Network and CB's central and regional offices.
A list of potential "domains" and examples of questions for center-
specific evaluation can be found in Section IV.2 PROJECT
DESCRIPTION: APPROACH.
Upon award of the cooperative agreements, NRCT will share its
preliminary center-specific evaluation plans with other members of the
T/TA Network and the cross-site evaluation contractor. NRCs may
choose to include common evaluation components (i.e., methods,
collection tools, processes, outputs, and/or outcomes) in their center-
specific designs, particularly when evaluating joint activities and
collaborative T/TA that is provided to a Tribal child welfare system by
multiple T/TA Network members.
All evaluation plans must be approved by the FPO. Prior to beginning
its evaluation activities, NRCT will review and revise its center-specific
evaluation design in partnership with CB.
NRCT will regularly update its FPO about ongoing evaluation activities
and findings in required progress reporting and provide CB with a
written report at the end of the project. NRCs will collaborate with
each other, their State and Tribal partners, CB, the national evaluation
contractor, and other members of the T/TA Network when necessary
to produce a comprehensive evaluation report at the conclusion of the
project period and present findings to CB, the T/TA Network, and other
stakeholders.
Logic model and Gantt chart
The applicant is required to submit in its application a logic model for
its planning and implementation. The logic model also must
accompany all subsequent submissions of plans related to this
announcement to CB.
Travel for Meetings and Presentations
23
Approximately six weeks after the award of the cooperative
agreement, the NRCT project director, project evaluator, and
representatives of other key partners and/or subcontractors involved
in the execution of the award, if applicable, will be required to attend a
one-day meeting with the FPO and other Federal staff in Washington,
D.C. The purpose of this meeting is to review and approve activities
and planning timelines in year one of the award and to clarify
expectations for the project.
Within six months of the award of the cooperative agreements, the
NRCT project director, project evaluator, and representatives of other
key partners and/or subcontractors involved in the execution of the
award, if applicable, must make an oral presentation to CB staff in
Washington, D.C., describing and supporting its implementation plans
for each of the major areas of activity.
The applicant's budget for the first 12-month budget period should
include anticipated costs for these two meetings, as well as costs for
two key staff persons to attend two additional CB meetings.
In addition, the NRCT project director or another designated
representative will attend T/TA Network meetings held twice annually
in the Washington, D.C. metro area over the duration of the five-year
project period. All expenses related to attendance at these two-day
meetings also should be included in the applicant's proposed budget.
Project Requirements
The acceptance of funds for project responsive to this announcement
will signify the applicant's assurance that it will comply with the
following requirements:
1. Have the project fully functioning with 90 days following the
notification of the grant award.
2. Participate in any national evaluation or technical assistance
contract that relates to this program announcement.
3. Submit all performance indicator data, program evaluation, and
financial reports in a timely manner (See Section VI.3). CB will
accept the interim and final report on disk or electronically using
a standard word-processing program, however grantees are
required to provide the original and two copies of performance
progress and final reports.
24
4. Submit an original and two copies of the final report, the final
evaluation report, and any program products to CB within 90
days of the project end date.
5. Allocate sufficient funds in the budget to provide for the project
director, the evaluator, and other key partners to attend the
meetings described in this program announcement.
6. Convene the Advisory Board at least once annually and allocate
funds to support this face-to-face meeting (including allowable
cost of travel, lodging, and meals for participants) in its budget.
7. Convene Tribal child welfare meetings and allocate funds to
support these face-to-face meetings (including allowable costs of
travel, lodging, and meals for participants) in its budget.
8. Propose and justify a percentage of the project budget to be
allocated to program evaluation.
II. AWARD INFORMATION
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement
Estimated Total Program Funding: $875,000
Expected Number of Awards: 1
Ceiling on Amount of Individual $875,000 per budget period
Awards:
Floor on Amount of Individual None
Awards:
Average Projected Award Amount: $875,000 per budget period
Length of Project Periods: 60-month project with five 12-month
budget periods
Other
Explanation of Other:
The cooperative agreement awarded will be for a project period of 60
months. The initial award will be for a 12-month budget period. The
award of continuation beyond each 12-month budget period will be
25
subject to satisfactory progress on the part of the awardee and a
determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of
the Federal Government.
Awards under this announcement are subject to the availability
of funds.
Description of Anticipated Substantial Involvement under the
Cooperative Agreement:
A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding Federal
assistance in which substantial Federal involvement is anticipated. A
cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective responsibilities of
CB and the grantee prior to the award. CB anticipates that agency
involvement will produce programmatic benefits to the recipient
otherwise unavailable to them for carrying out the project. The
involvement and collaboration includes:
ď‚· CB review and approval of planning stages of the activities
before implementation phases may begin;
ď‚· CB and recipient joint collaboration in the performance of key
programmatic activities (i.e., strategic planning, implementation,
information technology enhancements, T/TA, publications or
products, and evaluation);
ď‚· Close monitoring by CB of the requirements stated in this
announcement that limit the grantee's discretion with respect to
scope of services offered, organizational structure, and
management processes; and
ď‚· Close monitoring by CB during performance which may, in order
to ensure compliance with the intent of this funding, exceed
those Federal stewardship responsibilities customary for grant
activities.
Please see Section IV.5 for any restrictions on the use of funds for
awards made under this announcement.
III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
1. Eligible Applicants
ď‚· Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
26
ď‚· Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education
ď‚· Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than
institutions of higher education
ď‚· Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
ď‚· Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally
recognized tribal governments)
ď‚· Private institutions of higher education
ď‚· For profit organizations other than small businesses
ď‚· Small businesses
Eligible applicants are public or private organizations knowledgeable
and experienced in the field of Indian Tribal affairs and child welfare.
(42 U.S.C. 476(c)(C))
Collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches are acceptable.
Applications from collaborations must identify a primary applicant
responsible for administering the cooperative agreement.
The terms "Indian," "Indian Tribe," and "Tribal Organization" used in
this announcement are defined under the Indian Self-Determination
and Education Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement.
Faith-based and community organizations are eligible to apply under
this announcement.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None
3. Other:
Disqualification Factors
Applications with requests that exceed the ceiling on the amount of
individual awards referenced in Section II. Award Information will be
deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under
this announcement.
Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements
referenced in Section IV.3., Submission Dates and Times, will be
deemed non-responsive and will not be considered for funding under
this announcement.
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
27
1. Address to Request Application Package:
ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132
Phone: 866-796-1591
Phone 2: or TTY 711
Email: cb@dixongroup.com
For hearing or speech impaired callers, contact the Federal Relay
Service at 1-800-877-8339 (TTY (Text Telephone) / ASCII (American
Standard Code For Information Interchange)).
2. Content and Form of Application Submission:
This section provides information on the required form and content of
application submissions. Applicants are required to submit one original
and two copies of all application materials if applying in hard-copy. The
original signature of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)
is required only on the original. Information on the required format,
Standard Forms (SFs) and other forms, D-U-N-S Requirement, Project
Description, Certifications, Assurances, Electronic Submission of
applications, and Hard Copy submission of applications is available in
this section. A Checklist of required application elements is available
for applicants' use in Section VIII of this announcement.
Each application must contain the following items in the order listed:
Application for Federal Assistance. (Standard Form (SF) 424, SF-
424A and SF-424-B). Follow the instructions that accompany the forms
and those in Section V, Application Review Information.
Certifications/Assurances. See Forms, Assurances, and
Certifications, below.
Table of Contents. List the major sections of the application, and
show the page that each section begins on.
Project Summary/Abstract (one page maximum, double spaced).
See Section IV.2, Project Description. Clearly mark this page with the
applicant name as shown on SF-424, identify the program
announcement and the title of the proposed project as shown on SF-
424 and the service area as shown on SF-424. The summary
description should not exceed 300 words
28
Care should be taken to produce a summary/abstract that accurately
and concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the
objectives of the project, the approach to be used, and the results or
benefits expected.
The Project Description. Applicants should organize their project
description in this sequence: 1) Objectives and Need for Assistance; 2)
Approach; 3) Evaluation; 4) Organizational Profiles; and 5) Budget and
Budget Justification.
Budget and Budget Justification. Include information on the
required cost item of Travel for Meetings and Presentations (See
Section I).
Indirect Charges. If claiming indirect costs, provide documentation
that the applicant currently has an indirect cost-rate approved by the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or another
cognizant Federal agency.
Third-Party Agreements. If applicable, include a letter of
commitment or Memorandum of Understanding from each partner
and/or contractor describing their role, detailing specific project tasks
to be performed, and expressing commitment to participate if the
proposed project is funded. Note: General letters of support not
expressing specific commitments are not required and will not be
considered by reviewers under the evaluation criteria.
Staff and Position Data. Include job descriptions and curriculum
vitae/ resumes for proposed project staff.
Page Limit. The length of the entire application package may be less
than but must not exceed 110 pages. This includes the required
Federal Standard Forms and certifications (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B,
and Certification Regarding Lobbying) table of contents, project
summary, project description, logic model, project schedule or Gantt
chart, budget/budget justification, supplemental documentation, proof
of non-profit status, summaries of sub-grants and contracts, letters of
agreement, CVs and resumes, and any other pages included in the
application package. All pages of the application package must be
sequentially numbered, beginning with page one. All pages of each
application will be counted to determine total length. All pages
exceeding the 110-page limit will be removed and will not be
considered in the reviewing process. A cover letter and general letters
of support are not required. Applicants are reminded that if a cover
letter and general letters of support are submitted, they will count
towards the 110-page limit.
29
Each applicant must organize its application in the order listed in this
section and number all application pages. Pages will be counted in the
order they are submitted in hard copy and numbered when received
electronically. All pages that exceed the page limit will be removed
and will not be reviewed.
General Content and Form Information. To be considered for
funding, each application must be submitted with the Standard Federal
Forms and must follow the guidance provided. The application must be
signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency and
to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and
conditions of the award.
The project description must be typed and double-spaced on a single
side of 8.5 x 11 inch plain white paper with a least one inch margins
on all sides, using black print with 12-point size Times New Roman
font.
For charts, budget tables, supplemental letters and documents,
applicants may use a different point size and font, but no less than 10-
point size and single spaced.
Applicants that deviate from this format and page limit requirements
risk having pages removed from their application.
All copies of an application must be submitted in a single package.
Each application under this funding opportunity must be submitted in
a separate package (original and two copies). The package must be
clearly labeled for the specific funding opportunity it is addressing.
Because each application will be duplicated, do not use or include
separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, brochures,
or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a photocopy
machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in
any way separate subsections of the application, including supporting
documentation. Use a clip (not a staple) to securely bind the
application together. Applicants are advised that the copies of the
application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the
Federal Government for review.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application. It is essential that
applicants read the entire announcement package carefully before
preparing an application and include all of the required application
forms and attachments. The application must reflect a thorough
understanding of and support the purpose and objectives of the
applicable legislation. Reviewers expect applicants to understand the
30
goals of the legislation and the CBs interest in each topic. A
"responsive application" is one that addresses and follows all of the
evaluation criteria in ways that demonstrate this understanding.
Applications that are considered to be "unresponsive" or do not clearly
address the evaluation criteria or program requirements generally
receive very low scores and are rarely funded.
CB's website (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/) provides a wide
range of information and links to other relevant websites. Before
preparing an application, applicants can learn more about CB's mission
and programs by exploring the website.
Organizing the Application. Reviewers will use the specific
evaluation criteria in Section V of this funding announcement to review
and evaluate each application. The applicant should address each of
these specific evaluation criteria in the project description. Applicants
should organize their project description in this sequence: 1)
Objectives and Need for Assistance; 2) Approach; 3) Evaluation; 4)
Organizational Profiles; and 5) Budget and Budget Justification. The
applicant must use the same headings as these criteria, so that
reviewers can readily find information that directly addresses each of
the specific review criteria.
Logic Model. A logic model is a tool that presents the conceptual
framework for a proposed project and explains the linkages among
program elements. While there are many versions of the logic model,
they generally summarize the logical connections among the needs
that are the focus of the project, project goals and objectives, the
target population, project inputs (resources), the proposed
activities/processes/outputs directed toward the target population, the
expected short- and long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to
achieve, and the evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which
proposed processes and outcomes actually occur. Information on the
development of logic models is available on the Internet at
http://toolkit.childwelfare.gov/toolkit.
Evaluation. Project evaluations are very important. If the applicant
does not have the in-house capacity to conduct an objective,
comprehensive evaluation of the project, then CB advises that the
applicant contract with a third-party evaluator specializing in social
science or evaluation, or a university or college, to conduct the
evaluation. In either case, it is important that the evaluator has the
necessary independence from the project to assure objectivity. A
skilled evaluator can help develop a logic model and assist in designing
an evaluation strategy that is rigorous and appropriate given the goals
31
and objectives of the proposed project. Additional assistance may be
found in a document titled "Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation."
A copy of this document can be accessed at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/other_resrch/pm_guide_eval/r
eports/pmguide/pmguide_toc.html.
Protection of Human Subjects. See Section IV.2, Project
Description. General information about HHS Protection of Human
Subjects regulations can be obtained at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/.
Applicants may also contact OHRP by email (ohrp@csophs.dhhs.gov)
or by phone (240-453-6900).
General information about the HHS Protection of Human Subjects
regulations can be obtained at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/. Applicants
may also contact OHRP by email (ohrp@csophs.dhhs.gov) or by phone
(240-453-6900).
Electronic Submission. Applicants that submit their applications
electronically are advised to be sure that they secure and retain their
service ticket number for reference whenever they have any
interaction with the Grants.gov Contact Center.
Non-Federal Reviewers
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the review process,
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in
the application budget as well as Social Security Numbers, if otherwise
required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary
information.
If applicants are submitting their application electronically, ACF will
omit the same specific salary rate information from copies made for
use during the review and selection process.
Forms
Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement must
file the appropriate Standard Forms (SFs) as described in this
section. All applicants must submit an SF-424, Application for Federal
Assistance. For non-construction programs, applicants must also
submit an SF-424A, Budget Information and an SF-424B,
Assurances. For construction programs, applicants must also submit
SF-424C, Budget Information and SF-424D, Assurances. All required
Standard Forms are available at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
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Non-profit private organizations (not including private universities) are
encouraged to submit the "Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
Applicants" with their applications. Applicants using a hard copy
application, place the completed survey in an envelope labeled
"Applicant Survey." Seal the envelope and include it along with your
application package. Applicants applying electronically, please submit
this survey along with your application. The Survey may be found at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
D-U-N-S Requirement
All applicants must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (D-
U-N-S) number. A D-U-N-S number is required whether an applicant
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide
electronic portal, Grants.gov. A D-U-N-S number is required for every
application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award,
including applications or plans under formula, entitlement, and block
grant programs. A D-U-N-S number may be acquired at no cost by
calling the dedicated toll-free D-U-N-S number request line at 1-866-
705-5711 or you may request a number online at
http://www.dnb.com.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Part I THE PROJECT DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW
PURPOSE
The project description provides the majority of information by which
an application is evaluated and ranked in competition with other
applications for available assistance. The project description should be
concise and complete. It should address the activity for which Federal
funds are being requested. Supporting documents should be included
where they can present information clearly and succinctly. In
preparing the project description, information that is responsive to
each of the requested evaluation criteria must be provided. Awarding
offices use this and other information in making their funding
recommendations. It is important, therefore, that this information be
included in the application in a manner that is clear and complete.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS
ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions that focus
on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits
are not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than
33
repetition. Supporting information concerning activities that will not be
directly funded by the grant or information that does not directly
pertain to an integral part of the grant-funded activity should be
placed in an appendix.
Part II GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING A FULL PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
Applicants that are required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what the project
description should include while the evaluation criteria identify the
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List the contents of the application including corresponding page
numbers.
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Provide a summary of the project description (one page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, institutional,
and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need for assistance
must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate objectives of
the project must be clearly stated; supporting documentation, such as
letters of support and testimonials from concerned interests other than
the applicant, may be included. Any relevant data based on planning
studies should be included or referred to in the endnotes/footnotes.
Incorporate demographic data and participant/beneficiary information,
as needed. In developing the project description, the applicant may
volunteer or be requested to provide information on the total range of
projects currently being conducted and supported (or to be initiated),
some of which may be outside the scope of the program
announcement.
APPROACH
Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how the
proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or
activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might accelerate
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or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the proposed
approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of the
project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in cost
or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
In describing their center-specific evaluation plans, applicants may
choose to address the following list of potential "domains" and
examples of questions for center-specific evaluation (the domains
these questions would address are in parentheses): 1. To what extent
was T/TA individualized or tailored to the needs of the State or Tribe
that was served? (Fit) 2. How comprehensive is NRC's knowledge and
resources in its area(s) of topical child welfare expertise? Is the scope
of resources sufficient to serve its clients' needs? (Scope - (Topical
Service Array) 3. How effectively did NRC's T/TA meet the need(s)
identified by the State or Tribe? (Effectiveness) 4. What was the
quality of the T/TA provided? What was the quality of the consultation
provided by individual NRC employees and contracted consultants?
What was the quality of the products created by each NRC? (Quality
Assurance) 5. How effective was NRC in collecting and disseminating
information about evidence-based and promising practice in its areas
of child welfare expertise? (Evidence-Based Practice) 6. How well did
NRC assess the needs of its client? Were other T/TA Network members
or other resources involved, as necessary? (Comprehensive
assessment and responsiveness) 7. How effectively did NRC share
information about the process and the results of providing T/TA? Did
feedback help inform future decisions about T/TA? (Communication) 8.
How effectively did NRC collaborate with other T/TA Network members
in its provision of T/TA? How well did NRCs collaborate across their
evaluation activities, particularly when a State or Tribe is served by
multiple T/TA Network providers? (Collaboration) 9. How effective was
NRC in helping States and Tribes implement steps in their plans for
corrective action and systemic change? How effective was NRC in
helping systems improve their performance in response to federal
requirements (i.e., CFSR, IV-E, SACWIS, AFCARS, etc.)?
(Implementation and improvement) 10. To what degree did NRC
adhere to SOC and CFSR principles? (Principles)
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of
activities accomplished.
When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function,
list them in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates.
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If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from OMB. This clearance pertains to any
"collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF."
Provide a list of organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or
other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short
description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
EVALUATION
Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and the
results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the evaluation
of results, state how you will determine the extent to which the project
has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which the
accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. Discuss
the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and
discuss the impact of the project's various activities that address the
project's effectiveness.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The following are requests for additional information that must be
included in the application:
ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION
Applicants must provide the following as certification of their
eligibility under this program announcement. Please provide:
Proof of Non-Profit Status
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to
submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status
is any one of the following:
ď‚· A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
IRS's most recent list of tax-exempt organizations
described in the IRS Code.
ď‚· A copy of a currently valid IRS tax-exemption certificate.
ď‚· A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that
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the applicant organization has non-profit status and that
none of the net earnings accrue to any private
shareholders or individuals.
ď‚· A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes
non-profit status.
ď‚· 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.
When applying electronically, proof of non-profit status may be
submitted as an attachment; however, proof of non-profit status
must be submitted prior to award.
LOGIC MODEL
Applicants are expected to use a model for designing and
managing their project. A logic model is a tool that presents the
conceptual framework for a proposed project and explains the
linkages among program elements. While there are many
versions of the logic model, they generally summarize the logical
connections among the needs that are the focus of the project,
project goals and objectives, the target population, project
inputs (resources), the proposed activities/processes/outputs
directed toward the target population, the expected short- and
long-term outcomes the initiative is designed to achieve, and the
evaluation plan for measuring the extent to which proposed
processes and outcomes actually occur.
STAFF AND POSITION DATA
Provide a biographical sketch and job description for each key
person appointed. Job descriptions for each vacant key position
should be included as well. As new key staff is appointed,
biographical sketches will also be required.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners, such as: organizational charts; financial
statements; audit reports or statements from Certified Public
Accountants/Licensed Public Accountants; Employer
Identification Number(s); contact persons and telephone
numbers; names of bond carriers; child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation; information on
compliance with Federal/State/local government standards;
37
documentation of experience in the program area; and, other
pertinent information.
DISSEMINATION PLAN
Provide a plan for distributing reports and other project outputs
to colleagues and to the public. Applicants must provide a
description of the method, volume, and timing of distribution.
THIRD-PARTY AGREEMENTS
Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and
subgrantees, or subcontractors, or other cooperating entities.
These agreements must detail the 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 a budget with line-item detail and detailed calculations for
each budget object class identified on the Budget Information Form
(SF-424A or SF-424C). Detailed calculations must include estimation
methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail
sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. If matching is a
requirement, include a breakout by the funding sources identified in
Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocation of the proposed costs.
GENERAL
Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources (when
required) shall be detailed and justified in the budget and budget
narrative justification. "Federal resources" refers only to the
ACF grant funds for which you are applying. "Non-Federal
resources" are all other non-ACF 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 in a narrative form.
PERSONNEL
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known at the time of application. For each staff
38
person, provide: the title; time commitment to the project in
months; time commitment to the project as a percentage or full-
time equivalent; annual salary; grant salary; wage rates;
etc. Do not include the costs of consultants, personnel costs of
delegate agencies, or of specific project(s) and/or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
FRINGE BENEFITS
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and
percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health
insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
TRAVEL
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization. (This item 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. If
appropriate for this project, travel costs for key staff to attend
ACF-sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
EQUIPMENT
Description: "Equipment" means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one
year and an acquisition cost that 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 and/or disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An
39
applicant organization that uses its own definition for equipment
should provide a copy of its policy, or section of its policy, that
includes the equipment definition.
SUPPLIES
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information that
supports the amount requested.
CONTRACTUAL
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. Include third-party evaluation
contracts, if applicable, and contracts with secondary recipient
organizations, including delegate agencies and specific project(s)
and/or businesses to be financed by the applicant.
Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will
be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent
practical, open and free competition. Recipients and
subrecipients, other than States that are required to use 45 CFR
Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated procurement
action that is expected to be awarded without competition and
exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 USC
403(11), currently set at $100,000.
Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award
review and procurement documents, such as requests 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
40
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
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category
should be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect
cost rate approved by the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) or another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be
made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost
rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in
accordance with 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. When an indirect cost
rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool
should not be charged as direct costs to the grant. Also, if the
applicant is requesting a rate that 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
Description: 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 that contain this information.
(As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, P.L. 104-
13, the public reporting burden for the Project Description is estimated
to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and
reviewing the collection information. The Project Description
information collection is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139, which expires 4/30/2010. An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.)
41
Certifications
Applicants must furnish, prior to award, an executed copy of the
Certification Regarding Lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the
certification with their application. If any funds have been paid or will
be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an
officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or
employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in
connection with this commitment providing for the United States to
insure or guarantee a loan, the applicant shall complete and submit
Standard Form (SF)-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in
accordance with its instructions. The Certification Regarding Lobbying
may be found at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
When required for programs that involve human subjects, the
Protection of Human Subjects Assurance Identification/IRB
Certification/Declaration of Exemption form must be submitted. All
forms may be reproduced for use in submitting
applications. Applicants must sign and return the appropriate standard
forms with their application. The Protection of Human Subjects
Assurance Identification/IRB Certification/Declaration of Exemption
(Common Rule) form may be found at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html.
Assurances
By signing and submitting the application, applicants are making the
appropriate certification of their compliance with all Federal statutes
relating to nondiscrimination.
The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. 7183, imposes restrictions on
smoking in facilities where federally funded children's services are
provided. HHS grants are subject to these requirements only if they
meet the Act's specified coverage. The Act specifies that smoking is
prohibited in any indoor facility (owned, leased, or contracted for)
used for the routine or regular provision of kindergarten, elementary,
or secondary education or library services to children under the age of
18. In addition, smoking is prohibited in any indoor facility or portion
of a facility (owned, leased, or contracted for) used for the routine or
regular provision of federally funded health care, day care, or early
childhood development, including Head Start services to children under
the age of 18. The statutory prohibition also applies if such facilities
are constructed, operated, or maintained with Federal funds. The
statute does not apply to children's services provided in private
42
residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds,
portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment, or
facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed. Failure to comply with the
provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary
penalty of up to $1,000 per violation and/or the imposition of an
administrative compliance order on the responsible entity. Additional
information may be found in the HHS Grants Policy Statement at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html.
Electronic Submission
Applicants to ACF may submit their applications in either electronic or
paper (hard copy) format. To submit an application electronically,
applicants must use the http://www.Grants.gov site. ACF will not
accept applications via facsimile or email.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before submitting an application electronically,
applicants must complete the organization registration process as well
as obtain and register "electronic signature credentials" for the
Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Applicants also must
be registered in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). CCR
registration must be updated annually. Applicants will not be
able to upload an application to Grants.gov without current CCR
registration and electronic signature credentials for the
AOR. This process may take more than five business days, so it
is important to start this process early, well in advance of the
application deadline.
Be sure to complete all Grants.gov registration processes listed
on the Organization Registration Checklist
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/registration_checklist.html.
Applicants will be able to download a copy of the application package,
complete it off-line, and then upload and submit the application via the
Grants.gov site.
If planning to submit an application electronically via
http://www.Grants.gov:
ď‚· It is strongly recommended that applicants do not wait
until the application due date to begin the application
process through Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to
submit their applications well before the closing date and time so
that, if difficulties are encountered, there will still be sufficient
time to submit a hard copy via express mail.
43
ď‚· In order to address any difficulties that may be
encountered during the submission process, it may be to
an applicant's advantage to submit their applications 24
hours ahead of the closing date and time.
ď‚· Applicants are encouraged to check the Grants.gov webpage for
announcements concerning system issues and updates that may
affect the submission of applications.
ď‚· Checklists and registration brochures are maintained at the
Grants.gov website to assist applicants in the registration
process and may be found at:
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp
ď‚· If any difficulties are encountered in using Grants.gov, contact
the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1-800-518-4726, or by email
at support@grants.gov, to report the problem and obtain
assistance. Remember to retain your service ticket number
for reference whenever you have any interaction with the
Grants.gov Contact Center.
ď‚· Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly
encouraged. Applicants will not receive additional point value for
submitting an application in electronic format, nor will ACF
penalize any applicant that submits an application in hard copy.
ď‚· Applicants may access the electronic application and
downloadable application package for this program
announcement by using the FIND function at
http://www.Grants.gov.
ď‚· Applicants may submit all required documents electronically,
including all information typically included on the SF-424s,
narratives, charts, etc.
ď‚· Electronic formats for the application attachments, such as
narratives, charts, etc., should use standard software formats,
e.g., Microsoft (Word and Excel), Word Perfect, Adobe PDF,
JPEG, and GIF, etc..
ď‚· Though applying electronically, the application must still comply
with any page limitation requirements described in this program
announcement.
ď‚· When submitting an application via Grants.gov, applicants must
comply with all due dates AND times referenced in Section
44
IV.3. Submission Dates and Times of this program
announcement.
ď‚· Applicants that must demonstrate proof of non-profit status may
submit proof at the time of application by attaching the
documentation to the electronic application, if they wish to do
so. Proof of non-profit status, and any other required
documentation, may be scanned and attached as an "Other
Attachment." Assurances, certifications, and/or proof of non-
profit status that are not submitted electronically at the time of
application, are required to be submitted to ACF by the time of
award and in hard copy. Acceptable types of proof of non-profit
status are stated earlier in this section of the program
announcement under "Eligibility Certification."
ď‚· It is strongly recommended that the applicant retain a printed
hard copy of the application in case a hard copy must be
submitted to ACF.
After the application is submitted electronically, the applicant will
receive two emails from Grants.gov:
ď‚· An automatic acknowledgement of the application's submission
that will provide a Grants.gov tracking number.
ď‚· An acknowledgement that the submitted application package has
passed or failed a series of checks and validations.
ACF will retrieve the electronically submitted application from
Grants.gov. Applicants will receive an email notification from ACF
acknowledging that ACF has received the application.
ACF may request that the applicant provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
The Grants.gov website complies with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973. Grants.gov webpages are designed to work with
assistive technologies such as screen readers. If an applicant uses
assistive technology and is unable to access any material on the site,
contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at support@grants.gov for
assistance.
Hard Copy Submission of Applications
Applicants that are submitting their application in paper format should
submit one original and two copies of the complete application with all
45
attachments, unless directed otherwise. The original and each of the
two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances,
and appendices, be signed by the Authorized Organization
Representative (AOR), and be unbound. The original copy of the
application must have original signature(s). See Section IV.6 of this
announcement for address information for application submissions.
Please refer to Section VIII for a checklist of application requirements,
their location and due dates that applicants may use in developing and
organizing application materials.
Please refer to Section IV.3 for details concerning acknowledgement of
received applications.
3. Submission Dates and Times:
Due Date for Applications: 05/11/2009
Explanation of Due Dates
The due date for receipt of applications is referenced
above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the
due date will be classified as late and will not be considered in the
current competition.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that applications are mailed or
hand-delivered or submitted electronically well in advance of the
application due date and time.
Mail
Applications that are submitted by mail must be received no later than
4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced above at the
address listed in Section IV.6.
Hand Delivery
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
must be received on or before the due date referenced above, between
the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address
referenced in Section IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding
Federal holidays).
Electronic Submission
46
Applications submitted electronically via Grants.gov must be submitted
no later than 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on the due date referenced
above.
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile or
email.
Late Applications
Applications that do not meet the requirements above are considered
late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant that its
application will not be considered in the current competition.
ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER 4:30 P.M., EASTERN TIME,
ON THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR
COMPETITION.
Extension of Deadlines
ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as
acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur; when there are
widespread disruptions of mail service; or in other rare cases. A
determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests with the
Chief Grants Management Officer.
Acknowledgement of Received Application
ACF will not provide acknowledgement of receipt of hard copy
application packages submitted via mail, courier services, or by hand
delivery. Applicants who submit their application packages
electronically via http://www.Grants.gov will receive two email
acknowledgements from that website:
ď‚· An automatic acknowledgement of the application's submission
that will provide a Grants.gov tracking number.
ď‚· An acknowledgement that the submitted application package has
passed or failed a series of checks and validations.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs:
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372,
"Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and 45 CFR Part
100, "Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human
Services Programs and Activities". Under the Executive Order, States
47
may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on
proposed Federal assistance under covered programs.
Applicants should go to the following URL for the official list of the
jurisdictions that have elected to participate in E.O. 12372
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/.
Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC,
as soon as possible, to alert them of their prospective applications and
to receive instructions on their jurisdiction's procedures. Applicants
must submit all required application materials to the SPOC and
indicate the date of submission on the Standard Form (SF) 424 at item
19.
Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
due date to comment on proposed new awards.
SPOC comments may be submitted directly to ACF to: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children
and Families, Office of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary
Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 6th Floor East, Washington, DC
20447.
Entities that meet the eligibility requirements of this announcement
are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, Territory or
Commonwealth, etc., does not have a SPOC or has chosen not to
participate in the process. Applicants from non-participating
jurisdictions need take no action with regard to E.O.
12372. Applications from Federally-recognized Indian Tribal
governments are not subject to E.O. 12372.
5. Funding Restrictions:
Costs of organized fund raising, including financial campaigns,
endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar
expenses incurred solely to raise capital or obtain contributions, are
unallowable under this grant award.
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this
grant award.
Purchase of real property is not an allowable activity or expenditure
under this grant award.
6. Other Submission Requirements:
48
Submit applications to one of the following addresses:
Submission by Mail
ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132
Hand Delivery
ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132
Electronic Submission
See Section IV.2 for application requirements and for guidance when
submitting applications electronically via http://www.Grants.gov.
For all submissions, see Section IV.3 for information on due dates.
V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
1. CRITERIA:
In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for
financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the
following criteria:
OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE - 20 points
In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, reviewers will
consider the extent to which:
1. In reviewing the objectives and need for assistance, reviewers
will consider the extent to which: The applicant demonstrates a strong
understanding of 1) Tribal sovereignty, regional and cultural
differences and historical distrust; 2) the SOC framework; 3) the
structure and purpose of the T/TA Network; and 4) the purpose of the
NRCT.
49
a. The applicant clearly links and explains the relevance of
NRCT's guiding SOC framework to the purpose of the program
announcement and NRCT's approach to T/TA.
b. The applicant demonstrates evidence of cultural
sensitivity in applying these concepts in a Tribal context.
2. The applicant demonstrates a thorough understanding of
capacity building, systemic intervention, and organizational change
and the barriers that prevent systemic change from occurring in Tribal
child welfare systems.
a. Citing appropriate literature and other sources, the
applicant identifies and clearly describes those theories that will guide
its assessment and planning in addressing Tribal T/TA needs for
organizational and systemic change.
b. The applicant demonstrates the knowledge and ability to
draw on multiple capacity building, systemic intervention, and change
management methods and strategies to comprehensively assess needs
and address the needs. The applicant demonstrates the ability to draw
appropriate T/TA from the Network or to develop appropriate T/TA that
is tailored to the unique characteristics, culture, and needs of each
child welfare system they serve.
3. The applicant demonstrates a thorough understanding of the
following:
a. Citing relevant data, literature, reports, and/or other
evidence, the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the
characteristics of child welfare systems and thorough knowledge of
State, Tribal, and regional child welfare issues that these systems face,
particularly with respect to serving American Indian and Alaska Native
children, youth and families.
b. Providing evidence, the applicant identifies disparity and
demonstrates a strong understanding of over-representation among
particular populations served by child welfare systems.
c. The applicant demonstrates sufficient knowledge of
issues relating to Tribal sovereignty and sensitivity to challenges faced
by Tribal child welfare systems, suggesting that the applicant could
successfully develop and maintain positive relationships with
Tribes and identify helpful and culturally sensitive T/TA to Tribes.
4. The applicant presents a clear, concise, and appropriate vision for
the proposed project.
50
a. The applicant presents a clear, concise, and appropriate
vision for the proposed project. The applicant provides a clear
description of the activities to be provided. The activities are linked to
a reasonable statement of the goals (the intended end products of an
effective project) and objectives (measurable steps for reaching these
goals) of the proposed project.
b. The applicant demonstrates that the goals, objectives,
and proposed activities are appropriate for its role in the larger T/TA
Network and consistent with the project's purpose as described in this
announcement. The applicant demonstrates that it understands the
unique difference in its role than that of the other members of the
T/TA Network.
APPROACH - 40 points
In reviewing the approach, reviewers will consider the extent to which:
1. The applicant clearly demonstrates that it would function as a
member of "one T/TA Network" as described in the Background section
of this funding opportunity announcement. The application includes a
detailed description of how it would collaborate, coordinate its T/TA,
perform project activities that complement the work of its CB T/TA
Network partners, subscribe to common principles, and participate
fully in common messaging that would clearly identify itself with the
T/TA Network.
2. The applicant provides a clear and reasonable timeline (e.g.
charts such as Gantt chard, bar chart or other chart that illustrated
project schedules) and narrative for implementing the proposed
project, including major milestones and target dates.
a. The applicant describes the factors that could speed or
hinder project implementation and explains how these factors would
be managed.
3. The applicant presents a sound and feasible Phase I (Planning
Phase) plan consistent with the expectations described in this
announcement.
a. The applicant identifies key collaborators and
stakeholders and clearly explains how and why these partners would
be critical to the success of the project. The applicant presents a
convincing plan for engaging these partners and for effectively utilizing
these collaborators in the further development of the project design.
51
b. The applicant demonstrates a commitment to developing
protocols for assessing individual Tribal needs and to work to respond
to these needs by coordinating T/TA with other CB child welfare NRCs
and with other members of the T/TA Network.
c. The applicant demonstrates a commitment to follow all
approval and coordination procedures for T/TA requests and work
collaboratively with any national T/TA coordinating entity that CB
chooses to establish during the course of the project period.
d. The applicant proposes a thorough and sound process for
revising and finalizing its planned activities, execution of these
activities, and evaluation after award and prior to securing CB
approval.
e. The applicant describes a plan for completing the Tribal
child welfare assessment process.
4. The applicant presents a convincing plan for performing outreach
to Tribal child welfare systems. The proposed outreach activities are
clearly described and are likely to engage Tribes in T/TA activities.
a. The applicant identifies potential Tribal child welfare
systems that might be the focus of targeted outreach, and the
applicant provides sufficient explanation and justification for this
approach in each case.
b. The applicant's plans for outreach will employ the
knowledge and expertise of relevant stakeholders and resources.
c. The applicant describes an approach that is culturally
competent and specific to engaging Tribal systems. This approach is
likely to successfully engage Tribes in the activities and services
available through the T/TA Network.
5. The applicant presents a sound plan for promoting,
strengthening, and formalizing peer-to-peer consultation and problem-
solving between child welfare systems. The proposed networking
activities are likely to increase peer-to-peer transfer of knowledge and
communication among Tribes, and between States and Tribes.
a. The applicant's networking plan demonstrates a
sophisticated understanding of the barriers to successful consultation
and partnership across jurisdictions. The applicant proposes feasible
approaches or steps to building a collaborative network that take these
barriers into consideration.
52
b. The networking approach described by the applicant can
be reasonably expected to become a meaningful tool in the pursuit of
positive systemic reform within the context of the applicant's other
proposed activities.
6. The applicant describes a reasonable and sound preliminary plan
for the structure of its proposed activities over the five-year project
period. The project structure complies with the requirements
described in this announcement and details the prospective number of
projects as well as their duration and their relative size in allocated
funds. The applicant provides sufficient justification for this design.
a. The applicant clearly explains and justifies the types of
child welfare systems that it will target and the systemic issues or child
welfare outcomes at which the project activities may be aimed.
b. The applicant presents a sound plan for effectively and
efficiently developing a shared vision and strategies for achieving
objectives, entering into mutually binding agreements with Tribal
partners, and collaborating to successfully execute its T/TA activities.
The applicant's plan will promote excellent and supportive customer
service to its Tribal partners.
c. The applicant details how it will ensure that the T/TA will
be highly accessible, coordinated, and individualized. The applicant
explains how T/TA Network members and stakeholders will be engaged
and facilitated to support its Tribal partners and how the duplication of
efforts and services will be avoided. The applicant's approach to its
T/TA activities is client-directed and includes sound plans for
supporting Tribes with expert consultation in assessment, strategic
planning, and implementation that is likely to result in systemic
change.
d. The applicant describes how its approach to T/TA will be
tailored and responsive to its Tribal partners. The applicant's plan for
T/TA includes a method for selecting from multiple capacity-building
and change management approaches and employing those strategies
that are most appropriate to meet the needs of the client. The
applicant demonstrates a commitment to providing T/TA that will
foster consistency between capacity building, systemic interventions
and the Tribe's vision for change and service principles
e. The applicant's plan includes feasible and sound
strategies for ensuring that Tribes will have access to the proposed
T/TA activities, and that Tribes will receive the necessary individualized
53
and culturally competent T/TA from the Network to build capacity and
pursue sustainable systemic change
7. The applicant's plans for outreach, networking, and T/TA are
consistent with the SOC framework as described in this
announcement. As a whole, the applicant's approach adheres to a
coherent vision for T/TA to Tribes that is well integrated and
coordinated with the larger T/TA network.
8. The applicant's plan includes an effective and cost-efficient
strategy for convening Tribes nationally and/or regionally around
broad child welfare topics, including convenings on practice related
topics for in-home, foster care, kinship guardianship and adoption
services.
EVALUATION - 15 points
In reviewing the evaluation plan, reviewers will consider the extent to
which:
1. The applicant has included in its application a well-organized,
one-page logic model that clearly links (a) objectives, problems,
needs, barriers, or conditions that prevent sustainable systems
change; (b) inputs/resources; (c) project activities; (d) outputs; and
(e) short- and long-term outcomes.
a. The logic model effectively illustrates the project's
approach and guides its evaluation plan.
2. The applicant presents a reasonable preliminary center-specific
evaluation plan that can be expected to provide regular, meaningful
feedback to NRCT for project improvement. The applicant identifies
specific evaluation questions for investigation, appropriate methods
(e.g., written surveys, questionnaires, conference calls, focus groups,
and unstructured telephone or in-person interviews), and realistic
timeframes. Its proposed methods and quantitative and qualitative
measures are appropriate for the objectives of the evaluation. The
applicant proposes a sound process for making certain that evaluation
findings are shared and used at multiple levels of responsibility within
the NRC. The proposed measures are aligned with the principles of
the SOC framework, and the evaluation design is likely to support the
NRCT's efforts to subscribe to a coherent vision for T/TA with the T/TA
Network.
3. The center-specific evaluation plan is likely to yield substantive
and useful information in the domains listed in Section VI.2 PROJECT
DESCRIPTION- APPROACH. The plan clearly identifies the domains in
54
which evaluation findings will be pursued and provides sound rationale
for these selections.
4. The applicant demonstrates sufficient in-house capacity to
conduct an objective evaluation of the project, or provides a sound
plan for contracting with a third-party evaluator specializing in social
science or evaluation, or a university or college to conduct the
evaluation.
5. The applicant presents a sound plan for documenting project
activities and results, including the development of a data collection
infrastructure that is sufficient to support a methodologically sound
evaluation. Appropriate data sources are identified and relevant data
would be collected. There is a sound plan for collecting and analyzing
these data, securing informed consent and implementing an IRB
review, and Tribal review, if applicable.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES - 20 points
In reviewing the organizational profiles, reviewers will consider the
extent to which:
1. The applicant organization and its staff document experience
and expertise in successful collaboration with a variety of partners in
the provision of T/TA. The applicant makes a strong case that it has
the capacity and the commitment to function as a member of "one
T/TA Network" as described in the Background section of this funding
opportunity announcement.
2. The applicant (and its partners and contractors, if applicable)
demonstrates sufficient and relevant experience and expertise in
administration, development, implementation, management, and
evaluation of similar projects. The applicant has sufficient experience
and expertise in strategic implementation, organizational change, and
systemic intervention to broker high quality T/TA. The applicant is
grounded in experience and demonstrates a thorough understanding
of child welfare systems, child maltreatment, and child welfare issues.
The applicant possesses sufficient knowledge about State and Tribal
child welfare systems and populations to develop sound, culturally
competent outreach and networking activities.
3. The applicant has provided a feasible plan for accessibility for
frequent on-site consultation to its Tribal partners.
4. The applicant possesses the organizational capability to
successfully perform the activities described in this announcement and
to fulfill its assigned role and function within the larger T/TA Network.
55
5. The proposed project director and key project staff possess
sufficient and relevant knowledge, experience, and capabilities to
implement and manage a project of this size, scope and complexity
effectively (e.g., resumes and/or curricula vitae).
6. The roles, responsibilities, and time commitments of each
proposed key project staff position, including consultants,
subcontractors and/or partnering agencies or organizations, are clearly
defined and appropriate for the successful implementation of the
proposed project. The applicant has secured commitments from its
key partners, if applicable. The application includes appropriate MOUs
or letters of commitment from key partnering organization(s) as
appropriate.
7. There is a sound management plan for achieving the objectives
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly
defined responsibilities, for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring
quality. The plan clearly describes the effective management and
coordination of activities carried out by any partnering organizations,
subcontractors and consultants (if applicable).
BUDGET AND BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - 5 points
In reviewing the budget and budget justification, reviewers will
consider the extent to which:
1. The costs of the proposed project are reasonable and
appropriate, in view of the activities to be conducted and expected
results and benefits. The applicant proposes and justifies the amount
and percentage of the project budget to be allocated to program
evaluation.
2. The applicant's fiscal controls and accounting procedures would
ensure prudent use, proper and timely disbursement and accurate
accounting of funds received under this program announcement.
3. The applicant proposes and justifies the amount and percentage
of the project budget to be allocated to Travel and Meetings.
2. Review and Selection Process:
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application.
Initial ACF Screening: Each application will be screened to determine
whether it was received by the closing date and time and whether the
requested amount exceeds the stated ceiling. Late applications or
56
those exceeding the funding limit will be returned to the applicants
with a notation that they were unacceptable and will not be reviewed.
A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside the
Federal Government) will use the evaluation criteria described in this
announcement to evaluate each application. The reviewers will
determine the strengths and weaknesses of each application, provide
comments about the strengths and weaknesses, and give each
application a numerical score.
The results of the competitive review are a primary factor in making
funding decisions. In addition, Federal staff conducts administrative
reviews of the applications and, in light of the results of the
competitive review, will recommend applications for funding to the
ACYF Commissioner. ACYF reserves the option of discussing
applications with other funding sources when this is in the best interest
of the Federal Government. ACYF may also solicit and consider
comments from ACF Regional Office staff in making funding decisions.
ACYF may take into consideration the involvement (financial and/or
programmatic) of the private sector, national, or State or community
foundations; a favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal
funds for the proposed project; or the potential for high benefit from
low Federal investment. ACYF may elect not to fund any applicants
having known management, fiscal, reporting, programmatic, or other
problems that make it unlikely that they would be able to provide
effective services or effectively complete the proposed activity.
With the results of the peer review and the information from Federal
staff, the Commissioner of ACYF makes the final funding decisions. The
Commissioner may give special consideration to applications proposing
services of special interest to the Government and to achieve
geographic distributions of grant awards. Applications of special
interest may include, but are not limited to, applications focusing on
underserved or inadequately served clients or service areas and
programs addressing diverse ethnic populations.
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the process,
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals specified in
the application budget and Social Security Numbers, if otherwise
required for individuals. The copies may include summary salary
information.
Approved but Unfunded Applications
57
Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for
funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds, for
a period not to exceed one year.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates:
Applications will be reviewed during the Summer 2009. Grant awards
will have a start date no later than September 30, 2009.
VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
1. Award Notices:
Successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Notice
of Award (NoA) document that sets forth the amount of funds granted,
the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant,
the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-
Federal share to be provided (if applicable), and the total project
period for which support is contemplated. The NoA will be signed by
the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail.
Following the finalization of funding decisions, organizations whose
applications will not be funded will be notified by letter, signed by the
Program Office head.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:
Grantees are subject to the administrative requirements in 45 CFR Part
74 (for non-governmental entities) or 45 CFR Part 92 (for
governmental entities).
Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this ACF
program shall not be used to support inherently religious activities
such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. Therefore,
organizations must take steps to separate, in time or location, their
inherently religious activities from the services funded under this
program. Regulations pertaining to the Equal Treatment for Faith-
Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition against Federal
funding of inherently religious activities, can be found at the HHS web
site at: http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.
A faith-based organization receiving HHS funds retains its
independence from Federal, State, and local governments, and may
continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and
expression of its religious beliefs. For example, a faith-based
58
organization may use space in its facilities to provide secular programs
or services funded with Federal funds without removing religious art,
icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a faith-based
organization that receives Federal funds retains its authority over its
internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its
organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis,
and include religious references in its organization's mission
statements and other governing documents in accordance with all
program requirements, statutes, and other applicable requirements
governing the conduct of HHS funded activities.
Additional information on "Understanding the Regulations Related to
the Faith-Based and Community Initiative" can be found at:
http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/regulations/index.html.
HHS Grants Policy Statement
The HHS Grants Policy Statement (GPS) is the Department of Health
and Human Services new single policy guide for discretionary grants
and cooperative agreements. Unlike previous HHS policy documents,
the GPS is intended to be shared with and used by grantees. It
became effective October 1, 2006 and is applicable to all Operating
Divisions (OPDIVS), such as the Administration for Children and
Families (ACF), except the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The GPS
covers basic grants processes, standard terms and conditions, and
points of contact, as well as important OPDIV-specific requirements.
Appendices include a glossary of terms and a list of standard
abbreviations for ease of reference. The GPS may be accessed at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_related.html.
3. Reporting Requirements:
Grantees will be required to submit performance progress and financial
reports periodically throughout the project period. Frequency of
reporting is listed later in this section.
Beginning with FY 2009 awards, most ACF grantees will begin using
the a Standard Form (SF) for required performance progress reporting
(PPR). The SF-PPR is a standard government-wide performance
progress reporting format consisting of a series of forms implemented
by Federal agencies to collect performance information from award
recipients. Most ACF grantees will begin using the standard format
implemented through ACF's Office of Grants Management (OGM),
entitled the "ACF-OGM-SF-PPR." Use of the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR will
begin for new awards and continuation awards made by ACF in FY
2009. At a minimum, grantees will be required to submit the ACF-
59
OGM-SF-PPR, which consists of the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR Coversheet and
the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR Appendix B Program Indicators.
ACF Programs that utilize other SF-PPR reporting formats, or other
reporting forms or formats that differ from the new ACF-OGM-SF-PPR,
have listed those forms or formats below. Grant award documents will
inform grantees of the appropriate performance progress report form
or format to use beginning in FY 2009.
Grantees will continue to use the Financial Status Report (FSR) SF-269
(long form) for required financial reporting.
The SF-269 (long form) and the ACF-OGM-SF-PPR may be found at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html. Grantees
should consult their award documents to determine the appropriate
performance progress report format required under their award.
Performance progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the
end of the reporting period. Final program performance and financial
reports are due 90 days after the close of the project period.
Final reports may be submitted in hard copy to the Grants
Management Office Contact listed in Section VII. of this
announcement.
Program Progress Reports: Semi-Annually
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually
VII. AGENCY CONTACTS
Program Office Contact:
Eileen West
Children's Bureau
Portals Office Building, 8th Floor
1250 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 202-205-8438
Email: eileen.west@acf.hhs.gov
For hearing or speech impaired callers, contact the Federal Relay
Service at 1-800-877-8339 (TTY (Text Telephone) / ASCII (American
Standard Code For Information Interchange)).
Grants Management Office Contact:
60
Lisa Dammar, Grants Officer
Division of Discretionary Grants
ACYF/ Operations Center
c/o Dixon Group, Inc. ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-213
Phone: 866-796-1591
Phone 2: or TTY 711
Email: cb@dixongroup.com
For hearing or speech impaired callers, contact the Federal Relay
Service at 1-800-877-8339 (TTY (Text Telephone) / ASCII (American
Standard Code For Information Interchange)).
VIII. OTHER INFORMATION
Additional information about this program and its purpose can be
located on the following website:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/
For general information regarding this announcement please contact:
ACYF Operations Center
c/o The Dixon Group, Inc.
ATTN: Children's Bureau
118 Q St., NE.
Washington, DC 20002-2132
Phone: 866-796-1591
Phone 2: TTY 711
Email: cb@dixongroup.com
Checklist
You may use the checklist below as a guide when preparing your
application package.
When to
What to Submit Where Found Submit
Logic Model Referenced in Sections I, IV.2 (Project Requirements) By
and V (Review Criteria). application
due date
found in
Overview
and
61
Section
IV.3.
SF-424 Referenced in Section IV.2 under "Forms" and found By
at application
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html due date
found in
Overview
and
Section
IV.3.
SF-424A Referenced in Section IV.2 under "Forms" and found By
at application
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html due date
found in
Overview
and
Section
IV.3.
SF-424B Referenced in Section IV.2 under "Forms" and found By
at application
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html due date
found in
Overview
and
Section
IV.3.
SF-LLL "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying" is referenced in By
Section IV.2 under "Certifications" and found at application
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html due date
Submission of this form is required if any funds have found in
been paid, or will be paid, to any person for Overview
influencing, or attempting to influence, an officer or and
employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an Section
officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a IV.3.
Member of Congress in connection with this
commitment providing for the United States to insure
or guarantee a loan.
Certification Regarding Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement By date of
Lobbying under "Certifications" and found at award.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html
Table of Contents Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement. By
application
due date
found in
Overview
and
Section
IV.3.
62
Project Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement. By
Summary/Abstract application
due date
found in
Overview
and
Section
IV.3.
Project Description Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement. By
application
due date
found in
Overview
and
Section
IV.3.
Budget and Budget Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement. By
Justification application
due date
found in
Overview
and
Section
IV.3.
Third-Party Agreements Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement By
under "Project Description." application
due date
found in
Overview
and
Section
IV.3.
Proof of Non-Profit Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement By date of
Status under "Eligibility Certification." award.
Protection of Human Referenced in Section IV.2 of the announcement By date of
Subjects Assurance under "Certifications" and found at award.
Identification/IRB http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants_resources.html
Certification/Declaration
of Exemption Form
This program is covered Applicants should go to the following URL for the By
under E.O. 12372, official list of the jurisdictions that have elected to application
"Intergovernmental participate in E.O. 12372 due date
Review of Federal http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html as found in
Programs," and 45 CFR indicated in Section IV.4 of this announcement. Overview
Part 100, and
"Intergovernmental Section
Review of Department IV.3.
of Health and Human
63
Services Programs and
activities". Applicants
must submit all
required application
materials to the State
Single Point of Contact
(SPOC) and indicate the
date of submission on
the Standard Form (SF)
424 at item 19.
Date: 02/27/2009 Maiso Bryant
Acting Commissioner
Administration on Children, Youth and Families
64