[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 110 (Friday, June 7, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39561-39570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-14319]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Office of Community Services
[Program Announcement No. 2002-14]
Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration Program
AGENCY: The Office of Community Services (OCS), Administration for
Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS).
ACTION: Announcement of the request for competitive applications and
the availability of federal funding to organizations to provide
technical assistance to help faith-based and community-based
organizations.
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SUMMARY: This announcement, together with other steps that HHS is
taking, lays a foundation for expanding the role in social services of
faith-based and other community-serving groups, building capacity and
knowledge among these organizations to better meet the needs of the
poor and low-income families and individuals, and encouraging the
replication of effective programs. The program announced here will
provide Compassion Capital funds to organizations (herein referred to
as ``intermediary organizations'') that have demonstrated an ability to
assist faith- and community-based organizations, particularly smaller
organizations, in a variety of areas, including, but not limited to,
their efforts to effectively operate and manage their programs, access
funding from varied sources, develop and train staff, expand the types
and reach of social services programs in their communities, or
replicate promising models or programs. (Throughout this document
``social services'' be taken to include promotion, treatment, and
prevention services related to primary health care, substance abuse
treatment, mental health treatment, HIV/AIDS and related aspects of
public health services directed to low-income families and
individuals.) In addition, recipients of awards under this announcement
will issue awards or sub-awards for start-up and operational costs to
qualified faith- and community-based organizations to expand or
replicate promising or best practices in targeted areas.
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is the agency
designated to issue initial awards under the Fund. However, the work
supported through such awards is expected to address a broad array of
services and programs and to complement related activities in other
parts of HHS and other federal departments. The Compassion Capital Fund
will help further the President's goals and objectives regarding faith-
and community-based organizations and will enhance work being supported
by multiple federal agencies. ACF estimates that the funds available
under this announcement will support 15-25 cooperative agreements \1\
with intermediary organizations. The Federal government plans to work
in partnership with others who have similar goals and interests in
strengthening organizations operating closest to those most in need.
Therefore, ACF seeks applicants who can share in the cost of the
activities described in this announcement. Applicants are expected to
provide at least 50 percent of the amount of Federal funds requested
(i.e., one-third of the proposed total budget).
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\1\ A cooperative agreement allows substantial Federal
involvement in the activities undertaken with Federal financial
support.
DATES: The closing date for submission of applications is July 22,
2002. Mailed applications received after the closing date will be
classified as late. See Part IV of this announcement for more
information on submitting applications.
In order to determine the number of expert reviewers that will be
necessary, if you plan to submit an application, you are requested, but
not required, to mail, fax, or e-mail written notification of your
intentions at least 30 calendar days prior to the submission deadline
date. Send the notification, with the following information: the name,
address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the project
director and the name of the applicant to: OCS Operations Center, 1815
North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22202 or fax to
(703) 248-8765 or e-mail to [email protected]. Label all submissions as
follows: Intent to Apply for Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration
Program.
ADDRESSES: Mailed applications should be sent to OCS Operations Center,
1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22202 and
labeled as
[[Page 39562]]
follows: Application for Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration Program.
Hand delivered, courier or overnight delivery applications are
accepted during the normal working hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday (excluding Federal holidays), on or prior to the
established closing date. All packages should be clearly labeled as
follows: Application for Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration Program.
The address for these applications is: OCS Operations Center, 1815
North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22202.
The printed Federal Register notice is the only official program
announcement. Any corrections to this announcement will be published in
the Federal Register as well as published on the ACF World Wide Web
Pages. The Web site is http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/opre/frpa.htm.
Although reasonable efforts are taken to assure that the files on
the ACF World Wide Web Pages containing electronic copies of this
Program Announcement are accurate and complete, they are provided for
information only. The applicant bears sole responsibility to assure
that the copy downloaded and/or printed from any other source is
accurate and complete.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LCG OCS Operations Center, 1-800-281-
9519; e-mail: [email protected]. ACF intends to post answers to frequently
asked questions on the ACF Web site at http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ocs. Required application forms are available at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This program announcement consists of four
parts: Part I: Background and Program Purpose--legislative authority,
background, and program purpose and objectives; Part II: Project and
Applicant Eligibility--eligible applicants, funding availability and
instruments, cost sharing, and roles and responsibilities under the
cooperative agreement; Part III: The Review Process--intergovernmental
review, initial ACF screening, general instructions for the Uniform
Project Description, competitive review and evaluation criteria, and
review process; and Part IV: The Application Process--required forms,
application limits, checklist for complete application, application
submission, and Paperwork Reduction Act.
Part I. Background and Program Purpose
A. Legislative Authority
Funding under this announcement is authorized by section 1110 of
the Social Security Act governing Social Services Research and
Demonstration activities (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
93.647) and the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and
Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002, Pub. L. 107-
116, Title II (2002).
B. Background
Support and assistance for individuals and families in need can
come from many sources. While governments play a vital role in
providing services, the nonprofit sector--secular and religiously
affiliated providers, civic groups, foundations and other grant-givers-
-has long been a vital and valued partner of government. Faith-based
and community-based organizations have a long history of providing an
array of important services to people and communities in need of
charitable services in the United States. These groups have unique
strengths that government cannot duplicate. They often operate very
close to the daily lives of individuals and families in need and, thus,
can reach needy individuals and families that government cannot reach.
They are part of their communities. They hold the trust of their
community neighbors and leaders and have great understanding of the
needs of the community and its systems. They are well positioned to
understand the needs of individuals and families, particularly those
with the greatest needs such as families in poverty, prisoners
reentering the community and their families, children of prisoners,
homeless families, and at-risk youth. Furthermore, the sense of mission
from which they work often translates into a unique approach to service
delivery, a dedication of service to others, and a cultural awareness
of issues and relationships specific to their surrounding communities.
In recognition of this history and ability, President Bush believes
it is in the public's interest to broaden federal efforts to work with
faith-based and community-based organizations and has made improving
funding opportunities for such organizations a priority. On January 29,
2001, President Bush issued Executive Order 13198 directing the heads
of the Departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, Education,
Labor, and Housing and Urban Development to establish within their
respective departments a Center for Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives.
The goal of these Centers is to make their agencies as open and
supportive as possible to successful faith-based and grassroots
organizations. They are responsible for coordinating efforts to
eliminate regulatory, contracting, and other programmatic obstacles to
the full participation of faith-based and community organizations in
the provision of social services. In addition, they work to create a
hospitable environment for groups that have not traditionally
collaborated with government, make sure that departmental
communications and technical assistance efforts are open to faith-based
and community organizations, and implement special programs designed to
showcase and pioneer innovative efforts.
A key part of the effort to enhance and expand the participation of
faith-based and community-based groups in serving those in need is the
Compassion Capital Fund program described in this announcement. Funds
awarded under this program will be used to support the work of
intermediary organizations to increase the capacity and capability of
faith-based and community-based organizations, to assist them in
competing for funding from varied sources (e.g., federal/state/local
governments, private charitable organizations/foundations) and in
partnering with other organizations in their localities, and to help
them implement best practices in program management and in the services
they provide to individuals and families. The entities awarded funds
under this announcement will serve as partners to both the federal
government and to the faith- and community-based organizations that
they assist. The intermediaries will represent a diverse set of ideas
and organizational and/or religious affiliations. They will work with a
diverse group of community-level organizations with differing service
goals, target populations, and religious and community affiliations and
beliefs.
The program described in this announcement is the centerpiece of
this year's Compassion Capital Fund initiative. ACF expects to award a
total of up to $24.5 million under this announcement. ACF estimates
that 15-25 intermediary organizations can be supported by this level of
funding. The level of funding includes funds that will be used by
intermediary organizations to provide technical assistance and make
sub-awards to help the faith-based and community-based organizations
that they assist to replicate or expand
[[Page 39563]]
best practices and model programs in targeted areas. In addition to
activities supported through this announcement, the Compassion Capital
Fund will also be used to provide funding for other activities that
will support the intermediary organizations in their work, provide
capacity-building support at the national level, identify and
disseminate information about best practices, and build knowledge
related to a broad array of questions regarding faith- and community-
based organizations and the intermediary organizations that work with
them.\2\
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\2\ The other activities include the establishment of a
Compassion Capital National Resource Center and research to build
knowledge in this important area. Additional information about these
other activities will be available as soon as the information is
public.
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These activities lay the groundwork for what will be an on-going
effort to expand the role in social services of faith-based and other
community-serving groups. Future Compassion Capital Funds will be used
to build on and expand this effort. Applicants that receive awards
pursuant to this announcement may be eligible for continuation grants
and additional intermediary organizations may be funded. In addition,
we will explore other means to assist faith-based and community-based
groups. Further, we will work closely with others sponsoring and
conducting related activities within the Federal government and outside
of it to build on their experience and ours to formulate future plans
for the types of activities and work that should be supported.
C. Program Purpose and Objectives
The purposes of this Compassion Capital Fund program are to help
build capacity and knowledge among faith- and community-based
organizations and encourage the replication of effective approaches and
programs to better meet the needs of poor and low-income individuals
and families. This will be accomplished through the funding of
intermediary organizations that have demonstrated expertise in working
with and providing technical assistance to a diverse set of faith- and
community-based organizations in a variety of areas, including, but not
limited to, their efforts to effectively operate and manage their
programs, access governmental and private funding sources, develop and
train staff, expand the types and reach of services in their
communities, or replicate promising models or programs. The types of
faith- and community-based organizations to be served by the
intermediary organizations are expected to be diverse in size, range of
experiences, types of services provided (e.g., family crisis services,
welfare-to-work services, services for at-risk youth, preventive health
services, and other services directed to address problems stemming from
poverty), types of individuals or families served, types of
organizations, religious or organizational affiliation, and in other
dimensions. It is our objective that Compassion Capital Funds be
directed at those organizations that primarily focus their services on
those most in need. The program purposes will be further accomplished
through the issuance of sub-awards by the funded intermediary
organizations to a diverse set of faith- and community-based
organizations for start-up, operations, or expansions of promising
operating systems or social service programs (``best practices''). ACF
expects that intermediary organizations will develop a coherent plan
that utilizes both technical assistance and sub-awards and that
provides for the establishment of ongoing supportive relationships with
those faith- and community-based organizations served, rather than on
single or short-term interactions.
The technical assistance activities are to be conducted at no cost
to interested faith- and community-based organizations and may include,
but are not limited to, the following:
--Needs assessments for faith- and community-based organizations to
identify internal areas needing improvement or areas in which to
develop or expand services in the community to address service gaps;
--Guidance and direction with strategic planning and project
development;
--Provision of legal assistance in various areas such as the process of
incorporation, obtaining tax-exempt status, tax issues, or establishing
oversight/governance boards;
--Development and implementation of appropriate and adequate internal
operating controls and procedures related to all aspects of business
management;
--Training and assistance in grant writing and business proposal
development and how to access government (e.g., federal/state/local)
and private funding sources (e.g., private charitable organizations/
foundations);
--Training and information on applicable federal and other funding
requirements (e.g., administrative requirements, cost principles,
regulations, circulars);
--Training and information on appropriate approaches for financial
management and accounting;
--Training and information on the development and use of outcome
measurements and methods of evaluation;
--Expert assistance in understanding findings related to ``best
practices'' and how to interpret the findings and address potential
barriers and incorporate ``best practices'' into their programs to
improve effectiveness;
--Training and information on developing or improving public relations
or internal and external communication;
--Recommendations and information about expanding outreach and client
screening, intake or tracking methods;
--Expert assistance or facilitation in linking and networking with
other agencies to improve service coverage, avoid duplication, improve
coordination within the service area, or create opportunities for
sharing resources (e.g., audit, bookkeeping or information technology
services); or
--Information on and referrals to other information sources including
regional and national organizations that provide expert advice or offer
professional support services in areas not otherwise covered.
This is an illustrative, not exhaustive, listing of the sort of
activities that may be provided by the intermediary organizations
awarded funds under this announcement. The technical assistance portion
of the award may not be used for direct services to needy individuals
or families and shall not supplant existing funding available for
similar activities. Compassion Capital Funds shall not be used to
support religious practices such as religious instruction, worship or
prayer.
As indicated above, in addition to supporting technical assistance,
funds provided through this announcement will also be used to make sub-
awards to a diverse set of faith- and community-based organizations for
start-up or operational costs related to the replication or expansion
of ``best'' or ``promising'' practices. Priority for sub-awards should
be given to programs that address homelessness, hunger, at-risk
children, transition from welfare to work, and those in need of
intensive rehabilitation such as addicts or prisoners. Applicants may
also propose to use non-federal funds to make awards for these purposes
(e.g., one of the uses of funds that meet the cost sharing provision
described below). These awards or sub-awards may not supplant funding
that the faith- or community-based grantees rely on for current
operations of program services. Further, as appropriate, the technical
assistance
[[Page 39564]]
provider may assist faith- and community-based organizations in seeking
additional funds from other sources for the activities supported by the
award or sub-award. The approach the intermediary will use for seeking
applications or otherwise responding to requests for funding, making
sub-awards, and accounting for their use may vary across intermediary
organizations. However, each approved intermediary organization must
develop and submit a plan for this process to ACF for review and
approval within 60 days of receipt of award under this announcement and
prior to the issuance of any sub-awards using federal funds awarded
under this announcement. Intermediary organizations must report on the
use of funds for sub-awards as they do for other types of expenditures
of Federal funds received as a result of an award under this
announcement and as specified in the Cooperative Agreement.
Intermediary organizations must also develop and submit a plan for
working with sub-awardees to develop outcome measures and to evaluate
the activities supported by the sub-awards made with Federal funds
under this announcement.
Further, approved applicants must be willing to work closely with
ACF and any entities funded by ACF to coordinate, assist, or evaluate
the activities of the intermediary organizations providing technical
assistance. Proposed budgets should include the cost of travel related-
expenses for key personnel with responsibility for the Compassion
Capital Fund award to attend two meetings with Federal officials and
others in Washington, DC during the first 12-month budget period. The
first meeting will be held shortly after awards are made under this
announcement and will focus on orientation to Federal objectives for
the project, information about related activities supported by HHS and
other Federal agencies,\3\ Federal grants management requirements, and
coordination between and among the approved intermediary organizations
and other entities funded by ACF to be involved in the Compassion
Capital Fund initiative.
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\3\ Under the President's Faith-based and Community Initiative
program, Federal agencies have begun to provide technical assistance
and training services to faith- and community-based organizations
and address barriers to their participation in federally sponsored
programs. Successful applicants under this announcement must
coordinate and not duplicate services.
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The Federal government is interested in partnering with applicant
organizations who share the same vision, have similar goals, and are
willing to share in the cost of this important set of activities.
Therefore, ACF is seeking applicants who can provide funding for the
proposed project that equal at least 50 percent of the amount of
Federal funds requested (i.e., one-third of the total budget).
Part II. Project and Applicant Eligibility
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) invites eligible entities to submit
competing applications for the Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration
Program.
A. Eligible Applicants
ACF invites applications from a wide variety of types of
organizations or entities that can demonstrate knowledge and experience
in the provision of the types of technical assistance described herein
to a diverse group faith-based and community-based organizations
representing different organizational or religious affiliations.
Further, ACF encourages applications from applicants that propose to
work with and have experience working with faith- and community-based
organizations that historically have not been well served or supported
by governmental funds and have the greatest needs.
Nongovernmental organizations, non-profit agencies, including
faith-based organizations, public agencies, State and local
governments, colleges and universities, and for-profit entities may
submit applications under this announcement. It should be noted,
however, that no federal funds received as a result of this
announcement can be paid as profit to grantees or sub-grantees, i.e.,
any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs of the
recipient (45 CFR 74.81).
B. Funding Availability and Instruments
Project and Budget Periods--This announcement is soliciting
applications for project periods up to 3 years (36 months). Awards, on
a competitive basis, will be for a 12-month budget period, although
project periods may be for 3 years. Applications for continuation
grants beyond the first 12-month budget period but within the 36-month
project period will be entertained in subsequent years on a
noncompetitive basis, subject to the availability of funds,
satisfactory progress of the grantee, and a determination that
continued funding would be in the best interest of the Federal
Government.
Instrument and Funding: ACF will issue the Financial Assistance
Awards under this announcement as cooperative agreements. ACF expects
to award a total of up to $24.5 million under this announcement. ACF
estimates that 15-25 intermediary organizations can be supported by
this level of funding. The level of funding includes funds that will be
used by intermediary organizations to provide technical assistance and
make sub-awards to help the smaller faith-based and community-based
organizations that they assist. Applicants shall specify in their
budget documents estimates of the amount of funds to be used for each
purpose (technical assistance and sub-awards). ACF expects to award
funds both to applicants that propose to provide technical assistance
and sub-awards in single geographic coverage areas and those that
propose to provide technical assistance and sub-awards in multiple
areas. ACF expects that the amount of the funding requested per
applicant will reflect the coverage area proposed in the application as
well as the range of activities proposed and justified in the
application. It is anticipated that applicants that propose to provide
technical assistance and make sub-awards over a larger coverage area
(e.g., regional or multi-city/county) will require more support than
applicants proposing to cover smaller areas (e.g. a single city/
county).
C. Cost Sharing
Grantees should provide a minimum cost share of fifty (50) percent
of the total Federal funds requested for each 12-month budget period.
The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions,
although applicants are encouraged to meet the cost share through cash
contributions. As an example, an applicant requesting $1 million in
Federal funds would include a cost share of at least $500,000 (i.e.,
the non-Federal funds equal 50% of the Federal funds requested) and an
applicant requesting $500,000 in Federal funds would include a cost
share of at least $250,000.
D. Roles and Responsibilities Under the Cooperative Agreement
Federal Officials Minimum Responsibilities
1. Promote collaborative relationships and facilitate the exchange
of information (e.g., identified technical assistance and training
needs, emerging issues, research findings, available resources, model
programs) among intermediary organizations funded under this
announcement and between the funded intermediaries and other entities
or organizations engaged by
[[Page 39565]]
ACF for purposes related to the Compassion Capital Fund.
2. Provide consultation to each approved intermediary organization
with regard to the development of work plans, special issues and
concerns and approaches to address problems that arise, and
identification of any special focus areas for technical assistance.
3. Provide timely review, comment, and approval on sub-award plans
and procedures submitted by approved intermediary organizations.
4. Sponsor meetings of all technical assistance providers funded
under the Compassion Capital Fund demonstration program to promote
coordination, information sharing, and access to resources, training
and learning opportunities.
5. Work together to address issues or problems identified by the
intermediary organization, ACF, or others with regard to the
applicant's ability to carry out the full range of activities included
in the approved application in the most efficient and effective manner.
Applicant Minimum Responsibilities
1. Develop and implement work plans that will ensure that the
services and activities included in the approved application address
the needs of faith- and community-based organizations in an efficient,
effective and timely manner.
2. Submit for Federal approval plans and procedures for the
issuance of sub-awards within 60 days of receipt of approval under this
announcement and prior to the issuance of any such sub-awards. The plan
shall indicate how priority will be given to programs that address
homelessness, hunger, at-risk children, welfare-to-work transition, and
individuals needing intensive rehabilitation such as addicts and
prisoners. Submit regular reports, no less frequently than quarterly,
on sub-awards made with Federal funds that include, at a minimum, name
and description of the organization receiving the sub-award, summary of
the purpose of the award (how the funds are to be used), the amount of
award, and the proposed plan for outcomes measurement and program
evaluation of the activities that will be supported with sub-award
funds made with Federal funds awarded under this announcement.
3. Work collaboratively with ACF officials, other Federal agency
officials conducting similar activities, the other intermediary
organizations approved under this announcement, and other entities or
organizations engaged by ACF to assist in carrying out the purposes of
the Compassion Capital Fund program.
4. Ensure that key staff attends and participates in ACF sponsored
workshops and meetings.
5. Develop a reporting system and submit required quarterly
progress and financial reports timely and completely. In addition to
information about sub-awards as specified in item 2, above, the regular
quarterly reports shall include, at a minimum, information about the
technical assistance provided and unduplicated listings of the
organizations receiving assistance during the period. Such listings
shall include the organization name, type (e.g., faith-based,
community-based), location, a brief description of the organization,
and brief summary of the technical assistance provided.
Part III. The Review Process
A. Intergovernmental Review
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, states may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed applications for
Federal assistance under covered programs.
As of April 8, 2002, the jurisdictions listed below have elected
not to participate in the Executive Order process. Applicants from
these jurisdictions or for projects administered by federally
recognized Indian Tribes need take no action in regard to Executive
Order 12372. Although the jurisdictions listed below no longer
participate in the process, grant applicants are still eligible to
apply for a grant even if a state, territory, commonwealth, etc. does
not have a Single Point of Contact (SPOC).
Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Colorado; Connecticut; Kansas; Hawaii;
Idaho; Indiana; Louisiana; Massachusetts; Minnesota; Montana;
Nebraska; New Jersey; New York; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Palau;
Pennsylvania; South Dakota; Tennessee; Vermont; Virginia; Washington
and Wyoming.
All remaining jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order
process and have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating
jurisdictions should contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert
them of the prospective applications and receive instructions. The
applicant must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and
indicate the date of the submittal (or the date of contact if no
submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR
100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to
comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. Applicants
must submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so
that the Federal program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as
part of the award process. A listing of the SPOC for each participating
state and territory with contact and address information is available
at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
B. Initial ACF Screening
Each application submitted under this program announcement will
undergo a pre-review to determine that (1) the application was received
by the closing date and submitted in accordance with the instructions
in this announcement and (2) the applicant is eligible for funding.
C. General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description
The following ACF Uniform Project Description has been approved
under OMB Control Number 0970-0139, which expires 12/31/2003. This
format is to be used to submit an application under this announcement.
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.
Consistent with the Uniform Program Description format, the
specific evaluation criteria applicable to this program follows in
section D.
1. 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
[[Page 39566]]
outside the scope of the program announcement.
2. Results or Benefits Expected: Identify the results and benefits
to be derived. For example, when applying for an award to provide
technical assistance to community and faith-based charitable
organizations, describe specific goals of the proposed technical
assistance strategy; e.g., expansion of program capacity; increase in
types of services offered; increased access to funding from different
sources and sectors; improvement in staff capabilities; or replication
of successful program models (``best practices'').
3. Approach: Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and
detail of how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all
functions or activities identified in the application. Cite factors
which might accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for
taking the proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual
features of the project such as design or technological innovations,
reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary social and community
involvement. Describe how the faith- and community-based organizations
with which they would work have been underserved by Federal and other
resources in the past and the reasons why the applicant believes its
services would benefit the types of faith- and community-based
organizations intended to be served through the Compassion Capital
Fund. Describe past experience working with faith-based and community
organizations to address social needs.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in, for
example, such terms as the average number of days of technical
assistance to be provided, the number of faith and/or community-based
organizations to be provided services, or number of sub-awards to be
issued to faith- or community-based organizations. When accomplishments
cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them in
chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and their
target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by HHS.'' List organizations, cooperating
entities, consultants, or other key individuals whom will work on the
project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or
contribution.
4. Geographic Location: Describe the precise location of the
project and boundaries of the area to be served by the proposed
project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached.
5. Staff and Position Data: Provide a biographical sketch for each
key person appointed and a job description for each vacant key
position. A biographical sketch will also be required for new key staff
as appointed.
6. Budget and budget justification: Provide line item detail and
detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the
Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation
methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantative detail
sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. The detailed budget
must also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block
15 of the SF-424. Provide a narrative budget justification that
describes how the categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity,
reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs.
Budget and Budget Justification Guidelines: The following
guidelines are for preparing the budget and budget justification. Both
Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed and justified in
the budget and narrative justification. For purposes of preparing the
budget and budget justification, ``Federal resources'' should refer
only to the HHS grant for which you are applying. For these purposes,
``Non-federal resources'' are all other resources. If other Federal
resources will be used, they should be included under Non-Federal for
budget display purposes but other Federal resources may NOT be used to
meet the cost sharing provision, as discussed in Part II, section D. It
is suggested that budget amounts and computations be presented in a
columnar format: first column, object class categories; second column,
Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s), and last column,
total budget. The budget justification should be a narrative.
Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
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 (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend HHS
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of tangible, non-
expendable, personal property having a useful life of more than one
year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a)
the capitalization level established by the organization for the
financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost
means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the
cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary
apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is
acquired. Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the
equipment definition.
Supplies
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
[[Page 39567]]
information which 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. Third-party evaluation contracts (if
applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations,
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be
financed by the applicant, should be included under this category.
Justification: All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a
manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free
competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than States that are
required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any anticipated
procurement action that is expected to be awarded without competition
and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C.
403(11) (currently set at $100,000). Recipients might be required to
make available to HHS pre-award review and procurement documents, such
as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost
estimates, etc.
Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in
these instructions.
Construction
N/A.
Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
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. Applicants without an approved
indirect cost rate may charge related costs as direct costs.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, it should immediately upon notification that an
award will be made, develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year in accordance with the
principles set forth in the cognizant agency's guidelines for
establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant
agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals
may also request indirect costs. It should be noted that when an
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant.
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgment 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
which contain this information.
Non-Federal Resources
Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF424.
Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be
documented and submitted with the application in order to be given
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for
each funding source.
Note: In the SF424A, Section B, Budget Categories, list in
column 2 non-federal resources separately from federal resources,
which must be listed in column 1.
D. Competitive Review and Evaluation Criteria
Applications which pass the initial ACF pre-review screening will
be evaluated and rated by an independent review panel on the basis of
specific evaluation criteria. The evaluation criteria were designed to
assess the quality of the proposed project and to determine the
likelihood of its success. The evaluation criteria are closely related
and are considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an
application. Points are awarded only to applications that are
responsive to the evaluation criteria within the context of this
program announcement.
There is no formal page limit for the complete application.
However, ACF estimates that applicants should require no more than 30
pages to provide needed information. Applicants are highly encouraged
to be concise and only provide the information requested and needed.
Supplementary information (e.g., brochures, reports) not required in
this announcement will not be reviewed. More information about
application submission is provided under Part IV, below.
Proposed projects will be reviewed using the following evaluation
criteria:
(1) Approach: (40 Points)
The proposed program approach should consist of two parts: (1) A
technical assistance strategy; and, (2) a plan for the issuance of
awards or sub-awards by the applicant to faith- and community-based
organizations.
The application should describe the proposed approaches for
assessing the range of needs and for the design and delivery of
customized technical assistance to faith- and community-based
organizations within the geographic area proposed to be covered. The
application should include discussion of the types of assistance and
supports that are to be provided with Federal funds, describe in detail
the proposed approaches to identify diverse organizations that might
benefit from the services available, and discuss methods to reach and
involve large numbers of such organizations, including small
organizations and those with which the applicant has less experience.
In addition, the application should describe proposed methods to
effectively address a variety of needs of such organizations to
increase their capacity and effectiveness, and whether the methods have
been effectively used by successful service programs. The application
should describe how the proposed geographic area will be covered.
Further, the application should include discussion of the proposed
schedule for accomplishing the activities planned and factors that may
negatively affect the project, and suggestions for addressing such
factors.
The application should provide information about the methods
expected to be used to make sub-awards including: Methods for informing
potential applicants about the funds available; methods for soliciting
applications or requests for sub-awards; the proposed application and/
or decision making process; the criteria to be used for identifying
``best'' or
[[Page 39568]]
``promising'' practices when sub-awards would be made to replicate or
expand such practices; the methods to be used to make award and process
sub-awards; and the plan for outcomes measurement and program
evaluation of the activities that will be supported with sub-award
funds made with Federal funds awarded under this announcement.
The application will also be judged on the extent to which the
proposed approaches to providing technical assistance to faith- and
community-based organizations are thorough, adequate, workable, and
likely to meet successfully a range of needs of such organizations and
the stated objectives under this announcement. In addition, the
application will be judged on the reasonableness and appropriateness of
the approach proposed in relation to the geographic area proposed to be
covered, the range of types of organizations expected to be assisted
within the coverage area, and methods to inform and reach varied types
of organizations particularly small organizations that have typically
not been involved in similar activities.
The application will also be judged on the extent to which the plan
for sub-awards is clear, well conceived, reasonable, likely to meet the
objectives for the activity as set out in this announcement, including
making sub-awards to address the priority areas identified. In
addition, the application will be judged on the extent to which the
plan is fiscally responsible and sound but not overly burdensome for
faith- and community-based organizations. Further, the application will
be judged on the extent to which both parts of the program approach
(technical assistance and sub-awards) are combined to form a coherent
plan to achieve the expected results and benefits, establish positive,
ongoing relationships between the intermediary and smaller
organizations, and meet the objectives of the Compassion Capital Fund.
The application will also be judged on the reasonableness of the
proposed schedule for accomplishing tasks proposed.
(2) Results or Benefits Expected: (15 points)
The application should include discussion of the specific goals of
the proposed technical assistance strategy and sub-awarding process.
The application should describe who the results will benefit, how the
results may benefit such individuals or organizations, and why the
results would be expected to be beneficial. The application will be
judged on the extent to which the benefits proposed by the applicant
are reasonable and likely, will support the stated goals under this
announcement, and can be expected to have a positive impact on faith-
and community-based organizations, particularly very small
organizations or those which have not traditionally been served by
Federal and other resources. The application will be judged on the
extent to which the results are likely to be beneficial to a wide range
of clearly identifiable parties.
(3) Staff and Position Data: (15 Points)
The application should include a listing of key positions required
to carry out the project as proposed, the key individuals proposed to
fill the positions (i.e., both in the management/oversight arena and in
the area of day-to-day operations) and a detailed description of the
kind of work the individuals will perform within the project. The
application should provide evidence of the staff's skill, knowledge and
experience in carrying out the sort of activities to be assigned to
them and describe their relevant training. Similar information should
be provided with regard to consultants or staff from other
organizations proposed to work on the project. The application should
also describe the applicant organization, its mission, and experience
in supporting the types of activities and staffing likely to be
required under this announcement and the types of support expected to
be provided by the organization for the project. The application should
clearly describe past experiences working with faith- and community-
based organizations to address social needs.
The application will be judged on the extent to which proposed
staff has demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in providing
technical assistance and support of the types set out under this
announcement and required by faith- and community-based organizations
and in carrying out the specific activities to be assigned to them. The
application will be also be judged on the extent of demonstrated
organizational experience and capability to support and conduct work on
the scope and scale as proposed in the application.
Further, the application will be judged on the appropriateness of
the management plan to ensure that: work is accomplished as proposed
and on schedule; appropriate lines of communication and oversight are
established; appropriate methods to monitor quality of work are
proposed; and appropriate methods to work closely and cooperatively
with ACF and other entities funded by ACF are addressed.
(4) Objectives and Need for Assistance: (10 points)
The applications should include discussion of (1) the needs and
types of technical assistance required by faith- and community-based
organizations in the geographic area that the applicant proposes to
serve; and (2) the issues and challenges the applicant has considered
and dealt with in designing and providing technical assistance and
support to faith-based and community-based organizations. In addition,
the application should include a discussion of the extent to which
faith- and community-based organizations with which they would work
have been underserved by Federal and other resources in the past and
reasons why the applicant believes its services would benefit the types
of faith- and community-based organizations intended to be served
through the Compassion Capital Fund. Applications will be judged on the
clarity and thoroughness of the discussion and its relevance to the
program objectives set out within this announcement.
(5) Geographic Location: (10 points)
The application should include a description of the precise
geographic location proposed to be served, including the boundaries of
the area, and the rationale for the geographic area proposed. Maps or
other graphic aids may be included. Applications should include
information about the experience and capability of the applicant to
address the needs of faith- and community-based organizations in the
proposed geographic area.
The application will be judged on the extent to which the proposed
geographic coverage area is clearly defined, reasonable given the
relevant background and experience of the applicant organization,
reasonable given the proposed approach, staffing, and project budget,
and reasonable and adequate to allow the activities as described in
this announcement to be provided to a range of faith- and community-
based organizations in need of such services.
(6) Budget and Budget Justification: (10 points)
The application must include a narrative description and
justification for each of the proposed budget line items (as described
in the detailed budget instructions included above) and demonstrate
that the project's costs are adequate, reasonable and necessary for the
activities or personnel to be supported. The proposed budget must
clearly distinguish between the two
[[Page 39569]]
program activities: technical assistance and awards/sub-awards, and set
out the Federal share and non-Federal share of project costs.
Applications that do not include the cost sharing amount specified
in Part II will not receive any points under this criteria. For those
that meet the cost share provision, the application will be judged on
the extent to which the budget is clear, adequate, reasonable, and
necessary to support and successfully carry out the tasks and
activities proposed and support the number and kinds of staff
necessary.
(Applicants should refer to the budget information presented in the
Standard Forms 424 and 424A and to the budget justification
instructions in section C. General Instructions for the Uniform Project
Description. Since non-Federal reviewers will be used in the review of
applications, applicants may omit from the copies of the application
submitted (not from the original), the specific salary rates or amounts
for individuals in the application budget and instead provide only
summary information.)
E. The Review Process
Applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored
competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the
Federal Government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in Part III
of this announcement to review and score the applications. The results
of this review are a primary factor in making funding decisions. ACF
may also solicit comments from Regional Office staff and other Federal
agencies. In order to ensure that the interests of the Federal
Government are met in making the final selections, in addition to the
review criteria identified above, ACF may consider a variety of factors
including geographic diversity/coverage and types of applicant
organizations. Further, ACF may limit the number of awards made to the
same or affiliated organizations although they would serve different
geographic areas. In this way ACF may increase opportunities for
learning about different ways to provide technical assistance and
support to faith- and community-based organizations.
Please note that applicants that do not comply with the
requirements in the section on ``Eligible Applicants'' will not be
included in the review process.
Part IV. The Application Process
A. Required Forms
Eligible applicants interested in applying for funds must submit a
complete application including the required forms listed under the
``Checklist for complete application'' in Part IV of this announcement.
All necessary forms are available at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
In order to be considered for a grant under this announcement, an
application must be submitted on the Standard Form 424 approved by the
Office of Management and Budget under Control Number 0348-0043. Each
application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the
applicant and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by
the terms and conditions of the grant award. Applicants requesting
financial assistance for non-construction projects must file the
Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-Construction Programs (approved by
the Office of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0040).
Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their
application.
Applicants must provide a certification concerning lobbying. Prior
to receiving an award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish
an executed copy of the lobbying certification (approved by the Office
of Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants
must sign and return the certification with their application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. By signing and
submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification
and need not mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification that they are
not presently debarred, suspended or otherwise ineligible for award. By
signing and submitting the application, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification with the
application.
B. Application Limits
The application should be double-spaced and single-sided on 8 \1/
2\ x 11 plain white paper, with 1
margins on all sides. Use only a standard size font no smaller than 12
pitch throughout the application. All pages of the application
(including appendices, resumes, charts, references/footnotes, tables,
maps and exhibits) must be sequentially numbered, beginning on the
first page after the budget justification, the principal investigator
contact information and the Table of Contents. Although there is no
limitation regarding number of pages, applicants are urged to be
concise and limit applications to no more than 30 pages. Applicants are
requested not to send pamphlets, brochures, or other printed material
along with their applications as these pose copying difficulties. These
materials, if submitted, will not be included in the review process. In
addition, applicants must not submit any additional letters of
endorsement beyond any that may be required. Applicants are encouraged
to submit curriculum vitae in a biographical format.
C. Checklist for a Complete Application
The checklist below is for your use to ensure that the application
package has been properly prepared.
--One original, signed and dated application plus two copies.
--Attachments/Appendices, when included, should be used only to provide
supporting documentation such as resumes, and letters of agreement/
support.
(1) Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424, Rev,7-97)
(2) Budget information-non-construction programs (SF424A&B)
(3) Budget Justification, including subcontract agency budgets
(4) Application Narrative and Appendices
(5) Assurances Non-Construction Program
(6) Certification Regarding Lobbying
(7) If appropriate, a completed SPOC certification with the date of
SPOC contact entered in line 16, page 1 of the SF-424, REV. 7-97
D. Application Submission
Deadline. The closing (deadline) time and date for receipt of
applications is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on the date indicated
under CLOSING TIME AND DATE at the beginning of this announcement.
Applications received after 4:30 p.m. will be classified as late.
Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date
at the: OCS Operations Center, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300,
Arlington, Virginia 22202 and labeled: Application for Compassion
Capital Fund Demonstration Program. Applicants are responsible for
mailing applications well in advance, when using all mail services, to
ensure that the applications are received on or before the deadline
time and date.
Applications handcarried by applicants, applicant couriers, or
other representatives of the applicant or by overnight/express mail
couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced
[[Page 39570]]
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between
the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at: OCS Operations Center, 1815 North
Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22202 and labeled:
Application for Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration Program.
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services may not
always deliver as agreed.
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to
ACF electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time of
submission and time of receipt.
Late applications. Applications that do not meet the criteria above
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
Extension of deadlines. ACF may extend an application deadline for
applicants affected by acts of God such as floods and hurricanes, when
there is widespread disruption of the mail service, or for other
disruptions of services, such as a prolonged blackout, that affect the
public at large. A determination to waive or extend deadline
requirements rest with ACF's Chief Grants Management Officer.
E. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 the
Department is required to submit to OMB for review and approval any
reporting and record keeping requirements in regulations including
program announcements. All information collections within this program
announcement are approved under the following current valid OMB control
numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 034800040, 0348-0046, 0925-0418 and 0970-
0139.
Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average
25 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
gathering and maintaining the data needed and reviewing the collection
of information.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
Dated: May 31, 2002.
Wade F. Horn,
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.
[FR Doc. 02-14319 Filed 6-6-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P